tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81690950765220863082024-03-13T18:55:24.436-05:00everyday gifts"every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights..." james 1:17
celebrating the blessings of everyday giftsstacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00549886181079315471noreply@blogger.comBlogger365125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169095076522086308.post-79150614537876761632011-07-12T07:59:00.006-05:002011-07-12T09:00:53.032-05:00family + sun + water = good timeswe drove straight south, for hours. away from the calendar, the schedules, the telephone ringing, appointments, chores, and work. the trip was uneventful, save one flat tire on the boat trailer and one forgotten cooler of food in the kitchen. the tire was changed quickly thanks to the spare and the tools that mark threw in at the last minute. and the food would be replaced at the walmart as we neared our destination. we turned off the highway and meandered into countryside and then woods. the woods got thicker until we reached paradise! the woods cleared into shimmering water...<br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAAsJAfyxGnIxVV1WhvUELzCpD9Y59ORd9pDky60-AG-2qAAgR2AZjLplz1At_qQ5xmQ_8ku4wdBwv62DDhmpZs5v7mOIyzAv0NH5J3Nu24vX9_dXN_GSc7V3E7eEtriFK865sdAedLeY/s1600/IMG_0524.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628461384584539442" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAAsJAfyxGnIxVV1WhvUELzCpD9Y59ORd9pDky60-AG-2qAAgR2AZjLplz1At_qQ5xmQ_8ku4wdBwv62DDhmpZs5v7mOIyzAv0NH5J3Nu24vX9_dXN_GSc7V3E7eEtriFK865sdAedLeY/s320/IMG_0524.JPG" /></a> a view of the resort from the water<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO1-rQJ6mdwyGshboD3eYMFjYVNsHcZcaucmrpYy4qAK85LMsmDiQr4qKennnmVoPqao1C7ekMDLhHWmwKJiGKV8eyMxOrg0MvqAPQVXRde6m1b2DNlzm_xHI77BhmlQMHUKkbH1wNOtA/s1600/IMG_0519.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628451410204998466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO1-rQJ6mdwyGshboD3eYMFjYVNsHcZcaucmrpYy4qAK85LMsmDiQr4qKennnmVoPqao1C7ekMDLhHWmwKJiGKV8eyMxOrg0MvqAPQVXRde6m1b2DNlzm_xHI77BhmlQMHUKkbH1wNOtA/s320/IMG_0519.JPG" /></a> S is up and skiing!<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS7DkNEaBvWHvFK35aqDRP9Vo7gsubjbeC6hNWyrdyl0g995W6i9i8tzVD4PeEcNNMU5WSkWQ8jlymsaZLqQCtN4veBxD6A1Kvoy5cw4bwytinnfdAsapmRSaHtQ1-qxfv-ZL_dJULXms/s1600/IMG_0514.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628450663016770370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS7DkNEaBvWHvFK35aqDRP9Vo7gsubjbeC6hNWyrdyl0g995W6i9i8tzVD4PeEcNNMU5WSkWQ8jlymsaZLqQCtN4veBxD6A1Kvoy5cw4bwytinnfdAsapmRSaHtQ1-qxfv-ZL_dJULXms/s320/IMG_0514.JPG" /></a> the captain<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Hp0qWVuP1qQ-xMVS48ZEAHBzeeuH7A57Nr2dCiZZGb3LsoenS6FgOAebFsjgNM9fNEfVuulNgpaMLCA4utFrALcXDpE6eMQwclMlPWmi6KWcuYWhYP4vhU_8s_fCRs8cazRquc2j1ik/s1600/IMG_0570.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628450659517176690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Hp0qWVuP1qQ-xMVS48ZEAHBzeeuH7A57Nr2dCiZZGb3LsoenS6FgOAebFsjgNM9fNEfVuulNgpaMLCA4utFrALcXDpE6eMQwclMlPWmi6KWcuYWhYP4vhU_8s_fCRs8cazRquc2j1ik/s320/IMG_0570.JPG" /></a> <br /><div>S and B hangin' on!<br /><br /></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXIJcB3haUGYfEiErlGGv6KxEXXDiaUXwFQTFWS9T6jDujSAGVxNW-Z-OFo8FmKmQwc1BbBniK8xU1VNCSxFEOD9NjJYhTVRSAw_IU3rPmOPcYpWfe4PStF7tBRLonP5xWKRz9rFcGwCY/s1600/IMG_0602.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628450651874268162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXIJcB3haUGYfEiErlGGv6KxEXXDiaUXwFQTFWS9T6jDujSAGVxNW-Z-OFo8FmKmQwc1BbBniK8xU1VNCSxFEOD9NjJYhTVRSAw_IU3rPmOPcYpWfe4PStF7tBRLonP5xWKRz9rFcGwCY/s320/IMG_0602.JPG" /></a>C at the helm<br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="left"><span style="color:#990000;"><strong>everyday gift:</strong></span> the hum of the boat, splashing water, sweet laughter</div></div></div><br /></div></div>stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00549886181079315471noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169095076522086308.post-16487240441672582612011-01-23T08:05:00.002-06:002011-01-23T10:13:35.668-06:00one thousand gifts<a href="http://www.amazon.com/One-Thousand-Gifts-Fully-Right/dp/0310321913/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1295799095&sr=1-1"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 186px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 271px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563527911170730450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicmlI2r4x6VnzgbT_5qOkhv93ywwJwiIwf1s8EdTEnyOyewba0zFlrtqGzHP7Yo0GOTE6rxGQOAQr2muY6aQT3EtSek5RawTEs5AaOwgnrQe0-g_2wlBZwATxzysWFOouMKNOcR_s8kUU/s320/images.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/One-Thousand-Gifts-Fully-Right/dp/0310321913/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1295799095&sr=1-1">a remarkable book</a> by a remarkable woman.<br /><br />it has been a week since amazon sent me a shipment notification. tracking my package tells me it should arrive tomorrow. it is so hard to wait for this book to arrive! but the truth is, i didn't wait. i've already read it on my kindle. even so, i want to hold it in my hand; to turn the pages; underline those poignant words; put a sticky note on a page to come back to. i ordered multiple copies to share with a list of friends. but i am going to have to order more. you see, i want to share this book with everyone i know!<br /><br />i've been reading ann voskamp's blog, <a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/">aholyexperience</a>, for some time now. her candid look at faith and life has challenged me in so many ways. her words have brought me to tears on many occasions and caused me to look within and think things through in a new way. my own blog reflects her influence as i note at the bottom of each post the gifts i find in my own life. i have found God's blessings in so many ordinary things. ordinary, but holy when you see God's love shining through them.<br /><br />but ann's message is more than just "looking on the bright side" or just "being thankful". her message is one of faith, joy, and trust in a God who is in every part of our life, including the difficulties. but i really can not summarize her message. you simply must read it.<br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#990000;">everyday gift:</span></strong> heart changing wordsstacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00549886181079315471noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169095076522086308.post-37770064606011426972011-01-12T06:00:00.001-06:002011-01-12T06:00:10.112-06:00blazing sunset<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyfuwAl3ud2HlNJqasQroSDzP_grl_nmDnLKgQ0_VfN0cd-oOrt4xEWRk9vIN0wl5TST2UyOKYEZw8mJZb0n0tezOgPZTuN2-8KfU5WmBKY2756YnSLgahN_cd3ZjW8v_LrFNBUwbvrBc/s1600/alpaca+005.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560941824335390466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyfuwAl3ud2HlNJqasQroSDzP_grl_nmDnLKgQ0_VfN0cd-oOrt4xEWRk9vIN0wl5TST2UyOKYEZw8mJZb0n0tezOgPZTuN2-8KfU5WmBKY2756YnSLgahN_cd3ZjW8v_LrFNBUwbvrBc/s320/alpaca+005.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5GiuTEAETdNIAiADv-BiOBD7jUBJsa_O_MD709CIXg9InhcbdvLt3gjhf3GcEd_nMIxlD4bMU1YFWBnQnDxTA1XryWFNFhzT6DaCtDxq_U_8Uvrf0xkXZjyTz_NYZFHIWAFYxcIOtGCQ/s1600/alpaca+009.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560941822981707106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5GiuTEAETdNIAiADv-BiOBD7jUBJsa_O_MD709CIXg9InhcbdvLt3gjhf3GcEd_nMIxlD4bMU1YFWBnQnDxTA1XryWFNFhzT6DaCtDxq_U_8Uvrf0xkXZjyTz_NYZFHIWAFYxcIOtGCQ/s320/alpaca+009.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><span style="color:#ff6600;">everyday gift:</span> startling beauty in the sky</div></div>stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00549886181079315471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169095076522086308.post-76934526229457024292011-01-07T08:20:00.001-06:002011-01-07T08:26:58.009-06:00eagle in snow<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieHb3t-_BahNqcLgCeu_tJsRyfD0ATtGgw5-7eJ2IV_Cya7nCXD0y2WoWQSWE3PvPoaJxDfCCCaQ4Mqvh3gNap3hzrfTa5KjYYIp1902mgYP2ph4RTvl4hyphenhyphenzvvzSoBaTZR3FEgBHDMzXw/s1600/108.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559449868824123906" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieHb3t-_BahNqcLgCeu_tJsRyfD0ATtGgw5-7eJ2IV_Cya7nCXD0y2WoWQSWE3PvPoaJxDfCCCaQ4Mqvh3gNap3hzrfTa5KjYYIp1902mgYP2ph4RTvl4hyphenhyphenzvvzSoBaTZR3FEgBHDMzXw/s320/108.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBEQgVIHn9sCitfZNjVFK75q4LOF9ShquBcCkp0lD58P_Wy5Hip24uT72yn6e9LGP-pit1w8YKQyWMOQIj4DLCmCrRbKls9YSRWY0qKjxrSMewRj6RibCh3waNO5Gn7o4u9pi2iI8pv60/s1600/125.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559449870533961426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBEQgVIHn9sCitfZNjVFK75q4LOF9ShquBcCkp0lD58P_Wy5Hip24uT72yn6e9LGP-pit1w8YKQyWMOQIj4DLCmCrRbKls9YSRWY0qKjxrSMewRj6RibCh3waNO5Gn7o4u9pi2iI8pv60/s320/125.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfRdhuXTbS2MCcimd6oAH3zgEK79Jz85hOKSwFmMZiJPGueUWpSbs196i4rBCknI34dMm_DLFF9pHjMWs2jOBnWlZNCiBscLtT-SZ9S9NWjeWa4pi4z_VDX9vSnJGHOIKaPNvOQA-I-Eo/s1600/123.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559449870650833618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfRdhuXTbS2MCcimd6oAH3zgEK79Jz85hOKSwFmMZiJPGueUWpSbs196i4rBCknI34dMm_DLFF9pHjMWs2jOBnWlZNCiBscLtT-SZ9S9NWjeWa4pi4z_VDX9vSnJGHOIKaPNvOQA-I-Eo/s320/123.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnLohyG1CWlxqQvcgXGWNYJZ7gqTwG2Vx7BJlgbK6_OdaP4-S610ISeMvOWOwwWDElgVp2x97H1a_qgS_OmccNcrQIliD1NYmLKEHxbHCuXQgox2RZhfQgmurbtUdsXj07ckBNEBSasTQ/s1600/120.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559449866799486114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnLohyG1CWlxqQvcgXGWNYJZ7gqTwG2Vx7BJlgbK6_OdaP4-S610ISeMvOWOwwWDElgVp2x97H1a_qgS_OmccNcrQIliD1NYmLKEHxbHCuXQgox2RZhfQgmurbtUdsXj07ckBNEBSasTQ/s320/120.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><strong><span style="color:#990000;">everyday gift:</span></strong> a majestic visitor in a snow storm</div></div></div></div>stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00549886181079315471noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169095076522086308.post-70729486738947089772010-12-28T08:27:00.005-06:002011-01-07T10:06:48.619-06:002010 bookshelfi didn't get quite as much reading time in this year. i think my knitting took over a little more of my free time. i also was not as good at recording my books. but, by my list, it looks like i read 16 fiction books (6 of these were classics) and 8 nonfiction (including knitting books, cook books, and biographies) for a total of 24 books.<br /><br />here is a summary and my year end review:<br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#cc0000;">nonfiction:</span></strong><br /><strong><em>In Search of the Source</em></strong> by Neil Anderson. this is a fascinating story of missionaries translating the Bible into the languages of papua new guinea. the light of God's word penetrating the darkness of men's souls. powerful.<br /><br /><strong><em>Half Broke Horses</em></strong> by jeannette walls . a story of survival and resilience. this was quite an adventure with a strong and brave female heroine.