Celebrating Agatha Christie's Birthday

Today was Agatha Christie's 121st birthday (she was born September 15th, 1890).

I decided to celebrate with Hercule Poirot, various other Agatha Christie characters, and Miss Marple style knitting. :)

First on the agenda:  "Murder on the Orient Express", starring David Suchet as Poirot.
Unintentionally, it was next on my Netflix queue.  It arrived yesterday, just in time for the birthday celebration!  :D

Next:  "Endless Night" streaming on Netflix.  This is a more contemporary Agatha Christie novel, written in the 1960's.  The movie stars Hailey Mills in one of the major roles.  Unlike "Murder on the Orient Express", this story does not involve Hercule Poirot.  No sign of Miss Marple either.  You won't even find Tommy and Tuppence in this one!  All the characters are unknown, and the story is very interesting.  I'm so glad I read the book before watching this particular movie, because the ending is a MAJOR surprise, and makes the book one of my favorites.  I've read that this story is Agatha Christie's favorite as well! 

While watching both movies, I'll be knitting a project that involves Miss Marple.  The pattern is the "Diddle Dumpling" baby sweater from a vintage Bairnswear pattern book.  There is a nice little story involved in this project.  It's a MYSTERY even!  :D

A few years ago, I was watching a Miss Marple episode on PBS called "A Caribbean Mystery".   Joan Hickson was playing the part of Miss Marple, and did a great job (as usual).  During the show, the cameraman took a shot of Miss Marple knitting a baby sweater.  The camera view was over her shoulder, and I saw the actual knitting pattern in front of her!



My eyes were immediately glued to the screen, and I noticed that the name of the pattern was "Diddle Dumpling".  I jumped up from my chair, and ran down the hall to look up the pattern on the internet.  But, I was disappointed.  No such pattern could be found.  Not even by doing a "dogpile" search! :(

Seque to 2011, and I was browsing Ravelry.  I was a member of a Ravelry group called "Mystery Book Talk", and mentioned that I wished I could find the "Diddle Dumpling" pattern.  Some of the members responded that other people had been searching for the pattern as well, with no luck.  We continued the discussion, and someone eventually figured it out!  She had a DVD of the episode, so she was able to watch the scene over and over again.  After several viewings, she decifered the name that was at the top of the pattern page - BAIRNSWEAR.  Then, she searched for Bairnswear patterns on the internet.  Finally, she found the actual Diddle Dumpling pattern!!  We all rejoiced!!!



Pattern Book:  Bairnswear #107
Link to purchase pattern: The Vintage Knitting Lady

Ravelry Pattern Page: "Diddle Dumpling"

I've decided to knit my sweater, using some vintage 100% wool in my stash.  It's called "Rochelle Sweater & Sock Yarn", and is a lovely turquoise color.  I think it will make a sweet cardigan. :)



I've only knit a tiny portion so far, but I'm loving how it looks.


If I can pay attention to the pattern tonight, I hope to get further along in the pattern.  But, those two movies might just peel my eyes away from my knitting.

Talk soon!

Sandy's Candy - Almonds, White Chocolate, Peanut Butter, etc.

Tonight, I had a sweet tooth. And there was not a cookie or piece of candy to be found in the whole house. I had already had a bowl of cereal, and I didn't want another one.

So, I looked through the cupboards and found some things I thought would work together well in a recipe. I was in a hurry to have it made, so I didn't want to spend 30 minutes looking through recipe books, or surfing the internet recipe boards. SO, I just started throwing things together. Luckily, it turned out very well!


I started out by melting 16 ounces of white chocolate in the microwave. When it was melted, I poured it into a medium mixing bowl. Next, I grabbed a jar of peanut butter and dug out a very large spoonful to mix with the white chocolate. Then, I walked over to the cabinet over the sink, and chose a can of cocoa. I then stirred up the white chocolate and peanut butter, with a generous spoonful of cocoa.

When this was well blended, I poured in an entire can of whole natural almonds. This looked pretty good, but it wasn't thick enough. So, I reached over and opened a big container of whole oats, pouring in about a cup and a half. After stirring all that together, it was looking much better. Just the right consistency.

