tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10943824673514338302024-03-14T00:45:09.691-04:00The Capricious StringEmelote of Calais' Arts and Sciences Activities for the Society of Creative Anachronism (SCA) and other historical projects. <br>
<br>
This page will help me document what I am working on. It could be research, planning, testing, making, etc and anything I find interesting for my life in the society (and the odd other projects).
The companion blog to The Tudor Kitchen - tudorkitchen.blogspot.caErin T./Emelote of Calaishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08631555486897900954noreply@blogger.comBlogger54125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1094382467351433830.post-33121004079326778212018-09-14T14:53:00.000-04:002018-09-14T14:57:19.788-04:00Visit me on Facebook - Blogging BreakHi Everyone,<br />
<br />
Sorry I haven't updated in a while. I have been very busy and sometime find blogging hard to dedicate the time to. I do post what I am working a lot more on Facebook, so if you are interested visit here, till I get time to update the blog.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/EmeloteAandS/">https://www.facebook.com/EmeloteAandS/</a><br />
<br />
Thanks for stopping by!<br />
<br />
~Emelote<br />
<br />Erin T./Emelote of Calaishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08631555486897900954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1094382467351433830.post-64640826666959142672017-08-04T23:14:00.000-04:002017-08-04T23:14:01.966-04:00Favourite Friday: Favourite EraHello, Friends!<br />
<br />
Since I have jumped on the #CoBloWriMo bandwagon, to try and get better at writing about my projects, Fridays are favourite posts. This weeks topic is a little hard for me. You see, I have a lot of favourite eras depending on who I am speaking to, and what I am doing.<br />
<br />
If I am speaking to someone in the SCA, then easily it is the 16th century. Now it could be English, German or the Netherlands. They are all up for grabs. ;)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6CQdRqlA62k/WYUXfgZEXkI/AAAAAAABbng/kJZSNI5J4pUTIkn3AjSkXeZNp7TNsGZRQCLcBGAs/s1600/16th%2BCentury%2Bcollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6CQdRqlA62k/WYUXfgZEXkI/AAAAAAABbng/kJZSNI5J4pUTIkn3AjSkXeZNp7TNsGZRQCLcBGAs/s400/16th%2BCentury%2Bcollage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
If we are talking other eras, I have always loved the 18th century. The bigger the dress the better. How could you not love all the frills and flounces and structure? Not to mention the hair.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WuDfPww6f3E/WYUa4wkemFI/AAAAAAABbn0/xCnK99HKC10nHdUPlqvH8nUxR007ewSnACLcBGAs/s1600/18th%2Bcentury%2Bcollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WuDfPww6f3E/WYUa4wkemFI/AAAAAAABbn0/xCnK99HKC10nHdUPlqvH8nUxR007ewSnACLcBGAs/s400/18th%2Bcentury%2Bcollage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I have to say I love a lot of different eras, each having their own special something that makes it unique. I have plans for Regency (the 1810s), Early Canada (1867), Full out Victorian bustle (1880s) and the 1940-50s. It is very hard to pick just one era that is a favourite.<br />
<br />
I hope to dip my foot into the various eras I love, so stay tuned. :)<br />
<br />
~E<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Erin T./Emelote of Calaishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08631555486897900954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1094382467351433830.post-43513754709574744702017-08-04T20:04:00.001-04:002017-08-04T20:04:23.496-04:00Trying Something NewLet me grab the duster over here...hmmm...maybe I really need a vacuum. lol<br />
<br />
I want to apologize to anyone who tries to read this regularly, the last post was over a year ago, and really a lot has happened. I will do some event posts in the next little while, but I wanted to try an experiment.<br />
<br />
There is a Facebook group called the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/CoBloWriMo/">Costume Blog Writing Month</a>, or CoBloWriMo for short, where they help inspire people to blog every day. This August is the first one I want to try. They provide blog post prompts for every day, and I am obviously terrible at the blog thing, so let's see if I can do it.<br />
<br />
As you can see I am already 4 days behind. Sigh.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<b></b></h2>
<h3>
<b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">August 1, 2017 - Introduce Yourself</span></b></h3>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
