A little B&N therapy..

A cozy table, a mile high pile of books, a pumpkin spiced latte = a happy nurse. Spent last Friday at Barnes & Nobles in Vestal, NY. One of the more sprawling versions of this wonderful place that I call "bliss". Of course, I am always drawn to the knitting section, as well as the magazines, but I did make myself spend some time looking at the reference books for RN's. I actually spent 40 minutes, reading about detailed gastrointestinal surgeries, (very popular surgeries that the patients on my floor are involved in). As always, I also love the "bargain section"...always a nice selection of big, hardcover, "coffee table" type books.


I finished and delivered the cashmere/merino wool sweater set for my friend's grandson, Carter. Hands down, the most fun sweater I have knitted, thus far. Debbie Bliss, baby ribbed jacket. The pattern didn't come with a hat, so I checked ravelry and came up with a version.











Next project, a pullover sweater for a little, active 15 month old boy. We don't get to see him much, but from the pictures that his mommy posts, he loves to be outside in the fresh air. Finishing it up in time for a Thanksgiving delivery. Also, knitting up a quick pair of "toast" warmers. Madison is in the Halloween parade this weekend, and thought she might like these. Designed by my blogger friend, Leslie, these are fun & quick to knit up..and are the perfect accessory when you don't need the big, heavy mittens.


These cookies were a hit, last weekend. I have a cupboard full of cookbooks, but it seems I have been "googling" recipes, lately..instead of searching through my books. Found this great recipe for some wonderful oatmeal, peanut butter, choc chip cookies.












That's all I got, friends! This weekend's agenda: a Saturday afternoon photo shoot..I have been trying to get my family together for the past two weekends, before the leaves all fall off. We have spent the weekends together..but no one has wanted to have Mom take pictures! Planning on heading to some neat spots, including a covered bridge, here in Bradford County. Saturday night, we are all headed to the Halloween parade, in Towanda. Madison will be dancing with her dance school. Making some crockpots of comfort food & some appetizers and having people back to the house, following the parade. Wishing the month of October would stay a bit longer!

October fun

Again, it's been awhile...although I have thought of my blog often, I have not made it here to update in a long time. I almost thought of ending it, but I do enjoy posting and just need to get back with it! Just a few days ago, I received a note from a friend, stating she really enjoyed a previous recipe that I posted. I'm hoping to add more recipes, knitting projects, upcoming holiday projects, etc. My mind is spinning with many projects that I can't wait to start, including decorating.

October, my most favorite month of the year! From pumpkin spice to pretty fall leaves..I love it all! Jay and I had our second annual "Octoberfest" party, last weekend. The weather was perfect, which made it even nicer. Jay made excellent b-b-q chicken, and we had many roasters of hot foods to accompany the chicken. The hayride was a hit, as well as the wine table. The kids enjoyed decorating cookies and just enjoying the fresh air. Later in the day, we hired karaoke and heard some very good vocals.

This time of the year is when I enjoy my home so much more. I'm content with staying home more often, enjoying the simple things. A freshly cleaned kitchen, lite candles & some Saturday morning baking..love it! I really "got my Martha on", over the weekend - started with the day off on Friday, making homemade beer bread & a crock of corn/ham/potato chowder. Very much enjoyed by my family, as well as my sister's family, Friday evening. I also baked up 3 butternut squash and made "butternut spiced muffins"..pleasantly surprised how yummy they were, (I added chocolate chips, too!). Saturday, I made homemade pizzas, complete with the homemade pizza crusts. My kids loved the garlic pizzas, the best. I guess we overdosed on carbs this past weekend, but a lot of love went into the baking & cooking.

I have also picked up the knitting needles a little more often, which is also a sure sign of fall! enjoyed making this "Ribbed Baby Jacket", for a friend's grandson.

Knitted in cashmere/wool combo, loved working with this fiber. My next project is a pullover sweater for a little 1 year old guy, can't wait to get that started!

Have a wonderful, fall week, friends! I will be back soon, and that's a promise:)