Molly Knits Sweaters

Editorial from South Spencer [Indiana] Teacher

2011-10-04T19:54:00.002-05:00

From an e-mail sent to me by the building rep:

Imagine this conversation took place between you and your school-age son or daughter:

“What happened in school today?”

“I got back my science test I took a couple of days ago.”

“How’d you do?”

“I got an 83.”

“Not bad. What grade is that? A ‘B’?”

“Not on this test. It’s a ‘D’.”

“A ‘D’? That’s not right, is it?”

“Our teacher isn’t grading us on how many questions we get right anymore. He’s grading us on how much we improve over our last test. I got an 82 on my last test so I didn’t improve very much and I got a ‘D’.”

“That’s ridiculous. You should be graded on how well you did. Did that happen to everyone?”

“Well, the boy that sits next to me got a ‘B’ on his test, but he only got half of the questions right.”

“How in the world did that happen?”

“On his last test, he only got 40 percent of the questions right. This time he got 50 percent right.”

“So he got a ‘B’ because he improved 10 percent while you got a ‘D’ because you improved only 1 percent.”

“Right.”

“That sounds absurd. Anything else go on today?”

“I didn’t pass a math quiz today.”

“Why not? You’re good in math. How many problems did you miss?”

“One.”

“One? How many problems were there?”

“Seventeen.”

“Let me see if I understand this. You got 16 problems right and missed one but didn’t pass the quiz?”

“Yes. Our teacher says we have to get them all right to pass.”

If this were your child, you’d be up in arms, I bet. Yet this is how Indiana schools are being graded. The number of students who pass the ISTEP test doesn’t matter anymore; it’s how much improvement the schools make over the last test battery.

A school where 50 percent of its students pass the test can receive a high grade if its overall improvement is high enough (and it should be recognized for that improvement). Conversely, a school that has 83 percent of its students pass the test can receive a low grade if its improvement isn’t high enough.

In addition, schools are judged on Adequate Yearly Progress under the federal No Child Left Behind system.

To meet AYP, schools must pass all 17 categories. Not passing one category means the school did not meet AYP.

I teach at Mount Vernon Junior High School. We have an outstanding school with many excellent teachers. Yet because of the grading system now in place, our school has been given a ‘D’.

In all, 83 percent of our students passed the ISTEP test but because our improvement was not high enough, we received the ‘D’. We also passed 16 out of 17 of the AYP categories but did not meet AYP.

When you read about the grades given to schools, take the time to examine all the data to find out how well a school really did.

I ran out of aluminum foil

2011-03-21T18:03:00.004-05:00

I know that statement doesn't bring to mind the kind of urgency that would pull me out of a three month long blog drought. Most readers are wondering what has prevented me from just going to the store and buying more. It is a reasonable question, but the truth is that I haven't bought aluminum foil in 5 years!

My grandmother passed away 12 years ago. What does this have to do with foil? Keep reading. I was very close to my grandmother, and she was a huge influence on me growing up. She was generous, kind, hardworking, and practical. I hope that I have some measure of these good qualities.

My grandmother's possessions with any meaning or value were divided by her four children. It was my mother who claimed the knitting needles for me because she thought I would bother to learn (I am, however, certain that my mother had no vision that she was giving birth to my obsession). Grandma's house and everyday objects were sold in an action. For some reason, my mother decided to take grandma's aluminum foil.

Grandma was a frugal person. And while my mother isn't sure when, she is reasonably sure that grandma bought the foil because is would save money. This foil was a roll that was 18" x 1000'! For the curious, the roll of foil was longer than 3 football fields! For at least 8 years, my mother swaddled every left over morsel of food in her house in foil. The shinny roll seemed endless.

Time passed, mom and dad never thought about foil, but really, who thinks about foil? When my parents moved to a smaller house, my mom, not wanting to waste such a valuable commodity, passed the foil to me. The box was heavy and old. Covered in layers of kitchen gunk from two kitchens, I put the box on top of my refrigerator and covered left over food in foil with reckless abandon. I often joked about my "heirloom" foil (I was the third generation to keep the foil). Last year, realizing that my inheritance would soon run out, I thought about passing the foil on to my daughter (she enjoyed the joke, but didn't want the foil).

It is gone now. I called my mother to tell her I was out of foil. We shared a good, heartfelt laugh. We had a long chat about my grandmother and the importance of passing things on. We cried. I am still out of foil, but my life has been greatly enriched by the people who have bothered to share the seemingly insignificant things with me. It was only a beat up box of foil, but it was in grandma's house, mom's house, and finally, my house. Foods made with love, care, and the skill of generations were held safe for a brief time. The foil is gone, but my inner maid, mother, and crone are wrapped in foil.

I will miss that box, but somehow, I think it will always be with me.

Happy knitting!

Worn Out!

2011-01-24T17:12:00.002-06:00

Winter break wasn't long enough. Sigh, but I am back at work; establishing routines with my new classes (that will make things easier as time passes).

There has been a new development. I started teaching in my old program again. Just the middle school English class. I no longer have a plan period, which makes finding time to grade papers and plan lessons very hard. So, I teach three 8th grade English classes (including one co-taught with the Special Education Teacher), two 7th grade English classes, and one alternative education 8th grade English class. It keeps me busy.

I wish I had more of a life. I could blog about my exciting adventures in exotic lands. How about a life full of relationship drama where I compare the relative merits of Mr. Y over Mr. Z? I would love to go back to blogging about my domestic life, but my house is a pig sty, and I just don't have much time to cook or knit (I did finish the world's most boring pair of handknit socks).

But I am a teacher. I spend long hours grading papers, planning lessons, and typing test. For every book I assign to my students to read, I read six. I am a teacher. I have no life.

And I wouldn't trade my job for the world.

Happy Knitting!

Christmas update!

2010-12-25T16:24:00.003-06:00

I had wanted to post after Thanksgiving. I had pictures and everything. However, work got a little messy. There was a forced transfer, which meant that I had to leave my 40 alternative students and become the new classroom teacher for 120 eighth graders whose teacher wasn't able to keep up with her responsibilities as teacher.

It was a bit jarring to go from a situation where I had grown comfortable and had a regular routine to a new classroom that was basically in chaos. Realistically, the classroom isn't new, it is the same class I did a long term subbing gig in last year, but last year I was the teacher on day one. There was no hassle trying to figure out where the class left off. Due to the teacher's illness, the classes are way behind. I am not sure how I will be able to get them ready for the state testing in two months!

One to happier subjects, Christmas is here, and we are all snug, warm, and over fed! We had a simple celebration with a few thoughtful and meaningful gifts, a small tree (that I have had for a couple of years now), and a meal planned around taste and not over indulgence. I made a serious effort to shop for gifts locally which was actually very pleasant. In all cases, the local stores were less crowed, the staff extremely friendly and helpful, and the prices were good.

Organic and local foods filled my table and several of my own canned goods were opened and shared (these were things that I made for *special* occasions). There were even items grown in my own backyard.

Our charitable contribution went here. If you haven't given this year, check them out! One of these days, I am going to spring for the "Knitter's Gift Basket!"

Happy Holiday Knitting! (I hope you are all done with the holiday knitting)

February Lady Sweater

2010-11-21T13:24:00.003-06:00

I started knitting this in February, but my life being what is for the past year, I have only just now finished. Happily, Michell loves the sweater. I think she'll forgive me for giving her a birthday present 9 months late.

A close up of the knitting and the cute dolphin buttons

What's new with me

2010-09-20T19:15:00.001-05:00

Lots of work, lots of driving (I have a tremendous commute that I hate). I am starting to get a routine, which is good because everything changes in two weeks!

I have been putting a lot of study into Anne Frank. I am reading the play with my students. I am crying a lot.

Happy knitting!

It's that time of year!

2010-09-11T11:28:00.003-05:00

Dear blog,

It is that time of year. After a long summer looking for work, being rejected, and feeling hopeless, I finally found a job. I am back at Griffith Middle School, but in a different, temporary position. Happily, I have a job for the full year this year!

So, I have been extra busy teaching and commuting, and I have less time for knitting, gardening, or cooking. It was a sharp transition. Every summer, just as I get really get into the bliss of domesticity, another school year starts, and I am back into the joys to teaching.

Today is cloudy and rainy, and I have lots of domestic work to keep me busy. I am happy.

Tomatoes!

2010-08-22T13:57:00.003-05:00

It is a lousy, lousy picture, but all 33 of my jar of tomatoes are there. Many are homegrown. Some have onions and peppers for a nice chili base, some have onions and my own homegrown basil and oregano for spaghetti. Many are just ripe, beautiful, local tomatoes with the steams removes juiced in the food processor and put in jars. No matter which way, the base for 33 different meals are tucked away in my cupboard until needed. There are more canning adventures to share, but I think one product at a time is easier to write about.

The big news, I finally got a job for this year! I will be back in Griffith working in their alternative program while the regular teacher goes on maternity leave. I am so happy to be in one school district for the year, and I am thrilled to be back at Griffith.

Happy Knitting!

Dinner tonight

2010-08-17T11:49:00.003-05:00

Tonight, we are having eggplant for dinner. Not just any eggplant either. I picked the eggplant, tomatoes, and fresh herbs just a few moments ago. I bought beautiful, fresh cheeses yesterday for tonight's dinner. I can not wait to start cooking and eating!

Added later

I just had to share a pic of the final meal made with my produce. It was the freshest, most delicious meal I have ever had. I got a lot of satisfaction from knowing that the produce was all organic and the result of my own effort.

