Hooked 1989

Hello...anyone still out there???

2009-03-23T10:51:00.001-04:00

What a year...just trying to get up and running again. Hope everyone is well and fibers are flying. Will write more soon.

Here HE is...

2007-12-07T10:39:00.000-05:00

This is our son, Parker. Born July 20th. 7lb 1oz and 20" long. He's now 4 months old and a sweety!

I've been MIA for a while...baby making time.

2007-05-28T12:19:00.000-04:00

For those who are interested, although no one has really inquired how I've been doing...

we are expecting our second child in the middle of July.

We've been balancing our blood pressure with methyldopa 250mg/4xs a day. And I don't like taking drugs...so I'm not happy that I have to take them, but very pleased that they are working and the baby has been very healthy. I've been on the meds since wk 17.

I've only gained 13 pounds and I'm 32 weeks along. Doctor says that with being overweight to begin the pregnancy...I don't need to gain alot for a healthy baby...TYG

Hope everyone is well...next post will probably come after the new arrival....

Foodie Friday - Apple Crisp

2007-01-12T16:54:00.000-05:00

***Apple Crisp ***

Preheat oven to 375 F.
Butter a 13x9 pan.
Peel, core, and slice 4 cups apples (prefer tart to sweet, but it's up to you.)
Layer apples in pan.
Mix together:

1/2 c whole wheat flour (you can use all purpose, but I've been trying to add fiber to diet.)
1/2 c oats
3/4 c brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1/3 c melted butter

Spread crumble onto apples.

Bake for 30 minute.

Excellent warm with vanilla ice cream on top!

Enjoy!

All About Me...

2006-12-12T12:18:00.000-05:00

I was tagged by Su and here's all about me. It's funny when you actually write this stuff down.

Four Jobs:
- concert hall asst manager EIU
- counselor/asst dean of women EIU music camp
- asst manager of Samuel Music Repair Shop
- Office Manager for Chicago Sales Office @ Power92 Chicago

Four Movies
- Room with a View
- Howard's End
- Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (either version)
- Harry Potter or Star Wars Series

Four Places
- St.Elmo, Illinois
- Charleston, Illinois
- Homewood, Illinois
- Beecher, Illinois

Four TV Shows
- Vicar of Dibley
- As Time Goes By
- Waiting for God (I don't think it's on anymore, but I wish it was)
- Knitty Gritty

Four Vacation Places
- Galena, Illlinois
- England
- Starved Rock - Utica, Illinois
- Antioch, California

Four Favorite Foods
- Grilled Salmon
- Thai Curry Chicken
- Chicken Tandoori
- Italian

Four Favorite Books
- Harry Potter series - easy read
- most E.M. Forester novels
- books on spirituality
- lately...my "What to Expect When You're Expecting" ;)

Four Friends that will respond: Consider yourself tagged if you haven't already posted on your blog. :)

I'm still living...

2006-11-30T15:51:00.000-05:00

Sorry I haven't blogged in a month...with all thing considered...there's so much going on and yet I feel like a slug about it. Thanksgiving has passed and that is good, because I didn't totally stuff myself. Christmas is next...*sigh* It's just too commercial for me. Many people feel bigger is better and I would prefer to just get together as a family and enjoy the company...I guess I'm strange that way.

Anyway, I completed a small purse for my step MIL for her birthday in early November. I was late getting to her, but she loved it just the same. I knitted, yes I said knitted, the outside with a chenille type yarn in a olive-brown color using a form of basketeave stitch and attempted my first "cable" with the stag horns on the flap and then lined it in shimmery gold. If I were to do it again, I will know to sew the lining up separately and then tack into place. Although I adjusted the tension on my sewing machine...the foot just kept catching the knitted top...although I didn't try taking the foot off and sewing...dunno. Without further ado...here it is:

I've also completed a set of dishclothes for my "sister by choice" in a funky lime green, lemon yellow, and sea side blue...she loves those colors. But alas, no pics.

Hope everyone had a wonder Thanksgiving!

Foodie Friday - Winter Warm-up

2006-10-26T10:35:00.000-04:00

I've been so bad at these lately...so in order to catch-up...we're having a Winter Warm-up!

