Knit and Crochet-Along

I haven't posted for several days because I couldn't think of something interesting to write about.  Sometimes, reading through my blog archives helps, and this time it worked. I noticed that I haven't written anything more on the knit/crochet along so here's an update. :-)

Because there seems to be split on which craft should be chosen, I'll feature two patterns, one crochet and the other knit. That way, we can all participate.

If you decide to join me in this knit and crochet-along, please write about your progress on your blog and link back to my blog. If you don't have a blog, you can still participate, just add a comment below letting us know you're joining in.

For the knitters, we'll be working on the Hanover Hat. The pattern calls for Vanna's Choice yarn and size 9(5.5mm) needles. Vanna's Choice is worsted weight yarn so you can substitute it with another yarn of the weight. The pattern is rated beginner and has several good reviews so it should turn out good. :-) To access the pattern, you'll need to register at Lion Brand's website. Registration is free and you gain access to over 2,000 free patterns! :-D 

I'll also be crocheting the 9-patch baby throw. This pattern is rated easy and also uses Vanna's Choice which is easy to substitute. It's made in 9 squares which are sewn together when you're done. I'm sure we could also add a good border around it too. :-)

Feel free to experiment with different yarns and colors to make something uniquely yours. I'll be posting on each project and the yarns I choose tomorrow. Looking forward to seeing you all participate!

Blessings,

Eden-May

God's Smuggler

It would be really hard to choose just one hobby to call my favorite. I enjoy doing so many things. :-) But one of my favorite hobbies is reading. Of all the books to choose from, I particularly enjoy reading missionary biographies the most because they tell of zeal for the Gospel, stories of courage, and reports of God's work in foreign lands.

One of my all-time favorite books (other than the Bible) is God's Smuggler by Brother Andrew. We found excerpts of it online then decided to purchase it so we can get the full story. I've read it from cover to cover several times and we have the read the book together as family at least once. We've enjoyed reading his book so much because it's filled with so much excitement and adventure. For example, here's one of my favorite quotes from the book, taken from chapter ten "Lanterns in the Dark": 

"Just ahead was the Yugoslav border. For the first time in my life I was about to enter a Communist country on my own...I stopped the little Volkswagen on the outskirts of the tiny Austrian village and took stock.

The Yugoslav government in 1957 permitted visitors to bring in only articles for their personal use. Anything new or anything in quantity was suspect because of the black market thriving all over the country. Printed material especially was liable to be confiscated at the border, no matter how small the quantity, because coming from out of the country, it was regarded as foreign propaganda. Now here I was with car and luggage literally bulging with tracts, Bibles, and portions of Bibles. How was I to get them past the border card? And so, for the first of many times, I said the Prayer of God's Smuggler:

Lord, in my luggage I have Scripture that I want to take to Your children across the border. When You were on earth, You made blind eyes see. Now, I pray, make seeing eyes blind. Do not let the guards see those things You do not want them to see.

And so, armed with this prayer, I started the motor and drove up to the barrier."

If you've read this book before, I hope you enjoyed this book as much as I did.  It's full of stories of modern-day miracles, the work of God in then-Communist countries, and the spreading of the Gospel. If you haven't read this book before, please look into purchasing it. You won't regret doing so!

Blessings,

Sunshine Award

I would like to thank Jenna at Feminine Farmgirl for awarding us the "Sunshine Award". It's ironic that today was so stormy and we received some sunshine, over Blogger. :-)

We're thankful to have been able to put a little sunshine in your day, Jenna.

Blessings,

Eden-May

Bermuda's Winter Weather

Thank you all for praying for us! When I posted earlier, we were eating breakfast as the lights dipped in and out. We were able to do our morning chores and some school work before we finally lost electricity around 11:45am. Out of habit, I tried to toast bread, heat up milk on our electric stove, and flip on the lights... only to remember that we were without power! I spent the afternoon, playing the piano, taking photos of the storm, and catching up on some reading. I also done a little crocheting. :-) These photos were the best we could get, while yet being safe. Storm force winds are not to played with as sudden gusts are uncommon and flying debris is dangerous too. Jude even spotted a waterspout but it disappeared before we could photograph it. The temperature dipped to a chilly 54 degrees, and the winds were clocked in excess of 70 knots, well above hurricane force. The weather was the most fierce right by the water so we tried to keep our distance. :-)

~took this shot shortly after breakfast~

~the sun broke through the clouds while yet more rain was on the horizon~

~more waves and wind~

~our cottage was sheltered from the wind~

~Jude watching the weather after the power went out~

~palm trees blowing in the wind~ 

~took this video from Willowbank's oceanfront patio, it was quite difficult to keep the camera steady as I filmed~

*sorry, no audio*

Joy Report: I'm happy we were kept safe during the wind and weather today. Praise God!

