Home for Feet

There's something about braided rugs that really appeals to me.  I like the variation of color and I'm a big fan of lines and circles (ovals too, I guess).  Maybe it's because they feel homey.  Well anyway, I saw a Pin on how to make your own.  The DIY tutorial got me to thinking that maybe I can make one.  Any bets on if and/or when it happens?

Lucky [Holi]Day

I've been looking to pick up a game of Monopoly Deal ever since I played game after game when my family was visiting this summer.  Then last week, to my surprise, in the midst of browsing a few antique stores looking for just the right ornament for J., I spotted it.  ...an antique though?  

Family fun and happy holidays!

25 december 2013 . wednesday . (day one thousand four hundred fifty-one)

Veg

This week's CSA haul was enormous.  I'm loving the Winter harvest.  Big Lick Farm's carrots, radishes, and cauliflower have adorned many a veggie plate this week.  It feels so luxurious to eat truly fresh produce.

P.S. Mom's Roasted Red Pepper Hummus has been a hit.

Ain al Rami

Happy Winter!  A few seasonal wonders that caught my interest...

Snow art.

Northern Lights from space.

Individual snowflakes.

Puréed Creamy Dip

Ta-da!  Mom's Red Pepper Hummus turned out better than the Ethereally Smooth Hummus that I made last week.  The recipe contains few details.  Basically...

Dump it all together and process until done.

On first taste, it's a little lemony.  It will be interesting to see how the flavors develop and/or mellow after a day in the fridge.

Insulation

There's a significant gap under the front door and when the weather turns frigid, there's also a noticeable chilly breeze that comes from underneath the door.  I had meant to make a few door snakes (or whatever they're called) to help keep warm air in and cold air out, but I only got as far as purchasing a giant bag of pinto beans (for stuffing).  Over the last year, we've ended up cooking the majority of the beans, but I did finally get around to constructing two "snakes" with the remaining legumes.  They're not pretty, but it turns out that two socks safety pinned together gets the job done.  ...and as it goes, good enough is perfect.

Charming Frosty

 

A friend of mine makes simple and festive, itty-bitty Frosty necklaces.  What a lovely gift.  She doesn't have any for sale at the moment, but when she does they're $5.  Let me know if you're interested in getting your hands on any when she has more.

Agena, or, The Knee

It's been pretty darn cold (for my pocket of Oregon), but bring on Winter anyway.  By this time next week, it will officially be here.  I hope this last week of Autumn gives you something unexpected to smile about.  I've been smiling about...

A co-worker's inspiring daughter-in-law's new business venture.

Because reading the temperature should be charming.

An eagle selfie.

A Cup of Jo's 2013 Gift Guide.

Destination

I haven't yet mentioned that a few weeks ago (okay, maybe two months ago) J. and I made a whirlwind trip to Seattle.  The stray husky kept showing up at our house, as in got returned to us and then got returned to a kill-shelter where we quickly retrieved her, but we were finally able to secure permanent housing for her which just so happened to be in Washington.  We took advantage of the opportunity to see a few sights, eat some yummy food, and visit friends in Seattle.  It was just an overnight trip, but we were able to pack quite a bit of adventure into the span of 18 or so hours.

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Consecutive Rows of Loops

Yet again, I was given the most gorgeous pair of knit socks.  Thank you P. for the handmade goodness, and your humor, and your wit, and the smile you always bring to my face.

Room for Living

The living quarters are nearly the same as they were last year with just a few minor tweaks.  Two of the typewriters now live on the piano along with a few items from that had been on the sink window sill.  The area rug has moved to it's third (and final?) location.  It seems to tie the space together quite nicely.  Also, because it's been cold, cold, cold, the curtains are finally up.  If they look like sheets, that's because they are.  I dream of having insulated curtains, but for the time being these are good enough.  ...and good enough is perfect.

Adhil, or, The Train/Tail

Temperatures dropped drastically and then stayed there for the last few days, which means that much of my weekend was spent trying to keep the house warm and the chickens warm.  It's was a bit of a balancing act on both accounts.  

I do enjoy cold weather and snow, but it would be better if we were a bit more well equipped. Why for example are the drain pipes from a north facing, second floor bathroom on the outside of the house?  Yep... they froze.  Why don't I have any snow boots (these specifically)?  Michigan, Chicago, Denver and not a single pair of boots.  What is wrong with me?!  The gutters are still filled with leaves and in a terrible state of disrepair so there are icicles dripping from the eaves between the roofline and the gutters.  This was somewhat inevitable but still not ideal.  Even amid the freeze there have been bright spots.

This Potato and Red-Pepper Frittata is fantastic in all seasons.

Correspondence via paper, pen, and post.

Taproot magazine and their calendar.

Bounty

Somehow J. and I have never signed up for a CSA before this season.  With everything we have been growing (or trying to grow) on our own, it seemed a bit redundant.  Late-autumn on our little corner lot doesn't give us much more than kale and leeks though so it was a delight to pick up an assorted abundance of fresh, good old-fashioned, farmed raised produce.  

Thank you Big Lick Farm!

Adhafera, or, The Braid/Curl

Although Thanksgiving has come and gone, I'm still feeling thankful for many things (pasture-raised turkey, the fact that my in-laws house feels like vacation, snow in the forecast, hot tea and hot showers and hot soup...).  I hope that the dawn of December has you feeling cozy too.

Things are looking particularly bright as we march on toward the solstice and darker days.  These are a few of my favorite things:

The Fritz and Fran duo.

J. A[3]. Ware with Mr. Buscemi.

A tote option.

Planning for spring on paper on purpose.

This Hello December! desktop.