<br /><br /><strong><em>The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks</em></strong> by Rebecca Skoot. what a fascinating book! it is a combination of medical miracles and a human interest story with a little bit of mystery as the main character attempts to uncover the past about her mother. highly recommended.<br /><br /><strong><em>Free-Range Knitters</em></strong> by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee. wacky and very funny! the author pokes fun at herself and her obsession with knitting.<br /><br /><strong><em>The Knitter's Book of Wool</em></strong> by. i loved this book which delves into the unique characteristics of wool and its importance as a fiber. i guess only the die hard knitters and sheep keepers would want so much information about wool.<br /><br /><strong><em>a fine fleece: knitting with handspun yarns</em></strong> by lisa lloyd. beautiful patterns and yarns in this book. very inspiring to me!<br /><br /><strong><em>Knit Socks!</em></strong> by betsy lee mccarthy. working on a pair of socks for my mom. didn't quite get them done for christmas! great patterns and tips for knitting socks.<br /><br /><strong><em>The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Recipes from an Accidental Country Girl</em></strong> by ree drummond. yes. i read cook books, and this is a fun one. not only do you find great recipes here, but entertainment as well. you should check out ree's blog. it is hilarious and tasty!<br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#cc0000;">fiction classics:</span></strong><br /><strong><em>Lady Susan</em></strong> by jane austen. an early, relatively unknown work by jane austen. a fun read, but definitely not as good as her famous works.<br /><br /><strong><em>Sense and Sensibility</em></strong> by jane austen. a re-read of a favorite.<br /><br /><strong><em>Frankenstein</em></strong> by mary shelly. not my usual genre, but worthy of reading. it is not the hollywood horror story that you might expect. rather, it was a thoughtful look at beauty and outward appearances versus the inner man and the need to be loved and accepted.<br /><br /><strong><em>To Kill a Mockingbird</em></strong> by harper lee. yes, i read this book <em>again</em>! what can i say? i love this book!<br /><br /><strong><em>Animal Farm</em></strong> by george orwell. i read this aloud to the kids. it was fun connecting the dots of this satire to historical people and events. especially since C had just studied that period in history and written a research paper on stalin.<br /><br /><strong><em>The Bell Jar</em></strong> by slyvia plath. an interesting look at mental illness, but rather depressing. still i enjoyed the writing; it is no surprise that the author was actually a poet. i think i may try to read more poetry next year...<br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#cc0000;">other fiction:</span></strong><br /><strong><em>That Distant Land</em></strong> by wendell Berry. this is my favorite new author! this book is a collection of short stories revolving around the fictional community of port william arranged in chronological order. as i read through this series i was struck by the way the characters were woven together in community, a tribute to the american spirit. there was also a strong sense of generations. and like many of my favorite books, the port william stories have deep character development.<br /><strong>Nathan Coulter</strong>, <strong><em>A World Lost</em></strong>, and <strong><em>A Place on Earth </em></strong>are novels that follow the same community of characters. i will continue to read his stories next year.<br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><strong><em>Austenland</em></strong> by shannon hale. just fluff. but i suppose any austen lover would enjoy all of the references to P&P (even if it is more closely related to the BBC movie version.)<br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><strong><em>Ella Minnow Pea</em></strong> by mark dunn. what a unique idea. throughout the story, letters of the alphabet are eliminated. it must have been quite a challenge to write in the end! a fun read.<br /><br /><strong><em>The Gournsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society</em></strong> by mary ann shaffer and annie barrows. loved this one! a story told though letters, you know, <em>correspondence</em>.<br /><br /><strong><em>Lottery</em></strong> by patrica wood. this is a great story with memorable characters. my only complaint is excessive bad language.<br /><br /><strong><em>Prayers for Sale</em></strong> by sandra dallas. enjoyable read.<br /><br /><strong><em>Resurrection in May</em></strong> by lisa samson. looking back, i can't believe that this is the only christian fiction that i read all year. i know that i am choosy about christian authors. it is just that i am easily annoyed when a book reduces the christian faith to one dimensional characters and unrealistic situations and solutions to life's problems. but still, i do love a good story that brings to life a deep faith and love of God. lisa samson is one of the authors that does this well.<br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#990000;">everyday gift:</span></strong> beautiful words on paper... or the kindle, as the case may be!stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00549886181079315471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169095076522086308.post-16381516764398714602010-12-26T08:01:00.000-06:002010-12-28T06:24:09.379-06:00sculpted snow<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh32OK41_LEEf0J3P-qLIeMHZBZ69cjKGTYP98s5JRDMB6ZIouAV5bMXN0n6ECIQvSnqAL3exsgkF7H5bwiwc4AB7mjtZTmHhX0m9o9xtuxhXTgl8BBZfqAtLaDyUgGXuBO80x1IiZlYG4/s1600/december2010+036.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551653074740525762" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh32OK41_LEEf0J3P-qLIeMHZBZ69cjKGTYP98s5JRDMB6ZIouAV5bMXN0n6ECIQvSnqAL3exsgkF7H5bwiwc4AB7mjtZTmHhX0m9o9xtuxhXTgl8BBZfqAtLaDyUgGXuBO80x1IiZlYG4/s320/december2010+036.JPG" /></a> </div><br /><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#cc0000;">Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.</span></strong></div><br /><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#cc0000;">Isaiah 1:18</span></strong></div><br /><div align="center"><br /></div><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtCZa7PjevAOyD_5d_gqxDZ9kgcXv0vzLBq5RV6SQ_85ao2BYxl_rjUHVaI5FX8dC18mQxiuI3c8l_SHPRFzgJY2xiB1hT30wu2GiVgeKUidii9mNzQg8wcb0QK4IZhvDyn9QtYJ3UHx8/s1600/december2010+030.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551652732801229602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtCZa7PjevAOyD_5d_gqxDZ9kgcXv0vzLBq5RV6SQ_85ao2BYxl_rjUHVaI5FX8dC18mQxiuI3c8l_SHPRFzgJY2xiB1hT30wu2GiVgeKUidii9mNzQg8wcb0QK4IZhvDyn9QtYJ3UHx8/s320/december2010+030.JPG" /></a>my favorite Christmas gift? Jesus! who makes my sins as white as snow!<br /><br /><br /></div><div align="center"> </div>stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00549886181079315471noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169095076522086308.post-32788041022708107352010-12-17T08:23:00.003-06:002010-12-17T11:18:20.760-06:00small joysthese little stocking ornaments represent a large victory for me. i set out this year to learn new knitting skills, and making socks was at the top of the list. painstakingly, i deciphered the abbreviations; flipping back and forth between the glossary and the pattern. i had my<em> Knitter's Companion</em> by my side as i figured out new stitches. i even turned to youtube as i learned to use double pointed needles and how to turn the heel! one step, or should i say, one <em>stitch</em> at a time and i saw my goal accomplished. lately, i carry my knitting bag with me where ever i go, stealing a few minutes here and there to make these miniature stockings. i can make one without even using a pattern, and it wasn't so long ago that i thought socks were complicated and near impossible. life is like that sometimes. a problem seems insurmountable, and yet all i really need to do is take it one step at a time rather than allow myself to become overwhelmed by the entire task. <br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtbehFElVkpwdKsfO__liDhPYt-8nkpDtXkQ067OYMffwALcnGW5xY4mOuP9b_GM84dI1UQRrpqT2luwYMh14ScZCMBgz1wui8of0zndMLH3r9sMXsoZ70NprPkKpejbB3tahmkqDbMus/s1600/december2010+003.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551657304968166882" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtbehFElVkpwdKsfO__liDhPYt-8nkpDtXkQ067OYMffwALcnGW5xY4mOuP9b_GM84dI1UQRrpqT2luwYMh14ScZCMBgz1wui8of0zndMLH3r9sMXsoZ70NprPkKpejbB3tahmkqDbMus/s320/december2010+003.JPG" /></a> stocking ornament made with a single-ply handspun wool<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGm54Bsey_wRohqKNuLNZCyN0EEYOe-0t3Cj2UEpEeF_aWwrYVBt1BbD1ZvWuy2A2qMA6FxGsCOEfVKduhYv3_BwyCohlU5-5wjsq2tH868wQakDxQloMcRne9m6LHqgkZv6GeC120m5A/s1600/december2010+002.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551657304848033922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGm54Bsey_wRohqKNuLNZCyN0EEYOe-0t3Cj2UEpEeF_aWwrYVBt1BbD1ZvWuy2A2qMA6FxGsCOEfVKduhYv3_BwyCohlU5-5wjsq2tH868wQakDxQloMcRne9m6LHqgkZv6GeC120m5A/s320/december2010+002.JPG" /></a>i embellished each one with an antique button from grandma's button box.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPighPlB4OS029XsJlWcAeNz8SegDgOw_DkvJy5V4noL76KkBvj0HNsQCOMvkHiFnWM1yzBS4ncRtzvF5A5QaUsNk7jBm1HKHji3GQ0B8W2-c9wfsiYPNvY15qO-0f4R1tnfW540K3zi0/s1600/december2010+001.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551657299758498178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPighPlB4OS029XsJlWcAeNz8SegDgOw_DkvJy5V4noL76KkBvj0HNsQCOMvkHiFnWM1yzBS4ncRtzvF5A5QaUsNk7jBm1HKHji3GQ0B8W2-c9wfsiYPNvY15qO-0f4R1tnfW540K3zi0/s320/december2010+001.JPG" /></a><br />merry christmas, everyone! </div><div>may you find joy in the small things!<br /><br /><br /><div></div></div><br /></div>stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00549886181079315471noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169095076522086308.post-53140569091585400862010-12-03T08:22:00.010-06:002010-12-11T16:14:54.635-06:00aura borealis scarf<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKPYUtSVo7JgIScjbcm8Sxf1W7UTE4s8BZfqQ5PaHAKTiJW6S0Kds9OR50Mp_o469E0SgbQu_UdY_fOARvWO7v-eFADJXKMJukr6e2jbEVOsDsv3MGdj68VeYFEGkygPXh7yyA3aarNt4/s1600/IMG_0891.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546463974658931090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKPYUtSVo7JgIScjbcm8Sxf1W7UTE4s8BZfqQ5PaHAKTiJW6S0Kds9OR50Mp_o469E0SgbQu_UdY_fOARvWO7v-eFADJXKMJukr6e2jbEVOsDsv3MGdj68VeYFEGkygPXh7yyA3aarNt4/s320/IMG_0891.JPG" /></a> i am so pleased with the way my scarf turned out. it was a very ambitious process which began with roving from our very own cheviot ewe, roxie. the roving was hand painted at a workshop held by our local guild. i hand spun the yarn and then knit the scarf with a pattern specifically chosen for an upcoming display that the guild is working on. following, i have documented the steps... <em>(although in reverse order!)</em> :<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUDPORUyQE6HW9fZs-jZB3dZ603BdOQci-w5C49_eTw70k43A84eSi0E-zPXrRKwgnHi3aHhThTXEs7IwO8_xqXI1TgZRYsr80XBcWiH3L2FBwAnUdTcv0iG7gR6fzhRYxNuTt5d1MpVs/s1600/IMG_0893.