Emptyknitster

Monday we took a jaunt via Big Timber to see the Natural Bridge. We were slightly disappointed in the fact the bridge collapsed in 1988, however the river is now working at building a new bridge and the area is really very interesting. Currently the river disappears and the returns at the waterfall. When the water level goes down later in the summer it again goes under ground in the canyon area only to appear further down. Kitten seems to have taken to her backpack! We'll make a hiker out of her yet...

Since spring the gurls and I have been getting up early each Saturday and getting Bountiful Baskets. It has stretched us several times to find uses for some of the vegetables. This week we received cabbages (after I had bought one for slaw over the fourth!) and I also bought the fiesta pack so I had to find a use for the fresh cilantro after feeding the grandkiddos tacos on a regular basis. The Chick asked for the cabbage recipe: Runzas or Bierocks (German Cabbage Buns) 1 pkg yeast 1/4 c sugar 1c lukewarm milk 3 c flour 2 eggs beaten 1/4 c shortening 1t salt Mix yeast, sugar, milk, and 1 1/2 c flour, let rise 45 minutes or until bubbling. Add eggs, shortening, salt and remaining flour to make soft dough. (I have to add more flour so it's not sticky) Cover and let dough rest in a warm place for 1 1/2 hours or until double in bulk. Filling: Melt Tablespoons of shortening in a skillet. Add one chopped onion, 1/2 head cabbage, 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon peppe...

This is the thirteenth pair of socks I've knit this year. Insanely I thought I could knit both birthday and Christmas socks but I'm pretty sure that only my most ardent sock lovers will be getting the Christmas socks this year! Pattern: Vanilla Bean Striped Socks by Emily O'Grady Yarn: Patons North America Kroy Socks Ragg Colorway: Brown Striped Ragg Amount: Three skeins, 498 yards Needle Size: US Size 1 I'm already using this Vanilla Bean Pattern on another pair of socks...a great step up from stockinette! The two story birdhouse was made by Dad and painted by Mom. They knew how I loved the 4th of July!

While we were on our camping trip to Yellowstone Park last weekend, I began reminiscing to the grandkiddos about my early trips to The Park. At the time we were living in Seattle and the trip to Yellowstone was the first big vacation I remember ever taking with the family. I was going into the seventh grade and had only two brothers, one on my left and one on the right of me in the back seat of the car.  The temperature at the end of July was sweltering, but anything over 80 degrees for a Puget Sounder is steamy. The five of us were stuck in the Valiant with no air conditioning and no seat belts! This was a time in The Park's history they're not to proud of, the black bears had run amok. They were allowed stand at the side of the road and beg for any tidbit that a human would offer. Visitors bought/brought marshmallows not for toasting at the campfire but to feed the bears. If you didn't offer the bears a treat they would just stick their paws in through the window and ...

Every year our family has a contest called " The first Fawn of the Season ." The rules have evolved over the years. 1) Not only is it the sighting of a fawn but 2) it must be documented for the win.  Over a week ago, while I was in Helena, Hubby excitedly texted the first sighting of the year.  However, at the time he was responding to a general alarm and so no photo. This gave not only me but the two grandkiddos a chance to hunt down the win! We've been on the lookout ever since... but to no avail. This morning, on Hubby's way to work, he took this photo:   Not one fawn for the win but two! - I bow down to the winner, great documentation!

This weekend we tested went out the camper with two additional occupants and I'm pleased to have one of the grandkiddos as a guest blogger. Thank you Chloe-A-Little-Bit! I am visiting my grandma for a couple weeks this summer and we went to Yellowstone. Camping: Day 1 On the first day of the camping trip we hiked down to a river and went gold panning. On our hike down, we saw the state flower the Bitterroot, and some other pretty blossoms. We also had to cross a stream. Cameron had a go first, and with Grandpa’s help, got a few specks of gold. He enjoyed it very much. I sat reading for a bit and then joined in and got a few gold specks as well. We hiked up the hill to the car and went to bed. Update: It appears that although my Guest blogger has taken beautiful photos and written her blog she bailed on me and so I'll complete and publish her entry :) Camping: Day 2 On the second day we drove through Yellowstone and saw th...

Life around here is really changing for our Gracie Gurl! She's taking a lap anywhere she can find it these days. Note how Chloe is taking precautions to keep her all her fingers!