The meal preparation was labor intensive; however, the simple steps were a good reason to take this meal slow and easy. I enjoyed the process almost as much as the meal.

Happy Knitting!

Peaches!

2010-08-09T12:02:00.003-05:00

from left to right
peaches in syrup, peach jelly on top of peach butter, honey spiced peaches, honey spiced syrup

A good friend and I thought it would be a great idea to can some peaches. There is a family owned peach orchard near me that has been in operation for close to 100 years. My mother used to buy peaches there every summer to can. There is no store, stand, or shop. Just a few tables (loaded with peaches) set up in the barn. The barn is no more than 30 yards from the home of the farmer.

The first day we worked together, we got about half a bushel or so of over ripe peaches. They were $16 and far too ripe to can in syrup. So, we opted to make peach butter instead. We were wise enough to not add water to our peaches because they were so juicy. We got 10 half pints of peach butter (each). There were two verities of butter, ginger and amaretto. Both super sweet and yummy. We also had 2 quarts of juice left, which we split. My friend made syrup, and I made 8 half pints of jelly.

Two weeks later, my friend and I buy peaches again. This time, 1 and a half bushels! That's about 75 pounds of peaches! We each got 11 quarts of peaches in a medium syrup, and 10 pints of honey spiced peaches to use as gifts! I also reduced and canned some of the honey spiced syrup because it was so good.

It was an epic canning session that took two days. We peeled, de-stoned, and sliced each peach. We carefully and thoughtfully prepared our syrups (using locally produced honey). We filled our jars, and process them two canners full at a time.

I am pleased to have captured these sweet treats of summer to use this winter in a jar. I am pleased to support local farmers. I am pleased that I have reduced the miles my food has traveled to my plate. It is sustainable. But what really pleases me is the connection to my personal history. I am following in the footsteps of my foremothers, and my own mother. I am connected to my food in a personal way when I can. I am developing a bond with another human being over our food.

Like knitting, canning puts me in touch with the past. It connects me to a basic survival need in a personal way. It connects me with other people.

It is real. It is human. It is basic. It is simple.

Happy Knitting (and canning)!

Busy

2010-07-19T12:22:00.005-05:00

I harvested my first (well, not exactly) tomatoes. I will be overwhelmed by them in just a few days, but I am prepared to preserve my harvest.

Sly and the kids went to Florida to visit family. They brought home a huge bag of oranges. While the Honey Spiced Oranges can be seen in the last post, I also made marmalade. BTW, making marmalade=lots of work.

I made blackberry jam.

I made "end of the garden" pickles. There is a little of everything in there, cucumbers, zucchini, carrots, beets, onions, and even green beans.

I am planning a second garden, now that most of my first garden is done. I will devote most of the second garden to green beans. I would like to put up a few because we really love them. My third garden will be carrots, onions, and potatoes since, with a little preparation, they can winter in the ground until I want to use them.

While my garden this year was very small, it has produced a lot of food and given me a great deal of satisfaction.

Happy Knitting!

Canning

2010-07-12T18:14:00.004-05:00

Summer has been keeping me busy. I have been putting all local fresh fruits and veggies I can into jars to keep for the summer. I have really enjoyed the process of producing rather than consuming.

My mother canned; more out of necessity than any real desire to put things in jars. There were always pickles, jellies, veggies, soups, and even a salmon stored safely in a Ball glass jar until needed or wanted.

So far, I have four kinds of pickles, three jams, and I am putting up oranges that Sly bought while visiting his family in Florida.

A little of what I am up to

2010-06-24T13:40:00.002-05:00

Home again! Last week, I attended Knitters Connection in Columbus Ohio. I had a total blast (yeah, that 80's teen in me won't die). I took a spinning lesson, and learned tons. I bought way too much wool (is there such a thing?), and I spent quality time with dear friends! All in all, a great way to spend my 42 birthday (last Wed.)

The garden is exploding with food! There have been many salads, broccoli, peas, carrots, onions, beets! Soon, I will be swamped with tomatoes. Most of them will need to be canned to enjoy this summer.

I have been putting up lots of berry jams. I should do a video on it because it is super simple.

I have had several job interviews. Next week is THE ONE I think. When the principal called me about the interview, he basically told me what to say in the interview! Wish me luck.

Happy Knitting!

Grandma Put it All in a Jar!

2010-06-10T12:34:00.001-05:00

I have lifted this ode of love to canned goods from Ashley English over at Small Measure. I have been using her book to can many jars of strawberry jam.

Thinking about food

2010-06-07T17:56:00.005-05:00

I am making the leap into growing food (my weekly garden updates are evidence of that). While I am enjoying my small garden, I have been putting more thought into where the food I buy comes from. Buying a can of organic corn in the supermarket that has been shipped from who knows where uses more fossil fuels and therefore harms the plant more than local food grown with non-organic practices. I am lucky enough that I am able to supplement what I can't produce in my backyard with locally produced foods, which is much better for the planet.

Local strawberries that I processed and made into the most delicious jam. While I didn't grown them myself, they came from less than 10 miles away.

All cut up and mixed with sugar and fresh squeezed lemon juice, it was hard to save them for the jam!

Dinner last night was so amazing, and so local! The salad and most of the veggies were from my garden. I baked the bread myself, and the eggs were from local, free-range chickens. Very tasty meal.

For dinner tonight, I took beans from my garden, some organic potatoes, and locally produced bacon and made this:

I won't embarrass your dinner by describing how fantastically good this meal was. I can't wait for breakfast tomorrow; more local bacon with free range local eggs, and homemade strawberry jam!

Happy knitting!

Things on my mind

2010-06-04T15:45:00.006-05:00

I have become increasingly interested in the idea of backyard or urban homesteading. The name is a little misleading because it isn't really homesteading. Rather, it is about self-sufficiency, independence, greener living, frugal living, and (for me) a more authentic way of life. With the price of so-called "organic" foods so high, the dangers of produce from other countries, and the huge amount of fossil fuels used to bring most goods to the store, I have decided that I want to be a producer, not a consumer.

The idea of producing more of what I use at home seems to be compatible with being a knitter and a spinner (not to mention a quilter, a soap maker, and a home baker). I have become interested in backyard chickens (I am still checking my local laws), and I am obsessed with pygora goats (which I may also be able to keep in town). Angora rabbits are very doable for me right now.

I have had a garden in the past, but this year, I have expanded my garden, and I am growing a wider verity of foods. My plan is to increase my small garden each year until I am able to produce a greater percentage of what I eat. I also plan to buy as much as I can at the local farmer's markets and preserve as much local food as possible for use in the winter months.

So, this post is an update on my urban sustainable homestead.
Sly loves blueberries, so when I saw bushes for sale at the garden center, I had to buy one. There are lots of berries, but this little guy might be ready to eat soon!

Regular readers know that I love my clothesline. It is a simple, easy, and cost effective way to start living more sustainably. Sly built this clothesline for my about 5 years ago. It cost around $50. Every couple of years we spend about $10 on a new line, clothes pins, and other small necessary items.

This is one of my raised beds. I am thrilled with how well everything is doing well, and I have several things close to harvest.

Broccoli that should be ready to eat soon. I am very excited because it is my favorite veggie.

Green beans are another favorite of mine. In addition to my two raised beds, I have a small container garden to increase my harvest.

Another of my container plants has visible signs of life. I use green bell peppers in so many things. I am not sure where this little guy will end up, but I know it will be great.

My first two tomatoes. I am very tempted to fry these little guys in bacon fat right now! I will be up to my eyeballs in tomatoes in just a few weeks. All my plants are covered in cute little, yellow flowers.

I really needed to thin out my lettuce plants, so I had a simple salad with my dinner tonight. The greens were very good, and nice and tender. Now the others will have room to grow nice and big.

Finally, my first attempt at canning. I bought some strawberries from a local farmer's market. There were way more than I would eat, so I thought I would do a small batch of jam. I think they are almost too pretty to eat!

Happy knitting, gardening, and cooking!

Video update

2010-05-19T11:38:00.003-05:00

I have uploaded videos of my garden progress. Things are growing very well, and I am eager to harvest something! I need to lay down a weed barrier cloth and some mulch around the garden. It is very over grown in the garden area. We also need to build the trellis for our vine plants soon.

I also posted a video of Buddy and Trouper (aka Pooper). Poor Poop just doesn't like to play in the yard with Buddy is on his tie out. Little Poop has been nearly strangled by that lease three times, so he tends to stay out of Buddy's reach now.

A week and a half left of school!!!

garden update 2b

2010-05-19T11:38:00.000-05:00

garden update 2a

2010-05-19T11:37:00.001-05:00

Dogs

2010-05-19T11:37:00.000-05:00

Big Ass Update

2010-05-10T10:57:00.006-05:00

The school year is winding down, and my next job search is winding up. This means I have been very busy. I am sorry for the delay in posting. I also do not really have the time for a video this week, but there are tons of photos.

First, some knitting. I haven't finished many projects in the past few weeks, so getting this beret done for Michelle was a victory.

She wears slouchy berets all the time to hid the fact that she hasn't done anything with her hair. As an art major, she has become very interested in DIY clothes, so mom's knitting adds to her street cred as an artist. I am just happy she appreciates hand knit items.

We have had two frost advisories this weekend. I covered the two raised beds, and it looks like everything made except for one pea plant (I think that wasn't long for this world before the frost).

This is my little blueberry plant. Can you see the little berries peeking out from under the leaves?

I call this the little tomato plant that can. I thought I killed it trying to get it in the bag planter thing that you see in all the stores. I just took a "wait and see" attitude about the plant. Well, it has found a way to thrive despite my manhandling. I am very pleased.

