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The Newest Addition to the Family

We've added a beautiful little boy Papillon to our household.  After much discussion we decided we would name him after a scientist/inventor.  Once we ran through our list and kicking some name out due to pronounciation issues (such as Ferdinand Verbiest), we chose a new name for him, Nikola Tesla.

Isabella at first was not overjoyed to say the least.  She's a spoiled rotten diva who did not want to share her toys, treats, laps, snuggles or anything.  Not to mention she is a creature of routine.  Like the giant she is not a morning person, while Tesla is raring to go at the first sign of wakefulness.  However, they've worked it all out and play together and bark together.  It's a joy to watch two Papillons slapping at each other.  I'm going to start video recording it. 

Nikola Tesla on the desk

Nikola Tesla hard at work on his bone

Yesterday was Tesla's big day at the vet's.  Due to scheduling conflicts and the time of his appointment, he had to go to work with me.  My plan was for him to spend a few hours in his kennel under my desk until it was time to leave.  That didn't work out as planned.  So I tried sitting him in my lap while I worked.  He didn't want to do that either.  He decided he wanted to be on my desk and under my arm.  It was hours of entertainment trying to keep him from typing on the keyboard or eating my computer mouse.  Not to mention that he throughly licked my computer monitor and desk.  Joy. 

He had a good vet apointment and handled his shots like a trooper.  He weighs in at 6.2 lbs and that's exactly one pound more than Isabella...and he's still growing.  The vet said he can't wait to see him once all his ear fringe comes in. 

Nikola Tesla all worn out after a hard day at work

Even though the potty training and good manners training is exhausting, I can't help but think we made an excellent decision to bring him into our home.  He's a definite love bug and even Isabella (when she isn't trying to sleep) agrees.

Third Annual Dog-Gone Tiki Bar

Two Crafty Women will be joining forces with Frannie's Grannies to run a booth at the Third Annual Dog-Gone Tiki Bar Family Pet Day in Solomons Island, MD on Sunday, Ocotober 16 from 12pm to 5pm.

As well as other vendors selling their wares, there will be ton of activities available to aprticipate in.  Just a few include:
The band No Green Jelly Beenz will be playing throughout the day. 

"Ask the Vet" session will be held between 1pm-2pm. 

A $25 microchipping will be offered between 2pm-4pm.

An auction to benefit The Well Pet Clinic of Calvert County will be held at 2:30pm.

A Pet and Owner look alike contest will be held at 3pm. 

Best tricks contest will be held at 3:20pm

Happies Dog (most wags per minute) contest will be held at 3:40pm

Best pet costume contest will be held at 4pm. 

We hope to see you there.  I plan to bring Isabella and the newest addition to our household, Tesla. 

Wil Wheaton

Yep, I've not blogged in forever and I have an overwhelming desire to blog about Wil Wheaton.  Go figure.

If you do not know who Wil Wheaton is, you can go ahead and stop reading. 

I've always hated Wil Wheaton.  It's the nerd in me.  Either you are pro-Wil Wheaton or not in my little nerd world. I was anti-Wil.  Years later, he pops up on my newest favorite show, Big Bang Theory and once again, he is so easy to hate.  He gets the major dislike button. 

So now, imagine my surprise, and my angst, that I discover that Wil Wheaton is not a bad guy.  He's genuinely nice.  He's really smart.  He's amazingly insightful.  He sticks up for what he believes in.  He is a great writer.  He is an animal lover.  He brews his own beer.  :o/

Could I possibly have been wrong all this time about Wil Wheaton?  The answer is yes (and no).  I hate all the characters he takes on.  However, that's the point isn't it?  He's a great actor if I hate his characters and then discover he, as a person, is an all around pretty good guy.  So I've changed my mind Wil.  I like you and find you quite impressive.  This time, I admit, I was wrong.  My apologies for loving to hate you. 

If you want to know more about Wil, read his blog, start following him on twitter, or check out his book, Just a Geek.

