Flu, Flowers, and Finishing Up

Yep. Lost a whole week to the flu. It's too bad that you have to wait until you feel like total crap to have a week like I did last week. Sometime I should just fake the whole thing and spend several days in a row in my pajamas, reading books, taking naps, watching old movies, and not doing one lick of anything at all resembling productive work. That sounds so good, except I was too darn sick to appreciate how great I had it.

With an energy level that is still mostly low, even I know that I can only be a slug for so long. A guilty conscience kicks back in again when a fever breaks. So, today was simply about getting up, getting dressed, and getting out to see something besides these four walls.

What could be a better way to snap out of a funk than a visit to Macy's Spring Flower Show? Not surprisingly, we weren't the only ones who thought this was the place to be on a cold day in late March. The crowds, however, were totally worth the show. This might be one of the best I've ever seen.

Gorgeous displays and color combinations, and all the flowers haven't even come to full bloom yet. We've even thinking about going back next week to see it again. I'm sure it must smell as great as it looks. (Not sure about that one yet.)

After we got our fill of the flowers and had a bite, we decided to swing by the Conservatory on our way home and see what they were showing for their spring display.

Como was nearly as popular--looks like every Minnesotan is craving some signs of spring. Another beautiful display, and even my stuffed up sinuses could pick up the fragrance of all the hyacinths in bloom.

It was tough to walk past the mountains of dirty melting snow to get back to the car. We could feel the orneriness build. Come on! Enough! Lucky I remembered the camera so I can remind myself that there are better times ahead, and soon, I hope.

Now that I think about it, I was somewhat productive over the weekend. Fun productive. I cast-on a new knitting project. Last week I had purchased and downloaded Kay Gardiner's (Mason-Dixon Knitting) Mitered Crosses Blanket Pattern.

The proceeds from the cost of the pattern will be donated to aid people in Japan who have been affected by the earthquake and tsunami, so go buy it. Besides contributing to a great cause, it's such fun to knit and so pretty!

Warning: This pattern is addicting. The "one more row" syndrome is compounded by the "one more square", by the "one more border." Yikes.

Instead of using the prescribed Noro, for my Knitted Quilt I went with the more cost conscious Lion Brand yarns--Fisherman's Wool and Amazing. So far, it looks fabulous. (In my humble opinion.) Trust me, no need to look down your knitting nose at either of these yarns. They are perfect substitutions.

I also put the finishing touches on my EZ EPS Henley this weekend. Good old Elizabeth comes through again. Don't you just love her practical advice? She's a very liberating instructor. I only wish I would have gotten her books years ago when I was first learning to knit.

Color work is still not my favorite knitting technique, but it's definitely more doable when knit in the round.

A Brief Respite

Since Spring doesn't seem to be coming to us any time soon, we decided to go and find some on our own. The Como Park Conservatory seemed like the perfect place to take in the sights and smells that we miss so much during our long winters.

The minute you step in the door, you can feel the change in humidity. The coat comes off, and you just inhale. It's warm, it's tropical, it's green. I could stay here awhile.


The Winter Flower Show is full of fragrant lilies, cyclamen, and camellias. There are also many colors of amaryllis blooms and azaleas. This particular show lasts until March 20. It's hard to imagine that they can top this for the Easter display. Trust me, they will.


The 'La Mancha' Lily is the one that caught my eye. The blossoms are huge, and the colors are just gorgeous. It's a Zone 5 lily, so it would take some pampering if we had a tough winter, but I think I'll have to give it a try. My other lilies seem to be a favorite rabbit food. I'd have to work hard to protect this one.




Last, but not least there were all kinds of one of my all time favorites--the foxgloves. I've had mixed luck with these in my garden. Last year was the first time that I was really happy with the results. Apparently, there are some varieties now that will bloom in their first year. You just plant them like annuals. I'll have to put those on the list as well.


We finished off the afternoon with lunch at Brasa on Grand. Also a place that smells very, very good.

Spring was nice while it lasted; more snow is on the way tomorrow.

Quino-a and Granol-a

Quinoa, quinoa, quinoa. I keep reading about quinoa everywhere. These super-seeds pack a nutritional punch and can take the place--supposedly--of rice and other grains. Quinoa is a good source of protein, iron, magnesium, phosphorus and is gluten free. In other words, after one bowl you're set for life.

I know I've eaten this stuff once before. I seem to remember ordering an entree with it somewhere a long time ago, but I've never made anything with it myself. So, today when I saw a bag on the "hippie shelf" in the grocery store--you know what I'm talking about--I threw it in the cart. (It was even organic.)

This afternoon I made a batch in the rice cooker with some chicken broth for the liquid and whipped up a bowl of tabbouleh. So? It's actually pretty good. It isn't much different than the traditional bulgar. There is a texture thing going on though that might stop me from being a big quinoa fan. It's similar to tapioca or itty bitty fish eggs. Enough said. The rice industry is safe.

So what was I doing digging around on the hippie shelf in the store? I needed the ingredients for granola. My favorite granola has been discontinued. Sad. And most other pre-made granola is too sweet for my taste. I had Stumble-d Upon a recipe that got some good reviews and decided to make my own.

Megan's Granola is very dangerous. The reviews were right. This is a very good granola recipe that's packed with lots of good ingredients. I cut back a little on the sweetness, but not much and it's just about right. I have learned from past experience to store granola without any dried fruit---add it when you're ready to eat. Who knew raisins could get so hard? Plus, you can go with what sounds good that morning: diced apricots, dried cherries or cranberries.

As long as I'm talking kitchen duty...the homemade sauerkraut was excellent! We tried it first in Reubens to get the full on taste and then braised some sausages in it the second time around and both were terrific. The next jar is fermenting on the counter as we speak. I suppose once it warms up, I'll have to find a cooler spot to store the work in progress. Think how good it will be with grilled brats.

Finally, I just have to share my pimped out Kindle. Isn't it cool? My son gave me the Packer skin for my birthday. I suppose I should download a Vince Lombardi biography some day.