tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85572664478175474772024-03-14T07:16:12.217-07:00Knitting, Singing, the Universe and all....Robbin Roshi Rose talks about knitting, singing and building musical community,the urgency of ethical politics, food - of course!- and life after the nest is emptied.RobbinMThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07553742573539745530noreply@blogger.comBlogger167125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8557266447817547477.post-3522654155894306242010-07-30T09:25:00.001-07:002010-07-30T09:27:21.460-07:00Patacones!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS8bl4lws9ksdWJl1QVS9oQw5jRp8yh3TCMYQOEtroBDfSQ122VGc53kewFRDoksYN64D1ek7i7LZgK8r-NuEVCJlrfthTUOYCnhK4XMboWnMIZIs8Ks-Tvv75LmPiEoMMuy8xbhIxtKuo/s1600/Patacones+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS8bl4lws9ksdWJl1QVS9oQw5jRp8yh3TCMYQOEtroBDfSQ122VGc53kewFRDoksYN64D1ek7i7LZgK8r-NuEVCJlrfthTUOYCnhK4XMboWnMIZIs8Ks-Tvv75LmPiEoMMuy8xbhIxtKuo/s320/Patacones+2.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
PATACONES<br />
<i> -made with green plantains - if they have gotten yellow & spotty, they will not stand up to this treatment!</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
Heat about an inch depth grapeseed or peanut oil in a deep skillet.<br />
<br />
Slice 4-5 green plantains into about 1 1/2" chunks, and then remove the peel.<br />
<br />
Fry the plantain chunks until lightly golden, drain on paper towels.<br />
<br />
When a bit cooler, take a heavy pot and squash the plantains flat (they look like "large paws" -<i>patacones</i>-) and dip them (do not soak them!) into a bowl of salted water (about 2c. water and a tbs. or so of sea salt) then carefully place them in the hot oil and fry again until crispy brown!<br />
<br />
Top patacones with guacamole and fresh salsa, or a garlic/mayonaise combination- they are a great alternative to chips and crackers. Best when eaten hot!!RobbinMThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07553742573539745530noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8557266447817547477.post-6220978225558685852010-07-15T12:29:00.000-07:002010-07-15T12:29:35.449-07:00My Precious Pikle-It<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKPtZd4BGqfktrhXLHg3ZyN93aSfZBxpKnpVnKJ0OxJCW5CC4sjvO9Dz-BSmhjvIeUZ5O3FsXBWXl05JGQInh6YU5l1N3AMe2qRLRKToQaxoE-NV1MqjEToXGMJDeHLj94fYalfA0K5NHM/s1600/carrot+pickle+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKPtZd4BGqfktrhXLHg3ZyN93aSfZBxpKnpVnKJ0OxJCW5CC4sjvO9Dz-BSmhjvIeUZ5O3FsXBWXl05JGQInh6YU5l1N3AMe2qRLRKToQaxoE-NV1MqjEToXGMJDeHLj94fYalfA0K5NHM/s320/carrot+pickle+2.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Now that we have finished running about between Missoula and Portland like bees buzzing between flowers, I can tell you all about my favorite kitchen "gadget" this year..... the Pickl-It from <a href="http://www.pickl-it.com/">the wonderful People at Pickl-It</a>.<br />
I got a set for myself <i>and</i> my sister-in-law, - since we both are fermenting fiends.<br />
<br />
A few years ago, I had gotten a <a href="http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=harsch+crock&um=1&ie=UTF-8&cid=11153406460640972465&ei=ulE_TOTQConGsAOznP31CA&sa=X&oi=product_catalog_result&ct=result&resnum=2&ved=0CC0Q8wIwAQ#">Harsch Gairtopf </a>crock (see earlier posts regarding sauerkraut making) because I was tired of skimming my 'kraut. Essentially, I love kitchen science, but I'm even more enamored of accomplishing kitchen crafts with less oversight! The Harsch crock has a wonderful "burping lid" water lock system that allows you to leave your crock unattended for several days at a time while the fermentation beasties work in a safe environment. My Harsch crock is in almost constant use, and I would never give it up.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSNUKbVsTiFYsV5FQIu6vZEHzcd2qelenz8L7KAeaFSqzRMy3uk6l8CHDfle9dEpdB2XtAj-VldXaPvBppeJ9M6SpYg6P854AhukjjrnkLh4fIsXhtSay2l6IhyWosJanqrcuAbFt_gQ47/s1600/DSC00234.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSNUKbVsTiFYsV5FQIu6vZEHzcd2qelenz8L7KAeaFSqzRMy3uk6l8CHDfle9dEpdB2XtAj-VldXaPvBppeJ9M6SpYg6P854AhukjjrnkLh4fIsXhtSay2l6IhyWosJanqrcuAbFt_gQ47/s320/DSC00234.JPG" /></a></div>But there were still times when I wanted something smaller....for those tiny baby carrots, or the 3 small heads of garden fresh bok choy, or even just one quart of baby dills.<br />
Here's Jon's approved 5-Star concoction:<br />
<br />
<b>Ginger Stuffed Baby Cucumbers</b><br />
<b> </b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>adapted from</i></span><b> </b><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The Joy of Pickling</span></b></i><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
Start with about 7-8 baby cucumbers, about 4-5" long.<br />
Slice them, long-wise, not quite all the way through, 2-3 times on each cuke, and sprinkle a bit of sea salt along the insides of the cuts. Set them in a bowl containing 3 c. filtered water with 7 1/2 tsp. sea salt dissolved in it. Let them sit in there, at room temperature, for about 2-3 hours.<br />
<br />
When you are ready to stuff the cucumbers, place the following in a shallow bowl (future "stuffing"):<br />
1 daikon radish & 1 med. carrot, sliced into matchsticks about 1 1/2" long<br />
6 scallions, sliced lengthwise and slivered<br />
2-3 garlic cloves, sliced thinly<br />
fresh ginger sliced into matchsticks in volume about equal to the carrots and daikon<br />
Sprinkle these with another tsp. of salt and a tsp. or so of cayenne pepper flakes.<br />
<br />
Drain the cukes, and reserve the brine. gently open cucumber and carefully stuff an assortment of matchsticks and slices in each of the cucumber cavities. Place the remainder of any stuffing in a bowl, and place the full cukes on top. Cover with a tea towel and let stand overnight or about 8-10 hours.<br />
<br />
Finally, pack the stuffed cucumbers into the 1.5 ltr Pickl-it, sprinkle any remaining "stuffing" around them, cover with the reserved brine, place the weight on top to keep things submerged, attach the (water-filled) air-lock, and let stand at room temperature for 2-3 days before refrigerating.<br />
<br />
The Pickl-it air-lock can be removed and a tiny rubber plug inserted in the hole, so that storage in the fridge is easy and not cumbersome.<br />
<br />
These were a hit as our Fourth of July pot-luck contribution - we served them cut into about 1" chunks.RobbinMThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07553742573539745530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8557266447817547477.post-28708956339882563462010-05-17T21:56:00.000-07:002010-05-17T21:59:35.892-07:00Rhubarb-a-Ritas!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoxA06Sy288XXLwJLiOzvXUpGeAHwU-eOuVPKVcsjdJT25wV8dfBrOo65ZvxmEu-grixPGjRNPrPWxsCGx9xWKosAcKRlMt_qpDvOg7J3IhMnMAov2rqJTKMFezh01G2q-VQ5LZcE7Cusn/s1600/024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoxA06Sy288XXLwJLiOzvXUpGeAHwU-eOuVPKVcsjdJT25wV8dfBrOo65ZvxmEu-grixPGjRNPrPWxsCGx9xWKosAcKRlMt_qpDvOg7J3IhMnMAov2rqJTKMFezh01G2q-VQ5LZcE7Cusn/s320/024.JPG" /></a>We have a Rhubarb plant...<br />
Every spring, we get at least three large harvests from our wonderful pie-plant!<br />
This year, i thought we could do something beyond pies or crisps or stewed toppings for ice-cream.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> So I chopped up about 8 stalks and simmered it in a simple syrup concoction (1 part sugar to 2 parts water - this batch used 4 cups of sugar and 8 cups water). Simmer this until the rhubarb seems to have fallen apart and is just a globby bit of green. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIJ4XorPSg04y_C0rMF1PNTVH6F2EWU2Z2VJ2Te0M1LLWYBzMRP9GeEtk3b3asFDqnPQ8ndyLApdx2PModu7uL0miNqJ-uo1hkQnOQdh2lQXGNtxY_5oUzcQr2IL7cZ9HThe6aHiiqWoWb/s1600/027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIJ4XorPSg04y_C0rMF1PNTVH6F2EWU2Z2VJ2Te0M1LLWYBzMRP9GeEtk3b3asFDqnPQ8ndyLApdx2PModu7uL0miNqJ-uo1hkQnOQdh2lQXGNtxY_5oUzcQr2IL7cZ9HThe6aHiiqWoWb/s320/027.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Strain the syrup from the rhubarb bits and bottle. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEpIkkIy8k8YtrIVJMyFWmLXg30WWNdPxJMjsxn4iHDUoLgiBDnTRXSh3qyt9Z4V1gtJ5j0E1B_vZIz4OmnnKrkxOqlsI5ob2QVRam-l0qrRaszq5fabcIT3dlIrkMM7t3a0ryhotiG1EJ/s1600/027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgXV1FIPVanAoTApX11SMMJx1luf0q_B5hvyDn10F_S2kTrKWz06ejnh2CaTR8uUdedPlvK6PkdAl_av1th7Xs0r5uWXTJPedQSyefzz9FilTpaZzKDrNpn8Aixt_BLZE4JKNKUX4G0PCw/s1600/029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgXV1FIPVanAoTApX11SMMJx1luf0q_B5hvyDn10F_S2kTrKWz06ejnh2CaTR8uUdedPlvK6PkdAl_av1th7Xs0r5uWXTJPedQSyefzz9FilTpaZzKDrNpn8Aixt_BLZE4JKNKUX4G0PCw/s320/029.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We got about 3 liters (see the discombobulated rhubarb remains behind the bottles?)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Jon made "Rubarb-A-Ritas"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">2 double shots of tequila, a cup of the rhubarb syrup, and enough ice to cover the liquid in the blender. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">WHIRRRRRRR</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pour into a martini glass, rimmed with sea salt and garnish with a lemon slice. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisw4SjafTUqOjUtoaZPGTZWYf58nBJYXqBPFcrP5LP-vreFZFEXJrLE3iFGTCoGt-ovt12HZwDhhzaFNI_lMxiCucRi5AygLr9o_pExiHa3eSqo8P1pjJMgftP0BqDpNcjbZKz5OfV1_N2/s1600/031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisw4SjafTUqOjUtoaZPGTZWYf58nBJYXqBPFcrP5LP-vreFZFEXJrLE3iFGTCoGt-ovt12HZwDhhzaFNI_lMxiCucRi5AygLr9o_pExiHa3eSqo8P1pjJMgftP0BqDpNcjbZKz5OfV1_N2/s320/031.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Kids will like their rhubarb syrup mixed with some soda water (Rhubarb Soda Pop!) or in their lemonade :-)</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisw4SjafTUqOjUtoaZPGTZWYf58nBJYXqBPFcrP5LP-vreFZFEXJrLE3iFGTCoGt-ovt12HZwDhhzaFNI_lMxiCucRi5AygLr9o_pExiHa3eSqo8P1pjJMgftP0BqDpNcjbZKz5OfV1_N2/s1600/031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisw4SjafTUqOjUtoaZPGTZWYf58nBJYXqBPFcrP5LP-vreFZFEXJrLE3iFGTCoGt-ovt12HZwDhhzaFNI_lMxiCucRi5AygLr9o_pExiHa3eSqo8P1pjJMgftP0BqDpNcjbZKz5OfV1_N2/s1600/031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>RobbinMThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07553742573539745530noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8557266447817547477.post-20578238070781492932010-05-09T14:28:00.000-07:002010-05-09T15:18:40.368-07:00greens and grains and good things to read!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqeBq_m8NNvQwFfKLppLM6ZGOlxZYtbB1UzRSUnF9aghKWD1DA8Dpl3yzMF2srxw19moNePX5rYX7W7FNSQoVhKPl_d8-WTDzNSaHRUKuQN1oCNogSfn-GJw0v4-54HT3KZiJNN2szBWSb/s1600/42310+059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqeBq_m8NNvQwFfKLppLM6ZGOlxZYtbB1UzRSUnF9aghKWD1DA8Dpl3yzMF2srxw19moNePX5rYX7W7FNSQoVhKPl_d8-WTDzNSaHRUKuQN1oCNogSfn-GJw0v4-54HT3KZiJNN2szBWSb/s320/42310+059.JPG" /></a>First, the camera I have known and loved for 4 years decided to come down with photographic-parkinsons, and then we were incredibly deluged with Missoula Community Chorus responsibilities : Hiring a new Chorus Manager (Andy Morris - he's great!), then interviewing, auditioning, and hiring a new Conductor (Tod Trimble - he is going to take us far!!) and then it was time for our Spring Concert - and whew! So, Dear Jon helped me get a new camera - "just like" the old one, but with up-grades. It is going to take a while before I figure it out.... the whole back is a touch screen - so about every other picture, I inadvertently change settings....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwRlT4VZHcQ2I-V1ae8oDAL4BlvfsEvlYpE1SYs7BAXd96IAH3y0lT1-TuU6YJP8lnu8s5jGIaKPERqYoWaUNsDt8_WHJmucizKqZbZj9bYxhpgeKJpWXi3pVM-2ijImwlmFNqqUDGs9z0/s1600/42310+056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwRlT4VZHcQ2I-V1ae8oDAL4BlvfsEvlYpE1SYs7BAXd96IAH3y0lT1-TuU6YJP8lnu8s5jGIaKPERqYoWaUNsDt8_WHJmucizKqZbZj9bYxhpgeKJpWXi3pVM-2ijImwlmFNqqUDGs9z0/s320/42310+056.JPG" /></a></div>I also recently acquired a lovely pair of GREEN Shoes and a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Kindle-Wireless-Reading-Display-Generation/dp/B0015T963C/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1273440255&sr=8-1">Kindle</a> (note the extraordinarily beautiful green embossed leather cover!) that I just had to show off. Naturally, the shoes required a new pair of socks, and Spring Spirals came to mind....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: right; color: #cccccc; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKTN5-zVCt7gItpJ6DO9nEGhbqp_8Z6vFwkqpYGSJkYOkioeLoITVGp6fcF8rck-PvV0Cb6FyS30e7SQZEQM0t5TYXEPemnngy5-hGSd28lpClM6t9-gQcF6qT10ojDs6K6qh33IEURjlD/s1600/017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKTN5-zVCt7gItpJ6DO9nEGhbqp_8Z6vFwkqpYGSJkYOkioeLoITVGp6fcF8rck-PvV0Cb6FyS30e7SQZEQM0t5TYXEPemnngy5-hGSd28lpClM6t9-gQcF6qT10ojDs6K6qh33IEURjlD/s320/017.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
