New, Old, Helpful, RED, and Bratty

My new Deborah Norville yarn arrived.

Four balls each of two variegated.

This will make a nice knock-your-eyeballs-out blanket to replace the one that passed away recently.  I also have some solid red and solid black to throw in there with it.

Speaking of blankets passing away…

This is the blanket I replaced the dead one with.  You will not believe this, but I got it for $2 at a garage sale around the same time I made that other one 12 years ago.  It looked unused.  Not really my colors, but TWO DOLLARS!  This one has also been through the wash & dry cycles at least 100 times over the past decade.  I noticed a hole in it when I put it on the end of the bed this time.  What is happening to all of my blankets?!

**************************

Here is some useful information for a change…

My sister (the nurse) sent me this when I was bemoaning the latest development in my sickness.  It’s definitely TMI so I’ll just leave you with this and will not elaborate (something which I am known to do WAY too much…ha-ha).  I printed it off and put it in the front of my recipe binder.  This is a more detailed version of the B.R.A.T. diet (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast) that I have always referred to.  Thank you, Sister!

The 'Diarrhea Diet'

Just SIP on clear fluids so you don't overload your stomach and intestines with a bunch of fluids all at once.

Avoid carbonated & caffeinated beverages. 

Ok to drink soda if you let it go 'flat'.  You can stir it up in a glass and it goes flat very quickly. 

Ok to nibble on saltines or pretzels while sipping fluids.  The salt helps increase the sodium which is being lost thru the diarrhea. 

Chicken broth is good too.

When you have a decrease in the frequency of diarrhea, acceptable solids are:

· Banana

· Applesauce

· White plain rice or pasta

· White dry toast

· White chicken, no skin

· Chicken Noodle Soup

· Pretzels & Saltines

**********************************

Poor Man’s Christmas Decoration

A string of Christmas lights in a big jar.

Man, that’s a RED picture.

It really looks kinda cool in real life.

**********************************

And lastly, I will leave you with this:

I put this basket of yarn in my chair to keep the dogs from laying in my chair and ruining the upholstery.

Yeah, that didn’t work out like I planned.

I would expect a CAT to do this.

But Eli loves the soft yarn from the UK.

DAMMIT!

Who cares about the chair…

GET OFF OF MY YARN!

Favorite Crochet Book

I’m sure I blogged about this book when I first got it a year or so ago, but it’s worth another mention.  It’s really my favorite crochet book.  It’s really gorgeous inside!

It has projects and patterns inside in addition to illustrations and instructions for LOTS crochet stitches.  This Philosopher’s Coat is my dream project.  I’m a little intimidated by it, but it’s so gorgeous.  I will give it a go one of these days.

Really cool in a Boho, nerdy-kind of way.

That’s my style…Boho-Nerd.  LOL.

 

This is a gorgeous sparkly little baby blanket.  I bet that yarn is so soft.  (Click to see the sparklies better.)

This book is not cheap.  I think I paid $26 for it, but it’s SO worth it.  I will have it forever and refer to it again and again for the stitch pattern library.  It has beginning chain counts too, i.e. multiples of 3 + 2, etc., for so many popular stitch patterns.  You can make any stitch pattern in any size you like with an easy reference to this book without having to use your own brain to figure it out.  Yes!  I love not using my brain most of the time.  Ha-ha.

Anyway, look for it on Amazon used for a better price.  I have never been disappointed in a used book I have bought through Amazon.  Just make sure you get one with the condition as “New, Like New, or Good” condition.  I usually don’t purchase anything from a merchant with less than 96% satisfaction reviews from previous customers.  Hint:  If there is a list of used books available from different merchants, look for one in your state or a state close to yours for faster delivery.

********************

I’m feeling kind of rough this morning so that’s it from me today.  This is a MEAN bug!  It’s spreading like wildfire too, according to my doctor.  It goes something like this: 

Day 1: sore throat.

Day 2: sore throat and migraine from hell that lasts all day. 

Day 3: let the congestion begin. 

Day 4: congestion drops to your chest but doesn’t leave your face either. 

Day 5-14 and Beyond: more congestion and general body aches.

 

Go to the doctor immediately and get some antibiotics if you get a sore throat.  It will go downhill QUICKLY from there and put a hurt on you, trust me.  A lot of my family members have had this thing.  I will start Week 2 tomorrow.  It’s nasty!

