Flowers

One of the things I love about spring and summer is the flowers. We like to garden so something is always blooming. Hurricane Sandy took down some trees in the yard so I'm looking forward to a new flower garden. These allium fell over the other day. I brought them in and we've been enjoying them. The tall vase was a wedding present 33 years ago. That just makes it more fun.

Working

I've been working hard these days. I've got both knitting and needlepoint jobs. I put this adorable sweater together this week. It's fun to think of the cute baby that will be wearing it. I'll show you a few more things as they get finished.
While knitting I've been dreaming of warmer weather and a cute vegetable garden.

Pinterest

I like many have gotten swept up by Pinterest.  For me it's like reading a magazine. Lots of great ideas. One recipe that I pinned was very popular and I though since I started the chain I should make sure it was as good as I thought it looked. So I made the recipe and it lived up to and exceeded my expectations.

 

 

 

It is the "Hearty Chicken Stew with Butternut Squash and Quinoa". 

A great winter dinner.

Enjoy !

Inauguration Part 2

We had a wonderful time at the inauguration . Our adventure started the night before with a walk down Pennsylvania Avenue. It was the most beautiful sunset glowing on the capital. We saw the reviewing stand and the White House. We had dinner at "Lincoln". A great restaurant staying true to our presidential theme.

The next morning we were up early. It wasn't hard to get to our assigned place considering all the people that were expected. Washington knows how to have big events.

Sadly our view had a tree in the way. But much more important than seeing was the feeling in the crowd and the friends that we made while we were waiting. We stood with a family from SanDiego, a couple from Jacksonville, and a mother and daughter from Miami. We talked about all kinds of issues and found great similarities. When the ceremony was all over we hugged and wished each other well. It was truly moving to me to have those friends and share this great event with them.

On our walk home we saw a much better view point of the capital. We have been thinking for days of the greatness of being there for the inauguration. What I can say is that I love the patriotism that this ceremony represents, that we are very fortunate to live in this country and that I feel privileged to have witnessed democracy in action.

Inauguration

I keep forgetting to post about my exciting news. My walking partner and I are going to Washington for the inauguration. We entered the lottery for tickets from our local congressman and won two tickets. We have been in training. Lots of walks and hiking in all kinds of weather. We have been testing our clothes for the warmest combination. We've just plain been having fun thinking about the day.
I just read an article in the Washington Post about how it is a wonderful example of our democracy. I totally agree.

A day in NYC

I spent the day in NYC. Always fun to see the excitement in a city and soak up all that is going on. We did lots of walking and window shopping. It was the complete opposite of my normal day and my normal life. Very noisy, fast, and packed with people. Very overwhelming at first. I picked up some sweater ideas and a new design for a pillow. The day was a great change of pace.

Great Gift

This holiday season I used this idea for a party favor and Christmas presents. I received something similar as a hostess gift. So simple. Small Ball jelly jars, narcissus bulbs, dirt and a ribbon to tie around the top of the jar. The tag simply said " just add water and sun for a hint of spring".
I'm sure I saw this on Pinterest. It turned out to be a great idea.