A Day Off....

Yep. I had a day off today. I had visions of knitting all day, and possibly grabbing lunch out with a friend. That was the plan. But as I headed down the stairs this morning, I knew right away that the heat was off. It was downright chilly inside! It took a good deal of time to determine that our propane tank was empty and I needed to call various companies to get it filled and the furnace up and running again. Then the internet went down as well, so more phone calls and trying to get to the bottom of that problem. There just always seems to be something!!!

I did manage to get some knitting in. I started with a M&M dishcloth that I have owed my mom for quite some time. I forgot how quick and easy these are. And they really do turn out cute. I'm hoping the color works in my mom's newly redecorated kitchen!!





I also cast on and got the cuff and 3 pattern repeats done on my second swirl sock. My goal is to be wearing these socks next week! Then I'll be casting on my Loopy Legends yarn. I think I'll break out Cookie A's Monkey pattern for those!




I decided to do a little baking today (having the oven on seemed like a good idea since the furnace was out) and made a couple of loaves of my mom and dad's new favorite bread. It's got a lot of fun different seeds in it and has great flavor. Especially toasted!!

Multi Grain Bread:

• 3/4 cup water
• 1 tablespoon butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons sunflower seeds
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 1 tablespoon flax seeds
• 1 tablespoon millet
• 1 tablespoon quinoa
• 1 cup bread flour
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 tablespoon dry milk powder
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 1/2 tablespoons bread machine yeast

1. Put all ingredients into a bread machine and run the dough and first rise cycle.

2. Form dough into two long loaves.

3. Let rise 45 minutes to 1 hour.

4. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until nicely browned. Enjoy!

My mom's tip: Make up several packets of dry ingredients (except yeast). When you are ready, just add water; butter and yeast. Works great. In fact, the loaves I made today were from a ziplock of ingredients ready to go that she left behind when they were down for Easter!



While I was knitting today, I snacked on my new favorite treat: Kettlecorn. It's so delicious. I really shouldn't buy it anymore because I have NO self restraint when eating it. I'm pretty sure I could eat a bag in one sitting!!




















So, did anyone play any good April Fool's Day jokes? I have to admit that in the past I have pulled some pretty good ones. Yesterday I attempted to get Steve, but he suspected right away. I'll try again next year......

Well, Panera is closing their doors, so I guess we'll head home. Hopefully we'll have internet again tomorrow. If I had to choose between heat and internet, I'd choose heat any day!!!

Until Next Time......