Knitting when it's oh so cold outside

Winter means knitting. This year I have completed a hat (and sent it off to a cool head) and continued to work on a large scarf/throw with yarn I had picked up in Toronto ages ago.

It is finally finished (I think it needs to be blocked). Next I have a baby bonnet finished and the wonderful ladies at Knit1 in Chicago helped me find the matching bootie pattern that I gave away years ago. Great story about a pattern I purchased that would not have been found without their help. I am also experimenting with another bootie pattern I am loving -- thank you Ravelry.

Winter means soup (and chili) and yarn

For my first entry into soup in the city -- I made a heaping serving of chili -- from mom's recipe to take to work. I had fun flipping the pages of her old recipe book (I suspect it's older and related to this one) and checking out the end papers. The chili with a generous helping of cheddar cheese was a filling and yummy lunch.

The spices inspired me to catch this Too Many Cooks event -- having purchased a collection of salts from him at Christmas.