For Gluten-free people, Injera is a great substitute for wrap breads that I used to use frequently for convenience....it is made with a sourdough-like starter, and of Teff flour. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teff">Teff </a>is an amazing grain that looks like a tiny seed - from the lovegrass family - so, it's related to "<a href="http://www.monticellocatalog.org/600081.html">Love-lies-Bleeding</a>" that Victorian garden beauty, and Amaranth! With that lineage, who wouldn't want to eat it?!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJKMqxVOWzdrHC_nmrAPj74x9rKZlmQ8gZitpIzsPIOSeDk4QCWuviT2Rw_OzrhRrUTEogHtrDRX-suqWmCs7IsosXfMF6AOkrnuyIjCKMAFx0cwHr9OcWCXO0p48M9cvnFhHlXqHm90XO/s1600/018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJKMqxVOWzdrHC_nmrAPj74x9rKZlmQ8gZitpIzsPIOSeDk4QCWuviT2Rw_OzrhRrUTEogHtrDRX-suqWmCs7IsosXfMF6AOkrnuyIjCKMAFx0cwHr9OcWCXO0p48M9cvnFhHlXqHm90XO/s320/018.JPG" /></a></div>My F-I-L gave me the starter- he has always been generous with his kitchen experiments - so rather than wait for 3-5 days, I was able to go forth and cook!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRR7EY6lTn-GEjkMbrCAKh1Z6TGU44pVo0HVx_dogi9sTW1pQ2p-1u3TANatkJKFO1KETBuQBIdK5Ue8etBe_zVgU-1aG4ZDuuw3_0bL3D1otkYgHPjhyO4yLsN6oI6z_ys2qIpMTM019j/s1600/016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRR7EY6lTn-GEjkMbrCAKh1Z6TGU44pVo0HVx_dogi9sTW1pQ2p-1u3TANatkJKFO1KETBuQBIdK5Ue8etBe_zVgU-1aG4ZDuuw3_0bL3D1otkYgHPjhyO4yLsN6oI6z_ys2qIpMTM019j/s320/016.JPG" /></a></div> Here's how to make <span style="font-size: large;"><b>Injera:</b></span><br />
<ul><li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">In a bowl, place 1/2 c. starter + about 1 1/2 c. teff flour + 2 c. water. Stir it all nicely - it will look like thin pancake batter. Set aside , covered with a towel, and let it ferment for 2-4 hours.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">When you are ready to cook, to the batter, add a pinch of salt if you like, and a crackle of pepper - or not :-) Heat a flat bottomed griddle (the trusty 12" cast-iron seen here) over medium heat and add a drop or two of oil. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Pour in enough batter to cover the bottom of the skillet- lift it, and twirl so that the batter covers the whole bottom... it's not as thin as a crepe, so no worries.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Cook until holes (bubbles) form in the injera, the top is dried, and the edges brown. Do not flip it over- Injera is only cooked on one side (this is what gives it that spongy-soaks-up-flavors-of -everything texture!)</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Remove, and cool.</span></span></li>
</ul><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> My first one was so deformed, that I tossed it right out - again, sort of like cooking crepes! And Jon, being the international type that he is, decided to eat them with (home made) yoghert and applesauce and declared them "quite fine" </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLJtI2wSVb9oAloW8KcldYgs1rYuF0RXbw-S_ZRUPdlgGS026RWsM3ev6JexcDUsAIQ_rFtd2Xk3C0AZxtkTzgS4bkHI7293tmKLu5YM474-rdkGETBzYLSQiCa8auNYQjuevQqyRMitxW/s1600/020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLJtI2wSVb9oAloW8KcldYgs1rYuF0RXbw-S_ZRUPdlgGS026RWsM3ev6JexcDUsAIQ_rFtd2Xk3C0AZxtkTzgS4bkHI7293tmKLu5YM474-rdkGETBzYLSQiCa8auNYQjuevQqyRMitxW/s320/020.JPG" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">I cooked the remaining batter, setting aside 1/2 cup of batter to start my next batch (refrigerate, in a covered jar, and feed with 1/2 c teff flour + 1 c water every week or so) and simply separated the injeras with parchment paper and froze.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">And here is how to create an <b><span style="font-size: large;">Injera Starter</span></b>:</span></span><br />
<ul><li>Mix 1 1/2 c. teff flour + 2 c. water and let stand, in a bowl covered with a clean cloth, at room temperature until it bubbles and turns sour. About 3 days.</li>
</ul><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span>RobbinMThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07553742573539745530noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8557266447817547477.post-76024080794861813202010-04-15T13:28:00.000-07:002010-04-15T13:31:31.991-07:00Happy April 15th!!Tax Day! 2010!!<br />
Enjoy this day - we may never have it this "good" again!!<br />
<br />
<ul><li><a href="http://www.newsweek.com/id/236383">47 % of Americans </a>will pay NO INCOME TAX at all on their 2009 earnings!</li>
<li><a href="http://www.taxfoundation.org/taxfreedomday/">Tax-Freedom Day</a>: US citizens only had to work until April 9th (99th day of the year, this year) 2010 to pay their "portion" of Income taxes for the year. After this date, everything you earn, you keep :-)</li>
<li>This is one day later than last year, but more than 2 WEEKS EARLIER than 2007, when Mr.<ahem> G.W. Bush was fearlessly in charge.</ahem></li>
</ul><ahem> <br />
Here in Missoula, some of our neighbors are gathering in front of the federal building lying about their tax burden.<br />
What do you think they are really angry about? (I have a few theories myself!)<br />
<br />
Here's a sign my dear Jon made for us to wave back at them:</ahem><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfyK-65owGN2iRpoSyq4rmyvjptv3WI3WaiUntqNqESgaUctr6Ug3Hsf1NIQpmE9Nar0elG0w3Qf_lC82TpLWrW75EvntQVFh-wNP2nh3laMxHMxzO2Ms0C_KPDuilF7T_x8WdytDDnhtl/s1600/Jon'sTaxDay+sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfyK-65owGN2iRpoSyq4rmyvjptv3WI3WaiUntqNqESgaUctr6Ug3Hsf1NIQpmE9Nar0elG0w3Qf_lC82TpLWrW75EvntQVFh-wNP2nh3laMxHMxzO2Ms0C_KPDuilF7T_x8WdytDDnhtl/s320/Jon'sTaxDay+sign.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHa9hClR5z7iF6Rl_JtngOiFHo4XX0plTLulgJbpFl2yBZGhKeID_Po56F9t8gBZrUamEHYgp514_GTp4EG1cbJTURip1hmF4Q-fhSO43uD49zrjk7WvToHmyK_qraFHAPK6zNBx5qmanS/s1600/other+95%25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHa9hClR5z7iF6Rl_JtngOiFHo4XX0plTLulgJbpFl2yBZGhKeID_Po56F9t8gBZrUamEHYgp514_GTp4EG1cbJTURip1hmF4Q-fhSO43uD49zrjk7WvToHmyK_qraFHAPK6zNBx5qmanS/s1600/other+95%25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHa9hClR5z7iF6Rl_JtngOiFHo4XX0plTLulgJbpFl2yBZGhKeID_Po56F9t8gBZrUamEHYgp514_GTp4EG1cbJTURip1hmF4Q-fhSO43uD49zrjk7WvToHmyK_qraFHAPK6zNBx5qmanS/s320/other+95%25.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>RobbinMThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07553742573539745530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8557266447817547477.post-84585057462305751712010-04-14T07:49:00.000-07:002010-04-14T07:50:13.155-07:00Catch UpWhere have I been? Chairing the <b>Vintage on Broadway</b> committee - putting on the huge fundraiser for the Missoula Community Chorus! Successful this year- sold more tickets, had higher caliber Auction Items, food included an exquisite spam & olive spread on brown bread (our theme was 1940-1950 Golden Age of Broadway!), and this year's musical entertainment was polished and well-received!<br />
WHEW!! We raised over $12,000 for the chorus - and then I went to bed for a few days :-)<br />
Meanwhile, back in the spiritual realm, <a href="http://teapartyjesus.tumblr.com/">TeaParty Jesus</a> has been giving people parables and questions to think about -<br />
here's just one example.......<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS1_tAbCKyqON-Vq1xH2lce-uW9FamoIRFGZlDtMO4rPURw5iUc6PTtmDqfKZF1vVuyWHZ3GH4bCdsMBj83aEnrDhfb90VkK1ReEmd2NrAEQxGz3ZWXjMFCnxvN81RjyOxiAeAAhKkF-uQ/s1600/Jesus+Republican.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS1_tAbCKyqON-Vq1xH2lce-uW9FamoIRFGZlDtMO4rPURw5iUc6PTtmDqfKZF1vVuyWHZ3GH4bCdsMBj83aEnrDhfb90VkK1ReEmd2NrAEQxGz3ZWXjMFCnxvN81RjyOxiAeAAhKkF-uQ/s400/Jesus+Republican.jpg" width="345" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>RobbinMThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07553742573539745530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8557266447817547477.post-52306620193721330052010-03-30T17:49:00.000-07:002010-03-30T18:05:03.508-07:00Truly, madly, Peep-ly....Spring has arrived... and with it the miracle of marshmallow Peeps<br />
<br />
note: SHOCKING PICTURES!!<br />
NUDITY ADVISORY!! DON'T LOOK IF YOU ARE A PEEP PRUDE!!!<br />
<br />
Naked Peeps!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIZ7W4sKQmPxVXiULZiQb3tRO5Y8052vTaFOOSVZGE87AQHokSaJMc3LprGAHOJGdD4Kc_QtCWoNYqw_WwfrRKpqBVF_Pu1tRvZphPlqBuc_JhUpSwFv5ibzqP1pm8w_3zyYCMX6cUYzIF/s1600/peepermadness2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIZ7W4sKQmPxVXiULZiQb3tRO5Y8052vTaFOOSVZGE87AQHokSaJMc3LprGAHOJGdD4Kc_QtCWoNYqw_WwfrRKpqBVF_Pu1tRvZphPlqBuc_JhUpSwFv5ibzqP1pm8w_3zyYCMX6cUYzIF/s320/peepermadness2.jpg" width="176" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjleowzVF_mGIlEbGh_fIt9EyapJCjq6rrWnRNwbbcMVPS_HZyblZm8ycQsqYcTXgx9KyE6KpXQkjDjpsQPmVs2CmiBvfTUvwTRMpNHdgqiywhW0DqRl_y6sLckoUFTl8vjD6qhHiAdoJQY/s1600/totally-nude-peeps-.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjleowzVF_mGIlEbGh_fIt9EyapJCjq6rrWnRNwbbcMVPS_HZyblZm8ycQsqYcTXgx9KyE6KpXQkjDjpsQPmVs2CmiBvfTUvwTRMpNHdgqiywhW0DqRl_y6sLckoUFTl8vjD6qhHiAdoJQY/s320/totally-nude-peeps-.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Here are some of this years' Peep Diorama Winners from across the U.S.....</span><br />
WE COME IN PEEPS<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDFqancL8fUiCBU6eAO4V4AE11QMWpJeXQVsu3O_ZCJvT-2c6ek5qDpLlDC74mS5M0UfOZPjuj7bZ6e1lsXF9QpMriBQSoJQMYU7ZNXuEp9_GDzTHNnSG-m4JPkoqglFqBm2khXocMbotH/s1600/we+come+in+peeps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDFqancL8fUiCBU6eAO4V4AE11QMWpJeXQVsu3O_ZCJvT-2c6ek5qDpLlDC74mS5M0UfOZPjuj7bZ6e1lsXF9QpMriBQSoJQMYU7ZNXuEp9_GDzTHNnSG-m4JPkoqglFqBm2khXocMbotH/s400/we+come+in+peeps.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
PEEPTOWN Bakery<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzbCk5uvpJdvUdbN74OOYg2iPstr15-47UPgzXQmupXtu6ysbO4bF5lkxff-WquoDBPKwX0hEyGH5Vzr6lSmNUdk12VB6hQbn9sZzVs70P1EUNNOANMhGK-2jmkzcIr3CQus4bIfDFsS42/s1600/peeptown+cupcakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzbCk5uvpJdvUdbN74OOYg2iPstr15-47UPgzXQmupXtu6ysbO4bF5lkxff-WquoDBPKwX0hEyGH5Vzr6lSmNUdk12VB6hQbn9sZzVs70P1EUNNOANMhGK-2jmkzcIr3CQus4bIfDFsS42/s400/peeptown+cupcakes.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and my favorite</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">PEEP-O-SUCTION!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsjt6gIJq0n8w6j0_BJbkrBeavzQ7VDwkgVHEmKqE0E0YF9JoXneTsOrEbUEtNWlkbKEcGPVPTHwiG21fEYYxyKC8uJVEIe1vwTmaitJatRknvr_sb3Pk0MW-cvKxfgjJh8P21MOcfoTMF/s1600/peep-o-suction.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsjt6gIJq0n8w6j0_BJbkrBeavzQ7VDwkgVHEmKqE0E0YF9JoXneTsOrEbUEtNWlkbKEcGPVPTHwiG21fEYYxyKC8uJVEIe1vwTmaitJatRknvr_sb3Pk0MW-cvKxfgjJh8P21MOcfoTMF/s400/peep-o-suction.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>RobbinMThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07553742573539745530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8557266447817547477.post-2428671510854503222010-03-17T11:48:00.000-07:002010-03-17T11:49:49.341-07:00I'd like to give the world an Irish Blessing<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" hspace="0" vspace="0"><tbody>
<tr><td colspan="4" height="349" rowspan="3" valign="top" width="433"><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #93c47d;"><object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/sIfNlXItRvg&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/sIfNlXItRvg&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object></span></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #93c47d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Noirin Ni rian - one of my favorite Irish singers.... and a Blessing from St. Brigid.</span></span></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #93c47d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #93c47d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Happy St. Patrick's Day !</span></span></span></div><div align="left"><span style="color: #336633; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #93c47d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
The vision of St. Brigid was a heavenly community in which all created beings were joined together in joy. This is a poem attributed to St. Brigid giving voice to this hope:</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;"><br />
