tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13120560378538037792024-03-14T00:40:58.934-04:00Renee Knits Toowife, mother, friend, nester, dreamer, country girl at heart enjoying life one day at a timeReneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13816016965260849057noreply@blogger.comBlogger115125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1312056037853803779.post-70011649465357279882014-10-31T12:48:00.000-04:002014-10-31T12:53:37.451-04:00Pumpkin Pie for HalloweenIt's raining here today which doesn't bode well for the little ones heading out tonight to Trick or Treat.<br />
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Around here October and November mean Thanksgiving, pumpkin pie and my family's tolerance to my nesting. I love to hunker down after being outside in those perfect and not so perfect weather days of autumn. My favourite time of year. It also means a shift in my baking to indulge in the seasonal offerings of apples, pumpkins and squash.<br />
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Here is my go-to Pumpkin Pie recipe, tweaked out of a combination of a few recipes I've tried over the years. Yield is 2 pies. I use <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/948287/pate-brisee" target="_blank">Martha Stewart's Pate Brisee</a> for the crust or when in a rush pick up 2 frozen deep dish frozen pie crusts from the grocer. This recipe is quick to pull together, easy and oh so delish. <br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Don's Favourite Pumpkin Pie</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">1 cup brown sugar</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">1/4 teaspoon salt</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">3 heaping tablespoons flour</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">2 tablespoons cinnamon</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">1 teaspoon ginger</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">1/2 - 1 teaspoon cloves (I use 1)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">3 eggs, beaten</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">1-1/2 cups milk (I use 1%)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">3-1/4 cups pumpkin puree</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">(2-1/2 cups pumpkin if using prepared shells that aren't deep dish)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Brush pie shells with beaten egg. Combine all dry ingredients and mix together. Add all wet ingredients and whisk together by hand until smooth. Pour into pie shells.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Bake at 400F for 20 minutes</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">then reduce heat and bake for an additional</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">35-39 minutes at 350F</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Pie filling should crack open around the</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">edge to be </span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> baked through to the centre.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Cool and then let set up in refidgerator.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Delicious on it's own or served with fresh whipped cream,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">vanilla ice cream or vanilla frozen yogurt. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Wishing you all a very Happy Halloween. Live, love and laugh much. Hug those you love. Renee </span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> </span></div>
Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13816016965260849057noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1312056037853803779.post-59197943317308839152014-10-28T16:37:00.000-04:002014-10-28T22:55:13.438-04:00a PoodleMeet Ava, she is the sweetest, most graceful and affectionate girl you could imagine. Life is richer when we can share it with animals. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKbbFlJ3hychXD21LjQp0T7QilaEqnHC_AbAgERYK-QNc_iS6YPR9MstNMk6atXtcq3HdwUlSyDIC3CenDhhwEDV3jWxJoMbBF3qBQny20JxGVMPr_awLqmncq9JTyfFlj4mJlDHLYnN_U/s1600/Ava+on+deck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKbbFlJ3hychXD21LjQp0T7QilaEqnHC_AbAgERYK-QNc_iS6YPR9MstNMk6atXtcq3HdwUlSyDIC3CenDhhwEDV3jWxJoMbBF3qBQny20JxGVMPr_awLqmncq9JTyfFlj4mJlDHLYnN_U/s1600/Ava+on+deck.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Not a big surprise this former sheep owner/plan to be sheep owner again, fiber lover has had Standard Poodles for moving in on 3 decades, I suppose? No, I've not spun my Poodle's hair. Even though Don says he'd be happy to wear a hat knit from the yarn, I'll stick to sheep and goat fiber.<br />
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Interesting Fact for today: Woolology 101 by Catherine Friend, excerpt from Sheepish</div>
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"Wool - black or white - is a natural insulator, keeping you warm in winter and cooling you down in the summer. Because it's made of those overlapping scales, it easily repels water. Wool breathes by wicking away moisture from the skin and relasing it into the air, leaving dry air and warmth near the skin. Polartec might keep you warm, but it doesn't breathe easily. Wool can absorb up to 30 percent of its weight in moisture without feeling heavy or damp, whereas cotton get damp at 15 percent. Neither cotton nor polar fleece is warm when wet. Also, wool naturally repels mold and mildew.<br />
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Wool is durable. Lab tests show wool fibers can be bent back on themselves more than 20,000 times without breaking, Cotton breaks after 3,2100 bends, silk after 1,800, and rayon (a synthetic) totally collapses after only 75. Wool resists wrinkles, and because of its natural crimp will retain it's shape. It's fire retardant, unlike synthetic fabric, which happily burns when ignited because it's made from oil."<br />
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Live, laugh and love much and tell those you care about you love them. Renee<br />
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<br />Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13816016965260849057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1312056037853803779.post-58714076481979257122014-10-26T13:10:00.001-04:002014-10-26T17:35:21.549-04:00Shetland Lace Triangle Shawl <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
If you're looking for something wonderful, delicate, yet comforting then look at Evelyn A. Clark's <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/shetland-triangle-lace-shawl" target="_blank">Shetland Lace Triangle Shawl</a>. A traditional Shetland Island 'Fir Cone' lace pattern that's easy to memorize and produces a swirling motif. Top down in construction the pattern is written for yarn weights from lace through to DK, creating a beautiful and very wearable piece. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir9sgxQPavDa0HUP8KvOSETb505yzEr11D7cTUiVHTQHvTfUrlsaDQKjkzVILVWCQ1qMYGsfxiplRNSQg_TvWrsezsTipSpQjAYXI5_bQ2KiIte6q0yHkL1SpgCLY_kd9ZQK7MeRn27GOI/s1600/Shetland+Triangle+Shawl+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir9sgxQPavDa0HUP8KvOSETb505yzEr11D7cTUiVHTQHvTfUrlsaDQKjkzVILVWCQ1qMYGsfxiplRNSQg_TvWrsezsTipSpQjAYXI5_bQ2KiIte6q0yHkL1SpgCLY_kd9ZQK7MeRn27GOI/s1600/Shetland+Triangle+Shawl+4.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">Knit in Rowan Rowanspun 4Ply, a fingering weight 100% wool that has a plied, tweedy texture. This yarn has been discontinued by Rowan but is easy to find in Ravelry destashes, some yarn stores still have stock and also on ebay. </span></div>
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I loved this shawl. Until I gave it away I wore it a lot. Yeah, I gave it away. To a dear friend who admired it and tried it on to find it dressed up her tweed suit p e r f e c t l y, it was the perfect accessory she could not have found for that outfit and her colouring. Us knitters, we do love to share when we know the knit will be loved and appreciated. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM5WMfv7tSCdM8gZEXiDXhxonTval14gry15oS8r7CQueUewlFVZksa8sdVuhu6ZIHaelxdhHcI-QcczDl32pGr-Jzaiwsa_x_8J-koSu_xtbz5jmXgbasfXiC2LPhQpA00Fal3-YbD1Tv/s1600/Shetland+Traingle+Shawl+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM5WMfv7tSCdM8gZEXiDXhxonTval14gry15oS8r7CQueUewlFVZksa8sdVuhu6ZIHaelxdhHcI-QcczDl32pGr-Jzaiwsa_x_8J-koSu_xtbz5jmXgbasfXiC2LPhQpA00Fal3-YbD1Tv/s1600/Shetland+Traingle+Shawl+2.jpg" height="544" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'll definitely knit another to replace for myself when I pick up more Rowanspun 4ply. This yarn has body that holds being block well while staying soft and comfortable. I often chose patterns based on being free or in a pretty book to purchase for my library shelf, I don't for a second regret buying it on Raverly and enjoying both the process of knitting it and the product. Knit exactly as written, for a change I made no mods.</div>
