All eyes on Irene

Usually you would think that once in a lifetime events are great stuff... this week not so much.

First a 5.8 earthquake ... thought I had a bad case of vertigo as we are not supposed having earthquakes in the East - once in a lifetime.

Now Irene The Storm - I was not quite sure what to do but a few friends on Ravelry gave good tips. I took in everything that could fly around outside - so my house looks like a mess but I rather have that than risking one of my potted plants or furniture turning into a projectile hurting others or pushing my windows in. I taped my windows, bought my first ever camping lamp and battery operated radio is on hand. Food and water is stored and aheem a fresh bottle of Chartreuse. I am just a block from the water but a little up the Hudson... town did not require us to evacuate so am staying put like many others neighbours and ride it out.
TV's still working - lots of evacs and NY/NJ public transport in complete shut down. - More first and hopefully once in a lifetime.

Here's to hoping that my windows hold up, no water in basement or leaks and that once power goes out it will be back soon. Most importantly that all my friends and neighbours stay safe!

Maybe I am getting old but that is way more excitement in a week than I signed up for!!! No more once in a lifetime - thank you very much!

Green Roundtrip To Singapore - WIP

Started this shawl (pattern: Traveling Woman by Liz Abinante) back in February on a business trip to Singapore hence the name... since then had issues with my wrist but now carefully easing back in ... 90% done

Gladiolus from my garden

The last storm pushed her to the ground... so I gave her a second live in my living room:

Pink Shark - the FO

Finished my pink shark in Posh Yarn Martha - match make in heaven. Certainly not a colourway for the wallflowers among us.

Promised this one to my mom so it will soon take off to live in Germany (but psst I got a very similar colourway to make one all for me).

Check out the pattern Hitchhiker by the very, very talented Martina Behm - she has a lot of other gorgeous designs that I plan to make.

Thyme Butter

Delicious spread on fresh baguette all by itself or with heirloom tomatos or grilled chicken. Also like it on a baked potato.

4 tablespoon of room temp unsalted butter

1/2 teaspoon of chopped fresh thyme

1/4 teaspoon of salt (or to taste)

1/4 teaspoon of freshly grated white pepper

pinch of paprika

Mix all ingredients and enjoy - keeps forever in the fridge.

Variation - add roasted garlic (cut entire garlic in half, lightly salt and put in aluminium foil with a tiny bit of chicken stock, bake for 45-60mins at 400F... squeeze out garlicy deliciousness and use for your respective recipes.

Pink Shark - WIP

I am officially in LOVE with this WIP (pattern: Hitchhiker by Strickmich: Ravelry)