Stitches and Stories

Off to the Races

noreply@blogger.com (Milly) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 00:24:00 +0000

Recently they held the Knit, Place, Show event for knitters at Colonial Downs Race track in New Kent, Va. It was the first such event that paired knitters and harness racing, and it was a blast. There were door prizes and raffles from the various knitters’ stores there; it was quite a good time. I actually didn’t knit a stitch once inside. I was enjoying watching the races and I did make a wager or two, lost both times, but it was fun to try it.

But, plenty of knitting did get accomplished by my friend Connie; she finished her first hat and started another while watching the races. And my friend Anna, made great progress on a hooded scarf from the recent edition of Cast On.

We had quite a little group there and three of us were standing on the rail cheering on the winner of the second race, when the driver came over and offered us the chance to have our picture taken with the winner. We jumped at the chance, and have a lovely photo taken by the track photographer in the winner’s circle with the winning horse and driver. Very nice man, they gave us a copy so we are having copies made and I’ll post that soon.

And another exciting thing that happened was that a little girl probably about 12 years old, was there with the her family and kept coming over to watch Connie knit. She finally started asking questions and came a little closer, she told us she wanted to learn to knit to she could help people. I told her there were so many things she could do to help others with knitting if she wanted to and told her about the Preemie Project, the Prayer Shawl ministry and also told her she could come up with her own way as well, the possibilities were endless. She also said she wanted to knit socks for her and all her friends! The best part, was when her mom came over she promised the little girl she could take knitting classes if that is what she wanted to do. Wow how cool is that! I bet she does great things with her knitting.

Here is the latest hat from the Hatteras Hatters on a somewhat reluctant model. But she was a good sport!

Go have some fiber fun!

The Warping Board Explained

noreply@blogger.com (Milly) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 02:58:00 +0000

Some of you have asked "what the heck is a warping board"? I don't blame you I didn't know what one was six months ago myself.

A warping board is a square or a rectangluar wooden frame with pegs, similar to dow rods place all the way around it. It is design for you to be able to weave your yarn around the pegs in such a way that it measure out a yard or 1/2 yard depending on the size of the board. You typically hang a warping board on the wall where it is easy to access and use. It is called a warping board because, the yarn on a hand loom that is "warp" or threaded and are the vertical threads in a finished product are called the warp. The horizontal threads that are woven between the warp threads is call the weft and is wound onto a shuttle of one kind or another.

Here is a typical warping board...

So tonight I have taken the yarn from the warping boardand I am warping or threading it onto my loom. This process can take several hours and since we are closing in on midnight here I think I will finish it tomorrow.

Have you hugged your yarn today?

Warped!

noreply@blogger.com (Milly) — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 21:52:00 +0000

Dudes, I bought a warping board today for $25! My mentor at Colonial Fiber Arts emailed me to tell me someone had brought one in to sell. It is a small one but you can get about five or six yards on it. I've been using adjustable clamps, which work well enough when you don't have anything else, but who can pass up a board for only $25. I was down there in a flash and bought, and of course I had to pick up a couple of other things too. Just a couple of cones of 8-2 cotton. I mean I was there anyway, right?

Where to begin?

noreply@blogger.com (Milly) — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 14:16:00 +0000

That is what I keep asking myself, there is so much going on and still so much to do that it is hard to know where to begin. First, a little catching up. Last weekend we went on a book scouting trip to Charlottesville, something we do a couple of times a year. The day was good, we spent a lot of time in our favorite bookstore and a little time in some of the others.

Then on the way home we stopped by Stoney Mountain Fibers about five miles outside of Charlottesville, if you haven't stopped by there, you are truly missing out! The quality of the roving and yarns made there are very special! Barbara only carries the best, in supplies, parts and equipment. Everything you need is there, books, parts, wheels, looms, needles, roving, balls, skeins, hanks, and cones of wool and cotton alike.

She has a website as well, if you are not in Virginia. If you are in Virginia, it is worth the drive!

I know I stocked up when I was there! And you can't find a more gracious hostess/shop keeper. Ready to help, answer questions, chat about the craft, or just let you browse. I really can't say enough good things.

In other news, tomorrow is the Knit, Place, Show at Colonial Downs racetrack! A day for knitters to come and knit and watch a little harness racing. A group of use are going and it should be fun. This is the first time I have gone to the Colonial Downs and I think this is the first fiber related day they have had there, should be loads of fun!