Lastly, my first ripe thing. A tiny little strawberry! See its little cousins?

So, my "urban homestead" is coming along. Clearly, there is a learning curve, but I am satisfied that I will actually eat some fruits and vegetables from my own land and hard work. It is a satisfying feeling.

Happy knitting!

PS: I finally posted a picture for this recipe!

Simple Woman's Daybook

2010-04-19T15:25:00.002-05:00

For today Monday, April 19, 2010

Outside my window ... Sunny! Lovely day.

I am thinking... why do I always burn the garlic bread.

I am thankful for... a clean house.

From the learning rooms ... about goats!

From the kitchen... lassagna

I am wearing...tee shirt, sweat pants. I am feeling lazy.

I am creating... food, soap, yarn!

I am going... to eat soon.

I am reading... Urban Homesteading

I am hoping... to find a full time job soon.

I am hearing... as little as possible. I like it quiet.

Around the house... small amounts of laundry. vacuuming. I plan on spinning and knitting this evening.

One of my favorite things... doggies sleeping on my feet.

A few plans for the rest of the week: work mostly.

A video of last week:

I worked a few extra days last week. I wanted to make up for the pay that I lost during spring break. There are 5 weeks left of school, and while I am looking forward to summer, I need to think about having a full time job next year. Part time just doesn't work for me. Sadly, there have been so many budget cuts around here, there are many people looking for work now.

*sigh*

Happy knitting!

Crock Pot Ham and Beans

2010-04-11T17:17:00.006-05:00

I took a photo, but I can't find the darn camera now. Look for an update as soon as I find the camera.

This post is dedicated to my friend Mandy who is new to crock pot cooking. I know she will love this recipe. I learned to make this when I was about 10 years old. I used to make this from time to time for my family growing up.

A few facts about this meal

1. Depending on how you source the meat, it is possible to feed your family for less than $2. That is for the whole meal, not per-person. I often make this with a couple of large pieces of left over ham, especially the fatty parts. I freeze the left over bits every time I make a ham to use for this soup. Even when buying the meat for this soup, it is super cheap to feed the whole family.

2. You do not have to soak the beans overnight when using a crock pot to cook beans.

3. Crock pots use way less energy than the stove.

4. The meat is not the center piece of this soup, the beans are. Since the meat is flavoring, you can feed your whole family with a very small amount. You can also leave the meat out.

1 lb. bag of dried beans -- cook's choice. I prefer great northern or black beans, but any dried bean is fine. Lentils and split peas are nice too.

Small amount meat of choice (a few oz of left over ham (esp. fatty parts), 5 or 6 strips of bacon, or a ham hock are all good choices)

2 - 3 carrots diced

1 stalk celery with leaves diced

1 small onion diced

1 bay leaf

water to cover beans in pot, about 2 quarts.

Salt and pepper to taste.

Put all ingredients into slow cooker except salt and pepper (the pork cuts used can be salty, so it is best to wait until soup is nearly done and taste test seasonings). Set cooker on HIGH for 4 - 6 hours or LOW for 8 - 10.

Serve in bowls with Molly's Country Corn Bread.

Simple, cheap, and totally yummy!

Enjoy.

Daybook

2010-04-05T09:08:00.002-05:00

For today Monday, April 4, 2010

Outside my window ... Sunny! Lovely day.

I am thinking... about the rest of the work I need to do in the garden.

I am thankful for... spring break.

From the learning rooms ... re-learning Windows Movie Maker.

From the kitchen... something with hamburger in it.

I am wearing... still in my PJs, but not for long.

I am creating... a garden.

I am going... work more on my garden.

I am reading... The Everything Soap Making Book

I am hoping... my garden does well.

I am hearing... Pooper's tummy growl. I wish he would go eat already.

One of my favorite things... a wonderful hubby who works hard to build my raised bed.

A few plans for the rest of the week: tons more yard work, but it is spring break. No regular work.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

No picture, I finally got my Youtube account for this blog. All my pics are in the video.

Video I want to share:

Video blogging will now be a regular part of this blog. I will be starting slow, but I have serious plans for the Youtube account that goes with the blog.

This entry marks more blog entries than I did all last year. It was a hectic year with student teaching and looking for work, but I am looking forward to doing so much more with my blog in the up coming months.

Happy Knitting!

Earth Hour

2010-03-27T09:10:00.002-05:00

On March 27, 2010 at 8:30 p.m. I’ll be turning out the lights to show I care about our planet and our future. Join me by signing up for Earth Hour at www.EarthHour.org.

This will be my third year participating in the event. Hope you all join me for an hour of knitting by candlelight. I am going to try out a couple of solar lamps I have too.

Happy Knitting! (in the dark)

That Daybook thingie

2010-03-22T13:43:00.003-05:00

For today Monday, March 22, 2010

Outside my window ... Sunny! Lovely day.
I am thinking... major plans for this blog. Maybe Wed? Defiantly by spring break.

I am thankful for... a relatively clean house.

From the learning rooms ... lots of things, but it is all related to my future plans for the blog. I won't tell you!

From the kitchen... granola

I am wearing...Purdue sweatshirt and cut off shorts.
I am creating... I know that I want to make this soon!

I am going... work on lots of changes for this blog.

I am reading... Casting On. (actually, the book got set aside for a while)

I am hoping... it will finally stay warm.

I am hearing... the soft hum of my computer, the whir of the space heater, and Trooper grunting!
Around the house... small amounts of laundry. vacuuming. I plan on spinning and knitting this evening.

One of my favorite things... my spinning wheel.

A few plans for the rest of the week: shopping of the JH swap.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

Demon dogs!

The little guy is Trooper, aka "Pooper." He is new here, but getting along fine.

Link I want to share: Crochet instructions (opens as a pdf)

Video I want to share:

This makes me want to learn Russian!

Happy Knitting!

Crock Pot Kool Aid Dying

2010-03-21T16:48:00.003-05:00

I experimented with the crock pot method of kool aid dying. I am please with the results (not so much with the picture). I used Lamb's Pride worsted. I wanted something spring-like, a meadow in bloom-ish?

I think I will use this to make a couple of pairs of my Toasty Fingerless Mitts pattern.

Happy Knitting!

Beware the Ides of March!

2010-03-15T16:03:00.001-05:00

I didn't have any students today (teacher record day), so I didn't get to give a quiz or anything for them to beware of.

I missed Pi Day yesterday.

Yummy fruit and nut breakfast bread

2010-03-14T19:19:00.004-05:00

I love hearty breads with fruit, nuts, and whole grains. This is a bread machine recipe, but it would make a very nice loaf using traditional bread baking methods.

1/3 cup hot tap water
1 teaspoon white flour
2 teaspoons yeast
couple drops of honey

Place these ingredients in the bottom of your bread machine. This is my bread machine version of proofing the yeast. Let sit for about 5 minutes.

1 cup milk, room temp
1 egg
1 tablespoon oil (I use canola)
1 tablespoon honey
2 cups unbleached white flour (I use King Aurthur)
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/4 rolled oats
1/2 coriander
1/4 nutmeg
1 teaspoon sea salt

put these ingredients in your machine in this order. I use the basic setting on my machine. My machine as a delay buzzer for adding nuts and fruits. I wait for that before I add:

zest from 1 lemon
1/2 cup dried mixed berries (I get these on the snake aisle at Walmart. Look for something that has no added sugar)
1/2 cup raisins
1/4 crushed pecans

Let the machine do its magic.

This is a very hearty, comforting bread that is great as morning toast. Enjoy!

If you make any of my recipes, please leave a comment and let me know how it turned out.

I am wasting time on Youtube

2010-03-08T17:56:00.001-06:00

This is what I want!

I love the Garden Girl!

Daybook

2010-03-08T09:17:00.003-06:00

For today Monday, March 8, 2010

Outside my window ... little gray. Still snow on the ground. It should be warm enough to melt today.

I am thinking... major plans for this blog. I am giving any hints, but the plans are in the works for a new an improved Molly Knits Sweaters.

I am thankful for... Mondays off.

From the learning rooms ... lots of things, but it is all related to my future plans for the blog. I won't tell you!

From the kitchen... something vegetarian

I am wearing... still in pink PJs.

I am creating... yarn. Finishing a Lady February sweater for my DD whose birthday was in February.

I am going... work on lots of changes for this blog.

I am reading... Casting On.

I am hoping... that state testing will run smoothly this weak.

I am hearing... Mitters desperately meowing at Sly to pet her with his foot. I know, right?

Around the house... small amounts of laundry. vacuuming.

One of my favorite things... Trooper sitting on my feet to keep them warm.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Shhhh, super secret changes. Look for them in about 2 weeks.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

I am sharing a link to a cool tutorial I found for kool aid dying in a crock pot.

Happy Knitting!

Stale Bread Crumb Cookies

2010-03-03T15:39:00.002-06:00

This is a very versatile recipe for a basic coco cookie using stale bread crumbs. It has been a while since I have made it (my kids are grown), but thinking about it now, I think I will make some tonight to use the lefter ends of the bread I have. BTW, I only eat whole wheat bread, so I know that works really well. I am sure white is fine, but I have never used it. I did sneak a few stale cake doughnuts in these once. That was really good.