You’re Welcome

Bye

Death of a Blanket

This is one of the first blankets I ever made about 12 years ago.  Good old Red Heart yarn and all DC stitches.

Within the last couple of years, I turned it over to the dogs.  They’ve loved it.  I usually keep it on the end of the bed for them to waller on at night, or it’s on the couch for them to bundle up in.  They are all blanket divers.  They love to be under the covers.  As you can see it’s worse for wear.  I can see three holes in this picture, one which has grown exponentially in the last week or so (the long one at the bottom).  It’s been through many cycles in the washer and dryer and held up beautifully until now.  It’s starting to disintegrate before my very eyes!  It’s used up.

I could repair it, and I did consider it, but I think it’s time.  It’s time to say goodbye.  Sniff-sniff.  I remember how proud I was of this blanket when I finished it.  Sniff-sniff.

Goodbye, old friend.

Alive & Kickin’

Sort of…

Let me ease back into this by just posting a few pictures that were taken over the past few days.  I’m not feeling very chatty, but I do feel better.

I dug out my beads for the votive jar so I decided to make myself a couple of bracelets while they were out.  As soon as I was finished taking this picture…

I broke one of them taking it off.

DAMMIT.

Shoddy workmanship.

Then I made another votive jar cover.

Love the RED.

I tied some red & white ribbon on it after I took the pics.

Quick & easy little gifts for Christmas.

A couple of washcloths.

A nice little home-made gift for my nail lady.

The obligatory doggy picture.

I tied some red & white ribbon on him too.

I snapped this pic of Fletch & Ollie…

I’ve told you before…

Fletch is constantly flashing his pretty white teeth at us.

He’s done it since he was a puppy.

He’s doing it again in this picture.

It CRACKS me up!

I can always count on my doggies to make me smile,

Even when I’m sick.

I’m feeling so much better.

Thank you for your well-wishes!

Low Sick

My sweetheart is sick with what I had the last two weeks.  My turn to take care of her now.  She says she will be back soon.

Captain

Embellished Tea-Light Jar

This is the result of three days of planning and calculating and frogging and bead-sizing.  Jeez.  It turned out pretty cute.  The pictures are not great and don’t show the true colors of the beads.

Here it is in a little bit different light.  At least the blues show up closer to their real color.  The red and cranberry colors look gold in this pic, and the green looks yellow.  In person, the beads and colorful edging yarn are exactly the same colors.  Maybe if I take a picture in the sunshine tomorrow I’ll get a more view of it for you.

I got the inspiration and idea over at Bunny Mummy’s blog.  (Scroll down a ways to see her jar.)  Hers is really pretty and inspired me to try making my own.

Before & After

************************

I braved a trip to Hobby Lobby today.  The whole shopping center was jam-packed with cars and people.  I almost turned my car around and went home, but I’m glad I didn’t.  Nobody got in my way and I got right up to the checkout counter with no waiting.  How is that possible when it was such a madhouse?  I’m just lucky sometimes.  I think I’ve mention here before that I’m a very lucky girl.   Boon Pappy tells me that all the time.  “Pam, you have fell into a pile of shit so many times and come out smelling like a rose!  It’s amazing!”  Hee-hee.  It’s true.

And speaking of me being lucky…I felt so good today it scared me.  I haven’t felt this well in a month!  Knock-knock-knock on wood.  Do you remember that disco song from the 70s?  Ahh, those were the days.  But I wouldn’t go back there if you paid me.  I was so DUMB and didn’t even know it.  It was fun though.  I would only go back if I could know then what I know now.  (Did that sentence even make sense?)  Anyway, I digress.

I woke up pain-free and have remained that way all day.  I went to Hobby Lobby AND even got my nails done.  Wanna see?  Okay…

That’s right…

BLOOD RED for the Holidays.

I told her to cut them short and paint them red.  It’s been a long time since I’ve had color.  It was OPI Kennebunkport.  You should hear an Asian lady try to say that.  Hee-hee!  She tried to say it, then laughed at herself and told me to read it.  And her name is “Vicki.”

Um, okay.

**********************

Lookie-Lookie!