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Shetland Lace Triangle Shawl, you'll be glad you knit it.</div>
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Live, love and laugh much. Find joy in your day and tell those you care about you love them. Renee </div>
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Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13816016965260849057noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1312056037853803779.post-89374385800549290292014-10-06T20:33:00.000-04:002014-10-07T12:58:57.237-04:00Hello Again and a Knit<div style="text-align: justify;">
It's been so long, very long, since I've blogged. Since New Years Day 2012 actually when I planned to take a blogging break. At the time I had no intention of it being away for more than one season. The past couple years have been filled with ups and downs. happy and sad, growing and changing. And now it's seeing the return for my urge to blog. Hello, again. I wonder if there may be someone that visits, I'd appreciate a comment to let me know if you've enjoyed (or not) what I'm sharing again? </div>
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The social network of Knit Bloggers has taken a dramatic drop in popularity, yet there's a giant increase in fiber facsination. Summarized beautifully by Sarah Swett, Fiber Artist, "Make stuff. Stay home. Draw. Dress locally. Hand wash. Learn to darn." For me, taking yarn and needles and creating something useful, beautiful, artistic and functional is greatly satisfying. Sustainable living, growing food, cooking and eating well at home, reducing our carbon footprint are all embraced by knitters and crafters with natural fibers. In this high tech world, the creative arts are gaining in appreciation and participation.</div>
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A quick update of the past few years here at Casa del Koch: Don and I are now married 26 years and our kids are adults, Ryan now 23 and Nicole 20. We still have our Standard Poodles and but I'm sad to say we had to sell our horses January 2014. My mom passed away last January and with that grief I lost the desire to knit, quilt, spin or create. Things I've done for most of my life. An outing to The Knitters Fair in September brought it back. My mojo. The need and want to play with sticks and string, to indulge in all things wool and fiber. I plan to share my knitting, a bit of whatever I'm crafting, photographing and some recipes along with events and adventures that inspire me here again on my blog. A place to also journal the following of my dreams. Welcome, if you're reading this. </div>
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And the knit? <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/miras-cowl" target="_blank">MIRA</a>: a simple project in lucious yarn. 2 skeins of Classic Elite "Vail" in soft gray from their Mountain Top Collection. It's a light fingering weight yarn, 70% alpaca for softness giving it a slight halo, 30% bamboo viscose gives it a beautiful luster and drape. The yarn looks like it might be splitty, but it wasn't and behaved beautifully round knit on 5.5mm 24" Addi Turbos. This cowl pattern available free on Ravelry. I tweaked it a tiny bit by adding a small picot on the cast off edge with clear 6mm beads. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvIcKvxyPZZ9imyljtoFvY5J-VcP86lFCJznGul2wByVhUQWSxaOPkcdn5J-dTT4cFmuVaOwoA1nMdsABqClcL5A2qZJHWvnT2YigtDJffKly7mz02GdNpnIiZXHOsL9Zoq0OPaFy94Sny/s1600/Mira+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvIcKvxyPZZ9imyljtoFvY5J-VcP86lFCJznGul2wByVhUQWSxaOPkcdn5J-dTT4cFmuVaOwoA1nMdsABqClcL5A2qZJHWvnT2YigtDJffKly7mz02GdNpnIiZXHOsL9Zoq0OPaFy94Sny/s1600/Mira+4.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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It can be worn wrapped around your neck twice or draped like a shawl. Images in this post show the cowl before blocking. With the season now into autumn, my most favourite, this knit will see a lot of wear. It would make a wonderful Christmas gift. A helpful video tutorial on the cast off picot edge is available <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fo94hIkkyEI" target="_blank">here</a> by Wendy McDonnell aka Yarn Fairy.</div>
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I love the look of layering knits over knits. The cardi is from Mark's Work Wearhouse, picked up during my months of non-knitting. </div>
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Thank you for visiting. Be well, tell those you love that you love them and have a great day. Renee</div>
Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13816016965260849057noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1312056037853803779.post-80422034220796838922012-01-01T16:47:00.001-05:002014-10-07T16:16:25.624-04:00HAPPY 2012<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>Beauty.. </em><em>Freshness.. Dreams.. </em><em>Truth.. Imagination.. Feeling.. </em><em>Faith.. Trust.. </em></span></span><br />
<em><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This is begining of a new year! </span></em><br />
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Was your 2011 wonderful? We had a good, busy year. </div>
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It's with optimism and a smile that I look forward to 2012 and reflect on 2011. The next few months will be cold and wintery here in Ontario, a good time to buckle down to finish projects and start new ones. With that in mind I'm going to take a planned winter break from blogging. I'll return in spring, hopefully with projects to share and more time to spend blogging myself. I plan to keep visiting all my friends in the blogosphere and enjoy your wonderful posts. Stop in to say hi on <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24877672@N06/">Flickr</a> if you're so inclined. See you back here when the daffodils bloom! </div>
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May 2012 will be all you wish for and more. Live, love and laugh much, tell those you care about you love them and find happiness in your day. Renee </div>
Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13816016965260849057noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1312056037853803779.post-10206254736085680122011-12-01T21:56:00.000-05:002011-12-01T21:56:11.119-05:00you may live in Canada, if...<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Sharing a little Jeff Foxworthy whimsy as we head into winter. Here's what Mr.</span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"> Foxworthy has to say about Canadians, during a recent appearance at Caesars in Windsor :</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If someone in a Home Depot store Offers you assistance and they don't work there, You may live in Canada.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you've worn shorts and a parka at the same time, You may live in Canada.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you've had a lengthy telephone conversation With someone who dialed a wrong number,........................... You may live in Canada.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If 'Vacation' means going anywhere South of Detroit for the weekend, You may live in Canada.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you measure distance in hours, You may live in Canada.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you know several people Who have hit a deer more than once, You may live in Canada.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you have switched from 'heat' to 'A/C' In the same day and back again, You may live in Canada.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you can drive 90 km/hr through 2 feet of snow During a raging blizzard without flinching, You may live in Canada.