Purls Just Wanna Have Fun!

Goodbye 2011.... Welcome 2012!

As every year about this time, and many others.... I too am looking back at 2011 and recounting. The good, the bad and the ugly... yes there was some ugly in their too:)

What did I work on this year?  It seems that I was not as prolific as other years... Could it be the spinning? I suppose it takes longer starting from scratch.   Nonetheless, I know I enjoyed both knitting and spinning.   I also learned a great deal while at it.  This is always good. Learning and deepening your skills.

Also it seems that this year... I was more giving:)  70% of these projects were made for others, sample knits and gifts:)  This is good for a selfish knitter like me:)  Hmmm it looks like I am growing in a good way hee hee...

As for memories: I had the opportunity to partake in many fun events, and create lasting memories with friends and loved ones!  Knitting Retreats 2, Family Vacation 1 big one, Knitting Events 2 or 3... Including Sock Summit!   Lets see what else? Two 80s Parties!  Can you believe it?  Man those were a blast!

I do not know what 2012 holds for me.  I am waiting expentantly for GOOD Things. Much love, laughter, good health, fitness, and overall well being.  I am hoping that many of us will have good fortune. Make good decisions that will empower us to excel in those areas that we hold dear, and or want to improve in.

To all my family, Knitty friends, and acquaintances - I wish you all the Happiest of New Years!

Have a wonderful evening, have fun, and be Safe!

I will do the same.  I plan on visiting mom, sister and brother and having dinner there.  Later, I am staying home with the DH, taking in a couple of good movies, a champagne toast or two... and a put in a good start to the last cast on project of the year...  Lacy Prairie Shawl by Cheryl Oberle.

I will be spening some quality time with these babies: Hand Maiden Camel Spin in Smoke. Man is it decadent... So luxurious....

Happy, Happy New Year to All, and All the Best in 2012!

Chicken Soup for the Soul...

Now that the Earth has shifted and the cold weather is upon us more and more…  There are many of us that are a bit under the weather.  I do not have a cold or the Flu but did have a short few days of feeling icky back in October and November.  As I read some blogs here and there I noticed that others too are suffering from the pesky sniffles… 

With this in mind, I thought I’d share my Mommy’s Chicken Soup Recipe.  She is turning 80 today. December 14th!  I thought I would celebrate with all of my readers as well by passing this down....

This is a family recipe of course, passed down from my Mimi (Granny) and her Mother before her.  

 

Mamás Sopa de Pollo

 (Med Soup Pot)

1 whole chicken cut up plus more breast meat, if desired

2 to 3 juicy lemons

two Roma tomatoes (cut in quarters)

1 bag baby carrots (1lb)

5 red potatoes (halved or quartered)

2 Zucchini (cut in rounds)

1 Chayote (cut in lg pieces)

2 corn on the cob (halved)

Fresh mint (a few sprigs)

1 small squash (Kabocha or Acorn)

2 quiquisque peeled (whole)

1 maduros (cut in thick rounds)

1 handful of uncooked rice

2 to 3 tablespoons chicken broth granules (knorr)

1 head of garlic (peeled and sliced thin)

1 Medium onion (thin slices)

1/2 Goya flavor packet

Garlic powder (if needed)

Pepper

1)       In large soup pot fill half with water, add chicken, onion and garlic. Let boil until chicken is tender.

2)      Take chicken out and put aside. Flavor the broth with Knorr Chicken Broth granules, lemon juice, pepper and garlic powder, if needed.

3)      Add vegies that need longer cooking time first and add rice. Once those vegies are somewhat tender, add all other vegies.

4)      Add the chicken back in the pot, add Yerba Buena (Mint) and cilantro.

 Enjoy!

I cannot say enough about this soup… My favorite piece is the chicken breast (what can I say, I’m a white meat kinda of gal), all the veggies are pretty delish too…  try it and let me know what you think...

If you are feeling a bit under the weather, please take good care and have someone make you some Chicken Soup to help you get back on your feet sooner rather than later.  If not this recipe then another.

Here is a cool shot of a Woman making some chicken soup somewhere in Nicaragua:)

P.S.  If you do not find some of the items let me know perhaps you can substitute. Also, the spices, if not locally available and you really want to try the spices let me know and I can find them at the market here:)