Now that the epic wedding shawl is finished and the bridesmaid’s shawl for JessaLu’s wedding is finished I can actually knit what I want to knit and not what I have to knit. It feels great!

I’ve finished the body of the Que Sera sweater for Hannah. It’s been tedious to knit, although I couldn’t say why since I enjoy the lace pattern and it’s very well written. It’s probably that I just don’t enjoy knitting with cotton yarn. I’m determined to finish, though, so I’m pushing myself to get the sleeves done and have it finished by the time we visit Hannah for Family Day on October 2nd. Before I was worried that I would run out of yarn but that seems unlikely at this point. Now I’m just worried that (a) it will fit and (b) she will actually wear it.

She can be a fickle one, that daughter of mine.

When we had our dinner party the other night I cooked steaks on the grill. We also had baked potatoes and what I think is the ultimate steak house side dish – creamed spinach. Kim asked for the recipe and Beth asked for the recipe, too. I figure if they both want it then perhaps everyone is interested so I turned it into a blog post. Clever, aren’t I?

Creamed Spinach a la Carole Knits

3 – 4 bags fresh spinach, preferably baby spinach
1 T butter
1 T olive oil
1/2 medium size onion, chopped into mall pieces
3 cloves garlic, minced
8 oz cream cheese
1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese

Steam the spinach and drain it. In a medium sauce pan over medium high heat melt the butter and add the olive oil. Sauté the onion and garlic until the onion is cooked through and translucent. Stir in the softened cream cheese and heat until melted. In a casserole dish mix the spinach, the onion/cream cheese mixture, the Parmesan cheese and the Monterey Jack cheese.. Bake at 350 until bubbly, about 15-20 minutes. Serve immediately.

It’s rich and creamy and delicious.  I love it with steak but it’s also good as a dip with toasted baguette slices or crackers. Let me know if you try it!

Today’s topic, 10 Reasons to Watch Football, was inspired by the start of the professional football season this past Sunday. I have tried to watch and understand football in the past and I have always failed. This year, however, I am determined to not only get it but to also enjoy it. Having a list of reasons to watch will give me inspiration should I falter.

1. It’s a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Or evening. Dale says afternoon football isn’t as good because you can’t drink beer that early in the day and then accomplish anything later.
2. You can watch football and knit. For me right now it needs to be a very simple knit so that I can concentrate on what’s going on with the game but I’m hoping that as I learn more I can knit more complex things while watching.
3. You can watch football and spin. See #2.
4. There are good snacks. On Sunday we had some marinated mushrooms and stuffed grape leaves and olives and cheese ‘n crackers. We also had chili and I have to say it was fantastic. I used a lot of fresh plum tomatoes from our CSA and I’m betting that’s what made the difference.
5. The HDTV really shines. I cannot get over how fantastic football looks on our fancy-ass TV. I might be watching for this reason alone.
6. It’s a good bonding experience with your spouse. Luckily Dale is not a football fanatic and I’ve never been a football widow. He does enjoy the game, though, and he is really enjoying <strike>lecturing</strike> teaching me about the game. It’s nice to share something new.
7. It gives you something to talk about at work. It seems like everyone was talking about Randy Moss and his post game whine yesterday. It’s nice to actually be able to participate in the conversation.
8. The players are cute. Hello, Tom Brady and Wes Walker.
9. The cheerleaders are hot. Okay, that one is for Dale. You should have heard him whining when a big pop up ad thingy came on the screen yesterday just when they were showing the cheerleaders in their skimpy little outfits.
10. It’s just plain entertaining. And exciting. Before this week I thought it was boring but I’m changing my mind and am finally seeing the appeal. Millions of people watch and they can’t all be wrong.

I had a pretty good weekend but like all weekends it went by too fast!

On Friday we were fortunate to have our friends Kim (you may know her as Woolen Rabbit) and Ken over for dinner. They were in our neck of the woods to celebrate Kim’s birthday with a whale watch but we caught up with them and had a great night. We chatted and ate and really enjoyed each other’s company.