Magazine Overload

I love magazines...their glossy pages, beautiful photographs, articles on how to entertain and how to build a gadget, yummy recipes, and oh so much more...but recently I've discovered / realized, I really don't read my magazines.  As a matter of fact, I am exactly one year behind...I confirmed this last night when I recieved an August issue and noticed I still have the September 2010 issue waiting to be read.  So I have a new goal in life.  I will get  caught up on all my magazines and will not renew some of my subscriptions.  Okay, maybe that is two goals. 

Let's start off with National Geographic.  I've been in love with this magazine since I was a small child.  Actually I've had my very own subscription since I was a teen.  The travels to foreign lands...the introduction of fascinating cultures...the history...the space exploration...the world...but now everytime I read a National Geographic, it's full of articles pointing out how I am directly responsible for the demise of plants and animals.  That I am a bad human being polluting the world.  That I don't recycle enough and that children in China are doing dangerous work recycling my waste.  That I'm fat and worthless and probably should die and be recycled.  It's frankly depressing.  I no longer love National Geographic.  And since it has convinced me that I should not be wasteful and need to recycle, I've canceled my subscription (so as not to create any unneccessary waste, nor kill any more trees) and I've caught up on all my National Geographic magazines and recycled the lot at the local transfer station.  However, Dearest NatGeo, if you ever do return to that bygone era of exploring the world and it's history and cultures, and stop preaching at me, then I'll be back on your subscription list.  I feel the loss of what you once were.  Your glory days are gone.

And because of my disappointment in National Geographic, I no longer subscribe to Traveler nor read Adventure.  After all, my idea of a good time is not backpacking through the wilderness while saving the rain forest and worring about eco-tourism.  If I want clean sheets in my hotel room, I darn well better get them. 

Next up is my various cooking magazines.  I have been weaning myself off them over the last few years anyway.  Though I admit, I find myself missing Martha Stewart's Everyday Food.  (If you do want a cooking magazine, I highly recommend this one).  As a matter of fact, I have all my old issues squirreled away and pull them out at random for an idea, much to my husband's gastro-delight.  The last cooking magazine to go will be Cook's Country.  I'm going to miss Mr. Kimball's folksy tales, and all the recipes tested over and over by those folks in America's Test Kitchen.  But honestly, I have enough recipes right now to last me the rest of my life.  And besides, there is the internet available, with food galore and food blogs, and whole websites devoted to recipes. 

Next up on my  "Do Not Renew" list is Better Homes and Gardens.  It was a mistake when I paid for my subscription.  Some clever marketer somewhere sent me a bill and in my over-complusion, I paid it.  Next thing I know it's glossy pages were coming to my home and assuring me I had good taste, that my flower arrangements would look that classy, my dinner table would be perfectly set for the dinner party I never have, that I could have white furniture...and that is why this magazine must go.  It's a horrible influence on me, and I find that after flipping through those glossy perfect pictures, and then look around my living room, with piles of junk and dog hair and a tv on a stack of 2x4's my husband calls a table, I am horribly morose and sad and dejected.  I will never have white furniture.  

I'll also be letting go of my gardening magazines.  All I have actually learned from them is that I am doing everything wrong.  Since my gardens are overflowing with flowers and  I don't baby my roses and they still manage to bloom, I think I can stop worrying about what my gardens should look like, and maybe start actually weeding. 

In the "maybe/maybe not" column is Smithsonian magazine.  It's my mental substitute for the old National Geographic.  Sometimes I enjoy it.  Sometimes I don't.  Of course I have about 6 months worth of this magazine sitting in my pile to be read.  I think I'll finish catching up and then make my decision as to whether or not I will renew.  Though I love the Smithsonian and their gift shops and I'm a sucker for history. 

I will be keeping Popular Science and Southern Living.  I've tried dropping Popular Science before and wound up going through withdrawal symptoms.  It was bad.  So when they finally sent that "won't you reconsider subscribing" I had a check in the mail to them that day.  I guess I'll always enjoy geeking out and being nerdy and find new gadgets and ideas fascinating.  So Popular Science has to stay.  I will also keep Southern Living.  In its' glossy pages I see glimpses of places I know and miss, and smiling faces, and recipes for things like grits and fried green tomatoes and mint juleps.  I'm reminded how good sweet tea on a porch actually is and that it doesn't matter that I'll never have white furniture. 





