Holidays & Such.

Christmas is always busier that I expect, though this year I did manage to not overwhelm myself with a never ending to do list. I decorated a little. I love our cute feather tree, which managed to not be eaten by a certain kitten. I shopped for what was needed, I made goodies only for a select few and kept the knitting gift list to a minimum. It made for an enjoyable and relaxed holiday. I plan on keeping New Year's, and all of 2008 for that matter, on a similar course.

The Christmas goodie preparation, although a little later than I had planned turned out well, and all recipients at least feined pleasure, which is good enough for me. Here's a peek at them all wrapped and ready for gifting. My kiddles did finish all of the extra goodies, so I'm sure they were indeed good.

I even managed a post-Christmas batch of toffee. It began with an online recipe which I modified into Double Toffee Almond Crunch, no feedback as of yet(the kiddles are away), but I find it pretty tasty and look forward to making many versions and adaptations in the future. It is also quite pretty to look at.


Now I will share my favourite photo from this year's Holiday celebration. Let you know that my last gift will be arriving on Thursday, and all y'all are gonna love it. Okay, I'll love it, and those I love will love it, maybe not everyone will love it.

Finally, I hope that you have enjoyed my musings on this humble little blog, which isn't updated nearly enough and would like to wish all a Happy and Peaceful 2008.

Live, love, laugh, enjoy. (my new moto)

Long Awaited Update..?

Update.. definitely. Long awaited.. maybe, maybe not.

This is actually a mini update, I don't currently have all that much to share. There were a few hats knit for the Christmas charity drive at work, ... but I forgot to take pictures. There are a couple of other knits I'm currently working on. Some are destined to be Christmas gifts and therefore I probably shouldn't blog them, but I might when they reach a more photogenic stage. Today, I'll be sharing foodie bits and my eldest's (aka:Tall Child) cooking talents, obviously inherited from her mother.


Tonight's supper, pierogies, artfully prepared by Em (aka:Tall Child), under the watchful eye of her Mother (that's me). They were fabulous, and
downright delicious. Photographic evidence.

Congrats to the Kiddles

I forgot to share, my Em (aka Tall Child) won a cash prize at school for having her artwork selected to be included with a CD they're making. Honour roll and winning artwork, and second semester hasn't even begun yet. Megan will be performing a solo at the school's upcomming Christmas concert, and has a role in the school's production of High School Musical. Just to re-afirm, I am very proud of both of my girls, not just for their accomplishments, I am exceedingly proud of them for the people that they are.


On a knitting note, apparently it's genetic. Here is a peek at the progress Meg has made on her pink camo, garter stitch scarf. It's with Bernat Camouflage yarn, knitted on pink metalic 4.5mm needles.

Speaking of camouflage, here is Marzipan, blending in with the blanket on my bed.

Bonnet Completedness

Mocha & Bonnet.JPG
Originally uploaded by Moonlit Knit

What a quick little knit this bonnet is. I would definitely use the pattern again, though I did make a few modifications. Mocha decided to help with the photo by posing next to the bonnet for size comparison. I plan on playing with the pattern to make a ruffled brim. I also think it would look fabulous in funkier colours. Truth be told, I'm just glad I have it
done in time for delivery
before little Lorelei's arrival.

Progress.

Charlie Girl's kitty hat is finished, and I love it! Let's hope she does as well. I'm sure she will look absolutely adorable in it. I've cast on the bonnet for Baby Lorelei, and am almost half way through the pattern. It's quite easy, although the recommended yarn is a little thinner than it should be. It's pretty cute too.


Last week when I picked up the yarn for Charlie's hat, I also found this awesome, yummy looking yarn. I can't wait to try it out, though I have no idea what I'm going to use it for. I'll let you know once I figure it out, for now I'll just admire and fondle it.

Third time's the charm?

Who the heck knew my daughter could get chicken pox three times? Certainly not me. At least this time she seems to be recovering quickly. Hopefully, this will be the last go round with it.

Knitting progress? Thankfully, there has been some. This weekend I completed the body of the orange toddler cardigan, and finished the shoulder seams with a three needle bind off. I then picked up the stitches for the button band and collar, all 265 of them. It'll be done in seed stitch. I have knitted a few rows, but 265 stitches in one row seems to take forever. To amuse myself, I have re-cast on Charlie's Kitty hat, with a new yarn. Bernat Satin Sport, in black and plum. I'm loving the way it's knitting up and I needed a portable project. I have several small knitting commissions that will be great as on the go projects. Wow, reading it looks weird, I guess I don't think of the things people ask me to knit as "Commissions". When I think of my little knitting projects, the word "commissions" seems so pretentious.