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546463973387970770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUDPORUyQE6HW9fZs-jZB3dZ603BdOQci-w5C49_eTw70k43A84eSi0E-zPXrRKwgnHi3aHhThTXEs7IwO8_xqXI1TgZRYsr80XBcWiH3L2FBwAnUdTcv0iG7gR6fzhRYxNuTt5d1MpVs/s320/IMG_0893.JPG" /></a> here is a close-up of the stitches. </div><br />all year i have been choosing knitting patterns that would teach me a new skill or stitch, including using double pointed needles, circular needles, the trinity stitch, gussets on mittens and socks. and, in this case, the drop stitch. i think the variegated yarn is well suited for the wavy effect of this stitch. it was the look i was going for in keeping with the theme of moving colors of the aura borealis.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPh2hbSeL5wTAeeaMtw6CzNImlauEmeWSWPYOJTnqKCtqSXN1iyI6vxm8TUhYNrvNO830-BjyUlIAYvxLxMHIZzHZio77a8cPTMIIt1gK-CRx0M2ibx1snr-Y4xJPTMGyMIJck46RuWA0/s1600/IMG_0890.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546463966303052466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPh2hbSeL5wTAeeaMtw6CzNImlauEmeWSWPYOJTnqKCtqSXN1iyI6vxm8TUhYNrvNO830-BjyUlIAYvxLxMHIZzHZio77a8cPTMIIt1gK-CRx0M2ibx1snr-Y4xJPTMGyMIJck46RuWA0/s320/IMG_0890.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHzFAWQiyexM7Lwkx8pYkThaOXNe2r03SSnIfi-7qn4Fd1816m9vkAvbFRin5Otx_ETYic1qmWnWqxWuG3omfyBtTyHQEHSfDK9RJNVja-l9mRwEm3JhjVKV2FY2-zNUuaNK5eTbAtUnk/s1600/IMG_0561.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546462858008463218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHzFAWQiyexM7Lwkx8pYkThaOXNe2r03SSnIfi-7qn4Fd1816m9vkAvbFRin5Otx_ETYic1qmWnWqxWuG3omfyBtTyHQEHSfDK9RJNVja-l9mRwEm3JhjVKV2FY2-zNUuaNK5eTbAtUnk/s320/IMG_0561.JPG" /></a> on the spinning wheel<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxnHRBKR4VJCeSMlMFJRjgQAe1AV_lnZviaTxCB3AIy8S6JkMUyDanAo-ZDVG6SSS5cVWHDh3daZjyAGenLh2LPEWLJ5QDvhflVNSSPN2bz5rZ_oWrFXCkFSWKU9SDNnndvl4RQ9e1k8s/s1600/IMG_0534.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546462296991462450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxnHRBKR4VJCeSMlMFJRjgQAe1AV_lnZviaTxCB3AIy8S6JkMUyDanAo-ZDVG6SSS5cVWHDh3daZjyAGenLh2LPEWLJ5QDvhflVNSSPN2bz5rZ_oWrFXCkFSWKU9SDNnndvl4RQ9e1k8s/s320/IMG_0534.JPG" /></a> my hand painted roving ready for spinning</div><br /><div align="left"><br />in july our weaving and spinning guild held a dye workshop. it was a beautiful day to work on our goal of creating hand painted roving to spin and warp for weaving projects. we will be creating a display at next year's midwest convention in the theme of "moving colors of the northern lights." we had a very successful and enjoyable day working together! here are a few pictures from our day:</div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOcYqHg3Km1Sv0-M94B1U0FG0UTg14waqbOe-XtoFul11daz3UhFSlePhIHxArhpkeUX_sDWtInSWfeenleCp5YI_nYfCmPL-FOZ74ameLXpwQa8qgUBkvVZp-CjjGjopo5tTA5BbsZd0/s1600/dyeworkshop18.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546461642887590610" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOcYqHg3Km1Sv0-M94B1U0FG0UTg14waqbOe-XtoFul11daz3UhFSlePhIHxArhpkeUX_sDWtInSWfeenleCp5YI_nYfCmPL-FOZ74ameLXpwQa8qgUBkvVZp-CjjGjopo5tTA5BbsZd0/s320/dyeworkshop18.jpg" /></a> i am in the top left picture and B on the right. we are squirting dye onto our prepared roving.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjdJJQhexAHYgFC4hztsQR1fAdZWI-nYoSRrtKWH0xufudtoJr0JgEs2pjixSXkgPNqv7n8wwI4A68FruUsm_Ov-AF55UaMrDQKn_6JMoqCzgLdTwvLMFEXy7RyaLWHqgQt2UH0c0g9TM/s1600/dyeworkshop17.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546461640730518194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjdJJQhexAHYgFC4hztsQR1fAdZWI-nYoSRrtKWH0xufudtoJr0JgEs2pjixSXkgPNqv7n8wwI4A68FruUsm_Ov-AF55UaMrDQKn_6JMoqCzgLdTwvLMFEXy7RyaLWHqgQt2UH0c0g9TM/s320/dyeworkshop17.jpg" /></a> B really loved the workshop and created some beautiful roving.<br /><br /><br /><div align="left"><span style="color:#3333ff;"><span style="color:#000066;">ev</span>er<span style="color:#00cccc;">yd</span></span><span style="color:#33ff33;">ay</span> <span style="color:#ffcc00;">gi</span><span style="color:#ffff33;">ft</span><span style="color:#ff9900;">:</span> creating!</div></div></div></div>stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00549886181079315471noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169095076522086308.post-5757924394544667992010-12-01T18:46:00.002-06:002010-12-01T18:51:38.336-06:00happiness is...<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0kmYzTQct0q2cMQSjVEqGgb4QJRxKRH4Ior9wUeGmb1ztPumz9RW5a6Gk3I5kaXPIFNnc6A3LLBLiZKuVNc3WG8t9DqGEF_L0X_hVmV1POce5fG26qqKW47K_Ea8yY5EYWSDwII304Rg/s1600/alpaca+002.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545880487956362466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0kmYzTQct0q2cMQSjVEqGgb4QJRxKRH4Ior9wUeGmb1ztPumz9RW5a6Gk3I5kaXPIFNnc6A3LLBLiZKuVNc3WG8t9DqGEF_L0X_hVmV1POce5fG26qqKW47K_Ea8yY5EYWSDwII304Rg/s320/alpaca+002.JPG" /></a> hand knit socks!</div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtaff-rDcXa0NKm6KKW8M9ADQ1bB-OmVX-SVJVmKteCukldrEX00IkL6J5wYDCmYt4sfFdeDtWZOWCf4_iOmjVkoJWRg13bbuq5eDnQnwUfhmke6cBo7hlr4kwHUeouqGZXc9mAluxtJ4/s1600/alpaca+004.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545880486031199570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtaff-rDcXa0NKm6KKW8M9ADQ1bB-OmVX-SVJVmKteCukldrEX00IkL6J5wYDCmYt4sfFdeDtWZOWCf4_iOmjVkoJWRg13bbuq5eDnQnwUfhmke6cBo7hlr4kwHUeouqGZXc9mAluxtJ4/s320/alpaca+004.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><strong><span style="color:#cc0000;">everyday gift:</span></strong> knitting up love for my girl</div>stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00549886181079315471noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169095076522086308.post-44419039655659439442010-11-13T14:46:00.006-06:002010-11-13T15:55:01.023-06:00a very sincere pumpkin patch<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMAHWeWHkhBidZzqm_A5j2TpZN2XOoPzDBq5LYuhmujREpmLOx5xL9e7zjp7fIEErintDAfla6SAaBDtvbxYYleeuC8QIY3MVNaDdyAonc8p4gO9Q0hvm_OZZv2Ru7YWIN0J-G6zC5eDE/s1600/IMG_1050.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMAHWeWHkhBidZzqm_A5j2TpZN2XOoPzDBq5LYuhmujREpmLOx5xL9e7zjp7fIEErintDAfla6SAaBDtvbxYYleeuC8QIY3MVNaDdyAonc8p4gO9Q0hvm_OZZv2Ru7YWIN0J-G6zC5eDE/s320/IMG_1050.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539146611349289346" /></a><br /><div>i am really enjoying the pumpkins from my garden this fall. and i smile at how little i did to deserve such a wonderful harvest! these are truly a gift. last fall i got some lovely sugar baby pie pumpkins from a friend's garden. but i had one left over that never got cooked and baked into something yummy or even put in the freezer for later. instead the poor thing was shuffled from the kitchen counter to the laundry room when the fall decorations gave way to christmas. then moved from the laundry room to the mud room when i cleaned one day. by now the pumpkin was looking pretty sad and slightly mushy. mark wondered why i was keeping it and i had to face it: i was not going to get around to cooking up that pumpkin. it had definitely gone by! so it was thrown outside into the flower bed. i noticed that a mouse found it and gnawed a hole in it to feast on the seeds. i'm sure it was quite a windfall for him so late in the winter when his store of seeds must be running low. spring finally came and what was left of the pumpkin was given to the chickens. i welcomed warmer weather and was anxious to get busy in my garden. it was then, while weeding my flower bed, that i noticed something sprouting, maybe sunflowers? i might have spilled some birdseed. but then i realized. these were volunteer pumpkin sprouts! what seemed like hundreds! i transplanted 3 small seedlings into the vegetable garden and sadly weeded out the rest. the little guys did not receive much attention from me over the summer. i think i gave it one good weeding and let nature do the watering. the result was 20 beautiful pie pumpkins, an undeserved gift!</div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>(i know, that is quite a story to introduce this blog post!)</i></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg37Uu7m7hfaPz0ATXnfjrm8-AIzbW7_cCuy0VP9ZqA26fY_IBZFBABuBRkESuFHEMgkxaHj0w2KLpyUeGEjCNyBG9brY0SdCwIaN4uKFFD6HQyQCqRwK7XNRowZ6D4Xn2g7E5buJ2Yx3E/s1600/IMG_1058.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg37Uu7m7hfaPz0ATXnfjrm8-AIzbW7_cCuy0VP9ZqA26fY_IBZFBABuBRkESuFHEMgkxaHj0w2KLpyUeGEjCNyBG9brY0SdCwIaN4uKFFD6HQyQCqRwK7XNRowZ6D4Xn2g7E5buJ2Yx3E/s320/IMG_1058.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539140682983371266" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">freshly pureed pumpkin</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjih2edyezJsgJr-qs9dIr7o_sLHP_jJXErREzHbFGBe6q6fSIYtdJJbCPC3ixRapsK7u9qZ36PsmOtsi7OPa1y-2Zeq0L8K_0wuVese3LQ0tYRw-G6opwWzQVrzwOQX7_b5zcVf2KekpM/s1600/IMG_1057.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjih2edyezJsgJr-qs9dIr7o_sLHP_jJXErREzHbFGBe6q6fSIYtdJJbCPC3ixRapsK7u9qZ36PsmOtsi7OPa1y-2Zeq0L8K_0wuVese3LQ0tYRw-G6opwWzQVrzwOQX7_b5zcVf2KekpM/s320/IMG_1057.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539140675382218658" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">how to make fresh pumpkin puree</div></div><div><br /></div><div>after cutting open the pumpkin, scoop out the inside seeds and pulp. <i>(yes! i saved the seeds this time!)</i> next, cut the pumpkin into chunks leaving the skin on. place in a large pot and add a few inches of water. cover and bring to a boil. turn down to a simmer and cook, covered, until pumpkin is soft. when cool enough to handle scoop pumpkin from the skins. puree in a food processor. drain pumpkin in a fine sieve for 10 or 15 minutes to remove any extra liquid. freeze in 2 cup quantities in freeze bags or containers. (2 cups roughly equals a small can of pumpkin)</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdD9alLKuajL2Snn4dCugdSqp_0FGG7S5_cwwp2PksNpJwz27NC1KhORmNeylHKYZWZThETjI8pfAKfnUdIAb4yYuiYZiLelp-DvID6z4jwALDI16wqS-tZIAPvfEm4K2zVdw-RH_bnuI/s1600/IMG_1055.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdD9alLKuajL2Snn4dCugdSqp_0FGG7S5_cwwp2PksNpJwz27NC1KhORmNeylHKYZWZThETjI8pfAKfnUdIAb4yYuiYZiLelp-DvID6z4jwALDI16wqS-tZIAPvfEm4K2zVdw-RH_bnuI/s320/IMG_1055.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539140667229692802" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIGgjuf8Q5eErpx6daTOTn-SWjTs8gGrySJK402CcZddZUk5eG9idBkfsXjs6Etkh7eRxPdCjIFX3kLitVMkr41XPeJuofOVQykVUhYiPXbxVVyMvOQTSMbenTSfNWI-LDmV9emYg9InM/s1600/IMG_1053.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIGgjuf8Q5eErpx6daTOTn-SWjTs8gGrySJK402CcZddZUk5eG9idBkfsXjs6Etkh7eRxPdCjIFX3kLitVMkr41XPeJuofOVQykVUhYiPXbxVVyMvOQTSMbenTSfNWI-LDmV9emYg9InM/s320/IMG_1053.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539140651075487682" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><u><br /></u></span></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkp5VO0CIOGQmmHWXGHhSSIC6M3CoSaxj1wfWAIx0uIYwq12ZHlxgZkMbJ4e2YP1RF1fDHaMoMOo_4CMyEDdlSke0zLFj_st53WGwE8w49NjS9sBRbZs9GTv-lNy-C21_KJxsxO61CgV8/s1600/IMG_0994.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkp5VO0CIOGQmmHWXGHhSSIC6M3CoSaxj1wfWAIx0uIYwq12ZHlxgZkMbJ4e2YP1RF1fDHaMoMOo_4CMyEDdlSke0zLFj_st53WGwE8w49NjS9sBRbZs9GTv-lNy-C21_KJxsxO61CgV8/s320/IMG_0994.