Olallieberry

Snowy

Well, it's here. I think we've seen the last of the beautiful warm days--the cold weather has settled in early. Yesterday we had our second snowfall, which in itself isn't really a big deal except that this time it came with a biting cold wind, and the temperature barely made it to 1 degree C. The weatherlady calls for similar all next week.

Now that I've gotten used to the idea, it really isn't so bad. I love all the things that come along with the cold weather: hot chocolate, baking, knitting, warm fires, sweaters and socks. Things I don't like are feeling holed up inside, and having to wake up earlier in the morning to ensure time for thawing and scraping of the car windows before going to work. Don't get me wrong, I love snow and crisp air. But the winters here can be long and harsh, and it doesn't take much time before I'm yearning for spring (here I am talking about yearning for spring, and it isn't even winter yet...sheesh).

Needless to say, social events become a very important respite from the cold weather. Off we went to visit friends who have recently moved into a new home, and we were so happy to celebrate with them. I baked my regular cake for such events, which is simple to make and a pleaser every time. See the carrier I put it in? Just as an aside, I spotted the same one in a second hand store for double the price I paid for mine new. Beware all you fellow thrifters, second hand doesn't always mean we're getting a deal! Wonderful weekend wishes to you all. xox

P.S. - Have you seen the baby? My heart is simply overflowing!!

Mystery Post

I wrote a post.

It was about how much I appreciate all of you and your kind words of support during my 'bout of the flu, which I'm absolutely certain aided in my speedy recovery. I shared about a project I've been working on--the little knitted pouches made with Noro yarn you see above, and how I've been experimenting with a felted embroidered version. I wrote about the Summer Garden Quilt and how it has been calling to me for attention.

But it's all gone now.

Upon publishing, the post was appearing oddly in my dashboard for some reason, showing up as two separate posts, exactly the same. So what did I do? Well after carefully checking the links, I deleted one of them of course, confident the other was the official published version.

I was wrong. "Poof", both versions of the entire post disappeared. And so I leave you with this.

Pathetic, isn't it?

September Busy

Gackers, back to school season is in full swing! Early mornings, lunches, homework, errands, activities, work, shopping... luckily stores like Ikea have a cafeteria to grab a bite when time is really tight, but I do try not to think too hard about those mystery meatballs...

Found a nice stash of lace weight yarn at the local thrift shop, I'm pretty sure its a silk merino blend. Four dollars for two very large wound cakes... Jackpot! Now to figure out what to use it for, I'm afraid I'm getting a bit shawled out.

Must dash, looking forward to visiting your lovely blogs very soon dear friends!

xoxoxoxox

Evening

The light fades earlier in the evenings now as we settle comfortably into our fall routine.

Late Summer Jellies

There is definitely a freshness on the breeze--the light is changing and the shadows are growing just a tiny bit longer. Fall is in the air.

K and E are back from the lake, and it is time to turn our minds to planning for back to school. Shopping, haircuts, organization, schedules...

Much as I have been yearning for the arrival of fall in order to escape the unrelenting heat we've experienced this summer, I am not ready to take the full plunge into autumn just quite yet. One more full week of holidays left, and I intend to savour every single sweet moment.

As I may have mentioned (numerous times), our garden has been quite a disappointment this year (understatement), so preserving has been pretty minimal. I did, however, manage to whip up a batch of this sweet red pepper jelly, which is fun and delicious as an hors d'oeuvre served with crackers and cream cheese. Great for gifting too! I will be sure to share the recipe later in the week (thanks Mum).

In the meantime, into the pantry they all shall go (with the exception of one for testing purposes); tucked away safely like little twinkling jewels, waiting to be unearthed and rediscovered after being long forgotten.

Speaking of jewels, if I am to strengthen my relationship with my BBFL, it is imperative that I build and maintain an effective stash of fabric and notions in order to keep her contented. 

I patiently explain the imporatance of effective relationship management to the Mr, who I am very proud to say has a full understanding of such things. I am so blessed! With that in mind I recently received this absolutely lovely jelly roll of Amy Butler fabric in the mail... perfectly delicious! 

I have a few ideas, but for now it will serve as another jewel. A treasure to be stored on the shelf, waiting to be rediscovered on a future rainy or wintery day. If I can contain myself that is, these little strips are gorgeous!

In the meantime, Celes and I continue to develop our close bond. Ahhh, sweet peace, how I love to knit!! 

Wishing you all a wonderful week dear friends. xoxoxoxoxo

Rosy Weekend Plans

The roses are in bloom--John Cabot--spicy and warm and lanky. They are just about the only thing worthwhile in my garden this year, even the dependable peonies haven't done anything. Stunted. I just don't understand it. Funny how those weeds don't seem to be stunted though...

So I fix myself oolong tea, curl up with a good book, and prepare myself for a difficult Canada Day long weekend filled with reading, knitting, and resting rather than struggling to dredge up inspiration for digging in the hot garden.

Hmmm, not such a bad deal :)

Besides, those John Cabot roses have a terrific wafting range. Thank you for all your lovely comments on the soapmaking tutorial, have a wonderful weekend friends!

On Gardens and Soap and Knitting...

It's been a gorgeous week weather wise; not too hot and not too cold. The kids are really getting wound up as exams taper off and summer holidays fast approach. And am I looking forward to time off as well. We are planning a camping trip through the Rocky Mountains and into Southern British Columbia this summer which we have done nearly every year since the kids came along... except for last year, and did we ever miss it. I just can't wait.

On another note, the soapmaking tutorial is finished! I can't tell you how much I enjoyed putting this together, I really hope some of you are inspired to have some fun and give it a try. It is such a satisfying pursuit both in process and product; I can never seem to keep much on hand as everyone appreciates the unexpected gift of a little bar once in awhile. It's just so pretty!

In between everything else that's been going on, I've managed to find time to do a bit of knitting: Celes is on the needles. I find lace knitting to be much easier and relaxing than cable knitting. The key of course is taking the time to set up the stitch markers at the beginning of the project. The first time I attempted lace knitting many years ago, no one told me about stitch markers and so I thought the technique was completely beyond me! Once I caught on it really changed my whole approach to knitting.

A recent inspection of the garden confirms the swallow eggs have hatched, and the babies are demanding more and more loudly every day... Mama and Papa swallows have been tirelessly working to meet their voracious demands. While inspecting the birds and the garden, I managed to pull a few weeds and in doing so stumbled upon my pathetic onions, which I share with you in utter disgrace. For next year--compost, compost, compost!

After an appropriate time had passed for lamenting, I went back inside to clean up and self sooth by breaking out a still-curing bar of oatmeal soap...

Ahhhhh, all better now. Have a wonderful week dear friends! xox