It is cold and damp outside, fall has come and it is here too stay. Leaves falling everywhere, and the winter storm damage of last year is still being repaired, here.
It was a busy summer for me, soaking up all the rays of sunshine I could find, doing my storm claim, getting quotes and contractors and finally the work has begun. The house got painted, the garage doors were replaced, the back door is almost finished...the electric box still needs to be repaired. Broken tree limbs were cut down and made into firewood for what I believe will be another record cold winter with lots more snow.
So....today, I started my first pot of homemade soup. I try to make 3 or 4 for the winter months storing the extra in smaller containers in my freezer. Today's soup is my version of Mexican Black Been soup. Here is the general recipe...feel free to add in other things which will interest your tastebuds.
1. one bag of dried black beans soaked overnight in six cups of water, bring to a boil and simmer for 2 hours with one large dried chipotle pepper,seeds removed. Drain.
2. one large onion and 3 cloves of garlic and half of a large carrot, chopped...and sauteed in olive oil, until lightly browned. Remove and put aside.
3. brown 1-1/2 lbs of sausage lightly in olive oil. use any combination or all, smoke sausage, andouli, chiorizio.... set aside.
4. when bean are cooked......drain taking the dried pepper and cutting it. put drained beans, pepper onions, garlic, carrot mix in large stock pot, with the cooked sausages. Add 64ozs. of chicken stock plus 2 tbsp of tomato paste. Bring to a boil...and then simmer. Add the following spices to taste:1 tsp cumin, 1tsp mexican oregano, 2 tbsp cilantro, 2 tbsp lime juice, sea salt and ground black pepper. And if you like very spicy a chopped jalepeno or two. Simmer for an hour or two...
5. Let soup cool. Remove sausages and cut into bite sized pieces....put aside. Puree beans and soup broth in a food processor. Put puree back into pot, and add sausage pieces, Stir til blended.
6. Serve soup with garnish of chopped tomatoes, chopped onions, chopped jalepenos and sour cream....YUMMMMMMMMM.
Hope you enjoy........
Smiles to you all,
DC
Friday, October 22, 2010
Saturday, September 11, 2010
keirsey temperament sorter
check out this site.........
here are my results.....which were not a surprise.......
Custom Keirsey Temperament Report for: deborah
Your Keirsey Temperament Sorter Results indicates that your personality type is that of the
Artisans are the temperament with a natural ability to excel in any of the arts, not only the fine arts such as painting and sculpting, or the performing arts such as music, theater, and dance, but also the athletic, military, political, mechanical, and industrial arts, as well as the "art of the deal" in business.
Artisans are most at home in the real world of solid objects that can be made and manipulated, and of real-life events that can be experienced in the here and now. Artisans have exceptionally keen senses, and love working with their hands. They seem right at home with tools, instruments, and vehicles of all kinds, and their actions are usually aimed at getting them where they want to go, and as quickly as possible. Thus Artisans will strike off boldly down roads that others might consider risky or impossible, doing whatever it takes, rules or no rules, to accomplish their goals. This devil-may-care attitude also gives the Artisans a winning way with people, and they are often irresistibly charming with family, friends, and co-workers.
Artisans want to be where the action is; they seek out adventure and show a constant hunger for pleasure and stimulation. They believe that variety is the spice of life, and that doing things that aren't fun or exciting is a waste of time. Artisans are impulsive, adaptable, competitive, and believe the next throw of the dice will be the lucky one. They can also be generous to a fault, always ready to share with their friends from the bounty of life. Above all, Artisans need to be free to do what they wish, when they wish. They resist being tied or bound or confined or obligated; they would rather not wait, or save, or store, or live for tomorrow. In the Artisan view, today must be enjoyed, for tomorrow may never come.
There are many Artisans, perhaps 30 to 35 percent of the population, which is good, because they create much of the beauty, grace, fun, and excitement the rest of us enjoy in life.
Artisans at Work
Artisans seek to make an impact upon the organizations where they work and upon society at large. Their alertness to current realities, the joy they take in variation, and their tendency to follow their instincts to 'what works' make them good troubleshooters and negotiators, talented performers and craftspeople and excellent leaders in all kinds of emergencies and chaotic situations.
Your heightened aesthetic sense can lead you to craft and perfect whatever work you take on. As a result, in your ideal job you would likely have the freedom to gather observations, collections of facts, and sets of skills in order to do your work. You can be thrilled when you slip through a window of strategic opportunity that colleagues or the competition haven’t yet seen.
here are my results.....which were not a surprise.......
