Freshly Homemade Bread

This morning before work, I made some homemade bread. Nothing beats a summery tomato sandwich on homemade bread for lunch.
Recently I overheard a conversation, from a real estate agent showing our "home for now" to a potential buyer, that "as you can see this kitchen on this side is a little dated, with older fixtures". I gave myself a quick pat on the back. With our sink, countertop, hardware, faucet, and some cabinet doors being less than 2 years old - I apparently fooled a professional into think it was original to this old house, which was just the charm I was going for. This little statement makes me confident that I could add vintage character to any home we find. Hopefully (fingers crossed) that's just around the corner.

What I Meant To Do

On Friday I meant to write a post here but as luck would have it we lost power. We knew there were thunderstorms rolling through the area and if the weatherman didn't tell me the kids did. I got play by play updates as they looked out their windows, at the dark luminous clouds that were fastly approaching us. Once the thunder gave a loud clap they all came scurrying down the stairs. The storm rolled in fast and when large hail started pinging off the windows the kids got nervous. To calm them I advised we track the storm online, then the power flickered and then out. We wouldn't know until later that the stormed knocked several large trees down, right onto the power lines, and we would be without power for over 24 hours (trust me if I  had known I would have turned the temp. in the refrigerator down, taken a shower, and filled up some large jugs of water).

With no shower and very little sleep I went to work on Saturday, were I needed to show my new abilities. After a very long day I did get good news that my shadowing is over and I will start seeing patients one on one tomorrow. It was a relief, at least for myself, to hear that news.
Sunday we cleaned out the fridge, due to no power, and refilled everything. I tried my best to take that day to relax making more crochet sampler squares.

Today we looked at a beautiful old house, chalked full of character and charm. It had a perfect studio room on the second floor with an old farm sink, jade green wainscoting, small pink cottage flower printed wall paper, large built in cabinets, and a wall filled with floor to ceiling wavy old glass windows. Unfortunately copper bandits came in. They took out all the copper for the plumbing, electrical, and heating, so while it put some change in their pockets, a piece of history will sit - needing far too many repairs that Rob and I can't do ourselves.
I must admit I pouted a bit when we got home. Why must people do that to earn money? It drives me bonkers. So to cheer myself I went out to the very very neglected garden and cut some flowers. My shasta daisies, bachelor buttons, and coreopsis all bloomed around the weeds. In fact I am telling myself the only reason their petals remain from the storm is due to the weeds.... works right?!
So what I meant to do this weekend was relax, find a house, and write a post. One out of three isn't bad.

This weekend I finished embroidering my pillowcase. Please excuse the lack of ironing, or the fact that I didn't wash out the drawing marks yet. During Father's day I some how managed to pull a muscle in my back, which made me incredibly grateful that I'm a pretty healthy person who doesn't have this happen very often. It's required me to slow down a little. 

Luckily our plan for Father's day was just to relax at home anyways, although I do feel bad and owe one very wonderful hubby (who is also an amazing father) a homemade chocolate cake. All is forgiven with chocolate cake!

 Hope everyone out there had a lovely Father's day weekend. 

Rhubarb Syrup

We have finally got our new schedule down around here. It has taken me awhile to adjust to mornings, as I am normally a night owl staying up into the wee hours. Surprisingly I find myself loving my mornings. There is a small window before the kids get up that I get to savor a cup of tea or coffee, and enjoy the silence in the house. Most of my mornings I try to use my time wisely, getting a little domestic, and then when I come home, after the kids are in bed, I get "mom time" - whether that is crocheting on the couch while watching a movie, reading a book, or painting a watercolor. 

This week, during my domestic time before work, I made rhubarb syrup. It has gone straight into my must haves for the summer. Not too sweet or tart, and heavenly over vanilla ice cream or in ice tea. This is how I made mine ~

Rhubarb Syrup

Ingredients:

5 stalks of Rhubarb washed and cut into 1/2 inch pieces (about 1 cup total)

1 1/4 cups of water

3/4 cup of granulated sugar

1/4 cup of your favorite honey

Put all ingredients into a saucepan on high heat until it comes to a rolling boil. Reduce heat to a low simmer, stirring mixture every now and then. Rhubarb should break down and become more of a mash, while the liquid should start to have a pretty red pink color. Let it all simmer for about 20 to 25 minutes then take off heat. With a jar (or bowl that you can transfer the liquids into a jar afterwards) under a strainer, pour the mixture into the strainer, making sure to stir or press the rhubarb mash to get the most liquid out. Cool and it's ready to use.

Keep the mash rhubarb for pies, muffins, cakes, on top of ice cream, or yogurt. The syrup will stay for 3 weeks in the refrigerator and is really good in ice tea or seltzer.♥

Bed Stuffed with Embroidered Pillowcases

Oh my goodness this weekend was a long one. It was filled with mixed emotions, from being excited and happy to the possibility of finding our house to a shocking and puzzling counter offer that made us a bit grouchy and disappointed on Monday. Tuesday rolled around and made it even more difficult when the car decided to flash a check engine signal and we needed to rent a car to get to our jobs. Thankfully the car is fixed and it was nothing too serious, because I don't think we could have handled serious this week.

But when I was thinking about our house I pictured cottage gardens, a pantry filled with homemade jams, and a lovely bed stuffed with pillows all in embroidered pillowcases. Just because things didn't work out doesn't mean I still can't have all those things once we do find our place. Last night, after a long long day, I got the hoop out and decided to start adding to my collection of pillowcases. It's been awhile since I made something just for me, and just to make sure I would keep it as mine, I added a monogram. Deciding on what letters for the monogram, is a bit tricky when you have a first, middle, married, and maiden name. Finally deciding on A for Amanda, W for Maiden name, and A for Married name - that seemed to fit the best. It's still a work in progress but so is the house hunt.

Friday

Today we picked some pretty flowers off the tree in front of our home.

We also went up to my mom's house to play with the new ducks. 

*Gasp* This is also my 300th post! 

Week 3 Strawberry Fields Sampler Afghan

Can you spot the new squares? 

Peonies

One of my favorite summer flowers.What's your favorite summer flower? I'm happy I got these from my mom this weekend because after looking at the weather forecast and all the rain this week, it will be nice to have something bright and cheerful in the house. Maybe peonies cut from the garden before the storm will be the saving grace this week.

There has been a lot of waiting around here lately. Waiting on replies on house bids, waiting to learn new things at a new job and the ability to do those tasks, and waiting for school to end. I'm also waiting for some fabric from Japan for a new baby quilt I am starting for a friend. This quilt I am going to hand quilt, which will take a little longer, but all those personal touches will really make this one special. Since it is going to be a surprise I can't really share the coming together of it but I will take pictures along the way so I can share the story of it all once it is finished.