So much going on

This summer is so full of happenings,I can hardly keep up.Michael,son # 2 married Sylvie in a backyard ceremony. It was held at her families home and was a very low key fun gathering.

This is her father,Pete,just making sure everyone is happy with their food and drink. Sylvies family is native to Canada and had relatives visiting so we had the opportunity to speak the language.Such fun. Can't wait to do it again.

This is our grandson Aaron.Last week he was Baptized and this week is his first birthday.Happy Birthday Aaron.Can't wait to see you........................said the Hobbit

Our first knitalong

This is going to be stitch and bitchs' first knitalong.Several of us will be doing a scarf from the Boutique Knits.

According to the cover they have 20 must have accessories .We have chosen the Pseudo shibori scarf as our first project.It's really very simple,however it does introduce us to a new process,which we will discuss as we move along.This pattern consist of 6 rows which you repeat till you have a desired length.

We have chosen our yarn and are just about ready to start.Recommended is single ply using #4 needles.Do remember this is a scarf and using different weight and needles will just make it your very own.The single ply mohair combo used in this picture makes for a very dramatic piece which would be perfect for an evening at the theater or some other gala evening however most of us won't be attending any functions of that sort in the near future so we are using what we feel is right for us. If you want to knitalong please do and let me know how the project goes for you.Here are the 6 rows that you repeat till It's long enough for you.

Cast on 54 stitches.

Row 1 Knit in front and back of 1st stitch.Knit to within 3 stitches Knit 2 together knit 1

Row 2 Purl all the way across.

Row 3 Same as row 1

Row 4 Knit all the way across

Row 5 Knit in front and back of 1st stitch purl to within last 3 stitches purl 2 together purl 1

Row 6 same as row 4

Come on now I know you can do this.

This is another scarf from the same book .It's done in 3 pieces .The neck band is felted and as soon as it's ready I'll be showing some photos. So now join in the fun. Get those needle going. Hmmm I think a lace weight cotton might even look nice..................said the hobbit

Good things on my menu

Although I have been making an effort to eat from the pantry,everyone should add a little something fun to their menu especially in the summer.We have been making frozen smoothies on a regular basis.This one requires 1/2 a honeydew melon ,1/4 cup of honey,1/4 cup of heavy cream 1/4 cup pistachios and I throw in a few mint leaves.The recipe doesn't call for it ,but,I think herbs are a great addition to a frozen treat. I just put everything in the food processor give it a whirl and pour it in the molds.The first time I did this I thought it was a little too much like a Popsicle,so I added a little more cream to make it like a creamsicle.Both varieties were great however I'm going to try it with yogurt and see which one we like best.The family said "Just keep them coming ,we'll try every variation you can come up with."I think we might also try plums or blackberries if we ever get our fill of the honeydew.

People in our area are trying to get into raw eating.Changing one's eating habits is always so difficult but I came up with this recipe.It was a hit at the barn and sold out before I even had a chance to try it.Here are the ingredients.

1/3 cup dried currants

1/3 cup canola oil

1 minced garlic clove

1/4 teas ground cumin

zest of 1 lemon

Juice of 2 lemons

3 med zucchini

3 summer squash

1 shallot

1 box of pasta (I used ziti)

3 tbls of toasted pine nuts

2 cups arugula

In a small bowl cover the currants with hot water till they plump (10 mins or so) Raisins would also work)Drain of extra liquid.

In a large bowl (non reactive please)combine 2 tlbs of the oil with the garlic,cumin ,lemon zest and 1/2 of the lemon juice.Add salt and pepper to your taste at this time.Cut up the squash and zucchini to your liking and put them in your dressing along with the currants.Allow this to sit in the dressing on your counter for at least 1 hr. Do not refrigerate at this time.When ready ,bring your water to a boil with the shallot in it.Add pasta and cook to your preference.Drain, toss with veggies add pine nuts and arugula. Baby spinach is good also. If you try this let me know how you like it.....................said the Hobbit

Things we don't know

Here we are at stitch and bitch on that never ending learning curve.We 've been a little slow taking on new project this summer since everyone has been on a very non-stop schedule.We've been happy just getting together and having supper. But, enough is enough we have decided to do a knit-along. Everyone is doing the psudo-shibori scarf.We found it in Boutique Knits 20+must have accessories. Right now everyone is choosing their yarn. It has to be 440 yrds of lace weight and the needle size is #4.More on this project later.

Here's what's going on right now.Cindy #2 is working on socks for Christmas and some lucky person is getting this lovely pair. I don't know if there is something in the air,but, we seem to have a leaning towards green this year. Has that ever happened to you?

I couldn't do this one justice with a photo. It's a shawl that Michelle (of course)has done.It isn't blocked yet nor does it have the points added but I'll try to get a better photo when she models it.

This is Cynthia,our California transplant,she's knitting leg warmers. Yes that's a jacket she's wearing. No,we're not having a cold period however she just can't get use to our ever changing weather. She always thinks it's a little chilly. Well I must close for now but, will be back real soon......................said the Hobbit

Zucchini, limited edition, right!!

Everyone is working with zucchini around here.It's a very bountiful crop.I don't care how little you plant ,you always seem to have lots extra.This is what I've been doing with it.In boiling water blanch the 4-5 whole zucchini for about 4-5 minutes.While you wait for it to cool off.Chop 1 large onion ,dice 2 sweet peppers and shuck 2 ears of corn or use the equivalent frozen.Saute your veggies in a bit of butter or evoo.When you can handle the zucchini cut in 1/2 and ream out the center strip with a melon baller or spoon.Add this to your veggies. I always have roasted tomatoes in the cupboard but use whatever you have .Add about 2 cups of tomatoes to the veggies and let simmer till well blended and almost dry. Choose your spice at this time .Basil is good,or thyme even oregano. I sometimes use cumin for a Mexican flavor.To taste is always best. Add salt and pepper if you wish.Now top your zucchini with the veggie mix. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs or grated cheese

Place in the oven at 350 for 15-20 min and you have a great side dish. Have a vegetarian to feed just add cooked cous cous or leftover rice to the veggies and serve with bread and sliced tomatoes and cukes for a complete meal. What are you doing with your zucchini.......said the Hobbit