this poor dress

I made this dress to replace the one that did not fit right.  And, honestly, stressed me out because it was too bright.  I realized when I wore the old dress I would start to feel anxious after about three hours.  I love this black plaid.  Very simple.  I feel very elegant.  I just need a black linen apron over it all the time.

I needed an apron with this dress so badly yesterday.  This dress got peed on.  It got apple juice spilled on it.  It helped a not so small boy learn how to climb a tree.  It got rocks thrown at it.  Sticks and acorns too.  All the while, I was outside in it in 100 degree heat.  Yes, it was dry heat but it was still hot. 

We were taking our nephew back home to his Mommy.  This includes about a three hour drive.  We dropped off knives for a new upscale kitchen supply store opening in Austin, TX, Metier Cook's Supply.  Thirteen knives dropped off with two small boys in a store that is still in unpacking stages.  They open Sunday but there were not even close yesterday.

On the way to our Nephew's Mommy's, our truck started having mechanical problems.  Hence, the above actions taken to the dress.  It is hard to feel elegant when you are being pelted with "tiny rocks" or going over the mechanics of climbing a tree.  It was a long evening.  Or maybe the better way to say it, is that it was an early morning.

The dress held up very well.  I just need to remember to carry a pinafore with me at all times.  I need to take one to work with me but I think I really need to pick up some more black linen for that.  I will stash it in my bicycle bag or in the drawer of my filing cabinet that is full of woolens.  I almost have a different wardrobe in my filing cabinet.  It is as if a thousand miles or more north.  It was an alpaca type of day in the office today.

Tomorrow.  Tomorrow should be better.  Maybe Mr. John Hill will come by and figure out the wiring to the lights in the living space.  They stopped working but the boyos did seem to enjoy the troubleshooting.  No lights does mean early to bed.  How lovely!

Mor's boller (Norwegian cardamom raisin roll)

I saw this recipe on Food52 the other day and decided I needed to try it.  It is right up there with Small Mister "cookies" or hot cross buns.  Similar but a little different.  There are no eggs and there is an addition of cardamom.  The sugar is a bit more then normal. 

I think my heritage is showing.  I really like these.  Part of it is the cardamom.  Part of it is not quite so many currants or raisins.  I just feel the proportions are better.  I did use sourdough which gives a good flavor.  I have been lucky enough that the boyos really have not tried these.  It means there is enough for my breakfast this week and maybe putting one in my lunch with a bit of cheese.  I feel so spoiled.

Mor's boller (Norwegian cardamon raison roll)

sourdough starter

3/4 cup water

1 cup flour

2 1/2 cup milk

1/2 cup butter

1 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons ground cardamom

7 cups all purpose flour

3/4 cup raisins.

The night before, in a large bowl, mix the sourdough starter, water, and 1 cup flour.  Cover and let sit overnight.  In the morning, when the sponge is bubbly, remove some of the starter for next time.

In a saucepan, put the butter and melt it.  When it is almost all melted, add the milk.  You wish the milk to be just warm.  Add the milk mixture to the sponge.  Add the sugar, salt, cardamom, and raisins.  Stir well.  Mix in 3 to 4 cups of flour.  You want it to look like a thick pancake batter.  Cover and let sit until bubbly and spongy.  This should take a couple hours.

When the sponge is spongy and bubbly again,  Mix in enough of the rest of the flour to make a sticky dough.  Turn out on a floured board and knead until smooth.  The dough needs to remain moist and a bit sticky so do not knead in too much extra flour.  Put in a clean bowl, cover, and let rise until double.

When double, take largish golf ball dough balls and smooth into nice balls.  Place on baking sheets covered with silpats or parchment paper.  When all the dough is shaped, cover and let rise until almost double and puffy.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Bake for about 20 minutes or until golden.

antsy (and quiet)

I have some quiet so I can write.  Everyone else went off to the beach today while I went to work.  It means I came home to an empty house.  After one errand to run, I have some quiet for the computer and sewing.  I find with both boys, the only time there is any guarantee of quiet is when they are asleep.  When they sleep, I sleep.  I am a tuckered lady!

I have been a bit antsy lady.  Want to travel but know that is coming soon.  Not really my first choice but those come in fall and winter.  My Beloved was kind enough to drive out a ways to a fabric store so I could feel less antsy.  He did tease me a lot about buying new fabrics for quilts!  He made me laugh so hard!  But I really like what we chose together.  It is one of the main reasons I like him to come with me when I am picking out quilt fabrics.  It makes the selection much more diverse.

I also picked out a few dress fabrics.  I have already pulled five out of my closet.  They either do not fit just right or I do not enjoy wearing them.  One I pulled I still love but is horribly stained.  Are clothes not supposed to be Lady and Small Mister proof?  Just makes me sigh.  But I will enjoy the sewing.  Small Mister enjoys helping but that is helping only the way a 2 1/2 year can.  Very interesting!

more weeding

I got more weeding done this weekend.  I do not think I will get my weeding done until next  year when the winter weather helps everything die back.  But that is okay.  My flowers are lovely.  I deliberately seeded for a cut flowers.  I am starting to really like very old fashioned zinnias.  Growing on me you could say.  It makes me smile to think about it.  I have some squash which the only way I will find out what they are is that they will need to fruit.

I just need more time in the garden!

I do not know how much time I will be here this week.  My Beloved's youngest nephew is spending the week with us.  He needs Uncle time.  I think I am already tired!

almost there

I have been playing with slip patterns.  I have tried boughten patterns and I am ended making my own.  This is almost there.  There is still some tweaking that needs to go on but it is wearable. 

My problem with purchased slips is that they are no longer functional articles of clothing!  Most are made to be garments that are not worn for any length of time or garments that are to change your shape.  I just want something so my stockings do not cling so to my dress and no one can see my underwear. 

Almost there.  Just a few more tweaks to go and I think I will have it!