Standing there, looking at the big bowl of gooey goodness, I wondered what I should do next. It tasted great, but I wanted it to be easier to eat. I mean, I could just stand there and keep eating it with a big spoon, but I knew it would start to harden up after awhile. :P

SO, I tore out a large sheet of waxed paper, and poured the entire bowl out on it. It made a big pile....not too appetizing. Next, I tore out another sheet of waxed paper, and placed it on top. Then, I smushed it down, until it was spread out evenly all over the paper. It was easy to do, since it was between two sheets of waxed paper.

Then, I decided to let it sit and harden. I watched Netflix while I waited, and licked the bowl clean. Yum!

After about 30 minutes, my treat was set. At first, I thought I would just cut it into smaller pieces, and store it in a covered bowl. But, then I remembered that I had some confectioners sugar in the cabinet. So, I cut the candy into pieces, and then put about a dozen pieces at a time in a small ziploc bag filled with the confectioners sugar. After shaking the bag around, I took out the pieces and placed them in a bowl. NOW it was finished. Just beautiful! I picked up a piece and popped it in my mouth. OH YUM!!!

Now, I just need to come up with a name for it. Almond Oat Delight? Almond Sugar Bites? Almond Peanut Butter Oat Sugar Heaven? (tee-hee)

Here are the ingredients:

16 ounce package of white chocolate for melting
8 ounce container of whole natural almonds
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/3 cup cocoa
1 1/2 cups whole oats
1/2 cup confectioners sugar

Flowers and Cookies

About a week ago, I was shopping at Walmart, and noticed that they had several bouquets of flowers on sale half price. I got this gorgeous arrangement for just 5 dollars! It really makes my craft room look better.


As you can see, there is a stack of folded clothes beside the flowers. I just haven't been feeling well lately, so some household tasks are being pushed aside. At least I'm able to stay on top of my knitting! (Read more about that in my knitting blog.)

In addition to the flowers, I found a deal on some Christmas stuff too. This time, at AC Moore. This cookie tree kit was marked down to just $2. Instead of making a tree, I just mixed all the frosting together, and coated the stars as cookies. Then, I got decorations from my cabinet, and made them look festive.

Merry After Christmas! :)

Christmas Service at Church 2009

This morning was our annual Christmas celebration at church. Our big choir musical was last week, and this week was very laid back in comparison. But still lovely.

Our impromptu Memorial Band did a great job of performing the prelude and hymns.


I snapped this photo before rehearsal to get a shot of my former high school band director (on the left). I think it's so cool that he attends my church.


We also had a piano/trumpet duet for the offertory today. So nice to have them as a part of the service.


Our sanctuary was decorated very nicely.

Here are the poinsettias at the windows:


Our Chrismon Tree:


And here's a view of the back of the church:


It helps to put us in a nice Christmas spirit to see our church dressed up so well. :)

Nice Visit with My Family

Last night, I was able to visit with my parents and my two sons, Josh and Noah. It was nice!

We went to Hops restaurant, and had a very nice time.

Here are my sons, sitting with their grandpa:


Of course, Noah had to make a silly face. Crazy guy!

And here's a photo of me with my boys. They are all grown up now! (21 and 24)

New Blue Chair

I am such a happy girl now. I finally have a nice chair for my craft room. It's the nicest chair I've ever had in my life. And it's all because I had a sore back.....

Recently, I was having some real pain with my back, and went to the doctor to see what was going on. He did an xray, and told me that I have a slight curve in my spine. So, I've been taking pain medicine, muscle relaxers, and steroids to help deal with the problem.

I do a lot of knitting in my craft room, and haven't had a good chair to sit in when I'm in there. So, I knew I needed to find something FAST to support my back better.

After looking at 4 different stores, I found my chair.

It's GORGEOUS!


It was at my local consignment store (Consignment First in Matthews, NC) for a great price.
I'm so glad I got it. Now, I have a beautiful chair that supports my back well. Life is good.

