First the great books I’ve been reading just for me.. I started this one because I had read a lot of positive teen librarian responses about it, so at first I thought it would be my attempt at keeping up on some newer teen fiction for my job. After about 50 pages, I knew I was reading it for me and just couldn’t put it down. I finished the second in the series with the same result! Even if you are a grown-up… read it if you like exciting dystopian novels.

And of course a couple of knitting books to browse. Then there are the kids books. We’ve been hooked on a couple to celebrate the season.

The work related books have been fun and interesting too. I am moderating the Woolly Bookworms at my library. It’s for kids & adults and they’re encouraged to bring any fiber project to work on. (Hmmm…. notice how I slipped in a hobby at work?) But seriously, everyone who attends enjoys themselves, talks about the book and their projects and attendance has grown (yes, my boss might be reading this!)

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Now to get started on a few new kids fiction titles…. I’m loking forward to reading the 39 Clues series and The Olympians series.  I’m always looking for suggestions no matter what age they are for!

A quiet Thursday morning….

Thank you Dad, Grandpa D., Grandpa P., Uncle J., Uncle D., and to my father-in-law.

When you are out today… Say thank you, accept the poppy, make a donation, and wear the poppy proudly!

Can’t find a poppy? cosmicplutoknits has a quick pattern for you for the poppy below.  Laura Chau developed the pattern and was kind enough to share the picture too.

Saturday I had the pleasure of dining outside for lunch. The kids were at my parents so that left me home alone on my lunch break from work. What a treat! Fall soup, white pesto pizza, sunshine, and a warm breeze.

For dessert: knitting with my feet up. Love the puppy supervising and waking me as I dozed off. Good thing too, ’cause I was almost late getting back to work!

I’ve cast on yet another project, in the midst of the project coat. The yarn is a birthday gift from a friend, a wonderful chunky wool in a marled pink. I’ve never thought of myself as a pink fan, but I just love this, and I’ve always wanted to knit myself a warm ’round-the-house’ shawl. Some thing I could throw on to take the dog out, for a quick jaunt to the store or have handy for a cool soccer game. I believe the combination of this pattern and this yarn will be the perfect solution.

Now, if I could only find more time to knit, what with 3 sick kids, a full time job and other incidentals…..

For more Fiber Arts Friday goodness be sure to check out www.alpacafarmgirl.com

This weekend marked the last of the fresh basil from the garden. I celebrated the best way I know how… cooking. We enjoyed a homemade white pizza with a base of freshly made pesto topped with cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella and parmesan cheese. The eldest loves to make pesto in the food processor, I know it won’t be long ’til she’s experimenting.

The pasta was super easy, my son squeezed the cherry tomatoes into the pasta dish, tore the basil, parsley & oregano, while I cooked the angel hair and steamed the broccoli and chopped the garlic. Our secret is to let the hot pasta and broccoli sit on top of the herbs and tomatoes until ready to serve. Then we just toss with olive oil and parmesan cheese, sit, serve & eat!

Enjoy! My Mom the health teacher shared this with me and I just had to pass it along.

I think I set a knitting record for myself, a hat in a week. I love it, and finished it just as the weather is getting cooler around here.