Due to my lack of photo uploadage, instead I will share more about me, in case ya cared. I stole this from Kelly , her Facebook(I'm not sure if she stole it from someone first), I like to give credit where credit is due.

Be honest....
1. Where were you 6 hours ago? Home.
2. Who will be your next kiss? My daughters.
3. Is there anything pink within 10 feet of you? If so, it's Meg's.
4. When is the last time you went to the mall? Saturday.
5. Are you wearing socks right now? Yes.
6. When was the last time you went out of the province? 2003-ish, to Atlanta.
7. Have you been to the movies in the last 5 days? Nope.
8. What was the last thing you had to drink? Cherry Kool-Aid.
9. What are you wearing right now? Yoga pants and a t-shirt, both black.
10. What was your last purchase? Yarn.
11. Last food you ate? Cheese, applewood smoked cheddar.
12. When was the last time you were upset? Friday.
14. Do you have a pet? Two cats, Mocha & Marzipan.
15. What's the last sporting event you watched? So long, I don't remember.
16. What is your favorite class(es)? I don't take any.
17. Who are your favorite people in your classes? See above.
18. If you could be anywhere right now, where would you be? In bed... & with room service.
19. What is the last thing you purchased online? I don't shop online, I'd spend too much.
20. What's your favorite soup? My Grandma's beef barley.
21. Do you miss anyone? My Dad, and...
22. Last play you saw? One at my daughter's school, last year.
23. What are your plans for the day? Today is almost done.
24. Who is the last person you got a comment from on facebook? Jess.
25. Ever go to camp? Brownie & Guide.
26. Were you an honor roll student in school? Nope, but my daughter is.
27.What do you know about the future? Nothing, it's probably better that way.
28. Are you wearing any perfume or cologne? Neither.
29. Where is your best friend(s) located? Dorchester
30. Do you have a tan? No.
31. How old do you want to be when you have kids? I was 23 & 26.
32. Do people hate you? Probably, but that's their issue.
33. Have you ever drank your soda from a straw? Yes.
34. How do you like your soda? With tonnes of ice, but I prefer iced tea.
35. Do you like hot sauce? Sometimes.
36. Who do you like? Someone.
37. Do they like you? Maybe.
38. Are you someone's best friend? I'm not sure.
39. What's the last TV show you watched? Can't remember, something on the Food Network.
40. Are you addicted to a certain kind of gum? Nope, I don't chew gum. I like mints.


Tune in next time for "More Crap About Me that You Never Wanted to Know".

More Weekly Randomness

Okay, I hate the cold. I know, being Canadian I'm supposed to like it, but I just can't do it. Of course it doesn't help that the cold seems to intensify the joint/muscle pain I now constantly experience. I wish they would diagnose what's wrong with me so they can cure it or treat it. I'll stop whining now.

Knitting progress, once more inch and the body of the orange toddler cardigan is done, then I'll pick up the stitches for the sleeves. After the sleeves I'll be picking up stitches for the collar (and possibly button band). I haven't decided if it will be a zip or button up. Then comes a slew of little hats. I love quick knits. Christmas knitting..that's just a dream of mine.

Dinner, tonight will be a "silly supper", which usually means cereal. So I will show you a photo of Tuesday's yummy focaccia bread pizza. It was topped with pancetta, salami, spinach and bocconcini. It was easy and delicious.

Weekly Randomness

Today I started taking antibiotics to combat the spider bite I received earlier this week at work. The scariest thing the Doctor said, "Watch that it doesn't start to turn black". How comforting. I would normally have knit to ease my mind, however my wrist has been a little sore of late. So, I did what I often do when I want to feel better; I headed to the kitchen to cook. Soup was the item of the day. First there was Mushroom Sausage Penne Soup. It was really quite tasty, perfect with a sprinkle of parmesan and a nice warm piece of garlic bread. The kiddles both had second helpings. Next, a big pot of Cauliflower & Squash Soup, which tasted incredible, wonderful and creamy, but with surprisingly little fat. I adapted the recipe just a little, by roasting both the cauliflower and squash, also roasted a few garlic cloves to be added in. I used maple syrup, regular sour cream, and stirred in a spoonful of parmesan and a bit of fresh thyme after pureeing. I will definitely be making it again, for now this batch goes into the freezer... well, with enough left out for tomorrow's lunch.