I guess I will still pick up a random crochet magazine (it's an addiction and admitting you need help is the first step).  I will also still receive a random dog related magazine because Isabella's some kind of fancy dog with a pedigree and I get random dog magazines because of it.  But otherwise, I have culled my magazine list.  Both mentally and fiscally.  I know I'll stick with this goal, because my husband gets my blog on his android phone.  :o)

If you have an addiction like mine, consider culling your subscriptions as well.  Also, as National Geographic would tell you, don't forget to recycle your old magazines.  They are also great to donate to senior centers and libraries.  Kids love to cut out pictures for arts and crafts, so check with your local schools and daycares as well. 

 

Happy reading everybody, and remember, you don't need white furniture to be happy!   



Happy Pi Day!

That's right, 3-14 is Pi day, because pi is 3.14 (rounded up that is). 

So in honor of Pi, I plan on making a...you guessed it...PIE!!!

Today's pie is a true classic.  It may be different that what you would expect.  I bet you have all the ingredients on hand, so a special trip to the store won't be necessary.  However, I suggest you don't let the name fool you...this is one tasty pie. 

VINEGAR PIE

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup sugar
• 3 whole eggs
• 2 tablespoons vinegar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 stick butter
• 1 9" pie shell

Melt the stick of butter.  Mix together sugar, eggs, vinegar, vanilla and melted butter.  Pour into pie crust and bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick/knife comes out clean.  Let cool and slice and enjoy with a big glass of milk or cup of coffee.

Ahhh yummy.  Trust me and give this classic pie a try.  You'll be amazed.   

SMAWL 7th Annual Animal Fair - Mark Your Calendars

Two Crafty Women will once again join forces with Frannie's Grannies to participate in a local event, the 7th Annual Animal Fair presented by SMAWL.  It will be held at the St. Mary's county fairgrounds on May 7th.  We will have handmade afghans, pet harnesses, and various beaded items available for purchase.  Bring your furry friend and participate in all that the Animal Fair has to offer. 

Isabella is hoping to make an appearance as well! 

You can find out more about SMAWL here.

You can check out Two Crafty Women's website here.

Chocolate Soup

Do you like Chocolate Pudding?  Chocolate Mousse?  Chocolate Pie?  Chocolate Cake?  Well then, how about the newest sensation that is sweeping the fancy schmancy restaurants' dessert menus??  That's right, Chocolate Soup!!!

You can make your own variations to this basic recipe:

Chocolate Soup

Ingredients

• 3 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 5 ounces dark chocolate(or bittersweet chocolate), finely chopped
• 2 ounces baking chocolate, finely chopped
• 3 tablespoons Frangelico or Godiva chocolate liqueur

Garnish

• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup chopped, toasted hazelnuts or almonds
• 1/4 cup finely chopped dark chocolate

Instructions

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the cream, sugar, and vanilla. Simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 40 minutes or until reduced by one-third. Stir in the chopped chocolate until well blended.  Remove from heat and whisk in the liqueur.

Whip the cream until frothy, then add the confectioners’ sugar and vanilla. Continue to whip until the cream holds soft peaks. Fold in the chopped nuts and chocolate.  Place a large scoop of the whipped cream in the center of each serving bowl and pour the warm chocolate soup around the whipped cream.

For the Readers

I love to read.  I always have, for as long as I can remember.  I was in pre-K and already reading.  I remember my father getting called to the school being chastised for teaching me to read, after all that was a teacher's job.  He said he didn't.  I don't know how I learned to read, or when, but I've always been a reader. 

I used to win all the library reading challenges in school.  It wasn't difficult for me.  I thought it was great to get rewarded for something I did naturally. 

However, being a voracious reader has it's disadvantages.

