Fiber Art...

Well, I'm a happy camper...Mike gave me a spinning wheel for Christmas!

Taffy was closely inspecting the alpaca fibers in my basket...

I spent an evening with the spinning group at the Allyn Knit and Spin Shop and was surprised at how quickly they were able to teach me how to spin my own yarn!  Working with fiber is something I can do that is fairly easy on my hands and knees...I crochet using a very large hook...it's a very relaxing pastime for a winter night.

Here is a photo of my first finished work using yarn that I spun myself...

I spun the yarn for the top part of the crocheted hat from merino and silk fiber.  The rolled brim of the hat was spun from rambouillet wool from here in Washington : ).  I felted the nuno scarf with the same merino and silk that I used in the hat.  I'm pretty happy with the way they turned out...they are so soft and warm!

Enjoy!

Deb

Fiber Art...

Well, I'm a happy camper...Mike gave me a spinning wheel for Christmas!

Taffy was closely inspecting the alpaca fibers in my basket...

I spent an evening with the spinning group at the Allyn Knit and Spin Shop and was surprised at how quickly they were able to teach me how to spin my own yarn!  Working with fiber is something I can do that is fairly easy on my hands and knees...I crochet using a very large hook...it's a very relaxing pastime for a winter night.

Here is a photo of my first finished work using yarn that I spun myself...

I spun the yarn for the top part of the crocheted hat from merino and silk fiber.  The rolled brim of the hat was spun from rambouillet wool from here in Washington : ).  I felted the nuno scarf with the same merino and silk that I used in the hat.  I'm pretty happy with the way they turned out...they are so soft and warm!

Enjoy!

Deb

'Shrooms...

We are having a very wet autumn here in the Pacific Northwest.  I have never seen anything like the amount of mushrooms we have growing in the front yard...it looks like the Smurfs moved in!

I understand that these pretty things are quite toxic, which is way too bad...wouldn't they be pretty on a pizza?

Enjoy!

Deb

Soup for dinner on a blustery day...

A while back I posted a link to a recipe for a cheese and broccoli soup.  I've made this one a couple of times now and tweaked the recipe quite a bit...so here's my version:

Deb's Broccoli, ESRF* and Cheddar Soup:

Steam 2 large broccoli crowns until just tender, cool and chop into small pieces. Coarsely chop 3 slices smoked bacon and cook in a large sauce pan until crisp. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon to a paper towel to drain. Discard all but 2 tsp. of the bacon fat left in the pan. Cook 1 cup chopped onion and 2 cloves minced garlic in the remaining bacon fat until tender. Add 1/4 cup flour and cook until flour and fat are incorporated. Whisk in 3 cups chicken broth and cook over medium heat until soup thickens a bit. Add 8 ounces Velveeta and 2 ounces sharp cheddar cheese that have been cut into cubes, a few cubes at a time, allowing them to melt before adding more. Stir in 1 1/2 cups half and half. Add a couple of pinches cayenne pepper , the chopped broccoli and the bacon and cook, stirring often until heated through.  Garnish with a pinch of cayenne pepper and serve with a crusty dinner roll.

This is definitely NOT lowfat good for you stuff... but a once in a while sitting next to the fireplace on a blustery evening treat....

Enjoy!

Deb

* In his book "Food Rules" Michael Pollan refers to "Edible Substances Resembling Food...ESRF".  I think Velveeta definitely qualifies for that description...this is one of the rare times you will see me using something like this...but sometimes those old boxed mac and cheese genes just kick in.... : (

A quote for today....

I am sure it is a great mistake always to know enough to go in when it rains. One may keep snug and dry by such knowledge, but one misses a world of loveliness.

Adeline Knapp

Just a thought...

This is a bit off my usual topics for this blog, but, what the heck...it's my blog : )  We won't know until all the mail in ballots are counted, but it looks like Washington State's Referendum 71 is going to pass, which I believe is a very good thing. R-71will give equal rights to all registered domestic partners. I was reading some of the pros and cons in the local press and had a thought. I believe that what we need is a new definition of the word “marriage”.

I think we ought to define a “domestic partnership/civil union” as two adults who sign a contract making them equally responsible for all debts and giving them equal access to all assets...plus all the other legal stuff that goes with with the condition formerly defined as “marriage”.

And let's define “marriage” as the blessing that a church/religious group bestows upon certain “domestic partnerships” according to each particular religion's specific beliefs.

It seems to me that this would uphold our nation's doctrine of separation of church and state and end a whole lot of squabbling over something that ought to be a given in this country; that all persons have equal rights under the law.

