A Taste of Home

I have a confession to make: I am not a cook.  I get by, and have a few dishes I like making (mostly because I want to be able to eat them!), but overall, I don't enjoy cooking.

Now, baking on the other hand...

Baking is really enjoyable for me...especially simple recipes that remind me of home, and especially this time of the year (apple crisp, anyone?).  So, when my husband found a good deal on nice, big blueberries at the grocery store a couple of days ago, I knew I wanted to bake up a batch of American-style blueberry muffins.

Not having a tried-and-true recipe for said muffins, I turned to my old friend, Allrecipes and found this one that has rave reviews.  I didn't change anything, and they definitely turned out 'to die for', with a delicious streusel topping!

Now I'm thinking I should have made a double batch... 

Crochet Therapy

This morning I took a few minutes to crochet the final round on my diamonds for Part 2 of the Scheepjes Ubuntu CAL.  Although it's only Tuesday, it's working up to be an especially crazy week, and a bit of yarn and a hook was just what I needed to calm my brain down.

Instead of buying one of the standard yarn packs for this pattern, I decided to check out what De Breibar had put together for alternate color packs...and I wasn't disappointed!

I decided to go with this one and have been really enjoying working with Scheepjes Colour Crafter Velvet!  At first I wasn't sure if the color variations in the yarn would make it difficult to see the texture in the design, but I am thrilled with how everything is turning out so far.

So, I am all caught up (just in time!) for the release of Part 3 of the CAL tomorrow.  I wonder what's coming next?

Italy or Bust

After spending all morning doing some last-minute packing, my oldest daughter Anja is heading out on a big adventure tonight:  virtually her entire school (students, teachers, staff) are travelling via buses to Lake Garda in northern Italy, where they will stay for several days sightseeing and generally just having an awesome time celebrating her school's 50th anniversary.

Although I am nervous that she's travelling so far away without us, she is really excited and I am excited for her.  My other two daughters are really going to miss her this week.  As soon as Anja left for the bus, Linnea started working on a 'Welcome Back' poster to hang in her room.

Now, what to do with what's left of my Saturday to help still these anxious mom feelings?  I think a bit of crocheting on my Ubuntu blanket is in order!

Welcome!

So, here I am.  I've been thinking about starting a blog for awhile now (even if no one ever reads it!), and today is the day.  My intention is to write some about my adventures in knitting, crocheting, and other crafts; some about raising kids; and some about my experiences as an expat in Germany.  The rest I guess I'll figure out as I go along.  Hope you enjoy :)