Staying In and Stashbusting

The weather for more than a week now has been rather blah.  On any given day, because of clouds, light rain or dust, it's just been a bit dreary so I've not been getting out and about much except for school and work.

It's been the kind of weather that makes me want to cozy up at home.

There's been no walking, but a whole lot of crocheting which definitely equals cozy in my book.  More hearts, because it's always the right time to spread a little love; little bowls for filling; and more cowls which will be given as gifts to some special young ladies we will visit this coming week.

Yesterday started out nice, but by late afternoon, a huge sand storm came blowing through.

I was hoping all the wind last night would blow the dust away but that didn't happen.

Another blah, hazy day.

So you know what that means?

More time for crochet.

 All of the yarn has been in my stash for quite a number of years so I am linking to Linda's Crafty Corner for February Stashbusting.

Happy Saturday!

Stashbusting Sunday: A Whole Lot of Hearts

I finished another cowl.

That now makes three using the Caterina Cowl pattern from Fiber Flux.

And in the week leading up to Valentine's, I made a whole lotta hearts.

Using whatever bits of yarn I had on hand.

 

A friend was struggling with a printed pattern for hearts that started from a granny square.  I told her I was pretty sure that without a pattern, I could figure out how to make a heart, and so the obsession began.  Very easy to whip up and makes a great little gift or even a gift topper, so I will continue to make them and spread the love.

Linking up to Linda's Crafty Corner and all the other February stashbusters.

I hope you are having a lovely love-filled weekend.

Hugs and blessings,

Stashbusting Cowls

I am happy to report that I've actually, finally done some stashbusting.

No clue where I got the yarns or how long I've had them.

These are my first ever cowls.  The pattern is an easy one from Fiber Flux called the Caterina Cowl.  They look nice on.  Not bulky, with just enough drape.

I tried to make one from this ribbon yarn but it was way too thick so it became a little bowl instead.

For more stashbusting projects you can visit Linda's Crafty Corner.

Our weather took a turn for the worse and we woke up to high winds and dust today.

Really very blah!

Hope your Sunday is a good one.

First Saturday Farmers Market

I went to the first farmer's market of the season in November, but hadn't been back since, so decided to meet up with a friend there today.

 We like to get there early before the crowds hit.  

 It was a quiet, cloudy morning perfect for wandering up and down the lanes.

I stuck with my favorite vendors and bought tried and true homemade and homegrown products.  Caveboy Grubs makes awesome vegan and paleo food.  His nutcheese is so delicious.

Infusions is for my friend Patty from California -- she makes flavored honeys, spice rubs, pomegranate zaatar, pestos and tapenades, dried fruits and trail mix, just to name a few.

I bought her sun dried tomato pesto and stirred it into wheat pasta for Zack.

I also came home with a veg box from Mull Farm and proceeded to clean, chop and cook.  While I was buying it, there were two young ladies next to me who were discussing it.  One said "but what would you do with all of it?"  And the other said "throw it into tomato soup I guess."  I thought that was funny as in my head I already knew what I planned to do.

Eggplant, tomato and onion sauteed in olive oil and slowly simmered with tomato paste, a little water, salt & pepper and allspice.  We eat it with heated pita bread and then I set some aside and stir in chickpeas to eat over quinoa with a dash of siracha.  The broccoli is steamed and served with garlicky mashed potatoes.  Everything else -- bell peppers, green peppers, lettuces, cabbage, zucchini, and cucumber will be used in salads or sautes throughout the week.

I also had some leftover pumpkin that needed to be used so made a pasta sauce to go over half of the pasta I cooked.

It's been a very productive day food wise.  I love knowing that I will come home this week and already have things prepared for lunch.

Have a great day!

Let There Be Love

I really do strive to spread joy, scatter kindness and give love.  But there are days and people that really try my patience.  

If God is testing me, then I have failed miserably several times this week.  I am unable to tolerate folks who drive like bats out of hell; dumb drivers on smart phones; and rude, selfish women in department stores.  I've lost my temper in public twice and uttered words that I don't normally use.

I choose now to dwell on peaceful, lovely things like collared doves and the crooning of Nat King Cole.

And tomorrow I will remember that "positive thoughts generate positive feelings and attract positive life experiences.

Have a great day!

Mail Day

I headed out for another hour longer walk after school today.

 This month's Full Snow Moon was even bigger and brighter than it was yesterday.

Over in the next block is this cute Letter Box that someone has sitting outside their home.  It's only for decoration since mail isn't actually delivered to homes.  Individuals must get a post office box in order to receive mail.  But it's a neat little accent and something you don't see around here.

When I got back from walking, my husband was home and had snail mail that he had picked up.  Last week when he checked there was nothing, but today was different.  It's always a miracle when anything arrives, so I am very grateful to Kathy, for sending a new year card made from her gorgeous handmade paper.  You can actually see all the petals and seeds that were pressed into the paper.  So pretty!  Thanks so much Kathy for the card and your handwritten note.

And thank you Betsy for your very sweet handmade felt heart and card.  I collect hearts so will be leaving this one out year round to admire.

I also received a Christmas card from my aunt in Ohio.

Better late than never.

Have a great week!

Moon Walking

Gorgeous weather beckoned me out after school today.

I didn't realize the next full moon is due in just a few days, but all of a sudden I looked up and there it was right ahead of me.

I think I might have had a few other folks looking up, too, wondering what I was taking pictures of.

I walked for an hour, up and down and all around.

Dates still hanging on though only good for the birds at this point.

I purposely walked back to the street with the one house that has such beautiful flowers.

And then followed the moon back home again.

 

Sending warm wishes to all who are covered in snow.

Happy February!