Sock virgin no more

Feb. 26-Mar. 4, 2014 (1 week)

Torreya State Park - Bristol, FL

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“God offers to every mind its choice between truth and repose. Take which you please– you can never have both.” Excerpt from Unraveled

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CONTENTS
RV LIFE
KITCHEN TIP
CRAFTS
BOOK REVIEWS
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RV LIFE:
Scott had a great day outside with the dogs and a campfire. A nice 63°. Me? I'm still mopey. I spent the day in the bedroom, in my "den", in my "cozy place". It is what I needed.

We've been making some great choices in parks to stay at lately...ever since leaving TX.  Torreya State Park is another winner. It's quiet, and surrounded by all kinds of trees, bushes with spanish moss hanging all around. Yep, this is a cozy place.

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KITCHEN TIP:

I love popcorn. I had a "Stir Crazy" popcorn popper when we had a house. It worked great and I even gave them to my Mom and Dad and my Brother for Christmas one year. But, it is a bulky one use appliance, that is not worth the space in an RV.
I don't like the microwavable popcorn. They are either too greasy or too high in calories. I also don't want to have to watch and shake a pot to pop popcorn.

Why can't I make my own microwave popcorn?
2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a microwave safe bowl
1/3 cup kernels
Place in the microwave and put a steamer lid over the top or something that covers the lid but has holes in it.
Nuke for 5-minutes, until kernels are barely popping.

The result? Pretty good, except the popped kernels burnt slightly in the center part of the bowl. But, I actually like burnt popcorn. But for those who would rather have unburnt popcorn, I have a solution. I saw this while surfing the net.
Soak the unpopped kernels in water for 10 minutes. Strain and pat dry. Nuke as above with oil. The additional moisture helps the popcorn pop up fluffier with fewer “old maids” and no burning. I had to nuke for 6 minutes.

Update 3/1/14: In case you don't read the comments section, Allison of Allison's Post Work Thinking Blog, gave me a link to a microwave popper that I've never seen before. 5 stars reviews, and cheap! Check out the Nordic Ware Popcorn Popper. Allison uses it to steam veggies.
THANK YOU ALLISON!
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CRAFTS:
One of the disadvantages of not staying in a permanent place is mail. Usually this is not a problem, as we do most of our business/bills/banking electronically. But when it comes to mail order, then timing is essential. Will we be able to receive mail at the park? Will we stay long enough to get that package? Or have the package sent to our TX address and then resent when we are settled somewhere for a week or two. Then I am paying double postage. Postage to TX and postage from TX to our current location. With that being said, I have missed out on TWO Mystery Knit-a-Longs. I had them planned and spaced far enough apart to not overwhelm me. But, my yarn coming from Malaysia has been stuck in customs in NYC for over a month! The 2nd clue is already out and I have no supplies for it. My March MKAL starts, well, in March and I missed the yarn delivery when I had our mail sent to us last week. Life is just so difficult isn't it? ;)

I have been knitting though. I finished a ruched beret/slouch hat. This is made out of 100% Alpaca wool that I picked up in Oregon. It is so soft and lofty. When I knit with it, I swear I can feel the lanolin on my fingers. I may become a yarn snob and insist on alpaca instead of sheep wool.

I'm in the process of making a cowl and fingerless gloves to match.

And I'm happy to announce that I've finally joined the crowd and have become a sock knitter. Well, sort of. I have finished my first pair of socks. Yes, a pair. I've heard of some knitters that make one sock and never get around to the other. Nope, not me. A sock for each foot. I did make one major mistake, but nothing to ruin the wearability, just the look. Can you see the difference?

L: Knit 1, Purl 1 rib  R: Knit 2, Purl 2 rib

Which do you like better? The pattern called for the pattern on the right, but I prefer the look of my mistake pattern on the left.

I'm proud of my first attempt. They fit well, they are comfortable, but are they worth the price of yarn and the time to knit them? Probably not. But they are easy enough and could be just a "go to" project. This pattern is called "Socks by the Numbers". It is a top/down pattern, meaning it starts at the cuff and ends at the toe. If you were ever interested in trying to knit a pair of socks, this is the pattern to try. I hope to eventually knit a pair toe/up and also two at once. Time will tell.

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BOOK REVIEW: (Kindle)
Unravel by Calia Read
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I could not put this down. I was drawn into this girl's world. The author did an excellent job of drawing you in by her subtle descriptions of surroundings and private thoughts. I feel as if she was in MY head sometimes.
A sad and as others have stated "raw" book. I went through so many emotions...hatred, love, sexual fantasy, fear, longing to find out what happens and how all is linked.
Very rare for me to enjoy and be so entrenched in a book. How will I ever enjoy another book again?

Superbia 2 by Bernard Schaffer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Superbia II is down and dirty about life as a cop. No grand heroics. Just what is like to deal with bad economy, so budget cuts in the office. Dealing with trying to keep home and your job separate.



Way of the Warrior by Bernard Schaffer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Way of the Warrior was very interesting. It was an like an orientation class welcoming and educating new hires into the police force.



I'm Dreaming of an Undead Christmas by Molly Harper
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I absolutely love Molly Harper's take on the world of vampires. Vampires and humans can co-exist and be family.
A really FUN read. You need something light and something to make you laugh. Check out Ms. Harper's books.
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WHERE WE'RE GOING:
Mar. 5-11, 2014 (1 week)
Cedar Key RV Resort - Cedar Key, FL
Mar. 12-20, 2014 (9 days)
Mom and Dad Segrell - Altoona, FL