Mexican and Southwest Fiesta!!!

Southwest White Chili (copyrighted by McCormick & Co/1998)

What you'll need:
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 1/2 lb boneless, skinless chick breasts - cubed
1/4 chopped onion
1 c chicken broth
1 can (4oz) chopped green chilies
1 can (19oz) white kidney beans (cannellini,) undrained
2 green onions - sliced

**Southwest Spice Blend**
1 tsp Garlic Powder
1 tsp Ground Cumin
1/2 tsp Oregano Leaves
1/2 tsp Cilantro Leaves
1/8 tsp Ground Red Pepper

Easy Directions:
1) Heat oil in large saucepace over medium-high heat. Add chicken and onions; cook 4-5 minutes.
2) Stir in broth, green chilies, and Spice Blend; simmer 15 minutes.
3) Stir in beans. Simmer 5 minutes. Top with onions. Garnish with Monterey Jack cheese, if desired.

Makes 4 cups.

Notes: Would highly recommend making double batch for family. Also, I like spicier foods...so I substitute jalapenos for the chilies. When making a double batch...I've also cooked the beans from dry Great Northern beans...and we like the texture better...just our personal preferences...the original recipe is excellent for a work night dinner!

//\\//\\//\\//\\//\\//\\//\\//\\//\\//\\//\\//\\//\\//\\//\
The following recipes are in the "Critically Acclaimed Cuisine: Vital Vittles for E2 ICU" cookbook from the Stanford Hospital. My step MIL works there and she sent the cookbook to me as a gift. All three of the following recipes were submitted by Teri Vidal and are delicious!

A friend of mine did some woodwork for me and since I didn't have money to repay him and he loves Mexican food...I repaid him with a Food Fiesta. He did NOT leave hungry! According to him, his stomach did not growl for 2 days... ;)

Recipe 1: Mexican Refried Beans

1 lb dried pinto beans
1 lg onion (cut-up)
salt to taste
lard (optional) ** I used a little bacon grease b/c I don't buy lard.

Clean and remove debris from beans. Place in large saucepan and cover with fresh water. Add onion and lots of salt. Bring beans to a boil and then cover. Simmer on low for 3 hours. Stir beans scraping bottom of pan about every 20-30 minutes and add water to keep beans covered. When beans are tender, you may "fry" them in their own juice by pouring beans into large skillet and mashing them with a slotted spoon or potato masher. Cook on low and continuously scrape bottom of frying pan until beans are lighter in color and creamier. If you really want them to taste good (but make them unhealthy,) fry them in lard (Manteca) instead of their own juices. Serves 8.

Recipe 2: Mexican Rice

1 c white rice
2 c chicken stock
1/4 c onion - finely chopped
3 Tbsp tomato sauce
2-3 Tbsp vegetable oil
garlic salt / pepper to taste

In small frying pan, brown rice and onion together in oil. When rice is golden brown, slowly and carefully add stock. Add rest of ingredients, cover, and simmer on low for about 20-30 minutes. Serves 4-6.

Recipe 3: Chicken Enchiladas

24 corn tortillas
4 bone-in chicken breasts
1 can Las Palmas red chile sauce
1 can Las Palmas enchilada sauce
1-1 1/2 c vegetable oil
1 can medium pitted black olives
1-1 1/2 c cheddar cheese - shredded
1 c Monterey Jack cheese - shredded
1 Lg onion - finely chopped
1 Lg onion - cut in chunks
1 Tbsp garlic salt
pepper to taste
shredded lettuce/sour cream garnish
2 - 13x9 Pyrex pans

In large pot, boil chicken breasts, 1 onion cut up, garlic salt and pepper to taste. Boil about 40 minutes. Take chicken out of water and let cool about 1/2 hour. Shred chicken into very thin strips and set aside. In large skillet, saute 1/4 c of onion and add 1 c chile sauce until heated through. Add shredded chicken and toss until well coated. Place chicken in large bowl.

In same skillet, add rest of chile sauce and heat through.