Since I have no knitting progress to show, another random quiz...

You Are Fall!

Thoughtful Expressive Creative Poetic Smart

What Season Woman Are You?

From Peach to Jam.

What I did on the weekend? Several things, the one I choose to share ... jam. Lately I've been experimenting with making jams without pectin, aka: certo. I usually make very small batches, just in case the experimentation goes awry. So far I've been lucky..although there is one batch of peach raspberry that came out more like peach butter..I don't like it, but the Em does so it's not a total loss. This weekend there was the Peach Raspberry butter and Ginger Peach jam. The ginger peach turned out awesome. The only problem with the small batch idea ... if it's really good, there's not enough and since I'm dash and pinch kind of cook, it is sometimes difficult to exactly replicate the results. I find myself actually writing down the recipes as I create, something I've not often done. Anyway, back to the ginger peach jam. I photo documented its evolution for the sake of posterity, well, and the blog( hi Kelly!).

Randomness.

Work ended prematurely today due to a nifty power outage, which gratefully did not affect my home. This means, the cats and I had an afternoon nap. Tonight's menu; spinach, tomato and bocconcini pizzas on naan bread. They were very yummy. Here's photographic evidence.



On the knitting front, Ravelry is my new addiction. There is just so much to look at.

On the cat front, a photo of a kitten (who loves mashed potatoes) in her natural habitat.

In the spirit of self discovery and sharing, I took this quiz. Does it sound like me?

You Are a Warrior Soul

You're a strong person and sometimes seen as intimidating. You don't give up. You're committed and brave. Truly adventuresome, you are not afraid of going to battle. Extremely protective of loved ones, you root for the underdog. You are picky about details and rigorous in your methods. You also value honesty and fairness a great deal. You can be outspoken, intimidating, headstrong, and demanding. You're a hardliner who demands the best from themselves and others. Souls you are most compatible with: Old Soul and Peacemaker Soul

What Kind of Soul Are You?

Tidbit Tuesday

Here we are again, it's Tidbit Tuesday. To begin, a photo, taken by me. This is in fact, my favourite photo taken of my summer garden. It shows an orchid petunia, my Mexican luck pots and one little bacoppa blossom. Interesting trivial fact, this arrangement is actually just to the side of the back kitchen door.


Speaking of kitchen, here's look at dinner this evening. It consisted of Maple pork chops with applesauce, red potatoes with butter & fresh dill, and pan fried brussel sprouts. There was mint chocolate chip ice cream and chocolate cupcakes for dessert.


Finally, on the knitting front, here's a peek at the progress on the orange toddler sweater, with a cute little Jack O'lantern for mood. Interesting trivial fact (or maybe not so interesting), this photo was taken on my bed.

Recipes currently under consideration ... Cranberry Jalapeno Relish, Crantini Jelly and Spiced Apple & Red Pepper Jelly

A Day Off...

Today was my day off, and in celebration the cats and I slept in. I then took advantage of the wonderful autumn breeze and hung out laundry to dry. After a well deserved afternoon nap I went shopping at my very favourite food related place, Sunripe. They have the most wonderful produce, not to mention great meats and cheeses. I picked up a fabulous applewood smoked cheddar, plums, peaches and some spinach and bocconcini for mini pizzas. After dinner I turned the plums and one peach into a really yummy spiced plum and peach jam. It's a recipe idea I have been fiddling with for a bit. It turned out really well (the kidlets were eating it right out of the pot), and the recipe makes only two cups, so if it were to turn out badly, it's not like you have a whole batch of awful jam. There is also no pectin, or additives involved, so I suppose it's more natural. No matter, it looks glorious and tastes as good as it looks.



P.S. The jam was still warm when this picture was taken.

A bit of Transfiguration.

Today was a day for some cooking. In explanation of the title of the post, to me cooking is a little bit of magic. Taking a mix of often unrelated ingredients and transfiguring them into something completely different, that hopefully turns out to be delicious. I especially feel this way about baking, jams, sauces, stews and soups, maybe that's why those are some of my favourite things to create in the kitchen. Today's magic was successful. I transfigured this .....