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you install security lights on your house and garage, But leave both unlocked, You may live in Canada.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you carry jumper cables in your car And your wife knows how to use them, You may live in Canada.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you design your kid's Halloween costume To fit over a snowsuit, You may live in Canada.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If the speed limit on the highway is 80 km -- You're going 95 and everybody is passing you, You may live in Canada.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If driving is better in the winter Because the potholes are filled with snow, You may live in Canada.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you know all 4 seasons: Almost winter, winter, still winter, and road construction, You may live in Canada.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you have more miles On your snow blower than your car, You may live in Canada.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you find -2 degrees 'a little chilly', You may live in Canada.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you actually understand these jokes, and forward them to all your friends, you definitely are Canadian and proud to be ♥ ♥ ♥</span>Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13816016965260849057noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1312056037853803779.post-76042405384809680362011-09-15T17:36:00.001-04:002011-09-15T17:37:37.583-04:00harvest<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiernK_cq1AQuoBu9nhH5Cw1gBBDsYaQkJPr4iHEnptw7kZ-Axfi55q2gdytYJhAu7xTItEM8Hjs3v5GSlNds4TQTBh_pF2DUwWjO3WO27PFpernVSPB29vtkmgSkoTSE2ZRUDyc8WoBbBK/s1600/IMG_3583.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiernK_cq1AQuoBu9nhH5Cw1gBBDsYaQkJPr4iHEnptw7kZ-Axfi55q2gdytYJhAu7xTItEM8Hjs3v5GSlNds4TQTBh_pF2DUwWjO3WO27PFpernVSPB29vtkmgSkoTSE2ZRUDyc8WoBbBK/s640/IMG_3583.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
A little sunshine in our back yard.</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUWl2rOm1GuQGqZd_CfEmPFJhD5QlXrnCORD3pdv5OBPGeZgoi6npF57AyfajwKEzjdK9gPJwm2BkPOShGvlioLdaER9z1Z9Plpjn_do8MOANte3VkQ9YLMZDC8hYkjwLVe2IUNm9fRXO7/s1600/IMG_3584.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUWl2rOm1GuQGqZd_CfEmPFJhD5QlXrnCORD3pdv5OBPGeZgoi6npF57AyfajwKEzjdK9gPJwm2BkPOShGvlioLdaER9z1Z9Plpjn_do8MOANte3VkQ9YLMZDC8hYkjwLVe2IUNm9fRXO7/s640/IMG_3584.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
And the last of the tomato harvest. </div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">May your day be sunny and bright! </div><div style="text-align: center;">Renee</div>Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13816016965260849057noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1312056037853803779.post-72364687432741205482011-09-02T19:10:00.002-04:002011-09-02T19:12:58.444-04:00mani pedi<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIWj8oyraaFcCBG5vnRAe4a2p4b_jU382Sn0RIQlZqcKaazonOQo3VVNaqvpkehat5lTY6yojwyhFX85xXlKgWZSxdNeex3CiTU0lO2ghg0r-_9I_XI-fjay3YYee6eLu9mT_TcEZrVrLx/s1600/mani+pedi+with+my+girl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="449" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIWj8oyraaFcCBG5vnRAe4a2p4b_jU382Sn0RIQlZqcKaazonOQo3VVNaqvpkehat5lTY6yojwyhFX85xXlKgWZSxdNeex3CiTU0lO2ghg0r-_9I_XI-fjay3YYee6eLu9mT_TcEZrVrLx/s640/mani+pedi+with+my+girl.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Nicole and I had some spa fun this afternoon to start our Labour Day weekend. Mom and daugher mani-pedi - what fun! Yeah, that's gray polish on my toes... It's really taupe-brown-ish, kinda... gray.<br />
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Hard to believe it's already the last weekend of the summer. We're in the midst of a crazy heat wave that blew in with severe storms. The high today saw a humidex of 41C (105F). Crazy is the only word for it. Tomorrow and Sunday are more of the same with a huge drop for Labour Day Monday to only reach 16C (61F). A tornado touched down last week about 5km from us in Cambridge, damage was limited but Goderich was not so lucky. Hoping any of you in or near tornado areas are safe and well. We are Not a tornado area, normally. It's really unusual for us to have really severe storms - winter excepted. This summer has brought a lot of strange stuff.<br />
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In hopes of cooler temps, I cast on a little something for myself to ease back in to knitting. <a href="http://a-friend-to-knit-with.blogspot.com/2008/09/toasttoasty.html">Toast!</a> How do I love thee?? Finally a pair for me. Knit in Cascade Heathers "Oatmeal". I can't wait to wear them. Soon, soon, very soon - I hope. Autumn is my favourite time of the year. <br />
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Happy September everyone! Be well and enjoy a lovely long weekend!Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13816016965260849057noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1312056037853803779.post-56547168727483251622011-08-10T21:24:00.003-04:002011-08-10T21:25:16.295-04:00This is your Life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8BUVg6bAW2YhCKOS9r7GbHWsv1Ry-I7svvGkYp6gykR0ufDoRU1_0ZkWQ4qj-_D-QUjPQHI7MQCEVC2KOHFfS9IZAEbrHEhntHIHjNHu7jppToGWDoGgNKGTQnuD7lMQl4AdSeVPYs3JV/s1600/this+is+your+life.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8BUVg6bAW2YhCKOS9r7GbHWsv1Ry-I7svvGkYp6gykR0ufDoRU1_0ZkWQ4qj-_D-QUjPQHI7MQCEVC2KOHFfS9IZAEbrHEhntHIHjNHu7jppToGWDoGgNKGTQnuD7lMQl4AdSeVPYs3JV/s640/this+is+your+life.jpg" width="504" /></a></div>Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13816016965260849057noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1312056037853803779.post-63543166744662484692011-07-24T15:45:00.000-04:002011-07-24T15:45:37.431-04:00Too entertaining (and silly) not to share - Top Gear BCC and Ford Fiesta<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/7e7R3y-qwZ0" width="560"></iframe><br />
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Have a great weekend all!<br />
ReneeReneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13816016965260849057noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1312056037853803779.post-90187838122114643742011-06-03T10:49:00.001-04:002011-06-03T12:51:58.226-04:00Hello Spring!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikXka4NJOQSfM-AGke9jVXFLdhxxv9cLLDOrrX_TdwGMVtSMIC4jpYuPNI7-rDy054Ytegd5LhMnmDVd_ktlfG9o_LpmyaBkvS6eQsfIBaF4wkStsv_aWgtzUWjwKed8EWjY3KjAulIDyk/s1600/Chase+-+June+1%252C+2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikXka4NJOQSfM-AGke9jVXFLdhxxv9cLLDOrrX_TdwGMVtSMIC4jpYuPNI7-rDy054Ytegd5LhMnmDVd_ktlfG9o_LpmyaBkvS6eQsfIBaF4wkStsv_aWgtzUWjwKed8EWjY3KjAulIDyk/s400/Chase+-+June+1%252C+2011.jpg" t8="true" width="400" /></a></div>It's finally here! Very late - odds are we'll be flung right in to hot and humid summer shortly, but after a long winter that's just fine by me. Bring on the allergies and mosquitoes (also known as the Canadian Air Force), it's worth it to see green and feel warm sunshine and bright blue skis. Around here that means it's time to indulge in annuals. The growing season is pitifully short here in South Western Ontario - but what there is of it we enjoy. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisd3Q5vq3Pf9ZAPZkLeCvmOo5odbuoWyxST4dGVBmveFtcg78AjLDI3DNarYXXWucwVlQJJ2gnQctj63tQt_tlBzUYFBCrTNqwWC3GnLTiucjYpwYn3vOFewle_w6wc7VIK18dDG4R-NAe/s1600/in+progress+may24-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisd3Q5vq3Pf9ZAPZkLeCvmOo5odbuoWyxST4dGVBmveFtcg78AjLDI3DNarYXXWucwVlQJJ2gnQctj63tQt_tlBzUYFBCrTNqwWC3GnLTiucjYpwYn3vOFewle_w6wc7VIK18dDG4R-NAe/s400/in+progress+may24-11.jpg" t8="true" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">North facing front garden in-progress</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Our front yard garden has always been very small. Well, grown a little bit each year as I edge in a few inches every year to sneak some more size to it. Don loves his lawn, I'm greedy and want more garden space... this year I just dug in and expanded a bunch. The garden is still tiny, but doubled in width under the living room window and expanded about 2 feet along the walkway. Divided up my hostas and spread them out. Once they're opened up more it'll be purdy. I'll take pics again soon when everything is leafed out. <br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">It's with sadness I share that we lost Hunter, who passed away last month. He had a ton of character and was a real ham. Rest well, old man, you'll always be in our hearts. These pics were of Hunter in his younger days, this is how I remember him most - always grinning and having a good time.