Argh. I started a new Christmas exchange piece because I was unhappy with the 2-over-2 coverage I was getting with the first project. Cute design, great fabric, awful result. The replacement project looked fun when I started it, but I’ve sort of run out of steam. Lately, I’m just too tired to stitch at night. And my hands are a wreck, making the silk that I didn’t pack nearly impossible to work with. Before this house-cleaning craze began, I did my stitching in the evening to unwind. Now, I stare at the TV blankly for an hour or so and then clamber up to the attic and gratefully pass in unconsciousness. LOL. Maybe the block-buster Christmas ornament issue by The Gift of Stitching will inspire me with a project I can stick to?
and the cooking that did happen
Yesterday’s showing went well, the realtor reported. These people seemed more interested in a practical way – the first couple were interested in how they could transform our 40 year old home into a modern showcase, whereas this couple were interested in the location, the electrical wiring, the age of the exterior paint, etc. The things that are really important to know if you’re serious. Fingers crossed.
Anyway, following a day of intense cleaning, I indulged myself in several enjoyable hours in the kitchen after the showing was over. Outside, the wild November winds blew and the rain pelted down while the last leaves swirled past the windows. Inside, pots bubbled, children chattered, and I felt that life was once again in the correct balance. I would never aspire to be a Domestic Goddess, but I am very happy when puttering in a kitchen to feed the people I love best. 
My labors of love led to lots of peanut butter cookies (topped with homemade vanilla sugar!)
and a big, bubbling pot of pumpkin & paprika stew. (Hmm. The pan really was clean before I started cooking in it!)
the smiling snot monkey
Arden isn’t fully recovered, but he’s a cheerier fellow than he was even a day ago. I’m looking forward to being able to sleep through the night in another day or two. 
(Even though he got up too close to the camera and isn’t centered, I just love this picture!)
Nancy said
The soup and cookies look delicious! Hope Arden feels better soon.
Coral said
Arden looks so much like Nicky in this photo!
Your cooking looks great – clever girl!
Hands, take a teaspoon of oil – cooking oil is fine, add a teaspoon of sugar and ‘wash hands’ with it. It will exfoliate off all the little catchy bits. You can do it with liquid soap and sugar as well, but I prefer the oil. Obviously you will use soap to remove the left over gunk on your hands. You can do it as often as you like. Also use Castor oil as a hand cream, it does help! I sometimes mix it with handcream on my hands. And on it’s own.
Barbara said
I have no idea what Castor oil is, but the oil and sugar mix certainly does help. Thanks!!
Connie said
Nasty stuff…like fish oil…old fashioned remedy for anything that ails your digestive system. Often used by women trying to go into labor as it causes intense cramping and diarrhea.
Connie said
I agree…a nice oil with lots of sugar is wonderful for smoothing your hands. I like to use almond oil, or neutrogena bath oil.
Conny said
Hmm, I can imagine how the peanut butter cookies smell. Love peanut butter! On this picture I think Cora is right that Arden looks a little bit like Nicky. By the way the reciepe for getting your hands softly would help. Long time ago I got that one too.
I keep my fingers crossed for your house.
Kathy A said
No wonder you don’t feel like stitching. You have had several exhausting weeks of working day and night. Vegging out is the only thing that works to cure that.
I am sure your stitching mojo will return full force.
Glad to hear Arden is on the upswing health wise.
BeckyK in OK said
Cleaning, cooking, children, I wonder how you even find time to stitch. Hope you get some quality stitching time in soon. Arden is a cutie, whether off center or not!
Annie said
The food looks so yummy. You could consider another career as a food stylist even if you don’t like to cook so much. Or maybe a kid stylist. Arden looks so cute in that t-neck.
And you deserve some time to chill out do nothing.
Sara said
YUM!
Margaret said
Oh I totally understand that feeling of being too tired to stitch. It’s sad when that happens — hope your days start being more relaxed so you have the energy to stitch again! And I hope those buyers come through for you. That stew look so good! And so do the cookies. Yum! Poor Arden — glad he’s feeling better. Hope he’s totally better soon!
Melissa said
Sometimes you need to take a break from stitching. I’m kinda in that way this week. I’m fighting with a brick house, stitching thereof. I was thinking maybe I should just read tonight. Lots of viruses going around.
Take it easy. You are a domestic goddess as far as I’m concerned. I’m sure the snot monkey agrees!
Terri (TerriBoog) said
I often do the same thing – have good intentions but am so tired by the time I sit down in the evening that all I can do is stare blankly at the tv. My mind is willing but my body won’t cooperate!
Great pics!
Dianne said
One of my favorite kinds of cookies are peanut butter-yum!
I’m in a stitching slump right now and I know in the back of my head I want to make Christmas ornaments.
Poor Arden-puffy eyes and all-still is a doll face!
Jennifer said
Great photo of Arden. Somehow he looks much older in this photo. More like 5 or 6 then a toddler! The food photos are making me drool!
Julie said
The food looks d-lish!
I thought the GOS ornament issue is fantastic. Did you notice the stocking design? Hint. Hint.
And Arden!!! Ah, what can I say??? I think he looks like Rowen in this photo. =)
doris said
I’m with Karen … you’ve worked your ass off for weeks. You probably need that time-out in front of the TV.
Mmmmmmm … I love peanut butter anything, as well as pumpkin anything.
Von said
I’m just now getting back into an almost habit of stitching after a long season of gardening, then sinking exhaustedly into my chair to veg in front of the tv. Still haven’t gotten back into the habit of blogging or reading blogs very often. Of course, having the kids come home from school and take over my computer isn’t helping any, argh!
Your soup looks yummy and I’m thinking I need to institute a soup night at least once a week.
Daffycat said
It’s so hard to feel inspired to stitch when you are dog-tired. Relax, take a break and it will come!
Glad to know Arden is feeling a bit better!
Connie said
Whew! Your life sounds like mine! Madly working to get the house ready to sell, and being too exhausted to do anything but stare at the tv and go to bed early. I haven’t touched my stitching in about 6 weeks! We had people come yesterday that seemed interested, and others came today, breezed in and out saying they didn’t like the neighborhood! Sheesh, why did they bother making an appointment? Anyway, here’s to a quick sale for both of us!!!
Barbara said
It really is exhausting, isn’t it Connie? Not just physcially, with keeping the place spotless, but it’s emotionally exhausting too! Good luck!!
Michelle said
Your cookies look divine – yummy!! And so does that soup. Especially in your blue pot. I think your idea of print off what you like and seeing what strikes your fancy is a great idea.