Saturday, September 08, 2007

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...

16 comments:

Anonymous said...

I really like your Monkey socks. The yarn looks very nice with the pattern.

I'm sorry to hear about Nikko. That's always a horrible decision to have to make (I made it myself back in January).

Sheri at The Loopy Ewe said...

Your Monkey sock looks beautiful, and you made it past the heel! :-) (Hi Kirstin!)

SwissKnits! said...

Oh, I'm so sorry to hear about Nikko not having it easy lately... I don't even know what else to say. Both DH and I have been there with our family dogs and it is such a difficult place to be... :(

Oh, and Europe - have fun... you might want to whip up an Everlasting Bagstopper to bring with you... LOL - just what you need - another knitting project eh? Really though you may need it. Many places in Europe *charge* you for a flimsy plastic bag... this way you can be styling around Eroupe... and remember Do NOT wear white tennis shoes- you will stand out as an American-

:)

Please do keep us updated on Nikko, she looks so sweet...
Hugs
Michelle

Anonymous said...

Hugs from a fellow dog lover. It's never easy.

Sarah from Mountain View

Anonymous said...

I've got one Monkey sock done, and the 2nd one on needles -- it is a really fun sock to knit! I'm doing it in Cider Moon "Pistachio", and it looks a lot like your Wollmeise!

So sorry about Nikko. We had to put down our beloved Agatha a couple of years ago -- animals are so lucky that they don't have to suffer for long.

Isn't the internet a wonder? All these people who don't know each other - yet we all feel your pain.
Hugs to you and your family.

marit said...

Those monkeys looks great! I had planned NOT to knit monkeys, but I might have to change my mind-LOL!
Have a lovely trip to Europe!
And I'm sorry about Nikko.

Karen said...

Poor Nikko. Apparently the meds aren't helping huh? How sad. The monkey sock is beautiful. I have been holding off on making them myself, not sure if I can manage it. A trip to Europe sounds wonderful. Enjoy.

monica said...

Your Monkeys look beautiful.
The Shish Kabobs sound yummy, I wish the boy child was not allergic to pineapple, I love that kind of food.
Aww, Europe, I would love to go. I am sure you will need to bring an empty or nearly empty suit case for yarn purchases, I know I would.
Poor Nikko. I bet it will be hard on Sumo too, as well as the kids.

Anonymous said...

I am sorry about Nikko! It is a really hard thing to decide. My mom had to make the same decision and the vet was very helpful. I'm sure vet is too.

Monkey socks look great. I just bought myself some new sock yarn, perhaps I'll give the pattern a go.

Ana said...

Your Monkey socks are gorgeous. Sorry to hear about Nikko.

Shelley L. MacKenzie said...

The Monkey socks look awesome...I really am going to have to make that pattern!

Sorry to hear about Nikko...that is so sad, and such a really hard choice to make.

hakucho said...

Your monkey socks are wonderful. Thanks for your recipe for the kabobs. You always have the best recipes! Sorry about Nikko. I know it's a hard decision to make, but you have to listen to your heart.

happy knitting :)

Robin said...

The socks look wonderful. I knew you could do it. You are turning into a wonderful sock knitter. How funny that hubby thought that Europe was a great idea. I can't wait to see all of your pictures. I am so curious what was the special gift that Kirstin had for Mallory??????

AR said...

Oh, poor Nikko.

Have a great trip, a wonderful bridal shower, and fun knitting those monkey socks.

Anonymous said...

Nikko looks like such a wonderful dog. It is always a heartbreak to lose one so dear to your family.

The monkey sock looks great. I have not tried that pattern yet. On your recommendation, it will be the next one I cast on.

gilraen said...

I've been admiring your Monkey's I love the choice in yarn :)

I think it's one of the nicest sock patterns yet :)

Have a lovely time on this side of the water. London and Paris are both lovely, though Paris is much more Rosemantic :)

Have you anyone especially in mind for the micro monkey's ? :)

Lovely Blog BTW and .......

I am so sorry about Nikko, one of the hardest decisions.......thinking of you....