Long Winter

It seems like it's been a long winter. I've had some really good new things to keep me occupied and busy. This is a good thing because the latex allergy has become worse. I'm reacting sooner to less exposure. Well, I had some good time; I expected the allergy would get worse. I've been finding really fun things to do at home.

I'm still knitting preemie caps for a local hospital. Unfortunately the yarn store moved back to NYC. So now, I just mail them to the hospital. I wrote a letter to go along with the last batch of caps. I haven't heard back, but will continue with this. They are such fun to knit, and they don't take long. Then there's the ever increasing yarn stash here.

I continue to declutter. By the time I get done, it will be time to start over. I look at so many things that I'm not using. It's better for someone else to have them to use, read, wear, or watch.

I received a food dehydrator for Christmas. Once I began playing with that, I couldn't contain myself. I have been drying everything, even making jerky. It's the most expensive time of the year for fresh produce. I've been drying apples, tomatoes, celery, spinach, and so many more foods. My friends believe that I will burn out the motor by Easter. I think the first 2 bunches of celery were reduced to about a cup. It's so good in soup tho', almost tastier than fresh.

Then I found out about making my own dog biscuits for Casey from a net friend at LAForum@yahoogroups.com Got a recipe to start with and then just took off with it. Of course Casey helps a lot with Quality Control and supervision. Her favorite is liver and peanut butter, but she also really likes the cheese and bacon. No more store bought for her.

We baked so much that the propane bill went sky high. Well it was that or the quickley rising cost of oil. We did the last batch in the dehydrator, and them came out just as good. Now Casey wants to write her own cookie book. She won't stop bugging me about it, so we started writing. I type while she tells me what to say. We haven't gotten to the actual recipes just yet. We are still testing those we like. We have also suveyed the neighborhood with samples to get their opinions. Needless to say, they all love anything we give them. :)

I found a new yarn shop even closer to me than all the others. It's wonderful with yarn, roving, spinning wheels, looms, and classes. There is so much that interests me, I know I will learn a lot and probably make some new friends, which is always a good thing.

I also found out about a doll, new to me, who I have to have. She is arriving shortly thru ebay. Amanda deserves a special post, all her own, so that will have to wait. Can't wait to start sewing clothes for her.

It has been a long winter, but good things have been happening. I think during all the other seasons, we get so busy, we don't take time to see a lot of new opportunities. I'm so thankful I found these.

Sal