Natural easter egg coloring

My dear friend Barbara, from back `home' in the Chicago area sent this to me. Its from the Chicago Tribune.

If you want to go natural when dying eggs this Easter, browse your refrigerator and spice cabinet for dyes from plants. That's how peasants in medieval Europe used to color eggs.Simmer the spices or plant matter in water until you have a strong color; then add a couple of tablespoons of vinegar and clean, hard-boiled eggs. It may take several hours of soaking in the refrigerator to get a satisfying color, and tints still will tend to be pastel.For deeper tints you can simmer the eggs right in the dye solution, but don't plan to eat those eggs.Warning: Results will vary, and the color of the dyed egg may not even turn out to be the color of the plant or the simmered solution.It's wise to spread newspaper over the table and for everyone to wear old clothes, because there will be lots of splashes and drips. For the simmering, use stainless-steel pans that won't be discolored; for the soaking, use glass or ceramic dishes.1. Yellow: Simmer 2 to 3 tablespoons of turmeric or cumin in a saucepan of water for 20 to 30 minutes. For pale orange, try paprika. For a deeper brownish-orange, simmer several handfuls of yellow onion skins.2. Blue: Simmer 4 cups of chopped red cabbage in a saucepan of water for an hour. For a light purple, the possibilities include frozen blueberries, grape juice concentrate and hibiscus tea.3. Green: Simmer 4 cups of spinach in water in a saucepan. Or try parsley.4. Pink: Simmer beets in water in a saucepan, or use the juice from a can of beets or jar of pickled beets.5. Red: This is a difficult color, but try simmering lots of red onion skins. Don't add vinegar, which makes the onion dye turn brown. Or try pomegranate juice or simmered crushed cranberries (bottled cranberry juice has little effect). Or red wine.---------- Copyright © 2008, Chicago Tribune

the story of a rag rug

This is the story of the `rag rug'.
I have been working on this on & off for months.It has been quite the odyssey for me, I had been taught by my granny on the farm, when I was but a wee girl. But it has been several decades & my `memory' is not quite the same as it was even a few years back. I got involved Thru a crochet friend who volunteer's as docent at a historical mountain cabin that was built in 1901. They are trying to replicate the furnishings to what it was back around 1930-1940. The lady who lived in the cabin, did so every summer for 69 years ~yikes~. She braided rag rugs from worn out clothing probably wool trousers and shirts from the lumber mill workers. This is where I come in. There is 1 photo of the interior cabin with her in the cabin. She has 1 foot on the rug & she is sitting on a rocker. Alas, this 1 photo is what I am working from. ughhhh.Well, Did not seem like this would be so challenging, I mean I had done this before -not on this scale...well actually it had been decades,now that I really think about it. The real last rag rug activity I did ended up being favorite flannel sheets that I did not want to get rid of but had become work thin. I began braiding them & made a bunch of coasters.

SO, I began by taking the wee photo to store after store looking for fabrics that appeared to be similar to what I could see in the picture. Then, the question`How much to get?' geeeezz. O gut got yards & yards. It was under 50.00. I took photos at 1st to share the progress. Then it turned out to be a quest to create modern `How to' ~ kind of a dossier for me. My mom found it brought back memories from her childhood on the farm. Her mom made rag rugs & all the 6 kids had to help with everything on the farm. Ripping the clothes for rag rugs & ironing was something she remembered, along with burning fingers on the iron & the fuzz floating in the air from ripping the fabrics & making piles. Mom called me many many times with things she remembered. I also had my memories from gran showing me & watching her. Gran always had a basket at the side of her chair, filled with rags. Being raised a `city girl' compared to the relatives up north-well, it took me YEARS for figure out what the basket of rags was about. That's when gran invited me to bring a box of rags with me next visit & she would teach me to make rag rugs.
~~~~~~~~the pictures are as follows: 1-iron fabric & fold measure & cut strips
(thank the Lord for modern tools~this being the Rotary cutter & large Lucite rulers)
I played with this for a while to get as much cut as quick as possible. I found 8 layers of these fabrics worked for the large rotary cutter to successfully to thru. This took me HOURS.
photo 2 is checking to see what width fits the metal braiders I had. Photo 3 is a pile half cut.
After all the fabrics were cut-I put them all in separate large ziploc bags & then in a tote bag.
~~~Now for the next step~~~~~~~to set this up in an area where I can work on this.~~
I will keep you posted
`k'

