The Start of Rikke

 

 

I cast on to the hat that I am knitting a parishioner. The pattern is for a Rikke Hat. I'm not quite sure if this hat is what I will end up with, though. It may be too slouchy for the person it is intended for, but I cannot see her in a lacy hat or a more masculine ribbed hat. We'll see what happens! 

Pebble

 

 

 I am knitting a hat for a parishioner and my yarn order came today! I bought a skein of MadelineTosh dk in the colorway Pebble. I can't remember the last time that I bought MadelineTosh yarn. The colors are always so lovely and the vinegary smell of the yarn is intoxicating. I couldn't wait to wind it.

More Light

 

A very rare beam of light in our interior bedroom 

Fast-Free Friday

 

 

I popped by the bakery (that sounds better than saying Panera, doesn't it?) on the way to school today to treat the older children to a pastry and I brought home this delectable chocolate croissant for our youngest and a bear claw for myself.  We will be doing this more often! 

Roof

 

After months of waiting, the roof is finally in progress on the arch! 

French Onion Soup

 

 

Making French Onion Soup is a bit of a labor of love, but it is worth it! I made this batch late last night after taking the children ice skating, which meant that it got to age a bit and was just perfect for today's lunch. We'll have plenty to enjoy over the next several day and I plan to give some to Father Joseph, a retired priest in our parish, as he loves French Onion Soup!

Recipe HERE.

Morning Light

 

 

I was spellbound by this glorious sight this morning as I was listening to my audiobook (Jane Austen at Home). The morning light and cloud formations are usually spectacular here and I am lucky that I get to enjoy them while I drive my children to school. 

Still Beautiful

 

Beautiful to their very last.

Ice Skating

 

 

We had our little local rink to ourselves for a little bit this afternoon. The children haven't been ice skating in about a year and were thrilled to go today! 

Rosemary and Roses

 

 This $4 bunch of spray roses was instantly transformed into a bit more with some rosemary cut from our garden. The herbs we've planted over the past two years are such a wonderful addition. I've been using them in our cooking and in flower arranging, but they has also brought so much life to the garden in the from of the house. Having them in the window boxes has been great, because our weather here is typically mild and allows them to remain edible and mostly green throughout the winter months. It's almost time to refresh them and I can't wait!

African Masks

 

 

 

I love these masks our son made in seventh grade social studies! He loves any project that involves a cardboard box and hot glue. 

Killing Time

 

I was two hours early for my dental appointment (whoops!) So I ran some errands and looked at pretty houses and gardens while I waited. I love this house near the university that has a fence made from logs and sticks.

Amaryllis

 

 

I thought that this amaryllis was going to be white. I bought it after Christmas and it has taken forever to bloom...  the pink is perfect for gray February! 

Tiktok Pasta

 

 

I don't want a middle part, but I am not above making lunch using a viral TikTok recipe.

 

This pasta was so delicious. It was like an elevated baked ziti. It was such a quick dish and I think that I will use it when we have guests and need something special, speedy, and filling. I think it would also be wonderful with spinach and chicken or sausage.   

 

Recipe HERE.

Sunday

 

 

 

 

 

I made a roast chicken with all of the trimming s for Sunday dinner today. It's one of our favorite meals and perfect for eating round the table and visiting after everyone has departed in peace after Liturgy and Coffee Hour.

 

We walked a path that we've never been on today, which was nice. Our county now has a website listing all of the 'hikes' available here.  They're not arduous walks, but they're very pretty and many are near the water.  As a child, my family always took walks (to school, to the shops, to the library, just around the neighborhood). My husband and I took many walks while we were dating, too! Our home isn't situated in a place where we can really walk anywhere, so we have to get in the car and drive somewhere to walk. It takes more planning, but it just as nice. 

Wabi Sabi

 

 

I re-borrowed Wabi-Sabi Welcome from the library this week. I love this book.

Lovely Irises

 

 I bought these irises last week on a whim and had no idea how long lasting and beautiful they would be.  They pick up the blue in the painting above my bedside table and look so vibrant amidst the neutrals in our bedroom.  I swapped out a velvet rose colored cushion cover that had been adorning our bed for this spotted one that I found on Etsy. I love the whole combination!

Basketball

 

Only one more week of basketball left! We're so grateful that our trio got to play this season!

Chasing Sunbeams

 

We have several interior rooms that hardly ever get sunlight. Our kitchen is one of them, so when a beam of light comes in from the playroom, it is a cause for celebration! 

My Favorite Roses

 

Irises on my Bedside Table

Potato Gems

No School

 

 

A leisurely breakfast must be had when there is no school. 

Quite a Tangle

 

Poirot and untangling this wretched yarn 

Father Daniel

 

 

 We buried our dear Father Daniel today at Saint Tikhon's cemetery. It was a beautiful, cold, and quiet service. The quietude was not what he deserved, but there wasn't much we could do about that under the current circumstances.

My husband bought these two beautiful crosses at the bookstore. I love them and know that he will think of Father Daniel when he wears them. I bought a little children's prayer book, a marble egg, and some of the coffee that the monks make on premises. 

The snow and ice was something to behold. Thankfully the roads were clear and travel was safe and swift.

Cinderella

 

 

Cleaning like a fiend today. The sunroom's done. The dining room and kitchen are next. 

Vanilla Syrup

 

I made some vanilla syrup for coffee yesterday after trying a Madagascar Vanilla Latte last week. It's quite delicious. Adding 'remove pills from sweaters' to today's to do list after seeing how badly this one needs it in this photo.  

 

Vanilla Syrup

Combine 2.5 cups of water, 2 cups of white sugar, and 3/4 cups of brown sugar in a sauce pan. Bring to a boil and let boil for at least ten minutes. Let syrup cool and add 4 tablespoons of vanilla. Mix well and store in fridge.

Super Bowl Eats

 

Who cares about football when there's spinach artichoke dip?  

 

Recipe HERE. 

Knife Rests

 

Six little rabbit knife rests for fancier table settings just arrived in the post. 

I think that I will save them for Pascha.

Little Church

 

 I found this little painting of an Orthodox church in a junk shop a years ago. It's one of my favorite things. I often wonder who painted it and what possessed someone to give it up. 

The Meeting of the Lord

 

 

 

⭐ The candles are blessed! ⭐ 

A Little Better

 

 

 

 

I added a thrift shop frame with a Waterhouse sketch to this little vignette. 

I Love Days Off