I know many of you may already know who I am, but for some, I am just a random internet person (Hey!). My name is Erin T. and I am an amateur experimental historian (Or I like to think I am XD). I play in the Society of Creative Anachronism (SCA) as Emelote of Calais. I currently reside in the Kingdom of Ealdormere (Ontario) in the Barony of Skraeling Althing (Eastern Ontario). I have been playing for ten years now. (WOW!)<br />
<br />
I come from a theatre back ground (I graduated from University with an Honours BA in Theatre) and have been interested in history forever. (Thank you Bedknobs and Broomsticks!) My main interests are the 16th century (within the SCA) and to be able to enjoy my other favourite costuming periods I started a Facebook group called <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/232350560468359/">Historical Costume Society of Eastern Ontario</a>. Where we try and meet up in different period clothing to events, or museums or tea. Whatever strikes our fancy to get dressed up and do something with like-minded people. I love the 18th through to mid 20th-century clothing. So on this blog, it now tends to have a bit of everything.<br />
<br />
My main interests (besides clothing) is housewifery. What is that? Well, anything that has to do with what women did at home and for the family. That could be cooking, clothing, washing, weaving, dyeing, cheese making, gardening, etc. It gives me a lot to play with, but also a lot of different things to be distracted by. I find I mainly concentrate on the Tudor period for that stuff, and clothing for everything else.<br />
<br />
Welcome to my kitchen sink! lol<br />
<br />
You can reach me here, on my Facebook page - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/EmeloteAandS/">Emelote's A&S Challenges</a>, my Pinterest page for <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/emelote/">Emelote</a>, and my Tudor cooking blog called <a href="https://tudorkitchen.blogspot.ca/">The Tudor Kitchen</a>.<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">August 2&3, 2017 - Current Project/Extant Garment</span></h3>
<div>
<br /></div>
Hmmm...current project. Well, the problem with this is that I always have projects on the go. Let's see what I have on the docket. (besides cleaning up the sewing room) I use extant garments where possible to base my projects on. So I will count this post as 2 days. ;)<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">1867 Plaid Dress (with all the trimmings). </span></h3>
<div>
<br /></div>
I have always wanted to do this period and Canada's 150th birthday was an excuse to come up with someone. BUT...this summer just hasn't worked out for me to work on it. I have all the fabric and patterns to do it, I just need to do it. I am hoping to have it done by the fall. Here is my inspiration from <a href="http://www.extantgowns.com/2013/11/american-civil-war-era-dress.html">All the Pretty Dresses</a> blog.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m4lRLpogZmQ/WYTCa2FrNRI/AAAAAAABbnA/K-R_cPY6MVk9A8uR9BlS2Kadp7wzikPygCLcBGAs/s1600/1867s%2Bgown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="465" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m4lRLpogZmQ/WYTCa2FrNRI/AAAAAAABbnA/K-R_cPY6MVk9A8uR9BlS2Kadp7wzikPygCLcBGAs/s640/1867s%2Bgown.jpg" width="186" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
This is a wonderful transition gown, the change from the round silhouette of the early 1860s to the early bustle era. It was hard to decide what to do for an exact date, there are a lot of extant examples in the museums. The main question was, would Canada have had this dress you see in the Paris fashion plates at this time or would the style arrived later? I am choosing to go with as close to 1867 as I can manage, but, it was something I thought about.<br />
<br />
I need to make the corset, the elliptical cage, the petticoats and the gown with day bodice. Now, if I have enough fabric, I will make an evening bodice to go with it.<br />
<br />
Most of the gowns I have seen on museum sites are in silk taffeta, so mine in wool tartan will behave differently, but I am excited to try it. It should be perfect for the fall in Canada too.<br />
<br />
I will post more about this as I work on it. I also owe quite a few updates from last year. I plan on writing about my final 1740s gown, the 1790s white dress and a few domestic projects from this year. So stay tuned.<br />
<br />
