The CCM hat decision

Reblogged from Knitting In Flashes:

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Remember a few weeks ago when I finished my Carrie Cahill-Mulligan hat?

Well, I finally decided what I was going to do with the brim.

Paisley.  I love paisley and found some generic paisley shapes to use as my inspiration.  My plan is to embroider eight paisley designs around the entire brim but I’m going to start at the front and work my way around from side to side so I don’t…

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In the midst of scary times for us, I am so grateful for the support of friends and strangers. Thank you, Patti, for helping spread the word! (In one hour, Andy will undergo surgery to attach a thin, metal plate onto his very pokey-outy clavicle. Please send happy, healing thoughts!)

Of Bike Wrecks and Gift Certificates

Last Thursday, my Hubba Hubby crashed his bicycle in a serious wreck. He broke his wrist and his collar bone in two three places.

But not his skull. Nor his neck. And for that, we’re very, very thankful.

He’ll be sidelined from his cabinetmaker job for 4-8 weeks 2-3 months 5-6 months, which is going to be difficult for many reasons, not least of which is the fact that Andy’s not a very patient patient.

Luckily, we don’t see a lot of movies in general, so he’s got a long list of DVDs to rent.

Andy's final project at the Silva Bay Shipyard School, a cherry wood Shaker-style cabinet.

Andy’s final project at the Silva Bay Shipyard School: a cherry Shaker-style cabinet.

I’m sharing this with you now because I could really use your help.

If you’ve ever wanted to purchase one of my felt hats, but were waiting for the right moment, I couldn’t imagine a better time than now.

Andy carefully applies real leaves to the form for our concrete counter top.

Andy carefully applies real leaves to the form he built for our concrete counter top.

I’m still building up inventory in advance of my big crafts fair in August, but maybe you’d consider purchasing a gift certificate for yourself or someone you love?

Or maybe you got a tax refund this year and maybe it’s a hat kit you’d like?

Whatever the case, just know that your purchase now will make a world of difference to me and my Sweet Man.

Andy is happy with the installation of his 1st-ever concrete counter top.

Andy, happy to have his cherry cabinets topped with the concrete counter top he made.

And if you have any movie recommendations, we’d be grateful for those, too…

My Favorite Asparagus Recipe

I’ve been waiting for our garden to produce the first asparagus of the spring so I could share my very favorite asparagus recipe with you.

Asparagus spears emerge.

The 1st asparagus spears of the season are always cause for great celebration!

But, spring comes late to northern New England, and your asparagus season might be long gone by the end of April, when I expect our season to begin.

Asparagus just past prime picking

Once asparagus unfurls it's branches, it's past its prime for harvest.

So, without further ado, I present:

Easy Roasted Asparagus

Roasted asparagus spears line a baking sheet, fresh from the oven.

A simple recipe to showcase the complex flavors of fresh asparagus.

Preheat oven to 400F degrees.

Place washed & trimmed asparagus spears on baking sheet.

Drizzle with olive oil & sprinkle with salt.

Roast 8-10 minutes, turning once.

Remove from oven & sprinkle with a bit of lemon juice or balsamic vinegar.

Serve immediately.

Caramelized Asparagus Spear Tips - macro

To ensure even roasting, choose spears of similar thickness, or remove thinner spears first. Asparagus will brown & caramelize during roasting, adding a rich, wonderful flavor.

The fresher the asparagus, the better this recipe!

Do you have a favorite way to serve asparagus? I’d love if you’d share it below…