Posts for category ‘Food’

A week ago I was looking for donations of yarn, needles, and notions towards a charity event (see my last blog entry) in which absolutely no profit is made. I am pleased to announce that the owner of Kollage Yarns, Susan Moraca, is donating all the yarn. Her generosity is not going to be unnoticed, and I want everybunny around the world to hear how her gesture is a great example of one of “My 3 Words” for 2010 — CARE.

Inspired by Justin Steinman’s recent blog post, I must admit that I needed to take my reins back into possession and have done it close to ten days time. So for a slight moment I am popping up out from my rabbit hole to catch a breath of the gorgeous warm air that enveloped Blacksburg this past weekend. Spring became my favorite season back in 1999 when I walked away from a bad beginning to create a better life for myself. I hope others will do the same when the opportunity knocks.

Currently I have been involved in a quick and fast move of events. In ten days’ time I have gone from a car accident, to changing where I work locally, to moving into new living quarters. If anybunny ever wants to visit little me in the New River Valley area of Virginia Tech, I can be found volunteering at the Main Lee Art Gallery instead of the LYS. Being there with the artists and their clients gives me a vibrant glow, and I also will be assisting them in their social media areas pro bono. See you there or at the London Underground Pub! =:8

Sometimes I feel like there is something “off” inside. It could be my mind, heart, or even my whole body. Whatever the case, a dose of comfort beckons me. Recently I found myself lunching at Hokkaido Buffet in the hope that their prepared foods would soothe my soul.

As I tasted my selections, I reflected on the various Asian restaurants that would have driven me to Hokkaido. The first thought was the obvious in my last visit there. When Rich came into town for New Year’s, we had popped into the restaurant after seeing the “Sherlock Holmes” movie. It was a quickly eaten meal; it barely made a small dent in satisfying our craving for Asian cuisine. The next thought was when I visited a former friend in Ohio this past summer. Throughout the meal he controlled what we ate and drank. Everything was his decision; I barely had a say even on how much to eat! Both the memories of Thai Star with Judy and Rihm Nam’s with Steve are hoppy ones filled with fabulous conversation and listening.

While pouring over these thoughts, I realized that ironically I could not recall the names of the two restaurants that triggered my stop. Memories of eating at both places give me warm feelings of fondness for my friend Rasha. We would often meet at one of those two places when we worked at The Corporation. I miss her Arabic accent-laden frankness and witty insight. Recently I found the silver and tiger eye choker necklace that she gifted to me for Christmas 2007. It might have been years since I saw her, but I know that when I wear it, I have her in my heart. Rasha, this memory is for you! =:8

As of late I have been dipping my foot (well, okay more like diving in head first) into areas that I have not been in touch with for years. My taking up of throwing darts has been a nice challenge. I find myself improving each week in every league match, and concentrating on form is paying off. The throwing motions seem to complement the ones used in knitting. While each dart must be precise to the target, each stitch must be knit to turn a pattern into a well-fitting garment. The latest result of that steady work is winning the “Luck of the Draw” tournament with Jack (my team captain) as my partner. We split the first prize of $50 and each received a tee-shirt from Awful Arthur’s.

Now that I have found a hobby to balance my awesome knitting-related occupation, the need to address my physical activity is next on my agenda. Early yesterday morning I received a phone call from Shannon, a co-worker of my friend Charlie. He had told her that I played rugby years ago, and she wanted to know if I would like to practice with the Blacksburg Rugby Club men’s squad. Before I could think about the consequences (aka a sore body from running in freezing weather and being tackled on the icy ground) my answer was “Of course!” She then forwarded me some information and I attended my first meeting last night at The Pub (London Underground Pub in Blacksburg). I look forward to getting back into shape with the crazy amounts of running. The improvement of body coordination is also a benefit I want. The one question to answer is “How can I convince ten women to form a sevens team to play this summer?” Stay tuned to see if I bite at the bait to recruit women in the area to play with me!

