a little more on laundry... or maybe insanity

It is late out and I’m doing diaper laundry..which has got me to thinking... that most of the time you lose things in the washing machine...  like socks.... I even blogged about sock physics once (Link) the jist of which is my theory that - it has something to do with the speed at which the socks move and centripetal motion created within the washing process wherein the socks are directed orthogonal to the velocity of the spin cycle, toward the instantaneous center of curvature of the dryer drum... resulting in the abrupt disappearance of socks into another dimension.

But lately I’m noticing that there are other things that happen in the wash.... sometimes you shred things, and sometimes that Kleenex in your pocket turns into a nasty pilly mess that takes months to fully get out of the hoodie pocket...

I HATE that feeling of shredded washing machine Kleenex... and sometimes the pocket is forever ruined...

but sometimes you are lucky.. and the wash also causes things to miraculously appear....(these items I assume come from another dimension - a place where they have a surplus of single socks tumbling out of their dryers....)  these things that appear in my wash include things  like screws, earplugs, or quarters...and sometimes dollar bills.. if you are really lucky... lost hair clips and buttons miraculously appear. 

 Other times you are not so lucky.. and chap stick appears... or a little red craft feather comes out with the whites....

Or maybe it’s a sign of approaching insanity that I’m thinking and worrying about these things... 

The bustle of a craft fair

A celebration of crafts, a community social event, an opportunity to shop local and support local artisans, a Herculean effort to organize and a good time had by all.  The 37^th, annual Craft Fair was a success – not just from my personal point of view.

I rose in the darkness, the rain hammering against the windows like gunfire.  As I sat up in bed trying not to wake the sleeping baby next to me.  The beloved dog leapt up with an excited grunt and began wagging her thick ropy tail madly.  Thwacking me with each wiggle of her back end, I listened… the wind howled in the trees outside my window, leaves, sticks and bits of fall debris were picked up and thrown against the house.   The sound of the wind in the wires creating a mournful howl in the darkness.  And amid the cacophony  - my child snoring peacefully bottom up in the air, head buried in a pillow making a himself a little lump curled up next to his snoring father. 

Sliding into my slippers and staring out at the downpour and the blustery remnants of a storm, I dragged myself out of bed, the dog happily bounding along behind, stuffed toy in her mouth, but once fed -  she returned to bed for an after breakfast nap.

With the car already packed, I managed to pull on a pair of jeans and put my hair in a ponytail before bidding good bye to the snoring mass of bodies still abed. 

The bustle of a craft fair before opening is exhilarating… people busy setting up, carting goods to and fro, arguments breaking out about who is encroaching on whom and who is blocking the flow of traffic, socializing among crafters and a steady stream of wet and muddied footprints in and out the door. 

Selling predominantly paper products  is always a challenge  in wet weather, and I never arrive early enough to score a spot right at the door.  So with Rubbermaid tubs and bits of plastic sheeting I managed to pile in, set up (with minimal grumbling about my neighbour encroaching into my space)  and then we were off.  For 8 hours I watched the crowds, talked with folks, socialized and sold mostly little packets of spices with their attached recipes and cooking instructions. 

By 5pm I was exhausted, and glad that I don’t work in the retail business. Never the less I had a great day and I’m glad I was there to take it all in.   Special thanks to Annie for the Herculean effort of organizing and to all  to all who came out to support our vendors.  This could not be possible with out you. 

Time Management

©RiverWalker Arts 

So what you ask is on the easel today?  Several things as it turns out.  Including the next instalment of Wynken, Blynken and Nod – I’m really so excited about it.  So much so that I haven’t painted this year Christmas Card yet… but I’ve prioritized and I hope to get some inspiration soon for that annual event. Of course in the mean time, I’ve the day to day grind of the working stiff to plough through,  baby friendly Christmas Tree ornaments to make, girl guides to organize (they are asking for a slumber party),  a dog to walk, a baby to snuggle, a craft fair to survive… the list is really endless

  

It just seems that there are too many things to paint, and not enough time.  Too many quilts to make, but not enough time.  Too many good books to read, and not enough time.  Too many games of patty cake to play, and not enough time. Too many projects, but so very little time.. cool projects – like making cheese! Oh yes.. that is right… home made cheese… it took me a few tries to get a solid lump of cheese and not just a thick cheesy spread.  But now I can pull a new party trick…. Show up with a gallon of milk  - and 30 minutes later emerge from the kitchen with fresh hot cheese!

©RiverWalker Arts 

In terms of not enough time… weekdays have gone from busy to chaotic.  I’m not sure how I used to do it.  Between the time I leave work and the time my baby is tucked into bed, and I’ve cleaned up the diaper pail, packed his snacks for the next day, along with changes of clothing, and other necessary items, etc.  Preparing, eating and cleaning up after dinner has become more of a necessity rather than an enjoyable experience.  I love to cook, but not in the desperately rushed fashion that has become my evenings.  To combat this issue… I’ve pulled out my Crock-Pot!  So far I’ve only found 3 recipes I like in it.  What’s worse is that one of them involves heavy cream (so isn’t something I really want to be making on a weekly basis unless I want to balloon to 400 pounds)  !!  so I’ve got 2 recipes to work with…. So I send out a plea to you…

©RiverWalker Arts 

My time management depends on this – what are your favourite crock-pot recipes / meals.   Most everything I’ve tried have been mushy masses of uniformly flavoured slop…. But I’m sure I can get beyond this with some choice recipes from others!

Thanks.