And I may have mentioned this before, but changes are coming to Stitches and Stories, exciting wonderful changes, so stay tuned. With everything going on, and all the preparations, I think everything will be in place by the end of October to include a new webpage and an online store. The webpage should be completed before the middle of October, so please stay tuned, it's going to be so much fun!

It's Hard to Knit in a Hot Tub

noreply@blogger.com (Milly) — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 19:35:00 +0000

Seriously, it is. All that hot water churning around, your yarn could felt before you even had a chance to knit it. So while on vacation with 8 fabulous ladies, I put away the knitting and resorted to this...

A little later in the evening...

(I'm the one holding the camera) hehe

We had endless fun to include viewing some of the wild ponies of Corolla.

We caught these too trying to break into a beach house. I think they were looking for a party.

The scenery was beautiful too.

So Much to Say

noreply@blogger.com (Milly) — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 03:29:00 +0000

One of my favorite Dave Mathews Band and also my life this week. I am back from the Outer Banks and Charlottesville. I will be updating you tomorrow gentle and patient reader.
Please stay tuned many updates and changes are coming to Stitches and Stories.

Happy Fiber Fun!

So Much To Do....

noreply@blogger.com (Milly) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 11:21:00 +0000

so little time. Who ever came up with that one, would have better served humanity if they had figured out the solution. The blogging will be light the rest of this week I am afraid. But dear reader, I promise to reward your waiting when I return. I am headed to the beach this weekend and have many preparations to make in the mean time and I have no idea when I will get that done. For example today: This morning I Have an extra hour but nothing is open, I have an appointment at 9am, then a meeting at 11am, then lunch around 12, at which time I need to run and errand and pick up tickets for an event at the end of the month. Then back to the office around 1pm. Leave work at 5pm, but then I need to go to the grocery store, I've been putting it off and now the list is so long, I'll be in there an hour. We are out of everything. So I need to purchase items for my trip, which is girls only, so I need to stock up the house for hubby so he will not starve while I'm gone. (he wouldn't he cooks better than I do) but he has to have something to cook.
Then tomorrow, I want to go get my hair cut before the trip and I have more meetings tomorrow afternoon. So not sure if I will have time at lunch to get this done or not. And Thursday evening I need to come home and bake, I promised the ladies I am meeting at the beach to bring fresh baked goods.
Whew! Fun, but I'm tired just thinking about it.

There will be wonderful pictures to be sure and I have working on a couple of other goodies as well, but I don't want to spoil the surprise!

Happy Fiber Related Activity!

One Thing Leads to Another

noreply@blogger.com (Milly) — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 18:47:00 +0000

Okay, not only is that a pretty cool song, it is how my day has gone today. It started with doing the weekly chores, vaccuming, laundry etc. and somehow morphed into prepping the soon to be new craft room, for painting. Don't get me wrong I'm not complaining, it needs doing and badly. It is currently wasted space. But not the laundry isn't getting done, the hubby went out for some recreational hardware shopping. The dogs keep trying to follow me around the house, but they have finally given up and are now sleeping off in a corner somewhere. Well Lily is somewhere, and Rosie is under the computer table. She is the official supverisor and must be where you are at all times to make sure you are doing it right. Whatever "it" might be.

Well I've had a break now, time to get back to it.

Another Sock Knitter!

noreply@blogger.com (Milly) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 01:02:00 +0000

Slowly but surely I am attempting to recruit new knitters and new sock knitters at that!
Cathy is this fabulously wonderful lady who works in the same building, she has a gift for getting the most difficult gi-normous plans scanned in the system. This is of course only one of many talents she has. She is most recently become an accomplished sock knitter! Hoorray! Three cheers for Cathy! This is only her third pair of socks! Isn't it gorgeous! She uses two sets of circs, which if you ask me isn't for the faint of heart, I'm lucky to be able to handle one.

She has started the second sock in this pair and the colors are perfectly lined up! Don't you just envy people who do that!?

Next will be Lynne, she works in the same department as I do and is going out to buy needles and yarn this week so that I can teach her to knit as well. She will be starting with a scarf so we should have new pictures soon, stay tuned....

Feeling Cocky

noreply@blogger.com (Milly) — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 00:40:00 +0000

We had a lovely day this past weekend. We went to a part of town called Phoebus. It used to be it's own city but many years ago it was incorporated into the city of Hampton. It has many lovely shops and restaurants. We started at a used and rare bookstore which is just full of all kinds of fascinating books. We walked across the street and enjoyed a peppermint patty latte at Phoebus Coffee House . The folks there are truly friendly and very knowledgeable. After that a stroll down the street for a little window shopping. But I hadn't gone far when this little fellow caught my eye. I don't know why exactly but I had to have him.