1 1/4 cups unbleached white flour
1 1/4 cups sugar (these are really nice with a combination of white and brown sugar)
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/3 cup cocoa
1/2 cup milk (you can use water or another liquid)
1 egg
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
2/3 cup melted shortening (for a lower fat version that is tasty, try apple sauce. Peanut butter works too and is YUM OH)
2 cup bread crumbs (I use the food processor to make these really fine)

1. Sift together dry ingredients
2. Combine wet ingredients and add to the dry mixture
3. Add melted shortening (or apple sauce or melted peanut butter) and bread crumbs
3. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto a baking sheet lined with paper or silicon liner.
4. Bake at 350 for 15 minutes or until done.

Don't tell the kids about the lefter ends from the loaf of bread.

Daybook

2010-03-01T10:33:00.002-06:00

For today Monday, March 1, 2010

Outside my window ... little gray, but the sun is trying to shine. Still snow on the ground.

I am thinking... about what it will feel like to not be sick.

I am thankful for... that I actually feel human today. Still sick, but better.

From the learning rooms ... to sick to think.

From the kitchen... don't feel like cooking. Sick

I am wearing... nasty sweat pants, tee shirt, old ratty sweater.

I am creating... lots of snot.

I am going... to go crazy if I don't get better soon.

I am reading... Teacher Man by Frank McCourt.

I am hoping... that I will be well enough for work tomorrow.

I am hearing... Trooper grunting.

Around the house... I don't even want to think about it.

One of my favorite things... Vick's Vapor Rub.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Not being sick.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

I have no pictures at the moment. Sorry. At least I am blogging regularly.

Happy Knitting!

Daybook

2010-02-22T10:05:00.003-06:00

For today Monday, February 22, 2010

Outside my window ... Snow, again! Looks sort of pretty right now, but it is big, heavy, wet snow.

I am thinking... very little actually.

I am thankful for... peace and quiet. Tony stayed at his sister's last night.

From the learning rooms ... still learning about gardening. I think I may have worked out how to start my seeds indoors (I don't get much natural light in my house)

From the kitchen... I think chicken soup. Sly is sick.

I am wearing... jeans and a sweatshirt.

I am creating... socks

I am going... have to go back out in the yucky to pick the dog up from the vet. He is having his 21 toe removed.

I am reading... a knitting mystery. Julius Caesar for work.

I am hoping... for nothing actually.

I am hearing... snow falling.

Around the house... the never ending laundry and dishes

One of my favorite things... Winter Olympics.

A few plans for the rest of the week: watching the Olympics and knitting socks.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

I haven't taken any pictures. I need to find the old camera.

EDIT

I had to add this video as soon as I saw it.

Happy knitting (and cooking)!

Daybook

2010-02-17T12:42:00.003-06:00

For today Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Outside my window ... Snow

I am thinking... about dinner, I will be posting more recipes this week.

I am thankful for... a hubby who washes dishes.

From the learning rooms ... to budget my time.

From the kitchen... Pork chops and cabbage (recipe tomorrow), Whole Wheat Buttermilk Bread, Apple Cake (recipe soon).

I am wearing... jeans and a grey sweatshirt.

I am creating... socks

I am going... continue cooking.

I am reading... a new knitting mystery. Nothing special, but fun.

I am hoping... tomorrow at work will be as good as yesterday at work.

I am hearing... NPR.

Around the house... the never ending laundry

One of my favorite things... Winter Olympics.

A few plans for the rest of the week: watching the Olympics and knitting socks.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

I haven't taken any pictures. When dinner is done, I plan to have pictures to go with the recipes.

Happy knitting (and cooking)!

Whole Wheat Buttermilk Bread

2010-02-17T12:32:00.002-06:00

This is a bread machine recipe, but it would also make a yummy single loaf bread using traditional bread baking methods.

1/3 cup warm tap water
1 T honey
1 T white flour
2 t yeast

Place these ingredients into the bottom of bread machine and let them sit for about 5 minutes. This is my bread machine adaptation of "proofing" the yeast to get it ready to make bread. Basically, this process wakes the yeast up (warm water), feeds it (honey), and gives it something to do (flour).

1 cup buttermilk (room temp)
1 T oil (I use either canola or olive)
2 cups whole wheat flour
1 1/4 cup white flour
1 additional T honey
1 t salt
1 egg

In the order listed, add remaining ingredients to the bread machine. I use the basic bread setting for my machine. Let the machine do its magic.

Daybook

2010-02-08T13:38:00.002-06:00

For today Monday, February 8, 2010

Outside my window ... Bright and sunny, but don't be fooled. There's a storm brewing!

I am thinking... that I really don't want to drive to work tomorrow.

I am thankful for... a healthy dog. Bud gave us a scare last week. He was urinating blood. He went back to the vet this morning, and he is doing well. He likes that mommy is giving him lots of treats to hide his meds.

From the learning rooms ... square foot gardening.

From the kitchen... I used the left over veggies from the super bowl veggie tray (about a cup of broccoli, cherry tomatoes --cut in half, a half a cup baby carrots, and maybe a stalk or two of celery), left over salsa (about 1/4 a cup), a bag of lentils, roughly 4 cloves of garlic, 4 cups of water, and salt, pepper, and cumin (lots). I am going to stick something in the bread machine to go with this amazing, cheap soup.

I am wearing... jeans and a light blue sweatshirt.

I am creating... socks

I am going... grade test, spin a little.

I am reading... a knitting mystery. Nothing special, but fun.

I am hoping... that my drive won't be too bad. I know they won't cancel school.

I am hearing... not much.

Around the house... a few dishes and laundry

One of my favorite things... a truck with 4 wheel drive.

A few plans for the rest of the week: trying to stay out of the snow.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

This is why we all want to work at Knitpicks!

Happy knitting!

That Daybook thingie

2010-01-20T12:21:00.002-06:00

Simple Daybook

For today Wednesday January 20, 2010

Outside my window ... Melting snow, but there is still a whole lot.

I am thinking... about my plans for the Knitting Olympics.

I am thankful for... space heaters

From the learning rooms ... that working part time doesn't necessarily give me extra time to do things I want to do.

From the kitchen... left over ham and beans. Very yummy ham and beans, if I do say so myself.

I am wearing... gray sweats

I am creating... socks

I am going... eat popcorn, knit, watch TV. I am not very ambitious today.

I am reading... Julius Cesar, I start teaching it tomorrow.

I am hoping... that my career path settles down soon.

I am hearing... Sly eating. Can you tell I don't listen to the radio or watch TV much? I love a quiet house.

Around the house... a few dishes and laundry, and one very scary dirty bathroom

One of my favorite things... ham and bean soup even with all the farting.

A few plans for the rest of the week: if the snow melts, riding the Harley.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

My plans for the Knitting Olympics.

Happy Knitting!

Simple Woman's Daybook

2010-01-11T13:32:00.003-06:00

Simple Daybook

For today Monday January 11, 2010

Outside my window ... Snow, and more falling. We have had a lot of snow this past week. There are several feet on the ground right now. It has been cold, but it was colder last year.

I am thinking... not much really. Today is a slow day. A little house work, a little grading for tomorrow.

I am thankful for... automatic washers

From the learning rooms... Still spinning

From the kitchen... Sly has requested Corn Chowder

I am wearing... long underwear -- my winter PJs

I am creating... a clean house

I am going... to take my Christmas tree down, finally.

I am reading... One of the knitting mysteries. I started it at work Friday during SSR (silent sustained reading)

I am hoping... I am too content right now for hope.

I am hearing... nothing.

Around the house... hung new draft blocker curtains, need to vacuum

One of my favorite things... oatmeal

A few plans for the rest of the week: mostly work -- maybe go out with Sly on Wed (we are both off).

Here is picture for thought I am sharing... it has been a while since I posted a picture of Buddy.

Happy Knitting!

Simple Woman's Daybook

2010-01-06T09:03:00.005-06:00

Simple Daybook

For Today

January 6, 2010

Outside my window ... snow, but a clear, sunny day. We had a lot of lake effect, so the ground is buried under a couple of feet. At least another foot will be here by Saturday.

I am thinking... my mom's birthday, today.

I am thankful for... my mom

From the learning rooms... lesson plans are on going....................

From the kitchen... chili, corn bread, hot things

I am wearing... long underwear, tee shirt, sweater, wool socks. These are my winter PJs

I am creating... ply some yarn, and make soap!

I am going... to remember my first day at Bendix for the rest of my life!

I am reading... The Knitter's Almanac. Thinking I might spend the year knitting with EZ.

I am hoping... that my second day at Bendix will be better than my first.

I am hearing... nothing.

Around the house... laundry.

One of my favorite things... a nice cup of tea.

A few plans for the rest of the week: work, avoiding driving in the snow too much, knitting, spinning, reading, and making soap.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing... the front of my house.

Happy Knitting!

A New Years update

2010-01-01T10:41:00.002-06:00

I really don't want to do a list of resolutions. In a week, I feel guilty for breaking one of them, and forget the rest of the year that I made them. I do, however, want to just recap what I have done this past year.

Actually, I have to say, that the past two years have been like one really long year. Starting in 2008, I began the Transition to Teaching program at Indiana University South Bend. The idea behind "T2T" is to help people who already have a Bachelor's degree to change careers and become teachers. It was an extremely intensive program that took up a great deal of my energy. Last year at this time, I had just finished a semester of working full time at Boston Middle School during the day as a Remediation Assistant while taking 10 credit hours at night. I was also getting ready to student teach.

Student teaching was an interesting experience, and I have already blogged about it, so I won't go into all that again. After earning my teaching license, I began my job search. Looking for work was challenging, but I was able to find a temporary position at Griffith Middle School. I am thankful for the chance to work with the students, and I am very sad that I will not get to spend the rest of the year with them.

