Dinner at Restaurant Eve

On Saturday, Max and I went to Restaurant Eve for a celebratory dinner in the tasting room (June is a big month for us). Our reservations were for 8:30pm. We both had the 5 course meal, with different choices for each course. After we ordered the wine, a sweet German Riesling from Mosel, this plate came with compliments from the chef (pulled pork, deviled quail egg with caviar, and a very salty and crunchy bite):



After that, there was a very delicious roasted tomato soup. I ate it so quickly I forgot to take a picture. For the first course, "Creation," I had duck foie gras with brioche croutons and apricot in apricot sauce. Max had the House Cured Gravad Lax with Osetra and Manni "Per Me."



For the second course, "Ocean," I had the Gnudi Fritti with Pomodoro and parmesan cream. Max had the sauteed soft shell crab with chorizo and soft boiled egg cream. It was the first time he's tried soft shell crab and he said it was odd eating the whole thing, especially the little legs.



For the third course, "Earth and Sky," I had the roasted Oregon porcini mushrooms. Max had the beef spareribs with au jus sauce. Doesn't even begin to describe how delicious it was!



For the fourth course, "Age," I had Fivemile Town Creamery Ballybrie with apricot sauce and shortbread cookie. Max had the Garrotxa (a hard goat cheese) with heirloom beets and 100 year old balsamic vinegar. He said it was sweet.



After the fourth course, came another dish with compliments from the chef, a lemon grass panacotta with raspberry jelly and a raspberry on top. Subtle flavors, very tasty!



For dessert, our fifth course, "Eden," I had the Sacher torte with apricot sorbet and cherry sauce. Max had the cheesecake with raspberry sorbet and hazelnuts.



Following dessert, I had decaf coffee (it was almost 11pm!) and Max had an espresso. With that, there was another complimentary plate: tiny shortbread cookies, dark chocolate and pistachios, tiny profiteroles, and dark chocolates.



The meal was decadent and indulgent, delicious, and definitely an experience that I would love to repeat. Now I know why it was so difficult to get reservations!

Weaving

I've started my first weaving project. It's pulling in at the center. Plus I'm not really sure if I joined the colours correctly. But so far, I'm liking it.

Summer knitting goals update

Since today is the first day of summer, it seems right to update you on the progress of my summer knitting goals. I am very happy to tell you that I have made a lot of progress - really surprised myself!

Done:

* -Finish the next colour on my rainbow scarf (and working on the one after that - maybe I'll finish the whole thing this summer!)



* -Knit an Odessa baby hat with beads (in tropical storm Cherry Tree Hill yarn)

* -Knit the Katja baby halter (in red Manos de Uruguay cotton stria)



Still to go
(have not even touch either of these yet)
* -Finish my bamboo Clapotis
* -Knit the Debbie Bliss dress with eyelets

Presents

I had a great time Monday night! Drank lots of sangria but not too much, hung out with a bunch of friends and opened more presents when I got home. Here's what I got from Max and my Secret Pal:



From Max: A mini loom for weaving, a Canada t-shirt (ironically made in Peru), Charmed Knits, Knitting Rules (purchased with the gift certificate I won from Lime Dragon), Rosewood knitting needles size 19, Rosewood knitting needles size 35, and new ear buds for my iPod.

From my Secret Pal: Victorian Lace Today (awesome book, love the patterns - so many things I want to make - and all the gorgeous photos... can't wait to read through it!)
I also received one from my best friend Kristina. These beautiful coral earrings from Australia:



And look, I've already started weaving!

Getting drunk on a Monday

All weekend, I got to celebrate my birthday without actually getting older. That ends today.

It was a pretty good weekend. On Friday, Max picked me up from work and we went to check out a farmer's market that we've never been to... bought some fresh baked bread and fresh mozzarella. Made for a yummy dinner! On Saturday we slept in and then made Paula Deen's decadent Hash Brown Quiche. It took a little while to make but it was SO good. Yesterday, I made pancakes for myself for breakfast (Max doesn't do pancakes). In the afternoon we went to the Alexandria Waterfront Festival. We had fun but it was way too hot to wait around to hear Uncle Kracker play, even after the frozen strawberry lemonade. Instead we returned home to cool off, I opened my presents from Max, and we watch The Devil Wears Prada on PPV. What a great movie! We both really enjoyed it, even Max. :)

Tonight we're going out for drinks with some friends to celebrate the actual getting older. This is the first year that I actually feel like I'm old. Drunk on a Monday? You bet!