Stuck in Bed with a Bad Back

This week has been such a drag. Somehow, I hurt my back....can't figure out how.
Anyway.....I've been laying in bed on an ice pack for 6 days now, and the pain is just as bad. I have only been able to teach a couple piano lessons this week, so no money for me! :(

So, today I finally went to the doctor. Yeah, I know....it took me too long to make that decision. The appointment went fine, and the doctor gave me 3 prescriptions. Pain, Muscle Relaxer, and Steroid. I dropped off the prescriptions at the pharmacy, then picked up something to eat at KFC (chicken pot pie). I also got a cone of ice cream at a local ice cream shop, since I was a good girl, taking myself to the doctor. Ha! (Mint Chocolate Chip in a sugar cone - YUM!)

After picking up my prescriptions at the pharmacy, I drove straight home, and carried in everything. That was a lot of work, since my back was still hurting.

Ah...finally home. But I couldn't rest yet. Still had to figure out all these medications. Of course, none of them have the same time schedule. I went ahead and took the first dose, then carried the bottles down the hall to my bed. I then grabbed my little laptop computer, placed it on the bed, and settled myself in. After considering all the prescriptions, I decided to make an Excel spreadsheet to help me keep track of my dosage schedule. It took a few minutes to get it all sorted out. I color coded the spreadsheet, then marked the bottles using 3 different colored markers. When I finally finished that little task, I settled down for a LONG NAP.

After 8 hours of glorious, painless sleep, I was finally rested. I think it was the first time I've actually had a deep sleep in 10 days. Wonderful....sweet rest.

My back is still hurting, but not as bad as it was. Now, I'm waiting for my hubby to get home from work. He's bringing dinner from Captain D's. After I eat, I'll take another dose of medicine, and hit the sack again.

I have to play piano for a wedding tomorrow, so I'm going to get as much rest as I can now. I'll probably have to skip a dose of medication tomorrow, so I can make it through the service without falling asleep. Ha!

He's B A C K........

Today, I needed to run some errands, so I grabbed my purse, and some other things, to carry them to the car. After opening the kitchen door, I was promptly accosted by the same black cat I saw a couple weeks ago. He was demanding food again. The nerve!!

So, I made sure I pulled the door shut so he wouldn't go into my house, then carried my stuff to the car. He must have thought I was coming out to feed him, because he quickly walked straight to the food dish I had placed outside for him on that earlier day. (Yes....I must admit I didn't bring it back in yet.)

I rolled my eyes, and announced to him that I am NOT his owner, so he can't expect me to feed him. I mean....REALLY...he can't just prance back into my life and demand my servitude. Unbelievable! Reminds me of some other male interactions in my past.

This time, I wanted to snap a photo of him, so I could PROVE that he is real. (One of my friends said that I must have imagined this cat - and likened me to Alice in Wonderland, with a "cheshire cat".) Ha!

Well, here you go, my friend. PROOF that it's a real cat.

Here he is defiantly claiming that he is my cat, and demanding food:


And here he is sniffing the bushes by my house, trying to charm me into thinking he's a gentle cat.


Once again, showing his "true" nature, demanding attention and food with a wicked, cold stare.


I'm not breaking down this time. I know his game now. He's not starving, and he hasn't lost his way. He's just out to take advantage of me again.....MEN!!

Homemade Waffles

I have some nice buttermilk in our fridge today, so this morning, I decided to make some homemade waffles. I grabbed my 1974 Betty Crocker Cookbook, and turned to the recipe.

It called for two cups of flour, and I decided to substitute one cup with whole wheat flour.

They turned out very nice!


My hubby took the first bite, and said, "These are MUCH better than the ones at Waffle House!"

What a sweetie..... :D

Unintentional Cat Owner

For the past week, there has been a black cat continually greeting me at my driveway when I come home. He acts like I'm supposed to be his owner or something. "Fusses" at me for not letting him in the house. I speak to him, and say, "Listen, I'm not your owner, and I'm allergic to you anyway. Go home."