</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffe599;">I'd like to give a lake of beer to God.<br />
I'd love the Heavenly<br />
Host to be tippling there<br />
For all eternity.<br />
<br />
I'd love the men of Heaven to live with me,<br />
To dance and sing.<br />
If they wanted, I'd put at their disposal<br />
Vats of suffering.<br />
<br />
White cups of love I'd give them,<br />
With a heart and a half;<br />
Sweet pitchers of mercy I'd offer<br />
To every man.<br />
<br />
I'd make Heaven a cheerful spot,<br />
Because the happy heart is true.<br />
I'd make the men contented for their own sake<br />
I'd like Jesus to love me too.<br />
<br />
I'd like the people of heaven to gather<br />
From all the parishes around,<br />
I'd give a special welcome to the women,<br />
The three Marys of great renown.<br />
<br />
I'd sit with the men, the women of God<br />
There by the lake of beer<br />
We'd be drinking good health forever<br />
And every drop would be a prayer.</span> </span></span></span></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table>RobbinMThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07553742573539745530noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8557266447817547477.post-46979895332773663282010-03-10T08:22:00.000-08:002010-03-10T08:22:45.271-08:00Here's the ranch that raised the sheep, that grew the wool....<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyBdD5gH8GtGINdnI-gU7_hNIigPqHY9zaHcfA-1kbqCeIwZ0qFPHJTbnIUzg38synRy2lH2TDQh4c9PWFfGtBuNiB-QJdJxHteumHgCESggIpMrGsrb-BAAaAzhN2XZp4XbnrN5XE72Zg/s1600-h/Daniels+lamb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyBdD5gH8GtGINdnI-gU7_hNIigPqHY9zaHcfA-1kbqCeIwZ0qFPHJTbnIUzg38synRy2lH2TDQh4c9PWFfGtBuNiB-QJdJxHteumHgCESggIpMrGsrb-BAAaAzhN2XZp4XbnrN5XE72Zg/s320/Daniels+lamb.jpg" /></a></div>that was sheared and combed and spun into the fine wool that made up the sweater that Jon wears :-)<br />
<br />
And here's a little lamb - the first of this year's flock! at our friend's Daniel and Karen's ranch in the Mission Mountains.<br />
<br />
A great story about renewal and spring - the rite of lambing on the ranch can be found here...<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.montanakaimin.com/index.php/articles/article/shepherds_spring_rite_lambing_season_has_begun/882">Daniel's Little Lambs</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi52MivsihiOunc8LgyzJoP265ziUhHCaa5-KjDdkKTWIFEy3ywb3EQLBxjW1HElqwCv_vzbu0nRXtlUYqzoN-gs0ZSb-kU2ue7P3XLk2j-YSnfrHZogiSFEM41Rr13Lhvm3zFWwuOU4wYh/s1600-h/Jon's+Sweater2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi52MivsihiOunc8LgyzJoP265ziUhHCaa5-KjDdkKTWIFEy3ywb3EQLBxjW1HElqwCv_vzbu0nRXtlUYqzoN-gs0ZSb-kU2ue7P3XLk2j-YSnfrHZogiSFEM41Rr13Lhvm3zFWwuOU4wYh/s200/Jon's+Sweater2.JPG" width="112" /></a></div><br />
Since it hopped off the needles, I bet he's worn it 3 days a week - and still gets compliments!RobbinMThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07553742573539745530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8557266447817547477.post-67173540290088686702010-02-28T12:52:00.000-08:002010-02-28T13:09:40.832-08:00Buffalo yarns, Portabellos, and Sepia Jazz<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk0Z9jUxw4vMi_z34CRu-YcE_k8RDAmkSYKZZeqBfPXNjqxxnYoB6Wc3fUOwAtkorsveN9SqG_Su6gbAJXG2Ncf5WrMJOdl-gpnDdMuQ4-420tvHpRCLhmY5sUeZAnCeJP9l6VRjcJ8yj8/s1600-h/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk0Z9jUxw4vMi_z34CRu-YcE_k8RDAmkSYKZZeqBfPXNjqxxnYoB6Wc3fUOwAtkorsveN9SqG_Su6gbAJXG2Ncf5WrMJOdl-gpnDdMuQ4-420tvHpRCLhmY5sUeZAnCeJP9l6VRjcJ8yj8/s320/015.JPG" /></a></div>Here is the first of the four little wraps I promised for our Chinese friends.... this one is for Anne and is made of 100% American Buffalo fibers- a nice rich bison-brown color.Soft and lofty, this should keep the wind off her lovely neck!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWBFz6ida3131GaJWyvdlnzp-d5e8HKVUwxAg-dkqGNJbM6qDY9rAsYbqMFFtf0OYxdao49VZjndDdEktpDJToui-NEoI_hyDTWZbTgtLRz8w2uxF05SdwAjv7MIiHF7MAOwZm2rxEChef/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWBFz6ida3131GaJWyvdlnzp-d5e8HKVUwxAg-dkqGNJbM6qDY9rAsYbqMFFtf0OYxdao49VZjndDdEktpDJToui-NEoI_hyDTWZbTgtLRz8w2uxF05SdwAjv7MIiHF7MAOwZm2rxEChef/s320/001.JPG" /></a>And here, the Portabello Mushroom kit from Stan and Bev, is beginning to bloom We got a couple nice sized ones to make an omelet with - and there are more coming.m!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIQLLq_Z-VKXx8ssmYu_ulZGpR8b3JypCFWQ6_hcy23QFK61h2piqRycV2lk4Q5iMTbJt8U5sloVrsPsA1_eyOS5PfoxMV0dzJbayMk2ai6yUXsx9ye_De8a-lmOxwYSeBNHdOIxjlp0qE/s1600-h/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIQLLq_Z-VKXx8ssmYu_ulZGpR8b3JypCFWQ6_hcy23QFK61h2piqRycV2lk4Q5iMTbJt8U5sloVrsPsA1_eyOS5PfoxMV0dzJbayMk2ai6yUXsx9ye_De8a-lmOxwYSeBNHdOIxjlp0qE/s320/003.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWBFz6ida3131GaJWyvdlnzp-d5e8HKVUwxAg-dkqGNJbM6qDY9rAsYbqMFFtf0OYxdao49VZjndDdEktpDJToui-NEoI_hyDTWZbTgtLRz8w2uxF05SdwAjv7MIiHF7MAOwZm2rxEChef/s1600-h/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lastly, Missoula's annual Hospice Ball was this week - Jonathan played with the Ed Norton Big Band </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirFsTgwHjtmO3-yeTiaQNtiX48X20A5NC4QRyzO8BSWhLclX-tuvuOdzqLY5yuCHQdi17ENFCcVsFSzCaG6fms1-B6c907FDhP4F0OzrUWfa4EjwQVJPYXX9iZ8zhYEaEqEiOk9GUiWtZi/s1600-h/ednorton12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirFsTgwHjtmO3-yeTiaQNtiX48X20A5NC4QRyzO8BSWhLclX-tuvuOdzqLY5yuCHQdi17ENFCcVsFSzCaG6fms1-B6c907FDhP4F0OzrUWfa4EjwQVJPYXX9iZ8zhYEaEqEiOk9GUiWtZi/s320/ednorton12.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinMWOmm8AriMoFqHe0Qn7QdlVLUQvyGhUawipH8VhD3JaMHcE2Eo0TSEqTzIAz9qYY89CBYTY5XfSTjeuZkhzfkbLxMMhdoL_Uq-u4sU1be77rGVbBHvt3iHnjNLednRvh2JPCDP_1A0-J/s1600-h/Jon+Robbin+All+That+Jazz+2.10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinMWOmm8AriMoFqHe0Qn7QdlVLUQvyGhUawipH8VhD3JaMHcE2Eo0TSEqTzIAz9qYY89CBYTY5XfSTjeuZkhzfkbLxMMhdoL_Uq-u4sU1be77rGVbBHvt3iHnjNLednRvh2JPCDP_1A0-J/s320/Jon+Robbin+All+That+Jazz+2.10.jpg" /></a></div>RobbinMThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07553742573539745530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8557266447817547477.post-82103977426581743902010-02-27T08:33:00.000-08:002010-02-27T08:35:43.145-08:00comic comments<img height="256" src="http://media.mcclatchydc.com/smedia/2010/02/03/11/02032010Morin.slideshow_main.prod_affiliate.91.jpg" width="400" /><br />
<img height="274" src="http://media.mcclatchydc.com/smedia/2010/02/09/17/100210pettC.slideshow_main.prod_affiliate.91.jpg" width="400" /><br />
<img height="263" src="http://media.mcclatchydc.com/smedia/2010/02/08/11/02052010Morin.slideshow_main.prod_affiliate.91.jpg" width="400" /><br />
<img height="266" src="http://media.mcclatchydc.com/smedia/2010/02/08/11/100208usapettc.slideshow_main.prod_affiliate.91.jpg" width="400" />RobbinMThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07553742573539745530noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8557266447817547477.post-69959875800911172542010-02-18T08:49:00.000-08:002010-02-18T08:49:03.968-08:00Persian Chicken & Rice - you'll never go back!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo8M8dcqWoBw5r62ytdxmDPRxBb_3Z8mvnvpJbVhunskJTvUmjz32Me-AGIqtUqdrwmiTlN2KTlaOFF0huVbxAi-TMvBQ_XnNZu660SuGbUyrtcwgat-8grLDxM1ESNY-LXpgmvXvAlMah/s1600-h/005.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439415303237135122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo8M8dcqWoBw5r62ytdxmDPRxBb_3Z8mvnvpJbVhunskJTvUmjz32Me-AGIqtUqdrwmiTlN2KTlaOFF0huVbxAi-TMvBQ_XnNZu660SuGbUyrtcwgat-8grLDxM1ESNY-LXpgmvXvAlMah/s400/005.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 225px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<div><br />
</div><div>A friend of ours invites a bunch of us over for music making, a bottle of wine, and dinner every so often - and we always have a grand time. But, I have never appreciated her hospitality more than last week, when she had us over and served us "Persian" Chicken and Rice! </div><div><br />
</div><div>We walked in the house and dinner smelled.... enticing, a bit floral, and toasty. She set out the dish, and the browned chicken looked lovely nestled in a golden rice pilaf. But it was the first bite, and then the second, that sent me over the edge - I might have actually moaned at the table. Composing myself again, I casually asked (while pouring her another glass of wine) if I could peek at the recipe - she claims to have gotten it from a piano student's mother years ago. The next day, I picked up a fresh chicken and an orange, and I was cooking!</div><div><br />
</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrlQpFftLwrhAocdKdcX2KGeksZ-TgPzIrgJtaukij8oowVJDaYc-n9VD2-GoXPLXIRdY9pcN-qyBmAex0ZzA0GvXG1IyDmUz6eeasvqVy_i7IvT5ABdGTgCBV41RFyI_ahygo7UVwZOuL/s1600-h/003.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439415312268026194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrlQpFftLwrhAocdKdcX2KGeksZ-TgPzIrgJtaukij8oowVJDaYc-n9VD2-GoXPLXIRdY9pcN-qyBmAex0ZzA0GvXG1IyDmUz6eeasvqVy_i7IvT5ABdGTgCBV41RFyI_ahygo7UVwZOuL/s400/003.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 225px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></div><div>It's actually the rice that is "<b>Persian</b>"... and you could make the <b>rice</b> as a stand-alone side dish. Here's how:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>cook 1 1/2 c. jasmine , or other fragrant rice, in lightly salted water until done. (I use 1 1/2 c. rice to 3 c. water and it only took about 15 minutes, once it was simmering under cover)</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Peel a nice juicy orange, cut the peel into small (1/8th inch) strips and cook in boiling water for 3 minutes. Drain and mince; set aside. Eat the orange as an appetizer.</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Shred carrots to get approximately 3 cups (I used 8 medium carrots) and saute them in 1/2 c. butter over low flame for 8 - 10 minutes. To the carrots, add the orange zest, with:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>1/4 c. slivered or sliced almonds</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>1/2 tsp. salt</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>1/8th tsp saffron <i><span class="Apple-style-span">(I used my tiny tin of threads Amelia brought back from India! If you have no saffron, use a pinch of turmeric for color)</span></i></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span">1 1/2 tsp. sugar</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">cook a minute or 2 longer, then add 1/4 c. water and boil rapidly until it evaporates. Stir in the cooked rice. At this point, you could serve the rice alone, or continue as below for the Chicken and Rice version!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXYg4_jfrnouH6SilM2MQBYwuk_mxAMSKXhrgJD6wJNLi3fsBmmDJffhBMN617JjDLAQNuNY1chbVMv-BXiXYOTATqzU3aYx8Gz9T-oN6Ou7j4y55qcTvsl1aMjo3gcZSk8iarODRBxJ-c/s1600-h/004.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439415323370909906" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXYg4_jfrnouH6SilM2MQBYwuk_mxAMSKXhrgJD6wJNLi3fsBmmDJffhBMN617JjDLAQNuNY1chbVMv-BXiXYOTATqzU3aYx8Gz9T-oN6Ou7j4y55qcTvsl1aMjo3gcZSk8iarODRBxJ-c/s400/004.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 225px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>Start with the Chicken first if you want to make this as a combination dish.....</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"> Brown 1 or 2 cut up chicken(s) in a bit of oil. When nicely tanned, add 1/2 c. broth (or water + bouillon) and simmer until the chicken is tender - I kept it covered for most of the time, taking the lid off for the last 5 or so minutes. When rice is finished and combined, pat is into a large, greased casserole dish, and nestle the chicken pieces into the pilaf. Bake, covered, 20 minutes at 375. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">We serve it with curried sweet potatoes and spinach - a quick stove top dish that changes every time we make it, but always includes chopped crystallized ginger .</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></div><div><br />