I think he looks right at home up there. I have a couple of prints I am going to hang around him to give him some company.

I received a yummy fiber rich package in the mail today, more on that tomorrow.

Random Act of Corn

noreply@blogger.com (Milly) — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 11:33:00 +0000

This year we expanded our garden to include more tomato plants, added cherry tomatoes, more bell peppers, zucchini, squash, string beans and cucumbers. But some how we also got this...

I believe a little birdy dropped a seed kernel in our cherry tomato patch and it grew!

It is feed corn, not anything you would want to eat, but it has produced three ears and I have shared it with my blogless friend Anna for her chickens and goats to feast on. Her chickens give us fresh eggs every week and her goats provide wonderful kid mohair!

I pay her for the eggs in tomatoes and other veggies we grew this year, it is a wonderful trade. And know we can pay the chickens directly.

Houston, we have a hat!

noreply@blogger.com (Milly) — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 13:53:00 +0000

You remember the industrious ladies of the Hatteras Hatters...

Well, here is the first hat!

Isn't it lovely! That is Martha's first ever hat, first time knitting in the round and first time using magic loop, rather than DPs. I think she did a wonderful job! And the best part is she is eager and ready to start another! Hooray a knitalochic is born. Martha is not new to knitting completely she has been making some seriously beautiful scarves for a while and decided they needed hat mates. I explained to her that all of the principles she has learn for her hat, the 2x ribbing the stockinette stitch, the decreases and the closure method at the top can all be applied to sock knitting. There the gusset of course, but that is easily learned now that she has all the other basics. I will convert her to a sock knitter yet!

Connie, is enjoying her scarf, and is moving right along. I think we will have some pictures to show you from Connie soon as well. Everyone is having a good time with their yarn and needles and that is the important thing.

Myself, well I have started yet another sock, I probably didn't have to tell you that, you already knew. But I am still at a loss for the wrap/shawl idea. I haven't found anything that really gets the mojo going. So this week, it is just socks.

The Entrelac socks in the August-October 2009 issue of Cast-on. I am using size 2 needles and Patons, Kroy Socks yarn colorway Flax.

They are very enjoyable to knit and not at all difficult. The pattern is very easy to follow with help tips to help along the way.

Also, my dear friend Amanda is opening her on-line store, please go and visit her, she is still working on some areas, so please visit her often and check for updates.

Making Progress

noreply@blogger.com (Milly) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 20:58:00 +0000

I finished the mate to a sock this week, I ripped out a wrap I was working on because I wasn’t liking how it was turning out at all. I started another pair of socks and looking for a more suitable wrap/shawl pattern that I will enjoy. I spun almost all day on Saturday, some very yummy Kid Mohair and Romney. I haven’t quite decided what it shall be, but I haven’t quite finished spinning it all yet either, so I need to see how much there is when I’m done and then I can plan for it’s next life as something wearable.

The Hatteras Hatters are going strong and making amazing progress, I think we will have one or two FO’s soon to share with you. These ladies are troopers and very determined! I think we definitely have two new/renewed knitters here!

I finished my first weaving project. As soon as I put a hem in it, it will morph into six mug mats. I have to say that my first weaving project went better than my first sock project! But, just about anything would I suppose. But I am encouraged that I may be able to produce some lovely woven items very shortly. Which is good because there are only 128 knitting days left until Christmas. (That includes Christmas Even, you know just in case)

Has anyone else started projects for the holidays?

Happy fiber everthing!

Alas the weekend

noreply@blogger.com (Milly) — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 04:07:00 +0000

The weekend is finally here. I am ready to conquer, but it is midnight and I cannot sleep. I took a little power nap around 10pm and now I am ready for the rest of the night, but alas, I am the only one. So here I am, hanging out in blogland.
It has been a really busy week. I've been weaving every night when I get home at least for an hour, my first sample is finally done. I will have pictures tomorrow of that. (too late to try to find the camera at the moment).

But I do have pictures from last weekends visit to the Mariners Museum.

This is an actual light from a light house. There is a nice display and explanation of how things work.

A map from the 1500s, can you believe that! It has been well cared for and the artistry of the cartographers are amazing, especially when you consider the time frame when it was created.