But, he has persisted. This morning at 5 AM, when my hubby was leaving, the cat was there. My hubby said, "Whose cat is that?" I replied, "I think it's ours now." Anyway, it was time for me to sleep, because I had been up knitting all night. So, I said goodbye to my hubby, turned off all the lights, and went to bed.

When I woke at about noon, I looked outside, and the cat was sitting on the steps, staring up at me. Unbelievable.I had my lunch, got dressed, then put my stuff in the car for piano lessons. Then, I heard a little "meow". I walked to the mailbox, and carried the mail to my car, and heard the "meow" again. I looked all around, and finally found the cat sitting on our ROOF! I looked up at him and said, "I don't know how you got up there, but I can't deal with you right now. Besides, you don't even live here!" And I left to go to teach piano lessons.

I got back home at about 7:30, and was promptly greeted by an irate cat. I very clearly said to him, "Listen you....you're not my cat!" He ignored me of course. So, I went in the house and put down all my stuff. The cat was staring at me through the door, meowing loudly. I figured that he must be hungry. So, I opened a can of tuna, put it in a small bowl, and carried it outside, placing it on the edge of the driveway. The cat POUNCED on it, and quickly devoured it all. Poor thing. I wonder where he came from?

Anyway, I walked outside after a while, and rinsed out the bowl. Then just stood there, looking around the neighborhood, looking to see if anyone would come and claim this cat. No such luck. The cat is VERY friendly, and was rubbing up against my legs, stretching up to touch my hands occasionally. I didn't pet him, because I'm allergic, you know.

I looked online, and didn't find any mention of a lost black and white cat in my area. He's really a gorgeous cat. Tall and regal looking. Shiny black fur, white face and neck and paws. Pretty. He still has claws too, so he can protect himself outside. (I noticed the claws when he stretched up my leg.)

I wonder where he came from?

My New Cell - Verizon Blitz

I've been having trouble with my cell phone, because it hurts to text. It's a very simple phone, with no bells or whistles. So, I was having to click buttons several times just to get one letter typed for texting.

I have arthritis, and my cell phone was just making it worse.

So, my hubby decided to try to find a better phone for me. He's such a sweetie.

We were out on a date night at our local mall, and he said, "Let's go look at the phones at Verizon." We already have an account with them, so they were quick to help us.

I didn't like the look or feel of ANY of the phones on display, so I kept asking to see more. The sales rep brought out 3 other phones from a cabinet in the back of the store.

After looking at all three of them, I decided to go with the Verizon Blitz. Easy to use, and it has a full keyboard for texting. The phone is very small - about the size of a make-up compact.


The cover slides open easily to reveal the texting keyboard.


This little phone is just right for my arthritic hands. The buttons are easy to push. So long old phone!

Sick at Home :(

Bummer. I'm sick again.
I'm so sick of being sick. I just seem to catch EVERYTHING now that I'm in my 40's.

It's probably because I teach piano to my students in their homes. I'm exposing myself to different germs several times a day. You'd think that it would make me build up an immunity to different sicknesses, but it seems to work in reverse in my case.

Anyway, I always get sick when school starts back again. All my piano students are back in town, and I have several lessons a day again. So, I'm hoping that I will work this sickness out of my system quickly, and be back to normal.

I have a fever, sore throat, backache, headache, achy joints, and exhaustion. I've been taking the Walmart brand of Effervescent Cold medicine, just like Alka Seltzer Plus. It helps me rest, and makes me feel better immediately after taking it.

I slept most of the day today, and was only able to knit a few rows before collapsing. It's been a good day for the internet though. :D

Sandy's Scrumptious Sausage Stew

YUM!!!

Today, I made a new stew, using ingredients I had in my kitchen.
My hubby and I love it!

Here's how I made it. I'll add more details on sizes of cans, etc. later.