January snow in the Carolinas

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This was jan 18 2008
I was strolling thru the house at about 4am, so I guess it was actually jan 19 at this time. What do I find???? SNOW!!!!! In the South!!! So what does a good ol midwestern girl, born & raised on the shores of the mighty Lake Michigan, in the surburbs north of Chicago DO???? I run & wake the entire family up!! We get out our `northern' winter gear & get outside in that snow !!! YIPEE!! we drop onto our backs & make snow angels 1st. Then we begin that wee but important snowball that is the start of any good snowman. We had several inches of the white, wet snow. We had a crystal clear morning-still dark. Not a light on in any house in the neighborhood. Oh, the wonderful Quiet of snow. Sounds of the lightly pelting snow turning to sleet Our dogs looking at us, having nothing to do with this. The oldest was raised in the snow-10 inches was nothing for him, but the last few years he has been a southern dog, used to the sweltering heat towards 100. Oh well. We explored-we tore up the snow-footprints & snow men tracks all over the front & back yard ~ leaving snow men in the front & out back. This the child will remember.. We came in took off all the soaking heavy cloths & our fabulous Eddie Bauer boots & had steaming Hot cocoa in bathrobes. Ahhhhhhh what a life.
(((HUGS)))
k

We are swimming

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our newest swimmer


Ok..it has beeen toooooo long since I last `visited'. I will just document the positive for now. DH had another trip to Richmond Va- this was the end of Feb & we went with. So..surprise** I have pictures readily available...(my dearest love has developed a habit of taking ALL the digital cameras cards & formating to disc.. and i mean the minute a camera seems to be put down --he seizes them...like an elf in the night-when I take a quiet bath, it seems...off to his office he goes & using his assorted equipment he takes my little camera disc cards & does `whatever' to make them all appear on a disc. THis is suppossed to be easier for `ME'. BUT, alas- I can NEVER seem to locate anything unless I go thru hundreds & hundreds of photos ~ sitting at a computer..well...hmmmm one would say`why not label them?' hahhaha Please remember, we are talking about the habits of a man.....need I say more? The mere fact he has developed a random habit he feels is useful to me-well , you know. We must pick our batttles. He has gone back & attempted to label, but `flowers' or` butterflies' can cover almost any month almost any year-so thus far the labeling has yet to be in my language. So I will simply applaud his attempt. Oh, I should probally say, in his defense, we have now 5 or 6 digital cameras and more cards than we can count, most hold upwards of 300 photos & I use them all & fill them...heehee THis is why he `thought' if would be easier to transfer to disc & have cards ready & waiting for me. His is quicker than I. Now if I can just get him to print them......heehee