I took a picture of this just because you see or hear about it in old war movies and even a James Bond movie once, that is the German Enigma machine.

All of these bottles were found in the York River, from the 1700s, the time in the water and sand turned them into these fabulous colors, the picture does not do them justice.

There was very little fiber on this day but I did find this...

Wool suite worn by Admiral Byrd on his second trip to Antartica, there is a video of him trying to pet the penguins. The penguins were having none of it.

And this I thought was just freaky.

This is a display to show the inside of a submarine. My hubby loves war movies and submarine movies so I took this picture of the controls, the first picture was blurry, so I snapped a second one and that turn out fine. I have to tell you I didn't move or shake the camera in anyway. I took adjusted my position just a little bit and took a third picture.

I have no explanation. No other pictures had this problem. Just freaky.

The day was quite enjoyable, we have been there before and concentrated this time on just special areas we enjoy.

This week I also purchased a new ball winder, the Strauch Jumbo Ball Winder, my little red and white plastic ball winder has outlived it's usefulness and it was time for a serious upgrade.
This is a lovely well balanced piece of equipment and well worth every penny.
If you could only buy one ball winder, I recommend this one.
ball winder

I'm very excited to use this new baby!

I'm sensing a fun filled fiber weekend! I hope you are too!

Weaving and Poll Results

noreply@blogger.com (Milly) — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 12:29:00 +0000

The votes are in and 60% of us describe ourselves as fiber artists of some type. Good job, now the question is how do you act on that? How many people know you are a fiber artist? Do you put it out there, say by wearing what you make or making things for others, or is it something you do in the spare bedroom and no one knows about it outside of your family? I'm a fiber artist! Say loud, say proud!

Thanks to everyone who voted! Your awesome!

I have finally attempted to use my table top loom. I started playing with it last week and when I got to the point that no youtube video was going to help, I schleped it down to the store where I bought and got my first lesson. The owner is so nice and patient. I was down there all day, she show me how to correct a couple mistakes and left me to it,so she could tend her customers then came back to check on me and helped me get to the next step and now I am weaving mug mats! I'm so excited! I'm already planning my next larger project, perhaps a scarf? hmmm. Maybe some table linens.

So much fiber so little time!

How Do You Describe Yourself?

noreply@blogger.com (Milly) — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 21:10:00 +0000

I was doing a little web surfing this morning and I found this great website and film, Who Does She Think She Is? and as I watched the trailer I started to think this how ironic this is, because just this week I had a conversation with my husband and a friend about how we identify ourselves. I identify myself as a fiber artist, not by what I do between 8-5 every day. There are a couple of reasons for that, the first, while at 5pm my identity that pays the bills ceases to exist, but I am always a fiber artist, finding ways to fit knitting or spinning on breaks during the day. I always have at least one sock project with me and sometimes my drop spindle. I often help others and they help me with my knitting in a variety of ways through out the day.

The second reason, is that I do enjoy what I do to an extent. It is certainly more enjoyable than many other jobs I have had, but it is not who I am and therefore, if I allow it to become such, I feel it would be a source of great stress. Now, if I did fiber related things between 8-5pm that would be a different story, but at the moment I do not and I am very careful to not let the day job interfere with who I am. I feel I am a much happier person because of this.

I encourage you, if you haven't already to think about how you identify yourself, when someone asks you what you do, what do you tell them? I have added a poll in the sidebar on the right, I hope you will take a moment to participate.

Ever Wondered What Happened to....

noreply@blogger.com (Milly) — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 02:39:00 +0000

Wonder Mike, you know who I'm talking about if you graduated high school in the 80s. I was listening to my mega mp3 player that has something like 200 songs on it everything from "What the World Needs Now" by Burt Bacharach to "Rappers Delight" the extended version, not the one they played on the radio. You know the one were you felt so out of breath from singing along by the time it was over it was like you just finished working out?

This is what happens when you blog after a work out and suffer from oxygen deprivation. You start thinking too much about the songs you were listening too.

Time to unwind with some Garth Brooks and "Friends and Low Places" or whatever pops up next.

On the knitting front, it is sort of just playing catch up. I am finishing up number 3 of 4 placemats, a sweater and a second sock. I don't like having this many unfinished projects, because it prevents me from starting anything else new.

From the Diary of a suburban farmer...