In December, I started looking for work again, which is a difficult time for a teacher to look for work. I applied for several jobs, and I had lots of interviews, but none of those worked out for me. Then, out of the blue, I got a call from South Bend Community Schools. I had put in an application over the summer without getting a call. The interview went very well, and I was excited about working in the school, so I was thrilled when I was offered the job!

So, starting this year, I will be teaching high school English (several grade levels and classes) at the Bendix School in South Bend. I am pleased to be working in a district closer to home (GMS was an hour commute). I am hopeful that I will continue to work in South Bend.

What are my other plans for the New Year? Well, knitting has been put on hold for the past two years. I would really like to finish some projects that are bigger than hats. I got a new spinning wheel for Christmas, and I am already addicted to making my own yarns! A couple of years ago, I had a small garden, and I would like to have a garden again this year. Even though we sold the RV, I still have tons of camping equipment, and I hope to take several trips this year. DH got a Harely, and I hope the bike will feature in our summer plans.

Above all, I want to be safe, happy, and healthy. I wish the same for all of you.

Happy Knitting!

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2009-12-29T15:32:00.003-06:00

I found this idea for simple, basic questions to answer on a weekly basis as a kind of running journal and glimpse into daily life. While I have no wish to fully participate in the blog, I will provide a link so my readers know where I got the idea.

For Today

December 29, 2009

Outside my window ... snow, but a clear, sunny day.

I am thinking... about how awesome the universe really is.

I am thankful for... my wonderful husband who is picking Greek take out (I love Greek food).

From the learning rooms...the Big Bang.

From the kitchen... leftovers from Christmas dinner. I am thinking a bean and ham soup would be nice.

I am wearing... rose PJs

I am creating... lovely yarns with my new spinning wheel.

I am going... to start my new job in less than a week!

I am reading... textbooks that I will be teaching from.

I am hoping... that my career path with settle soon.

I am hearing... Trooper grunting.

Around the house... laundry.

One of my favorite things... I love this video clip:

A few plans for the rest of the week: Creating lessons plans for new job that starts next week. I will be teaching part time at the Bendix School is South Bend. It is an alternative high school for at risk students, and I will be teaching English 10 and 12 and a GQE (graduation qualifying exam) class.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing... I added the video, so I am not adding a photo here.

Happy Knitting!

Some Really Awesome Kids!

2009-12-01T22:53:00.004-06:00

I will miss these kids a great deal!

Bad, bad, bad Blogger

2009-11-01T19:08:00.001-06:00

In my defense, I have been very busy the past few months. Being a first year teacher is time consuming. I think I am hitting my stride though. I hope to know this week if I have a regular job or not. I will keep you all posted.

Speaking of keeping anyone who still looks at this blog posted, I have a goal to write something, anything at least every three days this month. I know that people try and hit everyday in November, but that won't be happening.

So, let's just see how I do, and forgive me if I fall silent again.

Happy knitting!

I accepted a job

2009-07-31T08:32:00.003-05:00

It was a long search, but I have accepted a job teaching 8th grade Language Arts. Right now, the job is temporary, but there is a real good chance that the job will become permanent. Sadly, I will be filling in for someone who is young and very sick.

I am happy with the school district. I accepted the job because of the small town feel, the clean and friendly town, and I really liked all the people I met in the school. I am making arrangements to see the classroom and pick up my curriculum materials. I am so excited.

Happy Knitting!

Happy Fourth

2009-07-03T18:14:00.000-05:00

And Happy knitting!

Today is my birthday!

2009-06-16T13:18:00.002-05:00

I am two days younger than the Yarn Harlot!

I am spending most of my day filling out job applications. The last one took two hours.

All the crap that I haven't been blogging about

2009-06-07T11:17:00.003-05:00

Well, I applied for a job at the school I had been working at for several years. Some of you may remember when I got this job. The pay was extremely low, and the work was difficult (mostly because I was given little to no instruction about how to do the job to begin with). I worked hard, learned a lot, and was successful. The main reason I took the job was to get my foot in the door, make a name for myself, and hopefully, get a good job.

So, I got my teaching license. There was an opening at the very school I had been working at. I had a letter of recommendation from the building principal. I had it all, good letters, excellent grades, and superior test scores. I thought I had done everything right, and that I would get the job I wanted. The student even like me.

There is no loyalty in education.

I was passed up for the job. While no one will admit it, I know that it is because of my graduate credits. I have had a BA for several years, but I couldn't get a teaching position last year because I didn't have a license. So, I got the license, but now I can't get a teaching position because I had to go to graduate school to get the license. In addition, I had dropped out of grad school (for an MA in English) several years ago. I am being turned down for being highly qualified and well educated. I am totally pissed about it too.

So, I am sad, depressed, and mad as hell. I am applying for other jobs, but very upset that I didn't get the one I SHOULD have gotten.

I'll post something happier about knitting latter this week. Knitting has been a great comfort to me.

Happy knitting!

DONE DONE DONE DONE DONE DONE DONE

2009-04-24T18:56:00.003-05:00

I have finished (finally) student teaching. While the job outlook is a bit grim, I am working my connections (it is nice to have a few). Right now, I am just happy to be done with all the classes, and teaching in someone's classroom (very hard to be a guest in someone's room after having my own, however small it may have been). I am going to start knitting Hey Teach to reward myself (and give me something professional and hand knit to wear).

Happy Knitting!

Student Teaching update and Martha Stewart Nerdiness

2009-04-05T19:07:00.002-05:00

The new placement is going well. I like the new teacher, and she is so much easier to work with. I am on Spring Break this week, and then I have two more weeks to go. I am very happy that I am almost done. I can't wait to start looking for work.

In the meantime, I found some knitting related goodness over on Martha Stewart's web page. I want to make one of these (be sure to click the photo for a totally nerdy video with Mo Rocca that will give any knitter a nerdy crush on him). I also want to make a few of these for fun. I saw this, but to be honest, I just poke a hole in the lid of an old coffee can. It is a great way to keep yarn free from dirt when camping. I never thought of Martha as a knitter, but there is some fibery goodness for the knitters on her page. It'll keep me busy during my week off.

It is supposed to snow tonight and tomorrow. Some Spring Break.

Happy Knitting!

Well, Duh!

2009-04-04T21:17:00.001-05:00

Watch CBS Videos Online

More of my totally nerdy finds

2009-03-20T21:34:00.001-05:00

2009-03-19T20:06:00.002-05:00

see more puppies

see more puppies

Stuff and Things

2009-03-03T15:27:00.002-06:00

I am still waiting on a new student teaching assignment. Hopefully, this week.

Sly's plant shut down last week. Actually, they laid everybody off for a week. So, he could not use his vacation time. It seems they will be doing these type of shut downs as needed over the next year. It sucks because we really can't afford going without a week's pay. My job wasn't much, but since I am out of work (to do the student teaching that I am not doing), we don't have extra money.

One good thing about being home is that I have the time and energy to cook, saving us the eating out money. But, I am getting board. I have been finishing up all my WIPs and posting them on Ravelry.

Today, my baby boy turns 21! I am going to go cry somewhere.

Happy knitting!

Words Fail Me

2009-02-24T21:45:00.000-06:00

No, seriously! I don't even know why anyone would want to design something like this.

Student Teaching

2009-02-13T15:22:00.002-06:00

I have been quiet. I started student teaching in January, and I was looking forward to a rewarding time that would shape my future career. So far, it has not really worked out for me.

There will little things in the beginning. The classroom teacher would say and do things that I thought were totally inappropriate. There were incidences of racism and humiliation towards the students. However, I wasn't there to judge the teacher.

He was no help to me in lesson planning. In fact, he never read my lesson plans. I know because I handed him the same lesson plans two weeks in a row. He didn't notice. He never gave me the kind of support a classroom teacher is supposed to give a student teacher.

I tried to talk to him. I tried to point out that racism and humiliation have no place in a classroom. I tried to get him to live up to his arrangement with the university. I finally had to report the man to my school and the decision was made to pull my from that assignment. Sadly, I had to turn those poor kids back over to the heartless teacher.

So, I am sad now. What should have been a happy, productive time for me turned into a nightmare. The past week, I could not even stand to be in the same room as the man. I am happy to be out, but very sorry for those students.

The school is giving me some time off to relax and prepare for a new assignment. Wish me luck.

Happy Knitting!

Hey, Kool-aid!

2009-01-16T14:29:00.006-06:00

It is still very cold (last night -20 actual temp, today about -8). Since I had a whole day and nothing to do, I thought I would do some kool-aid dying.

EASY STEP BY STEP KOOL-AID DYING METHOD

1. You will need white or cream colored yarn. I used some Lion Wool that I got on sale for $2.50 last summer (yeah, $2.50 wool).

2. Unskein the yarn and make a large loop. I used my laundry drying rack for this step, but you could use a person. Just have them hold their arms roughly 36 inches apart.

3. Tie the loop of yarn in four places. I used a colored bit of yarn so you can see. Using ties on the yarn like this will keep it from getting tangled.

4. Wash the yarn is warm water with no-rinse wool wash. This does two things. First, it washes your wool, and second, it opens the fibers so they will soak up more dye. Do not swish the wool around a lot. A gentle swish and 30 minute soak should do the job.

5. Place yarn in microwave safe dish. Place the yarn is such a way that it is mostly in one layer with no overlap.

6. Mix one packet of Kool-aid powder with 8 oz. of water per ounce of wool. I had 3 1/2 0unces of wool per skein and I used three packages of Kool-aid and three cups water.

