Beat the Heat

When the city gets too hot you can do as the locals do.  Find a shady park, preferably one with dolphin fountains, and splash about. Ahhhh.

Good to the last drop

       Shopsins was everything I hoped it'd be.                                     

 Thanks New York, for being so great.

Pics or it didn't happen?

I hear you saying that oh internet and let me tell you I don't buy it.

This past weekend I trekked up to Leavenworth but not for the faux Germaness of it all. No, I went for the trees, a campfire and the Wenatchee River. Not to mention the chance to spend time with some of my favorite knitting ladies. Of all the joys Ravelry has given me the chance to make many great friends has been the best one.

We floated our inner tubes down the river while we gossiped about dating, drinking beers and dodging driftwood. We ate in a '50's diner with "world famous" shakes while a Three Stooges episode played.  We talked and yes, knitted, for hours under the stars next to a campfire.  We greeted the snorting deer who came to visit.  Who knew they snorted so loudly?

On our way home we stopped at Gold Dust days in Gold Bar and found treasure amongst the motorcyclists and belly dancers. A lime green bonnet for Molly and a leather purse with two deer on it for me. Sang to 69 Love Songs all the way home. Arrived completely rested.  Thank you Summer for finally being here, even without pictures.

Five Senses Friday

I've never done Five Senses Friday, but today it seemed like a good idea.

Tasting:
Asparagus and Rhubarb!  Maybe not at the same time, but they're in season so I'm eating lots and considering putting some by for later... Maybe it's time to try pickling?

Seeing:
Slings and Arrows, a Canadian tv show written by Kid in the Hall, Mark McKinney. Funny and whip smart, it was suggested to me for the rumby pumby but that's not my favorite thing about it. (It isn't bad though...)

Hearing:
Greenhorn Radio on Heritage Radio Network.  A radio show about young farmers across the USA.  I'm looking forward to discovering other shows on this network, just as a quick overview I see some interesting ones on eating in, brewing beer, urban foraging... The Greenhorn site is very cool too. Join the irresistible fleet of bicycles! (I hope to when the weather finally improves.)

Smelling:
All my neighbors roses.  They smell so much better than mine do, at least mine are pretty and the chickens seem to enjoy eating the petals.  :)



Feeling:
Blue Sky Alpaca Sportweight Melange yarn in Cinnamon. For World Wide Knit in Public Day I cast on for a Ms. Marigold vest.  Odd Summer knitting perhaps, but perfect for the weather we're having!  This lady seems to be enjoying it in warmer weather, lets hope I do too.

So what did I actually get up to last Saturday?

I did volunteer at Beacon Hill Library as I do almost every Saturday.  The program is "talk time" where we practice conversational English in an informal environment.  This time the topic was medicine, which was more enjoyable than it sounds.  Everyone has something to say about it and I learned a lot about many of the participants.  I like it best when we talk about food.  The Vietnamese ladies have a lot to teach me!  And it helps me to be more adventurous with my cooking. I think I'm ready to make Spring Rolls at home, heaven knows I like to eat them!

The Bad Things performing at Georgetown Farmers Market on June 5, 2010. 

Photo copyright 2010 by Zachary D. Lyons.

Jesse and I also made it to the opening of the Georgetown Farmers Market.  They had a truck with mobile knife sharpening! I wish I knew that before I arrived. I have many dull knives and scissors. Sigh.  Next time.  This is also where I learned about the edible forest that the Jefferson Park Alliance is working to build in South Beacon Hill. The concept is amazing!  I've never heard of a such a thing.  It will function like a park with a p-patch and recreational areas, but most plants in the park, even the shrubbery and trees will provide berries and fruit. What a cool thing to have in an urban area.  The Farmers Market isn't just about food for me, in fact we only bought apples there.  Feeling like part of a community, while learning about an urban forest and getting a chance to try out some giant hula hoops... that's why I go to the Farmers Market.

I will never be able to do all the things planned for this Saturday but I can try:


Green Festival - I'm interested in the DIY zone and the Local Food and Farming area. But do I want to pay to go? Only $5 with a bus transfer...
June 5-6, 2010
Saturday – 10am – 7pm
Sunday – 11am – 6pm
WA State Convention Trade Center
800 Convention Place
Seattle, WA 98101


Punk Rock Flea Market - Two wonderful things combined!
Underground Events Center, 2407 1st Ave in Belltown. Starts at noon.
"The PRFM is a full on flea market selling everything you can imagine, including records, clothing, furniture, computers, stereo equipment, housewares, haircuts, toys, videos, bicycles, tacos, falafels, vegan treats, skateboards, political propaganda, information from non profit groups, book stores, artists selling their work, bike repair, baby stuff, tarot readings & whatever else we can fit into the space."