Over the course of the years, I've spent a lot of money on books.  I've also been fantatical about no matter where I lived or what I was doing, the first thing, the most important thing, was to get a library card. 

Authors, with the possible exception of James Patterson, just don't put out books quick enough for me. 

I also run the frequent chance of picking up a book to read that I've read before.  I can't remember by title alone if I have read the book, until I'm halfway through the first chapter.  Sometimes I don't mind re-reading the book, it's like discovering an old friend.  But other times, my mind is impatient and wants to devour some new material. 

I've read the gambit, romance, action, thrillers, cookbooks, non-fiction, history, political...heck I even read the role call roster sheets from the Civil War once. 

I'm explaining all this to you, to introduce my favorite bits of technology that has made this reader's life a very happy place to be. 

My newest love is a Nook.  My darling husband bought me one prior to us traveling to the Dominican Republic last year.  His motives were probably selfish, as he had more luggage space that way.  However, my husband is a technology fiend.  I know he did his research and there are tons of e-readers out on the market, but he chose the nook.  It was a wise choice.  His reasoning was that he can pop the cover off, change the battery himself, upgrade memory and a million other tech like things without paying to send it back to the factory to be refurbished...in short, it's technical.  But the other reason he chose it, was because after investigating all the e-readers on the market he said I would never have a problem reading any format, whereas some e-readers are limited.  He was right.  I can read any format, and can download audio books as well.  I can check out e-books from my local library and purchase books from anywhere, and the free books available online are unlimited!!  I've noticed at times the library will have two versions of an e-book.  One format will have a ton of people on a wait list, while I can zip through to check-out with the other format.  Oh, the best thing about an e-book library - I can visit from the comfort of my home in my pajamas!  Happy Happy Day.  I could rave on and on about my nook, but honestly, it has more features than I need, and I would be wasting your time.  If you've been on the fence about getting an e-reader, procrastinate no longer. 

My next great embrace of technology comes in the form of a website, Good Reads.  Even if you do not have an e-reader, this website is a reader's dream come true.  You can chat with your favorite authors, find out when new books are coming out, chat with other reader's in a forum atmosphere, get book recommendations, swap books with others, enter contests for advanced reading copies of new releases, search for any book that has ever been published, and more...One of the most important features to me is my virtual library.  There I can track the books I've read and the books I want to read.  I'll never pick up a book again that I've already read.  It also helps me keep up with which series I'm reading and where I was.  I can make notes to myself, and even give reviews.  A book nerd can get lost on this website.  It's also seemlessly compatible with your facebook account.  Another great feature is a section for e-books.  A quick search for a book will let you know if a book is available in e-format.  If it's free, you can download it right then and there without searching the rest of the internet.  If it's not free, it will provide you with a list of venues where you can purchase the e-book and how much it costs with each vendor. 

I do want to share one more thing about Good Reads...I recently entered a contest for an advanced reading copy of a book, and I won!  I'm eagerly awaiting this new book via parcel post and will review it for Good Reads and you as well.  The book is "Women Heroes of World War II: 26 Stories of Espionage, Sabotage, Resistance, and Rescue" by Kathyrn Atwood.   

Droid Test

As I was driving into work this morning, I snapped this picture. It proves that the days are getting longer and that Spring is around the corner!

A Rambling Blog

I realized today I'm horrible at blogging.  I have good intentions.  I mean to post something, but then I think "oh I have nothing to say" or "I don't have any pictures to share" or "I don't have enough time". 

Since blogging was one of my New Year's resolutions, I really need to get on top of my game.  So I read up on blogging and how to blog successfully, and well after a ton of articles it all boils down to "be yourself".  So I'll be me and just ramble on about the trival details that interest me.  There are a myraid of topics to cover and perhaps I'm painting myself into a corner by trying to focus on my crafty nature.  Well no more.  From this point forward, be forewarned that there is no telling what direction my wandering mind will take us.   

