supper

It's only March, but our west coast weather is warming again.  Last night we basked in the warmth of a patio fire and the light of a long evening -- a first iteration of summer's ritual.

Menu

barbequed cumin and lime halibut kabobs

gratineed tomoatoes

couscous with mushrooms, pine nuts and parsley

white wine

Recipe:  Cumin and Lime Halibut Kabobs

(from The Complete Canadian Living Cookbook, 2001)

11/2 lb halibut (or salmon, swordfish, monkfish) fillets

for marinade:

1 tsp grated lime rind

1/4 cup lime juice

1/4 cup vegetable oil

4 tsp Worcestershire sauce

1 small onion, minced

2 cloves garlic, minced

11/2 tsp ground cumin

1/4 pepper

In glass bowl whisk together all marinade ingredients.  Set aside.

Cut fish into 11/2-inch chunks to make 24 pieces; add to marinade, tossing to coat.  Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.  Remove fish from marinade, reserving marinade.  On each or skewers thread 6 pieces of fish.  Place on greased grill over medium heat; baste with marinade.  Close lid and cook, turning twice, for 10 to 12 minutes or until fish flakes easily when tested with fork.

stitching-a-long

These are the latest additions to my sampler.  Enjoy.

 

inspiration

Sometimes inspiration is fleeting but the other night my pencil floated over a blank journal page and one idea lead to another.  I wish inspiration always flowed so freely.

stitching-a-long

Presenting my latest stitching accomplishments: There are several grand successes in the mix and at least one square that's fated to be ripped out.

snow

We had another snow flurry this morning.  This time there was enough to paint a faint, white silhouette on fences and shrubs.  These plumb blossoms don't seem to mind the cold snap, but I'm afraid the lettuce I seeded last weekend might not come up.

stitching-a-long

 

I learned the feather stitch for this square.  Can you tell which sides came first and last?  I can. 

My french knots and lazy daisy stitches are getting better, aren't they?

stitching-a-long

Amy's 39 Square challenge began a couple of days ago, but I'm just getting started.  This square features my very first lazy daisy, which turned out ok, and a collection of french knots, which didn't.  The quality of my squares will probably be hit and miss as I'm taking the opportunity to learn lots of new stitches.

embroidery

I walked in a snow flurry today, though not on purpose.  I was caught -- caught running errands on foot in my light yellow jacket because it's supposed to be Spring.  It was a cold trek home, but I have to admit that it was magical too.  Snowflakes played on the wind in ways that raindrops only dream of, white and flighty against backdrops of asphalt and fir trees.  Of course the snow danced away almost as soon as I gained shelter at home.  The moment was gone, save for the coldness in my face and hands, a reminder that anything is possible.

The wintery moment -- there have been so few this year -- drove me to a wintery activity that I haven't enjoyed in a good long time.  In just an hour or two I finished off this honeysuckle slipper.  The pattern is by Jo-Ann Jenkins, a local designer.

I also found this alphabet sampler in my sewing basket.  It's been finished for a long time, but I've never done anything with it.  I don't want to fill my walls with framed cross-stitch -- I'm too young for that -- but it would be nice to display this one way or another.  Ideas?

garden

I cracked open my kitchen window today, inviting in the gentle Spring sunshine and the sound of neighbors mowing their lawns.  Our lawn probably needs cutting too, but I was much more excited about planting the barrel garden.  I have dirt under my fingernails and only six weeks to wait for tastey green treats -- lettuce, snap peas, spinach, cilantro and radishes.  It's Spring.