The photos of our little man and his FIRST swimming all on his own. Both recent trips to Richmond were a `swim trip' for him. When I locate the `other' photos I will post the train ride & excursion to the DC Zoo back a few months ago. It was COLD but spectacular...we had a glorious time watching the pandas. DC has a great zoo and across the street at the entrance is a most welcome Starbucks~with yummies for cold tummies.

~~~~~~~~~as for my `blackout' since writings...for now I will say writers block...? well, kinda dealing with -crummy-but not life threatening medical glitchs. Staying positive. (I hate to whine-so I really had writers block in how to not drone on complaining. Really, who wants to hear another round of it?) facts I had a ton of tests and several unusual & unexpected discoveries. I have pretty much been coping & dealing with it and trying to `adapt' .
I have compression fractures in the lower back -painful most of the time. Just a real drag. I have been in bed days at a time-with pain from it & the neck probem. Interesting discovery - movement of the head to the left causes dizziness-floaters & nausa. I had a traction thing that held the head/neck in place and that felt oddly good. I still have not found a soultion for the extensive heart calification that the mammogram found. I had a heart thing done and I am taking a break from Dr's & hospitals for the moment. I am `slower' if that is possible..hahaha ..every so often I find a position that is not so bad and I go with it. Usually I take my wonderful hot bath & fall in bed with my cushy pillows & quilts. Crochet bag at my side. I am late finishing a relpica rag rug for a crochet friends historical society. But I see the end & will post the proccess.
If you are reading this -you must be a dear beloved friend. I have sat to do this after I read several emails from dear friends that have been in my life for decades and say they enjoy my writing. So I will get back to sharing my silly insights to my days.
(((HUGS))) k

merry christmas

Merry Christmas...I dont celebrate this just 1 day a year-so I may be tardy sending out greetings. I outwardy celebrate this the second Thanksgiving is done. Bring out the decorations & continue until the New Year when the dreaded taking down of decorations & lights takes place. I do put this off as long as possible.
~~~~~~~
I have not been available for a few weeks, so I wil explain. DH was out of town most of the last 6 weeks. We took a long trip to Richmond to spend a long weekend with him at the beginning of the month. That was fun. A long drive-but we had on Christmas music the entire way & it was delightful.I will share that later when I have time. Upon return I had many trips taking my dad to the dr. He had some new problems that they felt needed immediate attention. That was exhausting & draining. Then I had my usual yearly tests-cat scan for pitutary-mammograms & body scan..my dr added a series of neck x-rays. A few days later I got calls that i need to go back ???hmmm rather than do the initial freak out I tossed it up to blurry pictures. I get calls from my 2 drs that they found some `odd' results & want more indepth studies...so i begin with the ultrasounds for the next step after mammograms. They did that kept me on the table to check results. The dr comes in & they do more while he watches. Then he says that he will talk to me after I dress. ughhh well they found a few things that I will need further studies on. So I have to see my Dr's. ughhhh I see my normal dr 1st & he has me scheduled 1st for some cardio workup. I have to have the dye shot for them to watch & it will help decide what next. I have another dr this fri. Oh the neck tests found 2 disc's bulged back...? I ceased hearing what was said after possible heart attack..so I cant really say more at this time. Pretty much my leg & back pain is not just `complaining about getting older' well kinda hehee. I have so many tests & drs that I hontestly have ceased dealing with it. I just go wher ethey point me. I have a heart thing Mon so my folks are coming over to watch things here while DH & I go to the hospital for this. So... all is just `confusing' right now & i have not been at the computer or phone. I have just been doing the basics. I apologize for my absence. I adore my friends & family, but I have been `off' and not even reading the computer. I hope to catch up soon but I reliaze that I am saying this too often & I have to make choices for my time. I will get thru this challenge....things could be worse.

so on the lighter side I will write about the fun we have been having:

We had a few excursions planned while we were in Richmond . First was a trip to the swimming pool in the hotel. Then dinner at a `big city' restaurant. Living in rural NC all we really have avail is fried food-(they will fry anything if its not fried its BBQed :( uck ) but we dont partake in that tyoe of food. Even the big chain restaurant serve the rural NC spin on the dinners. BUT in Richmond food was wonderful. We got a good nights sleep & woke up to no chores. (not having to make the bed or clean up--heeheee... hotel living has a plus). We took off for the DC Zoo..1st we drove about an hour then took the train another 45 min-well several trains. The trains are really quite nice-not dirty etc..we had to make a few transfers then we walked to Starbucks for a warm latte and across the street was the Zoo. It was a COLD day-while back in NC it was in the 80's? OH well. I will post some pictures later & chat more about it. but the time together was delicious.
HOLIDAY LOVE TO YOU ALL
k

