It's Bittyful Friday

JUST SITTING HERE WITH THE GOLF TOWELS FEELING THE GOOD TIME ROLL ! COME ON SUMMER..............

IT'S BITTYFUL FRIDAY

KEEPING BUSY IN THE WINTER MONTHS,FINDING NEW PLACES TO EXPLORE!

CAN YOU SEE ME NOW? I GOT UP HERE IN A SINGLE BOUND. JUST CALL ME "SUPERCAT"  ok hobbit had to come and get me .shhh

The girls of S&B are ready to roll

After a crazy busy December we are back on schedule and ready to start new projects for next Christmas.We usually meet on Tuesday evening and as you know Christmas and New Year were on Tuesday so for some of us it's been a month since we have seen each other.There was lots to catch up on and not much planning done......but,then,there is always nextweek.

After New years I got to work on these socks............just for me. The sock queen,first on the right side of the group photo, gave me this amazing yarn and I thought it was about time to put it to good use.

There is no actual pattern used. I started at the cuff,which I made 2 1/2 inches in a tight rib. A 5 inch leg then a short row heel. This means NO heel flap. So much easier than picking up stitches on the flap. I actually enjoy doing both but, it's a great tool for a beginner to get through their first pair of socks.The bottom of the foot was done in a Purl 1 Knit 4 pattern just to give it a little texture. I had such a great time doing them that I made an extra pair for the sock Queen. It's like cooking. It seems to taste better when someone else cooks for you. Know what I mean?

These 2 tried to stay out of the group picture.Ms g on the left is a first year knitter.Ms. Button on the right has many talents that I hope to share in the coming year.Surprise !!!! I found you.........said the hobbit

Here in New England

Although we are currently in a January thaw, this is what things looked like a few weeks ago.

I was standing on my porch and yes.............that is my street you are looking at. To the left snow!!

And to the right................more snow!! I live on a very short street.

Here is hubby getting the snow blower out of the garage. Notice my car........full of snow and not allowed in the garage. Here in New England we rarely use a garage for our cars.......go figure?






Some people were ready for this weather,but, no those are not my boots. My daughter had stopped by earlier in the week to show me her Hunter mucking boots........Lucky girl.Here's hoping that we have seen the worst of winter. I can dream can't I?............said the hobbit

It's Bittyful Friday

DO I LOOK LIKE A SCARDY CAT RIGHT NOW?

WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU WOKE UP AND SAW THIS IN YOUR BED? SEE WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT HERE?

The Christmas cookies

Do you make a traditional Christmas cookie?  I use to make the same one every year and although I loved it and enjoyed sharing the whole process every year, I soon heard that little baker voice inside saying "come on,try something different" So, the past few years I have been venturing away from my comfort zone and going where this baker has never been . This year I turned to Martha Stewart' Everyday Cook Book and made APRICOT WALNUT RUGALACH

This recipe fit right into my schedule. The dough had to be mixed in my food processor. Aw,too bad. So simple. Place 2 STICKS OF COLD UNSALTED BUTTER
                     1SOFTENED 8 OZ PACKAGE OF CREAM CHEESE
                      3 TABLESPOONS SUGAR
                      1/4 TEASPOON SALT
mix till WELL blended then mix in
                      2 CUPS ALL PURPOSE FLOUR
Pulse till a dough forms ........divide in 1/2 and place in fridge 2 hours or overnight.In a sauce pan cook
                        1 CUP DRIED APRICOTS
                         1/4 CUP BRANDY
                          1/2 TEASPOON CINNAMON
Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer till about 1/2 the liquid is gone. About 6 or 7 min. Stir in
                           1/2 CUP SUGAR
                           1 CUP CHOPPED WALNUTS.
Actually after making this several times I put the apricot mixture the sugar and the nuts in my processor and gave it a few pulses till it looked chopped but not a paste.

Now with my trusty patry rolling pin and a little extra sprinkling of flour I rolled 1disk at a time to resemble the size of a pie pastry topping  12 inches across.

Then I spread 1/2 the apricot filling over this leaving about a 1/2 inch edge with no filling. I rolled it out on parchment paper,to make pick up easier.

Now with a knife or pizza cutter I cut the dough into pie wedges They recommended 16 pieces. Here comes the fun part. Starting at the widest part roll your dough crescent style

Put that little pointy part down on your cookie sheet. Parchment was used here also. Don't know if it was necessary but hate to find out at the last minute that the cookies won't come off the sheet.

Now brush each cookie with a beaten egg or heavy cream

Stick them in the freezer for 30 min.

Bake 325 degrees for 35 min. They were so yummy. Once they were frozen I popped half of them in a freezer bag and baked as needed.After several batches of apricot I started to do my own thing. I used dried cranberries in place of the apricots and candied ginger instead of cinnamon and replaced the walnuts with pecans.Such fun. I still have some in the freezer. I think I'll go and bake 8 or 10 for tea break Jiggy (the hubby) will be watching the Notre Dame game and I'll be a happy camper..........said the hobbit

What's for dessert Santa?

Santa had lots of treats to pick from this year. I can't believe how creative they get.

Check out these reindeer cupcakes.Just a little imagination turned an ordinary cupcake into Santa's best buds.I know Rudolf had a runny nose,but, it is flu season ya know?

Ginger crusted raspberry torte was another choice for Santa












And if that wasn't enough cookies,chocolates and a big glass of milk should be enough to put him over the top. It's no wonder all anyone can think about after Christmas is going on a diet. Have you sworn off sugar for the rest  of your life? I hope not because next I'll tell you what my pick was for a go to Christmas
 cookie...................said the hobbit

It's Bittyful Friday Hooray!

Things are finally quiet around here. Nothing left to do but, watch the faucet drip.Life is good,right?

Christmas eve with the family

Another year of Christmas celebration has come to an end. So much to do , my mind is already planning the celebrations for 2013. I can't help myself !!Everyday I am more convinced than ever that there is nothing more important than "the family"and there is no greater joy then planning holiday get togethers.

 This year I decorated my tree with the help of my grandson Zachary.He is between employment and when he asked to spend a few days with me before the holidays, how could I resist. He did a wonderful job and although there would be no get togethers at my home this year,he too felt that it was important to put the tree up.

 Favorite ornaments were hung..........this is a little lamb that I got in a blogger crafter exchange.Zach was interested in all the details of every ornament that he hung and every few minutes he was heard to say. "I think this is my favorite"

 My good friend Betty scoured the streets of London for me one year because I was determined to have these Christmas birds in my tree. There are 3 of them and their feathers are as soft as the real thing.They were also listed as favorites by my helper.It took us quite a while to hang everything but, the time spent telling the story of every ornament give me a wonderful day with Zach. He wasn't able to join us for Christmas itself as he was in another state with no transportation. but, I will cherish my time spent with him as it made the preparation even more special

This year Christmas Eve was held at my grand daughter Cayla's home. This would be a first for her. She has been married over a year now and was anxious to have a family gathering herself. Despite moments of stress her tree was decorated and ready to greet her guest. Of course news of an up coming baby may have been what was truly on her mind. We were only too happy to toast this best of best present for our family.

Cotrell came as a poinsettia and she didn't seem stressed at all!!

Her brother Aaron couldn't wait to show us his imitation of Popeye.Want to have a stessfree party?Just invite the grandkids.........they take over the entertainment ever time. Next time we'll talk food....said the hobbit

Best wishes for a great 2013 !!!!!

wishing all a happy new year! I'll get you started "Should auld....."you know the rest.......   Said the hobbit