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539138994377056322" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">and in the spirit of the season, i made some pumpkin cutout cookies. :o)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6600;">everyday gift: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">a bountiful harvest of pumpkins</span></span></span></b></div></div>stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00549886181079315471noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169095076522086308.post-1017198666110177842010-11-12T15:57:00.012-06:002010-11-12T16:55:04.936-06:00fungus fascination<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb2M7Fc_KGcpAeTeViFM4vlHx00H05mwWG3nP1XIV1OJYCp57_dRrIcCKWOrJBNViDRVyaQIZ_XRmPag8aoYL62eNPTbxKz9cmocGKmMy6lcMBTGLYjfquwKaC5en3gNmI_A16iwSoqaM/s1600/IMG_0682.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb2M7Fc_KGcpAeTeViFM4vlHx00H05mwWG3nP1XIV1OJYCp57_dRrIcCKWOrJBNViDRVyaQIZ_XRmPag8aoYL62eNPTbxKz9cmocGKmMy6lcMBTGLYjfquwKaC5en3gNmI_A16iwSoqaM/s320/IMG_0682.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538799582088680194" /></a><br /><div>it was a hot afternoon and i was walking the path next to the creek. the shade felt good. all around me were the dark greens of the trees and brush, the black earth underfoot, and the tall dark brown trunks of the trees, with dappled sunlight peeking through the leaves. and then, across the creek, i saw an explosion of color. orange.</div><div><br /></div><div>an old fallen tree slanted down the steep bank and dipped into the water below. it hosted a beautiful colony of lichen in full bloom, so bright and unexpected that it took my breath away. i hiked back to the house to get the camera. </div><div><br /></div><div>i had to overcome mud, thorns, poison ivy, and mosquitoes, but i managed to get in a good position on the other side of the creek to photograph the phenomenon. i am so glad i went to the trouble, because a week later, when i returned to sight, the lichen had faded. it was not nearly as stunning as it had been. </div><div><br /></div><div>God gives beauty and color in such unexpected places. watch for it!</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUhN8DNJvYf6iyK7hS2aE1ZRYi0RyrGNKEhJxnQo5R1AyLjDwWkl0b2rJJscOslBLg1ocPHWQv2FkSz1K3S6jVptY3o41gwCH6d0igkRz9bw5e2sGxglpZqZJziWn6pl-8K9Db2HJ-wJE/s1600/IMG_0665.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUhN8DNJvYf6iyK7hS2aE1ZRYi0RyrGNKEhJxnQo5R1AyLjDwWkl0b2rJJscOslBLg1ocPHWQv2FkSz1K3S6jVptY3o41gwCH6d0igkRz9bw5e2sGxglpZqZJziWn6pl-8K9Db2HJ-wJE/s320/IMG_0665.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538795617936080466" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><u><br /></u></span></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIP1KM_NktNa5s8tkGIq9f9Sxo0xXmwVMVuOmRuYsaeFLo5rZX5xzXWTafbxPnRdGIvVikA7EXy0hpN_3h-EAlSFOJaruXoQ72wasWgSTIEpYEExiORe-12gfAgDEWYFNo-aSHzQs9bAI/s1600/IMG_0675.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIP1KM_NktNa5s8tkGIq9f9Sxo0xXmwVMVuOmRuYsaeFLo5rZX5xzXWTafbxPnRdGIvVikA7EXy0hpN_3h-EAlSFOJaruXoQ72wasWgSTIEpYEExiORe-12gfAgDEWYFNo-aSHzQs9bAI/s320/IMG_0675.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538793790226752594" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh35fgmmaD_K6FFmXc5pZbBnqm9LJkyY9fA0IddUQAkMtSFr6XNEQH9wlm8FKmEj52pKkhPYZW-twLYCerQgd55pd6udJLjpRuD0KI-mlQeKBTnsAviIolGCvDDiWHYNaI9ucPqPBBrRHM/s1600/IMG_0671.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh35fgmmaD_K6FFmXc5pZbBnqm9LJkyY9fA0IddUQAkMtSFr6XNEQH9wlm8FKmEj52pKkhPYZW-twLYCerQgd55pd6udJLjpRuD0KI-mlQeKBTnsAviIolGCvDDiWHYNaI9ucPqPBBrRHM/s320/IMG_0671.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538793787401797682" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><u><br /></u></span></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih2XdwvEp28nZPyCHBaS_Y4ULHjwV_QAAcu6QqD75a8-XKDPGzuX5iGt4eegUQViTVEyp66tbpVVY_CoF2_Y80TeeITzfxdQK4Jf86lNAM9S-m6SMPa8e4nck5yBfV3RbFV3j1q6_13pI/s1600/IMG_0674.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih2XdwvEp28nZPyCHBaS_Y4ULHjwV_QAAcu6QqD75a8-XKDPGzuX5iGt4eegUQViTVEyp66tbpVVY_CoF2_Y80TeeITzfxdQK4Jf86lNAM9S-m6SMPa8e4nck5yBfV3RbFV3j1q6_13pI/s320/IMG_0674.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538790500660104786" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAv3AlWSBrncnPYfqtJT-PBX2njZi5_kCd12wwUs7481bm0OW7g_t7xyhwCgoTaoRSnBUVhSGvkikPETcAmn8NXvDpWASyMxtCUdI6mxumZ390GV1MYZyY73jaPkAociM3haiFUalI_rc/s1600/IMG_0668.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAv3AlWSBrncnPYfqtJT-PBX2njZi5_kCd12wwUs7481bm0OW7g_t7xyhwCgoTaoRSnBUVhSGvkikPETcAmn8NXvDpWASyMxtCUdI6mxumZ390GV1MYZyY73jaPkAociM3haiFUalI_rc/s320/IMG_0668.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538789880648234130" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><u><br /></u></span></div><br /><div><br /></div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6600;">everyday gift:</span></b> unexpected colorstacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00549886181079315471noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169095076522086308.post-64945892742241703252010-11-12T13:49:00.004-06:002010-11-12T14:03:17.469-06:00the hope of a spring yet to come<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHCbAw-BNulfndaGh6a0myJ3jDGlsCGU5x1sLmv-swqIVbA0KtC4BQUBGc95FPqgPGC1TVBCxMXAwwGrXuezPLFOv19Z60-7XpESKYafKt6316VKhJqq4I7Gn1Dnt4uFQFFpWHG5_U5Pw/s1600/IMG_1097.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHCbAw-BNulfndaGh6a0myJ3jDGlsCGU5x1sLmv-swqIVbA0KtC4BQUBGc95FPqgPGC1TVBCxMXAwwGrXuezPLFOv19Z60-7XpESKYafKt6316VKhJqq4I7Gn1Dnt4uFQFFpWHG5_U5Pw/s320/IMG_1097.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538753256083915250" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">autumn's overnight frost has ushered in the end of summer.</div><div style="text-align: center;">what was once green and lush, now turns brown and brittle.</div><div style="text-align: center;">the milkweed pods look like death shrouds,</div><div style="text-align: center;">but as it splits open it reveals something quite opposite of death;</div><div style="text-align: center;">a hundred seeds spill out with wings that will carry them on the wind.</div><div style="text-align: center;">seeds that carry the hope of new life and a spring yet to come.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;">everyday gift:</span></b> beauty in a milkweed pod</div><div><br /></div>stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00549886181079315471noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169095076522086308.post-84634688654107969492010-10-07T19:51:00.001-05:002010-10-07T19:51:58.505-05:00summer campdusting off this blog post draft left over from the summer... i downloaded a few pictures from B's canoeing adventure in july, but never went any further. and then life kept happening. and happening. so here i am trying to get back into the blogging habit. i will start by posting this summer memory. now that it is october the days are getting shorter, the nights cooler, and the evenings are now filled with homework. how did the summer fly by so quickly?<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitn5iLvmN-zAqdrcoIzG_xpCRhkYJ-1WzNquIMpWTqOHSDeXTe2NyAnqzYGVvxAS1O01O1d5BuidpF517A1SZ-EKNDn5RqCer27VEJ3JrtuwnyeA1kuC-Cp2A2X3LJZ3rJu8PB1tSvPyg/s1600/IMG_0596.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503949708420290626" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitn5iLvmN-zAqdrcoIzG_xpCRhkYJ-1WzNquIMpWTqOHSDeXTe2NyAnqzYGVvxAS1O01O1d5BuidpF517A1SZ-EKNDn5RqCer27VEJ3JrtuwnyeA1kuC-Cp2A2X3LJZ3rJu8PB1tSvPyg/s320/IMG_0596.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYK3mZkcDbKZOY78b0yOUoNAJ1-VkijusJNegNVXPT0uo0MfppGVazAY8nuYy0ZI3ZQMf152uidYPwqEsAqvFIhXMMbTVu2D4vgQfP42bZKX3v9cJaCZQkHPxNxZRqtJSwRkgEVrRXX7Q/s1600/IMG_0607.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503949702883665266" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYK3mZkcDbKZOY78b0yOUoNAJ1-VkijusJNegNVXPT0uo0MfppGVazAY8nuYy0ZI3ZQMf152uidYPwqEsAqvFIhXMMbTVu2D4vgQfP42bZKX3v9cJaCZQkHPxNxZRqtJSwRkgEVrRXX7Q/s320/IMG_0607.JPG" /></a> a picture perfect day for canoeing<br /><br /><br /><div align="left"><strong><span style="color:#cc0000;">everyday gift:</span></strong> summer sun, fun on the water!</div></div>stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00549886181079315471noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169095076522086308.post-92212396378709997142010-10-07T19:49:00.001-05:002010-10-07T19:49:48.832-05:00stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00549886181079315471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169095076522086308.post-55421810124310378372010-07-30T13:27:00.000-05:002010-07-30T13:30:21.833-05:00one thing i love about summer...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6etqqse6VJMFLFBHUGgdN7DQDtxkYxU5YwwgWtiXkbtP8ZgkrWJahJpUBvEeY-4uYXDvSinAjer5-uhfC3pLR5pDY-w0CfxY0SwN2Xu1X6FbtiEpnHwg9990t6DT7tmrglm_rLv0zIgU/s1600/craziful,+bwoo+wool,+b+canoe+066.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499767923088576914" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6etqqse6VJMFLFBHUGgdN7DQDtxkYxU5YwwgWtiXkbtP8ZgkrWJahJpUBvEeY-4uYXDvSinAjer5-uhfC3pLR5pDY-w0CfxY0SwN2Xu1X6FbtiEpnHwg9990t6DT7tmrglm_rLv0zIgU/s320/craziful,+bwoo+wool,+b+canoe+066.JPG" /></a><br /><div><strong><span style="color:#990000;">everyday gift:</span></strong> vine ripened tomatoes</div>stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00549886181079315471noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169095076522086308.post-33871293730181444552010-07-30T13:01:00.004-05:002010-07-30T13:26:10.806-05:00presto! pesto!<div align="left">my basil really took off this summer. i love the spicy smell as i pick large bouquets from my herb garden to make pesto sauce. i have purple basil growing as well... i wonder what it be like to make purple pesto?! maybe i'll try that someday.</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvRVdK6GWcbeImZ85AhlwXIGFsE0NbcOh9Nw6hkc_4gylgwsXfeUB9wIlvscGHhVbdhsN8S4___g1v0jGLWJ6PPmOKqdQluw8uusgAv69Xlt59sgQ0xoisA9i1zyax8zWOjNLdOueyxts/s1600/craziful,+bwoo+wool,+b+canoe+006.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499762177931550706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvRVdK6GWcbeImZ85AhlwXIGFsE0NbcOh9Nw6hkc_4gylgwsXfeUB9wIlvscGHhVbdhsN8S4___g1v0jGLWJ6PPmOKqdQluw8uusgAv69Xlt59sgQ0xoisA9i1zyax8zWOjNLdOueyxts/s320/craziful,+bwoo+wool,+b+canoe+006.JPG" /></a> i have been re-establishing my herb garden at our new house. chives, thyme, and feverfew made the move from the old house. in this picture i have rosemary, sage, apple scented geranium, purple basil, and sweet basil</div><div align="center"><br /> </div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSBQenALMzY2wjpGKQXqwbRpigKsVqsNMwAnRV3UCjqmiQ-sEkOvI4ZR4WwkcDEMXFgVcwjbxM17UzOEWrZfYbZZPDplRq3y3mz9Krwq9ORJHGMca_hcZYh2up7tpHRtxFhTqxY3rzlX8/s1600/craziful,+bwoo+wool,+b+canoe+015.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499761657042097026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSBQenALMzY2wjpGKQXqwbRpigKsVqsNMwAnRV3UCjqmiQ-sEkOvI4ZR4WwkcDEMXFgVcwjbxM17UzOEWrZfYbZZPDplRq3y3mz9Krwq9ORJHGMca_hcZYh2up7tpHRtxFhTqxY3rzlX8/s320/craziful,+bwoo+wool,+b+canoe+015.JPG" /></a> <a href="http://www.molliekatzen.com/index.php">mollie katzen</a> has written some of my favorite cookbooks. it is her recipe from <em>The New Moosewood Cookbook</em> that i use to make my pesto. fresh basil, pine nuts, lots of garlic and parmesan cheese make this recipe so flavorful! <br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_EljTEO6t0_8iN7krfobDm6JkMe2YeZIZQurz46I-pcdBCqxNqE59B2bTMXCkLvTb6OUFXPpmh9FwCkheZK7vxqHr0Gf_LvpGGw4uDvOsSzDPuL2-Kuu5cYOnSr_RyllTvKAqurk7PwQ/s1600/craziful,+bwoo+wool,+b+canoe+017.