wooly snowman

Our snowman project evolved from some natural white roving I found when cleaning up; I had been wondering where that went to.  We started making wet felted balls, and then, aha, making them into snowmen.  We used some borrowed orange and black wool and needle felted the face and to put it together.  Added some twig arms from the garden, and a little scarf, and he is done.  It is such a fun thing to do with kids, and the end result is wonderful.  My kind of winter decoration.  

holiday crafting

We've had some sick kids in our house the past week or so, and that has caused us to slow down and rest a bit.  A good thing this time of year.  And for me, it has allowed my attention to be turned to sipping tea with my kids, and then to crafting.... and more crafting.....and then some more cooking.  A very nice kind of home busyness.

When my daughter got sick, she reminded me (again) about sewing her fleece bathrobe.  We had bought the fabric and pattern back in October, and I wasn't sure if the project was going to get done before Christmas.  But it was the perfect thing to do with her, and she wore it every step of the way (when I wasn't sewing) the week she was home sick.  Today I finally put on the finishing touches - hemming, and finishing the collar; not hard to make at all - even for me and my basic sewing skills and simple 100 year old machine.  It is already a very loved robe.

And then there were the date balls, snow flakes, sugar cookies, and candles........ My, we were busy.

sunny shop

We had a wonderful pop up shop this past Sunday.  It was so great to see the storefront filled with beautiful crafts and art and happy customers.  It was a great group of women artists who handcrafted some fabulous items.  The sun came out just in time to shine down on us, and filled the shop with a warm glow.  Thanks to all who made it so successful - we couldn't have done it without you.  And to all those who didn't get their napkins before they sold out, please let me know how many you need, and your color preferences.  Pumpkin House studio will start handprinting napkins again next week.

freshly printed

I am so happy that I made time to make something for the Pumpkin House pop up shop.  I love how the napkins turned out, but enjoyed the process of making them even more.  That 60 minutes of printing gave me more joy than I could have anticipated.  Here's to more printing in my future.

pop-up shop

It's coming.  I'm busy preparing.  I only wish that meant more crafting and less clutter-clearing and cleaning.  But it feels good, that is when I don't get overwhelmed.  A sunny afternoon after a stormy morning warmed me up to take on the preparations.  Hoping to stamp some napkins tonight.

So, if you live nearby, please come to our holiday pop-up shop this Sunday 12-4pm.  We have 10 amazing local artists selling their beautiful creations, with something for everyone, or at least most.  Come in from the rainy weather anticipated for Sunday, and join us for hot tea and homemade treats.

stuffed weekend

While it wasn't yet Turkey day and we didn't stuff a squash, our past weekend was packed - mostly with goodness.  Somehow I hosted two birthday parties (and made a big Indian dinner for my dear husband's), went to a soccer party, packed Thanksgiving meals for those less fortunate, went to the Farmers' Market, and made chicken soup, beets, and applesauce (with lots of kid help, thank goodness)!  And then there was some clean up before, in between, and all around.  We survived; and even enjoyed ourselves most of the time.  But it did teach me a lesson in how I still have work to do in doing LESS.

I am so happy in retrospect that we made time for that applesauce, though.  And so grateful that my son was happy to help.  There is nothing like warm homemade applesauce to make you feel soothed inside.  It always makes me think happily of my grandfather, who swore eating applesauce every day was the secret to living to the ripe old age of 98.

snowy autumn

We visited our good friends' cabin in the mountains this past weekend.  When we planned it back in August, I was imagining an autumn visit to see the colorful leaves - somehow snow wasn't part of the picture.  But I do love a good snowstorm, and this one was just about perfect.  Enough to create a winter wonderland and provide for some good sledding (and making a snow cat), without it making travel too difficult.  We also had to hike in a little, which always add to the adventure.  Good food, good fun, good friends, and some good games all made for a wonderful trip away.  On the way home I soaked in more of that fall color, as well as a stop at one of my favorite apple orchards in Apple Hill; I just can resist those warm apple cider donuts and cider.  Along with a big box of apples for making into sauce (and pie and clafouti say my kids!).

