What the widow wrought

Caliz in Magic Bean

Caliz in Magic Bean, modelled by AVFKW

Last night, after 1-1/2 weeks on the needles, I completed another "Caliz", this time with AVFKW's Metamorphosis "Magic Bean" (I love this name!) color, 4oz.  The 70/30 SW merino/silk is wonderful to work with, and the sumptuous** color sends me to the depths of lakes and rich and aquatic plants.

I inadvertently added another row at the end, hence there were almost 2 inches of leftover yarn after fudging the last 4 BOs. Whew, that was a close one!

**Postscript June 25: I learned today that the color is created using a multiple-process dye technique that includes indigo dying. Ah...this is another feature that makes AVFKW unique in the community. Go check them out.

Caliz in Magic Bean, modelled by AVFKW

Caliz in Magic Bean, modelled by AVFKW

A better offer

Typically available,
usually reliable,
a calming influence,
offers insight
and guidance.

Reaped

Rhubarb + Ginger: 6C

Solstice celebration: preserve the flavors of rhubarb and ginger!

Macerate 1.2 kg chopped rhubarb for 24 hrs (knit while waiting) in 1.2 kg sugar and juice of one lemon. Cook juice to gel state with 50g shredded ginger and juice of another lemon. Add rhubarb pieces and cook 10-15 min. Pack and hot-water process for 10 min. (Knit again while waiting.)

Residue

Solstice

What will you do to celebrate the longest day of the year? I have some ideas.

A common language

I Heard rhythm, music and singing tonight. Rhythm from a shallow round drum that brought the full moon into the room, tones plucked from the picking and fingering hands of the rubab, and vocals that undulated and ululated around words that spoke of emotions filtered through the high brain. It is music from the beginning of time, when folk songs and poetry expressed the human need for love. The words were in a foreign language but the effect and intent were understood regardless.

Ustad Farida Mawash, Homayoun Sakhi, and the Sakhi Ensemble presented an incredible concert of Afghan music in Berkeley that opened my ears and heart.

Central Total Lunar Eclipse

Today a fairly rare central total lunar eclipse occurred, where the center point of Earth's shadow passed across the Moon.  The red moon was not visible from my location, North America, but was visible in South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia.  Although not visible from where I am, it was experienced.  The last time a lunar eclipse was closer to the center of the earth's shadow was on July 16, 2000. The next central total lunar eclipse will occur on July 27, 2018.

The next total (not central) lunar eclipse will occur December 10, 2011, and will be visible from North America, weather permitting.

R n R

It's June and unseasonably cool. It rained last week and again this weekend. The star jasmine which usually blooms in April is just beginning to bud. The lavender which typically scents the air in May is starting to show color in its buds. Spring's arrival is slow and prolonged.

Rhubarb is available. I've never prepared it before, but I knew exactly what I wanted from it, thanks to C.Ferber's "Mes Confitures".
This recipe takes less effort than many others in the book: just macerate overnight, then cook it in the morning. Need to remember to have fewer distractions next time, though.  I knocked a jar over towards me while filling it, and I immediately leaned forward in a lame attempt to salvage the spill, yet much of the hot mass glopped onto the floor. Gah.

Rhubarb and Rosemary Preserves, 5C instead of 6C

I paused to think about priorities. Then I finished filling the jars and I put them in the water bath before I started to clean the drippy mess on me and the floor.

The flavor combination is incredible.

Fire and water

A fire just north of Camp Roberts yesterday.

The effect of water on a stair.