~EErin T./Emelote of Calaishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08631555486897900954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1094382467351433830.post-144726746699254602016-05-25T16:29:00.000-04:002017-01-31T14:45:02.985-05:00Forage into the 18th Century<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_57460494be87e8689994197">
This is my first post in a while, to catch you up, I have been working on an 1740 (ish) a la <span class="st">Français</span> gown for an upcoming National Gallery of Canada exhibit on Marie Antoinette's portrait artist <a href="http://www.gallery.ca/en/see/exhibitions/upcoming/details/elisabeth-louise-vigee-le-brun-1755-1842-9518">Elisabeth Louise Vigée Le Brun</a>. I was taking a course with Outlandish Canada (the Outlander fan group) and met some great ladies, and we decided to show off our creations at the exhibit.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jO586j93AWA/V0YKUNJgdeI/AAAAAAABOb4/qdPzRN6C91oM44ISUJY9O2GxHdAfD6ZTwCK4B/s1600/ma-1375326.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jO586j93AWA/V0YKUNJgdeI/AAAAAAABOb4/qdPzRN6C91oM44ISUJY9O2GxHdAfD6ZTwCK4B/s400/ma-1375326.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Woman's Dress and Petticoat (Robe à la française) | LACMA Collections
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I
have been following more 18th century blogs lately as I am working on
my gown. I have been following this excellent blog for just a short time
and today's post really hit me. I have been keeping track of how many
hours I have been putting into this gown (I have not really done that
for any of my SCA clothes) and she talks about the cost of our
historical clothes.<br />
<br />
This gown (yet to be named) has a lot of hand sewing in it. More than I have ever done before, and I am not excl<span class="text_exposed_show">usively
hand sewing, so it could be so much more. I don't think I am there yet
in skill or in available time, but I have come to enjoy the hand-sewing
more than I thought I ever would. It has given me time to spend with the
Husband watching TV. Where I would usually be stuck in the basement by
my machine alone. I am still doing a lot of that, but a little less than
usual.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="text_exposed_show">
I am excited for this gown to be complete and on display. I have found passion in sewing again, and have many new adventures queuing up for the next year.<br />
<br />
Also, I challenge my friends who do historical costumes/clothing - can
you estimate what your most expensive outfit with and without labour?
Post it here and be proud of the work you all do to look amazing at
events!<br />
<br />
<i class="_lew" title="smile emoticon"><i class="_4-k1 img sp_fM-mz8spZ1b sx_5371b4"><u><a href="https://kittycalash.com/2016/05/25/whats-it-worth-wednesday/">https://kittycalash.com/2016/05/25/whats-it-worth-wednesday/</a> </u></i></i></div>
</div>
Erin T./Emelote of Calaishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08631555486897900954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1094382467351433830.post-7597293696342104272016-04-15T20:42:00.002-04:002016-04-15T20:42:42.253-04:00Cleaning up the blogHi all,<br />
<br />
I have spent the last two days doing some cleaning of this blog, so many pages are not complete content wise, and some are. Please have some patience. I have linked my cooking blog The Tudor Kitchen for easy access, as well as my Facebook page.<br />
<br />
I hope in the next couple of weeks this will be flushed out and posting what I am up to.<br />
<br />
Thanks for the patience!<br />
<br />
~EErin T./Emelote of Calaishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08631555486897900954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1094382467351433830.post-64658899381354421062015-02-05T08:00:00.000-05:002016-04-15T20:45:10.788-04:00Moving to a new blog for a bit...I am not sure how much people actually follow this blog, but I will be working on another one for the next few months in anticipation of when I go to Hampton Court Palace to work and learn in the kitchens.<br />
<br />
So this blog might be a bit silent, I will try to get something up once in a while, but as you can tell with this one already, I have many dry spells.!<br />
<br />
If you are interested in what is happening or what this is all about, please go to <a href="http://tudorkitchen.blogspot.ca/">tudorkitchen.blogspot.ca.</a> That blog will have most of my upcoming action! :)<br />
<br />
Hope to see you there, and here in the future.<br />
<br />
~Em<br />
<br />
