It's that time of year again, Unique Designs by Kathy is hosting the 5th annual Tucson Wool Festival. The big day is Saturday, October 17, 2009, from 9 am to 3 pm. It is a great event for the entire family. The event is stroller and wheelchair friendly if you don't mind a bit of rough terrain and four wheeling it, I know because I have pushed 80 pounds of boy along with 180 pounds of wheelchair at past events.
Did I mention that the Tucson Wool Festival is FREE. This would be a good group outing for your group or school. Your can tour a real working ranch, Kathy gives a great tour and her animals are friendly. Kathy will have a prize drawing and I can not wait for the sheep to shawl event.
Kathy does a wonderful job of spinning yarn too. The yarn Kathy spun up and I knit into a shawl is still in use 4 1/2 years later. So be sure to check out Kathy's shop on the ranch for hand spun yarn, fibre to spin and very nice hand work done by Kathy too.
Kathy wrote out an elegant description, so in the interest of doing the event justice I will plagiarize her description of the event.
"Tour a working fiber farm and meet our llamas, angora goats, Shetland, Jacob, Border Leicester and Rambouillet sheep and angora rabbits. Their luxurious fibres are used in spinning, felting, weaving and knitting to create lovely and natural apparel and decorative work. Try your hand at a workshop or visit a selection of unique fiber artists from across the southwest. Of course, knitters and crocheters are welcome to lend a hand to the "Freeform Community sheep to shawl" event."
As of today there is still time to volunteer, call Kathy. Kathy also has some space left for vendors, to set up a vending spot for hand crafted items only, so if you spin, raise your own fibre animals or create your own hand made crafting supplies give Kathy a call at (520) 572-3758. or e-mail her at jmarckathy@aol.com or check out her web site at http://www.uniquedesignsbykathy.com
It is fairly easy to get to Kathy's ranch. From the I-10, Exit Cortaro Farms & travel east to Thornydale, north past Linda Vista to Palo Seco. This is a small dirt road just past some apartments. Turn left and the Ranch is first on the right. From Tucson if you are not taking the freeway take Ina to Thornydale and go north past Linda Vista to Palo Seco. Turn left and the ranch is on the right hand side. There is plenty of street parking, just be sure to pull all the way off the road.
This is a must go to event for fibre people and a good outing for children, there are not many working ranches left in Tucson. I hope to see you there.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Friday, September 18, 2009
A Salute to Spinners Everywhere
I tried my hand at spinning yesterday at the guild meeting. I would like to say that I was a total flop. The only 2 things I was good at was breaking the yarn and over winding the yarn back into the batt. Hands that are good at knitting are not necessarily good at spinning. Although Helga was kind and said that it took a while to learn and when hands are flared with arthritis it is not a good time to start to learn to spin.
I would say with out a doubt that all the spinners jobs are safe, I will not be joining your ranks any time soon. I would love to say that I could sit and watch someone spin for hours, I find that very relaxing. You are all wonderful artists. Thank you all for reviving the hand spun yarn movement.
I hope that this does not exclude me from buying all the hand spun yarn I would like. I do like unique and one of a kind items.
I would say with out a doubt that all the spinners jobs are safe, I will not be joining your ranks any time soon. I would love to say that I could sit and watch someone spin for hours, I find that very relaxing. You are all wonderful artists. Thank you all for reviving the hand spun yarn movement.
I hope that this does not exclude me from buying all the hand spun yarn I would like. I do like unique and one of a kind items.
Pina Colada Chicken
I have had a request for my Pina Colada Chicken. This is a fast and easy recipe and I always serve it on a bed of brown rice.
1 pound of Chicken breasts
1 large can of crushed Dole Pineapple in its own juice
1 can of Coconut milk ( you can use the light version if you like)
1 cup of Bakers Coconut
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1/4 teaspoon of pepper
non stick cooking spray
In my heart shaped Le Creuset casserole dish, I spray the casserole dish and top with non stick cooking spray.
Rinse the chicken and place in the casserole dish. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Drain the Dole Pineapple into a glass. Pour the coconut milk over the chicken, then add the drained pineapple and sprinkle the coconut on top. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.
Clean the sink out with your favorite bleach cleaner.
Start the rice about 1 cup of cooked rice per person. Add ice to the drained juice and enjoy your treat.
Serve with salad
This recipe serves 4. There are no Vegan or Vegetarian options for this recipe.
I have not received compensation for either Bakers Coconut or the Dole corporation. As usual these are the brands I use.
1 pound of Chicken breasts
1 large can of crushed Dole Pineapple in its own juice
1 can of Coconut milk ( you can use the light version if you like)
1 cup of Bakers Coconut
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1/4 teaspoon of pepper
non stick cooking spray
In my heart shaped Le Creuset casserole dish, I spray the casserole dish and top with non stick cooking spray.
