10 on Tueday-the library

this is definitely an interesting "10" so here goes

1. it's free! to borrow and join

2. an amazing selection of media: magazines, books, movies, audio books, newspapers, computers & internet

3. they carry the latest and greatest for-see #1

4. i've requested books on numerous occasions that were not in the library catalog and they've always have come through.

5. inter-system loaning makes requesting books that are at a different branch so much easier

6. on-line searching and renewing on-line (what a time saver)

7. programs for children, libraries are an excellent education resource.

8. it's quiet, although i have to say it seems like that's changing.

9. curb-side drop off

10. very fond childhood memories that center around the library in roswell (norcross and alpharetta highway, the building is still there, but the library has moved), and the school library. the school librarian at roswell elementary, mrs. lunseford was a wonderful woman who had a passion for learning and books. someone i really looked up to, and i can't tell you how many books i picked up on my way home from school.

monday moment: paris & overwhelmed.

i am so excited about our upcoming trip that i am beginning to feel overwhelmed by all that i want to see and do. am thinking i just need to have a glass of wine (or 2) and relax.

sam.

meet sam the samsung front load washer. he's working like a charm so far-really clean clothes and he hums a little tune when he's finished.  he'll start humming again if you don't attend to the finished clothes!  fortunately when he was delivered we began to do wash using the various cycles.  turns out after i washed the quilt i made to take to the podair's next week (on what i thought was delicate/handwash cold/cold)the hoses were not connected to the right spikot- so i was washing it in hot/hot!!!! no shrinkage or color running-whew. but glad we discovered this sooner rather than later.

what i like right now-cherry blossoms

just a few small "branches" from the cherry trees on the mantle in the kitchen. love bringing the outside-in, and need to do it more often.  i was going to do a photo to show a better perspective, but you miss seeing how pretty the flowers are-am thinking a really good camera is in my future-maybe for christmas?! your turn.

monday moment.perfect (day)

our washing machine was delivered today, so i left work early, and certainly made the most of my afternoon off. i got a head start on today's dinner and wednesday's, baked break for tomorrow, took andrew for clothes shopping, and spent some time on the deck working on the october leaves mitts (almost done with #1), wasn't the weather PERFECT today?!

in this house.

this house is to the right (if you're looking out my window) of this apartment building that i normally blog about-found out last week they are filming a movie inside. one of my bosses's window looks right into the front door-i guess all the junk on the porch is because they are having to do a bit of renovation first. i've been checking out this website for details on the movie, and i sent in a tip. have not heard from my source.  it's going to be an interesting 3 months. happy thursday-it's gonna be gorgeous-get out there and enjoy the sunshine, i know i will!

what i like right now-greek yogurt

this has been my breakfast for the last couple weeks. i love the thick creamy texture of greek yogurt-it feels so decadent, but it's fat free and loaded with protein and calcium.  since i have 4 quarts of strawberries my ratio of fruit to yogurt is a bit off compared to what i normally eat. i like to add fruit, and sometimes a bit of agave nectar for sweetness.    i'd buy the yogurt with the fruit already in it, but there is a lot of sugar in those containers.  i'd rather have the fresh fruit anyway.  i've used the yogurt on potatoes and in my apple salad. yummmm. your turn-

10 favorite pies

1. most definitely my #1 favorite pie is pizza (hopethis counts)

2.  peach

3.  apple

4.  tomato and cheese

5.  quiche (it uses a pie crust)

6.   shepherds (cottage) pie

7.   chicken pot pie (especially mine!)

8.   pecan (if it's not too sweet)

9.   cherry (ditto above)


10.  buttermilk pie (had this once in destin and have never been able to find another one like it)

photo from this website:  http://ecosalon.com/filling-high-protein-vegetarian-meal-recipes/

monday moment: bread

actually this was taken on sunday, that's okay right?! am doing lots of practice with baking bread from this book. i think i've perfected the baguette-this doesn't have the super crispy crust which is fine as that type of crust can be difficult for some people to eat. this batch had a chewy crust and soft center. i like the recipe for the baguette as it only takes 20 minutes for the second rise and 25 minutes to cook. others in the book require a 45-60 minute rise time.  with  the weather being warm, but mild, i've been letting the bread cool on the deck, and then it'll be ready for slicing. we really love fresh bread at our house and i've been buying lots of flour these days between the bread baking, pizza dough, and Andrew's quest for the perfect biscuit.

what i like right now-my beret

springtime in philadelphia i finished this beret on saturday-definite "potato chip" knitting, i couldn't put it down, and it was so easy. this hat is very soft and squishy and i can't wait to wear it to paris. what do you like right now?

10 favorite smells

this is an easy one, and i'm going to cheat a little bit by claiming some of mary's favorites- #'s 1,2,4,7 & 8

i also like:
1. tuscany per dona-current perfume
2. freshly washed hair
3. lavender (especially eucalan wash)
4. fresh herbs (all of them basil, tarragon, thyme, etc.)
5. bread baking
6. cinnamon, apples and cloves
7. orange & ginger
8. babies after a bath
9. tomatoes right after they've been picked
10. burgers on the grill
still don't know what's up with the photo thing-i've never had this trouble with using my i-phone for picures. grrrr.

monday moment: tea and cake.

so not sure why the picture is sideways, it's right side up on my desk top?! it's okay here-but a great way to "celebrate" a monday afternoon-tea and banana cake (made by andrew)

what i'm liking. color

the first ad in the recent vogue knitting magazine-purl soho.com, no less. something about this makes me want to go make something-i'm drawn to this type of photo layout no matter what the subject matter is-if it was cookies or even photos or objects that caputure a common element i'd still be inspired-what are you liking right now?

what i love about march

this week's 10 for Tuesday required a little more creativity, here's what i like about the month of march

1. warmer weather-even if sporatic
2. wearing flats without socks or stockings
3. getting to wear cardigans-especially my favorite hand knit ones
4. spring flowers that are beginning to peak out of the ground-have seen daffodils and crocus already
5. winter flowers that are still thriving- pansies and ornamental cabbage (kale or whatever it is!)
6. driving with the sunroof open-most days
7. sitting on the deck in jeans and a t-shirt-and it's not too hot
8. there are usually no mosquitos which makes #7 more enjoyable
9. wearing jeans and a t-shirt as my casual ensenmble
10. being Irish for a day-and having fun with the ides of march beware thing