I also realized that I don't have to take a picture to share a picture.  There are billions of graphics and pictures out here on the internet that I can use to pretty up my posts.  I like this one today:

It just screams adorable and snuggles and love.  And I am giving all of you readers an internet ((HUG)). 

I also had a good/bad thing happen to me recently.  My wonderful droid phone kind of crashed and had to be restored to its' factory settings.  Though it was a PITA, in the process I updated and uploaded some new things or newer versions, and guess what...Blogger is much friendlier now on my droid.  I no longer have the excuse for not having the time to type out some thoughts to share...I can share anywhere that my droid is.  How very exciting.  I think, though I'm not positive, that I can upload pictures from my phone.  This is indeed a miracle if it works.  Look for a "test" of this feature soon. 

Borscht Soup and Salad Nicoise

Yummy food can be simple food.  I've been wanting borscht ever since I opened my Christmas presents to discover I had an immersion blender.  Every time we eat at one of our favorite local restaurants, Chef's American Bistro, and I see his heavy duty immersion blender in his kitchen, I always look at my husband and say "I want one of those".  LOL

So I started off with Red Borscht, knowing I had all the ingredients on hand.  And then after spending a few hours watching the Cooking Channel on tv, I decided I had to make a salad with green beans...don't ask me why, it was just I'm easily influenced and everybody who is a celebrity chef was making a salad with beans!

Here's the recipes in case you want to follow along at home:

Red Borscht:

Ingredients:

1 package of pork sausage

1 container of jarred beets (I had some I had canned)

3 carrots, peeled and chopped

3 medium baking potatoes, peeled and cubed

1 medium onion, chopped

1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste

3/4 cup water

1 small head red cabbage, cored and shredded

1 (8 ounce) can diced tomatoes

3 cloves garlic, minced

salt and pepper to taste

1 teaspoon white sugar, or to taste

1/2 cup sour cream, for topping

Directions:
Crumble the sausage into a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook and stir until no longer pink. Remove from the heat and set aside.
Fill a large pot halfway with water(about 2 quarts), and bring to a boil. Add the sausage (drained of grease), and return to a boil. Add the beets, and cook until they have lost their color. Add the carrots and potatoes, and cook until tender. Add the cabbage, and the can of diced tomatoes.
In the grease from the pork sausage, cook the onion and garlic until tender, then add to the pot.  Cover and cook until all vegetables are tender.  Turn off the heat. Let stand for 5 minutes. Taste, and season with salt, pepper and sugar.
This is where the immersion blender comes in.  Call your husband into the kitchen to manhandle the heavy pot around and begin blending.  Drop spoonfuls of the tomato paste into the soup and make sure it's well blended and the texture is creamy and smooth. 
Ladle into bowls and garnish with sour cream.  
This borscht can be served cold or warm.  I also froze half the batch to serve another day. 

Salad Nicoise

Ingredients:

• Romaine lettuce (use what you have on hand, I just like romaine and it tends to be in my fridge)
• 6 hard boiled eggs, halved
• 2 cans tuna fish, drained
• 1 tomato, chopped
• 1/2 pound of green beans, steamed or blanched (I used the steam bag in the microwave and then rinsed them with cold water)
• 2-3 potatoes cubed and boiled (cook these the same time and in the same pot as your eggs, be sure to rinse to cool them off) 
• Salt
• Pepper
• Dijon mustard
• Olive Oil
• Lemon juice
• Kalamata olives, pitted and chopped

Directions:

In a bowl, mix the dijon mustard, juice from half a lemon, salt and pepper together, slowly blend in the olive oil using a whisk to make a dressing.  Add the chopped olives and sit aside.

Layer your salad, starting with the lettuce.  Top with the dressing.

All in all a yummy dish and my husband didn't complain about eating a salad!  He says it was a manly salad with all the potatoes and green beans and tuna fish.  :o)

Happy New Year

Ahhh, the New Year is fast approaching.  This is both the time to reflect and the time to look forward. 

I’ve had a busy year.  I’ve traveled to visit the wineries (and a fabulous restaurant One Block West) in Winchester, VA and an all-inclusive resort in the Dominican Republic. 