#tudorfeastErin T./Emelote of Calaishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08631555486897900954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1094382467351433830.post-55583928556161187492015-02-04T15:00:00.000-05:002016-04-15T13:33:28.697-04:00Bad, Bad Emelote...2014 Recap Part 2!continued....<br />
<br />
Well as things progressed after Chicago, I was very excited to maybe get some work done on the sewing room. We needed to get the floor installed, so we took the time to do that and then start moving stuff in...we that didn't work out as well. As of today (Feb 3rd 2015) the sewing is just a storage room. :( Sadness. But I have to finish it up this week so that I can get the final pattern testing done on the Goldhaube that I have been collecting items for. Almost all the materials have been collected, just a few items here and there still need to be purchased.<br />
<br />
but the most exciting thing to end 2014 was that I was part of an amazing activity to raise money for the <a href="http://ottawafoodbank.ca/2014/12/thank-you-cbc-ottawa/" target="_blank">Ottawa Food Bank</a>. I was part a finalist for CBC's Radio One's All in a Day's (with Alan Neal) Project Give Food Fantasy. Listeners were encourage to send in their food fantasy, and the top 10 would be picked to get the chance to win their fantasy by raising the most money for the Ottawa Food Bank.<br />
<br />
Lucky me, I was a finalist for the <a href="http://www.cbc.ca/allinaday/2014/11/28/project-give-food-fantasy-challenge-donate-to-the-food-bank-and-help-make-these-foodie-dreams-come-t/" target="_blank">Food Fantasy contest</a>. This is the blurb I sent to CBC in
hopes of being selected a finalist.<br />
<br />
For the past eight years, I
have had the opportunity to study and cook 12th to 16th-century
historical recipes and menus for a local Society of Creative<span class="text_exposed_show">
Anachronism (SCA) group. I have cooked feasts for over 100 people with
only period recipes, and I have always wanted to cook a full Tudor feast
at Hampton Court (King Henry VIII’s palace) in their still fully
functioning Tudor kitchens. It is my dream to cook a 16th-century feast
on 16th-century equipment in a 16th-century kitchen.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
I had until 11:59pm on November
30th to raise the most money. On December 5th, they would announce the winners on the show. There were 2 corporate challenges that we had the option to do. If we won then we got $2,000 added to our fundraising total. The first challenge was a back of the cupboard recipe challenge. We had to take a picture of 3 items from the back of the cupboard and then make a recipe incorporating all of the items. A la Food network Chop style. My items were a can of Old El Paso Mild enchilada sauce, a can of mushrooms and pickled capers.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B21W4tLCUAAaEd5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B21W4tLCUAAaEd5.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My back of the cupboard items</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
I really wanted to do a period inspired recipe but the tomato based enchilada sauce really didn't work out, so I thought about what could I do to get these together. Capers are period and are recommended in period sources in fish dishes, so I went with a fish cake and to bring in a medieval flare added an adapted recipe of an eggplant pickle side dish from my Medieval Arab Cookery book. [<a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B3X3XG14W0GnNjdJcGVNYm5GNmlGZERWSEVSSGdrRUpNcV9j/edit?usp=docslist_api" target="_blank">Spicy Fish Cakes with a Spicy Tomato Sauce served with Eggplant Pickle</a>]. All recipes would be judged by Absinthe Cafe's Patrick Garland who won the 2014 Ottawa Gold Medal Plates competition. So I was sitting at my desk on the Friday they were announcing who won the challenge, I was so stressed out. lol They were talking about everyone's dish but mine, my heart was racing and finally they got to mine. Chef Garland said he was impressed on the thought that went into my recipe and that it sounded delicious considering my items. He really liked the eggplant dish too. So finally they announce the winner and it is ME!!!!!!! I got $2k for my fundraising.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/cbcallinaday/status/535893378651926528" target="_blank">CBC'a All in a day tweet.</a><br />
<br />
