A Happy Girl

New Yarn...

New Pattern...

New Work Table...

And I'm a Happy Girl.

You may remember that I mentioned in my last post I would show you

 my birthday gift from my sister when it was brought into my house.

This is my husband Scott on the left and my son in law Eric on the right,

{I even got a FedEx guy in on the action}

carrying this wonderful table home

from the Antique Shop across the street from my house.

When I spied it from my usual knitting spot on the porch swing a few days before

my birthday I decided Scott and I needed to wander across and take a closer look.

Two minutes into the process I looked at him and said,

"Yep, I need this."

Thinking that maybe Scott and I would possibly make the purchase ourselves,

I told my sister about it over the phone later.

She quickly decided it was to be my birthday gift

from her and her two sons.

There was no talking her out of it.

Well, not only do I adore my sister and my nephews,

I absolutely love this table.

It's just exactly what I have had in mind for the room upstairs where

I keep all of my yarn, finished items and packaging supplies.

Now when I am either getting something ready to ship to an online customer

or pricing items in preparation for an upcoming local sale,

I have everything in one place.

It's a solid work table that is the exact right height for me when I am standing.

I can lay all of the things I need out

and still have plenty of work space in the middle.

As time goes on, I may tweak the arrangement a bit but it works for now.

The new pattern you see featured in the first photo

is my current work in progress.

I am making several pairs in various colors

using yarn purchased on my recent road trip,

which will be the topic of my next post.

Not only will I be putting them on my Etsy Shop eventually

and taking them to this Fall's Pumpkin Festival,

but I think they will make beautiful gifts.

There's just something about knitted cables that call my name.

Much like those darn cinnamon rolls...

But anyway,

If you want the pattern for these fingerless gloves yourself you can find them at

The Blue Brick

Don't be confused if you go to their website right now.

They are closed until August but they are well worth the wait,

with their beautiful patterns and yarns.

I am addicted to this particular pattern for sure.

Once I have knit up several pairs of these I will move on to

some beautiful boot cuffs using a pattern I purchased from The Blue Brick as well.

I would like to end by saying I am thankful for every breath I take,

even though each one is still compromised at present.

The bronchitis and sinus infections seem to be cleared up.

The asthma and I are still at war but I am slowly becoming the victor.

Your kind words, prayers, and birthday wishes mean the world to me.

Thank you all for bearing with me as I've been a little absent from here

and need to catch up on the beautiful happenings in your lives.

These last couple of weeks have been a bit challenging for me.

However, I have been blessed with extra knitting and tea drinking time so...

there's always something to be thankful for.

Sending you all my very best,

Danette

The Month of Roses

Yesterday was my 52nd birthday.

I was born in the month of
Roses,

my absolute favorite flower.

As I stepped out of my bathroom first thing in the morning,

I was greeted by my sister waiting in the hallway for me.

Bridget loves to be the first one to surprise me on my special day.

Knowing how I love roses they are usually included in my gift from her.

She is a baker and always makes something scrumptious for me as well.

This years lovely treat from her kitchen was this giant

Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll

all alight with pink and yellow sparklers

to show off its magnificent glory.

Like I said before, I love cinnamon rolls and baby sister knows this.

I have another gift coming from her as well but it will be moved into the house

later this afternoon and when it's set up
I will be anxious to show it in another post.

As for the rest of my birthday...

When I stepped out on my front porch yesterday morning,

I found a darling little wrapped gift from my sweet friend Erin

who lives across the street.

You may have heard mention of her a few times as she is one of my

Monday night Knit Night Girls.

Don't you just love that brown paper with the white polka dots?

Then all tied up in that perfect turquoise twine!

She always makes everything look so delightful.

So what was inside...?

The gift of Natural Health and Healing.

An Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser.

Erin uses a lot of oils in her home and for her family's health.

She is concerned about my health at present.

I have been sick since June 21st.

I've been to the doctor twice in this amount of time.

I spent the first week in bed.

Due to the fact that I have a compromised immune system,

my body does not fight infections like a normal persons.