In smaller skillet, heat oil until HOT. One at a time, fry corn tortillas for 5 seconds on each side. There should be enough oil in pan for the tortillas to float. Remove tortillas and place in warmed chile sauce, turn to coat both sides. Place tortilla on a plate and fill with chicken, sprinkle of chopped onion, and 2 olives down center and roll up. Place rolled enchilada in 13x9 Pyrex pan. Roll 24 enchiladas and place them in pan.

When all are rolled, pour heated enchilada sauce all over enchiladas and sprinkle all with cheeses and remaining onion. Cover with foil and bake about 20-25 minutes @ 350 or until enchiladas are heated through.

Enjoy!
Hope you feel warmer!!!

Our eyes met across a crowded room...

2006-09-27T20:47:00.000-04:00

First...a thank you to PinkSu for letting me test her Shower Flower pattern. It was a pleasure and dd loves it in her bath...makes lots of suds. I know you've got lots of plans for its future incarnations...I may have an idea or two also...will email them to you. Thank you again for trusting me with your pattern. I hope you will seriously consider submitting it to the 2008 CPAD calendar....

And now...it was love at first sight...so cliche, yet so true. The colors, the sparkle, the plush, plush mohair... I tried to resist, but I could not... so I bought four... six months ago and have been waiting for them to tell me what they wanted to be...alas...the DIY network show Knitty Gritty answered that... we (the mohair and I) are working together to make a drop stitch poncho. I haven't dropped the stitches yet, as I'm only 1/2 way through...nonetheless, I'm so pleased with it thus far...I had to show ya! Ewweeeee! I'm so glad I bought these! I'll post an update when finished. Mind you, I'm not all that experienced with knitting...so be kind...

RAOK - Thank You...to two beautiful angels...

2006-09-23T20:40:00.000-04:00

I wanted to say a big thank you to two angels on Fiber Freaks. We were chatting one night when I couldn't sleep at midnight CST. We were discussing swaps and what projects they each had completed. I relayed the story of how one of my swaps went "not as perscribed", how I was "off" the whole idea of swaps and they promptly had ideas...it felt like they were birthday shopping...questions about colors liked, yarn types, etc.

First Thank You goes to CrochetQueen06...she was the "bursting box yarn angel!" Have you ever wondered how much yarn you can cram into a 9"x 5"x4" box...take a look. She took pity on my pitiful yarn stash and sent: 2 Frenzy in a red blend, 2 other Frenzy in a peach, three "spools" of chenelle (sp) in green and two suede like colors, a purple blend that I can't quite place the type, 4 Intringue ladders (2 white/2 red,blue, gold varigated), 2 satin-like "cording," 2 Luce knitting yarn. The box was bursting at the seams...literally. I only have one question for ya Vicki: Who sat on the box while you taped it? ;)

Second Thank You goes to JacquiW (I think that's her screen name)...she was the "Aussie angel"...she sent an Austrailian animal book/magazine for dd, an Austrailian note pad w/ Koala on the front, window decals of platypus (on sliding kitchen door already,) three types of sweets (which have already been devoured by dd,) a postcard of her hometown, and a really super soft, fuzzy, silky, shiny ball of yarn made in Australia. It went straight to my face....Soooooo smooth!

I think I got everything! A huge thank you to both of you! It really made me feel good and dd has already decided that she wants an Southern Forest Dragon and a Rainbow Loorikeet for her Christmas present!

Thank you ever so much for aiding my addiction to yarn and making me feel special!

Sock and catch up...

2006-09-11T14:33:00.000-04:00

I FINALLY finished the "Pebble Sand" socks from Crocheted Socks! by Janet Rehenfeldt and Mary Jane Wood. I used DMC Senso in Denim...they turned out fine, just not as plush as normal sock yarn.

As we all know, today is the anniversary to 911. I can remember exactly where I was when that day happened. I was on the commuter train and when I walked into my fairly new job at WPWX-FM...everyone was crowded around one computer reading CNN.com and sobbing with looks of horror. Knowing the kind of emails that usually got passed around the office, I just thought it was one of those. Unforunately, No. I had been on the train for a whole hour before I knew. They were shocked I didn't know. Within an hour or two, the office received word that if we felt unsafe, we were permitted to go home. Granted we were in Chicago, but with the Sears Tower, Chicago Mercantile Exchange, and such buildings...hell no I wasn't staying. My mom downstate was very concerned, I distinctly remember the relief in her voice when I called to say,"Mom, I'm fine and on my way home." A co-worker of mine, Nauja, kindly drove me half way home when my sick hubby picked me up. Nauja has (d) a sister in the military too. While she was driving me home, she received a call from her sister that she was alright but on "stand by." ***Oh how our lives have changed since 911. In just a few moments, America has changed forever.***

To those who lost loved ones, I send my sympathy and love to you and your families.
To those who put their lives on the line for others, I thank you for your sacrifice.

