Something For Me

I just finished a new felted bag for myself. I love it because it has 4 pockets! The pattern is The Sheep Tote from Fiber Trends. Unfortunately I can't find the tag from the yarn and I can't remember what it is called. I bought the yarn in Alaska 2 years ago and finally knit it up. I think I might make a large one to use for work.

I Think They Fit

Here are my friend Carin and her beautiful baby, Mae, wearing the sweater and booties that I sent. Adorable!

Puzzler

crThis is so cool! You can create your own crossword puzzle for free! It is VERY easy. Just CLICK HERE and go to the website where you can enter your answers and clues and they will do the rest. I just made one for my family in no time at all.

When I checked my broccoli plants the other day, they were looking beautiful! I could almost taste the yummy, fresh broccoli.



When I checked on them today...not so beautiful. Some creature had a very yummy salad straight out of my garden.



I saved 3 of them and I'm planting more. This time, I'm planting them inside the fenced-in garden area.

I think my peas are safe. They are in the secured area.

Oh So Tender Roast

I made this roast this week for my folks. It was oh so easy, tasty and tender!


Pan-Roasted Pork Loin with Leeks

4 large leeks (about 2 1/4 pounds)
1/2 cup water
1 TBSP butter
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 (2-lb) boneless pork loin, trimmed
1/2 cup dry white wine

Remove roots and upper leaves from leeks. Cut each leek in half lengthwise then slice into 1/2 inch slices. Soak in cold water to remove all dirt. Combine leeks, 1/2 cup water, 1 tsp butter, 1/8 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper in large Dutch oven. Cook for 10 minutes. Pour leek mixture into bowl.

Heat remaining 2 tsp butter in pan. Add pork and cook 5 minutes over medium-high heat, turning to brown on all sides. Add remaining 1/8 tsp salt, 1/8 tsp black pepper, and wine to pan. Cook 15 seconds. Return leek mixture to pan. Cover, reduce heat and simmer 2 hours. Remove pork from pan. Increase heat to reduce leek sauce if too watery. Cut pork into 1/4 inch slices. Top with leek mixture. (4 to 5 servings.)

A True Reason to Celebrate

Many of you know Jacob who I took care of for 2 1/2 years in foster care. As most of you know, he was adopted last year by a wonderful woman. I am grateful for her and for the fact that she keeps in touch with me. Check out these beautiful photos from their mother's day today. Very sweet.

What Recipes Have You Tried?

I know that many of you have tried out some recipes in Simply in Season. I'd love to hear which ones are your favorites so I can try them too!

As for me, I recommend:

- Almond-Parmesan Green Beans (page 114)
- Thai Green Beans (page 129)
- Butternut Harvest Stew (page 187)
- Zucchini Brownies (Page 161)
- Great Green Veggie Pasta (page 123) -- Add more garlic and basil and less salt.
- Taco Filling (page 303)

If you have no idea what I'm referring to, buy the cookbook! It's awesome "recipes that celebrate fresh, local foods..."