Purling Oaks

Second verse.....

Surprise!  Here's a little knitting content.  The first footie is ready for grafting.  There is a heel there, just hidden on the back side of the sock. 

For the observant reader, yes, that is my kitchen table.  I drove home mid-day to help DH with any potential problems (with the blessing of my supervisor).  I just couldn't leave him to deal with it all.  I'm glad I did.  The dark green on the screen in the photo indicates areas of rainfall exceeding four inches yesterday.  Our house (and a good portion of Wisconsin) are in that area.  We were up until 3:30 AM or so with the rainwater in the basement. 

DH had to brave the storms with the lightning outside to deal with the septic system because the floats were not working properly to make the pump work.  We did not have any (icky) backup last night, for which I am very thankful.  I am a bit crabby, however, since the septic floats were just replaced two days ago.  I'm also thankful that the septic alarm continues to work properly and gave us a warning several warnings last night.  So, same song, second verse.  The forecast says no rain today.  I'll be using the wet vac later today to see if I can catch up with the seeping water.  And getting some work completed to pay for the plumbers..........

Happy Friday!

Squirrelly--or is it me?

Although my ancient Safari and TypePad are conspiring to eat my posts, I'm going to post, despite the crabbiness. Now, deep breath *in* and *out* and *in* and *out.* There.

This photo was taken only with my 3x zoom. We have our squirrel bird feeders located close to the house to minimize bird/window collisions. It gives us many opportunities to observe birds, squirrels and the occasional raccoon up-close and personal. Yes, Purling Oaks has a squirrel theme lately. Is there a problem?

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I'm still recovering from the cold virus. (You think?) Yesterday I burned a number of Iron Chef episodes to DVDs from our DVR where they've been residing for about 10 months for the oldest. FoodTV was airing the episodes for the past several years but have stopped showing the original Japanese series. DH and I really enjoy the original series and (are you listening episode-owners?) we would love to buy a commercial-free set of episodes. I also took the time to clean out my Williamsro knitting bag that also has served for a carry-all. Charging cords for the new and old mobile phoes, charging card for the Ninetendo DS Lite, sock needles, straight needles-sizes 10, 10.5, and 11; hygiene products, pattern, Koigu fingerless mitts, Handwoven magazine, Cash Iroha yarn (brown)-four cakes + two used (yarn worked double), two skeins of Blossom, and the Willliamsro sleeve in process. How did that all fit in there?

Monday masala of the chicken tikka variety

No knitting progress to report. However, the handles for the Fuschia Felted Bag arrived today via the Big Brown Truck! Hurray. Perhaps I'll be posting about a finished object this weekend.

The past few days I have been feeling twinges of the approach of the winter blues. I'm doing my best to ignore those twinges but I'll have to take care to keep those blues at bay. One of the successful techniques is to eat well. Tonight, I made Chicken Tikka Masala.

There are as many versions of this dish as there are cooks. This spice package and recipe are unique in my experience of the dish because of the inclusion of a half-cup of minced fresh ginger. I also like to add green vegetables, sometimes suger snap pea pods or, like tonight, broccoli.
DH made the fragrant rice by including a few whole cloves, a bay leaf, ground cardamom, a few saffron strands, and a cinnamon stick in the rice cooker. To serve, I start with rice on my plate, then the tikka masala, then some chopped cilantro leaves. The flavor in this meal just keeps improving as you eat it. If you enjoy curry, you know what I mean when I say the last bite is the best. My theory is that the spices are mildly addictive.

Tuesday we are expecting another few inches of fresh snow.....maybe four inches by Tuesday evening. I wonder if I might be able to use my snowshoes soon. Red aluminum tubing snowshoes. Very fun.

I'm reading everyone's comments, really. I'm just woefully behind in answering emails. Thanks for commenting!