Hookd meets Pink

2006-08-16T23:23:00.000-04:00

I finally met a new friend, Su. While my family and I were vacationing in California, I met up with Su in the city by the bay. Had a wonderful day of Peruvian food, window shopping, "stealing" craft ideas for less (crochet bonnet vs paper crown $40...I think not!) Ghirardelli sundaes, and closed the vacationing with a pool party that Su and her dh were able to attend. I had such a great time meeting her and her dh. I will take a photo of the goodies she crocheted for us. Our goodie packages included for me: a journal, two "sachet" flower baskets, a silky soft flower pin, and rose scented bath confetti and for dd: a crocheted Hello Kitty!, a squishy fishy who's eyes bulge out when we squeeze him (many laughs over that one) three plastic bracelets in purple, pink, and blue, in a green basket purse and for step mom-in-law, Maggie, there was more confetti, silky flower pin, and a smaller thread rose pin. I feel like I'm forgetting something, as you can see she was VERY generous and thoughtful! Excellent detail work! I swapped her a set of hot pink potholders in the same pattern that will be published in the 2007 CPAD calendar. She loved them. I'm so thankful I was able to meet you, Su. What a wonderful person you are. My dd connected so well with you too. I hope to see you again.

Foodie Friday - Tarragon Asparagus

2006-08-11T23:16:00.000-04:00

Tarragon Asparagus

1 Tbsp olive oil
1/2 c pecans (or favorite "cooking" nut) roughly chopped
1 lb asparagus, trimmed and cleaned
1/2 Tbsp dried tarragon, crushed
1/4 c water
1/4 c balsamic vinegar

*In small skillet (needs lid), heat oil over low/med heat uncovered.
*Add pecans, saute until aromatic.
*Add asparagus, tarragon, and water. Cover to steam.
*When asparagus is cooked to your liking, add vinegar and just heat through. (If added to early, aspargus will turn "grey-ish.")

Serve immediately.

And this is how hubby started eating asparagus. :)

Foodie Friday - Chicken w/ Sweet Potatoes for 2

2006-08-04T23:00:00.000-04:00

This is one of my favorite "Great Cooking for Two" recipes.
The book was published by Better Homes & Gardens in 1992

1/4 c dry white wine
(or substitute apple/white grape juice w/ 1 tsp vinegar for non-alcholic:
if there are others I'd love to hear 'em.)
1/4 c water
1/2 tsp instant chicken bouillon granules
1/4 tsp dried thyme, majoram, or basil - crushed

For sauce, in a small bowl stir together the white wine, water, chicken bouillon granules and herb. Set aside.
****
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (turkey tenderloin steaks can be subbed)
1 medium sweet potatos - peeled and cut into 1/2" slices
2 Tbsp olive oil

Rinse poultry & pat dry. Set aside.
In large skillet, cook the potato slices in hot oil, covered, over med heat 4 minutes, turning once.
Add poultry, cook uncovered turning once 8-10 minutes or until done w/ no pink.
Transfer poultry & potatoes to warm plate. Cover.

***
Carefully add the sauce to the skillet. Stir and scrape all browned bits off bottom. Gently simmer 2 min. or until sauce is reduced by half. Pour sauce over chicken and potatoes.

This is also how my hubby started to like sweet potatoes.

Weird Stuff About Me...

2006-08-01T23:46:00.000-04:00

I've been tagged...I've never been tagged...I'm such a blogger virgin! I was tagged by Pink...and I'm so slow at all this. I do apologize for my tardiness. I will have to think of people to tag, because although I read their blogs on occassion...I have no clue if they read mine????

Anyway:

WEIRD THINGS ABOUT ME!