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499761649424682482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_EljTEO6t0_8iN7krfobDm6JkMe2YeZIZQurz46I-pcdBCqxNqE59B2bTMXCkLvTb6OUFXPpmh9FwCkheZK7vxqHr0Gf_LvpGGw4uDvOsSzDPuL2-Kuu5cYOnSr_RyllTvKAqurk7PwQ/s320/craziful,+bwoo+wool,+b+canoe+017.JPG" /></a> i put some in jars to use right away. pouring a little olive oil over the top for storage will keep the green pesto from turning brown. i also made a few batches to freeze for later.<br /><br /><div><strong><span style="color:#990000;">everyday gift:</span></strong> fresh basil pesto</div></div>stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00549886181079315471noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169095076522086308.post-65386979192461500132010-07-20T16:47:00.004-05:002010-07-20T17:46:10.290-05:00a noste-who-ee?<a href="http://www.hatchtown.com/tools/misc-tools/nosting">a nostepinne!</a> well, actually, it is an antique spool that has been re-purposed as a nostepinne, that is, a Norwegian ball winder. i can wind my skeins of yarn into a handy center pull ball. clever!<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvGINJILKg7CYWbDNKn1U24KI-iKMoaY7pKcjFDZJxcMTMZeGznQp9BWxay_3MH_oGCJJkK6ujULeWgepKzGcTJ4awyIV_ZEslo1tMrLEEpbPa5UIowvAk291gYZPkGjOV6rIWHPxo6dw/s1600/IMG_0544.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496109733107680930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvGINJILKg7CYWbDNKn1U24KI-iKMoaY7pKcjFDZJxcMTMZeGznQp9BWxay_3MH_oGCJJkK6ujULeWgepKzGcTJ4awyIV_ZEslo1tMrLEEpbPa5UIowvAk291gYZPkGjOV6rIWHPxo6dw/s320/IMG_0544.JPG" /></a>from skein to ball</div><div align="center"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXcqfOtLwv5P0MiVaTyH3_Y2CFy0oVSMSQQBPaLXoj8gqBiD_U-x8SWdEYEHGcfAh5UW14uMlX82ENj6-Ceyagwb7Rzn-mrza3aqsTRK7yvGYJ5OY_EmyjfTGkQ3SnAMH2gxM6ct0Xuq8/s1600/IMG_0546.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496109398303751170" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXcqfOtLwv5P0MiVaTyH3_Y2CFy0oVSMSQQBPaLXoj8gqBiD_U-x8SWdEYEHGcfAh5UW14uMlX82ENj6-Ceyagwb7Rzn-mrza3aqsTRK7yvGYJ5OY_EmyjfTGkQ3SnAMH2gxM6ct0Xuq8/s320/IMG_0546.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcyOFGiAsTfDg7LycXLpbmnf8kWprekotOk1BUkwpWNkN4h6TXjFfyU6YUdALWpn4MgH1bnEnCOcdm_37RwSQP7svCipZ-l_R31fVl6zDXfqH5NH2VxA4ScPTVriH3ZjQifROOS6L1fgM/s1600/IMG_0547.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496109003129799666" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcyOFGiAsTfDg7LycXLpbmnf8kWprekotOk1BUkwpWNkN4h6TXjFfyU6YUdALWpn4MgH1bnEnCOcdm_37RwSQP7svCipZ-l_R31fVl6zDXfqH5NH2VxA4ScPTVriH3ZjQifROOS6L1fgM/s320/IMG_0547.JPG" /></a> i finished spinning the rambouillet wool/angora blend roving that i purchased at the iowa sheep and wool festival. it was very nice to spin. the angora gives it a very luxurious feel and will make my cowl even warmer. i found this easy pattern at <a href="http://www.crazygirlyarnshop.com/">crazy girl yarn shop</a> and adjusted it slightly making it several inches shorter. i didn't want quite so many folds. around my neck. </div><div> </div><div>i got a few strange looks when i knit this cozy neck warmer while the sun was blazing in july and temperatures soaring in the 90's! but i was hoping to knit some of that heat into my project. come january, i'm going to need it!<br /><br /><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheYVFBRbUO3Mz8MWn6vIZBixirVJXJF4AbCkNeyR-huJ5O8DE5dBVI3wbEdjgXQVHssFthK9pXS8oByqmjQbZr4C7TfhMtUAGQCxRsF1y06ebrz8ekP4dVHGakaXQIbLHqp-uym56qv90/s1600/IMG_0550.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496108712810611042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheYVFBRbUO3Mz8MWn6vIZBixirVJXJF4AbCkNeyR-huJ5O8DE5dBVI3wbEdjgXQVHssFthK9pXS8oByqmjQbZr4C7TfhMtUAGQCxRsF1y06ebrz8ekP4dVHGakaXQIbLHqp-uym56qv90/s320/IMG_0550.JPG" /></a> the finished product</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="left"><strong><span style="color:#cc0000;">everyday gift:</span></strong> storing up the summer sun :o)</div><br /></div>stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00549886181079315471noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169095076522086308.post-86074463469040990442010-07-12T21:17:00.013-05:002010-07-13T16:46:29.511-05:00snap shots of a summer adventure<div align="center">a glorious week on clayter lake. </div><div align="center">sailing, canoeing, swimming, snorkelling, rowing, water skiing. </div><div align="center">a summer to remember.</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCAsh-P9FGq9BUwwvzDHZ7eA9JWfn6J7H7kZv6ULfdZPEU-x92DogKbGLanoI-GoFo9LyqC47XT9NcbQCqUxg1xMCH5tlPPEC7UV6nznbN2wLA5Hh7Bz8XLn07htzCtXQCQ56Pzg83ANY/s1600/Picture+521+(Large).jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493224946888779106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCAsh-P9FGq9BUwwvzDHZ7eA9JWfn6J7H7kZv6ULfdZPEU-x92DogKbGLanoI-GoFo9LyqC47XT9NcbQCqUxg1xMCH5tlPPEC7UV6nznbN2wLA5Hh7Bz8XLn07htzCtXQCQ56Pzg83ANY/s320/Picture+521+(Large).jpg" /></a> i think C is the last one in the last canoe.</div><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj86cd043h6CCkCxTz6dCKBr0S6dLL5OQttRHW7o-BCJK2y-XqrVtDCgUnlmbAuXMGx_Muob6-1EQ6QEovxyU3FbuMQ_0yUMkyqbas8-ay9tCKlNntoO99D5ye5Bw_lMg1f6VJAwI4BEac/s1600/Picture+522+(Large).jpg"></a><em>sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy</em></div><div align="center"><em>sunshine in my eyes can make me cry,</em></div><div align="center"><em>sunshine on the water looks so lovely...</em><br /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">(sorry, i just couldn't resist breaking into a john denver song)</span><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKmPySccOjF8n_YC_AwsEkhmCwI2TByEopWtWVMIkgD4JupdJrigSDNRP_JFnOLXHDJwBnXND_D7iueJLwNhJTsjFBV0LfI9oBkrz2Iu6uJ9d2orlGOWHAqw_TqZlFU946gcdh0-018p0/s1600/Picture+342+(Large).jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493220534253410946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKmPySccOjF8n_YC_AwsEkhmCwI2TByEopWtWVMIkgD4JupdJrigSDNRP_JFnOLXHDJwBnXND_D7iueJLwNhJTsjFBV0LfI9oBkrz2Iu6uJ9d2orlGOWHAqw_TqZlFU946gcdh0-018p0/s320/Picture+342+(Large).jpg" /></a> the dock</div><div align="center"><br /><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiyJXsrVrxNBUJKx3FJrA4A7jJJS_EAmQhH669aoiCGM0z53w-PW-6XztHJOD9xcOJod2EzqEKEJ4H1ADfzkkOdfdZ1yGzx3M_IH13wzZKfmIpnJtdRUZdwe3dH3eNktBHmYgzfbLpUVU/s1600/Picture+305+(Large).jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493220522652276802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiyJXsrVrxNBUJKx3FJrA4A7jJJS_EAmQhH669aoiCGM0z53w-PW-6XztHJOD9xcOJod2EzqEKEJ4H1ADfzkkOdfdZ1yGzx3M_IH13wzZKfmIpnJtdRUZdwe3dH3eNktBHmYgzfbLpUVU/s320/Picture+305+(Large).jpg" /></a> umm. i guess they weren't really "roughin' it", now were they?<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhybpjUpaKJu7QuswI16zZAojpVxyxEg3Ea9LfYPCBNFzHaQ3y_wcAmLWUU5sLZE7ciypqyeRPGO0RgYY8h4NdXJz4DHSp1N5cexcu_dD2sYCGIdO5w1cGISxUxWQcNJhtps5kjfG_7S-4/s1600/Picture+356+(Large).jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493220521856968578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhybpjUpaKJu7QuswI16zZAojpVxyxEg3Ea9LfYPCBNFzHaQ3y_wcAmLWUU5sLZE7ciypqyeRPGO0RgYY8h4NdXJz4DHSp1N5cexcu_dD2sYCGIdO5w1cGISxUxWQcNJhtps5kjfG_7S-4/s320/Picture+356+(Large).jpg" /></a> the rocket, pulled by a speed boat<br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY6smsjA3Ur737fwtJ-pzesPa1GoOghHkH6SjmkmzPTZH_lpgKejtJ9Gfwsm83svo6GHcINvQE7buk0S9-uAPMVd342kFTYdzPxqeSVYpbcopBUOyYOinYnHKFSrbj-hCby0Sx2Giz6UY/s1600/Picture+315+(Large).jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493220511731194626" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY6smsjA3Ur737fwtJ-pzesPa1GoOghHkH6SjmkmzPTZH_lpgKejtJ9Gfwsm83svo6GHcINvQE7buk0S9-uAPMVd342kFTYdzPxqeSVYpbcopBUOyYOinYnHKFSrbj-hCby0Sx2Giz6UY/s320/Picture+315+(Large).jpg" /></a> a beautiful sail boat. </div><div>C tells the story of their first day out in the sail boat when a storm popped up. the wind was keeping them from making any progress toward the dock and at one point the boat was almost capsized! i'm not sure, but i think he actually enjoyed it. or maybe he just enjoyed telling the story and how he had lived through it! ;o)<br /><br /><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkbJdACenQk2WxcO0szhEJB0frqAer0Kcqu00pv8rMDrON54A5AbNIUc-k3Zc269abQg5rA4yTlKsQ50k_KtFu42qBfGWfnEPv9AeiwLt-l30Q7kCwC9St7vAKTOvtXXHv8IeKpaZieyM/s1600/Picture+534+(Large).jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493219330968317026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkbJdACenQk2WxcO0szhEJB0frqAer0Kcqu00pv8rMDrON54A5AbNIUc-k3Zc269abQg5rA4yTlKsQ50k_KtFu42qBfGWfnEPv9AeiwLt-l30Q7kCwC9St7vAKTOvtXXHv8IeKpaZieyM/s320/Picture+534+(Large).jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhofpcMz9eoO1zJs-UNbDJJ_FP4K060I0e5eEX6JWEZUKsDKP4hR1ve-bHV69AMfC7hiBql3fwOeoYgD-nzhf-ZxVCCNgBmg_6OiyUN44Yt8xzGpyoXhwFUdLDpbiqC0Un7fDCOU233GiM/s1600/Picture+404+(Large).jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493218343382153410" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhofpcMz9eoO1zJs-UNbDJJ_FP4K060I0e5eEX6JWEZUKsDKP4hR1ve-bHV69AMfC7hiBql3fwOeoYgD-nzhf-ZxVCCNgBmg_6OiyUN44Yt8xzGpyoXhwFUdLDpbiqC0Un7fDCOU233GiM/s320/Picture+404+(Large).jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHjNARhvzWjTS37Q-QPGTIZ0h8P7g87kkxiXPzfMAcLaMCrdlYlkdYy4iTjZb4aQvD_dfE_5oIauAiFORI3Y0ft2Dk575yLTKNcwHlRYjUaqIGuZ9PHAzZNAZ5jvdSeVGWbYBp4mj3gLs/s1600/Picture+393+(Large).jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493218339158720450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHjNARhvzWjTS37Q-QPGTIZ0h8P7g87kkxiXPzfMAcLaMCrdlYlkdYy4iTjZb4aQvD_dfE_5oIauAiFORI3Y0ft2Dk575yLTKNcwHlRYjUaqIGuZ9PHAzZNAZ5jvdSeVGWbYBp4mj3gLs/s320/Picture+393+(Large).jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvuONJcvClGRMmJ431nVyrFUWjoZhwyYVxdyILvAme8pM_KjjX6DnRZ2nwAz4JfNIjcx0-OQ_NovUCglJnV6u3a9uCr2hoO59Itlxcdf8fQnZYLCr1fDDdMlMR8QJ9a3Wo9T1sQLu_9Gc/s1600/Picture+391+(Large).jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493218329528305650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvuONJcvClGRMmJ431nVyrFUWjoZhwyYVxdyILvAme8pM_KjjX6DnRZ2nwAz4JfNIjcx0-OQ_NovUCglJnV6u3a9uCr2hoO59Itlxcdf8fQnZYLCr1fDDdMlMR8QJ9a3Wo9T1sQLu_9Gc/s320/Picture+391+(Large).jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn2cvRXPYIbFqD4RctARiRMOsZwYAGrBXsDok7FVW34RpPDAsL9iS3G6T-6Y9XVlwu3WJKgDL9uA6prmfm8xVinIpzdQzDkCPwRfIftNQJ34VcXjsoGrHgWJqg5LTHivPlWhpzjj1FifQ/s1600/Picture+376+(Large).jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493211776823890290" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn2cvRXPYIbFqD4RctARiRMOsZwYAGrBXsDok7FVW34RpPDAsL9iS3G6T-6Y9XVlwu3WJKgDL9uA6prmfm8xVinIpzdQzDkCPwRfIftNQJ34VcXjsoGrHgWJqg5LTHivPlWhpzjj1FifQ/s320/Picture+376+(Large).jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj57IO8L96wYVsLvqoDSBxPyA5_x3A9dxXy7LLTVSwhWuaV0txvRAcjXWw9jpVfxHRtFAco8ZKpzK0OIAdyI7B9jIHKLT304hTY1ybbFoYqrQzk2Yg-luwmBYS9p6z7JN3GDGn5-ByyJ4/s1600/Picture+377+(Large).jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493211767466951570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj57IO8L96wYVsLvqoDSBxPyA5_x3A9dxXy7LLTVSwhWuaV0txvRAcjXWw9jpVfxHRtFAco8ZKpzK0OIAdyI7B9jIHKLT304hTY1ybbFoYqrQzk2Yg-luwmBYS9p6z7JN3GDGn5-ByyJ4/s320/Picture+377+(Large).jpg" /></a><br />C learned to row and really fell in love with this sport at camp. living right on the mississippi river, he may have the opportunity to pursue this new interest. i'm looking into it.