In case folks new to my blog are wondering how darts and rugby tie into the “Making Eggs” topic, please read “Making Eggs – Part 1” when possible. To “Let me sum up” (a skein of sock yarn to the first person who comments which movie that quote is from) I came back to Blacksburg to discover myself. Whether it be in going back to school, a new job, a temporary place to live, or a new group of friends, I am trying to figure out how I like my eggs. So far the Boys and I are doing okay, even with the downs from the apartment and low available funds. As for the latest favorite way I am making my eggs? I have been frying two in unsalted butter yolks broken with coarsely ground sea salt and black pepper. I then cover the seasoned eggs with melted shredded sharp cheddar and sprinkle bacon pieces on top of them. I have named it my “breakfast pizza” and yes, it is oh so good. How good? I ate the pizza before taking a photograph of it because I did not want to eat it cold! =:8

When I drove into Blacksburg on October 31st, it was not to play in the holiday festivities. I was coming into town to seek new opportunities and investigate what I had to do in order to go back to school. Due to financial circumstances, I did not bring the Boys as expected. Doing so was a smart idea since I was going into an unseen apartment on blind faith. Richie and I both figured the move would be temporary, so why chance it with the Boys?

Meanwhile, as I am settling in the new digs, I figured that I should test out another theory inspired by my friend Erin (aka LittleWit on Ravelry) of the “Half Acre Goods” blog. In the movie “Runaway Bride” starring Julia Roberts as the leading lady, is Maggie, a woman who is known to get cold feet on her wedding day. Richard Gere, as the reporter Ike re-covering her story after writing one based on false impressions, is the antagonistic leading man. At some point of the movie, Maggie is asked the question how she likes her eggs. It turns out that she has no idea because she always chose whatever way her fiances ate them. In other words, she has never found herself and known what she truly wants. That is the situation I recently discovered. I have always hated eggs (Richie will vouch for this fact). It took me years to tolerate eating them (one egg scrambled wet with 8 ounces of cheese) and I had no idea how I truly liked my eggs, myself, and my life.

So when I drove in the other night and stopped at the grocery store, I picked up a dozen eggs for experimentation. I already knew that I liked both Greek/Mediterranean omelets (feta, spinach, tomatoes, and olives with sliced up bacon) and my twisted version of Spanish eggs (scrambled wet with cheese, tomatoes, garlic, bacon, and sauteed onions). Both omelets however are ingredient-heavy and would be more fun to make with another person, not when I am living alone. Now I am willing to try new recipes. Currently I have added to the list:

• Swedish egg pastries: Put phyllo or pastry dough at each cup bottom of a sprayed mini-muffin tin, crack a whole egg into the cups, sprinkle with Swiss cheese and pepper, then bake.
• Old Bay Hard-boiled: Place 2-4 eggs in boiling water for 5 minutes, turn off the burner and leave the eggs for another 3 minutes, crack open and serve with Old Bay seasoning. (Completely accidental because I only had celery salt and white pepper at the time, and spied the Old Bay.)

With my search on discovering eggs, I am slowly discovering myself. I will be shaping my place to what I envision and not to another person’s expectations. For those reading, be advised that I may be posting entries on my latest egg experiments. It should go without asking, what are YOUR favorite egg recipes? =:8

For weeks I have been anticipating Amy Singer’s lecture on September 24th and her lace class on September 25th to WEBS, which is proudly touted as the world’s largest yarn shop. To those folks who are curious, Amy Singer is the founder and publisher of the online magazine (“e-zine” in many circles) Knitty. In its seven years of publication, Knitty has been a vital name in many a knitting-oriented household. The various articles offer concise instructions of techniques, free access to talented designers, and informative notes on types of notions, tools, yarns, and fibers. When she is not knitting, spinning, and working, Amy plays the ukulele and takes care of her two mini-Rex houserabbits, Boeing and Squeezle.

Her lecture on Thursday evening encompassed non-wool yarns and how to substitute them in place of wool-based ones. Amy’s light and friendly presentation described what to expect with non-wool yarns in ways of texture, composition, and weight. She provided various swatches knitted up in the non-wool yarns and proudly showed the Ishbel she knitted. After her lecture, Amy chatted with Debbie of Glastonbury Glassworks and her daughter for a bit about ukuleles. Amy even graced us with her talent by playing on the one they recently purchased.

My friend Jan Anderson of the “Yarn Yarns and Store Stories” blog and I ended the evening with a light supper. I forgot the name of the restaurant, but she had met up with me for Amy’s lecture. Later I was able to visit my friend Aaron at his home. Both he and I knitted for a bit and talked about various items in the yarn world. Saying our good nights, I went to bed anticipating Amy’s lace class in the morning.