I have been battling bronchitis, a sinus infection and,

as it turns out, I have a new diagnosis...

Severe Asthma.

I am on two mega dose antibiotics,

along with a probiotic from the health store,

and strong steroids.

Thankfully, the bronchitis seems to be nearly gone
and the sinus infection is much better.

The Asthma, however, is not letting up.

I still have almost no voice and can hardly breathe when I walk across the floor.

I have decided that Asthma is not my friend.

Now, with all that being said, I still had a beautiful birthday.

Scott took me to a nice dinner.

All I had to do was walk in and sit down.

Some struggle involved, especially when I try to eat and breathe at the same time,

but still, we enjoyed our time together immensely as always,

just the two of us.

Every single year he does a special thing for me.

He takes the week of my birthday as a vacation week.

We don't travel. We just spend time together.

Sitting on the porch swing, grocery shopping, walking, talking....

Who could ask for more?

And it's been extremely helpful to have him home taking care of me this week.

I'll leave you with one last picture of me in the restaurant last night.

Sadly we didn't get one of the two of us together.

Keep in mind I'm not up to snuff here....

But I did have a good time.
And I am so thankful for all of the people in my life
who love me and do so many things to show it,
not just on my birthday but every day.
The celebration will be continued with my children
and extended family next weekend when I am feeling better.
My mother's birthday is next week so we will combine party's.
By then I hope to be a bit more bright eyed and bushy tailed.
Wishing you all a beautiful weekend,
Danette

Little Men

Little Boys, Little Boys....

What would life be like without them?!

Growing up, I waited what seemed to me a very long time

to be a big sister.

Then, finally, at the age of 9 1/2,

the most wonderful thing in the world happened.

My mother gave birth to a live baby doll for me.

A big bouncing happy baby girl.

My friends and I fought over who held her next and when she was old enough

I pushed her all over our neighborhood her first summertime

in her brand new stroller.

I didn't know it then but I was in training to be a mommy.

Then at the age of 19 I got married.

When I was 21 and again 23 God blessed me with my own

beautiful sweet baby girls.

When I became a Grammy for the first time at age 42 it was to a Girl.

My life has been filled with Girls and lots and lots of

Girlie things.

And then...

Along came these Little Men.

So different from little girls.

Inquisitive in more mechanical ways.

I watch them and marvel.

Archer, who won't be two until September, will grab a toy drill and plant

it smack into the plastic screw, hit the power button and drive that

screw home one handed while his other hand is busy doing

something else.

Busy; they are always busy.

The two of them together are a pure joy to watch.

Constant motion.

I love their little hands and how expressive they are with their entire being.

The constant scraped up knees capture my heart.

They speak of another day full of adventures.

Yet they can also be so focused on the tiniest thing.

It occurs to me as I watch them, immerse myself in them really,

that the secret still lies within them.

Being still so fresh from God,

in the purity of their young and tender souls,

they know how to live fully in each and every moment.

That is a thing of such beauty and wonder to me.

I love these moments of stillness in them

when they have no knowledge of being watched.

Something about them in their little shorts

fills my heart to overflowing.

It's just such a daily blessing to have the two of them,

one from each daughter,

so close together in age,

and thankfully proximity.

I see the future when I look at these

Little Men

and know that they will help to make the world a better place one day.

For this,

I am truly thankful.

Soft Summer Days

As Spring has become Summers bloom,

I feel its peaceful heat settle around me like a sweet dreamless nap
and I wrap myself in the warmth
of soft Summer Days.

For me the season is at it's best when it is fresh and new;

all of it's promise lying ahead.

The trees are full of leaves and the air is heavy with fragrant flowers.

Yet so much still lies ahead.

Adventures waiting to take us to places unknown.

Road trips with family,

visits with old  friends,

new friends to find,

walks in the dark with fire flies lighting our way,

picnics in the park,

the laughter of children playing outside,

and for me...

another year older.

Maybe that's one of the reasons I love Summer so much.