All ages until 8 pm
Market is until 6 pm; bands will play after that."  

The opening of Georgetowns Farmers/Flea Market from 10 am to 3 pm.  


So exciting for this neighborhood to have their own market, especially as there is a dearth of grocery stores in the area. This Saturday is the very first one, but they will be continuing every Saturday through September 26th.

Farmer Jane speaking at Third Place books in Ravenna.


I've been reading this book in short bursts for inspiring stories of women working in Food Education and Justice.


6504 20th Ave. NE

Seattle, WA 98115
(206) 525-2347

7:00 PM 

Cost: FREE

Sustainable West Seattle Festival

Delridge Community Center from 1pm to 5pm: "a free community celebration featuring live performance, creative arts and environmentally-minded workshops, speakers, family activities, and over 100+ community organizations and resources for Southwest Seattle."

Need Saturday night plans?

If I were going to be in town this weekend, I would definitely do this:

The UW Student Food Cooperative is looking to raise seed money to build a sustainable cafe on campus next fall! Come join us for an amazing night of food, music and drinks! Invite your partner, friends or family to come out and kick-start this community-supported project! 

Menu: Spiraled zucchini noodles with spinach pesto, smoked asparagus, raw kale chips, roasted garlic white bean spread, local cheeses, and much much more. 

Dessert auction (tables will bid collectively): To name a few... chocolate swirl cheesecake, gluten free black bean brownies, vegan chocolate cake from Chaco Canyon, or how about some home made truffles & salted caramels.

Local bands: The Foghorns, and Pillow Army. 

Happening near Gasworks Park at:

OmCulture 2210 N Pacific St Seattle, WA 98103

From 6 pm to 10:30 pm.

*Beer (from Fremont Brewery) and Washington wines will be available for those 21+ 

*Please bring cash or check for auctions. 

Tickets available online thru
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/112864

*At the door, prices will be $15 (students) and $22 (general public)*

Doesn't that sound like fun?

I will be in Cheney/Spokane for the holiday weekend. Hoping to see some sun, go for a hike with a real geologist and get lots of knitting done in the car or at least read the oft-neglected book club book.

I won!

Wow. I won something. It's perfect because I've been meaning to do it, really I have, but it's so much better to have this extra push. What did I win? I'll let Annette of Sustainable Eats explain:


I’m giving away a pantry makeover! A What Not to Eat episode custom tailored for you and yours by me. Fun fun!

What Not to Eat—a Pantry Makeover

Go from plasticized processed to local, sustainable, nutritious real food!


Win a custom-tailored pantry make-over. I will come into your home and work with you and your family to replace packaged and processed foods with suggestions and recipes for local, sustainable and highly nutritious real food options.

Lower your carbon footprint, increase your nutritional intake, reduce your grocery spend and support local farmers all at the same time.

Together we’ll work on replacements or substitutes for the foods you currently eat to make you lean and green.

I have been trying to make changes here and there, but it's going to be great to have someone help me take it on all at once. I'm so glad I won! I'll keep you posted on how it goes. I hope Annette is ready for my kitchen...

This Week

Reading: Farmer Jane by Temra Costa. This is an inspiring book about women working in food production/distribution/education.  And she's coming to Seattle June 5-7. Which of the many events shall I stalk her at? The UW bookstore reading? The Green Festival? Third Place books? So many options!

Watching: The IT Crowd I have to admit that Maurice Moss is my favorite. I don't know what I like so much about watching British computer nerds in sitcom format, but they are adorable. Seeing Noel Fielding as Richmond on this show just makes me want to watch the Mighty Boosh over and over again. Which I do anyway. I can't describe the Mighty Boosh, but I highly recommend it.

Volunteering: I already volunteer at the library year round. But this is a special time of year. The SIFF festival has begun! I'll be seeing, Micmacs by Jean-Pierre Jeunet of Amelie fame and Strange Powers the Stephin Merritt/Magnetic Fields documentary.  And many more I'm sure because I'm so ready to nerd out!


Wearing: As much Nau as possible.  Sustainable, comfortable, fashion.  It's a good thing they have warehouse sales... Looking forward to pulling out my summer clothes but it's still too unpredictable for that.