The next morning, the class was packed and filled with lively students. I spied my friend Kate “bigevilgrape” on Ravelry, and all of us sat down to listen to Amy’s instructions. Amy had split us up into two groups: rectangular stoles and triangular shawls. Kate was on the triangular side, while I was on the rectangular one. The object of the class was to learn the mathematics of combining different lace pattern repeats and turn them into a custom design. Below is what I chose: the Squeezle pattern which is named for one of Amy’s rabbits.

After class was over, all of us students shopped around WEBS. I managed to take a photo of Vivian before leaving. I am so close to finishing this cardigan (aka, my labor of wearable love)! =:8

Recently the LinkedIn and Facebook pages of the “Providence Geek Dinner for Wednesday, September 23rd” caught my eye. After attending social media events in Boston, it was high time for me to check out what was in Rhode Island. Curious, I reviewed the attendees and recognized some friendly names. Hmmm… I thought, “What the heck, why not go? Maybe I could find a connection to a job.” Not sure what to expect, I dressed comfortably in “office” attire. Knowing that first impressions last forever, I wanted to look polished, but not stiff. Taking deep breaths, I drove downtown to Trinity Brewhouse to see what awaited.

After popping into Trinity, I quickly spotted my friend Sara Streeter. This social media savvy guru and I met during Podcamp Boston last August. Of course I was pleased to discover that she is also a fellow knitter. If I failed to recognize anybunny else, I apologize. The downstairs area of Trinity Brewhouse is quite dark, and if folks did not approach me, I obviously was not able to converse if I could not see them.

The company featured in that night’s presentation was Simulia. This software company specializes in third dimensional graphics, and I was smitten with their work. All I kept asking in my head was what did I need to do to work for them. Their ties into industrial engineering kept me mesmerized, that is, until my stomach reminded me to get food into my body.

Note, I love bacon cheeseburgers, particularly those with only lettuce, tomato, mustard and ketchup. For the cheese, cheddar is my preference, but I love smoked Gouda too. From seeing the photo above, Trinity Brewhouse has a nicely sized option. Seated at the bar, I was gobbling down that and one of their heavier beers, the Russian Imperial Stout, when I recognized the man standing on my immediate right. “Hello, Mr. Cicilline,” I greeted the Mayor of Providence, “How are you? I had no idea you were into the Providence Geek Dinners. Are you into technology?” We ended up chatting for a bit, and I shared how I was in IT and QA. I had figured that attending the evening’s event was a good way to find a job. We later closed our conversation, and I felt it was a comfortable one. Minutes later, I saw him again, but this time with another gentleman. “Kimberly, I would like to introduce to you James. James, this is Kimberly. Kimberly is looking for a job.” Thanks to the mayor, I met the recruitment team of Bridge Technical Solutions. Now, I still do not have a job, but at least that is a start.

So moral of the story? If one is given a chance to network, do so because whoever one meets there can help. If one’s stomach tells you it is time to eat, do it because look what happened to mine! =:8

Like all hobbies and interests, the knitting world has its rockstars and celebrities. One of our most famous is Stephanie Pearl-McPhee, aka author and writer of “The Yarn Harlot” blog. I have a little journal that I use to jot down notes, ideas, and patterns that roam around in my head. The front page of that journal contains signatures of 3 people who have inspired me to become the knitter that I am today: Stephanie, Franklin Habit (see my “It Itches” piece September 2008), and Kristin Nicholas.

Kristin learned how to knit as a child, and when she entered the yarn manufacturing industry, her experience in the fashion world helped her to create a formidable presence at Classic Elite Yarns in Lowell, MA. Not only did her team’s patterns offer intricate details of cabling and fair isle, but the written instructions became a standard still used today. What drew me to Kristin was not just her talent, but her personal side. (Yes social media folks, I consider her a Trust Agent in the knitting world!) Ten years ago, she and her husband Mark had Julia. Because Julia was born with excess fluid in her brain, multiple surgeries were done for the next couple of years. To spend time with Julia and Mark, Kristin gave up her esteemed Creative Director position at Classic Elite. For my romantic self, anyone who gives up a career for whom they love has my admiration.

