Hellu Everyone!
Yeah, I know that in my last post I said I had some yarny bits to share with you on Sunday, but clearly things got away from me. I ended up having a Girls Night In on Sunday evening with Sara Lynn and Alethia (Cassie had to work). No yarny things took place, but there was a lot of tea and a lot of fun. I highly recommend the game Dutch Blitz to any and every one. It’s a bit hard to come by around here, for some obscure reason. It’s an extremely fun game to play so I can’t see why it’s not more readily available!
The weekend was wonderful in so many ways. To start it, the weather was wonderful!
The sky was clear, and it was in the mid 50’s. I was in jeans and a t-shirt once again 🙂 I love not having to wear a coat in the middle of January. I do love winter, but unexpected warm days are a bit of a treat. The windows were opened while I cooked and Mina was a happy cat. My cooking was another notable thing this weekend. By saying this I am not bragging. It is notable because I tried three new recipes this weekend, all of which were courtesy of chef Fabio Viviani on Chow Ciao from Yahoo Lifestyle. “Good simple food with and Italian twist” in 5-10 minutes. It’s excellent. The ricotta fritters and pancetta risotto disappeared too quickly to photograph. A note for you if you want to make the fritters: they are much better after cooling and being stored in the refrigerator!
They're a bit shapeless since they're covered in sauce. Each one is about the size of a pool/billiard ball.
These tasty creations were “The Perfect Italian Meatball”, or what is left of them. I have to admit that I have tried meatballs once before and it was an ugly, ugly thing. I was a bit hesitant to try these. I’m so glad that I did! My kitchen was a bit of a mess by the time I was done, but it was very much worth it. Even Bryon tried them, and he is one of those people who generally refuses to eat something if they contain certain ingredients (in this case, ricotta cheese). He ate two of them 🙂
Another thing that made the weekend wonderful was my crafty completions. I have had several nearly finished projects lying around and I finally put them to rest! Zippers were installed (Felted Notions pattern courtesy of Alice Best), a toe was sewn up, and I bought and added some pretty beads to add to the pull strings of the hat I finished a while back. Taa-Daa!
My sock fits everywhere but around the heel and toe. Go figure. The heel is a bit too snug and the toe is too big. I guess that is bound to happen on a sock loom since there is no way to increase or decrease, and the stitches are extremely tight by nature so there isn’t much stretch. I am pleased it is done, and I will by making a match to it, but I must now suck it up and try socks on double-points. My ankles are too funny-shaped to be content with loom socks. That is one of my goals for 2012. Knit a pair of socks on double points! The ability to knit socks is desperately appealing to me, so I must! It is up there with learning cables, making my second mandala square pillow cover for my other couch pillow, and buying more homemade items for myself and as gifts in support of other creators.
Oh, and I forgot to tell you that I completed my baby blanket! I finished it one day later than my goal. I had it off the needles by evening on January 2nd. I can’t believe I forgot to show it sooner than now! Taa-Daa #2!
For you Mina lovers, please keep the Mew in your thoughts/prayers. She is now a laundry room prisoner, as she continues to piddle around the house. The vet says to keep her in a room with her litter box and water/food dish to keep her from the temptation of our rugs (the victims of her incontinence) and we’re upping the concentration of her medicated food. Needless to say, Bryon and I feel like miserable mean parents, and clearly she isn’t the happiest either 😦
Prison bound
On a happier note, my parents, sister, and her fiance are safely in Milan, Italy! My brother and I are left behind, but we are very excited and happy for them and eagerly await emails and pictures as their adventure begins!
~Lacey
minaandme 
Wow Lacey you have been busy! Cooking sounds wonderful…well done Bryon for trying it and actually liking it. I love the look of the sock but I guess it is disappointing if it doesn’t fit comfortably. I am intrigued by the looms. The baby blanket looked fab too. Poor Mina…I hope the medicated food helps her out…how old is he? Bless her 🙂 x Give her a little kiss from across the pond!
Looms aren’t all that daunting once you get the hang of them! Thanks for the compliments! And our poor Mina isn’t even 2 yet. We’re desperately hoping things improve soon. It about rips our hearts out to listen to her crying to be let free 😦 I’ll be sure to give her cuddles from you!
I always look forward to read you new blogs. It is great to see someone that enjoys life as much as you do. I love your sense of humor. Congratulations of finishing some projects!!! They look so pretty.
I am so sorry to hear of Mina’s little problelm. She is so sweet. I pray her medication helps her!
I can’t wait to hear all the stories of your parents, sister, and Matt’s big trip also.
I am so glad to hear that you enjoy trying new recipes. They sound yummy!!!
I love you Sweetie!