Crochet of The Season

Soooooo ... Debi (Hooks and Yarns) left me a link for an adorable baby pumpkin hat ... http://www.favecrafts.com/Halloween-Crafts/Baby-Pumpkin-Crochet-Beanie# ... thank you Debi!! 
I tried out the pattern last night with stash yarn.

The pictures, both here and in the pattern, do not do this little hat justice.  This is simply adorable. 

And of course since this is for our little man we have to have the right colors of the season for a blanket (reminds me of candy corn) and I think I will like the hat with this orange and the lighter green.
Hmmm, I think I need to do a holiday one too ... two more projects ... have I mentioned that I have many projects?

Thursday Thoughts

Listen to what

you know,

not what

you fear.

What's Doing Wednesday

In my small world of yarn and thread and hooks I'm still working on my Christmas afghan.  Do I dare say this has been going on for over a year now (having been packed away for a significant amount of time)?  In other words ... slow pokin' it.   I have managed to get 4 strips together with another two to be joined leaving 4 more strips, 28 squares to go.  I really liked this afghan at the beginning but some of my enthusiasm has seemed to wane, however, I will persevere.  I think once its all together and the border put on I'll be quite pleased. 

Now enter my usual fickleness ... look what I saw at Debi's Hooks and Yarns ... ohhhhh, it has me distracted.  And you know what that means ... this could be on the hook before week's end ... another project!  And how I love projects.  The way I figure, the more the merrier!  Thanks Debi for sharing another wonderful pattern, you're keeping me happy.

Oh by the way ... I'm looking for a pumpkin type crochet wearable for our little grandpumpkin ... any suggestions?

Mid-week Joy

Today

Just a quick stop by to say hello

and wish the best to your day.

Blessings and Grace,

What to do with apples ... a wonderful recipe ...

Was at a house today where the autumn baking scents were amazing.  I have been looking for recipes for apples and here I was sniffing the aroma of German Apple Cake.  Oh my gosh!!!! ... just thinking about this is making my mouth water, we were give the most generous portion to sample.  This was undescribably delicious.  We left with the cake recipe and a container of homemade apple sauce.  Now, I don't mind apple sauce, but to me its more of a take it or leave kind of thing,  usually leave it ...however, if its this apple sauce of today, its a take it.  I have to call and get the recipe for this tomorrow.  For now, the cake is the focus.  I was told these freeze very well, in fact a few that had been made today were going to be frozen for Thanksgiving.   I plan on doing the same.

German Apple Cake

3/4 Cup oil

3 eggs

2 Cups Sugar

1 Tsp Vanilla

2 Cups Flour

1/2 Tsp salt

2 Tsp Baking Powder

2 Tsp Cinnamon

4 Cups Cubed Apples

1 Cup Chopped Walnuts

                                                 

Mix:   oil, sugar, eggs and vanilla.

Add:   flour, salt, baking powder, cinnamon

Add:  Apples and nuts

Bake at 350 degrees in a greased 13x9x2 pan

55-60 minutes

Enjoy!

Its Official ...

There's something about this time of year.  I love the crispness of the air, the smell of leaves burning, the amazing coloring of the world around me.  The magnificent joys of the days that lead us to the holidays.  Each season holds a special beauty, but Autumn is such a delight to me.  Each year I hope that the leaves last longer, the color stronger ... maybe it will this year.

 Have a lovely weekend ...

Autumn has arrived.

Just Another Scarf - A Free Pattern

 Just Another Scarf

Size G hook
Double Strand Crochet Thread (approximately 500 yards)
(equivalent to Size 3 thread)

I love the feel and texture from the doubled thread although this would work with yarn or cotton as well.  The guage is not important so a larger hook would also be fine if you want a looser scarf.

1.  Chain 136, single crochet in 2nd stitch from hook and in each stitch across, chain 1, turn.
2.  Single crochet in each chain across, chain 1, turn.
3.  Single crochet in 1st stitch, *chain 3, skip 3 stitches*, repeat across, chain 2, turn.
4.  Double crochet in first stitch, *3 double crochet in chain 3 space, double crochet in each of next 3 stitches* across, chain 2, turn.
5.  Double crochet in 1st stitch, front post double crochet in each stitch across to end (turning chain), double crochet in turning chain, chain 2, turn.
6.  Repeat row 5, chain 1, turn.
7.  Single crochet in each stitch across, chain 1, turn.
Repeat rows 3 through 7 for desired width.