*When making a sandwich...mustard goes on the meat side/mayo on the cheese side.
*I would prefer to have all British television.
*No matter where I start in a company, I end up in a management position before I leave.
*I must drive with my lights on...even during the day time.
*I hate shoes and socks...they come off 1 st thing when I get home!
*I eat evaporated milk on corn flakes.
*I prefer dark chocolate.
*Tea and Coffee must be made strong. No brown water for me.
*No matter where I park the car, I put the parking brake on. Visions of "getaway" cars...
*I lock the house doors right after a guest arrives. I am paranoid, yes. I'm sure it's kinda creepy to my guest...It's habit though.

Okay, that's enough "confession" today...I've always been weird.

So, I will try and tag:
Kari
Beth
Lani
Vik
Kelley
Wendy

Foodie Friday - Goulash

2006-08-01T22:42:00.000-04:00

1 lb lean ground beef, browned and drained
2 cans stewed tomatos, onion, and celery ***DO NOT DRAIN***
1 c elbow macaroni, cooked and drained per pkg instructions
Italian Seasoning
Garlic
Salt/Pepper
Parmeasan Cheese

*Prepare ground beef in large skillet (I prefer cast iron for added flavor.)
*Prepare macaroni in large sauce pot.
*Drain beef.
*Drain macaroni and add to beef.
*Add veggies to beef & macaroni.
*Season to taste. Top w/ cheese.

It's nothing fancy...but it's quick, filling, and good.
Works well with your favorite lettuce salad and garlic bread.

What's Old is New Again...

2006-08-01T22:28:00.000-04:00

My 30 yr old toddler rocking chair...I knitted and crocheted new cushions for it...dd LOVES it!

Foodie Friday - People Puppy Chow

2006-07-17T09:20:00.000-04:00

People Puppy Chow
1/2 c butter
1 - 12oz bag chocolate chips
1 c peanut butter
1 - 12 0z box Cripix
2 c powdered sugar
******************
Melt one stick butter, 1 bag chocolate chips, 1 c peanut butter in microwave for 1-2 minutes..do not over heat stirring once during cooking and mix well when melted. Pour over Crispix (12oz) cereal. Toss to coat well. Place 2 c powdered sugar in a large paper bag, add cereal, and shake..shake..shake!

Great fun with kids!

Foodie Friday - Italian Salad

2006-07-01T11:12:00.000-04:00

Well...actually the name was "Garbage Salad," but I didn't think anyone would read it if I kept the name. I am told by my husband's aunt that it all started with a wedding. Originally, they made this salad in a VERY LARGE quantity; therefore, they placed it in a new, clean, lined garbage can. Garbage Salad was created. All item quantities are to taste: Recipes are guidelines anyway, right?

Italian "Garbage" Salad - Family Size

2 avocados - pitted, cubed, & peeled
(Add lemon juice to slow browning from oxygen.)
1 or 2 containers of cherry tomatoes OR as many plum tomatoes as you like - cubed
2 cucumbers - peeled, cubed
1 lb spaghetti - cooked per package instructions
1 bottle of your favorite Italian dressing
1 Tbsp of either Italian Seasoning or Vegetable Seasoning

Mix well, Chill, and serve.
Yumm!

Foodie Friday - Italian Balsamic Dressing

2006-06-23T16:29:00.000-04:00

I know this is super simple...but my SIL's family makes this and I have found that I use it more than buying dressing any more.

1/2 c - Balsamic Vinegar
1/4-1/2 c Olive Oil (which ever grade you prefer...I use EVOO=extra virgin olive oil)
2 cloves Minced garlic
2 tsp Italian Seasoning
Salt/Pepper (to taste)

Take seasonings and garlic and add to vinegar. Let sit while you prepare your favorite lettuce salad...or 5 minutes if you used bagged lettuce. In a slow steady stream, wisk olive oil in with fork or wisk until incorporated. (Also, if I'm in a hurry...which is most of the time...I place all ingredients in a mason jar and vigorously shake it for a 1/2 minute or so.) Store leftovers in fridge. Let sit at room temp after fridging it for about 5 minutes and give it another shake...should be good as new!

Enjoy!