Eating: Molly Moon lavender honey ice cream with lemon curd, whipped cream, ginger crystals and real bits of lavender on top. Delicious!

Loving: My chickens! They are teenagers now, figuring out how to roost and what is good to eat. They love bugs but aren't so sure about green vegetables!

You've Got To Know Your Chickens

After a prolonged talk with the landlord, about urban ecology and stewardship some new members were added to the household. Chickens! I've been wanting pets for so long and Jesse seemed more open to the idea of pets who are also productive and just happen to poop outside. So chickens it is.



These little gals were mailed right after hatching and I picked them up and took them home on the bus.  That was a wee cold trip for them, but they all made it. They are Dominiques, a heritage breed that is supposed to be good for beginners as they are docile and handle confinement well. And adorable to boot!



These pictures are their glory days of adorableness. I have to admit that they are somewhat smelly teenagers now, but the upside is they will be fully feathered and ready to go outside soon. Then: Eggs!

How to Deal with Global Warming Deniers

I couldn't resist posting this, because I have these days too.



In other news, soon I will really have chickens! Really! How many do you think you need to have to introduce yourself as a chicken farmer?

Cupcake Camp

For those of you who love cupcakes and camp let me spread the word about Cupcake Camp! Via Cakespy. That is her lovely illustration above.

It'll be in Seattle April 10th but sadly I will not be in the country to enjoy it. I really want other people to tell me how great Cupcake Camp is. So go forth and do your part.

If Seattle is not your home base fret not, Cupcake Camp is worldwide!

Is February the cruelest month?

It's that grey time of year. When everything seems to boil down to this one color. I keep pulling it out of my closet. All the puddles reflect grey from the grey sky. This is when I have to make an effort to pull the color in.

Here's where it's coming from:

*New internet crush: Color Me Katie
Too adorable for words. Watch a video, then go dance with strangers.

*The buds making an effort to come up in my garden. Grow, grow, grow! While I contemplate seed purchases from Territorial Seed.

*Cashmere I can afford: Colourmart Maybe I'll finally make Jesse that cashmere sweater I've been promising. :)

*The deathcake is here. Yum.

*Water aerobics. Yep, I said water aerobics. I've been going with my Aunt Jill and loving it. 1)You don't sweat! 2)Nobody can see the awkwardness. :)

*Remembering colorful trips from the past. Here's Jesse at a museum in Oaxaca, Mexico.


*Planning for future trips. In April Jesse and I will go to Iceland and Sweden. I want to ride the small, native, shaggy horses that roll around in the snow when they get hot.


It may not be too late to see the Northern Lights as well.

Ah the perfect skiing outfit

Ah the perfect skiing outfit
Originally uploaded by Stampalina

Did I remember to sum up Christmas?

No?

This should do it.

Hope it was good for you too.

We went to the Falls

It was my 31st birthday this past November, we went to Snoqualmie Falls to celebrate. I wanted to eat the famous Salish Lodge Country Breakfast, the one my mom had told me about over and over again. About the pinafores on the waitresses, the many courses of biscuits, oatmeal, eggs and bacon, the roaring falls just outside the window.

As a young woman her mother-in-law had taken her up to the lodge to eat the fanciest meal of her life. It was to celebrate her pregnancy, the fact that she would be a mother soon and that would be something they shared.

To celebrate my coming into the world.

It seemed only right to eat there for the first time on my birthday.

And the falls were in fine form. The sun was out enough to make the mist glow.

As fine as the breakfast was, my favorite parts were just this. Just us and the falls. Each of us lost in our own thoughts.

Then coming together again. There we are. (Jesse is taking the picture.)

A perfect way to turn 31.

For Nerissa

Carly & Andys wedding was beautiful and lots of us were able to make it there. However a few people, like Nerissa, were not. So this post is for her.

See this beach? This is Golden Gardens the beach closest to my home. Even though I don't go here often, especially in the winter, I love knowing it's there. I walk the ridge above the ocean view almost every day on my way to the bus stop. The fancier houses keep me from actually seeing the Pacific, but I always look East to see if the mountains are out.

Carly and Andy were married at the Boathouse on the beach. Built in the 1930's this brick building is quite charming. It looked even more so with us dressed up folk in it. Don't you think so?

And filled with decorations chosen by, or even made by the Bride herself! She made this flamingo topper for the bride & groom pie. Yes, pie!