7. Pour the Kool-aid over the wool. You can pat the wool down so that it is compleatly covered with Kool-aid; however, I like lighter colors and white bits to be in the yarn. To do this, just pour the Kool-aid over the yarn without making sure all the wool is covered. The wool will soak up lots of dye in the microwave, and you will get a more "kettle dyed" effect in your yarn.

8. Microwave on "high" for 2 minutes and let rest for 2 minutes. If the water still has a lot of Kool-aid in it, microwave for 2 minutes again (letting the wool rest for 2 minutes). The water should be clear, or only lightly murky. The dye should be trapped in the wool.

Pre-microwave

Post microwave (yeah, it is a different color)

9. Gently dry your lovely yarn.

The blue is Blue Rasberry Lemonaid, the purple is Grape, and the red is a two tone effect (that does not show up at all in the photos) with Strawberry and Black Cherry. It is much prettier in real life.

Baby, it's cold outside!

2009-01-15T21:25:00.002-06:00

The Weather Channel just informed me that it is -16 outside. I am cold. It is a good thing I knit because I have lots of wool wondering around the house. Wool socks, wool slippers, shawls, hats, and all manner of woolen warmth has come in handy the last few days. Tomorrow isn't looking much better.

Before the cold came, the snow came. Lots of snow (between 12 - 18 inches). It is hard to measure because it keeps blowing and drifting. There was no school on Tuesday, school was let out early yesterday, no school today, and no school tomorrow. I hope this all ends soon because I would actually like to get some student teaching done.

In the meantime, I am going to sit around my house and make some worsted weight socks and hope the squirrels don't figure out how to get out of the attic (where they have wandered to keep warm).

Happy Knitting!

Lots and lots of stuff

2008-12-26T10:16:00.002-06:00

Well, the holidays are over, and while our celebration was very low key, we all had a wonderful time eating, drinking, and just hanging out.

Since I will be student teaching soon and I had to quit my job (not to mention what a mess the auto industry is in), gift giving was kept to a minimum. Money will be very tight for the next 11 weeks, but it is all worth it. When I am done student teaching, I will get myself back on the sub list.

Last semester was very stressful. I really didn't finish much knitting (I started tons of things, but didn't finish them). It was hard on the mind, body, and spirit to work full time and take 10 credit hours (note to school: this program is too intense for people who work, and shouldn't be advertised as a good idea for people with jobs).

I have been doing some pretty hard core relaxing the past few days. I haven't even gotten out of my PJs most days. I hope that your holiday has been as restful.

A little sockie gift:

Happy Knitting!

Oh yeah! Radical Knitting!

2008-12-08T09:32:00.000-06:00

The Colbert ReportMon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c

Nailed 'Em - Radical Knitting

Colbert at Christmas
Colbert Christmas DVD

Green Screen
Bill O'Reilly Interview

Snow

2008-12-01T21:15:00.002-06:00

Well, winter is here. A bit early, but it seems that it is here to stay. This is actually our third snow storm. We did have school today (which was something of surprise).

I'll share knitting soon. I promise.

Happy knitting!

Oh, DUH! I have a blog.......

2008-11-23T17:36:00.001-06:00

I know. Bad blogger. Bad.

School has been taking up so much of my time, I don't know if I am coming or going most days. Happily, the crazy semester of full time work and 3/4 school is almost over. I student teach in January, which means full time work with no pay!

To make up for my lack of blog presence, I give you a short video treat from the ladies of Mason Dixon Knitting. Enjoy!

Happy knitting!

I seriously need to get a life

2008-10-25T19:08:00.000-05:00

Your result for The Princess Bride trivia Test...

S. Morgenstern

Congatulations. Princess Bride triva is a prestigious line of work, with a long and glorious tradition. You have gone beyond mere fandom to true dedication. It is more than a movie to you, its a way of life. You have considered taking up fencing and/or piracy. You have probably accosted numerous bookstore owners in search of the ever elusive ‘original’ version. Welcome, friend, to the Princess Bride elite.

Hey, Kool-aid

2008-10-12T15:01:00.005-05:00

It has been a busy time for me. Going to school full time and working full time takes a toll on a person. I wanted to something fiber-y this weekend, so I did some kool-aid dying. This batch was a "practice" batch. I used a left over bit of fisherman's wool. I think it is very pretty, and really easy.

Soft, pretty colors

I used yellow, blue, and pink. I would have like to see more bleeding between the colors to add some pretty purple and green. I am really pleased. Now, I am just waiting for it to dry so I can make some pretty mittens.

I will try and post more often. School is just keeping me very busy. Most days I come home too tired to think. It is worth, but very hard.

Happy knitting!

I haven't done anything nerdy in a while

2008-09-12T16:42:00.002-05:00

It doesn't get much nerdier than this, but I like it.

Your result for The Harry Potter Husband Test...

Mrs. Bill Weasley

You like guys who are cool. And not cool in that fake, dicky way, but actually cool. He's so cool that they couldn't find any actor to adequately portray him, so they decided to just leave him out of the movies rather than risk not doing justice to his coolness. He's like the Chuck Norris of Harry Potter: plain freaking awesome. When Voldemort says "You-Know-Who", he's talking about Bill Weasley.

(Fanarty by The Starhorse http://the-starhorse.deviantart.com/ Used with permission.)

Take The Harry Potter Husband Test at HelloQuizzy

Randomness

2008-09-07T10:00:00.003-05:00

I have started back to both work and school. Three days a week, I have 14 hour days. It has been hectic. It is sort of a pain in the ass to work, go to school, and keep up with housework. Most days, it looks like some crazy indoor tornado blew through the house. I wish I could sleep more.

I am not getting to spend as much time in my new room as I would like. I am not spending as much time in my house as I would like!

Cool vintage wall hanging

I thought it would be perfect for a "knitting" room.

Happy Knitting!

Look at what I got!

2008-08-15T14:25:00.003-05:00

I wanted to title this post either "A Room of Her Own" or "A Room With a View," but I couldn't figure out which literary title to use. Naturally, when faced with a difficult choice, I dump both choices and choose something totally lame.

Now to the heart of the matter. Michelle has moved out, and Tony has moved into her room. That leaves a small, but cozy, bedroom without a purpose in my house. Knitting/sewing room for me!

My stash
My ugly, but comfy, chair with good lighting

A cute built in shelf

My sewing table (the leaf lifts for a huge work surface)

My window with a great view of my overgrown backyard.

There is still a lot of moving to do. I need to set up my TV and all my British drama DVDs that my family hates. I have an old kitchen table that will go in front of the window to give me another work surface for blocking, cutting, or doing homework. However, I have my own room, and I am very happy with it.

I have already done a good deal of knitting and reading up there. My cat thinks I clean the room up for her entertainment. We'll just let her think that. She enjoys the big window and the comfy chair. Not to mention all the yarn to play with.

Hope I didn't make you all too jealous.

Happy Knitting!

WTF?

2008-08-13T16:12:00.002-05:00

View more awesome pictures at fukung.net

Just Checking In

2008-08-12T19:43:00.002-05:00

I have a whole week off. No books to read, no classes to attend, and a week until work starts. It has been grand so far.

I am participating in the Summer Trials of the Knitting Olympics on Ravelry. I am doing Elizabeth Zimmermann's Pi Shawl. I hope to have progress to report soon.

The big news is that I finally have a room of my own. It will be my fiber arts studio/study. I still have work to do, but it is really starting to get cozy up there. The cat loves it.

I'll post pics very soon.

Happy Knitting!

Molly's Country Corn Bread

2008-08-03T12:37:00.002-05:00

I love corn bread. I could eat it everyday. You all may remember that I bought a bag of stone ground corn when at Spring Mill State Park, and you may also remember that I purchased some homemade butter in Amish country not to long ago. I decided to mix my two old-fashion purchases together into a wonderful treat. Oh my, so very yum oh.

Recipe

1 C stone-ground yellow cornmeal
1 C unbleached white flour
1/2 C sugar (I just used white, but brown or a mix of brown and white would be nice too)
1/2 t salt
1 t baking powder
1 t baking soda
2 T shortening
1 egg
3/4 C milk

Combine cornmeal, flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Cut in shortening until the mixture looks like tiny peas. Make a well in the mixture and add the egg and milk to the well. Slowly fold together and mix until all the dry bits are wet (no longer). Back in a large cast iron skillet in the oven at 350 for 20 minutes.

Happy knitting (and eating)!

The Most Romantic Thing Sly has EVER Done!

2008-08-01T19:08:00.004-05:00

Sly and I went away for our anniversary. We didn't take the RV because we thought it would be nice to not be home and we didn't want to worry about a thing. It was a low key weekend, but that is what we wanted.

Now Sly has never been a romantic guy. He doesn't understand it, and actually thinks that romantic gestures are a bit silly. I love him dearly, but I had given up romance years ago. So, when the waiter at the restaurant in the hotel we stayed at brought out an anniversary cake. I was deeply confused. Not to mention a package of my favorite chocolates. I look over and Sly is sitting there barely able to contain himself. It seems that the big dope bought the cake and candy, AND arranged for the hotel to bring it out after dinner. All without my knowledge, and all by himself. So, I think we should all congratulate Sly for a job well done!

Happy Knitting!

Happy Anniversary Sly!

2008-07-20T10:50:00.003-05:00

Sock update

2008-07-17T09:56:00.003-05:00

I have been preparing for the Knitting Olympics Summer Trials by finishing up all my WIPs. I started with the socks because they are the easiest things for me to finish quickly.

I finally finished my Monkey socks. I was very proud of them, and I thought they were the loveliest socks I ever made. Then I gave them to my DD.

Part of my on-going sox experiment. I will have to do a very detailed post about this when I am finished. For now, the details are on my Ravelry page.