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">On the knitting front, I've only pick up the needles to get the first border done on McCafferty, once I have the gardens and lawn at the farm (acres of it, seriously it could stop raining already...) under control I'll have a little more time to sit and knit. This weekend is the Poodle Club of Canada Regional and National Specialties so I'll be off playing with dogs. Have a great one yourself, hope you're doing something you enjoy.</div>Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13816016965260849057noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1312056037853803779.post-18249779285832816742011-03-21T19:11:00.005-04:002011-03-22T13:02:38.064-04:00wood wall n wool ~ cast-on-itis, full blown case<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDN2b974QnDHEvyM6PRv77-BOJBCpdCsHhnSELPwGlyI5gCYA008pZrTZRboFqqx1wbJrLIhiMQgNDQycu4W1mtMOtq8RcBfBfrA3ihMgTKtTK4b2mP3R4KwYalzpAegZGEd2uVOiuZmLJ/s1600/IMG_3042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDN2b974QnDHEvyM6PRv77-BOJBCpdCsHhnSELPwGlyI5gCYA008pZrTZRboFqqx1wbJrLIhiMQgNDQycu4W1mtMOtq8RcBfBfrA3ihMgTKtTK4b2mP3R4KwYalzpAegZGEd2uVOiuZmLJ/s320/IMG_3042.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
We got a new tv, perfect to put over the mantle. It was hard to see with our necks cranked up that far and the tv was sitting up a bit too high. And I wear bifocals so tipping my head up to see the screen had me peeping through the reading part of my lenses. We planned to lower the brick by 3 rows and put the oak mantle top back on. What we thought would be a simple, weekend project and a small drywall repair wasn't quite what we expected. The fire brick behind the decorative brick front of the fire surround we discovered was installed before the drywall. The drywall was butted up to the frame. Result? The firebrick of the chimney stuck further into the room than the wallboard around it. There were lots of ways to fix that, most easier than what I was hoping for, but Don was a sweetheart and humoured me. We clad the wall - after a lot more chiselling, grinding and dust then first planned - in wood.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_BBKb40HuFYaDMn2vPH8swce1lLXYQeUobOX4gNHWkyKlUwxDaHz-WbgMpfD-RxMTI0afCk2Pvm8vszEjZiDtjkC8US6bSY7sxI_yQXZvry0Z_FSkGZb18ekfMZKqPkknIdYLw9m-Gl20/s1600/IMG_3096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_BBKb40HuFYaDMn2vPH8swce1lLXYQeUobOX4gNHWkyKlUwxDaHz-WbgMpfD-RxMTI0afCk2Pvm8vszEjZiDtjkC8US6bSY7sxI_yQXZvry0Z_FSkGZb18ekfMZKqPkknIdYLw9m-Gl20/s320/IMG_3096.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>We used rough hewn pine boards that we had planed to a smoother surface and brought all the boards to the same thickness. They range from 11 to 13.5" wide. Amazing how out of square a 26 year old house is, but Don did a fantastic job cladding the wall. I put a fresh coat of paint on the adjacent walls, then made a stain from the left over paint by cutting it 50% with water to stain the pine boards.<br />
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Loving the finished wood wall. We need to deal with the wires, blu ray player and cable box on the mantle in some sort of attractive manner and accessorize on the right side of the fireplace. Any suggestions would be very welcome. Check out the wall all finished up with the pine planks!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAeA87FlFtfBlZrPcKDoZ6Dx0Fk6hJR8cb2b-BkOEUh2tCOAhGvqH4JnJrzBdNU4Dm3cUsn6U2LiEgE8Kt-0iwL_sssHEdEyNY3SR1-U4Zj_7ZOtO4_2JpIGOZwCWCEaoS7bE3yJc8yFEK/s1600/IMG_3164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAeA87FlFtfBlZrPcKDoZ6Dx0Fk6hJR8cb2b-BkOEUh2tCOAhGvqH4JnJrzBdNU4Dm3cUsn6U2LiEgE8Kt-0iwL_sssHEdEyNY3SR1-U4Zj_7ZOtO4_2JpIGOZwCWCEaoS7bE3yJc8yFEK/s640/IMG_3164.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>I haven't knit in forever. Not for a lack of wanting to. I'm about to cast on for <a href="http://www.jolihouse.com/?p=1001">Lily Kate's pretty shawl pattern McCafferty</a> . It's just what I'm in the mood for with spring here, something chic to wear my favourite white blouse and jeans. The pattern is available <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/mccafferty">here</a> on Ravelry. The yarn I plan to use is The Plucky Knitter Primo, but just can't decide on which colour? Pink or Gray? Help?! Which colour should I use?<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU7Lm0LBIF-5_xWTHfE9Q13bew0FKkxbqJ4F4YzYIWNsRVPyeoSdCmqdwLAdmtBZuZZW1WRfbz7zZywQGnK0Eldd_NQb4JFQlR-A-BY7bAPAJKIjb97nIMLXnTymadvMmSuJR0Cke3ZX2T/s1600/IMG_3172.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU7Lm0LBIF-5_xWTHfE9Q13bew0FKkxbqJ4F4YzYIWNsRVPyeoSdCmqdwLAdmtBZuZZW1WRfbz7zZywQGnK0Eldd_NQb4JFQlR-A-BY7bAPAJKIjb97nIMLXnTymadvMmSuJR0Cke3ZX2T/s320/IMG_3172.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm pretty certain I'd wear the gray more, but this pink "Gumball" colourway is fun too... </div>Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13816016965260849057noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1312056037853803779.post-19654322793908927752011-02-11T21:17:00.000-05:002011-02-11T21:17:46.129-05:00If you have<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWFv2X9TGiK4MvbVMkGccECWynN4IhxHS2b8FasZ7gcVgKkIRdlAFbQ3TL5XLRrmtoJ2teviQLKwCtJX7W5JySjba7dWBRIFqWDRXAQLKjdLKxravojhyphenhyphenyUPN7zCJ6Lv0-Nd55S4KfS9Nz/s1600/gratitude.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWFv2X9TGiK4MvbVMkGccECWynN4IhxHS2b8FasZ7gcVgKkIRdlAFbQ3TL5XLRrmtoJ2teviQLKwCtJX7W5JySjba7dWBRIFqWDRXAQLKjdLKxravojhyphenhyphenyUPN7zCJ6Lv0-Nd55S4KfS9Nz/s640/gratitude.jpg" width="399" /></a></div>I am grateful for all I have. Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend. ReneeReneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13816016965260849057noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1312056037853803779.post-8484629343779973122011-02-07T14:20:00.002-05:002011-02-07T14:51:16.151-05:00Poodles in Snow Suits in a Snow Storm... yeah, that's really what this is<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/KPNhvkUnMsw?fs=1" width="425"></iframe><br />
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We have a ton more snow than in this video clip taken 3 weeks ago. This was the start of one of the snow storms. This past Saturday evening we got 15" of snow in 2 hours.<br />
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My fav part of this video clip is at 3:21 into it. Don's had to blow the dog playing field clear with the tractor more than a few times, not to mention the 1000 foot laneway. Hope everyone who lives where it snows is managing to shovel out from under this year. We went to Home Depot on the weekend and the store front is full of bbqs, lawn furniture and ride mowers. Retailers are pretty much sold out of snow blowers and shovels. Spring must be coming?... I hope so. Course, where we live we get blizzards in April and it can snow on Mother's Day.<br />
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Be well, stay warm, hug and tell those you care about you love them.<br />
ReneeReneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13816016965260849057noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1312056037853803779.post-4591638812137534042011-02-02T18:51:00.005-05:002011-02-03T22:27:45.291-05:00FO: knitting the blues<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhraEpQa9i8LoAZ1JtmYZWIpOAYErMtlHPx11Gtm2VUzOxsG7qVFDpCRn4N2HGNN1IQ4iON2XHAbEqErcIqMvK7ILJHCeSwFKA5XdZ5hMqFavDMZkN-SoZ7zK2FP2Bt5M6w6ZxtDmUJz9V8/s1600/blue+not+noro+striped+scarf1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="301" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhraEpQa9i8LoAZ1JtmYZWIpOAYErMtlHPx11Gtm2VUzOxsG7qVFDpCRn4N2HGNN1IQ4iON2XHAbEqErcIqMvK7ILJHCeSwFKA5XdZ5hMqFavDMZkN-SoZ7zK2FP2Bt5M6w6ZxtDmUJz9V8/s400/blue+not+noro+striped+scarf1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Not Noro Striped Scarf" in Rowan Tapestry </td></tr>
</tbody></table><strong>Pattern:</strong> <a href="http://brooklyntweed.blogspot.com/2007/04/noro-scarf.html">Noro Striped Scarf</a> by Jared Flood<br />
<strong>Yarn:</strong> Rowan Tapestry, 2 balls each of colours SH 170 Country and SH 176 Whirlpool<br />
<strong>Size:</strong> 5" x 88"<br />