Custom Keirsey Temperament Report for: deborah
Your Keirsey Temperament Sorter Results indicates that your personality type is that of the
Artisans are the temperament with a natural ability to excel in any of the arts, not only the fine arts such as painting and sculpting, or the performing arts such as music, theater, and dance, but also the athletic, military, political, mechanical, and industrial arts, as well as the "art of the deal" in business.
Artisans are most at home in the real world of solid objects that can be made and manipulated, and of real-life events that can be experienced in the here and now. Artisans have exceptionally keen senses, and love working with their hands. They seem right at home with tools, instruments, and vehicles of all kinds, and their actions are usually aimed at getting them where they want to go, and as quickly as possible. Thus Artisans will strike off boldly down roads that others might consider risky or impossible, doing whatever it takes, rules or no rules, to accomplish their goals. This devil-may-care attitude also gives the Artisans a winning way with people, and they are often irresistibly charming with family, friends, and co-workers.
Artisans want to be where the action is; they seek out adventure and show a constant hunger for pleasure and stimulation. They believe that variety is the spice of life, and that doing things that aren't fun or exciting is a waste of time. Artisans are impulsive, adaptable, competitive, and believe the next throw of the dice will be the lucky one. They can also be generous to a fault, always ready to share with their friends from the bounty of life. Above all, Artisans need to be free to do what they wish, when they wish. They resist being tied or bound or confined or obligated; they would rather not wait, or save, or store, or live for tomorrow. In the Artisan view, today must be enjoyed, for tomorrow may never come.
There are many Artisans, perhaps 30 to 35 percent of the population, which is good, because they create much of the beauty, grace, fun, and excitement the rest of us enjoy in life.
Artisans at Work
Artisans seek to make an impact upon the organizations where they work and upon society at large. Their alertness to current realities, the joy they take in variation, and their tendency to follow their instincts to 'what works' make them good troubleshooters and negotiators, talented performers and craftspeople and excellent leaders in all kinds of emergencies and chaotic situations.
Your heightened aesthetic sense can lead you to craft and perfect whatever work you take on. As a result, in your ideal job you would likely have the freedom to gather observations, collections of facts, and sets of skills in order to do your work. You can be thrilled when you slip through a window of strategic opportunity that colleagues or the competition haven’t yet seen.
Friday, May 7, 2010
7 free baby knitting patterns.........
from knitting daily..........
go there, here is what there is:
1 Vine Lace Baby Hat by Sandi Wiseheart
2 Baby’s First Sock by Ann Budd
3 Knitted Cuddlies by Louisa Harding
4 Star Light, Star Bright Baby Blanket by Anna Dillenberg Rachap
5 Barnyard Booties by Sue Flanders ( love these booties!!!)
6 Origami Baby Kimono by Bonnie Franz
7 Cabled Raglan Baby Sweater by Rebecca Daniels
It does not get better than this......
Wishing you a great day......
Smiles to YOU,
DC
go there, here is what there is:
1 Vine Lace Baby Hat by Sandi Wiseheart
2 Baby’s First Sock by Ann Budd
3 Knitted Cuddlies by Louisa Harding
4 Star Light, Star Bright Baby Blanket by Anna Dillenberg Rachap
5 Barnyard Booties by Sue Flanders ( love these booties!!!)
6 Origami Baby Kimono by Bonnie Franz
7 Cabled Raglan Baby Sweater by Rebecca Daniels
It does not get better than this......
Wishing you a great day......
Smiles to YOU,
DC
Thursday, April 29, 2010
april is almost gone..........and
I have spent most of this month spring cleaning.......or meditating or planning.........and throwing away mounds of papers.......about 43 bags full. I decided to take time off from managing the estate, it was really
burning me out. I am just starting to feel back to my old self, after a month and a half break.
I have a ton of storm damage.....roof, back door, deck, fence, walkways, trees limbs to be removed.........and these contractors take forever getting back with the quotes.
SMILES TO YOU,
DC
burning me out. I am just starting to feel back to my old self, after a month and a half break.
I have a ton of storm damage.....roof, back door, deck, fence, walkways, trees limbs to be removed.........and these contractors take forever getting back with the quotes.
My knitting group at bucks county knitters on ravelry, met for the first time at my home last saturday.......it was wonderful sitting outside and knitting. We are going to do it again this Sunday.....hopefully, I will take
some pics to put up here.
