saturday at the fireworks

show and tell

These beads belonged to my mom, I think they are from the 1950s. I've always liked them: they're plastic and they shine like soap bubbles. I think I wear them more than she ever did.

knit a dishcloth or three

I became hooked on knitting cotton dish clothes a few years ago. They are simple, fast and satisfying to make. I can usually almost complete one full one while I watch a movie (unless there are subtitles to read!) When they are tied together in a bundle they make a nice gift.

I originally found the pattern on the label of some yarn I found in my mom's closet, but instructions are widely available on the web.

Here's the instructions I found at:http://www.groovy-mom.com/crafty/patterns/dishcloth.shtml

CO4

k 1 row

Next row, k2, yo, k2

Next row, k2, yo, k to end of row

Continue to repeat the [k2, yo, k until end of row] until you have a total of 45sts on the needle

Next row, k1, k2Tog, yo, k2Tog, k to end of row

Continue to do the [k1, k2Tog, yo, k2Tog, k to end of row], decreasing each row until you have 5 stitches are left on the needle

Next row,k2, k2Tog, k1.

Bind off the 4 sts.

CO - Cast On
K - knit
YO - Yarn Over (to increase)
k2Tog - Knit 2 Together (to decrease)
st - stitch (sts is plural stitches)


It's fun, and easy-peasy.

it's good to have a garden

A garden has many benefits:

- it keeps you company
- it improves the view
- it changes everyday
- you can care for it and watch it grow
- it provides nutritious salads and fresh herbs for every meal
- you can share the harvest with friends
- even a small space is big enough for a garden

I recommend growing a garden!

dinner for two

The weather is hot by Vancouver standards and I am trying to be outside as much as possible.  I spent my lunch hour reading in the park and had a look at the local community gardens.

This evening was perfect for a walk on the beach as the tide came in  and then a late dinner of corn on the cob and crunchy salad.  Colorful, easy and delicious as a summer day.

Ingredients:

1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained

1/3 cup Italian dressing

1/2 red pepper, chopped

1/2 green pepper, chopped

1 large ripe tomato, chopped

2 scallions chopped

1 carrot, thinly sliced

salt and pepper

iceberg lettuce shredded (or other greens)

Directions:

1. let chickpeas marinate in dressing while you chop up other ingredients or go for a walk on the seawall

2. mix together

3. add salt and pepper or other flavors

4. serve over shredded lettuce