Asparagus Pickle!!

Asparagus Pickle

• 5 cloves garlic, slivered
  
• 20 allspice berries
  
• 1/2 to 1 tsp whole black peppercorns
  
• 1/2 tsp coriander seeds
  
• Nutmeg slivers
  
• 5 small hot peppers (fresh or dried)
  
• 3 lbs asparagus, trimmed to fit into a 12 oz tall jelly jar
  
• 2 1/2 cup champagne or sherry vinegar (best quality!)
  
• 2 1/2 cup water
  
• 2 1/2 tsp pickling salt
  
• 2 tbsp sugar
  

1. Divide the garlic, allspice, peppercorns, coriander, nutmeg and hot peppers evenly into 5 tall 12-oz jelly jars. Pack the asparagus vertically, tips up or down, in the jars.

2. In a saucepan bring the vinegar, water, sugar and salt to a boil. 

3. Pour the hot liquid over the asparagus, leaving 1/2 inch headspace. Close the jars with hot 2-piece lids. Boiling water process for 10 minutes, or simmer in 185 degree water for 30 minutes to pasteurize.

4. Store the jars in a cool, dry place for at least 3 weeks before eating.

Makes 5 12-oz jars. Completely delicious.

From Linda Ziedrich's JOY of Pickling.

This has nothing to do with crafts.

Ok. I don't know how this happened, but ... none of my friends are geeks. I don't mean none of my FRIENDS, I mean none of the folks who live nearby and do stuff with me are true geeks. I saw a preview of the NEW Star Trek movie last night and it occurred to me... who on terra firma would I get to go see this with me?? I have knitting friends, school friends, geology geek friends, enviromentalists, mommas, crafty friends, super awesomeness abounds! but... where are the sci fi and fantasy geeks hiding??

All of my friends used to be.. like me. Not only did we attend opening night of geek movies, WE DRESSED UP. My friends now are actually pretty cool, and while I could probably convince one or more of them to go see Star Trek with me, um, i bet none of them have pointy ear prosthetics. And it's obviously Matt W.'s fault that I'm infected with Battlestar Galactica, and Amanda's fault that I watch LOST like it's a drug... but they aren't geeks. Steve patiently rolls his eyes and wanders off to do something else when those shows are on, and when I have to get my weekend action movie time in.

I feel like my life has veered off in a direction that I could not have foreseen.

If there are any of you out there who read this and have been hiding the fact that you watch the sci fi channel and can't WAIT to go experience the newest Star Trek, let me know. I feel... so alone!

In addition, any ren faire nerds lurking?

=D

It's only January

I feel like I've been hibernating for months already. Head down, hands busy, trying to generate christmas gifts for all the folks who make up my life. I hoped to have a 100% hand-made christmas this year, which means that every single gift is LATE. All but Stevie's mom and a hat for Amanda! I have no pictures of the completed gifts, having been in a rush to get them wrapped, unfortunately! Amanda's hat is my homespun yarn in a soft lavender, with a mini sweater made out of the ends for her to hang on her tree. Lois's gift was a lovely oversized nine-patch quilt -- using fleece for the batting-back combo instead of a traditional method. 

Left to complete:  oh, just about everything.

Mandi had her baby!!

Arli Isabella!!!!

OMG!

Shout Out to Tootles

HI TOOTLES@!!!! WE MISS YOU!!!!#$!!!

Michaela's Quilt

Is totally awesome. Those of you who saw pictures of Bob and Heather's wedding quilt may recognize the wonky square pattern; but this one is all baby! Its finished size is 36" by 48" and it's got sky blue satin binding. I may have helped, a little.
There was a bonus square at the end, so we turned it into the signature block on the back. Super cool!

Crafts In Use, and a Letter

Must share this with the world. I got an email from a 7 week old!

"Dear Auntie Karen,

Thank you so much for my knitted bibs! They’re my favorite ones to wear because Mommy doesn’t have to try to fasten them behind my neck – I hate that! I’m really excited to come up to Maine and see you and snuggle you! I think this is sort of a goofy picture of me, Mommy kept tickling my toes to get me to smile, and all I wanted to do was eat! It’s time for my nap now. I’ll see you really soon!!

Love,
Maddie

P.S. Mom says hi and love you. :-)"