<br /><div><br /><br /><div>his incredible week of water sports ended with a bang. the night before heading home, C caught his hand between two boards tearing his finger, requiring an ambulance ride to the ER and 11 stitches. now i know why i was praying so hard this week! and despite the injury, i know that God protected him. C's tendon was exposed from the cut. had his tendon actually been cut, he would have needed surgery instead of just stitches! so we are thankful for the silver lining.<br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQckjErP3aQPTuxY9uCE-yYTDBeh9Z-HZ1lZN-rAAnlO4kY3IPnulfaF7N4M23iijX6C856bSvhOwJoPYNtN-qU0tHWchCAinslLzKuTLx9DIiydyZtkKuYh19D9ds4UnGWylUpI4rXoY/s1600/IMG_0146+(Large).JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493209744917335218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQckjErP3aQPTuxY9uCE-yYTDBeh9Z-HZ1lZN-rAAnlO4kY3IPnulfaF7N4M23iijX6C856bSvhOwJoPYNtN-qU0tHWchCAinslLzKuTLx9DIiydyZtkKuYh19D9ds4UnGWylUpI4rXoY/s320/IMG_0146+(Large).JPG" /></a>C in the ER </div><div align="center"><em>"yes, mom. i'm really okay!"<br /></em><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div align="left"><strong><span style="color:#cc0000;">everyday gift:</span></strong> C on an exciting adventure... and safely home!</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /></div>stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00549886181079315471noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169095076522086308.post-29223783911266423272010-07-12T10:15:00.003-05:002010-07-12T11:04:33.853-05:00lemon blueberry bread<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGOcc4DbvqD8viHkrRli0dJDa87UNCWlOrIds1-fQy1v9FjbmImPllFT_GTEGmYMjAV5OFAbkt1qCUPubyGk1XJkOInulSHnQvmeRt6YuVJky3Btoic6WXIBNznYX1N_WgZgDDLFVSWks/s1600/002.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493039309576492530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGOcc4DbvqD8viHkrRli0dJDa87UNCWlOrIds1-fQy1v9FjbmImPllFT_GTEGmYMjAV5OFAbkt1qCUPubyGk1XJkOInulSHnQvmeRt6YuVJky3Btoic6WXIBNznYX1N_WgZgDDLFVSWks/s320/002.JPG" /></a> i love the summer tradition of picking berries; strawberries, raspberries, blueberries... all in their turn, with the sun on our backs, the kerplunk of berries in the bucket, and pleasant conversation buzzing like the bees around us... forgive me for being a bit sentimental, but that really was the lovely time we had at <a href="http://www.beaconwoodsfarm.com/Home_Page.html">Beacon Woods Farm</a>. thank you, <a href="http://journeyjoys.blogspot.com/2010/06/our-first-u-pick-customers.html">chris</a>, for the delicious berries and the warmth of your friendship!<br /><br /><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#000099;">lemon blueberry bread</span></strong></div><br /><div align="center">1/3 cup butter, softened</div><div align="center">1 cup sugar</div><div align="center">juice of 1 lemon, zest of 1 lemon</div><div align="center">2 eggs</div><div align="center">1 1/2 cup flour</div><div align="center">1 tsp baking powder</div><div align="center">1/2 tsp salt</div><div align="center">1/2 cup milk</div><div align="center">1 cup fresh blueberries </div><br /><div align="center">2 Tbl lemon juice</div><div align="center">1/4 cup sugar</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">preheat your oven to 350* and grease an 8 x 4 loaf pan.</div><br /><div align="center">combine the flour, baking powder, salt in a mixing bowl, and set aside.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">cream the butter and sugar together in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy. add the eggs, one at a time, beating well. mix in the lemon juice. add the flour mixture and milk, alternating. fold in the blueberries and lemon zest. pour the batter into the prepared pan.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">bake at 350* for 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. combine lemon juice and sugar to make a glaze. pour over the top of the bread while still warm. </div><div align="center"><br /></div><strong><span style="color:#000099;">everyday gift:</span></strong> bursting blueberriesstacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00549886181079315471noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169095076522086308.post-40735977053266465112010-07-12T09:57:00.007-05:002010-07-12T12:02:31.738-05:00highlights from the weekend<div align="left">this is actually about 4 blog posts rolled into one, but as you may have noticed, i have not been very good about sitting down to my computer and getting things logged in. life happens around here faster than i can type, it seems! so in a whirlwind post, here are a few pictures and highlights from our weekend..</div><div align="left">.</div><div align="left">i recently came in contact with a local alpaca breeder while trying to find a shearer for our alpaca. we had a nice visit about raising such interesting animals and i mentioned that since we lost our llama last year, i was concerned that she didn't have another friend of her own kind to hang around with. sheri remembered that comment and called me last week when she decided to sell her gelding. i had to do a bit of negotiating with mark, but i decided to bring him home. he has got the softest fluffiest fibers! isn't he cute?!</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5uMU7f7HoDsh39UmOyqU0qih4LqdX0PO-BwPLIVhSmn3pm1GBaKdQE3fWhQDXY-zV-1WKf2xwmEcqNxQmZrDpqxSYuyE5OWmt_SOjqNoEfD4LnMAEVgX843hZIZqX0pBtejrkkC4hDbQ/s1600/006.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493037453215890274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5uMU7f7HoDsh39UmOyqU0qih4LqdX0PO-BwPLIVhSmn3pm1GBaKdQE3fWhQDXY-zV-1WKf2xwmEcqNxQmZrDpqxSYuyE5OWmt_SOjqNoEfD4LnMAEVgX843hZIZqX0pBtejrkkC4hDbQ/s320/006.JPG" /></a> meet "Thorn".</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><br /><br /><div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM8B9I-TQoNKSGbls6JAdPKbO0Sl9VmFDOkeUnrEfiOiDTxU5scVpKYWYtp5hnoywS2xYlbhOrgkeWb8z0Xwt029Ks7ZwmlpZDBaSmOQgwTri4ZNxXElRo6Vt5vjkPcsSDqGSCGaLg0BU/s1600/010.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493037448216352898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM8B9I-TQoNKSGbls6JAdPKbO0Sl9VmFDOkeUnrEfiOiDTxU5scVpKYWYtp5hnoywS2xYlbhOrgkeWb8z0Xwt029Ks7ZwmlpZDBaSmOQgwTri4ZNxXElRo6Vt5vjkPcsSDqGSCGaLg0BU/s320/010.JPG" /></a> i spotted this carding table at the alpaca farm and snapped a picture. it is a frame with a bottom of wide screen. it allows you to sort through your fleece and fibers while the dirt and vegetable matter fall out. i am hoping to convince someone to build one for me!</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"><br />another opportunity came our way in the form of a free rabbit! an english spot rabbit to be precise. B is delighted with her new friend. she named her "Violet".<br /><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAT7AVKxcO1YcTQEZFo1N2mFM9j6hLF3z43IBeRGckgyvx-YHmhFtG2lrjBazllrbxPi-edW5j4QgMOJdMhm_aMU96I4R0SK_RWSxDX4zvN6vRn68NrjjSrElqL7h_88jFuLbspESMSL8/s1600/017.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493036375382756130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAT7AVKxcO1YcTQEZFo1N2mFM9j6hLF3z43IBeRGckgyvx-YHmhFtG2lrjBazllrbxPi-edW5j4QgMOJdMhm_aMU96I4R0SK_RWSxDX4zvN6vRn68NrjjSrElqL7h_88jFuLbspESMSL8/s320/017.JPG" /></a> B learning some tips on raising english spot rabbits<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNY1luJHiA81v55esmVn6ZEeNio8FmPKHRLULHM3wEyoewbWEzN6kbt8R_RnCHv0Ph9cowr86y4WSU7X1LnZ7tDODkTa16bH7XlVTr0c92kv3Lcopj9lxGih8TV27Hq3kQ6hQjdl0ZsX8/s1600/016.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493036368785651442" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNY1luJHiA81v55esmVn6ZEeNio8FmPKHRLULHM3wEyoewbWEzN6kbt8R_RnCHv0Ph9cowr86y4WSU7X1LnZ7tDODkTa16bH7XlVTr0c92kv3Lcopj9lxGih8TV27Hq3kQ6hQjdl0ZsX8/s320/016.JPG" /></a> a bunny farm<br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisakCPuQKvAMWXoksaG06BAIM2W1vavKATXHJsm_E0NZNUrOtOKEaAOQ0tF6bQmNcyp0XQG71AxaEiCYA_OnKqt9ti0xvsPz6z-FvhzbYaep1NTch2-YrVjP5Lcj_V_y2D7W3pOdACIZo/s1600/019.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493036364670362306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisakCPuQKvAMWXoksaG06BAIM2W1vavKATXHJsm_E0NZNUrOtOKEaAOQ0tF6bQmNcyp0XQG71AxaEiCYA_OnKqt9ti0xvsPz6z-FvhzbYaep1NTch2-YrVjP5Lcj_V_y2D7W3pOdACIZo/s320/019.JPG" /></a>my new friend sheri, from the alpaca farm gave me these pumpkin blossoms with instructions to prepare them like morel mushrooms. that is to say, lightly breaded and sauteed in butter with a little salt and pepper. i love trying new things!</div><div align="left"><br /><br />the weaving and spinning guild held a color/dye workshop this weekend with <a href="http://prairiefiber.homestead.com/">abi hutchison </a>teaching and demonstrating some techniques for hand painting yarn, roving, and warp. what a really neat time we had experimenting with colors and working on ideas that will fit the theme of the aurora borealis. what an incredible inspiration in nature to use for a workshop on color, don't you think?<br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjktLds_y8HkcFVgwa8L4vIM7gVSucIfxtaqcJQ8CQJQU-S5G8S5N67tVSPwr7lx5oz1ENBk_uFRPvmBHZxX29nIy2fGb8uEnZkLdWSBQ4Ijhmjx5xFYU8Glq8hMn6rYKvL2AlXSXHwZX0/s1600/023.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493036358313509346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjktLds_y8HkcFVgwa8L4vIM7gVSucIfxtaqcJQ8CQJQU-S5G8S5N67tVSPwr7lx5oz1ENBk_uFRPvmBHZxX29nIy2fGb8uEnZkLdWSBQ4Ijhmjx5xFYU8Glq8hMn6rYKvL2AlXSXHwZX0/s320/023.JPG" /></a> roxie's cheviot roving</div><div align="center">dyed in a progression of colors: yellow sun, spruce, emerald, sky blue, and brilliant blue. </div><div align="center"> i am really looking forward to spinning this!<br /><br /><br /></div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"><strong><span style="color:#cc0000;">everyday gift:</span></strong> new friends<br /></div></div><br /></div></div>stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00549886181079315471noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169095076522086308.post-19035500321622360522010-07-09T08:37:00.002-05:002010-07-09T08:43:30.952-05:00zucchini blossoms<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj4RC8-36_TTXwv5JYaYHCafQe94n_OOVa92nQfi7AKrxqDomxf2tixoF-H99Te3quozKRUr_vVzIMUzlGcICKDrC3EJS7189X-8YPi5KS1tzQKv8KCGpOztUT5TbJBcjYStfyYGxwu1g/s1600/IMG_0479.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj4RC8-36_TTXwv5JYaYHCafQe94n_OOVa92nQfi7AKrxqDomxf2tixoF-H99Te3quozKRUr_vVzIMUzlGcICKDrC3EJS7189X-8YPi5KS1tzQKv8KCGpOztUT5TbJBcjYStfyYGxwu1g/s320/IMG_0479.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491900922191386834" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">please excuse my absence. i've been lingering in the garden...