Rinse the chicken and place in the casserole dish. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Drain the Dole Pineapple into a glass. Pour the coconut milk over the chicken, then add the drained pineapple and sprinkle the coconut on top. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.
Clean the sink out with your favorite bleach cleaner.
Start the rice about 1 cup of cooked rice per person. Add ice to the drained juice and enjoy your treat.
Serve with salad
This recipe serves 4. There are no Vegan or Vegetarian options for this recipe.
I have not received compensation for either Bakers Coconut or the Dole corporation. As usual these are the brands I use.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Welch's Harvest of Help to Feed America
Welch's: Harvest of Help
This is an easy way to help other people, just click once a day. No need to register. just click.
Posted using ShareThis
This is an easy way to help other people, just click once a day. No need to register. just click.
Posted using ShareThis
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Parenting
A lot of people feel that they have to jump through a lot of hoops to make their child the perfect child, They try many different methods and buy tons of parenting books. Now I am not saying that some guidance is not necessary. But my children's first Pediatrician Dr. Fricker told me early on to pick only one book and not to be a slave to that book because each child is different. To that end I will not tell you what book that I have on my bookshelf, but will instead give my humble opinion on what you need to do as a parent to raise a happy healthy child.
The number one job of a parent is to raise happy children who find their own way to make the world a better place. No more, no less.
The first step in developing a happy child is for the child to know that they are wanted and are an important part of your life. The easiest way to get a smile from your child is to tell them that they were planned or in the case of an unexpected child is to tell them that it was part of Gd's plan and he pick the right parents for your child. With the adopted child this can be easier with the child being told that they are special because you picked them out.
The second step is to develop a sense of community for your child. Explaining that being part of that community involves rules and a certain set of standards. This does involve teaching a child that they can not have everything that they want and that no means no. This will lead to frustration on the part of the parent and child, with the child throwing the occasional temper tantrum. I let the tantrum run its course and then talked to my children when they were calmer.
Discipline comes in to the equation too. Discipline is a way to integrate a child into society, by teaching them what society excepts from them and what they can expect in return. Discipline does not mean that a belt has to be pulled out for each infraction. I found the best way to discipline my children is to walk up to them and whisper in their ear what they are doing wrong and in the case of my eldest is to ask her what corrective action she is going to take to resolve the problem. With my youngest he requires more direction so I tell him what I would like him to do.
Also it is important to realize that each child is different. Not every child will grow up to be the President of a large company or the United States, those jobs are very limited and not everyone is suited for those jobs. There are literally hundreds of different jobs that need to be done each day to make this world function and they all require different skill sets. It is your job as a parent to help your child find their own way. Some children might show artistic tendencies. While others excel in math or science. This is where you can let your child lead the way, and no it does not mean letting children abandon school. School teaches a very real set of skills that are necessary for your child to grow into a fully functioning adult.
The job of parenting is a very difficult one with no instruction manual is issued when the child is born. It is instead a learning experience for you and your child. Please feel free to ignore the latest study and go with your gut feelings. If in doubt ask someone you consider a great parent and ask your questions, but don't be surprised that after the basics are answered they often say you have to learn to go with the flow.
The number one job of a parent is to raise happy children who find their own way to make the world a better place. No more, no less.
The first step in developing a happy child is for the child to know that they are wanted and are an important part of your life. The easiest way to get a smile from your child is to tell them that they were planned or in the case of an unexpected child is to tell them that it was part of Gd's plan and he pick the right parents for your child. With the adopted child this can be easier with the child being told that they are special because you picked them out.
The second step is to develop a sense of community for your child. Explaining that being part of that community involves rules and a certain set of standards. This does involve teaching a child that they can not have everything that they want and that no means no. This will lead to frustration on the part of the parent and child, with the child throwing the occasional temper tantrum. I let the tantrum run its course and then talked to my children when they were calmer.
Discipline comes in to the equation too. Discipline is a way to integrate a child into society, by teaching them what society excepts from them and what they can expect in return. Discipline does not mean that a belt has to be pulled out for each infraction. I found the best way to discipline my children is to walk up to them and whisper in their ear what they are doing wrong and in the case of my eldest is to ask her what corrective action she is going to take to resolve the problem. With my youngest he requires more direction so I tell him what I would like him to do.
Also it is important to realize that each child is different. Not every child will grow up to be the President of a large company or the United States, those jobs are very limited and not everyone is suited for those jobs. There are literally hundreds of different jobs that need to be done each day to make this world function and they all require different skill sets. It is your job as a parent to help your child find their own way. Some children might show artistic tendencies. While others excel in math or science. This is where you can let your child lead the way, and no it does not mean letting children abandon school. School teaches a very real set of skills that are necessary for your child to grow into a fully functioning adult.