</div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2jtzSRPl41qRrybgRlUwTvyy7re2_Vl7BNBc5nyGE_MnOuCVV-M7qF-m1XIUGFW_B0neT_GzcKHX75oyO_BMK5xvPwFXw4WzT93mlv3KhXtCIFdMY_n8BmTsWwpLL-b0RhaWzo_mLASnb/s1600-h/006.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439415336791027458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2jtzSRPl41qRrybgRlUwTvyy7re2_Vl7BNBc5nyGE_MnOuCVV-M7qF-m1XIUGFW_B0neT_GzcKHX75oyO_BMK5xvPwFXw4WzT93mlv3KhXtCIFdMY_n8BmTsWwpLL-b0RhaWzo_mLASnb/s400/006.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 225px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div></div>RobbinMThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07553742573539745530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8557266447817547477.post-26272870756201734612010-02-17T16:43:00.001-08:002010-02-17T17:38:02.739-08:00Birthday Boy's Best Presents!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOwb5IHjrG7vyJQbNx5c3GmtAzhrWrEpMptRJs7moDzeE7b0fGzEOIXTtlWWFxd8C6ZHbSZEubvGGI9dGnpu91PxxV0JTj5YzKgkaM5Z-E0rZimWqk6N52m0Fpz46_VoHlj5VpBLJb-O-h/s1600-h/019.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOwb5IHjrG7vyJQbNx5c3GmtAzhrWrEpMptRJs7moDzeE7b0fGzEOIXTtlWWFxd8C6ZHbSZEubvGGI9dGnpu91PxxV0JTj5YzKgkaM5Z-E0rZimWqk6N52m0Fpz46_VoHlj5VpBLJb-O-h/s400/019.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439378309800670210" /></a><br />This greeted Jonathan on the morning of his birthday...<br />a luscious chocolate cake (re-make of a family recipe) and an almost-there-just-a-few-more-rows-honey sweater......<br />The sweater was finished three days later, <whew!> as was the cake!</whew!><div><whew!><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUfaL6yq281qVTrYLvROevDFKkR1DR0gENrTlnPMIVWA5JCv2U0_Zy1HzUMzWTlDbcTuk10UzGelOvCr1JvNVQV2szy6aH75V6-QvoNudRxT76zH6DBJCiSQSCPu0eh_0bVHAz6YEwpMjB/s1600-h/001.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUfaL6yq281qVTrYLvROevDFKkR1DR0gENrTlnPMIVWA5JCv2U0_Zy1HzUMzWTlDbcTuk10UzGelOvCr1JvNVQV2szy6aH75V6-QvoNudRxT76zH6DBJCiSQSCPu0eh_0bVHAz6YEwpMjB/s400/001.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439381661784085490" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">Jonathan's Super Chocolaty, No Crumb Left Behind, Gluten-Free, Very Good Birthday Cake</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i>(yes, we were still eating off the Christmas plates.... they finally got put away for the year after finishing the sweater - I've got priorities, after all!)</i></div></span><br />The original version of this cake featured rich milk chocolate flavors, a moist buttermilk crumb, and has been the "Rose Family" birthday cake since Jonathan and Louise's childhood. This year, I made a Gluten free cake, and incorporated super dark chocolate for a "mature" guy's birthday cake!</whew!></div><div><whew!><br /></whew!></div><div><whew!>Sift together - or dump in a large bowl and "fluff" with a fork! - the following:</whew!></div><div><whew!><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>1 c. fine brown rice flour</whew!></div><div><whew!><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>1 c. almond flour</whew!></div><div><whew!><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>1/2 c. each: tapioca flour, potato flour</whew!></div><div><whew!><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>1 tsp. xanthan gum</whew!></div><div><whew!><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>2 c. sugar - we use organic unbleached sugar</whew!></div><div><whew!><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon</whew!></div><div><whew!><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>1 tsp. baking soda</whew!></div><div><whew!><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>1 tsp. salt</whew!></div><div><whew!>Melt (use either double boiler, or melt in the microwave for about 1 minute)</whew!></div><div><whew!><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>6 Tbs. dark cocoa powder (Hersheys has a "<a href="http://www.hersheys.com/products/details/specialdark/index.asp?name=Cocoa">Special Dark</a>" cocoa!) </whew!></div><div><whew!><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>1 C. water</whew!></div><div><whew!><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>2 sticks of butter (oh, come on, it's a <i>birth</i>day cake!! use 2 sticks :-)</whew!></div><div><whew!><br /></whew!></div><div><whew!>Mix the hot and dry ingredients together in the bowl of a stand mixer, then add:</whew!></div><div><whew!><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>1/2 c. buttermilk</whew!></div><div><whew!><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>with 2 eggs beaten into it, along with</whew!></div><div><whew!><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>1 tsp. vanilla</whew!></div><div><whew!>and mix until incorporated.</whew!></div><div><whew!><br /></whew!></div><div><whew!>Bake at 350 degrees in a greased and floured* 9 x 13 pan, 30-40 minutes.</whew!></div><div>*<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> chocolate cake hint: "flour" the pan with cocoa powder - this avoids any unsightly white specks on the bottom of the cake!*</span></i></div><div><whew!>Frosting:</whew!></div><div><whew!><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>6 Tbs. Dark Cocoa powder</whew!></div><div><whew!><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>6 Tbs. milk</whew!></div><div><whew!><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>1 stick of butter (yes, we are up to 3/4 pound of butter in the completed cake - sheeesh! it's <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>a <i>birth</i>day cake!)</whew!></div><div><whew!><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Melt the above ingredients either on stove top or in microwave as before.</whew!></div><div><whew!>Stir in:</whew!></div><div><whew!><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>1 pound box powdered sugar + 1 tsp. vanilla</whew!></div><div><whew!>until smooth.</whew!></div><div><whew!>Make the frosting and pour it over the hot cake when you've pulled the cake from the oven! As the cake and frosting cool, the frosting rather melds into the cake, and becomes like a roof of fudge.</whew!></div><div><br /></div><div><whew!><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPEwoUmVoTMLycTofkP5ytJ20yD41YN0fcBGfIUOetNE7u924ze-vKwfK0DHwq0F63CCRVcO8v6ERob6_ZTZvnFzQ_hkJ7of5SHundvsdfocCWc2NpfvvIkK2za7mTkZ4otW96vegF23M_/s1600-h/Jon's+Sweater.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 225px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPEwoUmVoTMLycTofkP5ytJ20yD41YN0fcBGfIUOetNE7u924ze-vKwfK0DHwq0F63CCRVcO8v6ERob6_ZTZvnFzQ_hkJ7of5SHundvsdfocCWc2NpfvvIkK2za7mTkZ4otW96vegF23M_/s400/Jon's+Sweater.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439378284588042226" /></a>Jonathan's <a href="http://www.interweavestore.com/knitting/patterns/cobblestone-pullover.html">Cobblestone Sweater</a> was made from wool spun from the sheep our friends Karen and Daniel raise near Ronan Montana on a ranch that looks out over the Mission Mountains. I had to adjust the pattern significantly in order to use the bulky weight yarn (instead of the worsted weight the pattern calls for).</whew!></div><div>After starting a sleeve a couple of times (why "swatch" if you can just cast on and go?) I ended up adjusting the stitch counts down to approximately 85% of the original, and used size 10.5 needles. The short Row section for the yoke was the most difficult to fudge this way - I have kept my notes, and will post them on Ravelry so they link to the pattern for anyone else interested in using bulky yarn for this pattern.</div><div><br /></div><div>I love how it looks like chain mail on my handsome guy :-)</div>RobbinMThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07553742573539745530noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8557266447817547477.post-14566899052363835002010-02-13T10:49:00.000-08:002010-02-13T10:59:44.135-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmrBaoPiE93BDLlgWcuuvt5m4achHSZdp32tfp1-c_NlJs6Sqs0-msma9qZrB-vGl29dFpSKkM1YewY74dusdHvHBrhnIYKRGXRQ9q3lLoN1TFXj_ZqXPGQiBQOFqbkIu5APfSGzyGTAqG/s1600-h/knittingolympics-1.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 95px; height: 59px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmrBaoPiE93BDLlgWcuuvt5m4achHSZdp32tfp1-c_NlJs6Sqs0-msma9qZrB-vGl29dFpSKkM1YewY74dusdHvHBrhnIYKRGXRQ9q3lLoN1TFXj_ZqXPGQiBQOFqbkIu5APfSGzyGTAqG/s320/knittingolympics-1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437802456450592818" /></a> OK, Here we go! Let's see if I can finish 2 (out of the 4 promised!) Chinese New Years gifts between the Opening ceremonies and when the flame is extinguished!<br /><div>I have purchased (at dear price!) a skein of American Buffalo Yarn - fingering weight, 2 ply - as soft as a cloud!</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkwEABDOWXHkJj1yb_LmGYTPflkKhI4e3hXOX1INohiMXH6E6CUGrYFyHrrfh1neP1MtoiGgNMrelylNS5IYbGALZZMJ7EbnCMv-uROyQBXTq8tDg0nxncgpTWX7VftonyLcACAhzkqTsu/s1600-h/buffalo-yarn.jpg"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 161px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkwEABDOWXHkJj1yb_LmGYTPflkKhI4e3hXOX1INohiMXH6E6CUGrYFyHrrfh1neP1MtoiGgNMrelylNS5IYbGALZZMJ7EbnCMv-uROyQBXTq8tDg0nxncgpTWX7VftonyLcACAhzkqTsu/s400/buffalo-yarn.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437803871157211746" /></a><div>First 2 shawls are for Annie and Rosita.....After that, I promised both Cassie and Anne as well. When I showed a variety of patterns to all 4 friends last night, they ALL chose the same pattern! </div><div>I will have to figure out how to make this a interesting challenge as well- what can I do to the basic pattern to create something absolutely unique for each woman?!</div><div>Stay posted!</div>RobbinMThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07553742573539745530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8557266447817547477.post-82839654976481195442010-02-05T18:54:00.000-08:002010-02-05T19:30:49.851-08:00Makes you wonder....<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxKzeqZylRfAKS5qHaXtkGkM6zHt3hqIa-nRCXxghnIAql3u2M0Xf7s4VH8erf15JuBupCvaNhCYfvvdtWv_4yi-oIOrk-I29astN-6yHk1d9gT4UioWu-vSYVb3LyPMgfPSWF4BT_meVm/s1600-h/english+sort+of.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 117px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxKzeqZylRfAKS5qHaXtkGkM6zHt3hqIa-nRCXxghnIAql3u2M0Xf7s4VH8erf15JuBupCvaNhCYfvvdtWv_4yi-oIOrk-I29astN-6yHk1d9gT4UioWu-vSYVb3LyPMgfPSWF4BT_meVm/s320/english+sort+of.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434959129375107506" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjlo8X0Mi65N8HsR0-esljxYTCIIT_Qymh7Jsmj5VOqh5lkW68-IU3w5mzvLBnegVr5EHoGC9JJT58z_muTSrj5ilkpKHzh5Jnsf8qHKRNkZuy843C6XZQOXG62hi7nA1c_cClrQRyrxIY/s1600-h/wer+american.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 233px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjlo8X0Mi65N8HsR0-esljxYTCIIT_Qymh7Jsmj5VOqh5lkW68-IU3w5mzvLBnegVr5EHoGC9JJT58z_muTSrj5ilkpKHzh5Jnsf8qHKRNkZuy843C6XZQOXG62hi7nA1c_cClrQRyrxIY/s320/wer+american.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434959127124770482" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Makes you wonder Who would be able to vote if we had literacy tests.<br /><br />.....about Tom Tancredo.....and his friends..... and who he thinks are his followers?!<br /> <br /><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/02/05/tom-tancredo-obama-electe_n_450849.html"><span style="font-style: italic;">Former Congressman and 2008 Republican presidential candidate Tom Tancredo told an audience on Thursday at the Tea Party Convention in Nashville that "people who could not even spell the word 'vote', or say it in English, put a committed socialist ideologue in the White House."</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"His name," Tancredo said, "is Barack Hussein Obama."</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Tancredo delivered the opening keynote speech at the convention where several hundred Tea Party conservatives have gathered.</span></a><br /><br />Makes you proud to be an American, don’t it? <p>Of course, the thing they’re ignoring is that Barack Obama, and his wife, could have passed any literacy test invented by the good ole boys who spell those signs.</p>RobbinMThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07553742573539745530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8557266447817547477.post-45162140785299936172010-02-04T14:44:00.000-08:002010-02-04T15:02:28.706-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicguaCWereN3taL8x0ycfkEZQj49M2w19PuuIyKs6NcOqUssaIvaEQNUiqlScJqMREXxnNVm0vgUT_UD74ogEw51BKgrvZUwh-fNF2oW4-928lHIA-W3mlswmo_-KexuFwvzvkQCwwEwho/s1600-h/China+1.2010+048.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicguaCWereN3taL8x0ycfkEZQj49M2w19PuuIyKs6NcOqUssaIvaEQNUiqlScJqMREXxnNVm0vgUT_UD74ogEw51BKgrvZUwh-fNF2oW4-928lHIA-W3mlswmo_-KexuFwvzvkQCwwEwho/s400/China+1.2010+048.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434523798104480738" border="0" /></a><br />A trip to China always means I get to find new yarn shops - thanks to Ravelry.com's <span style="font-style: italic;">China Knitters</span> forum, I have found more than a few!! Here I am in front of Cheer Wool (<a href="http://www.cheerwool.