Gratitude

It is a Sunday morning in November, the week of Thanksgiving, and I am looking forward to having some time this week! Time to rest and think, time to enjoy my returning children and extended family, time to hold the new baby, time with my wonderful husband, time to knit, and time to remember what is truly important in my life. 

Thanksgiving has always been a time to enjoy the company of family and friends. It is also a time to remember how fortunate we are and focus on being grateful. I have a gratitude journal that I keep on my night stand. I list about five things that I am grateful for each day. While I sometimes go days, weeks, and even months between entries, looking back at my previous lists is a wonderful reminder of the simple joys that can be found in every day if you stop to notice.

I am thankful for all that has been given to me!

What Are Your Plans?

Lately my ideas for new bebeknits projects are more plentiful than my time for knitting! But the excitement I feel about  the new ideas is much greater than my regrets about my lack of time!

I just started this little hat in red and gray tweed merino wool. I saw the two yarns together yesterday and loved the combo! It reminds me of a sock monkey! I plan to make some bebeknits slippers to match.

Planning for new events and projects brings energy and excitement! Whether it's a vacation or simple day trip, a home improvement project, a wedding, holiday party, or a new knitting idea; they all bring us the opportunity to create and anticipate the final result of our efforts. What are you making plans for? What new ideas do you have? Get thinking!

Soup is Ready!

I love autumn in Michigan;  crisp mornings, bright falling leaves, pumpkins and mums on porches, football games, Halloween, apples and butternut squash! With so much to see and do, it is no wonder the time passes by so quickly.

November marks the official start of soup season at my house! So far I've made butternut squash, split pea with honey baked ham, and the official Michigan bean and potato soup from the Michigan Bean And Potato Commission.

The recipe for this bean and potato soup is worth sharing!

Oh, and the photo is not the soup as it was eaten before this post! The basket of bebeknits is a result of another of my fall favorites!

Michigan Bean and Potato Soup

2 lbs navy beans (I use the precooked Randall's in the large jar)
2 cups potatoes diced
1/2 cup onion diced
1/2 cup carrots diced
1/2 cup celery diced
1/2 lb ham diced ( I used Honey Baked Ham slices)
1T seasoned salt
1t garlic powder
1/2 t cumin
2 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup ketchup
salt and pepper to taste

Soak beans as directed or just use the precooked! Veggie amounts can be adjusted to your taste. Remember that it is soup! Add everything together in a soup pot and cook for an hour or so. Especially good the next day when flavors have mingled! Enjoy!