Snowflakes & icicles

So far this is the theme of our tree..it has more coming this is the 1st layer..as you can see I have a helper who is busy going thru the Christmas box-spinning tops mostly. The colored glass german ornaments are going on as we speak. Then we will wait until DH comes home for the finish.
K

snowflakes & snowmen

Here are some of our Christmas Stockings--I LOVE making Christmas Stockings. I have made all of these. I have more in the works...but alas they are in a sweet bag in my studio ..waiting..
((hugs))
k

dancing & singing snowmen & dogs

Decorating

These are a few of the holiday decorations we have up..I will add a few more to give you a feel of our home this season. It is my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE time of year. The love the Lord had for us embraces this season as we prepare for the Birthday of our Beloved Savior.
My beloved has been out of town for a week & will not be back until late next Friday.
He was in GA for weeks then home a week then RIchmond Va 2 weeks then home for a week for Thanksgiving then he left Sunday--The BUSIEST travel day of the year???
so what do we do?---drive him to the Charlotte airport for a flight to Richmond. Well.. it was beautiful weather until the Minute we parted(an act of God at our parting?) maybe? a nice thought..as I pulled away from the airport the rains beagn..here in our severe drought ridden part of the South East any rian is wecomed..but this day?? so I drove on the tristate & highways in a wonderful heavy rain. Stoping to do the usual errands ont he way home..drive thru dinner for the child- pick up the usual round of prescriptions & milk etc. I think he got thru airport security & boarded & landed before I got home. HEHEE..(I found some great sales at Walgreens & Food Lion & it kind of consumed some time) But we got some holiday funs things....a musical dancing snowman --adorable, the child discovered a singing dog whos head & mouth moves as he sings. Ordinarlythese would be silly expenses BUT with DH being gone & the holidays are for fun AND I have been a tad overloaded holding things up at home alone...I relented & tossed them in the cart.
Back home, in the rain-after unloading the van we got the new holiday team members out & called over Jollimon. He came tail wagging UNTIL we pressed the button them them & then the SINGING dog & musical singing snowman who was scooting about the kitchen overtook Jolli's sense abilities and he got wide eye & FREAKED & hurled himself into the kitchen cabinets..then tore thu the house in terror. Well it was entertaining for us. He now keeps a watche on these newest attractions in case they have the need to attack him I guess.
So apologies for the time I am missng - by the time everything is done at the end of a log day I manage to have a nice tun then fall into bed..I cant put words & fingers to the keyboard with out some energy & brain. So I am crocheting some Christmas angels in bed - if only a row a night. I have them in my latest travel bag with baggies of beautiful balls of yarn to make foo-foo squares for Heartmade Blessings.
Thanks for hanging in there as I hang by my usual thread....

comfort ghan teddy

this is what dear Ghost made. Golly I think it was last year or morensometime around when he broke his arm in 2 places. It has given much comfort to the little man. He loves it.

sad jollimon

THis is a sad Jollimon, the `guys' are going out for their `guys night out' and left him....AND he found out that he beloved is going away for another 2 weeks...so he is sad & going into depression. This will be lifted on Turkey Day when grandma & poppy come over. He adores them.
I still have a few squares to trim & prepare for an ghan assembly with Heartmade Blessings. So thats what is in my basket for tinoghts crocheting. I wont be able to assemble probally until DH leaves so I will keep trimming squares for ghans until then. There is always OPH (Operation Purple Hearts) ghans to make-so I make squares & assemble those when all esle is done. I have been doing 7 in squares for a friendship granny sq exchange but I have them all made & off in the mail. Thats fun- `meeting' other crocheters. I LOVE the surprises the mail man brings-another crochet sq to add to the box for assembling into an ol traditional granny ghan. I plan to trim them all in black & assemble... Plus everyone puts little goodies in the package-patterns-crochet things etc & a letter telling about themselves. I LOVE fiding out new crochet things. Also I make so much but never for myself, so it been fun getting sq's that I dont have to assemble & send out. I probally will make something for over the long sofa. I was watching late nite TV & caught the Roseanne show on Nick at night. Well she has the ol traditional granny ghan over the sofa. It was sooo funny to see. It reminded me of the old days when we would go to a grandmas house & she would bring out the old ghan on a cool night. Too much changes with time-we have to recapture some of what gets lost-so I will try to make one. It takes longer to collect 7 in squares- I make squares all the time so I am trying to send some to my box...when you do charity croceht as mnuch as I do it is hard to keep things here. You feel that someone else somewhere needs it more, so off it goes. Hmm I wonder how many crocheters even have nice ghans? or do we send them all off to others?? hmmm My dear friends Ghost made a wonderful Teddy ghan for my litte guy. He adores it. I will get a picture & you will see what a wonderful crocheter she is as wellas a kidn & loving heart.
I have the windows open as it has been spring like weather lately & gets COLD at night- I am sitting in front of the window & my feet are now freezing ao it is perfect time to get in a hot tub. While the sad dog ponders his life
((((HUGS)))
k

