kitty companiona

kitty companiona

Sunday, August 28, 2011

Salad Days

Even though the tail end of the hurricane is still circling over south central Pa, we have only mild rain and moderate thrashing of the trees.

The weather for the past two weeks has been heavenly!  Daytime temps have been in the low 80's with lovely cool nights that make sleeping a pleasure.  The curse has been lifted and we are getting some much-needed rains.  The garden, what's left of it, is recovering from the drought of the last month and a half.  We've been getting enough fresh veggies to make some tasty salads.


This is the way summer is supposed to be!  It makes getting up and viewing the sunrise a joyous occasion.

The only unhappy note is that my dear friend, Willa, is moving back to Missouri.  She and Chuck have been planning this for about a year, and now the time has arrived all too soon.  On Thursday evening, her last night here, we went out to eat together at Biscotti in Shippensburg.  I will eventually be updating my restaurant review page with the pictures, but for now I just have to show you the dessert.


This is their mango mousse cake.  In my sixty-plus years I have tasted many cakes.  Some good and some left a lot to be desired.  May I say that I have found the PERFECT cake?  Oh my goodness, is this cake DELICIOUS!!!  The mango flavor is sublime!  I checked for recipes on Google and found several.  I can't wait to try reproducing this wonderful treat.  It was the perfect ending for the farewell dinner.

My legs have recovered but the trips to the hospital for wraps continue twice a week. These doctor visits are seriously cutting into my free time.   On Tuesday I will be measured for the compression stockings that I will be wearing from then on.  Then back to the fun stuff like day trips to interesting places instead of sitting in a waiting room for 45 minutes.

But I have not been idle.  While sitting around with my feet propped up (NOT!!!)  I started a knitting project.  This is a knit-along group that is beginning on Ravelry on Sept. 10 with Julie from Knitting at Large.  Last weekend I found myself without a current project.  The yarn began talking to me to get my needles and start playing with this sweater.

 
It's a Cabin Fever pattern by Deb Gimmell and is knit from the top down.  There is no seaming necessary to finish the sweater, which means the pieces don't have to be BLOCKED before it can be put together.  Sounds ideal for me because I HATE blocking!

I've been knitting like a madwoman!  The obsession is to get an area done so I can see how the next part works.  Will it fit???  I just couldn't wait to get to the underarm part to very carefully try it on.  I am using an acrylic yarn in a worsted weight that is knitting up into a very sturdy fabric.  I'm thinking of making it into a jacket by adding a matching plaid wool lining.


This is the progress so far.  I started on one of the sleeves to check how the decreases would work.


I love the pattern of the collar and the front bands.

Since I haven't quite decided how the lining idea is going to work, I haven't put in any button holes.  I think the buttons will be sewn on the outside on top of large snaps for closing on the inside.

Isabell has been a close companion.  She loves when I knit.  Do you think she has a rather devious look???  She's waiting her chance to run off with the yarn ball.


Hope all of you have survived the hurricane with a minimum of stress and damage.
Until next time, happy hooking, or whatever creative endeavors you enjoying.

18 comments:

  1. Hoping Willa and Chuck enjoy their new home. I'm sure you will all stay in touch in other ways. You sure have been keeping busy. Your talents never stop. The knitting looks beautiful! Love the color.
    Happy to hear that the the trips to the doctors is dwindling and great news that you will be up and around in the near future. Hope to see you soon!

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  2. Hi Pat,
    I have been worried about you with the hurricane coming so near your home! Glad it's bringing you some needed rain and that you folks are okay! It's great to hear you're feeling better and working on some knitting!
    Oh what lovely work! I am always impressed with your beautiful handiwork!
    Will look forward to your progress and to see if Isabell gets to help out a little there too!
    I hope you can get together with Chuck and Willa often after they move! It's so hard to see good friends move away ( hopefully they have internet so you can still email photos etc.)
    Take care of yourself and say Hi to Zip! Hope he's staying in the smoke free zone these days!
    Hugs!
    Cathy G

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  3. Oh Pat, that mango mousse cake makes my mouth water. If you can find a recipe that match closely to this desert I hope that you will post it on your blog.

    Sorry to hear about your friends Willa and Chuck moving away. It always leaves a void. I hope that someone else will appear to fill that void.

    I'm very glad that your legs are getting better.