Sat. sky & Baby Odessa

I finished this little hat earlier in the week but it has been raining so there were no good pictures to be had.

It's small, but bigger than I had expected. It may be months before I get to see little Lucy wear it but perhaps by then it will be the right weather for a thin wool hat with beads.

Stash enhancement

I made a shawl for one of my coworkers who was getting married (and did!) and helped plan the shower we had at work... to thank me, she went out and bought me this fabulous awesome Blue Heron yarn.



Isn't it gorgeous!?! This is why I love making things for my coworkers - they're always so appreciative and excited and thankful. Really brightened my day. :)

Also, here's what I bought in New York at the end of May.


Knit One Crochet Too Sprinkles (Garnet)


Sahara (Natural)
"A cuddly blend of luxurious Camel & Merino Wool
50% Camelhair 50% Merino Wool
Worsted weight yarn
Approx. 1000 yds./lb.
Made in France
Dry clean or handwash lukewarm, rinse, dry flat"

I can't seem to find out anything else about the Sahara yarn. Might use it to make a hat.

Microspun Shedir

I finished knitting this last weekend but it took me awhile to get around to weaving in the ends. Because of the yarn, the hat is much bigger than the pattern intended. I even left out one pattern repeat and compressed the decreases a little. Still, it is definitely "man-sized." I love it. I had intended to give it to one of my cousins, but it's too big for her so I'm going to save it for someone special. Not sure who that is yet but I'll know when the time comes. Not Max. He was adamant that he did not need another hat.

Max was such a good sport and modeled the hat for me even though it was 85° outside at the time.

Updates

The Odessa hat is coming along... it's a baby sized, so even if I'm using tiny needles, there is progress quickly. Started on the decreases last night so I should be done soon.

A/C update
Max fixed it before the repair guy came over, still I was glad to have him confirm it. Just need to run some bleach through the pipes and we'll be all set.

Driving update
Went out driving early on Saturday. Someone honked at me. Very disconcerting. Had to pull over and let Max drive. Need to learn how to deal with the jerks on the road but I'm still working up to that. Sunday, I went to the grocery store by myself again. And then I drove the both of us to the movies to see Knocked Up. No problems and I'm getting much better at driving in the center of the lane. Great movie.

Ankle update
My ankle is doing a lot better. I've been walking without the boot for two weeks now, just sneakers with a heel lift in my left shoe. Not all that professional for work but no one seems to mind. Going to start back at yoga this week. I can't wait!

Baby Odessa for Lucy

It's not even the start of summer yet but already it's going to be over 94°F/34°C tomorrow so I might as well start on my summer knitting goals.



Notice how I skipped right over my WIPs so I could cast on something new? Casting on is my favorite part I think. I'm using size 2 & 3 Addi Turbo needles, Cherry Tree Hill Supersock Merino Tropical Storm yarn and pearl-like size 6 beads.

Love it!

I heart NY baby socks

Yesterday I got to spend some time with my friend Erin and her daughter, Lucy. It's only been two weeks since I last saw Lucy and already she's bigger. She actually fits in her size 0-3 months clothes now! I bought a pair of tiny "I heart NY" socks for Lucy while I was in New York last week.

Gen Y

So often, I feel like Gen Y gets a bad rap - which irks me since I identify so strongly with the mentality and values of the group (even if I'm on the older end of it). Often I just think that people don't understand. Why would you need to work a 60 hour week? All the time? And not get paid for the extra hours? There is more to life than work.

This article really gets it right:

Attracting the twentysomething worker

Too hot to knit

Our A/C is leaking water, big time. Giant pool of water on the floor if we leave it on. So until the guy comes on Wednesday to diagnose (and hopefully - cross your fingers - fix) it, we're going without.