It has turned hot with a vengeance here. We have had (up until this past week) a very mild July, I may have mentioned this previously. Well July decided it was going to go out with a bang and it has been hotter than hades here. I know because I had to go out this afternoon at work and do field inspections. A new residential area with very little shade and a lot of pavement. But on the bright side, the tomatoes have started taking off and turning red finally, but I fear I am going to suddenly having all my tomatoes at once. I think I will be giving plenty of them away. No point in canning them, I still have a cabinet full of tomatoes I canned last summer.

The string beans are doing nicely and the cucumbers and also exploding off the vine, the only thing that hasn't caught up yet are the peppers but it is only a matter of a few days and there will be ready as well.

Until next time, Happy Knitting!

FO, Weekend, Placemat Pattern and Time Flies

noreply@blogger.com (Milly) — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 11:37:00 +0000

Is anyone else shocked that we are entering the last week of July? Where has the summer gone? I know it's not over yet, but holy cow! I feel like it just started. I haven't even had a little vacation trip yet this summer. I've hardly taken Purl out for a spin and she is getting lonely in the garage. But it is hard to bring home yarn stash on a motorcycle, it really is.

I do not feel like I am getting all the knitting done I wanted to but I don't know how I could fit more knitting into my day, well that is not true, if I quit my job I could knit all day but then wouldn't be able to buy anymore yarn, so you see the dilemma.

But I do have an FO to show you. One created out of necessity.

Look at is posing there shamelessly in an unblocked state, really!

I needed new placements and this cotton just looked like the perfect cool summer green. I'm on to the second one. This is my first foray into table items and it is simple and fun. I didn't know what I wanted at first but I came up with a quick down and dirty design.

Needle size: US 5
Yarn: Bernat 100% cotton 400g
Colorway: Country Green
Gauge: 5 stitches per inch/7 rows per inch

CO 48

~Slip the first stitch of each new row~

Rows 1-6 garter stitch (K 48)
Rows 2-90 Even Rows K48
Rows 3-91 Odd Rows K6, P36, K6
Rows 92-97 garter stitch (K 48)

BO

This cotton splits easily so be careful.

I have the second placement on the needles with plans for matching coasters.

It is a quick and easy project, very portable as well.

Still have a second sock to cast on for a mate for this one. I need to get a larger set of sock blockers.

Until next time, Happy Knitting!

Introducing......

noreply@blogger.com (Milly) — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 23:38:00 +0000

The Hatteras Hatters!

These wonderful ladies are my neighbors and we have decided to get together and learn a few new stitches and techniques. Martha wants to make hats to with her fabulous scarf collection. Connie has come back to knitting after being away for a number of years. I've offered to share what little knowledge in those areas I have.

We were accompanied by Memphis, a very handsome tabby and Daisy, a sweet yellow lab whose whole body just wiggles when she greets you!

Three and a half hours later, we were on our way to a new hat and a scarf and I have no idea where the time went!

Happy Knitting Ladies!

Cabled FOs

noreply@blogger.com (Milly) — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0000

As promised I have some FO's to show you. First, basic cable scarf:

So big it takes two sheep to model it!

Then the hat, the hat is not very photogenic and this is the best picture, but it still doesn't show it's best side for some reason. But matching cabled hat:

Next will be cabled mittens to match. And on the needles is still more socks.

Til tomorrow happy knitting!

I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing....

noreply@blogger.com (Milly) — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 00:25:00 +0000

Remember when Coke was a Coke? I read an interesting article in Garden and Gun about Mexican Coke. And then I happened into my local Fresh Market and there was a Mexican Coke in the refrigerated section. I just had to try it. It is made with the original recipe of Coke with real sugar and not artificial sweetener. It was in a glass bottle with the old cap. I saved it until I got home, put it back in the refrigerator and got it nice and cold and then savored every minute of it.

All I can say is if you have the chance to try it, it is like reliving your childhood on a hot summer afternoon, It is kids running through sprinklers and hula hoops, using a cloths pin to attach a playing card to the spoke on your bicycle, climbing trees and going crabbing, good!

Don't you justlove the smell of summer?

noreply@blogger.com (Milly) — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 23:09:00 +0000

What does summer smell like?

Flowers, my favorites are petunias. They are such a happy flower.

Is it just me or do you not love the smell of tomato plants in the garden?! I'm not sure I'd want it as a perfume, but it is so nice on a warm evening when you walk through the garden and can smell them.

