Quick Knits

These are two projects I worked on in October/November. Since, I couldn't buy new yarn I used leftover yarn for simple projects.

The first is a scarf in garter stitch and the second is the child size, basic rolled-brim hat from Knitting for Peace.

Unfortunately, I can't share the names of the yarns because I lost (or threw away) the info that came with them. Although, I think the darker maroon on the scarf is Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick.

The hat actually fits a toddler because I purposely shrunk it down in the wash.

Green School

I think most of us are aware of how our public education system suffers daily. We're confronted with regular reports on how the curriculum has deteriorated into teaching for some inane standardized test and that school levies consistently fail. As a result, schools continue to be shut down and funding cut, leaving great teachers to struggle every day in order to safeguard the futures of America's children.

I saw this speech about a school in Bali, where the students seem to be thriving. It got me thinking about how our public school system might need a total reboot. We need to start thinking outside the box, creating a "local to global" approach.

I don't usually get political on this blog, so I'll just step off the soap box now. :o)

If for no other reason, check out the school for its amazing architecture.



Go here if you want to see a short documentary of this school.

Improv Cookies

Okay, so I know that I said I'd post the scone recipe from this summer. I haven't forgotten the promise. Time just got away from me. Forgive me?

Anyway, I will post it and soon. I just have to make them again to refresh my memory as I didn't actually write anything down at the time.

To tide you over until then, here is a recipe I made up yesterday while we were housebound.

You see, I haven't really been able to get into the holiday spirit due to the move. Yesterday, I was really looking forward to going to a co-op and getting ingredients to makes Christmas cookies. Alas, the roads were closed and I was bummed.

Then I decided to try and use what I had around the house and see if I could make anything edible. And I did!

Here it is:

Winter Sunrise Cookies

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
2 sticks of butter
1 1/2 cups sugar
3 eggs
2 tsp orange flavor/extract
2 cups dried cranberries
Powdered Sugar (for dusting)

Combine flour, baking soda and salt in medium bowl and whisk together. Set aside. Combine butter and sugar and beat until nice and fluffy. Continue beating, adding one egg at a time. Beat in orange extract. Slowly mix in flour. Once everything is combined, stir in dried cranberries.

Place teaspoonfuls of mixture on non-stick baking sheet (I cover the baking sheet with unbleached parchment paper). Bake for approx. 12 minutes (depending on oven). Remove from oven and dust with sifted powdered sugar. After a minute or two remove from baking sheet and cool on rack.

Then eat this yummy bit of sweet winter sunshine!

You could probably add your favorite nuts to the recipe as well. I just didn't have any and Jonathan doesn't like nuts anyway.

And one more thing...

Check out our frozen windows.

Our Kitchen Window.

Our Bedroom Window.

Baby, it's cold outside.

Sunshine

While Jonathan and I searched for jobs, there was a song on the radio that always made us dance around. Whether we were at home or stuck in traffic on 94, the song filled us with hope and unrestrained happiness.

You've probably heard it too and hopefully you couldn't control yourself from shaking your bootie. :)

Here's a little sunshine to brighten up your day...