Crochet & Books! Yarn Along Wednesday

 In between other crochet projects, I like to do little crochet projects that go quickly.  I made this hot pad-trivet thingy for my new kitchen.  I was inspired by the colors on Helen Philips blog (on my side bar).

 

and these chairs that I bought for my kitchen table yesterday!  But these are another blog post.

 I actually made two granny squares and single crocheted them together back to back.

 Just a fun quick project to do in between longer projects.

 The roads don't look too bad here, but they are.  We are in that Indiana bad weather going on right now.  This picture was taken earlier today and that is ice on the roads.  Now it's snowing like crazy outside and covering up the ice. 

 

There are a few things I always want to do during bad weather like this.....

They are...

BAKE

 Chewy Granola Bars (click on the title for the recipe.  They are yummy)

 Peach Pie for my Shug

 READ

This is a "weekender bag" I got at the library a couple of weeks ago.

You pick out a bag and the topic is listed on the card tied to the bag.  

I had two choices at the time.  Mardis Gras or Lent.

If you fill out a comment card you are entered into a contest.  I forget what the prize is but I think it's an overnight in Indy.

In the bag is popcorn, music, movies, and books. 

 (Definitely going to have to watch "Chocolat" again.  I love this movie and own it, but never realized it was about lent!

 

CROCHET

 I also started this basket topper.

 I made one of these before years ago and I like they way they turn out.  They are great for storage.

or CLEAN, which I did not choose to do today!

I'm linking up to a Small Things YARN ALONG today.

Please click here to see what other yarnies are up to!

Cindy Bee

Bright Spots!

Lately, I've been to two farmers markets. I went to the one in our town to look for green beans and I came home with a scone, but no green beans.

On Saturday, I went to a Farmer's Market in another town, and I came home with a scone, and green beans. The scone is gone, the green beans are still in the fridge. {sigh}
I don't know if this is the reason I'm craving scones lately.

or if it's the scone recipe in the back of the book I want to try. But I borrowed this book from the library, and it was due back before I had a chance to try the recipe. So I e-mailed the author.....
who also wrote this book, btw....

and these....and more. (she also has another series out, which I haven't read yet - sorry Laura)

The first book is part of a series about Theodosia, who owns a tea shop, in Charleston, SC. There is always a murder...somewhere...and Theo solves it. Or helps Burt Tidwell (the local cop) solve it. Charleston is one of my favorite vacation spots, which is what got me interested in this series. And I love tea shops. Plus you get some great recipes in the back of the book.

The second book is part of a series about Carmella, who owns a scrapbook store, in New Orleans. She also solves murders. In the back of the books in this series you get scrap booking ideas.

So yesterday, I needed a bright spot, and here it is..... I got an e-mail from THE AUTHOR! Personally... from her! Totally unexpected. Here it is...

----- Original Message -----

Sent:Sat, 13 Aug 2011 10:56:05 -0400 (EDT)
Subject:recipes
Is it possible to put the recipes in your books on your web site?

Cindy

********************
In a message dated 8/22/2011 5:43:34 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,

writes:
Dear Cindy,
I'm in a writing crunch right now, but I will try to get a few up in a few months
All my best,
Laura Childs

**********************
----- Original Message -----

Sent:Mon, 22 Aug 2011 18:01:29 -0400 (EDT)
Subject:Re: recipes

OMG! Seriously, YOU...Laura Childs...in the flesh...answered my e-mail personally! AAACCKKK!!!! Can I put this on my blog?

Cindy
***********************
My dear Cindy,
I answer all my emails personally. Seriously. There's just me and my computer (and not a very good one at that!). No assistants, no burning sage, no personal masseuse. Although . . . I do have two lazy dogs who sleep at my feet most days.
I don't know how interesting this all is, but, yes, put it in your blog if you'd like.
All my very best,
Laura Childs

**************

Is this cool or what? And it couldn't have come at a better time. Try her books blogettes. Any author that gives you the time of day, or answers her e-mails personally....she deserves a read don't you think?

The other bright spot. That little 12 year old I spoke of yesterday...his Mom brought him over to see me, so I could give him an embarrassingly way too long hug. I couldn't let him go. Still can't. How do you do it blogettes? Let them go.... {sniff}

Cindy Bee