This little cucumber will smell wonderful once it has been harvested and sliced! Cucumbers in the store dream of smelling as fresh and wonderful as this little guy.

Sunshine itself! The smell of sheets or blankets dried on the line! Nothing can beat that at the end of the day!

Coming up....
Mexican Coke and FO's

Happy Knitting!

July 4th, Freedom

noreply@blogger.com (Milly) — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 20:21:00 +0000

Many others have commented on our freedoms today, and how thankful we should be, and they are right! We have a lot to be thankful for in this country and we have a lot of people to thank for it. The reason we have the freedom to celebrate today, in the fashion we choose, is because of our military. I know, we celebrate them on Memorial Day and Veterans Day, but today is just as imporant to thank them for keeping us all safe and free. And it is easy I think to say thank you to a large group of people that you do not know, but most of us know someone in the military or someone who has served so take a moment to thank them personally.

If my dad were here, I'd give him a big hug and thank him too!

This picture was taken in 1967, in my grandmothers living room. This was taken when he came home on one of his leaves. He looks handsome in his navy uniform.

Wish you were here, dad.

Thank someone today for your freedoms and get out there and celebrate our countries birthday!

Happy Fourth of July!

noreply@blogger.com (Milly) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 19:25:00 +0000

I hope everyone is planning a fun, safe holiday weekend! Our offices closed today and so we are enjoying the extra day. We ran to the store to stock up on items for grilling (as did everyone else) But it was okay. You just have to know when you go to the food store the day before a holiday, you won't be shopping alone, and will keep to take a long a bag of patience in one of your reusable shopping totes.

I bought some huge portabella mushrooms for grilled portabella "burgers" tomorrow. Yum! Can't wait.

There is so much going on here for the holiday that I think I will stay home the rest of the weekend. The interstate was so packed and backed up today, and we had thought about going to DC today, glad we changed our minds.

Starting last night there will be fireworks somewhere every night through Sunday. We could hear them last night from the local racetrack. Today, I know they are having them at Bush Gardens. Tomorrow of course, everyone is having them, just about.

I enjoy watching the fireworks, but I don't like the kind people use at home, and I really do not like sparklers. We had some when I was four and my dad handed it to me and I grabbed the wrong in and burned my hand, I was four, that is my defense.

Anyway, I was searching for some nice graphic or photo from my collection to include here today, but instead I found this gentleman (click on his name to visit his webpage)
David Utting and his paintings. I instantly fell in love with them! Please check out his webpage. I hope you like them as much as I do!

So in the spirit of the holiday I'm including the Star Spangled Banner below. . .

Oh, say, can you see, by the dawn's early light,

What so proudly we hail'd at the twilight's last gleaming?

Whose broad stripes and bright stars, thro' the perilous fight,

O'er the ramparts we watch'd, were so gallantly streaming?

And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,

Gave proof thro' the night that our flag was still there.

O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave

O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

On the shore dimly seen thro' the mists of the deep,

Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,

What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep,

As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?

Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,

In full glory reflected, now shines on the stream:

'T is the star-spangled banner: O, long may it wave

O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

And where is that band who so vauntingly swore

That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion

A home and a country should leave us no more?

Their blood has wash'd out their foul footsteps' pollution.

No refuge could save the hireling and slave

From the terror of flight or the gloom of the grave:

And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave

O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

O, thus be it ever when freemen shall stand,

Between their lov'd homes and the war's desolation;

Blest with vict'ry and peace, may the heav'n-rescued land

Praise the Pow'r that hath made and preserv'd us as a nation!

Then conquer we must, when our cause is just,

And this be our motto: "In God is our trust"

And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave

O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

Francis Scott Key

Happy Birthday America!

New Twist on an Old Favorite

noreply@blogger.com (Milly) — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 16:44:00 +0000

Around here a big breakfast consists of potatoes, bacon, biscuits and eggs. Sometimes grits depending on who was cooking. It has been that way since childhood. As an adult I saved that sort of special feast for Sundays. Now as an adult who prefers to be a little more health conscious, I have a new twist on this meal, that is so yummy, I won't mind the substitutions at all and since it is only once a week it is even that much more healthy by adding in the moderation factor.

That is scrambled free range eggs, with fresh bell pepper, tomato, onion and smoked gouda cheese. Fried sweet potato using olive oil, smoked turkey bacon and 100% whole wheat bread lightly toasted with apple butter. I was experimented with the sweet potatoes and was surprised at how much I enjoyed them!