Sandy’s Scrumptious Sausage Stew


Brown 1 pack of sausage in frying pan
Drain off all oil, and press between thick paper towels to remove more oil
Put sausage in large pot

Add the following:
1 can tomato soup & ½ soup can of water
1 can of sliced okra, drained
1 can of corn
1 can of green beans
stir these ingredients well

Season with:
Sea Salt
Basil
Curry
Paprika
Sage
Cumin
Black Pepper
1 small packet Splenda
Stir seasonings into stew

Cook (covered) on medium-low heat for about an hour
Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 15 minutes

Add:
small basket of whole mushrooms
Half of a large sweet onion, chopped in big chunks
Can of diced tomatoes
Stir and continue to simmer for about 45 minutes

Knitting with Some of my Handspun Yarn

A long time ago, I spun some beautiful blue merino wool on my spinning wheel.






This week, I actually used some of it to make a nice hair scrunchie! :)

Here's My Little Teapot....Short and Stout. ;)

This morning, I had a nice little pot of hot tea. Good Earth Vanilla Chai. Very yummy. I was able to get more than 4 cups out of my small teapot, and it stayed hot the whole morning. I covered it up with two kitchen towels.

I think I'll make a nice handknit tea cozy. :)

The teapot is EXACTLY like the one my mother had in her kitchen when I was growing up. I found this one at an antique store in Charlotte. The cup and saucer set was a Christmas gift from my step-children.

Sheep Shearing Day at Rising Meadows Farm in North Carolina

This past weekend, on Valentine's Day, I decided to go to a sheep shearing day with a friend. It took place at Rising Meadow Farm in Liberty, North Carolina. It was a wonderful day, and the weather was perfect!

We rode in her little Smart Car, and really enjoyed talking and looking at the scenery.


When we got there, we went straight to the sheep barn to watch the shearing.




Here are some of the sheep, waiting to be shorn:


More sheep:


Here's one of the sheep, about to be shorn by the master shearer. It just quietly let the shearer grab him, lay him down, and cut his hair without complaint.


Here's the shearer, hard at work, giving the sheep a good haircut.


Here's the sheep after his haircut.


And here's the big fleece that came from that sheep.


We also saw a brown lamb being shorn. Once again, it was quiet and patient during the haircut.


There were severals bags of fleece, ready to be purchased. I think it was cool that they included
the name of the sheep each fleece came from.


After watching the sheep shearing, we wandered over to the next field, and saw some alpaca or llama. (It's hard for me to tell the difference between those two animals.)


They were so friendly, and would just walk right up to you. This one went straight to Brenda and stole her heart on Valentine's Day.


I got a visit from that one as well. I think he liked the way my handknit alpaca wristwarmers smelled. :)


After walking around the farm, we went into their little shop. I checked out the roving, to spin on my wheel at home. I decided to buy 4 balls of Corriedale in a light natural shade.


Brenda bought some of the handspun yarn the farm had prepared.


After our long drive and walk, we were tired, so we sat down outside to eat the picnic lunch Brenda had prepared for us. Thanks Brenda!! Next, we drove to her place, to sit and knit for a while. It was a perfect way to end our day together.

Spears Weaving Loom Instructions

Several people have asked me to mail them copies of the Spears Weaving Loom Instruction Book I have with my size 4 loom. I'm tired of copying it and mailing it, so I've downloaded it to my Flickr photo account.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/59646927@N00/sets/72157613723481111/

I think it should be fine, since the instructions were printed so long ago. I don't think a copyright applies. But, if anyone hears differently, please let me know, and I'll remove the link.

Take care, and happy weaving!

Cooking and Eating

Last year, I was on a low carb diet for most of the year, and 3 months of the year before. I plateau-ed, and never lost more than the 40 pounds I lost in the first two months of the diet.

Since I was discouraged, I put the low carb diet aside, and quickly gained back all the weight I had lost. Discouraging, but that's the breaks.

Now, I'm eating cakes and cookies and bread again. Eventually, I'll get back on a diet, but I'm not sure which one I'll choose. Maybe low carb, maybe something else.

In the meantime, I'm eating cake. Ha!

Here's the one I made a couple weekends ago. My hubby and I loved it.


The following week, I made a "Cranberry Kuchen" from my very old Better Homes and Gardens cookbook.