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.