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=20&Itemid=32&lang=en">see their English web site here</a>) in Hong Kong. Following the directions I had in hand, we found a very tall (20+ stories) building shrouded in blue plastic and bamboo scaffolding. Thinking that we must be mis-reading the street numbers, we walked around the block again a few times, and finally asked in another shop if they knew where the yarn shop was. It was, of course, about 2 blocks up on the opposite side of the street... always an adventure!<br /><br />I found some Australian cashmere and purchased some children's needles and scissors for Nan. Alas, at age 3, Nan was more interested in the scissors than the yarn. Oh well, there is always next trip to indoctrinate her!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXhpEKMafQt53_L6twrAmTWCkZT7oE451H6vXaauiY3mOITf1qjFv_9nun2l4PO2XbQrylKA9y1mk_yKT7YSb4eZ0a0Ycth9Bc-r3hTy5qXpzcva6U51MOYyqTb3KbUBDT5mofOrVnMDvh/s1600-h/China+1.2010+049.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXhpEKMafQt53_L6twrAmTWCkZT7oE451H6vXaauiY3mOITf1qjFv_9nun2l4PO2XbQrylKA9y1mk_yKT7YSb4eZ0a0Ycth9Bc-r3hTy5qXpzcva6U51MOYyqTb3KbUBDT5mofOrVnMDvh/s320/China+1.2010+049.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434526158827723682" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8AdUCSxlJS_ys2IqxGgljDLmw4Ja7JGChJoyozw7S4xbbOC7obUdASuJnB4CS9H8p950athz6ujgyeyUeaDdCk6o-JhyphenhyphenuwwqKnqVXAISCF4bsHk89oOt22l8oVlQuCsabyx2rk5Sl8foL/s1600-h/China+1.2010+182.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 180px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8AdUCSxlJS_ys2IqxGgljDLmw4Ja7JGChJoyozw7S4xbbOC7obUdASuJnB4CS9H8p950athz6ujgyeyUeaDdCk6o-JhyphenhyphenuwwqKnqVXAISCF4bsHk89oOt22l8oVlQuCsabyx2rk5Sl8foL/s320/China+1.2010+182.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434525140854662162" border="0" /></a><br />While Nan played "cooking" with her scissors, I finished up 3 washcloths to leave with our friends ....RobbinMThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07553742573539745530noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8557266447817547477.post-84397450005785658282010-01-31T16:01:00.000-08:002010-02-01T09:06:51.304-08:00What a gift!Christmas pajama pictures are here:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy8dxXnoEhX_IdPvcFf327X05gLP2PE3mRxZjGy9zG0P5sY230y4jFkWcR-lAf4Uw3s6rUhO2xMj0_vHuQ9nlEramFzsulMbY3oQo9J1iRdtj6tPnqucQoZgsPOGhR5p-PFscoA2AwBqSW/s1600-h/085.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 180px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy8dxXnoEhX_IdPvcFf327X05gLP2PE3mRxZjGy9zG0P5sY230y4jFkWcR-lAf4Uw3s6rUhO2xMj0_vHuQ9nlEramFzsulMbY3oQo9J1iRdtj6tPnqucQoZgsPOGhR5p-PFscoA2AwBqSW/s320/085.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433061666846938402" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl25M-axLn1iSrSofTBMzlfSvuHlhX7qe-dCTZ-qOu1QU45PXnxFHvTFOWGiaqFzj8b166XzWYGS-aIRa45fFPP2WOQqmO3o4OE9LQBvbfHg8kaR7yiPuKWg8nEncb4foSoU1vC3wWQz1X/s1600-h/090.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl25M-axLn1iSrSofTBMzlfSvuHlhX7qe-dCTZ-qOu1QU45PXnxFHvTFOWGiaqFzj8b166XzWYGS-aIRa45fFPP2WOQqmO3o4OE9LQBvbfHg8kaR7yiPuKWg8nEncb4foSoU1vC3wWQz1X/s320/090.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433061688009610642" border="0" /></a><br />It's been toooo long since I up-dated the blog! Sorry for that - after our Thanksgiving trip to the Oregon coast, we had Stella & Marcus & Iris (the grand-pug) visit for early Christmas, then we went to my mom, Bev, and then Jon's Mom, Cindy's for "Christmas", then we went back to Portland and the beach for New Year's, and as soon as we got back home, we got on the plane and trekked to China for 2 weeks for our annual factory visits.<br />Whew!!! It's a miracle I even remember that I have a blog!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSwQWigZE8e63aAmxx6dlCfFfaXLCmDGSstDy98250U_4camf4CfDaL4PA2hGc6gVdKhq5oEAfqfgYJWmrcvi2ombwGLRUA62BuCwZ1-aZg2U2Za2mYcsNg2eApV_TRhGtjv1_ORy0aluc/s1600-h/173.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSwQWigZE8e63aAmxx6dlCfFfaXLCmDGSstDy98250U_4camf4CfDaL4PA2hGc6gVdKhq5oEAfqfgYJWmrcvi2ombwGLRUA62BuCwZ1-aZg2U2Za2mYcsNg2eApV_TRhGtjv1_ORy0aluc/s320/173.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433059325784707090" border="0" /></a><br />Christmas 2009 took some planning.... Here is what several people on our list got! Big picnic Baskets full (10+ jars in each basket) of home-preserved sunshine and love.<br />Jon used our Hot Foil embossing machines and brown paper circles to create the labels, then he proceeded to create a recipe booklet - using pictures and recipes from Robbin's 2009 blog - that called for the basket ingredients. He published the booklet via Mac - isn't it professional looking?!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2DUoSUOtUixMgA9pboSf8CKgS1z9K10Kl1qUMYGvK16ga6fWh1uXj1l-c6vn3Jx0N9iJALApZzTfghMkQ-hEJcjh8wXo_SjkFkAEK-J2LqkEQyi6zF38QxEtZQDWkLdemXxpJzXB8XRu6/s1600-h/filing+the+basktes+2.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2DUoSUOtUixMgA9pboSf8CKgS1z9K10Kl1qUMYGvK16ga6fWh1uXj1l-c6vn3Jx0N9iJALApZzTfghMkQ-hEJcjh8wXo_SjkFkAEK-J2LqkEQyi6zF38QxEtZQDWkLdemXxpJzXB8XRu6/s320/filing+the+basktes+2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433059347533404802" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-xp9DMfns7zqZ9W-anjhH8Dt34nbkyGURiw65KBUjWnJavoMwOjy9UuqvinmbJkCE2dy_BY9GKQn0DX-YCdAanzB3h5O2hF1oU7Oqkqo24UGApvlHx5oajv5fI8-pGDIUaAxyh7jxfL0B/s1600-h/Christmas+goodies+making.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-xp9DMfns7zqZ9W-anjhH8Dt34nbkyGURiw65KBUjWnJavoMwOjy9UuqvinmbJkCE2dy_BY9GKQn0DX-YCdAanzB3h5O2hF1oU7Oqkqo24UGApvlHx5oajv5fI8-pGDIUaAxyh7jxfL0B/s320/Christmas+goodies+making.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433059332844413746" border="0" /></a><br /><br />In addition to much of the already documented canned goods, I infused Stolichnaya Vodka with vanilla beans, and also created a pepper and thyme while wine vinegar for the baskets. We filled in the empty spots with packets of orange peel candy!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8mxbF_weFqHeOySKIhCVxerOwnfYBv0HMhSEnGmRYCdQ4_EfIuXS1Mr1PImU8saa5L79X3yLhyphenhyphenGYGH4n29VfHyF2zZ9mrnAjFaiZeIccsTGkH5ec5_9XmVHgbkQWcwCla8pNv1JQ34xiG/s1600-h/filling+baskets.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8mxbF_weFqHeOySKIhCVxerOwnfYBv0HMhSEnGmRYCdQ4_EfIuXS1Mr1PImU8saa5L79X3yLhyphenhyphenGYGH4n29VfHyF2zZ9mrnAjFaiZeIccsTGkH5ec5_9XmVHgbkQWcwCla8pNv1JQ34xiG/s320/filling+baskets.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433059311589040034" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpMvsq7QnRWMrfcKPMr7KViWIgOu_hzQVBnoXFtMSYAz0H0R5mqZS-87GV0qddMgc5TvJb0cK9cv6JWO1QCbxkZq7UXOak3HGrZ9RIwO22XLoDpZAoQecgq1QjCjLySyGTpzezgN2JPWwd/s1600-h/071.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 180px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpMvsq7QnRWMrfcKPMr7KViWIgOu_hzQVBnoXFtMSYAz0H0R5mqZS-87GV0qddMgc5TvJb0cK9cv6JWO1QCbxkZq7UXOak3HGrZ9RIwO22XLoDpZAoQecgq1QjCjLySyGTpzezgN2JPWwd/s320/071.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433061653841924354" border="0" /></a><br />One of the funnest things I made this year was for Marcus - a "Secret Identity" to keep him warm on the slopes!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzO9N9hde7hyphenhyphen8a8OruIh3Tlt5C4gEh0mTexWNJHjrOOcsZ257VSKYlq6ymvx14YdbZWhlHUuPOB1u9eNk2QU5YZdCHs6hOBkPQAsawrZlzpfe-AQlQEI9amJTZDD6_xldfMd5q0NQqVy1t/s1600-h/094.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 297px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzO9N9hde7hyphenhyphen8a8OruIh3Tlt5C4gEh0mTexWNJHjrOOcsZ257VSKYlq6ymvx14YdbZWhlHUuPOB1u9eNk2QU5YZdCHs6hOBkPQAsawrZlzpfe-AQlQEI9amJTZDD6_xldfMd5q0NQqVy1t/s320/094.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433061672738826722" border="0" /></a>RobbinMThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07553742573539745530noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8557266447817547477.post-49195027641780621372010-01-26T07:10:00.000-08:002010-01-26T07:39:58.525-08:00Something Fun to whet your whistle...We have had Christmas, traveled to the Oregon Coast for a week again, and then a January trip to China - and I will try to catch up with photos and narrative soon, however THIS is just because it's fun!!!!!<br /><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" style="width: 400px; height: 300px;" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/qMz85A3dZtI&hl=en&fs=1" title="JoomlaWorks AllVideos Player"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/qMz85A3dZtI&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="quality" value="high"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><param name="bgcolor" value="#010101"></object>RobbinMThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07553742573539745530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8557266447817547477.post-8506694416468806872009-12-05T14:17:00.000-08:002009-12-05T15:59:39.987-08:00Turkey Left-overs = MMMMmOle!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-kDIegGi6Ua58NaQ4TvfklNxG-D_wqpl8uofuhcKwUAeIZumymDLlV-H6qKbSd1mBRLtu4L0itVHFRg7znHmyCVhGAiRHs0Av5_-FKnf8xpPEJmTu6HQjxbiHy1uRwt8EYJinXbk1cjME/s1600-h/106.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-kDIegGi6Ua58NaQ4TvfklNxG-D_wqpl8uofuhcKwUAeIZumymDLlV-H6qKbSd1mBRLtu4L0itVHFRg7znHmyCVhGAiRHs0Av5_-FKnf8xpPEJmTu6HQjxbiHy1uRwt8EYJinXbk1cjME/s320/106.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411883942949570018" border="0" /></a><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwBBN1EhHmJC834JZHrFreYWErsRiU_WFPe_ocapki2WhyH14RRGUbUioUd-plRwbRbASk8YOx_mT4f7kFVFA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br />It was the day AFTER Thanksgiving, and all through the house, not a creature was stirring.....<br />we were still recovering from the tryptophan crash of the day before!<br /><br />Whatever were we to do with all that heirloom turkey that Besty and Jamie brought from Santa Fe? I had actually thought ahead of time <gasp!> and prepared a super concentrated Mole Paste at home before we all traveled to our extended family meet up on the Oregon coast in Manzanita.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWDQwGfdqU5krxMu1iUamqaQewdPxDeBWIH7F0JbCLQmK41-EUBmuNwEccuo8mhMWdmF3n80yj5xOk_e22cmUcyR92fmfWvxYLxhxDTUO70QSXt_uCCf8EbdtIGr3OudlmQ49XdPAv_uKx/s1600-h/001.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWDQwGfdqU5krxMu1iUamqaQewdPxDeBWIH7F0JbCLQmK41-EUBmuNwEccuo8mhMWdmF3n80yj5xOk_e22cmUcyR92fmfWvxYLxhxDTUO70QSXt_uCCf8EbdtIGr3OudlmQ49XdPAv_uKx/s320/001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411880170227600322" border="0" /></a><br />Here's how I did it: FIRST I contacted my Father-in-law, the Spanish professor who is also an amazing and intrepid cook. I hoped he had "the secret recipe to a great Mole sauce"...indeed, he immediately loaned me two huge volumes on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Authentic-Mexican-20th-Anniversary-Ed/dp/0061373265/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1260054502&sr=1-1">Mexican</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Food-Life-Oaxaca-Traditional-Recipes/dp/0028603508">Oaxacan</a> cooking, both of which included several individual Mole recipes. One even had all sorts of historical <a href="http://www.mexonline.com/molepoblano.htm">fact and fable</a> about this Sauce of Fame. (Hint: Both of these books are now on my "wish list" for Christmas!)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbctQwIqJAJio9MywtWoCgdoSX_qXqe9GD8MCvtrYEXHrEIqVOuQflInlNFDsuFC9QvRoFLwGXDHGR4Ex8dpaYi92mzBM0k-welNJAPe8uVwJxFpLcKoRK0zL2UKE_T2VKQxAH7u926h7e/s1600-h/004.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 180px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbctQwIqJAJio9MywtWoCgdoSX_qXqe9GD8MCvtrYEXHrEIqVOuQflInlNFDsuFC9QvRoFLwGXDHGR4Ex8dpaYi92mzBM0k-welNJAPe8uVwJxFpLcKoRK0zL2UKE_T2VKQxAH7u926h7e/s320/004.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411880183343422818" border="0" /></a>As I read through the recipes - many of which took days to prepare, as well as a surprising number of ingredients! I realized that as a good but "every day" cook, I needed to simplify or I'd never fulfill my promise to proved the sauce to make a Mole Fest happen on T-day 2. I decided to use....the Vita-Mix!! After that, I honed the lists of ingredients down a bit, consolidating recipes as well as being sure that the important flavor combinations weren't missing. (Jon ate 2 prior batches before declaring this was "the one").