PVC Yarn Swift

My hubbie is wonderful!!!!!!!! I wanted a yarn swift but am too cheap to buy one.. so he made it for me. He found the plans for the swift/skeiner on the internet at the blog A Book And Some Yarn. It was relatively inexpensive and pretty quick to make. The longest part was cutting the pvc pipe.

It is really cool, it comes apart for storage... adjustable for different skein sizes, can be used as swift or skeiner(if I ever spin or color my own yarn). It does have a handle in the center for easier turning, but it is not on there at the moment.

Winter Wonderland aka Northeast Storm

Fortunately, we don't have the severe weather that many are having. Yes, there was snow, and freezing rain, and rain, and more snow. It took almost an hour this morning to get the ice off my car. Went to work, but only for a short time.. It started snowing and I am a rather "nervous" driver!

Now home, the electric has gone off a couple times and the lights are flickering every so often. I am prepared though... think that is another one of those paranoid things! It is going to be sooo crappy tomorrow when the roads re-freeze.

January Doldrums

Okay, I haven't written a thing since the first of the month... and that is because.. I am boring! January is such a crappy month. Christmas season is over, it is cold, television re-runs stink! Whatever is there to do? Everyone is just waiting for spring.. and for the economy to get better.

What have I accomplished this month? Umm, let's see-I am on my 15th book for the Reading Challenge (see sidebar link). Finished the entrelac scarf, but it still needs the ends woven in and blocked or felted (can't make a decision on that!). Am working on a pair of socks with Noro and on Brooklyn Tweed scarf, also with Noro. I love Noro yarn. The sock yarn is "interesting". Yes, it twists, no, it is not that rough, the color is great, it had a jumbled up mess of knots that had to be undone, there are so many unspun sections that you have to use them.. but I really do like this yarn.

That are so many things that I want/need to do. Finish the entrelac scarf, weave in the ends on that other scarf in my pile that is so old I don't know when I started it, weave in the ends of the multitude of dishcloths that are done (I know Laura, I promised you some when??), finish the hats that are started, finish the multidirectional scarf I started 2-3 years ago. What about that sweater I bought the yarn for.. and socks, I need more socks.

Also need to make soap, get the tax stuff ready for the accountant, list somethings on ebay, decide on what to have for the Super Bowl (Go Steelers!), answer a few emails, clean my house.. and on and on. Oh will spring ever come and give me energy!!

Baked French Toast Casserole

Made this for breakfast this morning.. and it is excellent! Not sure where the recipe came from, but kudos to the poster!

1 loaf French Bread
8 eggs
2 c half and half
1 c milk
2 T sugar
1 t vanilla extract
1/4 t cinnamon
1/4 t nutmeg
dash salt
Topping (recipe follows)
Maple syrup

Slice french bread into 20-1" slices. Arrange slices in a well buttered 9x13 baking dish in 2 rows, overlapping the slices. In a large bowl, combine the eggs, half and half, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt. Beat with whisk until well blended, but not too frothy. Pour mixture over the bread, coating completely. Cover with foil and place in fridge overnight.

Next day, preheat oven to 350. Spread topping evenly over bread and bake for 40 minutes untill puffed and lightly golden. Serve with syrup. 6-8 servings

Topping~
2 sticks melted butter
1 c packed lt brown sugar
1 c chopped pecans
2 T maple syrup
1/2 t cinnamon
1/2 t nutmeg
Combine all ingredients.