Monday, May 23, 2011

Sproing!

Spring has been springing up and down the street. Lilacs are blooming, the apple tree on the corner is covered with blossoms, and hanging baskets full of impatiens and pansies are hanging on people's porches. The front flower bed has been a little neglected, but we're making progress cleaning out the weeds and grass and maple seedlings in preparation for planting roses and irises. While we probably won't get any flowers from the irises this year, it's possible the roses might manage to produce something besides a single bud. I can't wait to see how things turn out. =^..^=
Well.. I'm here. I've been here for a bit more than a month and am fairly settled in. Last weekend, the kitty came to join; she, too, has been settling in, though the first few days were a bit bumpy. She loves taking advantage of the window screens by sitting on the sill and letting the breezes bring her all manner of interesting scents and sounds, and that's when she's not poking her little nose into Rasputin's closet or behind the washing machine. The house is less quiet with her yowling pronouncements and complaints after she kicks her catnip mouse under a piece of furniture and can't get it back out.
Baking has been sort of up and down. I've decided I'm not too keen on whole wheat flour because I keep getting nice little bready doorstops. A number of people have made suggestions on dealing with this problem, but I think I'll revert to my normal routine of using all-purpose flour instead of continuing to do battle with the doorstop monster. Mmph!
Still knitting and spinning, of course. My drafting technique has changed a little since I watched Abby Franquemont's Respect the Spindle video, but I think it's improved and allowed me to spin a more consistent yarn. Now I just need to work on my carding and not abuse the brushes so. >.<