just another few days

Busy getting things ready for Thanksgiving.This is the 1st chance at computer in almost a week. Our outing went well.
I crocheted alot while the little man had his dental-he had a super check up & cleaning. My how we dread these appts huh? He had no probolems-no cavieties..yeah..he had never had any.thank the Lord & tooth brushing. I frantically went thru the house & got laundry & chores done before DH came home.

Husband came home Friday & we had tons to do. THe little man got his flu shot-We had to bribe him with something BIG-he has a HUGE fear of needles & simply screams...around the corner from the Dr office is --Chuckie cheese--uughhhh I do not like that place..but..it was just after noon & no one was there---phew..so he had pizza & soda & loved the big tunnel best. That out of the way, we got all the errands-shopping etc done. We got a movie-and had a quiet evening.
I just got out the Holiday table cloth & decorattions for Turkey day. Wednesday DH is taking off so we can run the last errands (He has to leave for another 2 weeks training on SUnday)so we stock up and get as much done before he leaves -so I dont have to go out & do much while he is gone..(haha Lord knows things can `happen' around me so the less I have to go out & do..well the better...) I have a 2pm dr appt to go over blood work uck..then to mom & dads to pick up the food mom has been making for Turkey Day at our house.
I am off to a HOT tub while the guys go out for a guys dinner & I hope top be in jammies & bed crocheting & watch the results of Dancing with the Stars.. I voted for Marie & Helio.
Cheers to all until I can get back
k