I’ve connected again with Alina Kay.  Gosh I love you and have missed you. 

I’ve had the opportunity to grow closer with my fabulous friends, and I’ve had the opportunity to make some new ones.  I’ve also reconnected with some people that I missed out on knowing all that well the first time around. 

As an introvert with some minor social skills friends are massively amazing to me every day.

Isabella has grown and flourished.  She’s a social animal who loves to travel, visit and even be boarded at her favorite Kennel, Indian Bridge.  The ladies there spoil her rotten. 

My husband remains my true love and I’m thankful and appreciative of him and who he is, even when he‘s wrong.  LOL  For our first year of marriage, I think we’ve done quite well adjusting and growing. 

I’ve made strides with my crafting and discovered that Craft Shows can be quite successful for me.  I’ve created a website and then recreated it, so I’ve even improved my web skills.  You can check out Two Crafty Women and let me know what you think.

I’m thankful for all of you who are in my life and I consider myself blessed each and every day.

For the New Year ahead, I have made my goals and resolutions. 

My first one is to be more diligent about organizing my time and activities.  I have so many things going on in my life, that sometimes; things get missed (such as this blog).  I also want to make sure I make time for my friends, my crafts, craft shows, volunteer work and of course my husband. 

I also want to strive to continue my connections with all my friends and get to know each and every one of you even better.

I want to travel even more.  On my short list is a trip to Memphis to see the King.  Hopefully we can swing by and see Alina Kay and her family on the way.    Here’s my mom before she passed away, at the gates of Graceland.

Another one came as a reminder from someone who suffered a tragic unexpected loss this past year.  I’m putting this on my list of things to do early in the New Year and it is actually a good idea for everyone.  I’m going to prepare a checklist and contact information on what to do if one of us passes away.  Insurance doesn’t help if my husband doesn’t know how to claim it.  Bank accounts and savings are not any help if he can’t access it because the state has it frozen.  As much as many of us don’t want to think about passing, I know we all don’t want to leave our loved ones unprepared. 

Love and Best Wishes for a Safe and Happy New Year. 

Isabella's New Harness

As you may (or may not) know, Isabella is my five pound Papillion. 

Little dogs should never be walked with collars, as their bones are fragile - one yank on the leash and you could accidentally snap your dog's neck!

So when Isabella was much smaller (one point five pounds) I started looking around for harnesses for her.  Factor in that little dogs stay cold, even in the summer, and I needed to keep her "dressed" as well, so I was looking at clothing options as well.  In the search process I discovered that there really isn't a lot out there for really small dogs, and what is available is outlandishly expensive!

Enter my stubborness, sewing machine and some hardware purchases and Isabella's custom made harnesses were born!  When she's out and about, I have had many people remark that I should sell the harnesses I make ( I even had one local lady who runs a hair salon that I do not frequent, offer to display them)!  So, since I had to make Isabella some new harnesses, I made a few extra this month and will list them on my website, and I will not be ripping people off. :o)  If there winds up being enough interest, I'll make more.

 Here is Isabella modeling her newest harness!

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

I think Pink, especially every October.  In case you don't know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness month.  This year is the 25th year!  Why haven't we found a cure yet?  Though I do know medical advances have certainly given women (and men - yes men can get breast cancer) a fighting chance, and I'm thankful for that, I just wish people were less ignorant about self-exams, and even mammograms (though if the government has their way this will no longer exist).

You can find out more about National Breast Cancer Awareness month here.

This month, I'm supporting the cause by shopping for my garden, (GARDEN FOR THE CAUSE) and thought I would share some of the fun and fabulous garden items I've discovered.  These websites give a percentage to various breast cancer charitable organizations.  (I'm NOT reimbursed in any way for mentioning these products/websites). 

First is this adorable garden Gnome, which can be found here.  I've always wanted a gnome of my own (groan) and she raises money for the National Breast Cancer Foundation. 