I also finished the epic wedding shawl, Fiori di Sole on Friday. I blocked it on Saturday and it took every pin I had and I probably could have used more. I took a few photos but hope to take more at the wedding next Sunday. I’ll show you pictures and give you details then.

Saturday night we had dinner at Lois and Don’s house. Once again it was great food and great company. I’m sensing a theme here and it’s a good one!

On Sunday Dale and I watched the Patriot’s football game. If you know me well you know that I have never been a big fan of football. Nevertheless, I am determined to understand the game and see what all the fuss is about. I have to say that watching this game was probably the first time I ever really “got it” and I kind of enjoyed it, too. I did some knitting and some snacking and it made for a very pleasant afternoon.

My only question now is how the hell did it get to be Monday so soon?

Many of you commented on the cupcake photo from yesterday’s post, saying how delicious they looked. How about another shot?

That’s the Lemon Drop and the Chocolate Raspberry Surprise, all nicely decorated to bring to Hannah on her birthday. In case you are local, they are from Cupcake Charlies. And they really do taste as good as they look.

I hope your weekend includes something sweet!

I’ve been doing pretty well with my Project 365 on flickr. Some days I am inspired and have really nice photos. And some days I’m left cold and without ideas and wind up with a barely passable photo.

I don’t know if my skills have improved but it has gotten easier to take a photo a day. The thing is, many of those photos never show up here on the blog. So today, given that I have nothing else to talk about, I thought I’d show you some recent photos. Mmmmkay?

A bottle of wine.

My father-in-law diagnosing a problem with our car.

A teepee in our back yard. This probably deserves it’s own blog post but you’ll just have to wait.

A box of cupcakes.

Dale shooting his bow.

And my favorite quilt.

My photos make me happy.

Last Friday we made the trip out to the western part of the state to visit Hannah. It was her 18th birthday, after all, and I couldn’t miss seeing my girl on that auspicious date.

It was great to see her and know first hand that she is doing fine. We took her to Target to pick up a a few things for her room and we took her out to dinner at a restaurant one of her professors recommended, the School Street Bistro. It was wonderful! The food was delicious and fresh and my filet mignon was one of the best I’ve ever had.

We spent the weekend out there since Dale, ironically enough, had a band job in Springfield at the Sheraton Hotel. Springfield doesn’t offer much to do during the day and we were having car trouble so we couldn’t really drive anywhere. I felt strange being right down the street and not seeing Hannah and I was wondering if she missed us. So I texted her. And then she texted me back and said, “I legit like forgot you guys were still here. hahahaha!”

It was at that moment that I realized she is absolutely fine.

Labor Day weekend has come and gone. Sigh. There’s still a bit of summer left, though, and this week’s topic is how to make the most of it. Presenting: 10 Things to Do Before the End of Summer.

1. Go to the beach. I love the beach in September. The water is warm and the light is golden and the summer people have gone home.
2. Enjoy time on the deck. The sun is still warm but the humidity is (usually) gone and it’s perfect for knitting and spinning on the deck.
3. Speaking of the deck, enjoy more dinners outside.
4. And fires in the chiminea.
5. Make grape jelly. The grapes usually ripen right as summer ends and it’s guaranteed to be hot again when it’s time to make grape jelly.
6. Go for a bike ride. Savor those last moments of warm breezes!
7. Have a picnic. I don’t think I’ve had a picnic all summer – definitely need to fit this in before it gets too cold.
8. Enjoy the last of the corn on the cob. Silver Queen, my favorite variety, becomes available in September and it’s the best.
9. Eat ice cream. Sure, you can eat ice cream in the cool weather but the ice cream stand is best when it’s still hot.
10. Just be outside. It’ll be too cold before you know it so get out there and enjoy the sunshine and warmth.

It’s the last day of the last 3 day weekend of summer. Make the most of it!

Eighteen years ago today at 9:08 am I gave birth to a 8lb 5 oz baby girl. She was a sweet and loving little baby and she has grown into a beautiful, caring and smart young woman.

Happy 18th birthday, Hannah! I am so proud of you!