Into this ... A thick, comforting and wonderfully tasty yellow pea soup full of chunks of maple cured ham.


It was my first attempt at pea soup and everyone loved it, there is even some leftover. It took most of the day to cook, but really wasn't too much work. I would definitely make it again, though I would probably make more next time ... so there would be more to freeze.

There was knitting. I have made the divisions for the sleeves in the orange toddler cardigan and am on the home stretch for the body. There was also movie watching Practical Magic, LotR-Fellowship of the Ring and National Treasure. Sean Bean is so handsome.

Life Span of a Cabled Scarf

Here is a look at the progress I've made on the cabled scarf, the one intended as a gift for Emma's friend. It's a fairly easy knit, with a nice soft yarn and was actually moving along quite well, until . . .




Until Em had a look, and decided that it looked very... "Old Lady". So, after much thought, discussion, yarn perusal, and some swatching here is how the cabled scarf is currently looking. How's that for progress? Kids .. just can't please 'em.



Have no fear though, a new, and hopefully much less "Old Lady" scarf has been begun. It's just on the back burner until I catch up with all of the other knitting on my list.

Glory's Finale ?

This is the sight that greeted me when I walked along the path to my back door after work today. Isn't it lovely? It definitely brightened my day, which was in dire need of it. This beautiful flower also made me just a little sad. The days have turned cold and the sky is a little grey .. this will probably be the last of this year's Morning Glories, I will miss their bright, colourful faces greeting me as I head out in the morning. Wondering which colour will bloom next. It's okay though, I have saved the seeds and will plant them in the spring as always.





Tonight is a quiet evening. Knitting, Supernatural and Grey's Anatomy. Here's a look at a little progress on the cabled scarf.

Yumminess & Knitted bits.

Holy blog posts Batman, two in two days!



The stew was a hit, at least everyone who's tasted it has enjoyed it .... maybe they're just lying to boost my ego, either way, I consider it a success.




I almost forgot to share the Thanksgiving goodies. It was quiet, non-traditional, and celebrated a day early. The flowers were pretty and the food was tasty, it was very nice.




There has even been some progress on the knitting front. I'm steadily working away on the bright orange toddler sweater. I'm pretty much making it up as I go along, trying for as few seams as possible. I really hate seaming knits. I've decided on a knit 3, purl 2 rib, and I'm loving the way it looks.



Began a soft cabled scarf for a friend of the teen. It's a very simple pattern and I love the yummy yarn, one of my faves to knit with. I think it'll turn out be quite nice, a slightly quirky classic, just like it's intended recipient. In the works is also the purple and black Kittyville for Charlie. Then there will be a pink bonnet for the homecoming of a yet unarrived baby girl. I kinda like this pattern, but will have to run it by the mom first.

Tidbit Tuesday

Wow, I must work harder to post on a more regular basis.

As the title says, today is going to be a Tidbit Tuesday. What's that you ask...well, I suppose it'll be a lot like my cooking, a bit of this, a dash of that, a pinch of whatever, hopefully all combining into a tasty experience enjoyed by all who partake.

First, a photo. I took this just over a month ago, at the last meeting of the 4H knitting group I was lucky enough to help out with. It was taken at The Wagon Shed, this awesome weaving, spinning studio in Arva. The reason that I'm sharing this particular photo is that I absolutely love the way it turned out. I love the colours and how they seem to compliment each other, the reds of the couch and the quilt, the red of the cat, even the hint of a red undertone the lighting seems to bring out in Emma's hair. I would love this photo, even if it wasn't of my Emma. Sprocket the cat, a full time resident at The Wagon Shed, seemed to really enjoy the attention.



There has been much cooking going on as of late in the Moonlit Knit household. There has been chili, pasta sauce, and maple applesauce. Friday was chicken with corn, mashed potatoes & gravy. Saturday, I made some homemade cranberry sauce and this .....


Nope, it's not jam. Can you guess? A hint? Well, it was made from a half bag of mixed frozen berries discovered when I defrosted the freezer. Rather than return them to the freezer, to possibly be forgotten forever, I wanted to transform them into something delicious. With the help of a little sugar, a drop of honey, a pinch of cinnamon and a little cooking success was had. Have you guessed yet? Another hint?