<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOIA0PcmRcUE4PE229Y3VUgZSeED35IeIuPp0310bLgJNAStZ4E_3gGVQkiO7MTe_Ca289we9u0dfLlXBwOkafJaK1un7lKVwq534m3S4aaKjqm9d_j3QfwAGS6fC5rVG84XkhKViSCGxs/s1600-h/005.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOIA0PcmRcUE4PE229Y3VUgZSeED35IeIuPp0310bLgJNAStZ4E_3gGVQkiO7MTe_Ca289we9u0dfLlXBwOkafJaK1un7lKVwq534m3S4aaKjqm9d_j3QfwAGS6fC5rVG84XkhKViSCGxs/s320/005.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411880186803769090" border="0" /></a></gasp!><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAm1wUWZGsleUDxahrXOHRztHvPR3cjqZ19TQwHQGGAfSNYIAAapOe1-wtKBUMhwddrUaxr1KfGf7L2hmEzJOvBvX1s2-JNeBrAfY5FmetMpTDz5yfIH2_vipVeXmMx4VuGSRYUOcTjcXa/s1600-h/007.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAm1wUWZGsleUDxahrXOHRztHvPR3cjqZ19TQwHQGGAfSNYIAAapOe1-wtKBUMhwddrUaxr1KfGf7L2hmEzJOvBvX1s2-JNeBrAfY5FmetMpTDz5yfIH2_vipVeXmMx4VuGSRYUOcTjcXa/s320/007.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411880199414747826" border="0" /></a><gasp!><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">MmmmmmmmOle Concentrate<br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;">Assemble the following ingredients in one place before beginning. I found that shopping took longer than the actual preparation!<br /></span></span></gasp!><ul><li>4 dried Pasilla chilies, stems & seeds removed</li><li>4 dried Ancho chilies, stems & seeds removed</li><li>1 (I used a canned) Chipotle chile, seeded</li><li>1 med onion, chopped</li><li>2 cloves garlic</li><li>1 14oz can diced tomatoes & juice</li><li>1 Tbs. sesame seeds,</li><li>1/2 c. almonds</li><li>1/4 c. tasted pepitos (pumpkin seeds)<br /></li><li>2 organic corn tortillas, torn in pieces</li><li>1/4 c. raisins</li><li>8 whole cloves</li><li>1/4 tsp. ground coriander</li><li>2" pieces of cinnamon, broken up a bit</li></ul>Place all the above into the Vita Mix (or heavy duty blender) and puree until smooth. Really really smooth!!<br /><br />In a large skillet, heat<br /><ul><li>3 Tbs olive oil</li></ul>Scrape the pureed chile mix into the pan and saute the puree for at least 10 minutes, stirring frequently to dissuade any little crusty bits from forming. Add<br /><ul><li>3 1/2 oz. bitter chocolate (I used 1 2/3 bars of Newman's Own organic 72% chocolate - if you use unsweetened chocolate, you made need to add a small amount of sugar to balance the flavors at the end)</li><li>1 c. vegetable broth<br /></li></ul>Continue stirring and cooking over very low heat for about another 15-20 minutes. The sauce will become extremely thick and paste-like. It should "feel" like a thick tomato paste does!<br /><gasp!><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwOUo2GxRXyqZownqNLp2oBObVGAXNDmp8MHHpeIGelwMVcvaXCi5cwRJIBk_WobNH8tI1m3B0CBgsRDTN176thyphenhyphenE6kEjVpFo3O2Ajc_Yv7qJ98asOONkvqPb8dOtgv7kfizMuDIXInPFR/s1600-h/009.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwOUo2GxRXyqZownqNLp2oBObVGAXNDmp8MHHpeIGelwMVcvaXCi5cwRJIBk_WobNH8tI1m3B0CBgsRDTN176thyphenhyphenE6kEjVpFo3O2Ajc_Yv7qJ98asOONkvqPb8dOtgv7kfizMuDIXInPFR/s320/009.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411881139908992290" border="0" /></a><br />This made almost 1 full quart of paste - which I froze and took to our Turkey day rendezvous.<br />When ready to serve, we thinned the paste with chicken stock (for the turkey mole) or vegetable broth (for the bean mole). Here are the variations!<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Vegetarian Mole<br /></span></span>Saute a chopped onion, and diced celery in a deep pot. Add left-over roasted vegies (we had parsnips, sweet potatos, and beets) from Turkey dinner. Add 3 cans of assorted beans- black, kidney, pinto. Throw in 1/2 a head of chopped kale!! Stir in about 1 cup of Mole paste and 4-6 cups broth.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Turkey Mole</span><br /></gasp!>Saute a chopped onion, and diced celery in a deep pot. Add left-over roasted vegies (we had parsnips, sweet potatos, and beets) from Turkey dinner. Add chopped, left over turkey. Throw in 1/2 a head of chopped kale!! Stir in about 1 cup of Mole paste and 4-6 cups broth.<br /><gasp!><br /></gasp!>Serve your Mole Variations over hot rice, and pass the tortillas (if you are lucky, your Aunt Louise will have brought the tortilla press and the masa to make them fresh for dinner!!)<br /><br />Hang out and play lots of music after dinner!!<br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwf7709tYZOiS2cCe49B5xYNbW5eD-oPVHSskcud6XKItlRlIQo8xaGK6bbuKgqQmewHY_UCL1_tdph6q7Hdw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>RobbinMThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07553742573539745530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8557266447817547477.post-78882870366482797862009-11-18T08:53:00.000-08:002009-11-18T09:20:29.680-08:00Thankful<object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/dGyOtU3Es_s&hl=en_US&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/dGyOtU3Es_s&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="425"></embed></object><br /><br />In this busy life, a moment of reflection with Sarah McLachlan and St. Francis of Assisi.....<br /><br />We have been very busy (typically, October/November are our biggest months of the year!)Here's Jon taping up boxes yesterday - and then there's Sean (our UPS Angel!) flexing his muscles to begin the pickup!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH3CfGS7TI-vcd4MLIg2267PG1lA092EOX-vWR8dyQnrJHrqO0EfP3WjpDBxlaaxfF_VzJx_A1VjMQi_V_o6Bw56mLJEMQUKvFegGhUQ-OVmI42T0rdcr_Woh8flklwxTRZPeih4mOe2FE/s1600/017.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 180px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH3CfGS7TI-vcd4MLIg2267PG1lA092EOX-vWR8dyQnrJHrqO0EfP3WjpDBxlaaxfF_VzJx_A1VjMQi_V_o6Bw56mLJEMQUKvFegGhUQ-OVmI42T0rdcr_Woh8flklwxTRZPeih4mOe2FE/s320/017.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405490505198051634" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5DvQ-oOX508DSfsbpSftWkzijh35jY3pD9OFKop9dSk4-Y0tupkgVxYwZM7NvVq7NkaHST_S5bj3vTg7xTClcLjK4Ez2bjakZwywZHpVcNhgDRYXJf_dqbuo5J5j94pVZ8diwaqceDU_k/s1600/018.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 180px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5DvQ-oOX508DSfsbpSftWkzijh35jY3pD9OFKop9dSk4-Y0tupkgVxYwZM7NvVq7NkaHST_S5bj3vTg7xTClcLjK4Ez2bjakZwywZHpVcNhgDRYXJf_dqbuo5J5j94pVZ8diwaqceDU_k/s320/018.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405490507158625778" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Besides "work" I have added quite a bit more to the canning pantry, including several pints of our home-fermented Sauerkraut, and Wool-Wash. Well, the wool-wash isn't for eating.... but it will help get those stains out of Jon's sweater after he's eaten the sauerkraut...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw7rp8Ie1z8-7h5zJ3uqaJPXiWUoZ3ZsWb70-wyGVERsHt2WXXUsWmLBJkVXwoYSDVn7dflxJvBBZ2ePqrlN5UHmDK-36goSmV0XOj46uiEh_11WktChPHgJ0vCiKAYQVXI_La-NLay81e/s1600/010.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw7rp8Ie1z8-7h5zJ3uqaJPXiWUoZ3ZsWb70-wyGVERsHt2WXXUsWmLBJkVXwoYSDVn7dflxJvBBZ2ePqrlN5UHmDK-36goSmV0XOj46uiEh_11WktChPHgJ0vCiKAYQVXI_La-NLay81e/s320/010.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405490511777368578" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUO1FheO-UhcYYrOi6FVjJIR6xZxtsslzEOsRcdTf5biJ_4KPJCiiTv-wzIkKp8CUWIGomiohVtpsuAm8iS8bapqN0heOP5KxIHL8L3JE6DJhh-MjEWujFqCgr_N09_Id3FRi1PpFlzCdV/s1600/014.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUO1FheO-UhcYYrOi6FVjJIR6xZxtsslzEOsRcdTf5biJ_4KPJCiiTv-wzIkKp8CUWIGomiohVtpsuAm8iS8bapqN0heOP5KxIHL8L3JE6DJhh-MjEWujFqCgr_N09_Id3FRi1PpFlzCdV/s320/014.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405490523256874546" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I got the "recipe" for <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 204, 102);">Wool-Wash</span> from an Australian friend...<br /> 4 cups boiling water<br /> 4 cups pure SOAP flakes (not "detergent! - if you can't find it, just grate a bar or 2 of pure castile soap)<br /> Pour the hot water over the flakes, and beat with a whisk or mixer, until well blended. It gets "foamy - that's alright! When well incorporated, add<br /> 1 cup rubbing alcohol ("mentholated spirits" if you live in Australia!) PLUS 1 Tbs or so of essential oil - I used eucalyptus -just enough to smell "fresh"!<br /> Incorporate some more, and pour into wide mouth containers (I got these little ones at the Dollar Store). It will be foamy and cloudy, then go through a clear stage, and lastly firm up into a white gel.<br /> To Use: Swish about a TBS of the gel in warm water, to soak your hand-washables and woolens in.RobbinMThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07553742573539745530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8557266447817547477.post-26433069432051118182009-11-04T21:00:00.000-08:002009-11-04T21:08:49.538-08:00Medicare-for-all, Round 4! It could Happen this week!!<span style="font-style: italic;">Please follow <a href="http://campaign.constantcontact.com/render?v=001P8PqTJg1cREr9E8ILmNvt9zaqW7avlvKvfKFmqeojcasXKB1amDkeMJEIn6VLVacg4cks0ZXKfifD3G8_vQ-XiTqDKPehDFYSfvQFZGahufBvIXV9maS5Qa7vJQrlbXByucvbwd7qEuc3VrpChelaLJnN8N-gIc4">this link </a> to support the Weiner Amendment</span> extending MEDICARE for ALL <span style="font-style: italic;"> to the Health care Bill in front of Congress. The link take you to a fax you can send from your computer- and gives you phone numbers for your representatives as well as the major players, and the White House. Let your will be known! Here's the scoop:<br /><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);font-family:Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" >Breaking news from PNHP (Physicians for National Health Plan). <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">The Weiner amendment 'could' come to a floor vote</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"> </span>on Friday or Saturday with maybe a 20 minute debate allowed. <span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51);">Your calls and faxes were instrumental in making this happen.</span><br />Now is the time to <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">push hard</span> on your congressperson to vote for the Weiner amendment. Even if it fails, it is very important to show that it has support. If the entire health reform bill fails, as it very well may, then Medicare For All has a real shot at enactment when Congress realizes it MUST address health care.</span><br />Here's the <a href="http://www.1payer.net/faxapp/senders/add/cid:35">link to the FAX YOUR REPRESENTATIVE</a> page.<br /><br />Here's the <a href="http://www.1payer.net/faxapp/senders/policymakers/">link where you can easily find your congresspeople's phone numbers</a>!RobbinMThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07553742573539745530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8557266447817547477.post-41216868087794489392009-11-04T13:23:00.000-08:002009-11-04T20:43:46.539-08:00The Birthday Spurtle and what I did with it...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2e-JZs0V44oCZBwtIl-HH4UaOM56V1XnKndpFfV2p27Vo7nN58xug7-uHL1alFMIWb89pnPbwwPSglRCoNhbmUC_F7kw3K3JF29JfKSfo9hHJOI-MMFHB5yQhKVB7R-LKyRg3cv6tsEGK/s1600-h/053.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 180px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2e-JZs0V44oCZBwtIl-HH4UaOM56V1XnKndpFfV2p27Vo7nN58xug7-uHL1alFMIWb89pnPbwwPSglRCoNhbmUC_F7kw3K3JF29JfKSfo9hHJOI-MMFHB5yQhKVB7R-LKyRg3cv6tsEGK/s320/053.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400364345303222034" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisPAMdV0gIl6Ui-PoOfExSyGNaF8PDaVM59E6ByjqaAV_O0yZV3PfvK-B0_l3jK7fed2V1MVAO9U0S1ECIu4ZjwnllhzidLW4odQkvA9sRnIhUb8cdgU0wA2ifjiEw4DwvxweZifa9H9Tz/s1600-h/050.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 180px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisPAMdV0gIl6Ui-PoOfExSyGNaF8PDaVM59E6ByjqaAV_O0yZV3PfvK-B0_l3jK7fed2V1MVAO9U0S1ECIu4ZjwnllhzidLW4odQkvA9sRnIhUb8cdgU0wA2ifjiEw4DwvxweZifa9H9Tz/s320/050.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400364335559035170" border="0" /></a><br />My birthday is Hallowe'en, and yes, the apostrophe indicates that you know how to properly spell the word! ("e'en" is a contraction for "evening") As a child it was much akin to a Christmas birthday -but it's gotten much more fun the older I get. This year, my friend, Joni happened to be visiting from Scotland where she's lived with her husband for many years. And she brought me a spurtle!!! I was soooo excited :-) The spurtle is that lovely turned piece of wood in the pic above - and it's been used since the 15th century to stir.... porridge! <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_Spurtle#Events_in_the_Village">The Golden Spurtle Porridge Making Championship </a> competition is held in Carrbridge Scotland every year.