Ground Improvements

The lot has been graded and the next step is building the patio in front of the studio and planting grass. The patio was begun today. Grass is being delivered tonight and put down tomorrow. We're thanking the Lord for the rain this afternoon so that the grass can be put down on wet soil with more rain expected for the next 9 days. What a blessing at the end of June.

Restoration Progress

We are moving right along with the restoration project. Den furniture has been moved back in from the living room/dining room so that we got three rooms back! Yarn is back in place in the studio and I am in the process of organizing books and magazines that were packed in haste. And, I was glad to see that there was damage to only one book - my favorite weaving pattern book. (And, that is incredible considering everything around us.) But, it is still usable if a little musty and mildewed. Possibly, it will be more treasured as it made it through the storm.

We've begun work on the yard with 3 dump trucks full of sand. I'm beginning to like the beach look. (0: A patio will be put in shortly in front of the studio so that we may sit and talk about knitting and weaving projects and maybe even knit and weave and share a beverage or two. The patio will be made up of old brick scattered around the back of the lot with highlights of large stepping stones that my daddy and I made in the sixties of concrete and river stones we collected on family property.

The hardest part has been saying goodbye to the dogwoods my mama planted. I'm so glad we took this picture a couple of evenings before the storm.

Let Freedom Ring

Prompted by Kimberly's neat cell phone pouches that she wove from a colorway I offered after 9/11, Let Freedom Ring, I dyed a skein for myself. I'm looking forward to winding it into a ball and winding a warp. Or maybe I will knit it. So many possibilities, so little time. It's available by special order now through June 21.

Sandi's Cole Slaw

Oo-la-la is the best description for the cole slaw Sandi brought to us last night. That's not all she brought that was delicious but this was so good that I was instructed not to run out of it! When I asked for the recipe, I thought it might be complicated but oh, so easy. Here is the recipe:

Sandi's Cole Slaw

1-1# package cole slaw mix from Fresh Market or
1# coarsely chopped mix of cabbage, purple cabbage and carrots
1 to 1-1/2 oz. toasted almonds (She used slivered; I used sliced as it's what I had on hand.)
Equal amount of raisins
1/4 c. + Ken's Steak House Sweet Vidalia Lite salad dressing

Mix thoroughly, chill and enjoy.

Note: This could be made with bagged cole slaw mix but I don't think the texture would be as nice. Nor would it be as pretty without the purple cabbage. The coarse mix is very good. Amount of almonds, raisins and dressing is guesswork. If you like more or less, adjust the recipe to your own taste.

Greek Spinach Rice Casserole

I adapted this recipe from two recipes and added a few things as I tasted. Guess what's for supper!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Recipe yield: large casserole
Number of servings: 10

Spinach, rice, cheese and Greek seasoning. What's not to like? Good side dish for grilled fish or chicken. Serve with a salad and hot, crusty bread with dipping oil. Bread recipe to follow in a few days.

1 cup chopped onion
2 cloves minced garlic
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon salt-free butter
4-1/2 cups cooked long grain rice
3 (10-3/4 oz.) cans reduced sodium chicken broth
1 (10 oz.) package fresh spinach
1 egg
1 (5 oz.) can low-fat evaporated milk
1/2 teaspooon Greek seasoning
1/8 t. white pepper
1/2 c. seasoned, crumbled feta cheese
1/2 c. shredded Parmesan cheese
Paprika

In a large saucepan, saute’ chopped onion and minced garlic in oil and butter until tender. Add rice and broth; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and add spinach; cook until wilted. Beat egg and milk and add to spinach and rice mixture; stir constantly until thickened. Add Greek seasoning, pepper and feta cheese. Pour into a 2-quart casserole that has been sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and paprika on top. Bake at 350 degrees F. for 30 minutes or until hot.