Who doesn't love a reason to celebrate?

My birthday is the last day of June.

I celebrated a little early with my friends Amy and Krista
because Krista will be gone on vacation when my birthday actually rolls around.
We never miss each others birthday.
These two special women have been like family to me for close to forty years now.

Amy, Danette, Krista

We spent a lovely afternoon together at Amy's house.
As you can see, she knows how to make a birthday girl feel special.

She even had my beloved cinnamon rolls.

There's a lot to be said for lifelong friendships!

June is full of birthdays for my family.

We celebrated my nephew Brendan's 21st birthday on the 21st... his Golden.
My sister made him a fruit pizza because he doesn't care much for cake.

Today is my father's 74th birthday and my mother in law's 90th birthday.

There will be a party for my dad at my parent's home this afternoon

with my in-laws in attendance as well.

Then tomorrow we are having a huge Open House for

the Big 90th Birthday Party.

My parents will be there too.

We celebrate all of our holidays and birthdays together.

For so many years now we have been one big family.

I am so thankful for that.

I missed my Thankfulness Tuesday post this week due to sickness.

I am battling a serious case of bronchitis and praying I am well enough for

my mother in law's special day.

I rented the hall and planned all the catering.

Now I am praying I make it to the party.

My dad's will have to take place without me today.

Through it all I've knit a few stitches here and there.

Using this beautiful yarn I purchased on a recent road trip

that I will tell you about soon.

This is the first mitt. I have the second one nearly finished too.

I will show them together soon and tell you about the yarn and

where to find this lovely pattern.

For now...

I hope you are enjoying your own

Soft Summer Days.

With Love,

Danette

Pate Brisee' Cinnamon Rolls

 When I make pies or cinnamon rolls I always start with homemade pie crust.

The recipe I use is Martha Stewart's for Pate Brisee'.

Butter is the key ingredient to this lovely dough and plays an integral role

in creating it's tender, flaky, melt in your mouth taste and texture.

As in all baking recipes, measurements must be accurate.

Most importantly in this recipe you must get the correct proportion

of butter to flour and use very cold ingredients.

This dough also prefers a light hand.

One recipe makes enough for

two 9- or 10- inch single - pies

or

one 9- or 10- inch double-crust pie.

When wrapped tightly in plastic,

the dough can be frozen for up to one month;

thaw in refrigerator overnight before using.

Trust me on this, once you try this pie crust,

you will never be satisfied with any other!

The second part of the recipe with all of it's divine cinnamon and sugar goodness,

is my own concoction.

Feel free to tweak that to suit your own tastes.

So let's get started...

Pate Brisee'

2 3/4 Cups All - Purpose Flour

1 Tablespoon Sugar

1 1/2 Teaspoons Coarse Salt

1 Cup Plus 2 Tablespoons (2 1/4 sticks) Cold Unsalted Butter,

cut into 3/4 inch pieces

7 Tablespoons Ice Water, plus more if needed.

Combine dry ingredients in large bowl and whisk together till well blended.

Cut in butter with a pastry blender or your fingertips.

The mixture should have pieces ranging from coarse crumbs

to the size of small peas

when you are finished with this step.

Add water starting with 7 tablespoons.

Add up to 2 tablespoons more water only if necessary,

1 tablespoon at a time

Drizzle water over flour mixture and work it in with a fork at this point,

mixing only till dough just holds together.

The mixture should retain a crumbly texture and should not be sticky.

Shape and chill dough Turn dough out onto a clean work surface.

Knead once or twice to incorporate loose bits. Divide in half.

Pat each half into a thick disk place on a piece of plastic wrap

and gather wrap to flatten disk.

Wrap tightly in plastic and refrigerate at least 1 hour (or overnight).

When ready to roll out, let cool only 10 minutes and work on a cool surface.

Remember: no butter pieces, no flakes.

Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface or on a piece of parchment paper.