I went to Tuesday Morning last night to buy some new pillows.  I’ve found they have the best quality pillows at FANTASTIC prices.  I thought it might help my neck if I got some new ones because I’ve had trouble getting comfortable at night.  I found these two Laura Ashley pillows marked down to $8.99 each from $20 each.  Yipee!  I grabbed them even though they don’t match.  They’re going to be covered with pillowcases anyway.  I slept like a baby last night!

AND THEN

I spotted these…

Did I need them?

NO.

Did I snatch them up like they were free diamonds?

YES.

I love them.

Marked down from $10 each to $3.99 each.

Lucky girl.  I told you.

Did I mention I bought some YARN when I was at Hobby Lobby too?  Well, I did.

You see…I “needed” some new cotton yarn to make some potholders and wash cloths and stuff like that for Christmas gifts.  I thought that would be a good little gift for “Vicki” and the other girls at the nail salon.  As you can see in the picture, they had my favorite peppermint sticks there too.  King Leo Pure Peppermint Sticks.  They always have them around Christmas and I always get a box or two when I go.   Mmm…sugar!

Man, I have been chatty the last couple of days.  I have more to show you, but I’ll save it for later this week.

Time to go watch the Dancing With the Stars finale.  I have moved my support from J.R. to Rob in the last couple of weeks.  J.R. has gotten over-confident and cocky in his dancing.  He will probably win because of his compelling story and amazing attitude, but I’m a sucker for the underdog, and Rob has gone from a complete uncoordinated loser dirt-bag (in my mind) to a really good dancer and man with potential in life.  I think this experience will turn his life around.

Okay, bye!

New Blogs & A Hat Pattern &…

I’ve added a couple of new blogs to my sidebar recently.  That’s how I always get to all the blogs I read.  My sidebar automatically updates them in order of most recently-updated blogs.

Two of my new favs are:  Lovely Little Snippets and
Six Sister’s Stuff  (Both have great recipes.)

*******************

Harper’s Earflap Hat

Free Pattern:  HERE

Thanks to Kat for sending me the pattern link!

I used two strands of DK-weight yarn held together for this little hat instead of worsted.  I used the newborn size instructions and it came out the perfect size for Harper…finally!  Now I think I will use this same pattern without the ear flaps for the rest of the hats I make her.

And then there’s this:

I love this afghan, don’t you?  CUTE.  Find the info on it on Ravelry HERE.  The afghan pictured above was made by Elvee on Crochetville.

Have you tried Deborah Norville Everyday Yarn?  I just love it.  It’s so soft for acrylic.  You must try it.  Hersschner’s has it for $2.79 a skein…a great price.  Yes, I just ordered some.  What the hell is my problem?  I already have way too much yarn!  I couldn’t help it.  They sent me an email so I was forced to buy it.  I did not seek it out on my own.  At least I didn’t buy the same colors I already have.  LOL.

It is raining cats and dogs here tonight.  It has been raining heavily since it got dark at about 5:30-ish with thunder and lightening and the whole bit.  It’s downright chilly out too.  I love it.

I love this picture.  I got it off Google Images.  There was no credit.  I mean, I really LOVE it.  I lurve it.  Hint-hint.  (It looks like it would be easy to copy for someone who paints.  Hmm…)  Hee-hee.  I have no shame.

I have to go.  It’s almost 10:30 and I haven’t even cracked my Star Magazine yet.  It seems one of the Twilight hunks is gay and Kim K. stole somebody’s husband!  I’m a celeb gossip ho.

Granny’s Sweet Potatoes

*Full recipe added to the end of this post.