going out w/Dooney & Burke

I must trudge out into the carolina countryside Wed-SO here is my purse ready & waiting. I love the hearts & the multicolored zipper that Dooney & Burke use. I worked at Lord & Taylor in Jewerly~handbags & hoisery. As an employee I was fortunate to havea nice discount~but this was a lovelty Christmas gift from my beloved a few years ago, He is sweet. At 1st I put my crochet in it ~HEHEE~ & toted around the house- I loved that-but that is quite an expensive crochet bag-HAHHA & it cant hold all that much as far as crochet goes. So I eventually broke down & use it as it was intended~my purse.
~~~~My venture out this week will be Dads Dr and then the little mans 6 mo dental cleaning & I must have yarn and assorted other life neccessities--like milk.~~~
My mom decided to do most of the cooking for this coming Thanksgiving. This is ALWAYS something my dear Husband appreciates, Not necessarily because I cant cook-I learned from her-BUT she just is a professional, Actually, since birth I think. I do believe that when she was born she had a complete set of pot-pans & bake ware with her. SHe had her own catering buisness & I was her trusted helper as a young girl. WE cook different. I dont eat: dairy-eggs-cheese-NO RED MEAT, little fats. I will eat fish & poultry occassionaly...I love potatoes & vegetables & soda crackers & sourdough breads & friut juices. My DH on the other grew up in a very Jewish house - yes, Kosher foods and MEAT & more MEAT & Bagels galore. My mom adores him, she can cook pretty much anything and HE eats it & loves it. ( He NEVER had real homecooking B4 he met us) She cooks & he praises. It is a wonderful relationship. So I figure since all my arm operations in the last few years, I have trouble & cant navigate the kitchen as well as I used to, so I give mom the cooking platform. She has commissioned me to gather storage containers & bakeware & bring to her & she will fill them up..hehee..SHe will. Actually I have to meet them in town this Wed at 9am for dads dr appt-he had profuse bleeding last week & has been having trouble with his legs?he is not really forthcoming about it-except that he has allowed a dr appt & I take him & go in with him-DR had blood tests done & they came back his coumiden level is very low so he is on larger dose & we go in for to see what Dr says this week. Then, since DH will still be out of town I have to take the little man to the dentist a few hrs later, AND most important I NEED WHITE YARN...and milk. heehee. So I must wander out in the world to accomplish these tasks. I will go back to moms next WEd & pick up all the food & bring to our house & mom & dad will come here for Thanksgiving day. We have more comforts like big TV's & DVD movies & computers & things for the child to do here & Ahh BUT she did request a few of my freshly dried herbs mostly ROsemary & Basil...HAHA. Beyond my oven drama I do know my way around herbs.
heres to Dooney & Burke escorting me out.
k

days rewards~crochet & a cordial of Remy Red

Ahh.. the day is done. The hot tubby is waiting & as the photo shows I have my trusted basket of crochet ready to drop at my bedside. I am treating myself to a small cordial of Remy Red. I slid in the picture a photo of my beloved angel bunny Prof Baby...he slept in a hammock as you can see * stood most of each day at his `podium'. He always made me smile so I thought I'd share his spirit with you.
May God Bless us all & keep you well thru the night
(((((HUGS))))
k

dancing w/the stars

I loved tonights Dancing W/the Stars show.. I even voted on line-under several sign in's--shhh heehee.I had to vote for Marie- I LOVED the Oprah show-I had tears in my eyes the entire Oprah show. What a wonderful family & a testament to those extrodinary parents to have raised such an amazing wholesome family. (Not like the Hilton-Spears bimbo's & their embarrassing behavior & antics)--Can we discuss Social Graces? ok another time. I digress... I dont often get to sit down & watch tv...but w/DH out of town, I seem to be able to get the house cleaning done & all the other household chores-like polishing & laundry, floors, bathrooms & dogs & children-schooling & meals & I seem to have `time'...HMMMM this isfacinating .....
I thought I would be busier being alone--and I was the 1st week. Well I must admit much of my `problems' were dervied by me..the burning of herbs--I thought could be `looked at' as an old biblical sacrifice...??no??American Indian smudging? Tho I do partake in the ritual of smudging it is not with Rosemary-hahah-but we will leave my tails of smudging for another time. Now a week later my `herbal burning'story has passed thru my family with much amusement. My dad, a fireman for most of his life-discussed with my DH that he was a tad surprised that I did not KNOW to CLOSE THE OVEN DOOR.
(NOTE for future: this smothers the fire) BUT in my defense & after much discussion & the many variables I had that raced thru my mind in the immediate 1st seconds-like where am I living? How is this oven powered?gas-propane-electric? (Note:inthe last 12 years we have lived in 5 states in 6 different new homes with very different OVENS)..and this fancy oven now has all these push buttons & special grill & DOWN DRAFT VENT..which was ON & accelerated the fire )..so the `closing the door' is now questionable. So many modern advances cause us to need to REthink what we were raised knowing.
BTW I will share a little known fact about me- I had a career as a dancer-yes-this is true-- after my son died I held 2 full-time jobs & many more part time jobs to pay for the birth-delivery & funeral & divorce expenses -I was a costumed dancer in a upscale Chicago nightclub..this is true..(they had a photographer who took hundreds of pictures)2 handsome gay men were my parnters & we danced center stage to prepared dances & then danced on platforms on the edge of the dance floor-a little know secret to make patrons more comfortable & encourage danceing-then they drink more & thats where the club makes money. We had multi-colored flashing lights,smoke machines-& great DJ that was the top hotmixer in the city. I was paid & got free drinks so it was a paycheck & a way to `party' and not get in trouble. SO I understand dancing & preparation. I have great admiration for all the stars & their dance partners. I voted for Marie & Helio... I gave more votes to Marie. Come on-a mother, a sweet person, excellent entertainer and she is my age. Helio is just FUN to watch--what a zest he has. Thats my voting. Because they are fun & deserving and I just like them best.
I had an enjoyable time-crocehting. Tho I got about 20 minutes b4 my `interruptions' dogs in & out-the child drawing pictures & telling the matching stories....

Heres to our favorite Stars winning...
K
Jane was darling also-what a wonderful display of a `lady'.