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Knit up in Rowan Tapestry ~ "a modern blend of wool and soybean protein fiber; the yarn has a slightly felted look. It is soft and has a gentle drape. This self-striping yarn knits up into stripes that shade subtly from one to the next." Tapestry is discontinued but still available in some yarn shops and on ebay for really reduced prices. It's a yarn I'm sorry to see go. If you can still find it I highly recommend it for knitting accessories.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIHqwxgtSEnmfu8iWbx4YDU6Q2qD8TeSvG7DoXt26Gz_8kESJUtQc2heT9GNVYDmMvTo1UyeY4v1TulaTeulyiBmMsos1OkI06o5hmc9_QXQscW9pD0-cS_KGDAbZSc_178M-kfKgZ2-zP/s1600/blue+not+noro+striped+scarf2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIHqwxgtSEnmfu8iWbx4YDU6Q2qD8TeSvG7DoXt26Gz_8kESJUtQc2heT9GNVYDmMvTo1UyeY4v1TulaTeulyiBmMsos1OkI06o5hmc9_QXQscW9pD0-cS_KGDAbZSc_178M-kfKgZ2-zP/s400/blue+not+noro+striped+scarf2.jpg" width="302" /></a></div><br />
It's been a while since I've blogged ~ but we're still here and doing fine. Home today with the "big" blizzard which wasn't big by Canadian standards, but we did get about a foot and a half of snow that's been causing white outs and some pretty impressive snow drifts. We're inside with the woodstove on enjoying pristine winter views. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSRvCkkkMuju24rnsgMcG4FPeqK28MvOdHD7FkFsghGN-eRO9hD1bJFiZlzUaYIGhOSpi_EPDWptjNTK_lrB0FQAsWU5mMLs0_wEUHY4Ax4dTsH-f5IB2Bi_XjpUE0R1CwuXJUYx599Cwg/s1600/blue+not+noro+striped+scarf3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSRvCkkkMuju24rnsgMcG4FPeqK28MvOdHD7FkFsghGN-eRO9hD1bJFiZlzUaYIGhOSpi_EPDWptjNTK_lrB0FQAsWU5mMLs0_wEUHY4Ax4dTsH-f5IB2Bi_XjpUE0R1CwuXJUYx599Cwg/s400/blue+not+noro+striped+scarf3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br />
What better to keep warm while shovelling snow than a snuggly new scarf? I finished knitting this just before Christmas, but wanted to share it on the blog. Both Nicole and I have gotten some cozy, warm wear from this scarf. It's the same as my <a href="http://reneeknitstoo.blogspot.com/2009/02/fo-not-noro-striped-scarf.html">other one in berry reds</a>, knit in my favourite blues. Knitting these striped scarves is addictive, I don't tire of the colour changes. I like scarves very long - at 88" it can be worn in all sorts of ways. <a href="http://ravel.me/ReneeKnitsToo/9p9af">http://ravel.me/ReneeKnitsToo/9p9af</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjePvrPmmbApP4ABOLRW72B8SeAvYyfnkkqM6CMnikx7VnS_gbAAdodezVC-8U-t9mctBh3HA6Zfq4ORIt0iCMyiATtqTWAEkNHAFuY3M7tpg1873Oa_ib0n31e0Ol-w299Z3EhTuLefsei/s1600/Nina+win+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjePvrPmmbApP4ABOLRW72B8SeAvYyfnkkqM6CMnikx7VnS_gbAAdodezVC-8U-t9mctBh3HA6Zfq4ORIt0iCMyiATtqTWAEkNHAFuY3M7tpg1873Oa_ib0n31e0Ol-w299Z3EhTuLefsei/s400/Nina+win+collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Nina finished her show Championship in 2010 and was a delightful girl in the ring. Now we've moved on to the fun stuff... obedience and tracking. She has a lot of hair and looks very grown up ~ just 9 months old in this photo.<br />
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I've been sewing, not so much time for knitting. Very adorable baby boy quilt to share soon .<br />
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Be well, stay warm and tell those you care about you love them.<br />
ReneeReneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13816016965260849057noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1312056037853803779.post-33669995238749423552010-11-22T19:15:00.002-05:002010-12-15T20:00:17.391-05:00how did it get to be the end of November already??Over the past month I have knit several pairs of fingerless mitts, all of which I gifted before taking pictures. In the past 2 weeks I haven't knit a single stitch. sigh. Quilting? nope. Spinning? nada. I have baked up and storm for a few different parties and events, but that's all eaten and gone too without any pictures or recipes posted... <br />
The only pictures I do have lately are of Nina - puppy girl is doing great in the show ring, so lots of fluffy poodle puppy pictures. She's half way to her Championship and entered again in December. No wonder I have no time to knit... enjoy the puppy pic, she's looking very grown up, but just turned 8 months old.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifVZJ_CwcjQkiuHTiGX6nJPHtTh3r9sSH8j2x88IfzlrsKnnjDT2ZCSEErRAH0npDRDvzS9WZ_vYQw-QVVPk9orUr0N7YzXlX47M2s1bbujWO2IlvtOYqMvOhCtszpAI3xF6-O8SybaBkU/s1600/close+up+nina+nov14-10+for+background.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifVZJ_CwcjQkiuHTiGX6nJPHtTh3r9sSH8j2x88IfzlrsKnnjDT2ZCSEErRAH0npDRDvzS9WZ_vYQw-QVVPk9orUr0N7YzXlX47M2s1bbujWO2IlvtOYqMvOhCtszpAI3xF6-O8SybaBkU/s400/close+up+nina+nov14-10+for+background.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Be well, be happy and hug those you love!<br />
ReneeReneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13816016965260849057noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1312056037853803779.post-47529246311685172702010-10-31T20:40:00.000-04:002010-10-31T20:40:42.682-04:00Thanks for the good luck wishesThey must`ve worked! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhvFwaeHRy9NKQu7S3rTpgj50iVamQzWyaWau_INZTF004FCIgNo-C8Np2SnprHyAl6WT3Uz9WR86T1Yq482fufG6sMm-h-GK__ER2U_RDMtqXZiMLlgN-Scv0Z0PWLFhcos0FfsLnnZlg/s1600/Nina+Best+of+Winners+Oct.30-10+2+pts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhvFwaeHRy9NKQu7S3rTpgj50iVamQzWyaWau_INZTF004FCIgNo-C8Np2SnprHyAl6WT3Uz9WR86T1Yq482fufG6sMm-h-GK__ER2U_RDMtqXZiMLlgN-Scv0Z0PWLFhcos0FfsLnnZlg/s400/Nina+Best+of+Winners+Oct.30-10+2+pts.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Nina was expertly presented by pro handler Chrystal Murray - whom Nina loves. She`s now Champion pointed and well on her way to her Championship!! I`m crazy busy over the next 2 weeks and apologize for not being quick to respond to comments and emails - just wanted to let everyone know I appreciate hearing from you so much! <br />
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Knitting posts to come - honest - lest you all thing this has turned into a poodle blog!! Poodles and Wool do go so well together though...Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13816016965260849057noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1312056037853803779.post-58858330727587579652010-10-28T21:10:00.001-04:002011-01-09T19:38:39.307-05:00Happy Hallowe'enHow did it get to be the last weekend of October already? Fall has been flying by. I won't be around the blog (or home for that matter) for the next 2 or 3 weeks much - off every weekend to dog shows with Ms. Bella Nina. Nina is fluffed, buffed and ready to roll with me before dawn tomorrow morning for her first ever dog show. She's 7 months old already, looking very grown up. No - won't be sporting her pink elastic horns in the show ring, but I'm sure her halo will be showing. Wish us luck.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge-K1s2lK5X7xsUztuczIZoMsN7wdMV_PZNq1yeaTuVXEFNNSniVbR3GsrkVOO_HY5M3rNr1trC5WmDK6I2Y-Q55zV-k0hXiyrOO3qG6M1ubjXirNDCT-Hn_bIm7ac5Jxv8pNUGrlCNY4c/s1600/headpiece+10-13-10+Nina.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge-K1s2lK5X7xsUztuczIZoMsN7wdMV_PZNq1yeaTuVXEFNNSniVbR3GsrkVOO_HY5M3rNr1trC5WmDK6I2Y-Q55zV-k0hXiyrOO3qG6M1ubjXirNDCT-Hn_bIm7ac5Jxv8pNUGrlCNY4c/s400/headpiece+10-13-10+Nina.jpg" width="317" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Wishing everyone a very Happy Halloween. Have fun and enjoy some candy!</div>Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13816016965260849057noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1312056037853803779.post-83914475716475927612010-10-10T16:13:00.000-04:002010-10-10T16:13:47.310-04:00Happy Thanksgiving everyone!I absolutely love this! Sending it out to all the amazing women I know and have yet to meet for whom I am all thankful for. Especially my mom and daughter. This Thanksgiving I'm most thankful for family, friends and what each new day brings.<object height="295" style="background-image: url(http://i2.ytimg.com/vi/qfcKvevod3k/hqdefault.jpg);" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/qfcKvevod3k?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/qfcKvevod3k?fs=1&hl=en_US" width="480" height="295" allowscriptaccess="never" allowfullscreen="true" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object><br />