Everybody needs a garden stake, and this one helps raise money for various organizations in an effort to find a cure for cancer, assist cancer patients, and reduce cancer deaths through education.

And every gardener needs tools.  I did hear that Target even carries some of the BOND tools.  Click here to find out a little more about NBCF and Garden for the Cause

Sotterly Wine Festival

On Sunday, during rain, wind and cold temperatures, I had the wonderful opportunity to volunteeer to work a booth at the annual Sotterly Plantation Wine Festival. 

First, I want to say that if you have never had the opportunity to visit Sotterly Plantation, I totally suggest you do so if you are in the area.  It is the only remaining Tidewater Plantation in Maryland that us open to the public.  Sotterly Plantation is older than other famous plantation homes such as Mount Vernon and Monticello.  It's worth a tour, even if there isn't an event ongoing. 

You can find out more about Sotterly by visiting this link.  You can see more old photos, find out about upcoming events, learn the history, and even find out how to volunteer.    I find one of the most fascinating things is the evolution of the mansion itself and the plantation site map gives you a great idea for how vast this plantation truly is. 

You can also Facebook friend Sotterly Plantation. 


Back to the Wine Festival, even though the weather was frightful on Sunday, many people braved the weather and came out.  There were vineyards and wineries from all over the Maryland area in attendance, doing tastings, and selling their wares.  The giant and I visited many of the tents set up to house the vendors, and even purchased a couple of bottles of a really fun wine.  Also in attendance were several area food vendors and the most fabulous band to keep us company throughout, along with various other merchants and vendors.  There was even an art show in one of the barns!

For a few hours, the giant and I had the opportunity to man the booth for Running Hare Vineyard.  Owners, Mike and Barb Scarborough were absolutely fabulous to us.  Even though I had worn long sleeves and a jacket, I was freezing, and Barb loaned me a coat to wear.  Running Hare Vineyards had the following wines available for tasting:

Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Jack Rabbit White, Rabbit's Foot, Sangiovese, Malbec, Shiraz, and Chambourcin

We had a fabulous time pouring tastings for visitors and all too soon it was time to help pack up and go.  The giant choose to take home the Shiraz (his favorite) and I choose the Malbec and Sangiovese.  The giant has already cracked open a bootle of the Shiraz. 

Another thing I recommend to visitors is visiting the Running Hare Vineyard.  They hold wine tastings every Wednesday and Sunday from 12:00pm to 6:00pm.  The location is wonderful and the new building they've built feels just like Tuscany.  You can Facebook friend Running Hare Vineyard as well. 

If you see a bottle of their wine for sale, you can't go wrong with picking up a few bottles for yourself.  The Jack Rabbit white is a sweeter wine, but not too sweet.  The Malbec would be a perfect accompaniment for a cigar, and the Chambourcin would be wonderful as dessert.  Enjoy!

The Dominican Republic

My new screensaver

If you have never been to the Dominican Republic, and even if you have, I highly recommend it.  Sandy white beaches, warm sun, palm trees swaying in the breeze, clear sparkling water and beautiful people...I know you are getting the picture.

In the Palm Tree Shade

We stayed in Punta Cana at the RIU Macao Resort.  An all-inclusive package is the ONLY way to travel.  We ate so much glorious food, and there were many restaurants to choose from.  We had excellent wait staff and cabana boys, bringing us our hearts desire in beverages, a well-kept room, massages, and more.  Words truly cannot do this place justice. 

Swan Towel with Fresh Flowers

BTW, I am so tight with money that I squeak sometimes, but this vacation was extremely affordable, and after comparing with some of my friends who do the "cruises", I had the much better deal and an even better experience.  I made the travel arrangements through a local travel company, and they were able to get me the best deals, best rates, best flights, and best guidance and direction.  I think in this internet age we forget about travel agencies, but it saved me time, frustration, money and got me in the best place. 

Ahhh Vacation

If you are local to the Southern Maryland area...Call Stephanie at Cole Travel and let her know I sent you.  I don't get a bonus or anything, but I think it's wonderful to recommend things to people.  She arranged my travel to and from the airport, updated the American Embassy on our behalf, and arranged for goodies to be left in our hotel room and half a million other things that I wouldn't have thought of on my own.