fall knitting

With the cooler weather and shorter days, I like to bring out the knitting basket, which usually goes into summer hibernation.  Keeps me calm and seated, and better at focusing on my kids.  I finally finished up this scarf that has been waiting to see the day.  I bought the soft and fuzzy yarn years and years ago, and used every last inch on the scarf, which was still not quite long enough.  Enter black fringe!  It was perfect for the scarf, which recently got sent off to my mother-in-law, where it is no doubt being put to good use on the stormy East Coast.  Here's to finishing!

gratitude

My morning jubilation over the election results quickly turned to a rather melancholy mood.  Not sure if it was the cloudy day or thoughts of the "fiscal cliff" that dooms.  After feeling somewhat stuck in my sadness, I found gratitude in my immediate surroundings.  I hung some more harvest corn on our gate (it had been sitting on the counter waiting for that moment), and picked some of the last native sunflowers from our yard.  And then after a short sit, I felt much lighter and happier.

fun and games

When Emily was sick last week, it was clear that it was a sign for us to have a relaxing home day.  And around this time of year, it means playing games.  For us, it was morning, noon and night, and then through the weekend.  I had my knitting handy, which always helps me pass the time, and thoroughly enjoy just about any game my kids want to play.  As the kids get older, there are so many more options.  For now, though, we are sticking to basics.

As Emily generally has a "no winning game" approach, sometimes the games get re-interpreted.  We turn them into cooperative games, or, perhaps better yet, chess becomes a wedding scene!

fall lettuce

It seems like it was just yesterday that we turned my daughter's garden bed and got ready for a late summer planting.  The carrots are just popping up now.  She wanted to plant lettuce too, but that turned out to be too much to focus on for one day (the swing beckoned).  So when I saw the beautiful lettuce starts at the farmers' market, I leaped.  In they went to the prepared bed, and the sun and water from the newly fixed irrigation seems to have suited those plants.  Just 2 weeks later, we enjoyed our first fall salad from the garden.  Makes me smile.

I got some great shallots from the market, and that inspired me to make up a jar of my favorite vinaigrette.   Add 1 - 2 Tbs minced shallot to 1/3 cup sherry or white wine vinegar, as well as a tsp. mustard and salt and 2 Tbs maple syrup.  Then pour or whisk in olive oil (about 2/3 to 1 cup).  Simple and wonderful.

a not so lazy day on the river

Ever since our 3 day trip up to the Russian River, on which I fell in love with the river again, I have been dreaming of taking a family kayak trip down the river.  Our good friends have been kayaking various segments of the river, and we managed to find a day to do the Monte Rio to Jenner section together.  It was a beautiful fall day, and it was supposed to get warm, and thus have little wind.  The boys were in their own kayaks, which always makes me smile seeing them paddling themselves down the river.

We were able to paddle in these calm waters for awhile, and drank in the natural beauty around us.  We even saw a bald eagle, and a river otter.  Unfortunately we also ran into a few areas with a strong headwind, and somehow our final destination eluded us.  Jenner was further than we had planned for.  There was a time constraint as well, for we needed to return a few rented kayaks.  Enter a bit of stress, and some frustration (!!!) and guilt (on my part).  At the moment it was difficult, but in hindsight a learning lesson, and with a friendly guy with a truck who helped us move our boats, and then a pint of Negro Modelo and a delicious chile relleno in me, it was in sum a wonderful adventure.

girl and a horse

More than anything, Emily has been wanting to ride horses.  Well, at first she just wanted one as a pet, but wasn't sure she actually wanted to ride it.  Things change quickly when you are 7.  She is certainly a girl that loves animals, in a deep and connected way, so it isn't too surprising.  Especially after we read the lovely Sophie series by Dick King-Smith (of Babe fame), in which Sophie begins with pet pill bugs, followed by a cat, rabbit, and dog........ and culminates in Sophie getting.........a horse.  Oh and a farm in the Scotland Highlands.  We'll settle for some horse riding lessons in Oakland.  And hopefully that is enough to keep Emily's spirits bright and her confidence and skills growing.  It certainly made me a proud mama to watch her leading her horse around the rink.

