Making a Mess

Life has a way of shifting your priorities for you, or in my case forcing my hand. I have been meaning for some time to cook at home more often. I am a damn good cook, but between, work, my hobbies and sleep, I manage to not have enough time to do the necessary prep let alone execute. As fate would have it, lately, I've been spending a lot of time-more than usual-cooking. Don't get me wrong, I love to cook, but I haven't cooked this often (read: daily) in years, if ever.

I've noticed that I don't really have "cooking clothes" nor any aprons. My kitchen counters/sink are at a perfect height for tasks which also means its the perfect height to stain the fronts of my clothes.

So what's hobbywhore to do? Well, make aprons of course.

My web handle would suggest that I am indiscriminate but, I assure you, I am particular about aprons. For example I do not like the halter style, as it irritates my neck and is otherwise uncomfortable. I like this style, but for the most part a 1/2 apron will suit me just fine.

I went to a great fabric shop and grabbed some great fabrics from the clearance rack!

Now I just have to dig my aunt's old sewing machine out of the study and get it humming...and I figure while I'm at it I might as well give one away (in one of these color combinations or another of your choosing.)

GIVEAWAY: So, leave a message about something you've been meaning to start or get back in to and be entered into a drawing for an apron. Comments will close on Sunday, June 27, 2010. ~ksp

Visting Family - Reinforcements

Need I say more!

Back on the Wagon

As I was heading to Tampa, I was desperate to take a knitting project. Knitting and I have been estranged for some time now. I have not cast on a knitting project in such a long time, I actually had to think about how to cast on...for like 2 whole minutes.

While in-flight (JFK to TPA), I cast on the ever-popular Ishbel by Ysolda. I was looking for a pattern that had the ability to hold my interest, but not so complicated so as to get put into the UFO column. (I'm easing back into knitting regularly.)

I went to the stash (have I mentioned I'm on a yarn fast?) and found some Sundara yarn from her 2008/9 club. It's Sundara Sock a small-batch and kettle dyed fingering weight yarn in the colorway night blossom. Picture's don't do it justice as its a deep maroon almost black semi-solid yarn. It was 350 yards which should be more than enough on US 6 needles.

Crappy in-flight photo. Had to wind the ball by hand due to poor planning.

Gotta love Jet Blue Airlines DirectTV. Watched Wimbledon the whole way.

So far it has been a great project to get me back in stride.
I'll keep you posted on progress...or not. ~ksp

Urban Gardening - Chapter 1

I live in a rental community in Montclair, NJ. The neighborhood buts up against a regional university and has lots of great amenities, except community gardens.

Last winter, when looking for a new place, community gardening space was one of my criteria. I was both surprised and disappointed at how scare they are here in the "Garden State" I was able to secure several planting boxes on the property for use in gardening.

When I started the boxes had been well neglected and were covered in weeds.

Step 1: Remove weeds.


Upon closer examination, I noticed that the "weeds" were in fact mint plants. An overabundance of mint plants.

Mint is a weed with invasive roots...trust me when I tell you...more info on the mint on a later post.

Step 2: Condition soil.

A combination of new potting soil, hummus and nutrients were added to the dirt and mixed well. Did I mention it was approaching 90 degrees outside with crazy humidity?

Step 3: Plant vegetables and set-up tee-pees


I planted a great crop of heirloom tomatoes, hybrid tomatoes, hot peppers, cucumbers and beans.

Heirloom tomatoes include: Mortgage Lifter, Aunt Ruby's German Green and Cherokee Purple.
Hybrids include: Rutgers (I felt obligated as an alumnus).
Peppers: Thai hot and habanero
Cucumbers: various vining

I am also trying a new-to-me support system this year the garden teepee. I built mine with lengths of bamboo from the local hardware store. I will train the plants to climb up them. I've set-up a (several times a week) watering system...so now it's time for mother nature (and some organic fertilizer) to do her thing.

Here's to the "Home Garden 2010"! May the good earth (dirt) produce nature's bounty. ~ksp

Caveat Piscator-Fisherman Beware!

A 4' sand shark caught on the beach at Sandy Hook, NJ. It was returned to the water. ~ksp