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Wishing you all a great day! ReneeReneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13816016965260849057noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1312056037853803779.post-26403251165337976712010-10-06T23:06:00.000-04:002010-10-06T23:06:07.821-04:00S'more cupcakesThese are decadent. Oh ~ so good! Recipe can be found <a href="http://www.thefoodmag.com/recipes/recipes_smorescupcakes.htm">HERE</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDKYwDkspbniF1twKn3nsGWNriwUg9laKwuB57q8MlFOdzVpf3fnNWXdpDS3hpI9nz32TcHTB1hYki1IOhZoNaPtLmWmpQ-_b-Bxiz9kUSkECVF0ThTnqEw-YHEYNgl-zmPpanqJKtWC7w/s1600/OTCh+s'more+cupcakes+for+Piper's+class.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDKYwDkspbniF1twKn3nsGWNriwUg9laKwuB57q8MlFOdzVpf3fnNWXdpDS3hpI9nz32TcHTB1hYki1IOhZoNaPtLmWmpQ-_b-Bxiz9kUSkECVF0ThTnqEw-YHEYNgl-zmPpanqJKtWC7w/s400/OTCh+s'more+cupcakes+for+Piper's+class.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I brought 2 dozen of them to class to <a href="http://reneeknitstoo.blogspot.com/2010/10/otch.html">celebrate this</a>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My comments on this recipe: the cupcake itself is really wonderful and one I'll bake again. The batter is watery and runny - but like the recipe says - it's ok and will bake up nicely. They did. Light and firm, tasty and tastes like homemade - very very good!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The icing recipe says it makes enough for 30 cupcakes - the recipe makes 24 cupcakes. Truth is the icing makes enough for probably 60 or 70 cupcakes! Even halfing it would be far too much. I found the icing too sweet for my liking. The first time I try a recipe I follow the directions as written. Next time I'll drop the sugar added to 1/3 or 1/4 of recommended and 1/2 the marshmallows. The icing texture is wonderful - light and fluffy, just way too rich for me.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwo_lcS2orTrsWxCkqx-6eNHFfsKbAHDSgjaEbsuqqr5VDqPBB2WlEklfSCuILRl1WCLLG_Rko0boUFQAehvF6FqP4bE9CrmUhoB2a-saI-EAXOaFyOUHpvTcUR1B5kL4YuP0N-pDsKGcs/s1600/betchya+can't+stop+at+one.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwo_lcS2orTrsWxCkqx-6eNHFfsKbAHDSgjaEbsuqqr5VDqPBB2WlEklfSCuILRl1WCLLG_Rko0boUFQAehvF6FqP4bE9CrmUhoB2a-saI-EAXOaFyOUHpvTcUR1B5kL4YuP0N-pDsKGcs/s400/betchya+can't+stop+at+one.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I grated some of the graham crackers over the icing and had no problem making the graham wafers and chocolate stand up in it. These look even better than they photograph and are going into my recipe file, with the tweeking of the icing. The cupcakes themselves would be great topped with whip cream and berries, how I plan to serve them next time.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Oq84HxveepnCrHo7Tw6qpyiywikxvWiA6VjvhFH8hleQkzePEV4n4hGDdIdsD4jWnQERCdv-ZMqeMC5udVYSfJ19h2Neug8yz1vv0I66sRLbXdFuiyYpJ4AkX0U4jx_4WjbUS9Lt0Lh7/s1600/OTCh+s'morecupake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Oq84HxveepnCrHo7Tw6qpyiywikxvWiA6VjvhFH8hleQkzePEV4n4hGDdIdsD4jWnQERCdv-ZMqeMC5udVYSfJ19h2Neug8yz1vv0I66sRLbXdFuiyYpJ4AkX0U4jx_4WjbUS9Lt0Lh7/s400/OTCh+s'morecupake.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>If you like s'mores, you'll love these cupcakes! They were a big hit at class. I'm giving them a big thumbs up. What's your favourite cupcake? I'm looking for new recipes, I'd love it if you'd share your best with me. :)<br />
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Be well, be happy and take care! ReneeReneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13816016965260849057noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1312056037853803779.post-80492434366836315852010-10-04T18:48:00.006-04:002010-10-04T22:31:44.677-04:00OTCh!!<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho159ENNQagZKTf8kyRnPd6F4MFwDV0AfrctGNZMjTLhiTJREptuqKgzXR4KioYgwFggqKjPqYTswyJpYtjtZ5tSgTDRGsLxFXecUgyaAFdhzGmXq9GT1yHZpp49V3kC_MIGGRkDrhp5rN/s1600/OTCh+Piper+Oct.3-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho159ENNQagZKTf8kyRnPd6F4MFwDV0AfrctGNZMjTLhiTJREptuqKgzXR4KioYgwFggqKjPqYTswyJpYtjtZ5tSgTDRGsLxFXecUgyaAFdhzGmXq9GT1yHZpp49V3kC_MIGGRkDrhp5rN/s400/OTCh+Piper+Oct.3-10.jpg" width="302" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Piper completed her title yesterday with a big smile on her poodle face to match the thrilled one on mine. As one of the judges told me when we left the ring after one of her qualifying scores, "Steak for supper for that poodle!" Thank you Piper, you are an amazing partner! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">It's been a long journey with Piper to reach this level in her training and trialing. An up and down hill journey with the excitement of new skills learned, friendships gained, exercises mastered and confidences (often) humbled. Piper and I suffered through fear and guilt when she was attacked and hurt, a re-building of trust and confidence to keep her safe from other dogs in the sport, happiness and tears at moments when the light goes on -- when clarity and understanding sinks in. She's had big wins, High in Trials and left me pleased and thrilled with our performance even on the days when we failed to qualify. Piper never stops trying and works her heart out for me. She 'makes me want to be the person my dog thinks I am'- as the saying goes. As much as my life has been molded by my parents, mentors, friends, and teachers - it also has by the animals I've shared time with.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
Training to this level creates bonds in many different relationships. My dog of course, she knows me better than I know her. My coach, mentor and friend Marie Sawford who brought us from Novice A to OTCh. The supportive and amazing help from class and school mates at Companion Dog Training, those I've traveled to compete with and set up at trials beside to spend the weekend, other trainers we've met at shows and trials from Canada and the United States. And especially my dearest and most wonderful friends in the dog world - those women and their dogs that are the "inner circle" of my friends. Hugs to you and thank you for the support and your friendship. Your being who you all are-- I can't measure the value or be thankful for enough. There are far more of you than I can mention without forgetting anyone, but especially Pat, Andrea, Dawn T, and the SPW: Dawn N, Cheryl, and Vivienne and all your amazing dogs. I've learned so much from you all in so many different aspects of dogs, family and friendships. I thank you.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Piper and I will continue our journey with no specific plans for her Excellent, Master and Grand Master title that follow her Obedience Championship - we'll take it one step at a time just as we have to this point and see how far the journey will take us in that direction. As long as we're having fun we'll continue. After reaching this point, the rest is just more icing on an already over the top cake.<br />
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Thank you mostly to my wonderful and 'Sweety Pie' girl Piper, you've taught me so much and made me a more understanding, patient and feeling person. Who knew a poodle could do so much? I do now. And to my training buddies in the Tuesday night Utility class - there'll be cake to celebrate tomorrow!<br />
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Renee & OTCh Ravendune Piping Hot RE AGN CGN HIC(s) RNMCL aka 'Piper' or The Princess Pie</div>Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13816016965260849057noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1312056037853803779.post-76492818738513639032010-09-23T13:59:00.000-04:002010-10-04T14:01:36.277-04:00French Breakfast Muffins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju7Sd7wQiaCBOmqpeIqE51yd2qWD9okIJaIoV2KXzwk_wpEsMyN5wz6p2-N5eOjdBWFsLSd7I1IEzpgHnYv0xiw0W0O_CVzmQUXJMoBgX-CaYEfwAN5BPVTNwVYUxRP4rMnaUP-AsifS-B/s1600/French+Breakfast+Muffins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju7Sd7wQiaCBOmqpeIqE51yd2qWD9okIJaIoV2KXzwk_wpEsMyN5wz6p2-N5eOjdBWFsLSd7I1IEzpgHnYv0xiw0W0O_CVzmQUXJMoBgX-CaYEfwAN5BPVTNwVYUxRP4rMnaUP-AsifS-B/s400/French+Breakfast+Muffins.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Ryan especially loves these. He's keen on the sugar and cinnamon topping, I prefer mine plain with my tea so there's always one in the dozen that's not dipped in the sugary stuff. These store well and freeze well, but don't last long enough at our house for that to matter.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>French Breakfast Muffins</strong></span><br />