That's right, you guessed it, Ice Cream sauce. Forgotten frozen berries metamorphisize into a seriously yummy, sweet, slightly tart, triple berry ice cream sauce.



Today's undertaking, to convert this ...



.... into a gorgeous pot of succulent beef stew. I'll let you know how it turns out.

Lazy Sunday.

My girls are with Grandma today, it's a hazy, drizzly day and I have a new colour of Morning Glory in bloom. I've been keeping myself busy taking photos, editing photos, playing with photos. Though, there are a couple of knitting projects I need to get on the go, just not sure which I want to tackle first. There's a fall cardigan for a two year old girl (I need to get the Mom's approval for the colours and pattern), and a black and purple Kittyville for Jenny's Charlie. I'll probably use to hat as a to go project and work on the sweater at home. Then it'll be on to Christmas knitting.

Things have been a tad crazy around here with all the back to school hoopla, adjusting to a new feline, and all of the regular stuff that usually keeps me busy. Speaking of felines, Marzipan is fitting into our family unit quite nicely, and as an added bonus, she no longer gobbles her own food in order to gallop down the hallway and eat Mocha's. She was, however, stealing the younger daughter's feathery pencils and carrying them off, so I have bought her her own version, an actual cat toy. It's even purple, and goes so well with her fur.

Thursday was the last evening for the 4-H knitting group I was helping with. It was kind of sad and I will miss them all tons. After all, what could be more fun than spending every other Thursday evening knitting with ten teenage, or nearly teenage girls. We'll have to have a reunion knitting night...wow, that sounds kinda pathetic. Anyway, they presented me with a a lovely thank you card (signed by all) and a Michael's gift certificate, I'll be using it to buy something totally me to remember them by.

Stopped in to Michael's yesterday and it reminded me how much a love Hallowe'en. So many awesome things I wanted. I think I'll be using the above mentioned gift certificate soon, probably for one of the nifty Hallowe'en door plaques. I also want to paint a harlequin pumpkin and a sparkly black one, maybe even a sparkly purple one (since Marzipan moved in I've found a new appreciation for purple and black) and possibly a black mirrored one. Oh, and there is a cute crescent moon bag thingy I want to replicate/modify, and, and ... and so on and so on. Did I mention how much I love Hallowe'en? Usually I put a lot of time and work into the girls' costumes, but they're getting older now and that's slowing down a bit ... maybe I just need to look for some Hallowe'en knitting to keep me occupied.

'til next time.

F.O's

Just wanted to share my latest finished knitted objects. Two cutie-patootie baby hats.For the kitty one, I used the Official Kittyville pattern and Bernat Softee Baby in "Baby Pink Marl", on 2.75mm DPN's. Marzipan was helping me arrange it for the photo.

For the cream coloured one, I used a generic hat pattern, added some texture with garter stitch and used Bernat Denim Style in "Chino", on 4mm DPN's
Okay, off to watch Big Love.
Later

Since my last visit...

Life has been a little dizzy, both figuratively and literally. There was knitting, cats cooking, jam making, and now, there's rain.




The knitting was, as always, a part of me. It's fun, therapeutic and makes me feel like I'm accomplishing something even when I'm being lazy and watching a movie. Then I get to feel generous and share things that I've loved working on by gifting them to others. It's all good.





The cats are all around adorable, even if the little one is sometimes a challenge.
They are getting used to each other. Marzipan is fitting in nicely.



The cooking produced delicious results. Our version of Mongolian beef, with rice and steamed broccoli. Simple, tasty, and there were even leftovers for lunch at work.


The jam making was fun family bonding with some spillage and stickiness. Wild blueberries, tiny, delicious, indigo orbs of sweetness. Some mashing, some sugar, a little stirring and you have this fabulous, decadent, crimsony-purple berry goodness that seems almost too much for just toast. It coaxes you into experimenting ... on vanilla ice cream, with plain yogurt, topping cheesecake. This jam will have you looking for where you'll next enjoy it.




And the rain, though not very handy for drying laundry, is blissful. I love the sounds, the smells, that everything seems cleaner. A summer evening rain makes me want to stand outside and just let it wash over me. Both soothing and invigorating at the same time. The one major downside to evening rain? The moon is hidden.



Until next time.