<br /><br />I quickly chopped and steamed up some of the delicious apples Stan and Bev brought down, ran them through the chinois, and added some spices for Apple Butter making...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq0QK6_oSn4KLoOtZqpybdPB6JTbFwDmmqHAq_nLT-kBIJn0y2JOYXQiIWhrBRcj1_SZV18IUDJUmNwMTlceeJK1jJdnKmkANg1B8GbRY2R95vwzvxrfgSmMywwpZbyHaP8FajGnK6bntD/s1600-h/051.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq0QK6_oSn4KLoOtZqpybdPB6JTbFwDmmqHAq_nLT-kBIJn0y2JOYXQiIWhrBRcj1_SZV18IUDJUmNwMTlceeJK1jJdnKmkANg1B8GbRY2R95vwzvxrfgSmMywwpZbyHaP8FajGnK6bntD/s320/051.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400364347960894866" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrIeFOl4WhbSMaAXW7MHmoT3-gAvKBFJaDoem7lNpriSl6ZEO4BUhR-TI7p2j31KcMib4ISGX2L6fk6sOAn6kwveUoSoIWaXK3ckbNY6JUaas30JPkpIOBrMpnVxKRdDYw-sVqzEGt1yqB/s1600-h/054.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrIeFOl4WhbSMaAXW7MHmoT3-gAvKBFJaDoem7lNpriSl6ZEO4BUhR-TI7p2j31KcMib4ISGX2L6fk6sOAn6kwveUoSoIWaXK3ckbNY6JUaas30JPkpIOBrMpnVxKRdDYw-sVqzEGt1yqB/s320/054.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400364358198925490" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The spurtle lived up to it's reputation - the rounded end fitting evenly against the ceramic sides of the pot - not one lump was left after a few minutes of stirring. So, we sent the butter into the oven for a few hours, and later canned it up - yum!!<br /><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">Very Good Gingered Apple Butter</span></span><br /><br />*this is more like "the technique" than a recipe with measured amounts *<br /><br />Core and roughly chop several <span style="font-weight: bold;">apples</span> -you don't have to peel or seed them, but cut out the bad spots. I filled up my 5 qt. cast iron enameled pot.<br />add about 2" <span style="font-weight: bold;">water</span> to the pot and simmer until the apples are easily mushed -<br />about 15 minutes.<br />Place your <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinois">chinois</a> or food mill over a large bowl or another large pot, and press the apples through. This separates the peels and seed out, and also creates a "saucy" texture!<br />Pour the apple mush back into the (wiped out) original pot, and place on the stove top over medium heat. Turn on the oven as well - to 300 degrees, and let it heat up a bit.<br />Add the following spices, to taste :<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">cinnamon</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">ginger</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">cardamom</span><br />anything else on the shelf look like a contender?<br />for my pot of sauce, i used about 2 tbs. each. then i added more ginger :-)<br />Now, get out your <span style="font-weight: bold;">sugar</span> bin. Add some in - maybe a cup or two. Taste it - should taste like good "applesauce". We don't really like ours too sweet - and after everything is cooked down, the flavors will be greatly concentrated. Stir everything about until it's nicely bubbling.<br />Pretend you are a Scottish witch from 1709 if you are using your new spurtle.<br />When it's nice and bubbly, open the oven and place the pot, uncovered, in the oven on the middle rack. Let it simmer there for about 2-3 hours. You'll know when it's done because not only will it smell lovely, it will have reduced by at least 1/3, and be thick and dark brown.<br /><br />I can it in pints or 1/2 pints - 15 minutes in the water bath canner.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>RobbinMThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07553742573539745530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8557266447817547477.post-9226733818354024942009-10-30T10:58:00.000-07:002009-10-30T13:51:26.594-07:00The "Public Option" IS our bail-out, America"<span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 102, 102);">Be not simply good, be good for something</span>."<span style="font-style: italic;"> -Thoreau</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYH6S7u2qmI25iQOx53c0vdK8tOlN-Ue2V9cY6lvMEBogLd9B3KGbHcOM-x7xLEJZbQ_syiS-S9ia5mEQowytLDF5HXoQ4z2Qy5BTbgV-Ceh1sPNl-I5pngdgio4Qm6jK0GwNUFAYH9UAB/s1600-h/publicoption_blog.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 280px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYH6S7u2qmI25iQOx53c0vdK8tOlN-Ue2V9cY6lvMEBogLd9B3KGbHcOM-x7xLEJZbQ_syiS-S9ia5mEQowytLDF5HXoQ4z2Qy5BTbgV-Ceh1sPNl-I5pngdgio4Qm6jK0GwNUFAYH9UAB/s320/publicoption_blog.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398467250897061090" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Contact your congress people and representatives!<br />Email, web sites info, and ground address for US Senators/Representatives can all be found <a href="http://www.visi.com/juan/congress/">here</a>.<br /><br />And <a href="http://countdowntohealthcare.com/">here</a> is NY Congressman Anthony Weiner's site, Countdown to HealthCare, where you can sign petitions, get up-to-the-minute informatin on what and how things are moving through congress. I am tempted to move to NY state, just to claim Weiner as my rep!<br /><br />Don't you wonder how a Democratic President, elected on a platform of reform, with over whelming Democrat majorities in the House and the Senate can take a hugely popular social program and turn it into a corporate give away? This is about as good for us as Medicare part D (which essentially gave billions of dollars to the pharmaceutical companies!)<br /><br />That's just what's happening with the "HealthCare for America" act recently introduced by Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid. the way it reads, right out of the box, the "public option" is described as "requir(<span style="font-style: italic;">ing</span>) most individuals to obtain health insurance but do too little to make sure they can afford it. But beefing up insurance subsidies would drive up the cost of the bill, which not only would threaten Obama’s $900 billion spending cap but would unnerve centrist Democrats already worried that the bill does too little to constrain healthcare costs." (<a href="http://thehill.com/homenews/senate/65303-beyond-public-option-big-decisions-loom-for-health-bill-">TheHill.com</a>)<br /><br /><p>"We think that it was eight times normal volume and it was certainly higher than the demand that we had when the first stimulus bill went up," he said. "It was probably the highest volume of traffic we've ever seen." -Jeff Ventura, White House spokesperson, on the flood of calls, email, and faxes to the White House in the 24 hours after the announcement about the bill was made. (see full story <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/10/29/health-care-bill-draws-un_n_339226.html">here</a>)<br /></p><div style="position: fixed;"><div id="new_selection_block0.5111500391278563" style="border: medium none ; overflow: hidden; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><br /><br />Read more at: <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/10/29/health-care-bill-draws-un_n_339226.html" target="_blank_">http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/10/29/health-care-bill-draws-un_n_339226.html</a></div></div>Late October 2009<a href="http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/10/27/2109332.aspx?ocid=twitter"> MSNBC Poll</a> asks "is it important to give people a choice of a public option? -- a combined 72% answered that it was either "extremely important" or "quite important," while just 23% said it was "not that important" or "not at all important."<br /><br /><a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2009/10/20/politics/politicalhotsheet/entry5401123.shtml">October's CBS NewPolls</a> tell us Americans continue to overwhelmingly support a Robust Public Option - the question was:<br /><strong style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 102, 102);">DO YOU FAVOR A GOVERNMENT HEALTH INSURANCE PLAN LIKE MEDICARE</strong> <table style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 102, 102);" class="poll"> <tbody><tr align="left"> <td width="30%"><strong></strong><br /></td> <td width="10%"><strong>Now</strong></td> <td width="10%"><strong>9/2009</strong></td> <td width="10%"><strong>8/2009</strong></td> <td width="10%"><strong>7/2009</strong></td> <td width="10%"><strong>6/2009</strong></td> </tr> <tr align="left"> <td>Favor</td> <td>62%</td> <td>65%</td> <td>60%</td> <td>66%</td> <td>72%</td> </tr> <tr align="left"> <td>Oppose</td> <td>31%</td> <td>26%</td> <td>34%</td> <td>27%</td> <td>20%</td> </tr> </tbody></table><br />While fewer people answered "Favor" than back in June, still almost 2/3 of the people polled want a Public Option that covers everyone, no exceptions, equally. How simple is it to see that what we WANT, what we VOTED FOR in November, was to CHANGE the system that does not support "average Americans"?! If your Senators and Representatives are not helping to move this change forward, they are not listening to you and your neighbors. A Public Option will only work if EVERYONE is IN THE POOL. We must pester them into letting us ALL in.<br /><br />"If the public option leads to a single-payer system, it'll be because private health insurance couldn't offer as good a product to consumers -- that government-run insurance turned out more affordable, of higher quality, and better overall. It'll be because consumers preferred government-run health insurance to private insurance. Isn't that their choice?" succinctly stated by Sahil Kapur in his <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sahil-kapur/so-what-if-a-public-optio_b_340160.html">blog post today</a>.<br /><br /><div style="position: fixed;"><div id="new_selection_block0.979799300035046" style="border: medium none ; overflow: hidden; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><br /><br />Read more at: <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sahil-kapur/so-what-if-a-public-optio_b_340160.html" target="_blank_">http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sahil-kapur/so-what-if-a-public-optio_b_340160.html"</a></div></div>Paul Krugman (Nobel prize winning Economist, and columnist for The New York Times) wrote an opinion piece supporting the recently unveiled House plan <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/30/opinion/30krugman.html?_r=2&adxnnl=1&ref=opinion&adxnnlx=1256925671-iQo4aDjafPXMTm9B/VrEzQ">here</a>. "For this is the moment of truth. The political environment is as favorable for reform as it’s likely to get. The legislation on the table isn’t perfect, but it’s as good as anyone could reasonably have expected. History is about to be made — and everyone has to decide which side they’re on."<br /><br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/NdB-O326riY&hl=en&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/NdB-O326riY&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="425"></embed></object><br /><br />P.S. check out <a href="http://www.1payer.net/News-and-Blogs/public-bailout-of-private-insurance.html">this link</a> if you want to know what some people think this is really an Insurance Company Bail Out bill.RobbinMThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07553742573539745530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8557266447817547477.post-91361731746715015712009-10-29T19:03:00.000-07:002009-11-15T10:37:41.070-08:00Canning & Preserving 2009<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvoQFnX_mIT6CpEDnuFjlxq_ynsJXqnZz4xlgluuYHHIU660qZoV97jY9zW4oi8mRRiPeIlgaI093z1GfUl2GNN3N4QWxsXoGT1wGVzKZTkzVEJHS-SUC8Qy48RvGBax6lZqKfhcXLDwzu/s1600-h/010.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvoQFnX_mIT6CpEDnuFjlxq_ynsJXqnZz4xlgluuYHHIU660qZoV97jY9zW4oi8mRRiPeIlgaI093z1GfUl2GNN3N4QWxsXoGT1wGVzKZTkzVEJHS-SUC8Qy48RvGBax6lZqKfhcXLDwzu/s320/010.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398215609122503858" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic9XHKF6v70aHTSYu9jLlj2UjqBdeeNCPZPm_AxAKDuYS6fUB2ZE5WUFSt4MasprhwVfXwWAOhrelgJ0XT3sC0zMvdxzrO1Y5LmL2zExhW8El0CKqS_-FOCbyoNDfXpDSDGiOfgyHPRjQr/s1600-h/007.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic9XHKF6v70aHTSYu9jLlj2UjqBdeeNCPZPm_AxAKDuYS6fUB2ZE5WUFSt4MasprhwVfXwWAOhrelgJ0XT3sC0zMvdxzrO1Y5LmL2zExhW8El0CKqS_-FOCbyoNDfXpDSDGiOfgyHPRjQr/s320/007.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398215601432414002" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVZUImgw9whVP_thgekUp7CaABCbey5yDF8xBisPulAkSaSzmk2MQO54v7Pj7inV1ZkW8y1I4QX8pGwBh44GW4-6WIjSvJojDNB05LME_MhbFde3tlvZ_c_-F5rMWmvDmR2sFzB_paOoeb/s1600-h/006.