Prep: 15 minutes Bake: 20 - 25 minutes<br />
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1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour<br />
1/2 cup sugar<br />
1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder<br />
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)<br />
1/8 teaspoon salt<br />
1 egg<br />
1/2 cup milk<br />
1/3 cup butter, melted<br />
1/4 cup sugar<br />
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Topping:<br />
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon<br />
1/4 cup butter, melted<br />
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1. In a mixing bowl combine flour, the 1/2 cup sugar, baking powder, nutmeg, and salt. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients. <br />
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2. In another bowl beat egg slightly; stir in milk and 1/3 cup melted butter. Add egg mixture to flour mixture. Stir just until moistened ~ the batter may be lumpy. Lightly grease muffin cups. Fill cups about two-thirds full with batter. Bake in a 350 degree F oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until muffins are golden. <br />
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3. Meanwhile, in a shallow bowl combine the 1/4 cup sugar and cinnamon. Immediately dip tops of hot muffins into the 1/4 cup melted butter, then into the cinnamon-sugar mixture until coated. Serve warm. <br />
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<strong>Yield:</strong> 12 small muffins. This recipe doubles well!! I pretty much always make a double batch.<br />
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<strong>Make-Ahead Tip:</strong> Bake muffins as directed. Cool completely. Place muffins in freezer containers or bags and freeze for up to 1 month. To reheat, wrap frozen muffins in heavy foil. Heat in a 300 degree F oven for 15 to 18 minutes.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik5o8-p7dskLBeXVSTYUgY-iwmrU1mvL8yCzcuC2S0u1NvICDTdKOeLkgs5xYs5BShiG9OfEUAxtJfR71cq07mi7gORpS9MD6vjgsVynSKrZOMFH-BHk3QXJ_mMg4QT6Blp81MsycVtF7l/s1600/French+Breakfast+Muffin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik5o8-p7dskLBeXVSTYUgY-iwmrU1mvL8yCzcuC2S0u1NvICDTdKOeLkgs5xYs5BShiG9OfEUAxtJfR71cq07mi7gORpS9MD6vjgsVynSKrZOMFH-BHk3QXJ_mMg4QT6Blp81MsycVtF7l/s400/French+Breakfast+Muffin.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is one the Go-To staple recipes in my files. It's easy and quick. I enjoy one for breakfast cut in half and spread with a bit of jam. You can also drop any of your favourite fruits into the batter to bake. Give them a try! Would love to hear what you think of French Breakfast Muffins. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Be well, eat well and take care!</div>Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13816016965260849057noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1312056037853803779.post-85045218575872596592010-09-17T18:33:00.014-04:002010-09-18T17:30:05.208-04:00Because one just isn't enough & "Dark and Stormy"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj72FPwB0Ajabokr5eKuUNIQKRfmfgCBwFpM3zxtisx1FA1EEfv2YlTA1-rBCJcN5DLfTZ8sJcpc1V3CWvA80_1ofFa4wbSK5BGrmzVPzlLcPNlohQVdwRtiu8_t1PP_HUXqrdnEtMzfj-X/s1600/blue+not+noro+striped+scarf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="305" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj72FPwB0Ajabokr5eKuUNIQKRfmfgCBwFpM3zxtisx1FA1EEfv2YlTA1-rBCJcN5DLfTZ8sJcpc1V3CWvA80_1ofFa4wbSK5BGrmzVPzlLcPNlohQVdwRtiu8_t1PP_HUXqrdnEtMzfj-X/s400/blue+not+noro+striped+scarf.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is another "not" Noro Striped Scarf a la Jared Flood's formula.</div><div style="text-align: center;">To see <a href="http://reneeknitstoo.blogspot.com/2009/02/fo-not-noro-striped-scarf.html">Details from my other one click here</a>.</div>I had 2 tan balls of the Rowan Tapestry in stash and the blue/gray ones were on clearance for 40% off. How could I not knit this again?... so this is a 1/2 stash busting project.<br />
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Now check out this knit pictured below! There isn't anything I don't love about it: the shawl collar is flattering on everyone, the colour - well, y'all know I'm nuts about gray. The detail and shape of this garment is retro and yet cutting edge for today's knits. I. Must. Knit. This!! I can see myself trucking around town all stylish with a smile on wearing this cardigan. And maybe my new boots.<br />
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<strong><em>These three 'Dark and Stormy' photos are courtesy Thea, copyright 2010 Splityarn (who takes awesome photos!!)</em></strong><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhwabQx-pgVI8V7OPfSI7WvL4pXTnyJ5tU-aAEseTwNew6_fVRPR_uKq5LftuQF-MGQO7C5ldRI703LHALokOs85Qi6QnaUbuhV2BisxkV2KI07AchyphenhyphenBenJbXJ6cgI14ulO5itLLG9B6FJ/s1600/2010CS_7492.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhwabQx-pgVI8V7OPfSI7WvL4pXTnyJ5tU-aAEseTwNew6_fVRPR_uKq5LftuQF-MGQO7C5ldRI703LHALokOs85Qi6QnaUbuhV2BisxkV2KI07AchyphenhyphenBenJbXJ6cgI14ulO5itLLG9B6FJ/s640/2010CS_7492.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I can't stop thinking about this pattern. Thea Coleman and <a href="http://thepluckyknitter.com/index.php/archives/2431">Sarah Dimond</a> have collaborated to release <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/dark-and-stormy">"Dark and Stormy".</a> If you're not on Rav <a href="http://babycocktails.blogspot.com/2010/09/dark-and-stormy.html">click here for Thea's blog post</a>. I didn't get the yarn Sarah's selling to kit it (not that I didn't try!), and when I tried to sub Madeleinetosh worsted there wasn't anything in darks that I liked. My weakness? <a href="http://www.lisaknit.com/yarn/animalfibers/bfl.htm">Lisa Souza </a>in mahogany.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8iMoRSXudf-SBc0JS_Za0ske6g4j1Bl2OVSJV2Hrwz_wh__edMZFvJhvSRSP1LqQD62QPKjaFRLKLmIKK2-iU3hd535PMcOOAdDIpgNmHtepVM6jDBGCWFUzPJyP3i1cDX340FZN1PqbF/s1600/2010CS_7468.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8iMoRSXudf-SBc0JS_Za0ske6g4j1Bl2OVSJV2Hrwz_wh__edMZFvJhvSRSP1LqQD62QPKjaFRLKLmIKK2-iU3hd535PMcOOAdDIpgNmHtepVM6jDBGCWFUzPJyP3i1cDX340FZN1PqbF/s400/2010CS_7468.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>I'll be stalking my mail box for yarn to show up and casting on asap! Thanks Thea and Sarah for what I think is the most appealing and wearable pattern for Fall 2010. I'm biased I'm sure, I LOVE this pattern. I'll be knitting like a fiend on my current WIPs because the second the Lisa Souza goodness arrives I'll be ditching everything else to swatch.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgjQHzGEPlb7xFoBMNh644SSrxSVTbrl8_5QMpb5KHNNvJ8yQU6mo_5Ke43AO9YxBVw8U_ZsxDWfvfmIOcsYb25tMKtSpaAQxkv2owI39nrq5oP4p33NHwZHXhUuazMd5iSIdE1ZSdarQl/s1600/2010CS_7497.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgjQHzGEPlb7xFoBMNh644SSrxSVTbrl8_5QMpb5KHNNvJ8yQU6mo_5Ke43AO9YxBVw8U_ZsxDWfvfmIOcsYb25tMKtSpaAQxkv2owI39nrq5oP4p33NHwZHXhUuazMd5iSIdE1ZSdarQl/s640/2010CS_7497.jpg" width="425" /></a><br />
Hoping to have this striped scarf completed before the weekend is out and positively <em>itching</em> to cast on for Dark and Stormy! The pattern is available separate from the kit from Thea is you (like me) weren't able to get it all from Sarah.<br />
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Wishing you and yours a wonderful fall weekend!<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><strong>edited to add:</strong> <em><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Ha, ha, very funny - you know who you are!! I will not "only" have on this cardigan, a smile and my boots -- there'll be pants too... sheesh! lol Renee</span></em></span></div>Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13816016965260849057noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1312056037853803779.post-45000084416778654342010-09-09T17:56:00.004-04:002014-10-28T20:25:05.182-04:00FO ~ Mara Shawl<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkBPU7Ri-fynKrWbdX1yL1w6F-XtgKK3AgpFAoeTTlDd33zLKtZW1ApnIrqONhE3BAm8xtnMzc7QmHOzOWRePNoqy6qKQQljl4yUKONcaU1KosikiKQlgk3siW-lqovvoXG3yyu23jZXmv/s1600/Mara1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkBPU7Ri-fynKrWbdX1yL1w6F-XtgKK3AgpFAoeTTlDd33zLKtZW1ApnIrqONhE3BAm8xtnMzc7QmHOzOWRePNoqy6qKQQljl4yUKONcaU1KosikiKQlgk3siW-lqovvoXG3yyu23jZXmv/s400/Mara1.jpg" height="640" ox="true" width="480" /></a></div>
