Archive for ‘October, 2020’

I made a hat!

So … it is hunting season and it is cold and my only really warm hat is black with a gray-brown faux fur pom.

I wear a hunter orange vest over my outerwear, but still … a hat with a deer colored pom is not the best thing to have on my head.

I had to run to town on Monday morning … AND I was going to be near the Jo-Ann fabric store which is the source of the looped yarn that I’m using for the blanket … AND they have curbside pickup.

Short story is I found some brighter colored yarn, ordered and picked it up on my way. Jo-Ann uses a great app called Fly-Buy which allowed me to enter that I was on my way, allowed the store to see my progress and what kind of vehicle I was in. I’d barely parked and put on a mask when someone came out of the store with my order and then I was off to my actual errand.

I found a pattern (simple!!) and YouTube tutorial (www.sugarbeecrafts.com) over the weekend.

This morning, I started the hat as I was making coffee. I worked a bit on it through the day as I took short breaks to stretch, fix a cup of tea, etc.

As I was fixing my supper, I finished.

Short, sweet and fun.

I think I will not look like a deer in this hat.

I made a hat!!!

Winter in October

Yes, so … above was the forecast last Friday (10/23).

The forecast lived up to it’s name!

The “CLIMATE” section is interesting … I guess we’ll see. Last year, we had a winter storm in September and then Winter kind of pffhtt to not much Winter.

In preparation…

Sadly, the hanging baskets are compost … but the coleus and succulents are transitioning to inside homes. They are both so beautiful and healthy looking and hopefully I can keep them that way.

Dreaming, maybe … but I HOPE for a winter of good snow and snowshoeing!

Back to now.

October cold and snow.

Saturday midday Winter Wonderland!

Yes, that is one of the coleus plants!

And Emmett and Auggie … it is sunny outside, but VERY cold.

Meanwhile….

Despite a certain amount of interference/help/supervision …

The first three afghan squares are complete.

Just in time.

I received an email that the 2nd kit of the next three blocks is on its way.

While we wait…

Making peppermint marshmallows!!!

YUM…

October Winter calls for hot chocolate with peppermint marshmallows.

Don’t you agree???

How are those craft projects coming along?

My progress is likely not as fast as most crafters/crochet-ers … BUT, I am happy with how things are going and more important: I am having BIG fun!!

I just finished joining the third skein of loop yarn in the blankie…

So, about 1/3 done … I think. And, I think 6 skeins will be perfect size-wise, which allows me to make a scarf from the 7th. This yarn is VERY soft and cozy, so think it will make a wonderful scarf.

On to afghan squares.

I finished the first last weekend and am about 2/3 of the way with the second. There is one more block with this part of the kit and then I wait for the second kit.

So, I am not the fastest crafter person. Based on the YouTube videos I’ve watched, many whip up the blankets in a day or 2. And I am sure long time crochet-ers would do the same with the blocks.

BUT, we have walks and play and chores and baking and work, so … I am just very pleased that things are moving along and I am always happy when I can find 10-15-20 minutes to do a few rows of one or the other. I have also found that it is a pleasant activity to do for 15 minutes before bedtime … slows down the whirl of work and news. I do a bit, take Emmett out for out last short walk and then I am ready to sleep.

The craft projects are coming along!

***Updated 4:35 10/23

So, this is what the afghan is supposed to look like when complete:

Above is an image from the instructions.

Sunday treats: bagels and snow!

We’ll start with snow …. yep, snow. It was forecast and it was flurrying when Emmett and I took our last walk on Saturday night. By this morning, there was maybe a scant inch and as I write this at 1:30 p.m., it has mostly stopped after snowing all morning.

In anticipation of snow and a cold week, I fired up the woodstove yesterday for the first time this Fall/Winter season. Cozy!

I also mixed up a batch of dough on Saturday evening for …

Sunday morning bagels !!!

I used a recipe from The Clever Carrot’s (Emilie Raffa) book: Artisan Sourdough Made Simple. Most of Emilie’s recipes have a “mix in the afternoon/early evening, let dough rise overnight” time schedule.

This morning, I was up at my typical 5:30 a.m. ish … shaped the bagels, took Emmett for a dark o’clock walk, boiled, seeded, baked and I had fresh, hot bagels about 6:45 a.m.

Sunday morning bagels!

That cheese…

… is from Cowgirl Creamery . I’ve been buying online and just joined the “Cheese Club”: monthly delivery of several kinds of cheese and a Zoom session with the cheese master to learn about the cheeses, the creamery and generally have fun! The cheese is delicious!

From their website:

I’m happy to have found this source of artisanal made organic cheese! My first order also included Fig Jam from Jamnation Jams . Also delicious and not over sweetened like grocery store jam. Another great company that I’m happy to buy from.

After bagels and ham and cheese and jam … time for a walk in the snow!

Sunday treats.