A Relaxing Winter Afternoon

Outdoor steps leading to our backyard.

We’re feeling very lucky this winter. The weather has been unusually mild, although we are experiencing a slight cold snap at the moment. Yesterday was cold, gray and overcast with a slight dusting of snow on the ground. Not a really bad day, just one of those that makes me happy to be snug and warm indoors. I put a vegetable medley (see below) in the Crock Pot to accompany the hamburgers Carl requested for supper, then we settled down in our recliners and relaxed in front of the TV the rest of the afternoon.

Above is a view of the snow on our steps leading out to the backyard. Our house is a split level on 4 different levels. Outside my kitchen door on the 3rd level main living area is a screened porch, and this view shows the steps leading from the screened porch to the backyard.

Gracie, age 8 months

While we were watching TV, I crocheted several more stripes on Blaise’s baby blanket while our 2 Shih Tzus, Rosie and Gracie, cuddled up on Carl’s lap. 

 

Aren’t they cute? They had both just come back from the groomer and hadn’t yet been able to dislodge the bows she put in their hair. They will, though. It seems to be their mission to get them out as fast as they can.

Rosie, age 6 years

Trying to get either of them to sit still for a photo is usually like trying to nail Jell-O to a tree, but Rosie decided to be still for once. Not so with Gracie. I had to chase her down and then wouldn’t have been able to get a decent picture if my camera didn’t have stop-action on it. She sure is a busy one!

Vegetable Medley

 The vegetable medley I mentioned is really nothing special, but we both like it a lot and consider it one of our comfort foods. Our son, Scott, introduced it to us and, when I first heard about it, I wasn’t too enthused about trying it. But, we agreed to and were pleasantly surprised at the flavor. It’s really easy, and looks something like this. 

If you’re interested in giving it a try, it takes 2 cans of whole kernel corn, 2 cans of green beans, ¼ pound of bacon,  a small onion, chopped, and salt and pepper to taste. (Do NOT drain the vegetables.) Place all ingredients in a saucepan and simmer until the bacon and onion are done. Sometimes, like today when I don’t feel like fussing in the kitchen, I put it in the Crock Pot and walk away and forget it until meal time. 

(Hint: This dish is even better the 2^nd day when the flavors have had a chance to blend.)

A Blankie for Baby Blaise

Blaise's New Blankie

On January 10, 2012, Baby Blaise, our newest grandchild, entered the world. He is the son of our fourth and youngest child, Scott, and his fiancée, Denise. Both Mommy and Baby Blaise are doing well. It’s hard to believe that our little man is one month old already! And, even harder to believe that we haven’t met him yet! They live quite a distance away, but we’re planning a trip to see him as soon as possible.

I’ve made Blaise several things so far, but this is the latest work in progress. If you like the pattern and would like to know where to find it, it is from the Leisure Arts Leaflet #4813, Colorful Cuddlers: 4 Crochet Afghans for Baby by Becky Stevens. The only change I made to the pattern is just the color sequence. I used 2 colors plus white instead of the 5 colors plus white called for in the pattern. Although I really like the color sequence the designer used, I wasn’t able to find those colors locally. So, I made this a stashbuster project since I wanted to get started right away. Sometimes it’s just so satisfying to sit down in front of the TV and cuddle up with a crochet project that I didn’t have to actually write the pattern for. :-)