More experimental soxs.

And another

Right now, the experimental soxs are on hold. The first reason, I am just board with the same basic pattern, same yarn, and same needle size. Secondly, these really are a cold weather sock. I am pleased that I will have plenty of (hopefully) hard wearing socks this winter. When I start student teaching in January, my knitting endeavors may slow to a trickle.

I am working on several sweaters in the weeks before the Summer Trials. I hope to at least finish the one I am working on in Rowan Summer Tweed. A silk and cotton sweater will be very useful this fall. It is also purple and black. We all know how much it lurve purple and black.

Happy Knitting!

Hanging with the Amish

2008-07-07T17:22:00.007-05:00

Not far from my house is a large Amish community. Naturally, the local area has made a bit of a tourist industry around them. I like to visit a few times a year. The restaurants are good, and I can get some pretty awesome food to take home.

There are two main tourist hubs near the Amish community. One is Das Dutchman Essenhaus, which has a really good country restaurant. We had lunch there, and poked around in their shops and bakery.

I did get some Amish noodles and powdered beef and chicken soup base used in the restaurant.

The Cabin was supposed to be a "Christmas Shop," but I swear, there were only three small trees in the whole place. It is a very cute building though.

We decided to drive through Granger before going to our next Amish stop. There is a small yarn store there, but dang it all, it was closed.

After being disappointed in Granger, we made it to Amish Acres. We didn't do the house tour, or eat in the restaurant this time, but there is a collection of shops that I like to visit. In addition to the useal touristy stuff, there is a lovely bakery and a really nice meat and cheese shop.

Yes, we bought meat, cheese, and homemade butter! I think I am going to have to make some totally amazing macaroni and cheese this week.

An apple butter pot

Supposedly, they make cider here, but I have never seen them do it. I have never even seen cider for sale at Amish Acres. It is a cool looking building though.

Just a kitty sleeping on a chair. I thought he was cute.

The food I bought. Yummm

I'll have to share some of my adventures in cooking with some of these ingredients. It was a great drive, and Sly and I are enjoying our cherry strudel with coffee right now. MMMmm!

Happy Knitting!

Spring MIll State Park

2008-07-03T10:28:00.007-05:00

Yeah, a summer camping trip. I have been to this park before, but it is actually one of my favorite places to camp. This is a photo heavy post. Enjoy!

I took loads of pictures of flowers. The last time I was at this campground, it was fall. I just loved all the splashes of color.

Spring Mill has a Pioneer Village. Many of the buildings are original structures still in the place where they were built. Some have been recreated, and some moved, but much of the village seems to have remained tucked away in the woods undisturbed for many years. There are several homes and businesses filled with antiques and crafts people. Sly loves a good blacksmith shop, and I go looking for fiber. I found lots of fiber goodness.

Lots of spinning wheels

This is just my attempt at an arty, back lit photo.

We only had one minor mishap. Look closely. We lost the cover to the AC during the drive. I have no idea where.

No photo post of a camping trip would be compleate without Buddy, so I give you Buddy.

I know it looks like Buddy wants to play cards, but actually, there was a thunder storm. He climbed up in the chair because he was scared.

Buddy relaxing in the sun

Happy Knitting!

BSJ

2008-06-19T21:43:00.003-05:00

Pattern: Baby Surprise Jacket
Yarn: Thank Ewe superwash merino
Needles: size 5

Totally love this pattern. It is quick and easy. Since it is in garter stitch, it is fully reverseable, and because of the infinite stretch of garter stitch, the sweater will be able to fit baby for a long time.

The sweater is knit flat, and when you are done, it looks like nothing at all. There is a bit of origami magic to make this sweater work. I thought I would share a video that I made on how to fold it to make the sweater.

Happy knitting!

Laundry Soap Success!

2008-06-11T23:32:00.003-05:00

I have been tinkering with a cheaper, eco-friendly laundry detergent alternative. At first, I just tried cutting a regular power detergent with baking soda, borax, and washing soda. My concoction worked reasonably well, but I wanted to get away from detergent.

After much trial and error, I have something that works really well.

I use Fels Naptha soap as the base for this recipe. this is normally found on the laundry aisle and is wrapped like a regular bar of soap. Fels Naptha is for laundry, never use it to bathe. It has been made for over 100 years, and it gets out all sorts of stains.

1 bar of Fels Naptha, grated (should yield 3 cups of flakes)
2 cups baking soda
1.5 cups washing soda
1.5 cups of borax

Pour into air tight container and mix.

I use 1/2 a cup for a load of laundry in cold water with about 10 minutes of agitation.

If there are really bad stains, use a little of the plain soap to pre-treat. The stain will be gone. I don't use fabric softener in the summer because I use the clothesline.

This mixture is cheep, and it cleaned some of DH's hardest to clean old tee shirts. I mean clean so that DH noticed!

There isn't much of a "recipie" but I normally mix 1/2 vinegar and 1/2 water in a spray bottle with some essential oil to clean pretty much everything else in my home. Tough messes will get scrubbed with a little baking soda, and the sprayed with the vinegar and water.

My Homework

2008-06-10T20:00:00.002-05:00

I know I haven't been posting much. I have been busy with school, work, and life in general. However, I did a fun project for school today, and I thought I would share.

School Blog

2008-05-22T15:11:00.002-05:00

I had to create a new blog for school. If any of you have wondered where I have gone, I can be found here.

Nerdy goodness

2008-05-14T19:59:00.003-05:00

Yeah, we all know what an uber-nerd I am am. It is pretty impressive the amount of effort that went into this video.

Just because I love this line.

Happy Knitting!

Bab blogger bad

2008-05-07T15:55:00.003-05:00

I know it has been a few weeks. We had some computer problems. Nothing interesting. I can't find my camera to take pics. Knitterly things are moving along, slowly. I'll try and be a better blogger.

Happy Knitting!

What I did on my spring break

2008-04-12T22:28:00.003-05:00

I was sitting in front of the guy with the sign. There were so many great moments at today's event, but the biggest cheers were when she said she would end NCLB!

I have been knitting, but I haven't been finishing my knitting. I wanted to take a picture of the sock I have been working on a la the Harlot, but I stood in the freezing cold for 2 hours. I couldn't knit.

Happy Knititng!

In Honor of Earth Hour

2008-03-29T13:54:00.003-05:00

Today, at 8 pm is Earth Hour. For that hour, millions of people all over the world will be turning off the lights, TVs, radios, and all other non-essential appliances. I encourage all of you to support this effort.

With that in mind, I am sharing some of my favorite "green" tips.

Cleaning products fill landfills with TONS of plastic, fill the home with toxic chemicals, and are very expensive. Homemade, non-toxic home cleaning products are easy to make, cheap, and very green. I encourage you to try a few.

Consider changing over all your light bulbs to compact fluorescent light bulbs. I have actually noticed a significant reduction in my electric bill. If everyone switched to these bulbs, the energy savings for the world would be huge. It is a small thing that we all can do.

Clothesline.

Market bags, either knit or purchased at your favorite store. Saves a recourse, and keeps trash out of the landfill.

Ed Bagley Jr. is the guru of all things green. Check out some of his suggestions.

Happy Knitting!

What Do Teachers Make?

2008-03-20T22:12:00.003-05:00

I have no words to tell you what watching this has meant to me. I wish I wrote this. I hope to live up to it.

Happy Knitting!

Happy St. Patrick's Day

2008-03-17T15:16:00.001-05:00

I thought I would share an interesting knitting link because we are all Irish today.

Happy Birthday Tony

2008-03-03T16:06:00.003-06:00

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow

2008-02-27T16:37:00.004-06:00

Snow days sound fun in theory. No school, yeah! Problem: you are stuck in the house with a bunch of other people who would rather be someplace else.

You know it is bad when your hometown makes CNN for the ridiculous snowfall amounts (and the weather Channel, and MSMBC, and Fox News).

If you ever wanted to know what 16 inches of snow looks like, I offer you this picture of my truck. Not only do I have a foot of snow around the bottom of the truck, there is a foot of snow ON my truck. Not to mention the bed has a 2 foot high snow drift in the back. You should see the street side. The snow plow just piled the snow up over there. I think it is at least 4 feet high.

The nice thing about working in a school, I don't have to work on days like this. The bad thing is all the crap I have to finish YESTERDAY because it is the end of the grading period.

Now, if someone could just find my car, I would dig it out.

Happy knitting!

Only $2.99

2008-02-23T13:51:00.002-06:00

How to Darn Socks

2008-02-17T14:42:00.002-06:00

My good friend Jen over at Piddleloop.com sent me a link to the most wonderful video demonstration of sock darning. Since I am preoccupied with knitting, repairing, and mending socks, I thought I would pass the video on to all my dear readers.

A study of socks

2008-02-14T15:57:00.006-06:00

I have been conducting a bit of a sock experiment. In addition to repairing and darning socks, I thought it was about time I systematically find out what styles of heels, ribs, ect. that I like in socks.

I wanted a very "scientific" experiment, so I am using the same size needle (some will be done on DPNs and others Circs. I wanted to test out both for speed and finished socks) and the same yarn for each pair of socks (Knitpicks Memories was discontinued last year, I bought tons in various colors). The first pair I made was a rather boring sock with 2x2 rib and a traditional sturdy heel.

These were done on 5 DPNs. I hadn't used DPNs in a while, and it was a comfort to get back to this style of knitting. I have the Knitpicks DPN set, and these needles are lovely. I used to snap wood and bend metal, but the Knitpicks needles are a pleasure to work with.