I have been working on recreating the lettuce leaf scarf by lucy neatby........being too cheap to buy the pattern...I have come up with my own version using the photos as inspiration. After ripping it out a few times, I think I have captured her basic concept, but you be the judge. I am using the leftovers from the skew sock, since I ripped out the heel up sock that was too tight. Here is a pic for you of my progress to date. I cast on 20 stitches and am using size #2 US needles.
The bottom is composed of six short row sections beginning with 20 stitches and worked around like half a pie. Then I begin to go across on 40 stitches, doing a ten stitch short row to create the side ruffles. Once I get further and know that I like it, I will post my recipe for this unvented scarf....tentatively named the savoy cabbage scarf.
The bottom is composed of six short row sections beginning with 20 stitches and worked around like half a pie. Then I begin to go across on 40 stitches, doing a ten stitch short row to create the side ruffles. Once I get further and know that I like it, I will post my recipe for this unvented scarf....tentatively named the savoy cabbage scarf.
I also started on the drop 181 pattern.......I love how it is coming along. I am using stash yarn, filaturi di crosa....ganimede. It is turning out great, almost done with the flounce. It is 416 stitches for 6 inches.
Here is a pic of the finished pattern.
Here is a pic of the finished pattern.
This is a free pattern and can be found here. Here is a pic of my progress so far.
I am hoping that you are enjoying the wonderful spring weather........
SMILES TO YOU,
DC
Craft Couture? Wow!
with creative needlepoint. This interests me. Price tag $995.
Here is what it comes with ( Neiman's description) :
Baguette Needlepoint Kit
Craft couture—this innovative kit has everything you need to make your mark on the signature Fendi baguette. Get silly, get serious, get crafting. The entire bag is your blank canvas.
•Natural fabric bag.
•Golden hardware.
•Adjustable, interchangeable top handles; one fabric and one leather.
•Flap top with magnetic zucca closure.
•Assorted multicolor thread, three design cards, five needles, and three thimbles.
•5"H x 10 1/2"W x 1 3/4"D.
•Made in Italy.
If anyone gets this kits, please link to my post.......as I would love to see how this turns out.
Neiman's promoting crafts, what's next a Neiman Marcus Yarn shop????
Other KNITTING news:
I like the idea of toe up socks, but, in looking for another pattern, I found that most toe up socks seem to have an issue with the heel .........in any case, I started a new pair last Monday evening,......Overlapping Leaves Toe Up Socks by Lynn Wiemelt.......with the leftover skew yarn ...........and I love these socks, but after doing an inch of the leg......I am afraid to say, they will end up being frogged, because I am unable to get them on, because the leg is too narrow.....ARGGGGGGH!
I have frogged them back to the heel turn where I have 8 gusset sts on each side......and I am sitting here trying to develop a solution that will work, not really understanding toe up socks, quite yet. My only experience to date, was a bit SKEWED........as in the Skew Socks, by Lana Holden... ;-)
Currently, I am thinking of knitting the backs in plain stockinette st.......and leaving the extra stitches on the back till I get the sock over my instep. I have high insteps......but, thin legs , ankles and heels.....so this does not quite make sense to me yet.
If anyone has any advice for me......other than knit cuff down socks......please, please......comment away.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
I Was Feeling a Bit Mentally Skewed After..........
my latest debacle with guess who.......and happened upon the new Knitty pattern by Lana Holden.....called SKEW.
Without delay, I cast on.......with some sock yarn I had bought at a LYS sale........but did not like the look. We started a KAL on the Bucks County Knitters group on ravelry. Feel free to join us......
I went hunting into the stash room, when guess what I should find......my missing digital camera from almost a year ago......LOL!!! Now I have two cameras...UGGGH!!! In any case, I did not find a sock yarn that I wanted.....so went hunting in my bedroom and found some alpaca and silk singles perfect for this sock on my schacht spinning wheel.
I spent two days spinning the remaining roving, which I love. I began the Skew again......as soon as it was dry. I am happy with it so far. The directions are well written, it is fun to knit....and I am finished both socks. It is tough knitting with the #1 needles though, not sure I will venture this small again.......
The heel is a bit tight to get on, but feels fine once you are in them. Lana has offered several suggestions for modifications to her pattern....which you can read on her blog. My own suggestion is to go up a needle size if your sock is a bit too tight.....I wish I had knit them on 2's.
I was so excited about finishing my first toe up socks, I decided to cast on for the Overlapping Leaves Toe Up Sock Pattern, which is a free ravelry.com download. I have read comments that the heel maybe an issue......will let you know as I progress.