Thursday Thong-Along:Christmas Song Thong

2006-06-22T13:12:00.000-04:00

***A Christmas Thong w/ a touch of whimsy...a poinsettia in place of a playboy bunny tail. I thought this would look really cute with a red nightie. It's made with Wintuk yarn for durability. Only took me an hour...give or take. Amazing what you can do with leftovers!*** ;)

Mom's Purse w/ LB Micro Spun

2006-06-19T20:06:00.000-04:00

This is the purse I made for my mom this past week. She loved it so much she was petting it. :) She was quite pleased. The first time I've ever worked w/ this yarn and loved how silky soft it was.

Sweaters...BH&G Simply Creative Crochet

2006-06-19T19:47:00.000-04:00

First, never make wearables out of Homespun...it stretches way too much!
Second, I don't think I'll ever buy this magazine again...both sweaters had to have the fronts ripped out more than once and I marked all the repeats w/ stitch markers to insure I didn't lose my place and even locked myself away from the little one to make sure I was counting properly. Never again. Anyway...the following pictures are the Basketweave Coat and the Wrap Cardigan.

Foodie Friday - Fast Breakfast....

2006-06-09T00:10:00.000-04:00

This is what I love to eat when I'm in a hurry...
I can eat in the car while driving and
I used to eat it everyday on the commuter train...

Apples w/ Peanut Butter & Honey Dip

Take 1 or 2 apple (s), wash, core, and slice in 1/2' slices. (My favorite is Royal Gala.)

Take about 1/4 c of peanut butter (or your favorite nut butter...cashew is good too)
and mix well with 1 Tbsp honey (or to taste.)

Dip/scoop peanut butter mixture onto apple and eat...

This way I knew I got at least one fruit and protein in my day...It would probably work with a firm pear too.

Enjoy!

Foodie Friday - Chilis

2006-05-26T01:00:00.000-04:00

Foodies Unite to have a gas... errr, a good time. I've read somewhere that if you put a whole carrot in chili or soups when cooking and throw it out when chili/soup is done...you will have less gas. Works for my dad...I know...TMI. Here are two Chili recipes. Enjoy!

SOUTHWEST WHITE CHILI
By: McCormick/Schilling

1 Tbsp olive oil
1 ½ lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into small cubes
¼ c onion, chopped
1 c chicken broth
1 can (4oz.) chopped green chilies
1 can (19oz) white kidney beans (cannelloni), undrained
2 green onions, sliced

Southwest Spice Blend:
1 tsp Garlic Powder
1 tsp Ground Cumin
½ tsp Oregano Leaves
½ tsp Dried Cilantro Leaves
1/8 tsp Ground Red Pepper

*Heat oil in large saucepan over medium-high heat.
*Add chicken and onions; cook 4-5 minutes.
*Stir in broth, chilies, and Spice Blend; simmer 15 minutes.
*Stir in beans. Simmer 5 minutes.
*Top with green onions.
*Garnish w/ Monterey Jack cheese, if desired

Makes 4 cups (Highly recommended to double…)

MOM’S CHILI
By: Nancy Myers

1 Tbsp olive oil
1 large green pepper, chopped
1 large onion, chopped
4 cloves pressed garlic
1 lb ground beef
1-2 Tbsp chili powder
1 large can of Brooks Hot Chili Beans
1 large or 2 reg cans red kidney beans, drained
1 large can of V-8 juice, in flavor of your choice

*In large dutch oven, heat oil over med-high heat
*Add peppers, onions, and garlic; cook ‘til slightly transparent.
*Add beef; brown thoroughly.
*Add chili powder, heat until fragrant.
*Add beans and juice; simmer 30 minutes.

You may thicken either recipe w/ corn starch or flour in water aka slurry...remember it takes only about half the amount of corn starch as flour and it has less tendency of clumping. I also put the starch and water in a tight lidded jar and shake...saves me washing another fork or spoon. Lazy, yeah I know...

Chili notes: These are not sweet chili recipes. Brown sugar would be added to taste. ;)

Dishcloth Collection

2006-04-27T12:59:00.000-04:00

Instead of posting one for each...I just took a pic of all of them. I usually just make 'em and use 'em...but these will be going out for gifts.