Cinnamon Mixture

1 Cup Sugar

1/8 Cup Cinnamon

1 Stick Butter - melted, plus 3 tablespoons set aside to melt later

1/2 Cup Pecans, chopped

Raw Sugar for sprinkling on top

The nuts are optional and I only use them in half of the cinnamon rolls.

Remember you have 2 disks of dough to work with.

Roll out the dough of first disk and with a pastry brush

spread half of the melted butter over the dough.

Sprinkle with cinnamon, sugar and pecans.

Roll the dough up lengthwise.

Using a sharp knife, cut the rolls approximately 1 inch thick.

Repeat process with second disk of dough minus the nuts.

Place on ungreased baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Melt remaining 3 tablespoons butter and brush over rolls.

Sprinkle liberally with raw sugar.

Bake at 375 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes.

Enjoy the most heavenly smells while baking is occurring...

Eat at least one or two immediately upon removing from the oven

for a truly divine experience.

I have a confession...

Cinnamon rolls are one of my favorite things in the whole world.

I just might trample over someone to get to their fresh baked goodness.

That's not very ladylike,

But there you have it.

Wishing you Joy and Sunshine in your Day ahead,
Danette

Front Porch Knitting

This is my favorite time of year.

I wake up feeling like every day is a gift

and I don't want to miss a single moment.

Daily domestic chores still need to be done,

 But I'm in constant pursuit of the Promise Land...

My Front Porch.

As I work around the house I feel the anticipation build because I know

at some point I will brew a fresh pot of tea and collect my knitting,

along with my doggies,

to step over the threshold and do what I love best...

sit on the porch swing

to play with yarn and drink tea.

Then I will repeat the process for as long as possible.

Phoebe and Mack

This is actually a picture from last Summer.

It makes no difference.

You can find me in the same place every afternoon when the weather permits.

This is the reason when I threw out several options for a business name

my family all voted unanimously for

Front Porch Knits.

It truly is my favorite place to knit and crochet.

I swing while I work but very gently and in small circles.

The funny thing about that is,

I didn't realize I did it until a couple of Summer's ago.

One day Gabby joined me on the swing and said,

"Grammy, can we swing in circles like you always do?"

Just one of those things we do when we are lost in concentration.

Along with the movement of yarn, needles and hook it is soothing to me.

Add a touch of birdsong, a gentle breeze and a friendly neighbor

and my day is perfect.

My current project is Baby Cables.

Cabled Booties and Ear Flap Hats.

I'm knitting them up for my shop and for this Fall's Pumpkin Festival.

I love seeing the various colors stacked up together.

As I've mentioned before, I have a passion for cable knits.

Plus I can never get enough of all things pertaining to sweet babies.

My other recent project was a set of Spa Cloths.

One is made of lovely crocheted shells and the other is full of

the fabulous texture of knitted bobbles in organic cotton.

My partner for making these works strictly indoors.

Mercedes

Getting back to the day ahead,

there's still a bed that needs making

and the breakfast dishes are rinsed but not washed.

But the sun is shining in a beautiful blue sky

and it's not quite as hot as it was yesterday.

So I think it's time to do some tidying up inside and gather my things.

 If you're looking for the dogs and me...

We'll be on the Front Porch.

Dance of a Swan

Feathers float over her ballerina bun.

Artistic makeup adorns her fresh, pure face.

Her young dancers body is transformed into a fairy swan

with all its white flounce and silver sparkle.

She sits to slip ballet shoes in place.

All that's left to do is wait...

Act 2

Dance 2

By A Lake, Ballet

 from Swan Lake

Music by Tchaikovsky

Peoria Ballet Company Academy Performance

We sit enraptured through the magical show.

Every dance and each graceful movement on the stage

sweeping us along.

Then, finally...

There She is...

Our Beautiful Swan.

Dancing.

So many emotions.

So few words to describe them.

We have been watching the dance of this swan since she was three.

She loves ballet like she was born knowing it somehow.

I think maybe God sprinkled some fairy dust in the blueprint of her soul.

"Passion is universal humanity.
Without it religion, history, romance and art
would be useless."
Honore' De Balzac
(1799-1850)