Everyone has a favorite candied sweet potato recipe for Thanksgiving.  This is mine.  You gotta try it at least once.  You’ll never go back!  It’s easy and delicious.
This is my big stock pot.  This recipe is about all I use it for because it’s so big.  I have to make  A LOT of sweet potatoes because everyone loves them and you’ve got to have leftovers, right?
I buy between 8-10 lbs of sweet potatoes.  The best part is you don’t have to peel them.  Just cut them into really thick slices, throw them in the water, add 2 TBSP lemon juice to the water (bottled is fine), bring to a boil and then set your timer for 15 minutes.  When they’re done, drain and leave to cool enough to handle.  They don’t need to be completely cooked through because they’re going to bake later.  Peel (the peelings will slip right off after they’ve boiled), and place them into a greased baking pan with at least 2” sides.  I only do one layer per pan.  I used the disposable foil pans this time and they worked just fine.  If you use the disposable foil pans, be sure to set them on a cookie sheet while baking so the bottoms don’t burn and for stability when moving the pans around.
Now don’t freak out over this next part.  Just do as I say and be happy…it’s Thanksgiving DAMMIT!
Dump approximately 1 1/2 cups of sugar on top of each pan of potatoes…
I know that’s a lot of sugar, but these are called CANDIED sweet potatoes.  You need the sugar to make the syrup that will form while they are baking.  Just dump it on.  When in doubt, dump some more!
You are going to then use 1 stick of BUTTER per pan.  Slice them up and place them over the potatoes.  Sprinkle pure vanilla extract over both pans.  I place my finger over the opening of the bottle, turn it upside down over the pans, and shake it around.  DO NOT STIR during any of this process.
Place your cookie sheets and pans into a preheated 350 degree F. oven.  Bake for 50 minutes to an hour.  Check them at 50 to make sure they are not burning on the bottom.  The butter and sugar will melt together and boil, making the luscious syrup that make these so good.  The crusty parts that form are really good too.  We fight over these bits at my house.  It’s THAT good.
.
Remove from the oven but, again, DO NOT STIR OR COVER.  If you cover the pans at this point, you will ruin your candy & syrup and it will get all watery…GROSS!  I always let these sit at least two hours before serving.  We think they are better that way.

Pammy Sue forgot to take a picture of the finished recipe.

What a dumbass!  Jeez!

Here…

This is a picture of some leftover potatoes I brought home.  This is before I reheated them in the microwave.  Those clumps of butter will melt when you reheat.

Here is the recipe to print:

Candied Sweet Potatoes

(Recipe for one pan; may be doubled)

5 lbs of Sweet Potatoes

1 Tbsp Lemon Juice

1 1/2 cups white sugar, divided

1 stick real butter

Vanilla (2-3 tsp)

Cut unpeeled potatoes into thick slices (approx. 1 1/2 inches thick).  Place slices into a pan of water for boiling.  Add 1 Tbsp lemon juice.  (This helps the potatoes retain their pretty orange color before and/or after cooking.)  Bring to a boil and boil for 15 minutes.  Potatoes may not be completely cooked through and that’s fine.  Drain and cool enough to handle.

Remove peelings from potato slices.  They will slip right off at this point just using your hands.  Place one layer of potatoes into a deep baking pan that has been sprayed with cooking spray.  Dump sugar evenly over all.  Slice cold butter and place over the potatoes.  Sprinkle vanilla extract over all.  Do not stir at any point during this process.  Cover with plastic wrap when the potatoes have completely cooled and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Bake in a preheated 350-degree F. oven for 50 minutes to 1 hour.  Check at 50 minutes to make sure that they aren’t burning on the bottom.  Be careful!  The syrup will be boiling-hot and sticky.  If they’re not in danger of burning, continue baking for the full hour.  DO NOT COVER.  Let sit uncovered for 1-2 hours before serving slightly warm or at room temperature.  Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator, but do not cover until they are completely cool.

Curse and kick yourself for not doubling this recipe and making two pans.

Note:  This is my Granny Levoi Barton’s recipe.  She made them on top of the stove in a heavy skillet.  She tried to teach all of her granddaughters how to do it, but we always either burned them or didn’t cook them long enough to get the candied effect.  My sister altered the method so that we can now just bake them and they come out perfect every time.

THE END

Happy Thanksgiving!

*Edited to add a Giveaway Notice!!*
Paula is having a Giveaway.  Go check it out HERE, but you'd better hurry.  It ends tonight at midnight.  (I was a little late in seeing it.)

Well, for me anyway.  We are having our dinner today around 5pm.
Very quickly because I’m super-busy today…
(Links in purple)
1.  Here is a link with a pattern for the Granny-type hat I made the other day.  I didn’t use this pattern because I just found it today, but it looks the same: http://suzies-yarnie-stuff.blogspot.com/2008/03/kids-granny-hat-c.html
Thank you, Dorothy, for the link.
2.  I’m definitely going to make this Cream Cheese Ring. OMG, they look so good!
3.  I'm also going to make some of this rice (but probably double it).  I will add lots of chopped broccoli and a couple of eggs stir-fried into the rice along with the other ingredients she has listed before freezing. Then I'd add fresh chopped green onions and/or cilantro after you reheat it too.
Freezer Fried Rice:  http://lovelylittlesnippets.blogspot.com/2011/11/freezer-fried-rice.html
4.  I will be posting my Candied Sweet Potato recipe with pictures soon.  I’m rushed for time this morning.  You must try this recipe.  It’s an altered method of my Granny’s recipe.