I couldn't believe it! Maybe I can cook! lol. The second challenge was to find <a href="http://www.cbc.ca/allinaday/2014/11/25/food-fantasy-challenge-2-hard-to-find-food-in-ottawa/" target="_blank">25 hard to find </a>items that listeners sent in...has me running around all of Ottawa and surrounding area to find stuff. Not to mention Tsivia and others helping me out. Unfortunately I didn't win that one, but they two guys in our Food Fantasy 9 (as we were called) got to split the $2000. :) So I was still in the running. I hoped. We were not allowed to know how much we had fundraiser to keep the suspense for December 5th.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GwZQ0XHZBF0/VNEtdsBz0II/AAAAAAAAmME/1bHVRBgaN38/s1600/10408860_10154928330610311_6433878285401571816_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GwZQ0XHZBF0/VNEtdsBz0II/AAAAAAAAmME/1bHVRBgaN38/s1600/10408860_10154928330610311_6433878285401571816_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Strange stuff like this - Gumbo File from Chilly Chiles in Manotick</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span class="fbPhotoCaptionText">December 5th is when we found out how
we placed in the Food Fantasy Challenge for CBC Ottawa's All in a day
Project Give for the Ottawa Food Bank! We raised over $21,000 as a group
of 9 people.<br /> <br /> I was wonderful to see all the gifts they gave us! :) Everyone got something from their fantasy, along with many people actually getting it!</span><br />
<br />
<span class="fbPhotoCaptionText"></span><br />
<span class="fbPhotoCaptionText"></span><br />
<span class="fbPhotoCaptionText"></span><br />
<span class="fbPhotoCaptionText"></span><br />
<span class="fbPhotoCaptionText"></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iYwbSiLozkc/VNEvCLlBNFI/AAAAAAAAmMU/oLzfroplgig/s1600/ff%2B-%2Bpizza.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="181" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iYwbSiLozkc/VNEvCLlBNFI/AAAAAAAAmMU/oLzfroplgig/s1600/ff%2B-%2Bpizza.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the TMNT movie fantasy - mmm - free Pizza</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kOi39jLSa5s/VNEvDQtBV4I/AAAAAAAAmMg/hzVJeMCWnYE/s1600/ff-%2Bselfie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="181" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kOi39jLSa5s/VNEvDQtBV4I/AAAAAAAAmMg/hzVJeMCWnYE/s1600/ff-%2Bselfie.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3rd place with $3310 - waiting my turn selfie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--yEEn-QgrsA/VNEvCNNPddI/AAAAAAAAmMQ/vPANdc2_Gz0/s1600/ff%2B-%2Bgetting%2Bmy%2Bprize.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--yEEn-QgrsA/VNEvCNNPddI/AAAAAAAAmMQ/vPANdc2_Gz0/s1600/ff%2B-%2Bgetting%2Bmy%2Bprize.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Talking on the Phone with Chris from Hampton Court Palace </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="fbPhotoCaptionText"></span><br />
<span class="fbPhotoCaptionText"></span><br />
<span class="fbPhotoCaptionText"></span><br />
<br />
<span class="fbPhotoCaptionText"><span class="fbPhotoCaptionText"> I placed 3rd with $3310. My prize was CBC connecting with Hampton Court Palace and getting me a day to cook in the kitchens! I didn't win, so I have to get myself there. But the hardest part is the connection.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="fbPhotoCaptionText">The winner
was Sharon Martinson who raised $5100 for her classroom kitchen in the
Longfields-Davidson Heights Secondary School in Barrhaven, for a class
of awesome individuals in the Autism Spectrum Disorder Program. Ikea and
a local contractor will help make that happen! :)</span><br />
<br />
I was super lucky to be selected to be in this contest. I will include some sound bites in the future. :)<br />
<br />
The wonderful thing CBC did was that every contestant regardless of what they raised, got something from their food fantasy. :) it was amazing.<br />
<br />
So now I am starting my fundraising Campaign to get to me to HCP. I want to go the 1st weekend in August. If you are interested in following that blog - here is the <a href="http://tudorfeast.blogger.ca/" target="_blank">link</a>.<br />
<br />
My fundraising site is with Fundrazr.com - my campaign is <a href="http://fnd.us/c/9vat2/sh/a4Pie8" target="_blank">here</a>. Please consider donating and sharing. :)<br />
<br />
~Em<br />
<br />Erin T./Emelote of Calaishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08631555486897900954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1094382467351433830.post-34485881524454336802015-02-04T08:00:00.000-05:002016-04-15T13:31:55.460-04:00Bad, Bad Emelote.... 2014 Recap Part 1!Greetings my blog followers!<br />