The job of parenting is a very difficult one with no instruction manual is issued when the child is born. It is instead a learning experience for you and your child. Please feel free to ignore the latest study and go with your gut feelings. If in doubt ask someone you consider a great parent and ask your questions, but don't be surprised that after the basics are answered they often say you have to learn to go with the flow.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Rules of My House
OK so this is not the most novel blog title. Of course we all know the standard rules of the house:
Rule number
1: Mom is always right. Rule number 2: If mom happens to be wrong, please refer to rule number 1.
These rules are geared more toward people who come into my house to take care of my son. These rules are in no particular order, but are all equally important. They are all a result of past incidents that have occurred in our home.
1. Please do not rearrange my furniture, I put it where it is because I like it there. You have not come in as a decorator.
2. Please do not encourage bad behavior in my son. We really like decorum in the house, and good manners are a large part of that.
3. Please do not laugh at bad behavior in my son for you own amusement. If you want amusement go to a movie on your own time.
4. Unless you have a lot of prior experience with children like my son do not tell me I am doing my job wrong, or am not using his equipment right. The doctors and the therapists have the last word on how we do many of these things.
5. I have been doing this job for over 19 years, I think I know what I am doing by now. And No, I really don't care how other parents run their houses or take care of their children. My concern is my son.
6. It is fine to discuss religion with me, but you will not bring religion up with my son. He knows where we come from and that is all that is important to us as a family. Your job is to care for his body, we will take care of his soul.
7. If there is any eyrping or other bodily messes occurrence while you are working with my son, it is your job to clean it up. Please do not leave the mess for later, the next shift or I will have to clean it up.
8. You might be working with my son, but You are a guest in my house, please show some courtesy towards my family.
9. This is not a zoo please do not feel you have to stare at us for hours on end.
10 My purse is not your personal ATM, If you need money go to your employer or family.
11. If you get your self into debt it is not my responsibility to get you out of debt.
12. My house is not your shopping mall, If you need makeup, kitchen items, religious articles, or anything else, ask your parents, or go shopping.
13. If you decide to skip your mood altering prescription drugs, please feel free to skip work that day, I really don't need to deal with your break from reality or anger management issues.
14. Please do not treat my son like a brick. He may not be able to talk to or see you, but he has feelings and a great sense of humor.
15. If you are sick Please, Please, Please do not come to work. When you get my son sick, it leads to long days and nights caring for a sick son. I have noticed that in the past you have not volunteered to stay up all night with him.
On the other hand there are things I don't mind at all.
1. You may fold and put away my sons laundry any time you want.
2. You may straighten and dust his room any time you want.
3. If his shelves are in a jumble please feel free to organize them, this is not one of my strong points.
4. You may talk to him all you like, he really will listen. Did I mention he has a great sense of humor and likes girls and music.
5. The following things always need to be done, vacuuming, sweeping, mopping, straighting his bathroom.
Please do not miss construe this to mean that we don't like you, the opposite is true. Just remember that your place of business is our home and refuge. That we like everyone else, likes down time and family time.
Thank you for reading my rant. Please feel free to pass this along to other families who use care givers on a regular basis.
Have a wonderful day and enjoy your families.
Rule number
1: Mom is always right. Rule number 2: If mom happens to be wrong, please refer to rule number 1.
These rules are geared more toward people who come into my house to take care of my son. These rules are in no particular order, but are all equally important. They are all a result of past incidents that have occurred in our home.
1. Please do not rearrange my furniture, I put it where it is because I like it there. You have not come in as a decorator.
2. Please do not encourage bad behavior in my son. We really like decorum in the house, and good manners are a large part of that.
3. Please do not laugh at bad behavior in my son for you own amusement. If you want amusement go to a movie on your own time.
4. Unless you have a lot of prior experience with children like my son do not tell me I am doing my job wrong, or am not using his equipment right. The doctors and the therapists have the last word on how we do many of these things.
5. I have been doing this job for over 19 years, I think I know what I am doing by now. And No, I really don't care how other parents run their houses or take care of their children. My concern is my son.
6. It is fine to discuss religion with me, but you will not bring religion up with my son. He knows where we come from and that is all that is important to us as a family. Your job is to care for his body, we will take care of his soul.
7. If there is any eyrping or other bodily messes occurrence while you are working with my son, it is your job to clean it up. Please do not leave the mess for later, the next shift or I will have to clean it up.
8. You might be working with my son, but You are a guest in my house, please show some courtesy towards my family.
9. This is not a zoo please do not feel you have to stare at us for hours on end.
10 My purse is not your personal ATM, If you need money go to your employer or family.
11. If you get your self into debt it is not my responsibility to get you out of debt.
12. My house is not your shopping mall, If you need makeup, kitchen items, religious articles, or anything else, ask your parents, or go shopping.
