Pizza

Had another skiff of snow last night, just enough to make the roads icy but we still managed to go out for breakfast and get our supplies for the day. Ran into some friends at the market so by the time we got home we had to have second breakfast. Mixed up the pizza dough recipe from Jamie Oliver and while that was rising I practised my hair cutting skills on two willing victims. They are still speaking to me so all is well. Sorted two bags of buttons and managed to fill a bowl with mother-of-pearl ones-that made me very happy.
For dinner everyone made their own pizza-this is not even close to the pizza we had in Italy or the great pizza I had growing up but we all enjoyed this version-everyone seemed to linger at the table just a little bit longer, lots to talk about and crusts to share.

Early morning visit

Had an early morning so I indulged in an Italian breakfast. I checked the bird feeder, it was so early the birds weren't even up yet. But what a sight as I looked over to my neighbours yard; two yearlings happily munching on his cedars. As they became aware of me and my camera, they slowly made their way down the hill, stopping every once in awhile to eat and look my way just in case I got too close. Gotta love early mornings.

Sunny Sunday

Started the day with a wonderful brunch because it's cold out and what better way to care for my sweethearts then to make heart-shaped waffles, no need to wait until that commercial day next month. And we did not forget about our feathered friends, as we enjoyed our late breakfast, the birds were gobbling up the seeds out on the deck-brunch and a show.
Maura helped me mix up a batch of sweet dough last night and today I made rustic walnut rolls.
Cinnamon, sugar, and walnuts-a great combination that made a sunny Sunday even sunnier.

O

My absolute favourite lampshade of all time is the shape of an 'O'. How appropriate for today.

Maura's scarf

Inspired by a particular blog, I decided to try my hand at making a scarf using selvages. With tons of fabric to choose from, it did not take me long to make the scarf. I not only used selvages but also clothing labels that I bought at my very first auction. Scraps from my favourite linen dress and one of my Mom's dresses are also stitched into the scarf. Ribbons, eyelet, and part of Valodya's embroidered jean shirt make up the mosaic of this scarf, a scarf that , even before it was completed, Maura claimed it for herself.

Something new

I have always loved the process of designing something on paper; figuring out dimensions, what kind of wood to use, and how to finish the project. I have never regretted taking a joinery pre-app program, and even though I never worked toward my ticket, the skills I learnt have served me well. Valodya and I make a great woodworking team. Sometimes all it takes is for me to show him a picture in a magazine or the Sundance catalogue, and days or weeks later he will present me with his creation.
This latest project was made with scrap wood, recycled dowels, and a water-based finish. The only thing we had to buy was the pulley system.
I love my new clothes airer.

Lunchtime walk

As I hurried towards the river, I could hear the train. I didn't have much time but knowing what was waiting for me down at the park, I quickly climbed the overpass as the locomotive slowly passed underneath me. I didn't have gloves or a scarf but thankfully I had my boots on.As I neared the river, the snow was much deeper slowing me down but I readied my camera as I walked along. I was only there a matter of minutes but that was all I needed.

New fabric

Could not resist the sale at my favourite quilt shoppe. Am always on the lookout for butterfly prints and this time I found two. Another great find was the button print; cream coloured buttons on a mocha background. Some ticking fabric because you can never have too many. And of course, I will buy any fabric that has acorns on it.

Spring?

One day you look out and there they are, tiny little things poking out between the rocks. There are so many that you cannot believe your eyes. You hope that they will not be mistaken for weeds. The sweet smelling Mothers have done their job and now take a well deserved rest. The harvest was good and the nursery is wrapped in fluffy, white quilts. I think spring is not far off.

Thoughtful Friday

Stay at home, my heart and rest...homekeeping hearts are happiest.


Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Handmade

I am always drawn to an object that is handmade.

The Russian collection

It all started with a birthday gift of a nesting doll. From the time I unwrapped that gift, I became fascinated with all things Russian. I collected Russian stamps, I read the Russian classics, and bought every nesting doll, bowls, and hand-carved spoons that I could find. And I certainly could not resist the hot pad that I found at the thrift store last week.

New journal

It's sleek, it's red, and it's exterior is wrapped in the softest Italian leather. Today I bought my 2009 journal.

Something old, something new

Twenty years ago we lived within walking distance of a blueberry farm and that's when I discovered the recipe for blueberry buttermilk biscuits. On Sundays or special occassions, I would make a batch or two and they never failed to impress. To honour the New Year I made three dozen farmers market blueberry filled biscuits for our brunch this morning.
One of my favourite co-workers shared with me a wonderful recipe for Japanese chicken which I made for our New Year dinner. Yes, it's a little more work but the look on everyones face assured me that it was all worth it.