<br />
Well 2014 came and went without me blogging. Boo!<br />
<br />
Basement demo and construction finished in April 2014. There were so many problems with it, but we have a finished basement. It still (as of Jan 2015) needs a ceiling, trim, 2 doors in the sewing room. The new floor for the sewing room is in, now I am just trying to get it all sorted and put back together.<br />
<br />
O. did her first SCA camping event with flying colours. :) Her mother didn't fair as well..it was so HOT! But I think there will be lots of Camping in her future!<br />
<br />
Spent almost all of August and September canning fruits and vegetables. I amassed quite a lot. :)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WT6DthZXPA0/VLa4Vy8sgBI/AAAAAAAAl4o/UejuF0EuQv4/s1600/Canning%2BSept%2B2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WT6DthZXPA0/VLa4Vy8sgBI/AAAAAAAAl4o/UejuF0EuQv4/s1600/Canning%2BSept%2B2014.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">August Canning - Many pickles and Peaches</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
O's 2nd birthday came with 2 parties! One at Grandma and Grandpa's house and one at Nana and Fafa'. Lots of cool stuff and lots of fun too.<br />
<br />
Rolling into the fall had some awesome experiences.<br />
<br />
I ran my 1st 5k timed event! :) So exciting! Got to run with friends, met up with my sister (she was training/running for the Tower of Terror 10 miler at Walt Disney World in October. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6cA80smvysQ/VLbAIlNBEdI/AAAAAAAAl50/3XQT2qLunqw/s1600/5K%2Bafter%2Brun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6cA80smvysQ/VLbAIlNBEdI/AAAAAAAAl50/3XQT2qLunqw/s1600/5K%2Bafter%2Brun.jpg" width="182" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Once I got home! :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I got to go to a Tudor Tailor workshop in Chicago. I had never been to Chicago, so this was so awesome. SIL let us use her VW Diesel Golf Wagon (OMG! Awesome car!) to save on gas, unbelievable how awesome it was. We drove Thursday night to Toronto, then the second half to Chicago. It was great finally getting there. I had a lecture that night. I totally geeked out with other SCA people! :)<br />
<br />
<u>Friday Night </u><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QIzrc-Rz7ZU/VLa7KEq3gFI/AAAAAAAAl5A/tf_Ur_yqa6c/s1600/CameraZOOM-20141024191548952.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QIzrc-Rz7ZU/VLa7KEq3gFI/AAAAAAAAl5A/tf_Ur_yqa6c/s1600/CameraZOOM-20141024191548952.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Checking out the possible wet nurse - Jane and Ninya</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-deKDji-5U7Y/VLa7KLgSTfI/AAAAAAAAl5A/gIuWSDX9oNY/s1600/CameraZOOM-20141024212111649.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-deKDji-5U7Y/VLa7KLgSTfI/AAAAAAAAl5A/gIuWSDX9oNY/s1600/CameraZOOM-20141024212111649.jpg" width="226" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Tudor Child</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I got to meet the ladies after at the wine and cheese. I also got to buy a whole bunch of awesome stuff while there too. I had a couple of glasses of wine...and really needed dinner. lol Had some great conversations with new people and got to meet one of my idols (Genoveva). She was only going to be there on the Friday and Saturday workshop, whereas I was doing the Friday and Sunday workshop.<br />
<br />
So after friends Kes and Menken talked about Steak n' Shake in Florida, I needed to investigate this more. There was one not far from our hotel! Yay! Also open 24hours!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZaseiQ1k100/VLa9_pkxrwI/AAAAAAAAl5Q/bwsxDU6Vkjs/s1600/SNS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZaseiQ1k100/VLa9_pkxrwI/AAAAAAAAl5Q/bwsxDU6Vkjs/s1600/SNS.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steak n' Shake - crazy prices!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Jeff and I decided to stop at a liquor store to stock up for the weekend, and I found my vodka unicorn. BLAVOD! I have been looking for this stuff for 6 or 7 years! Stuff for Halloween this year.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X3kEJmiY1Ao/VLa-Bkz-kaI/AAAAAAAAl5Y/PxO-VkBkU_0/s1600/Blavod.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X3kEJmiY1Ao/VLa-Bkz-kaI/AAAAAAAAl5Y/PxO-VkBkU_0/s1600/Blavod.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<u>Saturday </u><br />
<br />