And as the saying goes, it's not the heat, it's the humidity.

Current temperature: 79°F or 26°C
Feels like: 80°F or 27°C
Humidity: 60% (ugh)
Wind: 3mph or 6km/h (might as well be none at all)

Please think cool thoughts for me!

New York and back

I got back from New York on Thursday night. Since I was there for a conference, I didn't see much of the city. Here's what I did see..

Buildings


The Yarn Connection


Friends and Food
Lunch at Carnegie Deli (alot of food but only okay)


Dinner at The Redeye Grill (fantastic)



ISBers at Pershing Square (great conversation)


On the train ride to and from New York I knit up a lace shawl as a present for a coworker who is getting married in one week. She loved it! Really, really loved it.



It's good to be back.

Hidden Emerald Chocolate Chip Cookies

2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1/2 cup dark brown sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons peppermint extract
1-2/3 cups Hershey's semi-sweet mint chocolate chips
1/3 cup Guittard green mint chips

Preheat oven to 300°F.

In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking soda and salt. Set aside.

In a large bowl, blend sugars with an electric mixer at medium speed. Add softened butter to form a grainy paste. Scrape down the sides with a spatula. Add eggs and peppermint extract. Mix at medium speed until light and fluffy. Slowly add the flour mixture, mint chocolate chips and green mint chips. Blend at low speed until just mixed. Do not overmixx.

Drop by rounded tablespoons onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 20 minutes. Cool on a rack.

Makes about 42 cookies, depending on the size.

----

Now that my ankle is feeling better and it's alot easier to get around, I made a batch of these cookies for Max. Not only because they're his favorite (he loves mint) but also as a thank you for everything he did for me while I was recuperating. They're delicious, crispy and soft. Great with milk!

Driving alone

Major driving update!
I drove to the grocery store and back BY MYSELF!

The drive there was fine, there were almost no cars on the road. There was a man in the cross walk that stopped halfway so I could drive into the parking lot (which always worries me a little because what if he had changed his mind). I parked kind of far out but I did a pretty good job. Went to get groceries, including a few treats: fresh cherries, gemstone potatoes, challah bread, and heavy cream (to make breakfast tomorrow - banana fosters french toast).

After I left the grocery store I had a minor panic in the parking lot - I couldn't find the car! Argh, talk about stereotypes. I remembered vaguely where I had parked but when it wasn't the first navy blue SUV I saw then I started to freak out that maybe I hadn't locked the car after all and maybe someone had stolen it... and then I saw my car.

So I was a little out of sorts driving back but I did fine. I was a little worried that I wasn't driving fast enough, especially when there was another car behind me but that's about it.

I did it!

I drove to the grocery store by myself!

Update
I drove Max and me to the movie theatre also! A little scary driving roads I had never driven before, including a very steep hill that even makes him a little uncomfortable and speeds going up to 45 mph, but we made it there just fine. My confidence is building and I forsee more driving in the future.

Namaste yoga mat bag

I finally finished the i-cord and sewed up the bottom last night. The weight of the bag pulls the top closed and the mat fits. It looks good and I like it. Which is good because it's going to be hanging out next to my desk for a long time!

Summer knitting goals

Lime Dragon alerted me to the contest that Skeins Her Way is having to win a copy of the Fitted Tank pattern and some organic cotton yarn. Go to her contest post for details.

Although my knitting motivation seems to take a dive in the warm weather perhaps making a list will help me keep it up. Here are my knitting goals for this summer:

• -Finish my bamboo Clapotis
• -Finish the next colour on my rainbow scarf
• -Knit an Odessa baby hat with beads
  
• -Knit the Debbie Bliss dress with eyelets
  
• -Knit the Katja baby halter

As you can tell, there are quite a few "other people's babies" in my life. According to my calendar, summer begins June 21 and ends September 22. It's not many goals and alot of time but I know myself and getting even these done will take some will power. Wish me luck!

New furniture

Last week we finally received the new furniture that we ordered in March from Restoration Hardware. After looking for so long and having a hard time agreeing on something we both liked, once we ordered it, the wait for delivery seemed interminable!