first fall meal

We enjoyed our first fall meal last night.  I have been glancing at the beautiful winter squash at the farmers' market these past few weeks, but didn't feel ready quite yet for jumping into fall foods.  Still too many delicious tomatoes and melons and glorious summer veggies.  And more pickles to make.  But on Sunday I felt I was finally ready and took the plunge.  It was a beautiful blue-green kabocha squash.  And yesterday I baked it, along with a pumpkin for good measure (hopefully to become a pie or muffins this week), and made our favorite gingered squash and apple soup.  It was delicious with some fresh bread, sausage, and a simple salad.  Oh, and a scrumptious cottage pie made by our friend Noah.  We had a lovely house meal with our upstairs friends.  A wonderful way to welcome in the autumn.

chrome

Sometimes it is those shiny things that give us joy.  In my case this past weekend, it was scrubbing and scouring my bike (lots of elbow grease and some Barkeepers Friend powder) and shining up the rusty pitted chrome.  Even some of the most rusted parts that I thought had not a chance cleaned up quite nicely.  An hour later, my bike looked so happy and shiny and loved.

And then there was that pencil sharpener.  Our plug in electric one that we fixed and gave a second life gave up the ghost (guess sharpeners only have 2 lives).  I found that one that Tom had rescued from his old office, and had been looking for a home.  I love those old hand crank varieties.  Unfortunately this one took several tries (or weekends) to get firmly installed.  But there it is shiny and ready for all those pencils that having been waiting.........

pink pearls

We planted two apple trees when we bought the Pumpkin House in honor of our wedding at the Philo Apple Farm (a bit of country paradise in the Anderson Valley).  One is a Pink Pearl, and it is the most magical apple I have ever met.  We took the first fruit the tree produced and brought it to our friends' wedding in Maine many years ago.  At the end of the ceremony Tom gave it to the couple, with a little story about our wedding and the trees.  They both took a bite of the apple, and their jaws dropped in amazement, as it was bright pink inside - like a pink heart sent their way.  Tom and I were equally surprised as we had never had a pink pearl apple before.

Our tree has grown and produces many apples each year.  We aren't always successful at picking them before they drop, and thus we end up with a fair amount of bruised fruit.  This year we put the cut apples in oatmeal (cooking them on top along with the oatmeal and cinnamon, my favorite way to make it) and then made an apple clafouti.  The kids have been requesting that delicious dessert frequently.   This was the first of the season.  It is so easy to make, and so delicious to eat.

Apple Clafouti

Five cups peeled and sliced apples (preferably Philo Gold or other tart apple)
10 tbsp. butter
3 tbsp. Brandy or Calvados
3 eggs
1 cup milk
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 cup sugar
2/3 cup flour

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Sauté apples in 4 tablespoons butter until just warm.  Add brandy and continue to sauté until apples are soft.  Reserve the remaining juices.  Meanwhile, in a blender, combine eggs, milk, vanilla, 6 tablespoons melted butter, salt and sugar.  Then gradually add in 2/3 cup flour so you don't get lumps.  Butter a 10" pie plate and preheat at 400 degrees in oven.  Remove from oven and place 1/2 of batter in the hot plate.  With a slotted spoon place hot fruit on batter, reserving juices.  Pour remaining batter over fruit and sprinkle with cinnamon (my addition).   Bake at 400 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes.  [Optional, but oh so good: In a small pan over low heat, mix 1/4 cup reserved fruit juices with 1/4 cup apple cider syrup (from the farm - amazing stuff) or maple syrup to substitute.  Gently warm to make a sauce.]  Serve warm with sauce and/or vanilla ice cream or yogurt.