Some notes on the actual sock. I find 2x2 more functional than attractive or necessary. So, I will be knitting several different tops on the socks. 2x2 is nice, but limited and not so attractive.

Next, the traditional study heel. Elizabeth Zimmermann said that this is a poor stitch for heels. It is strong, but it savagely pulls the heel in. This pulling creates stress on the sock and leads to the dreaded hole.

For the next sock, I did a 1x1 twisted rib (the knits are done in the back). This a pretty rib, and it is not only stretchy, but elastic as well. It wants to pull back into its original shape. I like this, so this rib will be a "keeper."

I did the eye of the partridge heel on this sock. I noticed right away that this type of heel is as strong as the sturdy heel, but it pulls in less. It is also pretty. So, another fine option for an attractive and study sock.

Last, I have decided to take out all my short row heels and repair them with "toe" heels. Basically, after the sock is done, rip out half a round, pick up the stitches and knit a toe. Short row heels will not be a part of my sock experiment since all I have ever made developed HUGE holes.

I will be doing some real darning this weekend. Thanks to Jen for the video of how to darn!

I will keep you posted on the sock experiment.

Happy Knitting!

Happy Birthday Michelle

2008-02-03T13:37:00.001-06:00

A Plea for Help

2008-01-27T20:19:00.001-06:00

Some one out there must know a good book or a web site with information (understandable information) about darning socks. I am desperate for help!

On a related note, I will never again knit a short row heel! I have socks that I knit the traditional way (they are wonkie because they are my first pairs) over five years ago that I wear all the time. However, I have THREE pairs of really nice socks that are less than two years old with friggin' GINORMOUS holes in the short row heel. GRRRRRR

Any assistance will be graciously appreciated.

There will be WIP photos as soon as I weave in all the end of the sweater I have been pretending to work on for three or four years.

Happy Knitting!

Yes, I do still knit

2008-01-15T15:35:00.002-06:00

Pattern: Watch cap from Knitting Without Tears
Yarn: Lamb's Pride Bulky
Needles: 13

Easy, fun, and a good basic cap. What more could you want in a pattern?

Pattern: Sparkle Hat from Stitch n Bitch
Yarn: Lamb's Pride Bulky
Needle: 11 (I think)

You want more in a hat? Sparkles are more in a hat. Sly hates it. I am going to wear it whenever I hang out with him.

Happy Knitting!

What I have been up to

2008-01-06T16:27:00.001-06:00

The holidays were happy here. We have a simple Christmas with a small tree, a few meaningful gifts, and a nice dinner. It was very lovely. My daughter got me The Book of Yarn which is totally amazing. My son gave me Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Sly got me the same earrings twice. He is going to be made I told you that, but this isn't the first time he has done it.

I had a get together for my knitting group and got many amazing things. The best stitch marker ever (which didn't photograph well, so you will have to take me word for it), several bits of vintage knitting goodness (which I am all about), a great candle, chocolate soap, and a lovely hand beaded ornament. Thanks to all the Ho's for the wonderful pressies! Love you guys.

To top of the giftie goodness, Sly and I saw this little gem on sale for $40 Friday a Walmart. He went back and got it for me yesterday. I am washing all my hand knits! Woo hoo

I have been a bad blogger. All I can say is that Christmas was busy, and the weather SUCKED for New Years. We had 18 inches of snow fall between 12/31 and 1/2, then it was BITTER cold (it was freakin' 0!), and then this morning we had record highs, but it melted all the snow and made FOG! I didn't really get to do any of the stuff I wanted to do before going back to work tomorrow. :(

I will try and be a better blogger.

Happy Knitting!

Totally missed it!

2007-12-20T15:43:00.000-06:00

I totally missed my blogversary! Two days ago marked two years for my little journal of knitting and nothing at all.

One more day of work before the winter break. I really can't wait. I woke up this morning chanting "please be Friday. Please be Friday!"

Knitterly Goals

2007-12-16T09:42:00.000-06:00

For the past several months, my focus has been on work. While my job is low pay and temporary, it is fabulous experience for me. After a long talk with my adviser, I am closer than ever to my teaching license. I had thought I had 31 to 24 credits plus student teaching to go, but it seems that I qualify for a new program that is 18 credits (3 of which I have done), 30 hours of field experience (which my job covers), and student teaching. I have taken, and passed, an important test for student teachers, so I finally feel like I have that part of my life in order. It is a good feeling to know that my plan is coming together.

This past year, knitting has been my relaxation, and I have frogged nearly as much as I have knit without a second thought. Now that work and school are in order, I need to re-focus my knitting energy into some bigger unfinished projects.

1. Christmas knitting is nearly done. I just need to finish:

Sly's Scarf and mittens
Felted Clogs for Sly and my dad (they are camo)
Sweet Mary Janes for my Secret Santa at work
A shawl my aunt Kim commissioned

2. I have a sweater that I really must finish seaming. It has been laying around half seamed for 6 or 7 months.

3. I need socks. I know this sounds strange because I really love making socks, but this year I have made very few pairs. I seriously need to learn a good method for darning socks as well. I plan to make 5 pairs of socks during my break from work.

We are having a major snow event. For us, that means about 10 inches of snow on the ground and lake effect coming down like gangbusters. I can't see the house across the street. So, I will finish up my last charity hat for the Angle Tree project at work (I have already given a box of about 8 hats), make some tea, and watch the snow fly.

Happy Knitting!

Knitty Tams

2007-12-08T13:59:00.001-06:00

I have no clue what possessed me to start knitting Tam C Wednesday night for my aunt Kim's birthday brunch today. I just knew I had to knit that hat. I have finished the lovely fair isle thing, and the gift has been greatfuly received.

Pattern: Three Tams
Yarn: Noro Kuryon and Galway
Needles: size 7 circs

Love the pattern, but I do like stranded colorwork. It is fast and easy, so it is a good last minuet gift. I will be doing another for my "secret Santa" at work. And one for myself! The lovely model is my niece Jessica.

Happy Knitting!

So very busy

2007-12-06T17:38:00.000-06:00

The last few weeks have been very hectic. I haven't been doing anything hugely noteworthy, but I have been busy playing phone tag, over and over, and over again. Then there has been the shopping and the preparations for the holidays. I bake many pumpkin pies for Thanksgiving, in addition to making my famous "cheesy veggies." If I ever show up to Turkey day without those things, I will be shot.

School (work) is great. Our schools test scores are in, and we have done very well (which is great for me since my job is all about that test).

School (school) was starting to get me down. Without going into a lot of deadly dull details, I was about ready to transfer to a new school. But, it seems that they have gotten their act together, and I am on the fast track to my license now! Woo HOO!

Just in case you all think I haven't been knitting, here are some WIP photos to prove I have been a busy bee.

Meme from Suz

2007-11-13T15:12:00.000-06:00

I guess she thought I wasn't posting enough. So, here it goes.

FIVE THINGS FOUND IN MY ROOM

Yarn
Books
Dirty laundry
Several pairs of Birks
Handknit sock

FIVE THINGS I HAVE ALWAYS WANTED TO DO

Fly fish (don't ask)
Go to the UK
Get paid what I am worth
See all the plays of Shakespeare performed live (I have see about 12 with several repeats)

FOUND IN MY BAG

Hand sanitizer
Tide pen (I LOVE that thing)
Chapstick
Chocolate
Monkey Sock

FOUND IN MY WALLET

I don't use a wallet. I have a change purse and an important card holder.

I AM CURRENTLY INTO

Mythbusters
Knitting for Christmas
Work
Housework
Sleep would be nice

I don't tag people. Do it if you want to.

Happy Knitting!

Pronto Pantry Chili

2007-11-11T11:48:00.001-06:00

I make this all the time. It is very flexible to suit individual taste, and it is designed to be made from things I keep in the pantry.

2lbs ground meat (I prefer ground chuck, but ground beef, turkey, chicken, pork, or a combo all work fine. I have also used TVP crumbles)

1 large onion chopped

1 large green bell pepper chopped

4 to 8 cloves garlic (depending on taste) chopped

1 4 oz can of diced green chilies or jalapenos (depending on taste. You can also do one can of each)

1 jar roasted red peppers (I chop about half the peppers in the jar and add a bit of the oil to the pot)

1 can chipotle peppers in adobo chopped (I use about half and save the rest)

1 or 2 cans of "chili beans" the "hot" kind (these beans have lots of seasoning and flavor in them and are much nicer than just "plan" kidney beans. I only use one can because Sly doesn't like beans, but I think 2 cans are better)

1 can tomato juice PLUS any leftover bits of salsa, spaghetti/pizza sauce

3 tablespoons of chili sauce

1 10 oz bag of frozen corn

2 to 3 tablespoons of chili powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

salt and pepper to taste

EXTRAS

I serve chili over Frito's corn chips with cheddar cheese and sour cream, but corn bread, rice, or tortilla chips are nice too.

Brown the meat in a large soup pot. I use lean ground chuck, so I don't drain the meat, if you are using hamburger, you may want to drain up to half the juice and fat. If you are using ground chicken or turkey, you will need to add some olive oil. If you are using TVP, skip this step. Add the TVP after you add the tomato juice.

After the meat is browned, add onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Saute 5 to 10 minuets.

Add the canned chilies, chopped jar peppers, and chipole peppers. Mix well. Add can beans, extra salsa or sauce and chili sauce. Add juice and season to taste. Reduce heat and simmer for about a half hour. The hard part is over.

Add the frozen corn, and turn off the heat. Serve with your favorite extras and enjoy!

Happy knitting and eating!