 Blessings,

Stormy Weather

Right now, we're getting really stormy weather. Strong winds with gusts to hurricane force, driving rain, and chilly temperatures (in the low 50s). We might even lose the power because the lights have been dipping! I'll try to take photos so you all can see what winter weather is like in Bermuda! :-)

Hope you all have a good day.

Blessings,

Blueberry Pecan Cookies

My sister Leah and enjoy baking and on Sunday, we decided to bake some cookies. We rarely use recipes and love to bake using our imagination and, most times, the results are delicious. ;-)

We decided to use up some of the fruits we had around and measured everything as we mixed it in so we can give the recipe to you all if it turned out right. :-)

Blueberry Pecan Cookies

5 fresh bananas

15 pitted dates

1 cup of blueberries

1 cup of chopped pecans, raw
1/4 cup of carob powder (optional, similar in taste to chocolate)

2 1/2 cups of whole wheat flour

1 1/2 cups of rolled oats
1/2 tsp of salt

3/4 cup of warm water

First, put the oven on preheat at 350 degrees. Then blend the bananas and dates until smooth. You may need to add a little water to help it blend.

Next mix the flour, oats, carob powder, and salt together.

Add the blended fruit to the mixing bowl and add the warm water. Stir completely.

Then add the chopped pecans and blueberries. 

 

Use two spoons to scoop the dough into the pan. Use the back of a spoon to help "form" the cookie.

They should look something like this:

Bake for about 30 minutes or until the tops are crispy. Enjoy!

All of us agree that the cookies were the best we've tasted in a LONG time! If you try our recipe, please add a comment and let us know how they turned out. 

Blessings,

Knit or Crochet-Along?

Recently, I've been thinking about the many practical things we can make by knitting and crocheting. I thought that maybe we can do a knit-along or crochet-along, whichever you all prefer. Together, we can choose a good pattern, then we can all post our progress on our blogs! Preferably, I'd like to use a pattern that is simple, not too difficult or complicated. :-) Lion Brand has a handy pattern finder that allows me to search their patterns based on skill level, yarn, size etc. You can click on the links to look at each pattern and view a large picture.

Knit Hanover Hat

Knit Simply Perfect Baby Set

Crochet 9-Patch Baby Throw

Crochet Make It Yours Bordered Blankie

All of these patterns use worsted weight yarn and are rated beginner or easy. Hopefully, that will make it easier for you to join, regardless of your skill level. If you're a beginner and not sure if you can work through the pattern we decide on, let me know and I may be able to help you.

If you're interested in joining me in this knit or crochet-along, please comment letting me know which craft you'd prefer and which pattern you like best.

Blessings,

*Update: You need to register on Lion Brand's website to view the pattern. Registration is easy and free; and they don't send spam to your email address.*

Winds, Showers, and Cool Temperatures

The real winter weather has set in with winter gales, cold fronts, and chilly temperatures. The weather also gets really humid and rainy. For us in Bermuda, "chilly" is when the mercury sinks below 60 degrees. :-) Yes I know, we're really blessed when it comes to winter weather. The worse we'll get is temperatures in the low 50s, small hail, and storm force winds.

Today, the temperature was around 58 and quite breezy. We stayed warm by bundling up in knitted hats and scarfs, and turned on the oil-filled radiators. It's always fun when we get comfortable in our cozy living room, and read the Bible on chilly nights.  Our family goal for this year is to finish reading through the Bible and right now we're finishing up the book of Deuteronomy. Because we began last year, we are a little ahead and should be able to meet our goal. :-)

~~~

Joy Report for Feb. 4: I was able to finish my blue dish cloth and purchase more yarn to make the next one in the set. I'm glad that my favorite yarn was still available at the yarn shop for an affordable price. Praise God for blessing me with simple things (like yarn) that put a smile on my face. :-)


Blessings,

Eden