New Projects...

 A very simple scarf pattern found on the label of this interesting bulky yarn by Berroco called Link is working up real fast and pretty!! 

 Really enjoying the color changes of this color called Arcadia.  Purchased at Noble Knits.

 Also in the works is a fine lace shawl knitted with a mohair loop yarn...found it in my stash.

I think it may be by Cherry Tree Hill...it's very delicate and hope that it will be pretty when finished.

Summer sure is flying by!  I'm already thinking ahead what to knit or crochet for Christmas gifts...guess we'll see!!  I usually come up with something!!

Squirrel Hijinx...

These little critters are multiplying and visiting my yard more often...of course, the peanuts I give them does encourage them, but I love watching them and seeing my 10 year old dog Maggi get all excited over them.
I once saw five squirrels on my wall at once...almost looked like a Hitchcock movie with squirrels!
The squirrels sure like the peanuts...they also love sliced apples too!
This squirrel seemed to be hugging the cool wall because it was hot!!! I have found that usually the squirrels don't really like each other and will run each off, or to the other extreme of liking each other a little TOO much if you know what I mean!!

Happy Birthday, William!

So hard to believe you were born 24 years ago!! Such a sweet baby you were!

You grew up with a big smile on your face!!!

And you so enjoy life and lived it to the fullest!

Love the handsome young man you've become!!!

Happy Birthday to you, Will!!!!

Simple Shrug Finished...

I finished the free pattern "Simple Shrug" from the Lion Brand website...it was pretty simple!! You just crochet a giant rectangle of single crochet rows and then do seams along the sides leaving openings for the sleeves...
I used Homespun in #412 Pearls...really turned out pretty...
I did try it on...I think I'll have my mom try it on to see how it fits her and make myself another one and go a little longer making rows...the yarn is a bit stretchy, but so very soft and elegant! Homespun is one of my favorite yarns to work with!

Beer Butt Chicken...

I finally got to try a new recipe...Beer Can Chicken aka Beer Butt Chicken posted by my friend Lidia at her blog. Don't tell my mom, but I "borrowed" one of her beers for this recipe!! It got a little frothy when I added the butter mixture with paprika and the garlic!Here's the poor chicken sitting on the can...
Then smeared the butter mixture all over the chicken!!
Then placed in an oven preheated for 350 for an hour and a half or until temperature reading is 165...
It smelled so good in my kitchen and the chicken turned out so delicious!! I normally don't eat the skin, but it was so crispy this time that I made an exception!! Very easy and successful recipe!!!

80 and still going strong!

We celebrated my parents' 80th birthdays...as the story goes, my parents were both June 14 and June 20 in the same hospital with their mothers practically sharing the same room. Back then you spent more time in the hospital after giving birth than you do now. When my parents met roughly 16 years later, my mom's mom remember the name of Korteland when my mom was telling her about the boy she met. My Oma's response? "Ask him if he was born with a broken arm." Sure enough. Same baby. So above you see a large canvas image of the hospital my parents were born at...my daughter Kara came up with the idea and it was received with much surprise and delight!
We continued on to the Cellar restaurant in Fullerton...what a wonderful place with great ambiance and style...and of course, great food!!
My parents looking very young at their age looking upon their almost grown grandchildren with amazement...
We sat on a large round table which made conversation very easy...we shared old memories.
Kara with her boyfriend Ben...
Peter with his girlfriend Catherine...
My tante Truus also joined the festivities...nice to see her on such a happy occasion.
The entire dining experience was topped off with a delicious souffle! My son Will pouring extra chocolate sauce into his chocolate souffle!! I had the Grand Marnier souffle which was simply to die for! I wouldn't mind having another one right now!
Such a marvelous time!! For more photos, please visit my Flick'r! May my parents have many more healthy years to come!!!

Granny Throw!

No, I don't mean throw your Granny!! I just finished my Granny square throw and I love the way it turned out!! Such a great and easy pattern. http://www.redheart.com/free-patterns/weekend-granny-throw
I stayed with the requested colors that the pattern wanted...and the thicker yarn worked really well...ordered it online since I didn't see it at Michael's or JoAnn's.

An easy crochet for sure! Something to do while watching tv!!