Though Kristin stopped working at Classic Elite, she did not give up her passion for color and fabrics. She has written a number of books which incorporate color combinations and embroidery. On Friday night, September 11th, I was privileged to be invited by Common Cod Guild president Guido Stein to have dinner with the officers, Kristin, and her guests – Julia her daughter and Cathy, a former employee at Classic Elite. We laughed over past ideas that went nowhere, gushed over the pizza, and talked about upcoming events. At MIT’s Stata Building, she gave a lecture on how she uses a color wheel and nature for inspiration. She described how adding a touch of embroidery can make a piece of clothing pop with excitement. During the door prize announcements, I won a set of postcards which were photos from Kristin’s farm and collection. Kristin also allowed everyone to fondle the pieces she designed for her upcoming book, “Color by Kristin: How to Design Your Own Beautiful Knits” which were knitted in her Julia yarn.

Afterwards, a dozen of us headed out to The Friendly Toast for a late night snack. My meal of choice was the Caribbean Waffle paired with a pot of tea. Once again our conversations were full of liveliness ranging from our daily observations to Kristin’s lecture. Food, drink, and fun — what more could a knitting social media technology geek like me want? (Please, we know what the answer is, and that unfortunately is not going to happen.) Until I write again, feel free to check out the photos of the evening! =:8

A dish of munchable goodness and a bottle of red wine were requested in an email for the casual meet up of red wine fanciers. The location listed Thursday, September 3rd, at Ray Martin’s home. Wondering what to bring, I stumbled upon a fabulous food market, Bridgetown Meats and Catering, and to my delight met Larry. Turns out that his wife is an avid knitter, and they have made frequent trips to Virginia Wine Country. Not only was he well-informed, but he made myself and every customer at ease with selecting wine. He had no issues about budget (I was searching for something at $25), and offered educational reasons on why he would choose a particular wine. In my case, he suggested a wine from Southern Australia, The Chook. This shiraz has viognier blended into it, and the result is a heavy red with a soft finish.

Satisfied with my purchase, I decided to create a recipe that would offer some punch with the wine. Using a trick my sister taught me, I purchased Pillsbury flaky biscuits and some ingredients to make a vegetarian filling. I baked them in the oven, and viola! In bringing them to the wine meet up, the Zucchini Popper Tarts were well received, and quickly disappeared.

The night was full of different conversations involving work, art, politics, and heathcare. Pretty soon it was time to head back to where I was staying, but at least I can be pleased that my dish was a hit! So if anybunny would like to take the chance and try it, feel free to make the recipe and offer me some feedback. =:8

Like everyone in the world, I have many faces and hats. I began blogging years ago on LiveJournal to keep a personal diary, and still use it to catch up on various groups of interest. I have such a gamut of loves: Classic Ford Mustangs, surfing, rugby, MLB baseball, American football, automobile racing, house rabbits, knitting/crocheting, information technology, 3-phase electricity, working out, food, and wine. The last three are intricately linked because of my Type 2 diabetes diagnosis. I have been fortunate to learn a great deal about my loves after being “tossed into the deep end” of discovery. My passion allowed the knowledge to sink into my head, and I have been able to use that knowledge accordingly when needed. There is always one exception. In my case I have two: the worlds of IT and 3-phase.

The lack of paper credentials to support all that tucked away knowledge has been a thorn in my side. In today’s job market, those credentials matter to a company’s human resources department. The problem is larger for me: I have never tested well on exams after high school. I managed with difficulty to acquire the college credits that I have now, but still am a year’s shy of graduating after leaving school 15 years ago. Some years ago, I discovered my niece had a similar problem with her studies, and I realized with relief that our struggles were from a learning disability of digesting what we studied aurally. Unless we wrote down a lecture word-for-word or took incredible notes, the spoken information never sank into our minds unless we were extremely focused on the subject matter. It also explained why my brain readily discarded information I was no longer using on a daily basis — my interest for the topic in question was gone.

Recently the challenge of becoming a Certified IS Auditor (CISA) was presented to me, and after a bit of thought I accepted it. In order to ensure I do not have to repeat this pricey test in June 2010, I have been kicking around different approaches on how to be comfortably embedded with the material for December’s exam. My “aha moment” hit: blog about it. By doing so, I will be confirming that I had grasped the concepts. I would also be reviewing what I learned in a form of a presentation, and would be able to discuss the details with others.