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVZUImgw9whVP_thgekUp7CaABCbey5yDF8xBisPulAkSaSzmk2MQO54v7Pj7inV1ZkW8y1I4QX8pGwBh44GW4-6WIjSvJojDNB05LME_MhbFde3tlvZ_c_-F5rMWmvDmR2sFzB_paOoeb/s320/006.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398215596217286082" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxKfGJNecQmrKNSXdvqU5JVcnhha3N2c0Qt5ogeAWZnFiEbxlW8G_fYcmdjKVTY1gXJVO5bJrMSU4-ppiiiP9M7OjzKGgD2PBpQOSgXLEk0OM_BiXpfUvLvMu_GxoduuC0Dh18A95Mnd_m/s1600-h/005.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 180px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxKfGJNecQmrKNSXdvqU5JVcnhha3N2c0Qt5ogeAWZnFiEbxlW8G_fYcmdjKVTY1gXJVO5bJrMSU4-ppiiiP9M7OjzKGgD2PBpQOSgXLEk0OM_BiXpfUvLvMu_GxoduuC0Dh18A95Mnd_m/s320/005.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398215588353633314" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEML3bunN0MZzsK_JVdoXQGMkwkssKzDV6H0KqpcxkP8iB3sqJn_3i2NizhyvtDoCVpZMfpPPC49Oy80pRJ6hffITz1wWnITWocHlaVJgI0Z-ZkcjddCOiE9ZtLyhZrZQ2Af0G1EupvxtJ/s1600-h/021b.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 309px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEML3bunN0MZzsK_JVdoXQGMkwkssKzDV6H0KqpcxkP8iB3sqJn_3i2NizhyvtDoCVpZMfpPPC49Oy80pRJ6hffITz1wWnITWocHlaVJgI0Z-ZkcjddCOiE9ZtLyhZrZQ2Af0G1EupvxtJ/s320/021b.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398216096005176194" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAk6ydqwCsSs6UZnNN3d13chFH4CWX8uzoaz4xnqKsUtQyuys0diD-KEDudIU7W-jb1SIZZifl1jA-Kvg_r0CsFA_aCgZB75t0jiKZpdCZtABM3V9oa6gi2pIOuurDUYn4hqIToFwfiBJf/s1600-h/012.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 180px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAk6ydqwCsSs6UZnNN3d13chFH4CWX8uzoaz4xnqKsUtQyuys0diD-KEDudIU7W-jb1SIZZifl1jA-Kvg_r0CsFA_aCgZB75t0jiKZpdCZtABM3V9oa6gi2pIOuurDUYn4hqIToFwfiBJf/s320/012.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398214621557819746" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKjkLe0kvNQlJBiF2Ti58rM0AVqcXRz9DVjNyLtW-pwUPORkFMJw7s2h0TKEpU_4y0ytKT08sBI42UlBioOvl9VsFFQU8cdLI-SdomDChGyFFmhkaBVU4XQtLc5RrNjLGD-WVb4rc1Xm96/s1600-h/003.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 180px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKjkLe0kvNQlJBiF2Ti58rM0AVqcXRz9DVjNyLtW-pwUPORkFMJw7s2h0TKEpU_4y0ytKT08sBI42UlBioOvl9VsFFQU8cdLI-SdomDChGyFFmhkaBVU4XQtLc5RrNjLGD-WVb4rc1Xm96/s320/003.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398215585531883394" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrien5ZssEtQC_Z6Ucb3LkjZD7lHEc-b5I49W25OAikU90_kFP53Nszqw3qwE9G7dgw7Iah9CLw5orYkRhY_PqyYTOzFxb_OFGPdiPRcl45HH_Yyo3rWYd2ld95zqRUZcsY6If9tXF_3Pr/s1600-h/009.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrien5ZssEtQC_Z6Ucb3LkjZD7lHEc-b5I49W25OAikU90_kFP53Nszqw3qwE9G7dgw7Iah9CLw5orYkRhY_PqyYTOzFxb_OFGPdiPRcl45HH_Yyo3rWYd2ld95zqRUZcsY6If9tXF_3Pr/s320/009.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398214610249121330" border="0" /></a><br /><br />From our little garden this year, a bounty of food!<br />Stan's apples trees contributed quite a bit of fruit for us as well (it was low yield year for the pear tree - so we only got a few. I still have jars of Pear Sauce, Pear Butter, and several litres of "Poplar Pear" wine from last year!)<br /><br />Completed :<br /><ul><li>Tomato sauce, 6 pts<br /></li><li>Diced tomatoes, 7 pts<br /></li><li>Enchilada sauce, 4 pts</li><li>Ketchup, 6 - 1/2 pts</li><li>Bar-b-q sauce, 6 - 1/2 pts</li><li>Garlic Dills, 6 qts</li><li>Icicle pickles, 8 pts</li><li>Cardamon Applesauce, 6 pts</li><li>Apple Pie filling, 5 qts + 1 pt</li><li>Cranberry Sauce w/Port 6 - 13 oz. </li><li>Apple Cranberry Brandied Mince filling 6 pts</li><li>Cranberry Pear Chutney 4 pts</li><li>Plum Walnut conserve 4 pts</li><li>Honeyed jalapenos, 6 - 1/2 pts</li><li>Hot Thai Vinegared peppers, 1 pt</li><li>Grape jelly 6 - 1/2 pts</li><li>Ginger Marmalade 9 1/2 pts</li><li>Sunrise Marmalade 13 1/2 pts</li><li>Bitter Marmalade 8 1/2 pts<br /></li><li>Gingery Apple Butter 9 1/2 pts</li><li>Sauerkraut 9 pts (11/15/09)</li><li>Brown Sugar Applesauce 10 pts (11/15/09)<br /></li></ul>Yet to Can:<br /><ul><li>Worcestershire sauce</li><li>Gingered Honey jelly (for sore throat days)<br /></li><li>What else? I need a few more apple suggestions - and any other "special requests" will be seriously considered :-)<br /></li><li>I also have about a gallon of huckleberries in the freezer- 2 quarts for holiday pies, and the rest for.....<br /></li></ul>RobbinMThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07553742573539745530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8557266447817547477.post-29347096715510022992009-10-24T10:08:00.000-07:002009-10-24T13:48:01.579-07:00Better Bread - Gluten-Free and Smiling!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvs1CnR_sCsdfOSHNqARmhoFUg_jrQOzq8uRibqRxfNNw6LzjTzPx7yLmDSfWhnUYMcIL3FcDdMxG5SoIA2Lhmd5NSehrE5O_EKlRhuc4T9AosE1Cr3Iu10NRGA5vmselrzRhQTE1H1-K2/s1600-h/007.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvs1CnR_sCsdfOSHNqARmhoFUg_jrQOzq8uRibqRxfNNw6LzjTzPx7yLmDSfWhnUYMcIL3FcDdMxG5SoIA2Lhmd5NSehrE5O_EKlRhuc4T9AosE1Cr3Iu10NRGA5vmselrzRhQTE1H1-K2/s320/007.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396216524053308642" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghI7LF5Q3wfmdYReOAzlKLn6xsK1wFWXR-PrkGlANzb_Wa6BbXQ66hljQi_Tbz52FMQFOSe_pJOtZ3hMM0bXTXTDpPH8jHEmHAw6onErucEnI41rkQjA1-Xf5mF-XhW_GVwd9DpmtH42oi/s1600-h/008.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghI7LF5Q3wfmdYReOAzlKLn6xsK1wFWXR-PrkGlANzb_Wa6BbXQ66hljQi_Tbz52FMQFOSe_pJOtZ3hMM0bXTXTDpPH8jHEmHAw6onErucEnI41rkQjA1-Xf5mF-XhW_GVwd9DpmtH42oi/s320/008.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396216515668003906" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Well, it's not the end of my quest, but here is what I've come up with - it is a tasty, yeasty, and scented with warm grainy-goodness. (remember the last loaf that I said smelled a bit "bean-y? By the 2nd day - the beans had won and the loaf was out!)<br /><br />I know it's a long list of ingredients (especially when "Bread" used to mean only 3! flour, water, yeast) And I used my bread machine again, but this is my own creation - and it's good enough to make the weekly kitchen schedule!<br /><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" ><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Robbin's</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" > Better Bread </span><span style="font-size:130%;">-GF recipe</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Melt 1/4 c. butter<br />Off the flame, whisk in 1 3/4 c. whole grain rice milk, then<br />whisk in 3 whole eggs.<br />Place these wet ingredients in the bread machine.<br /><br />Mix the following thoroughly with fork or whisk:<br />3c. <a href="http://www.giftsofnature.net">Gifts of Nature</a> GF Baking mix<br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;">(there are no bean flours in this mix !)<br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;">1/2 c. sorghum flour<br />1/4 c. teff<br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:130%;">(I used it whole-grain , not flour. It's smaller than poppy seeds, but I think this is what smells so good!)<br />1/4 c. quinoa flakes<br />2 tsp. whole, golden flax seeds<br />1/4 c. expandex (modified tapioca starch)<br />1/4 c. sugar<br />1 1/2 tsp. sea salt<br />1 tsp. xanthan gum<br />Scoop the dry ingredients into the machine, on top of the wet ingredients.<br />Make a shallow "well" on the top, and sprinkle in 2 1/2 tsp. yeast.<br />Set machine for "Quick" breads, or use the shorter setting (only one rise)<br /></span><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;">Jon's dad, Stan has once again supplied us with bushels of tasty apples this fall, and I've been busy preserving their goodness. Besides eating out of hand, and the Apple Pie Filling last week, we now have several jars of Cardamom Applesauce to see us through the year. We love cardamom, so substituting it for the cinnamon I would put in the sauce was a no-brainer. Smelled lovely and tasted even better. Jon ate a bowl of warm sauce that didn't fit into the jars, with grated cheddar cheese, and declared it Cardo-yum (I kid you not).<br /></div><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdoyE6HzGpPWlMOJWkgr_YgLL3UrocRYX-FhDixD3EhAd4MzAdls5Hbj4De9NhIEAOxyEftBMx8FgJ5bRtZASiqpeUlaMHERbtQBEFsPqafb35xQaJne8RWpJgTktit4ZyG_oHhlaZs6aG/s1600-h/009.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdoyE6HzGpPWlMOJWkgr_YgLL3UrocRYX-FhDixD3EhAd4MzAdls5Hbj4De9NhIEAOxyEftBMx8FgJ5bRtZASiqpeUlaMHERbtQBEFsPqafb35xQaJne8RWpJgTktit4ZyG_oHhlaZs6aG/s320/009.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396216950635330290" border="0" /></a><br /><br />And here's the <span style="font-style: italic;"></span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">TAM</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">ontana</span> that I created for Karen to thank her for that scrumptiously beautiful Montana wool she gifted me with last week!!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoZulCSUrVlQ2ZwdS0BcHp_56u-M1DARbagIOHPN-29Xg3CbWFJHLRbTb7VvxikAhFm7EnvY2jTWqmVED_qEUjMd_YzNZ5zBLwL_PkkbPqSuyKAsPBz7V8T0fYDq1c80FcZF4_wN_q-Yik/s1600-h/002.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoZulCSUrVlQ2ZwdS0BcHp_56u-M1DARbagIOHPN-29Xg3CbWFJHLRbTb7VvxikAhFm7EnvY2jTWqmVED_qEUjMd_YzNZ5zBLwL_PkkbPqSuyKAsPBz7V8T0fYDq1c80FcZF4_wN_q-Yik/s320/002.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396216541622500178" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_N_MTcOs7dooCyioT-McUxGk7MoDANITEMxJo5rF-z1vzJdi2AxnZaODAN9aoHKcAPCpSdv6BYdAcRbuSsiT_U1uNBIzsfbeYRshO_wXkO1d8RyKg2hSLwndetaDxBP1lqCtRd1wiSkRT/s1600-h/004.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_N_MTcOs7dooCyioT-McUxGk7MoDANITEMxJo5rF-z1vzJdi2AxnZaODAN9aoHKcAPCpSdv6BYdAcRbuSsiT_U1uNBIzsfbeYRshO_wXkO1d8RyKg2hSLwndetaDxBP1lqCtRd1wiSkRT/s320/004.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396216532419269794" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-size:130%;" >TAM</span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-size:130%;" >ontana</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> Instructions<br /><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Super easy, and really works up quickly because the middle section is a fish-net lace.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br />Implements required:<br />set of size 6 double point needles<br />stitch markers<br />a functional brain<br />size 8 24" circular needle<br />dk - light worsted weight yarn: less than 50 grams.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Starting at the crown</span><span style="font-size:130%;">, with size 6 dpn, cast on 8 stitches and divide evenly across 4 needles.<br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;">This is where you are allowed to say a few bad words, but keep your focus. It's all down hill after the first 3-4 rows!<br />ROW 1: *K1, YO, K1* around (12 stitches)<br />ROW 2: Knit around<br />ROW 3:</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> *K1, YO, K1, YO, K1* around (20 stitches)<br /><br />ROW 4: Knit around<br />ROW 5:</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> *K1, YO, Knit to 2 stitches before end of needle, YO, K1* around</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br />Repeat rows 4 and 5 until you have about 100 stitches.<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">This is where you have to use your brain... if it seems like the crown is too big, begin the next section a few rows earlier, or if you want more room, extend the above section a few more rows! This is very flexible </span> :-)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Second Section</span>: Change to circular needle, and Knit one more row around.<br />Row 2 : *YO, K2tog* around.<br />ROW 3: Knit around<br />Repeat these 2 rows until this section measures about 3 1/2 -4 " long.<br />End with a Knit-around row.<br />Use this last row to make any adjustments to your stitch count so you end up with a number divisible by 4 for the ribbing section coming up!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Third section</span>: Change back to smaller size 6 dpns (or a circ. 6) and begin ribbing:<br />*K2, P2*<br />repeat every row until ribbing is desired depth. (I like it about 1 1/2")<br />Cast Off ( I prefer to cast off knit stitches, knit wise and the purl stitches, purl wise.)<br />Weave in ends... the original cast-on tail can be pulled through the first round to tighten up the "hole" before weaving in!<br />Voila! You can block it, or not depends on how stiff you prefer your tams.<br /></span><br /></div>RobbinMThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07553742573539745530noreply@blogger.com1