<br /></div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-2YSFE1SzNtLWavNuCozAadkjtkm6V2Nerl0vlwy7fJiuo3n-jrhmxySTOOmLmw7kF_9FM-wmCWq9NYzyV-VrZhjFnRQ_HpYAVKwRHeDP8AqgwvCrtM4l9hK2JjBJGUzDc3_YArM3iko/s1600/IMG_0478.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-2YSFE1SzNtLWavNuCozAadkjtkm6V2Nerl0vlwy7fJiuo3n-jrhmxySTOOmLmw7kF_9FM-wmCWq9NYzyV-VrZhjFnRQ_HpYAVKwRHeDP8AqgwvCrtM4l9hK2JjBJGUzDc3_YArM3iko/s320/IMG_0478.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491900914591245714" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">everyday gift:</span> the summer sun nourishing my gardenstacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00549886181079315471noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169095076522086308.post-4477647561555508002010-06-26T20:36:00.006-05:002010-06-27T17:47:34.990-05:00iowa sheep and wool festivala few weeks ago B and i took another mother-daughter road trip. it was a wonderful weekend adventure at the iowa sheep and wool festival. <em>(i would like to take a moment here and say what a blessing it is to have a daughter! we have the best time together, sharing so many interests, having heart to heart talks, and laughing a lot, too. i am so thankful for our special relationship!)</em> okay, back to the regularly scheduled blog post... B took a beginning spinning class and was able to learn how to use the wheel she got for christmas. her wheel is a beautiful louet s15 that has been stained green and decorated with a fern motif. <br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiycgKlvpL2VFOGXsk2SftzD08nSxwjqhz6ZghggAmKz8qVI0_mFwZ4QJoZ38qzKL9sdmqBCgZd9yzlxG9CHSxjHmYkRcoM7LycWf_4OuYjlshXOaNaLbzn8KMfH271VeVkq3M1Ur_dGuA/s1600/Sheep+and+wool+224.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487270374535305714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiycgKlvpL2VFOGXsk2SftzD08nSxwjqhz6ZghggAmKz8qVI0_mFwZ4QJoZ38qzKL9sdmqBCgZd9yzlxG9CHSxjHmYkRcoM7LycWf_4OuYjlshXOaNaLbzn8KMfH271VeVkq3M1Ur_dGuA/s320/Sheep+and+wool+224.JPG" /></a> hurray! success on the spinning wheel!</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirzoZU9YQUo0heA75d9O4Usv8r75O5_X6ibcgjNUYvs3lSKg288Hq_9BHZ4kMNJ8THGpc67TfPUFlvzUW3uUDFOp_o4uB-1daWqrCstNw7sRHxB9V0a7Qg_KlDsLfYhyphenhyphenBbGsmHyW8-vwo/s1600/Sheep+and+wool+219.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487269832041163474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirzoZU9YQUo0heA75d9O4Usv8r75O5_X6ibcgjNUYvs3lSKg288Hq_9BHZ4kMNJ8THGpc67TfPUFlvzUW3uUDFOp_o4uB-1daWqrCstNw7sRHxB9V0a7Qg_KlDsLfYhyphenhyphenBbGsmHyW8-vwo/s320/Sheep+and+wool+219.JPG" /></a> B spinning on a drop spindle<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlQDMtPyTqHEJ6BnNQ4ujvAeiIwCFrsTZ1FE0NQFRf-06lj7b6dcyPwdfeDY0bynQPlIxZJOzwmKeDbqFMBn6FJPgycTGXKsPsUP2cHiVghb7pX2_mJ-blhw_OYKEKHA0T5_zOo8Msh3U/s1600/Sheep+and+wool+221.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487269825351257170" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlQDMtPyTqHEJ6BnNQ4ujvAeiIwCFrsTZ1FE0NQFRf-06lj7b6dcyPwdfeDY0bynQPlIxZJOzwmKeDbqFMBn6FJPgycTGXKsPsUP2cHiVghb7pX2_mJ-blhw_OYKEKHA0T5_zOo8Msh3U/s320/Sheep+and+wool+221.JPG" /></a> carding<span style="color:#cc33cc;"> fuchsia</span> wool<br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggJWj8U-BcMAUK_tPc65ArAGt9t02297RPzNdrVxnOLYcslNuqQ_BPl9LlBG1qkb6zo9Lso30dJaUJvBFhlEVd1-3haLaTQgzKA5xKpJyE_TyIwTRgYTtacZm8DKuMCV85r-6fQ2Zi5YI/s1600/Sheep+and+wool+228.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487266485782843874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggJWj8U-BcMAUK_tPc65ArAGt9t02297RPzNdrVxnOLYcslNuqQ_BPl9LlBG1qkb6zo9Lso30dJaUJvBFhlEVd1-3haLaTQgzKA5xKpJyE_TyIwTRgYTtacZm8DKuMCV85r-6fQ2Zi5YI/s320/Sheep+and+wool+228.JPG" /></a> B and i in the bleachers watching the sheep dogs herd their little flocks through the course...<br /><br /></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKEyK3aYtlwAqGtDw0xCLISQrt9-LnWWwyK8pCIwptOsD12H6Cg3pdcLQCIZ39iyE5QeIiiMoKCCdzbCQ-VI9K-glm983Z64AMUcNvQi8Wb1ungMtHMESGWOPeUYQjwt7cV66cNPQ_h2Q/s1600/Sheep+and+wool+227.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487266474252223042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKEyK3aYtlwAqGtDw0xCLISQrt9-LnWWwyK8pCIwptOsD12H6Cg3pdcLQCIZ39iyE5QeIiiMoKCCdzbCQ-VI9K-glm983Z64AMUcNvQi8Wb1ungMtHMESGWOPeUYQjwt7cV66cNPQ_h2Q/s320/Sheep+and+wool+227.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtlEOGsjFYU9UL228whQX84twQydwAqmaXlsb_1lYoZiaoZJ0KmkNt6Qz4cZJdYg2Hr0kdhxefcjM5YljdKM3XRQPxDXyv55khFrXVXOQcjADZZ40n5B1gmtIinE-A7CUgz9KW0Cfh9gw/s1600/Sheep+and+wool+260.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487262253079466098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtlEOGsjFYU9UL228whQX84twQydwAqmaXlsb_1lYoZiaoZJ0KmkNt6Qz4cZJdYg2Hr0kdhxefcjM5YljdKM3XRQPxDXyv55khFrXVXOQcjADZZ40n5B1gmtIinE-A7CUgz9KW0Cfh9gw/s320/Sheep+and+wool+260.JPG" /></a> i also took a class and learned a few techniques to spin specialty yarns using mohair. it was rather difficult and i'm not sure if was very successful, but it helped me to break out of my "spinning comfort zone". </div><div align="center"><em>left to right: spinning directly from mohair locks, a loopy yarn, spinning onto a core thread</em><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMsUH5RcaEbPIMnq22c6_qMPaaX3QJ-s5szv1tNShQntt2av5P8eLXuUbXG7UC6MjZdU768TdPVr1Q1EkN7JJucUU35Gc4y4xUrMWIQIa9KeZo2IkGcgC_t-5230DEhwuNaoXUuLD0JqM/s1600/Sheep+and+wool+261.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487262244089390098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMsUH5RcaEbPIMnq22c6_qMPaaX3QJ-s5szv1tNShQntt2av5P8eLXuUbXG7UC6MjZdU768TdPVr1Q1EkN7JJucUU35Gc4y4xUrMWIQIa9KeZo2IkGcgC_t-5230DEhwuNaoXUuLD0JqM/s320/Sheep+and+wool+261.JPG" /></a> i wanted to try some new fibers so i bought this beautiful silk/merino blend.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEbb9D93IAj1P0qF5_-wvlu00tFEuJ2wEdFmSo_JvtsqJ8Ir94dlZw8GXqAzn8PW_7gv6u1q8ATDtdk4PhCsHXB2anvh6FIlMebOkf4H-2cX6Ye_jzEdWnXjJNBsPA_JoN6_4YcjfD1xU/s1600/Sheep+and+wool+262.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487262239952579074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEbb9D93IAj1P0qF5_-wvlu00tFEuJ2wEdFmSo_JvtsqJ8Ir94dlZw8GXqAzn8PW_7gv6u1q8ATDtdk4PhCsHXB2anvh6FIlMebOkf4H-2cX6Ye_jzEdWnXjJNBsPA_JoN6_4YcjfD1xU/s320/Sheep+and+wool+262.JPG" /></a> this is a wool/angora blend. </div><br /><div>i am spinning it now and looking for some kind of cowl/hood/mobius pattern to use with the yarn. do you have a favorite?<br /><br /></div><br /><div align="left"><strong><span style="color:#cc0000;">everyday gift:</span></strong> a weekend with my girl</div></div></div><br /></div>stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00549886181079315471noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169095076522086308.post-25325153923714277522010-06-23T20:53:00.000-05:002010-06-27T14:13:36.500-05:00spring lambs!<div align="left">i have been meaning to post about our new lambs for about a month, but life around here has been a little crazy. finally, here are pictures of our little babies. it has been so much fun to get to know them. they each have their own little quirks and stories.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVkX17dKbBs0oe3tIPbM0HGCOxqxlupoMMQzgzkKmbFdWbT1p1gCacQbDckxmKTRIJWbwNh8IgTYdVTb7Y3nDuVatw0zpiyglXxnkb9A_geHEsSGfjUr0_x4DP5vwKs-5gEe47oUm0WTA/s1600/Sheep+and+wool+003.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487430274736931218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVkX17dKbBs0oe3tIPbM0HGCOxqxlupoMMQzgzkKmbFdWbT1p1gCacQbDckxmKTRIJWbwNh8IgTYdVTb7Y3nDuVatw0zpiyglXxnkb9A_geHEsSGfjUr0_x4DP5vwKs-5gEe47oUm0WTA/s320/Sheep+and+wool+003.JPG" /></a> hope</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="left">hosanna finally had her baby. out of the 4 ewes who lambed this spring, hosanna was the only experienced mama. every time a lamb was born, hosanna stepped right up to take care of the new lamb, to the point were she was interfering with the real mama. we had to keep running her off and then we isolated the new mother and lamb so they could get to know one another without aunt hosanna budding in! so finally she had her own lamb about a week behind the others. it is a sweet little ewe lamb with a beautiful face, dark brown legs and belly, and a white fleece. hosanna has kept her very protected so we have not had much of a chance to handle her like the others. our little hope is the shy one of the bunch.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><br /> </div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd6_1jSNv9LSSHpWPwH0He-3K2xORoJvS9OiSee67HoY51ymTbwOBIqrqi38l9sImLLQVP4iUrDcz6f8gHS1qNIgXDNcox1dBJJBZN1jldgs9CWlWK-csSvXk5XkgGi6kNy0RCjuc5JZA/s1600/042.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474652742680463874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd6_1jSNv9LSSHpWPwH0He-3K2xORoJvS9OiSee67HoY51ymTbwOBIqrqi38l9sImLLQVP4iUrDcz6f8gHS1qNIgXDNcox1dBJJBZN1jldgs9CWlWK-csSvXk5XkgGi6kNy0RCjuc5JZA/s320/042.JPG" /></a> solomon </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="left">this ram lamb was the first to be born this spring. i love his beautiful face and the cinnamon brown tips on his fleece. underneath the color is fawn. he looks very much like his mother, jubilee. he had a little trouble nursing in the beginning. mama was so large and engorged with milk that he could just not latch on, despite his efforts. we tried to let nature take its course, but after almost 24 hours we still had not seen him successfully nurse. i finally gave him a bottle of milk replacer to give him some strength but i was not ready to take on the full time responsibility of bottle feeding this little guy. so mark and i began our efforts to assist the nursing process. mark had to hold jubilee and squirt milk from the nipple into the lamb's mouth while i physically attached baby to mama. we did this every hour one day and resumed the efforts the next morning until he would finally nurse on his own. <br /></div><div align="left"><br /><br /> </div><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474652132337299186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8M0Y9wCytQt2y-31y2POeUI_pmXNrD9pkJSiUa5yr4BfaHwnvsVLSkN3LmcSdaKb9kndfR8qnT5M45GJ1gBXACq38tOs4ED0gZvLcXSCeWgHSfLooYSCimLthdzvYNbSMGNscyaqXMgw/s320/044.JPG" />ezekiel</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="left">sweet little ram lamb. this is shalom's second born of the twins. shalom, hosanna's baby from 2008, is a shetland/cheviot cross. now, crossed back to shetland, her lambs have a very luxurious fleece. zeke is coal black with a small white spot on his head. <br /></div><div align="center"><br /><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhipLZWsTUg-l2hsuM7okkiXhxoqQD9rSaaLlz4qeLKKV_IXHXqpK-VVsqVEY6CqVvq-t7178b16HWdbVv2OlVyaJ4RE80mXdad1BX-OhtXp6hoNBcg2jk2BjUJpfS6Q4bzFjDPdY5TuvI/s1600/040.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474651559587626050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhipLZWsTUg-l2hsuM7okkiXhxoqQD9rSaaLlz4qeLKKV_IXHXqpK-VVsqVEY6CqVvq-t7178b16HWdbVv2OlVyaJ4RE80mXdad1BX-OhtXp6hoNBcg2jk2BjUJpfS6Q4bzFjDPdY5TuvI/s320/040.JPG" /></a> joy!</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="left">we could not have chosen a more appropriate name for shalom's ewe lamb. she is the friendliest, bounciest, silliest lamb that we have. she loves to climb all over you, if you let her, and she leads the other lambs all over the pasture in crazy leaps and bounds. she has unusual markings on her face of black, brown, and white. her long soft wool is growing in very grey underneath the white tips, very much like her mother.