Just my two cents (whatever that's worth these days).

Enjoy!

Deb

Pacific Northwest Bounty....

I stopped at our local "candy store" yesterday...Taylor Shellfish.  So last night it was oysters on the half shell with steak and salad.  And tonight, my favorite...steamed clams with saffron rice...

For the rice...
Heat 1/3 cup white wine (zap in a microwave 30 seconds), add 2-3 pinches whole saffron and allow to sit for 5 - 10 minutes.  Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a small saucepan.  Add 1/2 cup each chopped onion and green pepper; cook until softened, about 3 - 4 minutes.   Add 2/3 cup long grain white rice and stir until rice begins to slightly brown.  Add 2/3 cup chicken broth and the white wine and saffron.  Bring to a boil, cover and reduce heat to low.  Cook for about 20 minutes until liquid is absorbed and rice is soft and fluffy.

For the clams...
Wash 3 pounds Manilla clams in 2 - 3 changes of cold water.  Place in large skillet and drizzel with 2 tbsp olive oil.  Add 1 cup white wine, a lot of freshly ground black pepper, 2 - 3 cloves minced garlic and a handful of chopped fresh parsley.

 Cover and cook over medium high heat until clams open, about 10 minutes.  Discard any clams that do not open.  Serve clams and broth with saffron rice in a wide bowl with a salad and a lot of good crusty bread.  Serves 2 - 4 (depending on how hungry they are...serves one if it's Brian or Gerry :)

I like a nice Viognier with this (Walter Dacon Winery...right up the road from Taylor Shellfish :)

Links:

Taylor Shellfish

Walter Dacon Winery

Both have online stores....clams, oysters and wine...delivered right to your door for those who don't live near Shelton...

Enjoy!

Deb

A misty morning...

There is a cool mist over the lake this morning.  And except for the chatter of a few birds, it is totally silent.  No movement except the flock of ducks landing on the lake.  After a lifetime of city life the silence is eerie.  No sirens and traffic noise in the distance; no sounds of the neighbors cars leaving for work.  The summer residents have gone now and few of the weekenders come at this time of year...there are only a few full time residents.  I'm enjoying the solitude...I sit with my morning cup of coffee and ponder the quiet beauty...design images appear in my mind...I know what I'm going to do with my Imperial topaz crystal....it's going to be a good day...

Deb

In the Garden...

It is pouring down rain and spring is a long time away...but I ordered my seed potatoes today!  I grew potatoes for the first time last summer.  I split the raised bed between potatoes and squash.

Next time I will have 2 full beds devoted just to potatoes...

I ordered my seed potatoes to be delivered the first week of March and my target planting date is March 17 (I'm told it is traditional to plant potatoes on St. Paddy's Day :)

Ronniger Potato Farm

Somehow planning my garden makes spring seem a little bit closer...

Deb

Meatloaf!

If you have been reading my posts you are probably aware by now that in the fall I'm really in to comfort food. And what says comfort food better than meatloaf? I have to admit that in the past my homemade meatloaves have been more suitable for use as doorstops than for human consumption. I did have some really good meatloaf while out and about one day recently (in, of all places, a hospital cafeteria!). It was a turkey meatloaf...lowfat, low calorie and pretty darned good! I searched my favorite foodie web sites and found this recipe:

Turkey Meatloaf

I made this for dinner last night and it was great!  I only made two small changes to the recipe; I added a little chopped green bell pepper and used fresh breadcrumbs instead of dry.  Mike and I both agreed that this recipe is a keeper!

And of course, for lunch today...leftover meatloaf sandwiches :)

Enjoy!

Deb

Visions of Eagles...

Paradise Cove is a magical place....

This morning as I sat in my easy chair enjoying my first cup of coffee I saw an eagle swooping down low over the water, then landing in a tree on the other side of the lake.  I realized that he had caught a fish and was now enjoying his breakfast as I was enjoying mine.  I sipped my coffee and reflected on the simple pleasures of living close to nature....

Deb

Welcome to Paradise Cove...

On a small lake in Western Washington there is a place we call Paradise Cove. A lone eagle soars overhead. Deer glide silently through the stands of trees. The sunlight shimmers on the still water through the morning mist.

With the inspiration of nature all around us, we work in our gardens and our studios...a haunting melody whispers over the water from the flute makers' workshop.  Two friends create handmade pieces of wearable art.  The colors and textures of the lake and trees as the seasons change become our palette. Family gathers to share the bounty of our garden.  Life is good...

"Paradise Cove"