Smiles to YOU,
DC
Without delay, I cast on.......with some sock yarn I had bought at a LYS sale........but did not like the look. We started a KAL on the Bucks County Knitters group on ravelry. Feel free to join us......
I went hunting into the stash room, when guess what I should find......my missing digital camera from almost a year ago......LOL!!! Now I have two cameras...UGGGH!!! In any case, I did not find a sock yarn that I wanted.....so went hunting in my bedroom and found some alpaca and silk singles perfect for this sock on my schacht spinning wheel.
I spent two days spinning the remaining roving, which I love. I began the Skew again......as soon as it was dry. I am happy with it so far. The directions are well written, it is fun to knit....and I am finished both socks. It is tough knitting with the #1 needles though, not sure I will venture this small again.......I was so excited about finishing my first toe up socks, I decided to cast on for the Overlapping Leaves Toe Up Sock Pattern, which is a free ravelry.com download. I have read comments that the heel maybe an issue......will let you know as I progress.
Smiles to YOU,
DC
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Get Your Fairy Name here.........
Your fairy is called Oak Elfglitter
She is a cheerful sprite.
She lives in forests of oak and lime trees.
She is only seen in the light of a shooting star.
She decorates herself with leaves and berries. She has delicate green wings like a cicada.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Crochet Thong Sandal.......Friday INSPIRATION
Friday morning inspiration Crochet Thong Sandal
at Neiman Marcus $235, crocheted out of silk ribbon.
Makes me want to take out some ribbon and
crochet an old pair of thongs....and see what I come up with.......
Looks like a basic crochet stitch......How about you?
By Elizabeth and James
Crocheted detail with an artisan twist.
•Beautiful silk crochet detail along shaft and upper.
•Zip along sueded back.
•Leather sole.
•Flat heel.
•Imported.
Happy Friday ..........
Smiles To You,
DC
at Neiman Marcus $235, crocheted out of silk ribbon.
Makes me want to take out some ribbon and
crochet an old pair of thongs....and see what I come up with.......
Looks like a basic crochet stitch......How about you?
By Elizabeth and James
Crocheted detail with an artisan twist.
•Beautiful silk crochet detail along shaft and upper.
•Zip along sueded back.
•Leather sole.
•Flat heel.
•Imported.
Happy Friday ..........
Smiles To You,
DC
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Novel Zucchini Recipe.... for Yarnies
Here is a low cost yarn spindle, that you can make yourself.....this summer when you have run out of zucchini recipes...just the kind any Yarn afficianando can appreciate.......enjoy!
Smiles to you,
DC
Smiles to you,
DC
Thursday, February 11, 2010
The Big Dig Out.....Blizzard of February 10th, 2010
My aching....aching back!!! I could have dug to china by now..... :-) I dug dog trenches 7 times, the pathways to my front door, 7 times....the driveway.....once. Oh my.
I lost 5 large trees, my fence is broken.....and I fear more damage will occur before it all melts....from the weight of the snow. I could hear the limbs cracking all night long from the weight of the snow. It was sooooo very beautiful.....but, damaging! Tomorrow, we will deal with the trees.....thank God, I have a friend here helping me.....or I would not be dug out today.
A train of 3 snow plows attached to big heavy trucks, went back and forth 14 times, before the street was passable for vehicles. Someone said, we got plowed out first because, of the number of physicians that live on my street.
Just the amount of snow on my SUV, was a massive shovel.....I have not seen snow like this, since surviving the Blizzard of 1978 in Boston, Massachusetts..... It was much worse, no driving for a week or so and the National Guard was there.
We got about 18 additional inches on top of the snow from last weekend. There are walls of snow piles, everywhere you look. My dogs run through their trenches and are crazed because, they can not see above them.
It is 4:30 pm, and I have been digging out since 7:30 am this morning! Nap time :-)
Wishing you a safe, warm winter evening........
Smiles to YOU,
DC
I lost 5 large trees, my fence is broken.....and I fear more damage will occur before it all melts....from the weight of the snow. I could hear the limbs cracking all night long from the weight of the snow. It was sooooo very beautiful.....but, damaging! Tomorrow, we will deal with the trees.....thank God, I have a friend here helping me.....or I would not be dug out today.
A train of 3 snow plows attached to big heavy trucks, went back and forth 14 times, before the street was passable for vehicles. Someone said, we got plowed out first because, of the number of physicians that live on my street.
Just the amount of snow on my SUV, was a massive shovel.....I have not seen snow like this, since surviving the Blizzard of 1978 in Boston, Massachusetts..... It was much worse, no driving for a week or so and the National Guard was there.