Mmmm, yes there were lots of pies. Pumpkin, lemon meringue, pecan, apple, I didn't get to try them all, but they all looked delicious.

The bride was lovely and the groom was dasher. Carly had both her parents walk her down the aisle, which made me happy as I did the same thing. They both brought me here after all and it felt good to be able to honor them equally.

I bet Carly felt the same way.



After the ceremony at sunset there was still a little sunshine left and it caught the fall trees ablaze.



The bride getting a little assistance in the shoe department...



to her Fathers' amusement. Can you see how cute her green Fluevogs are!?

Then there was lots of time for dancing. Which I didn't properly capture as I was too busy cutting a rug myself. But I had a really great time.



I really did, and I think Steph did too!

I do wish you could have been there.

See you when the ice melts friend.

Weekend Plans

As usual I have many plans for my weekend. A plan in this context is a loose term. It implies activities I know I will attend, ones I hope to attend, and those I just like knowing exist and could only attend if I could bend the rules of time and space.

The Nordic Lights Film Festival is happening this weekend. In my neighborhood. With Nazi zombies. I should definitely be able to make at least one of these movies, right? But most of all the Nazi Zombies one, Dead Snow. But at 9 pm on a Sunday? Hmmm...

Also all weekend, the Leif Erikson Lodge Bazaar in Ballard of course! How can you pass up the chance to see authentic Scandinavian crafts and eat homemade lefse! I'm a member of the local Nordic Heritage Museum even though I'm not sure I have any to speak of... however I always enjoy celebrating with the Scandinavians. As I did this summer in both a silly

and more serious fashion.

I was blown away by the skills on display in fiber and wood. There were wool spinners, knitters, wood carvers, and lace makers. So beautiful.

There are always shopping opportunities and all the better when they are for a good cause. As is the Closet Treasure Sale which benefits the Dress for Success program. Helping women with low income reenter the work force by providing them with office appropriate attire. I remember graduating from college and realizing I had nothing to wear to an office job myself! I hit the thrift stores thinking how unrealistic it felt to buy a whole new wardrobe for a job that would hardly pay the bills. I'm glad this program exists.

Trumping all these activities is the wedding of Carly & Andy! So exciting to see these two get married. I've been watching them grow together for some time now and I'm very glad to be able to see them wed!

Where did the summer go?

We did manage to make a wee trip to Bellingham.

There was brunch at Old Town Cafe with Clover, Dan & Courtney.

Jesse's having trouble figuring out the bill but we're not concerned as we're already full of crazy, delicious scrambles and omelets. I have many favorite breakfast joints in Bellingham and Old Town is high on the list. Rivaled by Mt. Bakery so fancy with its frittatas and crepes.

After all that good, rich food it feels good to get outside and get moving. Even though I lived in Bellingham a long time there are always more places to explore. This time we went down Chuckanut Drive to hike up to Fragrance Lake. There were good views of the San Juan Islands at the top but I was looking in a different direction.

Doesn't he look rugged?

We found Fragrance Lake and learned that it isn't named for an enticing fragrance, but rather after a person who may or may not have smelled delectable. It is a pretty lake though, it really sparkled in the sunlight.

I wish I'd brought a bathing suit as it looked like pretty good swimming.

This summer was hot and long, but once Fall came on it's been real serious. Which is too bad as I'm waiting for Bikeworks to finish building me a bike and I do intend to ride it. No matter the weather.

Down in the Garden

I've had a little time to play in my new garden. More time than knowledge I'll admit... but there's always next Spring, right?

I really can't yet tell the difference between plants I want in the garden and plants I don't want. It doesn't help that I inherited this garden from previous tenants. So sometimes when I reach down to pull out a "weed" this happens:

If you look very closely you can just see a tiny carrot. So adorable we couldn't let it go to waste.

We even managed to share it, despite its diminutive size.



I plan to dig in this winter and study my seed catalog carefully. In the spring I hope to plant my own starters from those well thought out seed choices.

In the meantime the garden does contain pleasures that aren't food related.

To Secret Beaches

Making the most of a summer evening at the beach near our house.

Rediscovering Canadian geese with visiting British friends.

Jesse getting his feet wet. (Though he says he doesn't like the beach.)

Graeme flying a kite, or just contemplating it. I think Graeme has a beautiful silhouette.

Alina relaxing on the sand. She's really not a baby anymore, but still adorable. All that hair!

Hopefully there will be many more beach filled evenings this summer.