finished

It's been a good week for knitting. Really enjoyed that Pebble in the round, and jotted down a few notes to remember what I did for next time.  I think this might be a new favorite go-to baby gift--quick, easy, cute, and practical, too.

Also got that bowl felted, finished knitting another one, and cast on for a third. More good gifts. I think the one skein of yarn I bought (Brown Sheep bulky Lanaloft) will make four or five of them. Love the way this yarn felts up.

And as a contrast to the bulky yarn and big needles, I decided to start another pair of baby socks with size 0 needles--a lot like knitting with toothpicks--and some leftover very soft and fine merino wool. They feel delicate and lovely and appropriate for a tiny person fresh to this earth. Maybe they'll convince this babe in my belly to finally make his exit.

Reading another Alexander McCall Smith book--The Sunday Philosophy Club. I enjoy his No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series so much, I thought I'd try one of his other series. Only one chapter in, but so far so good. Also really enjoying Tamar Adler's An Everlasting Meal: Cooking with Economy and Grace.  Such a unique book--an instruction manual for cooking, but also for living, and looking at life. Her outlook is refreshing, and truly marked by economy and grace. We had her lentil salad with basic vinaigrette this weekend, to round out a simple garden feast of sauteed summer squash, new potatoes with chives, and lettuce salad. It was a meal to celebrate.

Joining with yarn along...

yarn along

After finishing the bowl (still in need of felting) I decided to cast on for another Pebble vest, smaller than the last one, sans buttons, and knit in the round. So far enjoying it thoroughly. Just the thing for a distracted pregnant lady to pick up for a few minutes here and there. Hopefully it will fit our soon-to-be arriving little man come autumn.

And reading the latest of the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency books--always enjoyable, charming, light, but with just enough substance to keep me interested.

Joining in with Ginny's yarn along...

waiting

As my mood wavers between excited anticipation and discouraged irritability--oh when will this baby appear...

 I harvest sun-drenched calendula

 smell the roses

 (not mine--we found these lovelies at Portland's Rose Gardens)

store away dried oregano and lemon balm for the winter

chuckle at this little one who insists on wearing her tutu to help dad in the garden.

 The garden bursts

bees work industriously

 cucumbers climb

tomatoes and beans grow tall...

...and our little corner of the world teems with life.

{this moment}

Joining in with  Soulemama today...

In her words: "{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember."

lavender honey lemonade

It seems that summer is truly upon us here in the northwest. It is hot, and being in the very pregnant state that I am, I've been doing everything possible to stay cool, and stay hydrated. So lemonade has been on my mind, and I finally had a chance to make up a batch this afternoon. Last year I fell in love with Heather's lavender lemonade, and using her recipe as inspiration, I created my own version with honey. And oh, is it good--really--Mt. Olympus nectar of the gods good.

If I was willing to wait a few weeks, I would have done this with the lavender and honey, to make a magical solar infusion. But I used the stove instead, and it still turned out heavenly. The violet lavender water and golden honey combine to make the loveliest rosy color--approved by the three-year-old girls among us. And the subtle, complex, sweet-tart-herbal flavor satisfies us adults.

Lavender Honey Lemonade

1 cup water
1 handful fresh lavender blossoms
1/2 cup honey
1 lemon juiced (about 1/3 cup)
3-4 cups cold water

In a small saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Add lavender, cover, and turn off heat. Steep for 10-20 minutes. If possible, sit in the kitchen with your feet up while the scent of lavender fills the room. Breathe deeply. Strain out the lavender flowers and admire the violet colored water. Add honey to hot lavender water and stir to dissolve. Add lemon juice and water to taste. Serve over plenty of ice. Find a nice shady spot, close your eyes, sit back, sip, and relax...

savoring summer

While she did this...

I harvested some of this...

And worked just a bit on this...

(yes, that is my very pregnant belly poking its way into the photo...soon, soon!).

Taking a break from baby knits to start a very simple felted bowl (thinking they would make good Christmas presents) with Brown Sheep bulky Lanaloft in "Herbal Garden"  and size 9 needles.

We had a good afternoon--with the cold sprinkler, fragrant lavender, and soft wool, it was quite a feast for the senses.

Joining with Ginny for yarnalong...

Celebrating the light~ Happy Summer Solstice!