BYE!

Ollie’s Sweater

Bwa-ha-ha!

Do you think he likes it?

He got used to it after a few minutes.

I got it at CVS.

It swallowed him when I first bought it.

I can’t believe how much he’s grown all ready.

He’s still really tiny though.

I weighed him just a minute ago.

Only 2.8 lbs

************************

I’m not feeling much better, but I don’t think I have a cold.  My nose only runs when I get really nauseous.  You know how you salivate and your nose runs when you puke?  I think that’s all it is.

Too much information?

Why yes, I think so.

Bye. 

Sick Day

I have been sick since last night.  Nausea, runny nose, and just generally feel like dog do-do.  That’s putting it mildly.  I did manage to make three pumpkin pies for our Thanksgiving dinner, which we’re having at my mom’s house on Sunday late afternoon.  I rolled around the kitchen on a stool like a 90-year-old.  I made these two regular pies and one crustless for The Captain. 

In the fridge they go until Sunday.  I remembered to take the Cool Whip out of the freezer too.  Go me.

I made this little hat yesterday.  It’s supposed to be for Harper, but it’s way too big.  I am convinced I am incapable of making a hat in an infant size.  This was my third try and I still didn’t get it right.  I swear.  How hard can it be?

This is the only one I didn’t frog because I like it too much.  She will grow, right?  I will try again tomorrow.  No pattern…I winged it.

I managed to finish the front of my pillow.  Here it is folded into fourths.  It’s BIG.  Those last rows were very long.  I had to shave my legs twice before I finished one round.  Okay, I’m exaggerating, but they were long.  They probably seemed longer because I didn’t feel good.

Did I mention I don’t feel well?

That means I can’t see Harper.

Okay, bye.

Sniff-sniff.

Lots of Good Stuff

Working on a pillow just like Kate’s.  Just three more rows of greens on this side and I’ll start the other side.  It took longer than I thought it would.  I worked on it all day yesterday.  This is the Stylecraft yarn that is more of a DK weight or sport weight.

Will someone please answer this question for me?  Does the DK in “DK weight” stand for double knit?  I know this Stylecraft yarn is double knit, but I’m just wondering if that’s what that means or if you can have double knit that’s another weight too?  I just want to know.  It bugs me.

Also…

Some Blue Granny progress.

********************

Here is something I saw in a business document this morning that I felt compelled to share for whatever reason:

To Realize The Value of Time...

(Author unknown)

To realize the value of one year:
     Ask a student who has failed a final exam.

To realize the value of one month:
     Ask a mother who has given birth to a premature baby.

To realize the value of one week:
     Ask an editor of a weekly newspaper.

To realize the value of one hour:
     Ask the lovers who are waiting to meet.

To realize the value of one minute:
     Ask the person who has missed the train, bus or plane.

To realize the value of one second:
     Ask a person who has survived an accident.

To realize the value of one millisecond:
     Ask the person who has won a silver medal in the Olympics.

***************************

AND…

He’s getting to be such a big boy.

Hee-hee

Take my picture too, Momma

Brotherly love

**********************

Snowdrifts

I’m just showing you the details.  I can’t help it if you can click on it and then print it, can I?  Heh-heh.  WHAT?

Have you seen this at your grocery store?

YUM.

My breakfast this morning.

The Captain made dinner last night.

Maple Bacon-Wrapped Hotdogs

Heart Attack City

But so freakin’ good!

Look at my neighbor’s Oak tree.

The leaves are turning.

***********************

Gotta run.  The Captain is home and bugging me to take a shower and get dolled-up so we can go out and eat lunch.  He wants a steak.  I’m hoping our son is able to meet us so we can buy him a congratulatory steak for becoming a Daddy.  He’s so proud.

 

Bye now.

Y’all come back, ya hear?