Who Needs Frames?

I don't know about you, but when the refrigerator gets loaded with pictures, schedules, menus and calenders, I go crazy. I can't see a darn thing, and instead of feeling like I know what is going on with school lunches and practices I feel like I do not know anything, about anything.

So, I frame a few pieces of art work- those get changed out every few months, I tape all lunch menus, practice schedules, and love notes from my children inside the pantry door. This way, I can actually see them instead of having eight pieces of paper share the same magnet.

And the pictures? Well today I put some right here on our hallway closet.

No frames or magnets needed.

I Still Knit

It has been such a long time since I have shown any knitting. I am starting to get my groove back. It is just taking a while.

I have loved all the sweet, subtle comments on Ravelry and in my email box asking if I just quit knitting all together. My knitting needles are still here, just taking a small rest.

This Captain Hat was knit for my oldest son, although my youngest son wears it the most.

For some reason, Blogger is not letting me link or edit any posts-I am not sure why. The pattern is a free ravery download-The Captain's Hat.

I knit this up and ran out of yarn, so I did not get to do the button band which is probably my favorite part, but who can not love a hat you knit up in a day? I am not even sure about the yarn, all chocolate brown scraps from my stash. Mostly alpaca, maybe some wool in there too.

I am really in the mood to knit for my babes-I am off to search through my pattern books!

Spring Chores

We don't do much in fall as far as outside chores go.

We don't rake, cut back the gardens, plant bulbs, or remove bulbs. I am usually too busy crafting, and never in the mood.

I save it all for the spring. I am so excited to get to it, so I figure that is the best time to tackle things like painting adirondack chairs, rake, mulch, prune, clean out the hen house, feed the plants, and stain the deck.

Oh, the deck.

Because we decided to paint it, it needs to be done. Every. Year.

Usually that just involves painting the floor of the deck, but this year the balusters really needed to be done.

We use white outdoor stain that has held up really well for the past seven years. No chipping or peeling. It's just that they were green, and black, kind of moldy looking. I opted to repaint them instead of cleaning them. I didn't want the chemicals to go in the garden that outlines the deck.

It was a lot of work, but I am so glad it is done.

Next on the list is to get some grapes and an herb garden planted, maybe another hydrangea patch.

What are your spring chores this year?

S'more Bars Recipe

There is a wonderful bakery near us that sells the best cookies and bars. Jack always picks out a S'more bar that is so good.

I came up with a similar recipe that I knew my family would love. We are huge S'more fans.

First, I made my own marshmallows. They are so much better than the ones you buy in the store!

I used Ina's Toasted Coconut Marshmallow recipe (minus the coconut) and they were so much fun to make.

After that, I melted one stick of butter in a 9x13 pan at 350.

Next, mix in (with a fork) about 1 and 1/2 cups of graham cracker crumbs, layer on top about 2 cups broken up Hershey's chocolate bars, stick back in the oven until chocolate melts.

Then, top with marshmallows and stick them under the broiler on low. Watch these very closely, in a few minutes you will have toasted marshmallows.

I melted more chocolate to put on the top.

I love these bars, but I can't wait to have the real thing!

Girls

I brought home some new little girls the other day.

We are all so excited.

Well, almost all of us.

Dorothy,

and Blanche,

were not very impressed. Ahem.

And this sweet girl is taking a much needed rest.

That fox has been relentless. Our dog Eve, has either been sitting on the front porch, or right here by the front door keeping a watch over the chickens.

I am not kidding when I say she chased him (or her) away at least ten times yesterday, and three times today.

It makes her happy to have a job to do.

My Favorite Banana Recipe

I wanted to share my favorite banana bread recipe with you. I usually make muffins. It is easier for the kids to just grab one and go play outside after school.

I love it because it is not soggy like some other recipes I have tried.

In my baked goods, I always use white-wholewheat flour (King Arthur)

Raw organic sugar

Organic butter

Our free-range eggs

Sea salt

Organic milk

We go through a lot of this stuff, and it makes me feel better that I can make it healthier for my family without changing the taste.

Fermented Banana Bread:

1 3/4 cups flour

2/3 cup sugar

2 teaspoons powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 Cup Fermented bananas (about 3 bananas)

1/3 cup butter

2 tablespoons milk

2 eggs

1/4 cup nuts or chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350

Mix together 1 CUP FLOUR (save the rest, you will use it later) sugar, powder and salt.

Add bananas, butter and milk. Beat on high for 2 minutes. Add eggs one at a time and remaining flour. Mix until blended.

Fold in nuts and chocolate chips.

Bake about 30-35 minutes if making muffins, or 55 minutes if making bread (makes one loaf or a dozen muffins)

Inside/Outside

This weekend I think you should, Run outside,

See what you can find.

Then, come inside.

Make these.

Recipe here.

You can thank me later....