<br /><br /></div><div align="center"><br /><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHdbzWZjAGNt9_-X_uie3oHwz0S6aySTB-lF1YlMkoagM0eb-mr0PIfresvUrj2-DXc6dRDzv5ILAwI3FZZjQTSCl34zko2ceBXiqFyvxK5N80UCVjTrg_M5ggHXUKuyWHtfMU64jockE/s1600/019.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474649963994310450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHdbzWZjAGNt9_-X_uie3oHwz0S6aySTB-lF1YlMkoagM0eb-mr0PIfresvUrj2-DXc6dRDzv5ILAwI3FZZjQTSCl34zko2ceBXiqFyvxK5N80UCVjTrg_M5ggHXUKuyWHtfMU64jockE/s320/019.JPG" /></a> malachi</div><div align="left"><br />this is malachi. second twin of bathsheba. he had a rough start when his mama was too busy with her first lamb to give him the attention that he needed. i watched on and waited for her to start licking him dry and nudging him to his feet, but she wasn't interested. when he started to shiver, i had to step in and dry him off with a towel and help him stand. i kept introducing him to mama and putting him in position to nurse. finally he latched on and bathsheba began to lick him and accept him. what a relief! he seemed to do well after that, although, he was never as frisky as the others. we didn't realize until it was too late that he had become sick. we lost him after 3 weeks. maybe he wasn't nursing as well as we thought. we will miss his sweet face with the funny white markings!<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPq2g7NeENP1annZYyuOuAht2j_62vSPSD4ETekhpn0kZ3KJoe4HohsHwkeIaMdYZmbqRjtog5XW9R4q7AE99_xIli8raDJd3sNjw773zC1DHTgnsvhUtnIeQSTXXKqVyIQQKIjmbMul0/s1600/018.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474649954173964002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPq2g7NeENP1annZYyuOuAht2j_62vSPSD4ETekhpn0kZ3KJoe4HohsHwkeIaMdYZmbqRjtog5XW9R4q7AE99_xIli8raDJd3sNjw773zC1DHTgnsvhUtnIeQSTXXKqVyIQQKIjmbMul0/s320/018.JPG" /></a> comfort </div><div align="left"><br />she is truly a prize among our lambs. bathsheba's first lamb is a spotless dark brown. in this picture she looks black, but compared to the true black lambs, she is definitely brown. we ended up with a perfect variety of colors: white, grey, fawn, dark brown, and black. i couldn't be happier about that! i believe comfort misses her brother, malachi. after he died, i left him with him mama for a little while. if i hadn't, she might have continued to look for him frantically and bah for him. this way she can somewhat process the fact that he has died. during this time, comfort lay down beside him and wouldn't leave him, even when the others had gone to pasture. it was very sad. maybe that is why she has become such buddies with hope.<br /><br /><br /></div><div align="left"><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;">everyday gift:</span> colors of the shetland rainbow</div><div align="center"></div>stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00549886181079315471noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169095076522086308.post-81175578225461238612010-06-02T12:03:00.002-05:002010-06-02T12:14:51.040-05:00radishes!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw1Wq126YsSqEL3Q0yNK7EIjX2kbw0nIEfsgy72PG-vEW7PGYf6TIccPJJDbk0iqGgxEBdOKx6A-dls5EkFkBHI3Tw8taCqT3EG6G70jrcx4D61UfCFQ3arGgjW2iXOsaGaBkxSD715aU/s1600/IMG_0025.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw1Wq126YsSqEL3Q0yNK7EIjX2kbw0nIEfsgy72PG-vEW7PGYf6TIccPJJDbk0iqGgxEBdOKx6A-dls5EkFkBHI3Tw8taCqT3EG6G70jrcx4D61UfCFQ3arGgjW2iXOsaGaBkxSD715aU/s320/IMG_0025.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478225870949314194" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVErNCq0MFMR5e4KROwYpcvU0LDkF2CVrZ3XvKsnC3m4JD3PPPapppv_l66wgdo3X3TK42adDoza_fJD9tbX5ToHcdItV14FMHYgg_7HVemo0uKeeOGMDcPT93mT1Pdf9D7R9Kjlgp8Zk/s1600/IMG_0027.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVErNCq0MFMR5e4KROwYpcvU0LDkF2CVrZ3XvKsnC3m4JD3PPPapppv_l66wgdo3X3TK42adDoza_fJD9tbX5ToHcdItV14FMHYgg_7HVemo0uKeeOGMDcPT93mT1Pdf9D7R9Kjlgp8Zk/s320/IMG_0027.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478223877959388386" border="0" /></a>B with some of the radishes she grew this spring!<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM9e_Tk1Xdue1ReOq9AMf5BfLII5zhjyTBM5j7WmOK5mb8-KgdhKxYQRlkpOBZrsSn1gWQrD467sn5qYTw4Pc0C2cskNrFISr0Rt-VWhG4ZhfxkD-f4QqY0ZcZztRcKSDkqtVf8zIgQAM/s1600/IMG_0029.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM9e_Tk1Xdue1ReOq9AMf5BfLII5zhjyTBM5j7WmOK5mb8-KgdhKxYQRlkpOBZrsSn1gWQrD467sn5qYTw4Pc0C2cskNrFISr0Rt-VWhG4ZhfxkD-f4QqY0ZcZztRcKSDkqtVf8zIgQAM/s320/IMG_0029.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478223869338732978" border="0" /></a>a spring salad<br />spinach, leaf lettuce and sliced radishes from the garden<br />red onion, grated carrot, and feta cheese<br />tossed with italian dressing<br />a winning combination!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">everyday gift:</span> a garden fresh salad<br /></div></div>stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00549886181079315471noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169095076522086308.post-91097503895264063302010-05-25T11:49:00.007-05:002010-06-02T12:18:48.849-05:00recent happenings...<span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span>so many things have been happening all at once during the month of may. it has sometimes been hard to coordinate them all. here are a few of the more important events...<br /><br />our church was planning a baptism service and B wanted to be baptized. she picked up a packet that had all the information, a Bible study to complete and a form to fill out to help you verbalize your testimony. B was very serious about doing everything required <span style="font-style: italic;">exactly</span> right. this lead her to be a little stressed and nervous. it did not help matters that we were very busy with so many other activities. as the date approached, i suggested that maybe we should just wait until the next time. but for B, this was just not an option. she reminded me of the story found in acts 8 about the ethiopian who believed when philip explained the scriptures to him. they came across a pool of water in the desert and he said, <span style="font-style: italic;">"Look, here is water. Why shouldn't I be baptized?"</span> like the ethiopian, she wanted to be baptized right now! and why not? here is water!<br /><br />we couldn't have the cake reception for her like we did when her brothers were baptized, our weekend was just too packed with events. but she said, "you know, it's not about cake!" thank you, dear B, for reminding me to focus on the important things.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZfDHdwpmgxVMefKPjpJIwdaf2yLvB51tSld4KSr4xyzIJ7FJXV9U_rR5n9iMDrIfNhkD3h4nnhA8USZ7cTYyKfDo8kf9YtGcx1Z6OU8KS9m4PbPMeCIhW790kEmMoqgzGdUtziWLJbTQ/s1600/IMG_0128.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZfDHdwpmgxVMefKPjpJIwdaf2yLvB51tSld4KSr4xyzIJ7FJXV9U_rR5n9iMDrIfNhkD3h4nnhA8USZ7cTYyKfDo8kf9YtGcx1Z6OU8KS9m4PbPMeCIhW790kEmMoqgzGdUtziWLJbTQ/s320/IMG_0128.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478205929708551986" border="0" /></a>B shared her testimony about her sunday school teacher (miss paula)<br />teaching the kids about salvation when she was 5.<br />later that day she prayed to ask Jesus into her heart.<br /><br />she was baptized by john, the children's pastor at our church, who has such a heart for the kids.<br />God has used him in a such a wonderful way in our family, especially evident in the spiritual growth spurt we have seen in B. she has learned so much through the children's ministry and has a real hunger for the Word. God has given her such a loving, compassionate, and generous heart. we have seen her give sacrificially to missions and serve the women's ministry by helping care for the younger children during Bible study. i am praising God for her sweet faith in action.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">3 John 1:4</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">I have not greater joy than to hear that my children are<br />walking in Truth</span><br /><br /><br />This month was also important to C as he reached a milestone, graduating from 8th grade. my boy is ready for high school! <span style="font-style: italic;">(not sure about his mother!)</span> this past year has been a time of tremendous growth, yes, physically, but also in maturity. i have watched him take on a man's work, side by side with his dad. he has taken responsibility for his studies, working independently through the algebra text book ahead of the class. i have also seen him overcome some pitfalls. <span style="font-style: italic;">(i will have to stop before i get into trouble...he is not too happy about being the subject of my blog. )</span> but i will say, i am so proud of this young man. it is a joy to see God working in his life.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFLOYx3Q-aVDjmmHGfS-50oz85AHrPzYg8ckNc7d3fSpU-uVPacFCB77hvLSqfSSMjN213-_G33JKpiVdcgJt55ewRRKVR_XLZtc9hcdyGGXLrKuFwERTwb0hM6UdB1ZHLv2hgeK5CHiw/s1600/IMG_0058.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFLOYx3Q-aVDjmmHGfS-50oz85AHrPzYg8ckNc7d3fSpU-uVPacFCB77hvLSqfSSMjN213-_G33JKpiVdcgJt55ewRRKVR_XLZtc9hcdyGGXLrKuFwERTwb0hM6UdB1ZHLv2hgeK5CHiw/s320/IMG_0058.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478203170783866290" border="0" /></a>C receives his certificate of 8th grade graduation<br /></div><div align="center"><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Philippians 1:6</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">...being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.</span><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Ks6o73ScTtWPlxPW6lK6j-1JPQqIWkkGcWCmE1BSFwhVl5zOXs6v2UybQ7-bsu6P6OhcgXOwwC92tXRxTgg4jg0p3VrB49rlQo7WVUHFicgl8wm6YhR4Pwf7WlrIOW1CDj61hQ3GtOI/s1600/023.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px; display: block; height: 240px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475251810359096946" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Ks6o73ScTtWPlxPW6lK6j-1JPQqIWkkGcWCmE1BSFwhVl5zOXs6v2UybQ7-bsu6P6OhcgXOwwC92tXRxTgg4jg0p3VrB49rlQo7WVUHFicgl8wm6YhR4Pwf7WlrIOW1CDj61hQ3GtOI/s320/023.JPG" border="0" /></a>i must have turned my back one day, because when i looked again, </div>my boy had become a young man.<br /><div>he has passed me up in height and is gaining on his dad!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-U1SkE-bnuS2PYOXlwpQiubT4iMVF2Yn5xLP5SKbodfhfvUNFTtv-UNr5epzHxAsm5ZMVJMs8VARP7oXFWmeNoKAplnJ6pTTwj4XcHZEKeZk-ycmacukKKNghWUwKoR2vkUFs1Lxd3No/s1600/026.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px; display: block; height: 240px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475251805759535730" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-U1SkE-bnuS2PYOXlwpQiubT4iMVF2Yn5xLP5SKbodfhfvUNFTtv-UNr5epzHxAsm5ZMVJMs8VARP7oXFWmeNoKAplnJ6pTTwj4XcHZEKeZk-ycmacukKKNghWUwKoR2vkUFs1Lxd3No/s320/026.JPG" border="0" /></a>clownin' around! :o)<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">everyday gift</span>: celebrating achievements, growth, and God's grace<br /></div><br /><div></div></div></div></div>stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00549886181079315471noreply@blogger.com5