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Details:</div>
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Pattern: <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/mara-3">Mara</a> free as a download from Madelinetosh on Ravelry</div>
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Yarn: 3 skeins of <a href="http://www.thebackwardsloop.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=9_78_80&products_id=941&zenid=cc7a5fc2af1b181d6140165171c399a1">Madelinetosh dk in "Silver Fox"</a> from stash, originally purchased from <a href="http://www.thebackwardsloop.com/">The Backwards Loop</a></div>
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Needles: 5.5 mm circs</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMot95Qh_hr4rytzKcjOil-V12R2GW2ZT-ZmK_bZl81VQuFo3Nsrn2UE7ImteE7RT7BJNGEmDmb2xQEET3JDt-4LFVJpH64a-WECLGbRiArdTslw9hIfb3wWHzMa0L3KD0wjYkOmKUKfmv/s1600/Mara2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMot95Qh_hr4rytzKcjOil-V12R2GW2ZT-ZmK_bZl81VQuFo3Nsrn2UE7ImteE7RT7BJNGEmDmb2xQEET3JDt-4LFVJpH64a-WECLGbRiArdTslw9hIfb3wWHzMa0L3KD0wjYkOmKUKfmv/s400/Mara2.jpg" height="640" ox="true" width="496" /></a></div>
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I'm way behind in posting, Mara was cast on and off beginning of January just before I broke my finger.</div>
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The yarn is delicious, the colourway is one of my favourites.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKHrae3pf1wBC35OFkBwIC5gYBB3pH7mCc1gmWZ9MTrmxyec7YmwQDlpK2NQ9jt4M9L-2ZxkfGqz87mzIAQHfR4NIfjd7MDm6ZWIbaBCyD3DtbPh5cXccuAu1-BZWeRi3zV_4WvEhO-hi0/s1600/Mara8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKHrae3pf1wBC35OFkBwIC5gYBB3pH7mCc1gmWZ9MTrmxyec7YmwQDlpK2NQ9jt4M9L-2ZxkfGqz87mzIAQHfR4NIfjd7MDm6ZWIbaBCyD3DtbPh5cXccuAu1-BZWeRi3zV_4WvEhO-hi0/s320/Mara8.jpg" height="480" ox="true" width="640" /></a></div>
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Love my grays either darkly saturated or light and fresh.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIUlv9JWrUOEmVew8R1yxhSaU0CO0DYHBBPJIysSreqBX3MPc0VEIu-wsP96Psxg3iM84tKNK4pwh33qgMTd9DYL3xAZL-NeHCWzSwSPHa7ZS0eaLqj4g9tJx1qO7G6W2Ac8S9lJzjPK3H/s1600/Mara3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIUlv9JWrUOEmVew8R1yxhSaU0CO0DYHBBPJIysSreqBX3MPc0VEIu-wsP96Psxg3iM84tKNK4pwh33qgMTd9DYL3xAZL-NeHCWzSwSPHa7ZS0eaLqj4g9tJx1qO7G6W2Ac8S9lJzjPK3H/s320/Mara3.jpg" height="480" ox="true" width="640" /></a></div>
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Very simple pattern and a pleasure to knit.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Q0U8yA93rUetXxPQ13G6Ukla04-gz-HzvmjZOMvZbtUDwGnJuxypTAO_pmaCL6F0RitinuUiw0QTvqoAye5CWVzStLwdKM_qqHEvdDmOieM_ppzH3CnX-1UNcmz235h6mvp3CJK-AhX3/s1600/Mara4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Q0U8yA93rUetXxPQ13G6Ukla04-gz-HzvmjZOMvZbtUDwGnJuxypTAO_pmaCL6F0RitinuUiw0QTvqoAye5CWVzStLwdKM_qqHEvdDmOieM_ppzH3CnX-1UNcmz235h6mvp3CJK-AhX3/s320/Mara4.jpg" height="452" ox="true" width="640" /></a></div>
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This shawl is going to see a lot of wear. It's an accessory that can easily be dressed up or down.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsDwZMYhOSpgaL5pH8RVYBh-obNGBr-E3fCJblMsg6pEcnjkMeqTZhxT-OVuOAYXbNBaOdSVpNUowyoXv7nMvHyu5NHOWIuyifcI9wdFN-G9qSGIoKjjqsfum8N3N9lIBy5LRE_smb_McG/s1600/Mara6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsDwZMYhOSpgaL5pH8RVYBh-obNGBr-E3fCJblMsg6pEcnjkMeqTZhxT-OVuOAYXbNBaOdSVpNUowyoXv7nMvHyu5NHOWIuyifcI9wdFN-G9qSGIoKjjqsfum8N3N9lIBy5LRE_smb_McG/s320/Mara6.jpg" height="640" ox="true" width="480" /></a></div>
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Autumn is my favourite time of the year. I love the colour, the produce and especially wearing sweaters and boots. I'm a boot gal and newly shod too! My well worn, comfy barn and hiking boots have seen better days. These are my brand spanking new ones. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhej6gY2QYwF_1IV5hlLPFJYSqCwjgUynEHp56tYUxe9bbH4Tu3e_hXRkKyRIwL2A4wJVOYf4rJAotCpenMrNWwTArFdvjQE0fmtKBus7UBzox0_r0CtBsKFeCQUNLeyLNskHvfYRg7901Z/s1600/Lowa+hiking+boots+Sept2010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhej6gY2QYwF_1IV5hlLPFJYSqCwjgUynEHp56tYUxe9bbH4Tu3e_hXRkKyRIwL2A4wJVOYf4rJAotCpenMrNWwTArFdvjQE0fmtKBus7UBzox0_r0CtBsKFeCQUNLeyLNskHvfYRg7901Z/s320/Lowa+hiking+boots+Sept2010.jpg" height="240" ox="true" width="320" /></a></div>
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Love. Me. Some. Great. Boots! Definitely not office or going out wear, but for outdoors, I'm most comfortable in something solid and warm. They're "<a href="http://www.lowaboots.com/home/?CFID=33600862&CFTOKEN=13249287">Lowa</a>" brand and extremely comfortable. I can feel a sock knitting spree coming on...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga8nSkUGmNrFIeVLHcYFPzP5Q4Y8yF6vjGLKuElBIz7WQeZhIgXGzODuQO7eWvKufydeGvJT0U4WsL5w0j2yY3hyphenhyphen7fJNFcbJsixb24Zgdar1XifW8zMDgNOQFj7X9YWO95PUwLdvZdE1iC/s1600/Bogs+Sept2010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga8nSkUGmNrFIeVLHcYFPzP5Q4Y8yF6vjGLKuElBIz7WQeZhIgXGzODuQO7eWvKufydeGvJT0U4WsL5w0j2yY3hyphenhyphen7fJNFcbJsixb24Zgdar1XifW8zMDgNOQFj7X9YWO95PUwLdvZdE1iC/s320/Bogs+Sept2010.jpg" height="320" ox="true" width="240" /></a></div>
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My funky boots are "<a href="http://www.bogsfootwear.com/Women">Bogs</a>". They come in various heights and styles. The colours and patterns range from plain black to all sorts of flowers and designs, are rated to -65 degrees and truth be told - there's never been a more comfortable rubber lined boot. They take rain/winter boots to a whole new level with neoprene uppers and handles for easy on and off. </div>
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Been doing a lot of painting in the house fall makes me feel nesty and creative. My favourite blog to fuel my reno mojo is <a href="http://www.theletteredcottage.net/">Kevin and Layla Palmer's The Lettered Cottage</a>. Fall is also when I drink tea non-stop. Visit <a href="http://theknittingblogbymrpuffythedog.blogspot.com/">Claudia at Mr Puffy's Knitting Blog</a> for great info about tea. Thanks Claudia, you've upped my tea learning and pleasure. I never thought to use a French Press and can't wait to try it.</div>
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Be well, be happy and have a great day,</div>
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Renee </div>
Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13816016965260849057noreply@blogger.com39tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1312056037853803779.post-34998951023327278652010-06-14T21:39:00.004-04:002010-06-14T21:44:14.775-04:00Nina has her own blog now and Piper had a nice win<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfRj2vGs7M35B2Uj16qQsvXNpS8YdUInTLJU8Em-C2WNEcD1GBUAlA_7Xzg7aEiYFMccfubiz0Mf62f35WexkCkXaGQxicpvJ-BLxMwUK64Xf0GFG748ZgqNfuEoK_bOS4zgixdaSYZfsm/s1600/Nina+laying+down+by+Kinnear+&+Chung+May+29,+2010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfRj2vGs7M35B2Uj16qQsvXNpS8YdUInTLJU8Em-C2WNEcD1GBUAlA_7Xzg7aEiYFMccfubiz0Mf62f35WexkCkXaGQxicpvJ-BLxMwUK64Xf0GFG748ZgqNfuEoK_bOS4zgixdaSYZfsm/s400/Nina+laying+down+by+Kinnear+&+Chung+May+29,+2010.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nina photographed by Kinnear and Chung at age 11 weeks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Nina's got <a href="http://gardenpathpoodles.blogspot.com/">her own space to hang out in</a> now. And Piper and I had a great time at the Poodle Club of Canada Specialty in Ontario winning the High in Trial from the Open B class. Not bad for 2 old girls...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju-FUNKHPKAudm2ORchIUKjzBoNFtVvX1TYocGh_a4mh4JTCdk19AlWSarvWiaFUJOKzt3cYDbKFCxuuHyRn7AYj26GioDUAuSmOSs3fDRQhcSbeXGxR5892NBmjO5hakC5iI8YqMKuIsA/s1600/Piper+HiT+PCC+Specialty+2010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju-FUNKHPKAudm2ORchIUKjzBoNFtVvX1TYocGh_a4mh4JTCdk19AlWSarvWiaFUJOKzt3cYDbKFCxuuHyRn7AYj26GioDUAuSmOSs3fDRQhcSbeXGxR5892NBmjO5hakC5iI8YqMKuIsA/s200/Piper+HiT+PCC+Specialty+2010.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Some craftiness and baking coming up soon. Promise!</div>Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13816016965260849057noreply@blogger.com11