Will Winter NEVER Leave?

The weather is so very strange these days - AC to cool one day, back to the furnace the next - June 2, and I'm wearing a sweatshirt. Wouldn't it be nice if whoever got Mother Nature so angry would apologize???

But, be that as it may, yesterday, I did enjoy my weekly trip to the Saturday morning Farmers' Markets in our fair town - fresh eggs, bread, homemade noodles, asparagus and handmade soap. My favorite cheese maker has decided not to come back this year, but it's simply because it was getting too much for them. At least I know which stores carry those luscious cheeses of theirs!

Lime Rock Brown Swiss Cheese is one of the creamiest, tastiest cheese I've ever had, and they do have an online store - www.limerockbrownswiss.com - our favorite is the Brick. Absolutely wonderful with some crusty bread, a few slices of sausage, and a bit of fresh fruit alongside. The perfect meal!

I've been a bit slow about getting back to the studio - instead, concentrating on some handwork. I've listed a few of my simple knitting patterns on www.Craftsy.com - the ones I mentioned in my last post. I have a few more in the works, plus a sewing table full of buckwheat hull neck pillows, sachets and project bags to be finished up, and fibers to spin and finish. Those should be ready to show off in a few more days - well, maybe a week or so.

I think, though, that it's time I got back to clay. I have a couple ideas for some cheese molds due to a recent discovery of a simple cheese-making process that I'd love to try - www.eatingrules.com/2011/10/make-a-simple-cheese - incorporate some fresh chives from my garden, or fresh, coursely ground pepper, leave it plain and top it with some newly-made strawberry-rhubarb preserves..... I think I might use lemon juice - or, maybe cider vinegar - but, I will leave out the salt. I don't need it hardened, and that's pretty much what the salt does, as far as I can figure.



Doesn't this look good?

And, why am I contemplating making my own cheese, you ask? Well, because I can! But, mainly because of some information I found when doing family research and translating documents from Norwegian to English. Apparently, one of my great-great (not sure how many greats) Norwegian grandmothers was highly regarded for her cheese-making skills! I don't fashion myself an expert, but I'm just curious enough that it looks like fun! And, because I want/need to know what's in the food we consume - it's as simple as that. Having to be careful of a loved one's diet (and, my own) means that we explore every avenue to keep that person healthy.

So, now that I seem to have a little more enthusiasm for getting back to work - a bit more ambition that's been seriously lacking of late - it's off to the studio to see what I can accomplish in the way of good pots!

I threaded a needle today...

Yes, I did.


Now to most, this would sound a bit strange – you threaded a needle??? Well, isn’t that nice (in a very condescending tone).

15 years ago, I would have thought the same thing - maybe. But, for others like me whose eyesight is compromised – whose eyesight is not quite up to par (for any number of reasons), this is a major task on some days. It was about that time that I started to have trouble - the culprit was Glaucoma.

Glaucoma comes in several different varieties and results in elevated ocular pressure that, if not controlled, can cause irreversible damage to the optic nerves, resulting in loss of sight - blindness.

My own troublesome variety is called ‘Narrow Angle’ Glaucoma. It’s caused by trauma to the head (in my case, a car accident) and can sit, hidden away for years, only to be triggered by stress. Yes, stress. And, any type of stress can cause it to flare up without notice. There is no cure - only management.

After several surgeries, it was all good - the culprit was under control. However, at the first of this year, that control started to be an issue and is now a major concern. But, it will get better - I have good resources who will help me get things back on track.

So, yes, I threaded a needle – not one of those tapestry needles with a larger than life eye, but a real sewing needle - the tapestry needle, too, but the big accomplishment was the one to sew on buttons.


It started with this….





My daughter (of whom I am extremely proud – just ask me – I’ll tell ya!) is a very sensitive, caring and generous woman. A few weeks ago, her friend and coworker was diagnosed with breast cancer and subsequently had to have a double mastectomy.


My dearest one immediately went into action – she was, and still is, a woman on a mission. (Now, for you men who are unfamiliar with this type of action, it can be amazing to watch – and, not something you want to try and derail.)


She made meals, she started organizing fundraising (including a Facebook team page) – there has been no end to her specialness.


So, I decided to make her a little something of her very own to show her support – this little coffee cozy.





Which lead to this -





I just can’t seem to stop making them - they’re fun, easy and really quick. Not sure if I want to tackle any more charts, though. I like easy, and charts and I really never got along too well.

Yes, I threaded a needle - several times - and, will continue to do so while I can.

I'm working the clay this morning, for the first time in a few weeks - I'm ready! Knitting and spinning will have to take back seat for another day or so - I've got some catching up to do!


Be well, everyone -


Being happy doesn't mean everything is perfect. It means you have decided to look beyond the imperfections.
--Unknown