crafty success

I love everything about the way this hat turned out.
It looked even cuter on my friend's head.

A totally satisfying pattern (actually two different patterns, one for the beanie and one for the flower). However, as soon as I can figure out how to post more than one picture I will be posting a sad crafty failure.

lucky girl

these....for no other reason than I was feeling grumpy.
Not for any reason.
I just was.
So he just did.

Friends and Soup (butternut squash, sausage and wild rice)

Unfortunately, it is not easy to take pretty or inspiring photographs of soup. But, it was tasty.






In early December two lovely friends came to visit. These ladies have been my friends since elementary school and we have been close since high school. Since then we've managed to keep in touch and remain friends. We like to sit around and marvel at how great we are. They have both surpassed me however and in addition to all the great things we might have in common they are both mothers.

They brought their babies and a Prius packed with more things than I could ever imagine using in two and a half days. They didn't over pack and I was left to realize that I have no idea what it takes to have a baby (or more precisely, a 19 month old and a 21 month old, I'm pretty sure neither of those are technically babies, but you get the idea).

Nikki also brought a butternut squash. Her husband was out of town for more than a week and she knew she wasn't going to use it. I believe her comment was something along the lines of "Stupid boy brought home a squash. What am I going to do with a squash? I don't cook. He's not here to use it. I brought it so it wouldn't go bad."

I didn't bother to point out to her that the beauty of squash is that they last, literally, for months. I took the squash and tonight made soup. This recipe more or less, from food network. I used turkey sausage, non-fat half and half (which my handsome friend finds ridiculous) and threw in some carrots. (http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/emeril-live/smoked-sausage-butternut-squash-and-wild-rice-soup-recipe/index.html ) It made a ton, more than enough for me to freeze some for a pregnant friend who is currently stocking her freezer.

Resolutions 2012

In no particular order:

1. Read more nonfiction. First book to tackle? "The Female Brain". On it's way from Amazon as we speak (I'd also like to read "The Botany of Desire", "Animal, Vegetable, Miracle" and possibly "The Chalice and the Blade".)

2. Re-Do front yard. I really want to rip out the grass and put some planter boxes or maybe plant flowers, maybe just a bunch of hostas, which look to me like they should be part of a fairy land.

3. Blog more often. (Goal: 52 times)

4. Volunteer once a month.

5. Take a fun class.

6. Complete more crafty projects. Especially, but not limited to baby quilts (I have fabric for two already purchased, one of the kiddos is 6 months old the other is due mid-February).

7. Set up a retirement account and figure out how my state run teacher account works.

8. Try a new fancy recipe once a month (Mole!).

9. Go to the Braun Brothers Reunion, Alaska, or British Columbia.

10. Work hard at asking for what I need when I need it. This goes for my personal and professional relationships.

2011 Resolution Re-Cap

So, as I'm pondering a list of resolutions for 2012, I wondered what mine for last year was. I decided to review my list and see how I did.

1. Learn to knit, actually do it...knit socks.
Epic fail. Not only did I not learn to knit. I actually learned that I am not a knitter. It's not completely outside the world of possibilities, but I am certain I would have to take a class. That did not happen in 2011.

2. Go to the Braun Brother's Family Reunion (Ragweed in Idaho, be still my heart)
I wish. I did see a great show with Reckless Kelly and Micky and the Motor Cars. This one is going on my 2012 list.

3. Visit the Newport Aquarium
Yep, did this one. Family trip in July.

4. Go camping
Check, twice even, including the amazing California Redwoods trip.

5. Blog more consistently
Nope. Grand total of 2011 blogs was 41. Total in 2010 was 43. Goal for 2012 is 52.

6. Take a fun art-type class
Currently taking a sewing class. Completed 3 of 4 classes in beginning session. I still have a 2nd session.

7. Learn to make mole
No, but I'd still like to.

8. Go to a professional soccer game
Didn't happen. But, I got to go to the most amazing Blazers playoff game (in addition to a bunch of other fun games). The Rose Garden was almost pulsing with energy.

9. Organize a few poker parties
Didn't make this happen either. But plans are in the works for an infused alcohol competition party.

10. Learn to play Settlers of Catan
Didn't do this one either.

11. Go hiking in 5 new places
I probably did this one but honestly have no idea. It seems likely?

Looking at this list I didn't do particularly well. A meager three or possibly four out of ten. Strangely, I feel like 2011 was a rousing success.