News from the nest, september 23
Good Morning from Charlotte, NC!
Terry and I made a spur-of-the-moment trip to Charlotte yesterday to visit our son and take Elsa to the Off-Leash Park at the Whitewater Center. Rob and his girlfriend joined us at the Off-Leash Park, which is the dog equivalent of Disneyworld. We met up for dinner last night, and then this morning, on our way back home, we will again swing by the Off-Leash Park.
If you like dogs, many of whom will be wet, and you live near Charlotte, I highly recommend the Off-Leash Park. It is just for dogs, and the seventy acres with more than a mile of trails and multiple lakes are what I imagine doggy heaven looks like. A brewery on the premises also offers a limited food menu for both humans and pups.
We will return home late this afternoon and then head out again on Friday to join one of my dearest friends, the very first friend I made at college, and her family for Homecoming weekend at our alma mater, Penn State. This will be the first time we’ve left Elsa since her seizures two months ago. A young lady, a close family friend, will be coming to spend the weekend with our girl.
And happy FALL! This glorious season officially arrived yesterday morning, so you can officially adorn your front porch with pumpkins, gourds, and fall-blooming lovelies. Here’s a list of fall-blooming flowers that aren’t mums if you want something different.
Table of Contents
From the Knit and Crochet Studio
- These seven knitted dishcloth patterns are consistently popular. Knitted dishcloths and washcloths are quick and easy projects, perfect for gifting or keeping for yourself.
- Designed with comfort in mind, this crochet slipper sock pattern uses simple stitches and soft yarn to create a snug fit ideal for lounging around the house. Whether you’re a seasoned crocheter or a beginner, you’ll find this pattern easy to follow and satisfying to complete. Start now, and you’ll have a stash for gifting this holiday.
From the Kitchen
- These Pumpkin Spice Doughnut holes are a bite-sized taste of fall without the guilt of whole Pumpkin Spice Doughnuts! And because they are baked, you are looking at about one-third of the calories of their fried cousin.
- What is your idea of the perfect cookie? If you like your cookies chewier than cakey, with just a hint of crisp along the edges, this cranberry oatmeal cookie recipe is for you! That texture combination is in addition to the tart-dried cranberries, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, and a hint of molasses for a flavorful cookie that will surely leave you wanting more!
- Preserve some of that fall apple harvest for later! Crispy Apple Chips make an easily portable, healthy, and easy-to-make snack. This post gives instructions on how to dehydrate apples without a dehydrator.
- This Oven-Baked Meatballs Recipe results in Italian-style meatballs that are perfectly moist and very flavorful. They are also a little easier and neater to make than their fried counterparts. However, I do include directions if you want to go the fried route.
- Pair those ⬆️meatballs with this easy-to-make Marinara Sauce for the perfect meal. P.S….the secret is in the tomato sauce you use!
- Insalata Mista is simply a ‘mixed salad’ in Italian. During our trip to the Amalfi Coast and Tuscany, we enjoyed an insalata mista or an insalata verde (green salad) at just about every meal. This vinaigrette for insalata mista includes good-quality olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. It is a light and tangy dressing. It is the perfect accompaniment to Meatballs in Marinara Sauce.
- This spicy, smoky tomato jam recipe might just be my favorite thing I have ever canned. Slowly melting the tomatoes in dark brown sugar gives it a rich depth, paprika adds a hint of smokiness, and toasted cumin adds an earthy bite. It’s the perfect tomato jam recipe for canning.
- This Cinnamon Apple Swirl Bread recipe will have your kitchen smelling like the best of Fall! Mini-loaves of this apple cinnamon bread are perfect for gift-giving
- This Pumpkin Succulent Planter may indeed be the quickest and easiest DIY I’ve ever published. It seems that as soon as you start, you’re finished! This is a good and excellent thing if you want immediate gratification and instant fall home decor.
In the Home
- In this post, we’ll provide detailed instructions on how to clean rusty cast iron cookware effectively. We’ll also cover the process of seasoning the skillet to restore its quality and durability.
- Along the same lines, this post goes in-depth on the best oils to season cast iron. Armed with both of these posts, you can maintain your cast iron for years.
A Few Favorites and Some Fun Finds
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- I was late to discover Silk Pillowcases, but now I find it hard to sleep comfortably without one. Does that make me a Diva? 🫢 I really like the cool smoothness against my face when sleeping, and I understand they are actually good for your hair and your skin.
- I just discovered John Irving has a book I hadn’t heard of before, which I can’t wait to read. Ciderhouse Rules is one of my all-time favorite books, so I’m excited to dive into this one.
- Given Elsa’s seizures, we are avoiding unnecessary chemicals on and around her. We are using the Wondercide Flea and Tick collar and Rosemary spray. So far, so good. With the peppermint collar, she smells like freshly brushed teeth! 😁
- A lovely fall wreath for your front door.
Well, friends, we will pack up and head back to the fun park before we hit the road. Thank heavens, I remembered to pack a few towels!
Wishing you a week full of a dogs-jumping-in-the-lake joy!