You can see from the carpet marks that our old leftover-from-college furniture was considerably smaller. And if you can imagine that our old dresser was unfinished wood and that our night stand we finished ourselves, well... it was time.

Ankle update
I'm doing alot better. Over the weekend I even ditched the boot and wore two shoes for the first time in a month! It felt weird but it was nice to not wear the boot. Still, had to put it back on for work on Monday. I do way too much walking during the day and it would just be too easy to over do it. I have a follow-up appointment today so we'll see what the doctor has to say. I hope it's good because I'm supposed to go to New York next week on business.

Driving update
I drove this weekend too! First time in over a month but it felt pretty much the same as last time. The major milestone was in the destination-about 10 minutes away from where we live. I was sweating the whole way and by the time we got there, the steering wheel was wet. I was scared but I still did it. Max drove back.
:)

Knitting
There has been some knitting but with the warmer weather I don't really feel like working on anything that much. I'm still finishing up the yoga mat bag, the Clapotis is on hold because I need to frog back a section, there's a poncho in my knitting basket that just needs to be blocked to be finished but I haven't yet, and I'm dying to cast on something new for Erin's baby. The only thing I have finished lately is a headband for Erin and one for a co-worker.

REVISE YOUR PROFILE --- PLEASE!

If you are a Blogger user and want answers to your comments, please take a moment to revise your profile.

You may have set your email address as "visible" when you first signed up, but Blogger did something a while back that reset everyone's profiles with "hide email address". That means that when you leave a comment, I have no way to respond to you.

There is a simple way to remedy this. Please go update your Blogger profile and while you are doing so recheck "show email address". This way I can respond to your comment personally.

I take no credit for realizing this. I read about it on Wovenflame. If you want to pass on the information but don't feel like rewording it all --- go ahead --- this one time you can copy and paste if you like. ;-)

Secret Pal delivery!

Mailed on May 11

What's inside?

Baby Bobbi Bear pattern by Blue Sky Alpaca! I've been wanting this pattern for a long time.

Love the blue cotton yarn! Thank you Secret Pal!

Ankle update
I'm doing alot better. Even with the boot, I'm almost up to full speed. At home, without the boot, I can walk around almost normally. I still have to stop myself from tucking my leg under me when I sit on the couch or from walking down the stairs with any kind of speed though. Nonetheless, I'm really hoping that on Tuesday when I go for my follow-up, the orthopedic surgeon will tell me I can stop wearing it. Then I can go online and buy new sandals!

Sandals

So I need to buy new black sandals. Something that looks cute but still reasonable to walk around in all day at work (we're casual in the summer). These are the three that are in the running:

1)
2)
3)

I asked Max but all he said was, "They're all fine." So obviously I need a second opinion. Please leave me a comment and let me know which one has your vote!

Saturday sky past

I've been scanning some old photos lately to send to a friend... thought I would share a little.



My ankle is doing better. I can even walk around at home without the boot on. Yah! I think I can ditch the crutches when I go to work on Monday. So glad!!

Namaste

In lieu of practicing yoga (I miss it so much!!), I've been knitting the Namaste yoga bag.



Changes
I'm using a different yarn (Natura Sayelle in off white), knitting in the round (one less stitch), instead of breaking the yarn after knitting the bottom I cast on the stitches after row 8, and the cable pattern is changed to this:

Rows 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 8: P1, [k9, p1] to end.
Row 3: P1, [C6B, k3, p1] to end.
Row 7: P1, [k3, C6F, p1] to end.

Less purling and less seaming in the end. The strap was once a too-bulky-never-worn cable belt. The curled up part in the front is the bottom.

Ankle update
I went to see the orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Ubelhart yesterday. With another round of x-rays, he confirmed that nothing was broken. The ligaments have been sprained but now I need to start walking on my foot. I have a boot/walking brace. I'm going back to see Dr. Ubelhart in 2-3 weeks but I could be on this until June 1. It's progress though, really. I can put weight on my foot and for short distances I can get around on one crutch. It's a little piece of my independence and freedom.