So why all of this information? One item I learned at Podcamp was that whiplashes of topic changes can freak out a reader. Until I revamp this little website into the envisioned sections that I want to incorporate, I want to warn everybunny of my plan to post the CISA entries. Meanwhile, I do plan on re-starting my diary of fibery visits, and am looking forward to the Fiber Revival in Newbury, MA (which is run by the talented and amazing Julia from “Moth Heaven” and Twist Collective fame) tomorrow. I also will be topping the day with a visit to Joppa Fine Foods to get some Jeni’s Ice Cream. As for Sunday, I am going to sneak a peek of the “Titian, Tintoretto, Veronese: Rivals in Renaissance Venice,” exhibition at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Feel free to come join me! =:8

Thanks Ashley for tagging me. Hope everybunny enjoys my answers! =:8

If you’ve been tagged or you are reading this, you have the honor of copying all these goofy questions, writing your own response, and tagging 25 other victims. You have to tag me so really you just need 24 more people. If I tagged you, it’s because I want to know more about you.

To do this, go to “notes” under tabs on your profile page, paste these instructions in the body of the note, type your title as “Getting to know each other!”, tag 25 people including me (tagging is done in the right hand corner of the app) then click publish.

1. What time did you get up this morning?
About 6

2. How do you like your steak?
Bloody

3. What was the last movie you saw at the theater?
Up

4. What is your favorite TV show?
Besides sports-related, “Star Trek” and history-related shows? I guess “Murder, She Wrote” would be it.

5. If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?
Tough one. Toss up between the Java Sea region and Western Europe.

6. What did you have for breakfast?
I am making egg-white blintzes filled with blue cheese and pear.

7. What is your favorite cuisine?
Internationally influenced bistro fare.

8. What foods do you dislike?
Anything that repulses my taste buds (ie, not much).

9. Favorite Place to Eat?
As long as I am with my favorite guy, I am hoppy

11.What kind of vehicle do you drive?
I have two: Honda Civic and an antique Ford Mustang

12. What are your favorite clothes?
Plain tee/blouse and skirt

13. Where would you visit if you had the chance?
Every single MLB baseball park and football stadium

14. Cup 1/2 empty or 1/2 full?
Depends on my mood

15. Where would you want to retire?
Somewhere warm or temperate year round

16. Favorite time of day?
Early morning

17. Where were you born?
US Naval Hospital on Guantanamo Bay, Cuba

18. What is your favorite sport to watch?
Depends on the season and time of day

19. Who do you think will NOT tag you back?
I do not want to be tagged back.

20. Person you expect to tag you back first?
No idea at this time

21. Who are you most curious about their responses to this?
Everyone

22. Bird watcher?
Only if one comes into view — lately the cardinal family in my shrubs.

23. Are you a morning person or a night person?
Morning — and I am one of those hoppy cheery ones too, so watch out!

24. Do you have any pets?
4 houserabbits (and do husbands count?)

25. Any new and exciting news you’d like to share?
Not yet, but hopefully soon!

27. What is your best childhood memory?
Too many to list

28. Are you a cat or dog person?
I adore big dogs

29. Are you married?
Yes

30. Always wear your seat belt?
Always!

31. Been in a car accident?
Oh yes.

32. Any pet peeves?
Many, but I generally hold stuff back to give somebunny a chance

33. Favorite Pizza Toppings?
Cheese, especially feta

34. Favorite Flower?
Lavender “sterling silver” roses

35. Favorite ice cream?
Chocolate with toffee

36. Favorite fast food restaurant?
Hardees (sigh, I miss it!!)

37. How many times did you fail your driver’s test?
Once — when my VA driver’s license expired and I forgot to renew it, I had to take the new test being issued and did not realize they REALLY changed it!!

38. From whom did you get your last email?
MLB.com

39. Which store would you choose to max out your credit card?
Max? The idea makes me shudder.

40. Do anything spontaneous lately?
Went to the Red Sox game at Fenway last Wednesday

41. Happy with your job?
I am patiently waiting for a full-time paying job.

42. Broccoli?
Sauteed with olive oil, garlic, lemon, salt, and coarsely ground pepper

43. What was your favorite vacation?
Where I do not have to feel rushed

44. Last person you went out to dinner with?
M. Tess, my cousin visiting from CT

45. What are you listening to right now?
Birds chirping

46. What is your favorite color?
Anything but neon ones, though lately burnt orange

47. How many tattoos do you have?
None — yet!

48. How many are you tagging for this quiz?
None

49. What time did you finish this quiz? 07:15

50. Coffee Drinker?
Occasionally