Yarn Cheat Sheet

I'm  sometimes asked how much yarn is needed for a particular project.  The answer is, "It depends!"  The amount of yarn used depends on how much yardage is on each skein, what size crochet hook or knitting needle is being used, pattern design, and how big the porject is going to be.

Here's a rough estimate of yardage needed for your various projects.

 

Socks	Gauge	Child S - M - L	Adult S - M - L
		Foot length 5, 6½, 8	Foot length 9½, 10½, 11½
Sock - Fingering wt.	6 - 8 sts per inch	150 - 225 - 275 yds.	325 - 425 - 525
Sport wt.	5 - 6 sts per inch	125 - 175 - 225	250 - 325 - 400
Worsted wt.	4 - 4½ sts per inch	125 - 150 - 200	250 - 300 - 350
Bulky wt.	3 - 3½ sts per inch	100 - 125 - 150	175 - 225 - 275
Hat	Gauge	Child - Adult
		18" - 20" - 22"
Sport wt.	5 - 6 sts per inch	175 - 225 - 275 yds.
Worsted wt.	4 - 4½ sts per inch	175 - 225 - 250
Bulky wt.	3 - 3½ sts per inch	125 - 150 - 175
Mitten	Gauge	Child  5",  5½"	Adult  6",  7",  8"
Fingering Wt.		Yards	Yards
Sport wt.	5 - 6 sts per inch	75 - 100	125 - 150 - 175
Worsted wt.	4 - 4½ sts per inch	75 - 100	125 - 150 - 175
Bulky wt.	3 - 3½ sts per inch	50 - 75	100 - 125 - 150
Afghan-Throw	Gauge	Baby	60" x 60"
Sock - Fingering wt.	6 ½ - 7 sts per inch	1351 yds.	3500 yds.
Sport wt.	5 - 6 sts per inch	1200 yds.	3,150 yds.
DK  Double Knit	5 sts per inch	1100 yds.	2800 yds.
Worsted wt.	4 - 4½ sts per inch	1000 yds.	2,660 yds.
Bulky wt.	3 - 3½ sts per inch	850 yds.	1,875 yds.
Scarf	Gauge	Child 6" x 40"	Adult 8" x 54"
Sock - Fingering wt.	6 ½ - 7 sts per inch	440 yds.	660 yds.
Sport wt.	5 - 6 sts per inch	350 yds	700 yds
DK  Double Knit	5 sts per inch	250 yds	450 yds
Worsted wt.	4 - 4½ sts per inch	190 yds	380 yds
Bulky wt.	3 - 3½ sts per inch	125 yds	250 yds
Vest		Child	Adult
		24" - 28 "-  32"	36"- 40"- 44" - 48"- 52"
Sock - Fingering wt.	6 ½ - 7 sts per inch	400 550 750 yds.	950 1125 1300 1450 1650 yds.
Sport wt.	5 - 6 sts per inch	300 400 600 yds.	700 850 950 1100 1250 yds.
DK  Double Knit	5 sts per inch	275 375 550 yds.	650 800 900 1000 1100 yds
Worsted wt.	4 - 4½ sts per inch	250 350 500 yds.	600 750 850 950 1050 yds.
Bulky wt.	3 - 3½ sts per inch	175 250 400 yds.	450 550 650 700 800 yds.
Sweater		Child	Adult
		24" - 28 "-  32"	36  "-  40"  -  44"  -  48"  -  52"
Sock - Fingering wt.	6 ½ - 7 sts per inch	750 100 1450 yds.	1800 2100 2500 2700 3000
Sport wt.	5 - 6 sts per inch	550 800 1100	1400 1600 1900 2100 2300
Worsted wt.	4 - 4½ sts per inch	500 650 1000	1200 1400 1600 1800 2000
Bulky wt.	3 - 3½ sts per inch	350 500 700	900 1000 1200 1300 1500