Early Quit Today

 And quite unusual to be home this early but I certainly will take it!  Shortly will start supper and probably supper for the next few nights.  I love when I can just pop dinner in the micro or on the stove and be ready to eat in minutes.  That's part of what comes with the wonderful Fall weather, so many great things to make that taste even better the next day and with the cooling temps its a pleasure to cook.  Stew, casserole, stuffed peppers all over the next few night's dinners.

Will be posting within the next few days (hopefully sooner ...maybe tonight) my scarf from July's road trip.  Haven't put out a free pattern in a while so I think its about time especially since I have the cooperation of blogger to post at the moment.  This hasn't been tested, but I think it will be easy enough.  I did this with Royale Double Strand Crochet Thread (its like using size 3) and I love the feel and weight of this.  This one will go perfectly with my brown vest, very appropriate for this time of year.  Sadly, I don't have the color name of the thread ... I pulled this from my stash and the wrapper was missing.  I do remember though this was a very large ball and I had paid $1.39, quite a bargain!

Time to fire up the stove, start chopping, mixing and cooking!  See ya in a bit.
 

Blogging woes .... a g a i n ...

Blogger is at it again ... still can't see who my followers are, can't seem to follow other blogs, many times cannot even leave a comment (this has been happening for a while now) and now the blogs I follow and some listed on my blog itself, I am having trouble going to and if I can see the blog its only the text.  I think all this is a large part of the reason that blogging is no longer enjoyable to me. Very frustrating to say the least.

 I certainly have enjoyed the many blogs I have discovered in the past and the wonderful people I have met and now I am so missing visiting you.  I keep saying I have to find a new place for blogging.  As soon as time allows, I think that will be my first priority.

Not to end on a sour note ... we're having a most beautiful Fall day.  VERY crisp!  Certainly need to have some bundling going on ... its great!

Blessings to your weekend.

It's starting ...

Fall is not only in the air - its a sweater and sweatshirt kind of day - but the leaves are starting to turn, the orchards are being harvested, the comforter has been taken out to keep a bit warmer at night ...  my favorite time of year.  I think this year I need to find some wonderful apple recipes ... apple crisp, apple cake, apple sauce ... yup, that's the ticket!   Seems like Fall got here so quick ... don't know where the time is going ....

 ahhh, ...  yes I do ... watching a new little one grow!  Gives big smiles to grandma and grandpa. 

Happy Fall Weekend ...

10th Anniversary - A Prayer of Remembrance

2001 - September 11 - 2011

Almighty and Ever-Loving God, we remember September 11, 2001, and pray for all those who were affected by the terrible events of that day.  We remember with love and respect, all of those who went tragically to their deaths.

We remember those who still suffer from their injuries of that day ten years ago and pray for their recovery.  We remember the still grieving families and friends and all who lost loved ones.

Gracious Lord, comfort all who mourn, embrace all those in sorrow, give courage to all who suffer.  Continue to console them in the hope that all who trust in You will find peace and rest in Your Eternal Kingdom.  Bless them with Your presence and surround us all with Your love.

God of peace, who vindicates all injustice, bless all those defending and protecting our country and its ideals of freedom and liberty.  God of all nations, look with love on this world and on its people.  Restore tranquility to all nations and bless the work of Your creation.

Heavenly Father, answer our prayer and bring us hope through Christ, Your son.  May Your kingdom of justice and of peace reign and may the earth be filled with Your glory.  Amen.

Thursday Thoughts

“Your greatest pleasure is that which

rebounds from hearts that
you have made glad.”

~ Henry Ward Beecher ~

What's Doing Wednesday

Big time rain for the past two days.  It has certainly cooled the temperatures and brought out the old sweatshirt.  Haven't picked up the hook now in about a week (golly, Dominic's a week plus a day old now ... think that has anything to do with it?) ... but tonight could be a night to work on the Christmas afghan.  Cozy up with a good cup of tea and hook is just what this weather is calling for.  Will have to see what time I get back home.

Weigh-in day tomorrow ... still hovering at the 20 pound loss mark and that's ok.  I'm quite happy with that.  Another 20 to go and I'm hoping to see that happen over the next several months, actually by next spring is my target.  I'm not pressuring myself over it, find that I enjoy the program much more, eating quite healthy and no deprivation at all!   Moving about much easier, its such a good thing!

Time to get moving ... be in touch.

Have a good Wednesday whatever you are doing.

Labor Day

The Look of Love