Summer... In March

It is amazingly warm here in Chicago. Yes, it is March. We had a high of 86 degrees yesterday, and I am pretty sure it is going to stay that way for a little while.  Here is one of my favorite things about summer.

Cool new project

I couldn't help myself. I have been wanting to make a duct tape wallet for the longest time.  Here it is!

I am getting better at this

I have wanted to learn to sew for a long time.  So finally last summer I took a couple of classes, and decided that I kind of like it.  "Kind of" being the key phtase here. then I started making bags. Now this is a whole different situation! I love making bags!

Here is my latest creation. I can't believe I went through the whole winter without a black bag.

Yes, it is fuzzy

It is the perfect size - I have 2 others just like it and it holds everything!

I just love making fun linings!

It's like an old friend

My George Foreman grill.  It has been buried in my pantry since I moved out of my condo about 10 years ago.

It was when I didn't have an outside area, no grill, no sunshine, no view... no outside.  But I made it work with the help of several people, some great ideas, and fairly heavy curtains to block the view of the dumpster outside my windows.

I received said Foreman grill from a friend in a drunken TV infomercial buying stupor.  The guy I was dating at the time and this friend were over at my place and had a few too many cocktails.  The guy I was dating went to the bathroom and when he came out our friend had flipped on the tv and was on the phone chatting it up with the operator.  Seems he was hungry and the food they show on there looks incredible.  So, instead of ordering out... yeah well, we've all been there.  Anyway, after about a half hour of conversation with the poor operator 2 grills were being shipped, and my grilling days had begun.

It is truly amazing how man things you can cook on it.  Grilled cheese sandwiches, bacon, chicken, steak, veggies, you name it.

Ok, so much for my sales pitch, this was really about the fond memory of the grill, friends, and my first place.

Florida inspiration

I got back from Florida visiting Mom and Dad about a week ago now.  I have to say it was a shock to the system to get off the plane and have it be cold.  I knew it was coming, but somehow it seemed like it shouldn't have been THAT cold.  Ah well, I had the same problem when I got down there only opposite.  I felt like I needed to take a jacket with me everywhere.

While I was there I went to a friend's house and we had fresh juice.  It was wonderful!  So my mind started moving along at a rapid clip thinking how I could incorporate this into my everyday world.  Then it hit me!  Get the junk I don't use off of my counter and keep the juicer out all the time.  Duh.

I went to the store and picked up some fresh fruit and veggies, and I have had juice every single day!  I love it!  The last few days have felt like spring is in the air so I made myself some pear and dandelion juice with ginger.  Sounds a little weird I know, but dandelion is one of the best greens you can eat in the spring.

Now, when can I get back to Florida....

Knitting and Crocheting

This has been a great winter for knitting and crocheting!  I have started about 10 projects and sadly am still working on about 8 of them.  I have gotten a few things done though.  Here is one, and hopefully I can get pictures of some of the others.  I gave them away as gifts this year, so it is kind of tough to get pictures after the fact.

This one is crocheted.

This one is knitted, it is a cowl.  I love the pattern on the green one.  I may do another one for me...