A few things

I figured I better pop in with an update since I haven't been around lately. I've been going to physical therapy 2 times per week for a low back issue that's working it's way down to my foot.  I haven't been able to go on my walks for a while now and it puts me into a funk. I know it's important to keep up my appointments, (and it's helping a lot!!) but it sure sucks time out of my day.  Also, my dad is in the hospital with an infection of some kind, so there's an element of worry floating about.  As a result I don't feel very creative lately.  I open the door to my sewing room, throw something on the cutting table, close the door behind me.  Ugh.
A few things though, helped improve my mood.


 I received some yarn in the mail for a wrap I have been dreaming about for a while now.  It's an alpaca, rayon blend (Berroco Folio) which feels amazingly soft against the skin.

The first part of the pattern is a mind numbing 22 inches of single crochet.  Just the kind of project where you set yourself on auto-pilot and hook away while watching baseball games and taped episodes of Property Brothers.  Perfect.

Then my new cookbook arrived.

 Lots of fresh simple ingredients and everything made from scratch.  The book is organized by seasons so you can cook with what is available during summer, fall, etc.  There is also an ongoing commentary in the side bars about the authors' life on her farm, so it makes for a very enjoyable read.

morning glories sharing sun with the cantaloupes in my garden

You will find ideas for cooking with all those great fruits and veggies you grow in your backyard (or buy at the farm stand), like carrots, kale, butternut squash, corn, beets, rhubarb and berries.  Recipes for paella, Thai shrimp, pot roast, molasses cookies and a tomato tart are on my list of things to make.
Oh yeah.  Feeling better already.

This small grove of Redwood trees is at the side of our property.  I was walking around checking it out yesterday, because we have had a family of 7 raccoons (!!!) and 2 feral cats hanging around the house and in the garage.  But all I found was this...

I think it's a Robin's nest.  It fell from the tree and didn't even break apart! I love how it blends right in like it's always been there.  I almost stepped on it!
Thanks to the birds for sharing their gift.
And thank you for visiting!