No Reason at All

It's cloudy today, but the last couple of days have seen more sun that we usually do in winter. Mirando likes the pappasan chair in the sun. Geronimo either likes to lay in the sun under a blanket or in the kitty bed below. That's actually a kitty bed for a much smaller cat, turned on its back. The cats rarely used it in its designed manner, so on a whim, we knocked it over and it's a Big 'N' Tall kitty bed for Geronimo. In normal-sized cat beds, he can't curl up all the way as he is below.

Above is the Heavenly Stole. It had languished in my knitting bag for ages, but I needed something to knit between finishing the shawl, Belle Epoque, and Leo, so I'm back to it. The shot in the pappasan chair shows the color best, but you can see the stitches better on the dining room table. I like the pattern and the yarn, but I've started thinking...what's the purpose of a stole, anyway? It lacks the warming size of a shawl, and it's really too wide for a scarf. But it's pretty and soft, so I'll figure out something to do with it.

Writing: I think I'm ready to go on to chapter two today. I'm about 5% through in terms of word count (3500 out of about 60,000). I might have to make a progress meter to post on the sidebar.

Reading: White Teeth continues to be a wonderful book.

Cooking: I didn't really cook last night, but yesterday I made a really good, really easy potato-leek soup.

Quick and Easy Potato-Leek Soup

1 tsp olive oil

2 medium leeks (about 1 1/3 cups), sliced lengthwise, cleaned, and chopped

3 cups vegetable stock

2 medium yellow potatoes, scrubbed and diced (about 10 oz.)

1 tsp salt

1/8 tsp black pepper

Heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add leeks, stirring occasionally for about 10 minutes. Add vegetable stock, potatoes, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 15 minutes, or until potatoes are soft. Puree in a blender or food processor until smooth. Return to heat, adjust seasonings, and bring to a boil. Servings: 2 bowls or 4 cups.