13. If you decide to skip your mood altering prescription drugs, please feel free to skip work that day, I really don't need to deal with your break from reality or anger management issues.
14. Please do not treat my son like a brick. He may not be able to talk to or see you, but he has feelings and a great sense of humor.
15. If you are sick Please, Please, Please do not come to work. When you get my son sick, it leads to long days and nights caring for a sick son. I have noticed that in the past you have not volunteered to stay up all night with him.
On the other hand there are things I don't mind at all.
1. You may fold and put away my sons laundry any time you want.
2. You may straighten and dust his room any time you want.
3. If his shelves are in a jumble please feel free to organize them, this is not one of my strong points.
4. You may talk to him all you like, he really will listen. Did I mention he has a great sense of humor and likes girls and music.
5. The following things always need to be done, vacuuming, sweeping, mopping, straighting his bathroom.
Please do not miss construe this to mean that we don't like you, the opposite is true. Just remember that your place of business is our home and refuge. That we like everyone else, likes down time and family time.
Thank you for reading my rant. Please feel free to pass this along to other families who use care givers on a regular basis.
Have a wonderful day and enjoy your families.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
My Version of Chili
This is my lazy version of chili, this recipe is easy to do. If however; your are a chili fan who will go to great lengths to find the perfect chili, this recipe is not for you. In other words if your are a chili purest go to the next recipe. For the rest of the world this is an easy dish to prepare.
2 pounds of stew meat
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 onion chopped
2 tablespoons of tomato paste
1-28 ounce can of whole peeled tomatoes in its own juice
1 cup of water
2 teaspoons of The Spice Hunter Salt Free Chili Powder Blend
2-16 ounces cans of kidney beans drained and rinsed
1 pound of frozen white corn
Non stick cooking spray
In a large Le Creuset pot, spray the bottom and sides with the non stick cooking spray. Add the stew meat, salt and pepper and brown the meat over a medium heat. Add the chopped onion and saute for a few minutes. Add the tomato paste and mix well. Add the canned tomatoes, water, chili powder, drained beans and the pound of frozen white corn. Bring to a slow boil and then turn the flame to medium low and simmer for a minimum of 2 hours, the longer the better. Check to pot every 15 to 20 minutes to stir and make sure that you have enough chili broth so that the chili does not burn. After one hour of cooking tasted the chili broth and adjust the seasonings to your liking.
Serve with warm corn bread. It is not our custom, but you may add cheese to the top of the chili after it has been ladled into the bowl.
I have also made this recipe with diced chicken or turkey, for poultry I would cut the chili powder in half.
I have not made this recipe to accommodate vegans or vegetarians.
If your store does not carry The Spice Hunter Salt Free Chili powder blend go to www.thespicehunter.com for where to buy locally. Amazon does carry The Spice Hunter Chili Powder but it does come in a six pack.
I am not being paid to promote The Spice Hunter Salt Free Chili Blend. This just happens to be the one that my family likes. Like wise I am not being paid to promote the Le Creuset Pots, I just love them and wish I could afford a full set.
2 pounds of stew meat
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 onion chopped
2 tablespoons of tomato paste
1-28 ounce can of whole peeled tomatoes in its own juice
1 cup of water
2 teaspoons of The Spice Hunter Salt Free Chili Powder Blend
2-16 ounces cans of kidney beans drained and rinsed
1 pound of frozen white corn
Non stick cooking spray
In a large Le Creuset pot, spray the bottom and sides with the non stick cooking spray. Add the stew meat, salt and pepper and brown the meat over a medium heat. Add the chopped onion and saute for a few minutes. Add the tomato paste and mix well. Add the canned tomatoes, water, chili powder, drained beans and the pound of frozen white corn. Bring to a slow boil and then turn the flame to medium low and simmer for a minimum of 2 hours, the longer the better. Check to pot every 15 to 20 minutes to stir and make sure that you have enough chili broth so that the chili does not burn. After one hour of cooking tasted the chili broth and adjust the seasonings to your liking.
Serve with warm corn bread. It is not our custom, but you may add cheese to the top of the chili after it has been ladled into the bowl.
I have also made this recipe with diced chicken or turkey, for poultry I would cut the chili powder in half.
I have not made this recipe to accommodate vegans or vegetarians.
If your store does not carry The Spice Hunter Salt Free Chili powder blend go to www.thespicehunter.com for where to buy locally. Amazon does carry The Spice Hunter Chili Powder but it does come in a six pack.
I am not being paid to promote The Spice Hunter Salt Free Chili Blend. This just happens to be the one that my family likes. Like wise I am not being paid to promote the Le Creuset Pots, I just love them and wish I could afford a full set.
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