Monkey Business

I have to say that I am finding this Monkey Sock pattern the most enjoyable pattern that I have knit to date!! I think partly because I really wasn't sure I could do it. It is such a beautiful pattern and looks so complicated.. but it's really not bad. It's complicated enough so that it is not 'mindless' knitting by any means, but it's fun and I find myself looking forward to times I can sit and knit it. I did end up starting over on a size larger needles. I think it's much better. I am past the heel and now just have to finish the foot and stitch up the toe and it will be done! And, the best part yet, is I can't wait to cast on the second one! The photo just doesn't do this colorway justice. It is gorgeous!
And I LOVE this Wollmeise yarn... I guess I'll be doing a little more online therapy this week since Sheri will be putting more of it up on her site.



I have been doing some cooking lately and will have several more recipes to share in my next few posts. The one I'll share today is a delicious marinade for Shish Kabobs.

Island Steak Strip Kabobs

2 pounds beef, sirloin
1 (8 1/4 oz) can pineapple chunks
1/3 cup soy sauce
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1/4 tsp. ground ginger
1/8 tsp. dry mustard
1 clove garlic, minced




1. Partially freeze meat. Then cut into cubes.
2. Drain pineapple, reserving syrup.
3. Combine pineapple syrup, soy sauce, oil, ginger, dry mustard,
and garlic in small saucepan. (I often double this marinade)
4. Cook over low heat 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cool.
5. Place beef and marinade in zip lock bag. Close and refrigerate overnight, or 6 - 8 hours.
6. Skewer meat, adding onions, peppers, pineapple chunks, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms.
7. Grill 5 minutes, brush with marinade. Grill 5 minutes, brush with marinade. Cover and grill additional 5 minutes, or until done.


Europe: I know it's not nice of me to throw a little teaser out there and not give more specifics. Yes, we are going to Europe in just a few weeks. A whirl wind trip, but it should be fun. It really started out kind of as a joke. I sent an email to Steve with a link to the Alpha Marriage Conference that was being held in London and did he want to go? (Wink, wink). Much to my surprise he thought it would be a great idea! Before I knew it we had plane tickets; hotels booked and even a rail pass from London to Paris to spend a few days there. Still doesn't seem real. We'll be leaving September 26 and will be gone for a week. As I said earlier, I anticipate lots of good knitting time between the planes, trains and automobiles!! (I'm also looking up some yarn stores to visit..... )

Nikko has had a rough couple of days. Hard to describe, but she is just not the same dog. I think we have a hard decision to make here in the next few days. It will be hard to say good bye, but I also hate to see her suffering mentally as she seems to be.
When she can sleep, she is fairly peaceful. But she is agitated and panting most of the time (and almost seems to hallucinate). Aging is no fun! We've been preparing the kids as much as possible.. but you are never totally ready for something like this.









Kirstin is home for the weekend which has been fun! She came home primarily to attend a Bridal shower for Mallory tomorrow at our church. It will be Mallory's first shower, which is so fun. Kirstin has a special gift to give so she's been looking forward to this for quite some time. I'll share some photos in my next post. Well, back to my monkey sock!

Until Next Time...