    I'm always in awe of your knitting abilities. I love that autumn color on your beautiful sweater. A very nice pattern.

    Isabelle does look like she's eyeing that yarn ball. I used to roll a tiny ball just for Miss Kitty when I knitted gloves. She wanted to play with my yarn.

    I'm glad also that you got some much needed rain. Sorry that we hogged all the rain for most of the summer. I hope that your week goes well.

    Hugs, JB

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  4. Sigh...... that mango cake looks so good! I'm sorry that your friend is moving away, but I am glad you have the memories and are hooked on a dessert that, every time you eat it, will make you think of her.

    Love the look of that sweater! You do very nice work.

    I'm glad that Irene hasn't flooded you out or broken your trees!

    Enjoy your Sunday!

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  5. Love Mangoes!
    That sweater is just my kind of sweater, though with the longer length sleeves! I wonder if I could get the pattern over here in the U.K?
    I like the idea of turning it into a jacket too.
    Sorry your friends are moving away from you.
    Hope the weather is kind again this coming week.

    Sandie xx

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  6. Hi Pat, I think Isabelle has the most gorgeous face, just beautiful.
    so glad your legs are getting better, the cooler weather helps a lot doesn't it?
    As for the knitting, well, I have never seen a cardigan knitted from the top down, makes it more interesting.
    Thought of you when they mentioned the hurricane, glad you are okay,.
    Keep well
    Briony
    x

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  7. Hi Pat,
    I know it is hard when a friend leaves. Keep smiling and keep happy thoughts! I am glad to hear you are doing ok and your legs are doing better. Oh my on the Mango cake! Looks so yummy....By the way I think Isabelle is just to sweet! Take care....

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  8. Pat ~
    How sad that Willa is moving away but you have so many memories of a special friendship.
    I'm so glad Irene fizzled before she arrived in your area. What a blessing.
    Oh, your sweater is gorgeous. You are SOOOOO talented.
    Pug hugs :)
    Lauren

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  9. Not sure where to start to comment ...what a great post.
    I am so glad you did not suffer from the hurricane ...I always smile when you talk of cooler days at 80f ...I would be wilting in the heat lol.
    Love your sweater ...you are so clever....I think it would look good with toggle fasteners (like on a duffle Coat).
    That mango cake looks yummy ...hope you work out a good recipe....and share it.
    So glad your legs are improving xx

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  10. So thankful, you are doing better, and you have some relief from the heat. Your projects are always fabulous, you are very talented! The cake looks amazing, please post if you get the recipe. Blessings to you, Zip, and furry friends!

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  11. Mango mousse - mmmmmm - sounds wonderful! I may have to pop in the day you recreate it! LOL just teasing! So happy your legs are doing better - I was worrying about you! I'm thinking Isabell looks more like she's upset she's not getting a sweater! Love the color and design of your new project - looks great and sure to keep you warm this upcoming fall/winter!

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  12. Pat, I love the sweater. The color is perfect as is the knitting. Can't wait to see it finished. I love the look on Izzy's face!

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  13. That looks like it is on the way to being a perfect Fall sweater. Love the color, so rich and cozy. I have knit a couple of sweaters many years ago, but would never show anyone. Lol
    Good luck on re-creating that cake. You will probably have to make and taste "several" until you get it just right! :)

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  14. Hi Pat, me again!
    I got the Cabin Fever website but, couldn't find this particular pattern. Is it this year's pattern and do you have a refence number or name so that I can quote when I contact them?

    I dare say you've nearly finished your jacket by now!

    Thanks for the comment on my blog.

    Have a great week,

    Sandie xx

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  15. Hi Pat, your salad looks fresh and delicious but I bet that mango cake is a little slice of heaven!!! Great sweater, it will be very cozy on chilly winter days. I think Isabel is adorable, she has very soulful eyes!

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  16. Hi Pat, Are you and Zip feeling better now? I sure hope. Wish I could come have lunch with you sometime! ha! Your food always looks so good....Blessings to you and your family....

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  17. Hey Pat, how's that sweater coming along? I'm sure that you are getting close to finishing it by now.

    I hope that you are both well and that the cats are behaving. Chill is really in the air and fall is coming a bit too fast.

    I've been wondering if you ever found a recipe to match that mango cake yet? JB

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