We got about 18 additional inches on top of the snow from last weekend. There are walls of snow piles, everywhere you look. My dogs run through their trenches and are crazed because, they can not see above them.
It is 4:30 pm, and I have been digging out since 7:30 am this morning! Nap time :-)
Wishing you a safe, warm winter evening........
Smiles to YOU,
DC
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Photos of February 10th, 2010 blizzard - Bucks County, PA
It has been snowing since last nite.......we are having a whiteout at this moment, the snow is very heavy and wet. The roads and my driveway were completely shoveled at 11 am....this morning....when we had about two hours with no snow.........and then it started again, stronger and faster.Here are some photos of my back yard, front yard and driveway area, the side of my home.....
Snow day.........many businesses have closed, roadways are closed down due to low visibility. The branches of the trees are sagging from the weight of the heavy snow..........
It is beautiful...and I am very grateful for a warm house.
I am working on my freeform jacket. I attended a class with Prudence Mapstone of Australia at Nancy Nagle's art gallery/yarn shop called Nangellini. It was great meeting Prudence. she is very inspirational and her garments are more special close up and in person than her photos even show. I highly recommend taking a class from her, whether you are a knitter or crocheter....you will enjoy it.
Wishing you a wonderful snow day!!!! Hope you get some time to sit down and play with your fibers today!!!
Smiles to you,
DC
Thursday, January 14, 2010
It's my BIRTHDAY today...........
and I feel I should post something about that auspicious event....other than the fact I started this post at 10 am........and never got further than the first part of this sentence @ 4:45pm. So much for having a relaxing day.......
what did I do?
1)watched my stock charts, but did not make any changes to the portfolio.
2)attempted to sew up a crocheted bra I made, but never got past lining up the three squares.
3) investigated new smart phones in anticipation of my july 2010 new phone day!!!
4) made food for the pups.
5) contemplated making a sourcream pound cake until I realized I was almost out of butter.
6) watched the pre-launch chat on the new shoe money, how to make money on the internet.
7) took off my nail polish and re-painted my nails.
8) spoke to old friends and others bringing birthday wishes.
9) cleaned out my pocket book, which was BIGGGGGGGG!
10) spoke to Skacel about their art felt paper. Which I am very excited about...more to come about this in the future.
AND......about to get dressed to meet UFO boyfriend for B-day dinner....did I actually type that?
YUPPP!!!
Was it a good day?
Yes, so far at 5:11pm.....but, did not have dinner with UFO boyfriend yet???? I definitely, got a lot accomplished, that I had wanted to do for a long time. It is Thursday here at the dogbearplanet and that is learning day....Learn something new. And even though it was my birthday....I learned something new...and that IS MY GOAL this year....every Thursday. I
will write more about that in the future as well.
So I must bid you adieu, as I am late for my shower and a birthday date!!! :-)
Wishing you all a grand evening.......Solar Eclipse tonite.....which, would seem to sort of defeat the purpose......but it is a special transit........affecting love and money partnerships....
Smiles to you,
DC
what did I do?
1)watched my stock charts, but did not make any changes to the portfolio.
2)attempted to sew up a crocheted bra I made, but never got past lining up the three squares.
3) investigated new smart phones in anticipation of my july 2010 new phone day!!!
4) made food for the pups.
5) contemplated making a sourcream pound cake until I realized I was almost out of butter.
6) watched the pre-launch chat on the new shoe money, how to make money on the internet.
7) took off my nail polish and re-painted my nails.
8) spoke to old friends and others bringing birthday wishes.
9) cleaned out my pocket book, which was BIGGGGGGGG!
10) spoke to Skacel about their art felt paper. Which I am very excited about...more to come about this in the future.
AND......about to get dressed to meet UFO boyfriend for B-day dinner....did I actually type that?
YUPPP!!!
Was it a good day?
Yes, so far at 5:11pm.....but, did not have dinner with UFO boyfriend yet???? I definitely, got a lot accomplished, that I had wanted to do for a long time. It is Thursday here at the dogbearplanet and that is learning day....Learn something new. And even though it was my birthday....I learned something new...and that IS MY GOAL this year....every Thursday. I
will write more about that in the future as well.
So I must bid you adieu, as I am late for my shower and a birthday date!!! :-)
Wishing you all a grand evening.......Solar Eclipse tonite.....which, would seem to sort of defeat the purpose......but it is a special transit........affecting love and money partnerships....
Smiles to you,
DC
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