We had amazing weather for end of October. We rented bikes in Chicago and enjoyed the waterfront. Saw the bean and met new people while waiting for the train to Chicago proper. (We were about 1 hour out of town). <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W0TtSnAFUAE/VLa7KDwkg6I/AAAAAAAAl5A/RHRkrXB48bo/s1600/Screenshot_2014-10-24-16-43-08.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W0TtSnAFUAE/VLa7KDwkg6I/AAAAAAAAl5A/RHRkrXB48bo/s1600/Screenshot_2014-10-24-16-43-08.png" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">OMG! The weather was awesome</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<u> Sunday</u><br />
<br />
I got to spend the entire day in a workshop with the Tudor Tailor Ladies. It was amazing, and it was really hard to be in the workshop about fabrics, to discover that all of my wool is really not up to snuff. Met some wonderful people and discovered that I really love this stuff. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wYbUXND3Ob8/VLa-BYKyg3I/AAAAAAAAl5g/xTNWQUucn0Q/s1600/TT%2BWorkshop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="176" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wYbUXND3Ob8/VLa-BYKyg3I/AAAAAAAAl5g/xTNWQUucn0Q/s1600/TT%2BWorkshop.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
It was exciting to meet the Ladies and have discussions about how they research and how to get the right fabrics, colours, shapes, etc. It was very exciting to meet new people too. People who have worked with the ladies and are doing really awesome things in the US! I hope to maybe work with Jane on something in the future, but that is in the works now. Right now I need to get all the pictures I took onto my computer and organized for research. :)<br />
<br />
to be continued....<br />
<br />Erin T./Emelote of Calaishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08631555486897900954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1094382467351433830.post-60555821231875200992015-01-14T12:30:00.000-05:002016-04-15T13:31:29.325-04:00Reenergized!<b>Note: Wow a Draft post that never got posted! WHAT?!?! - This should have been posted back in November 2013. Oops!</b><br />
<br />
I had a wonderful Saturday this weekend. I made my way up to the renamed Fall Arts & Sciences (now Queen’s Prize Tourney) being hosted by the <a href="http://www.ardchreag.org/%E2%80%8E">Canton of Ard Chreag</a>. So this event was for “novice artisans are to be sponsored by either a Laurel or a member of the Order of Crucible with the hope that the sponsor will serve as mentor of sorts. The sponsors are also to contribute a prize to be given out at the end of the day - which means all novices who enter will receive a prize. I had nothing to enter this time, but I plan on having some items for next year. I was really there so that I could challenge into the White Wolf Fian in court before Queen Adrielle. (AND to get to geek over all the amazing works by the Kingdom – oh yes and to cheer on <a href="http://kraken-leather.blogspot.ca/">Dafydd ap Alan</a> with his entry)<br />
<br />
I have to say it has been very hard to get my stuff together for hanging out at events. With the flooded basement most if not all of my SCA items are hiding in jammed PODS in the driveway. SO I always feel like I am missing things. For Saturday I was missing my linen head scarf, so I found my plain cream pashmina, but it wasn’t the same – hot and a bit itchy. :) <br />
<br />
So I was called up into court to get the Queen’s permission to challenge into the Fian. Here is my written challenge to the Order.<br />
<br />
I will be recreating the Goldhaube (coif) and Barett (hat) from the painting by Lucas Cranach the Elder called a ‘<a href="http://goo.gl/xYcgrC">A finely dressed young Lady’s</a>’ (1530)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TCglaUNCxcY/VLanCUZVnXI/AAAAAAAAl4Q/gDAZUdOqH5g/s1600/Lucas%2BCranach%2Bthe%2BElder%2B-%2BA%2Bfine%2Blady%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TCglaUNCxcY/VLanCUZVnXI/AAAAAAAAl4Q/gDAZUdOqH5g/s1600/Lucas%2BCranach%2Bthe%2BElder%2B-%2BA%2Bfine%2Blady%2B1.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j-_Llq4rR84/VLanFZOzpCI/AAAAAAAAl4Y/rNtcEtOd5ec/s1600/Lucas%2BCranach%2Bthe%2BElder%2B-%2BA%2Bfine%2Blady%2Bdetailed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j-_Llq4rR84/VLanFZOzpCI/AAAAAAAAl4Y/rNtcEtOd5ec/s1600/Lucas%2BCranach%2Bthe%2BElder%2B-%2BA%2Bfine%2Blady%2Bdetailed.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.lucascranach.org/image.php?&page=6&obj=DE_BStGS-GNMN_Gm217_FR303&uid=8221&fol=01_Overall&img=DE_BStGS-GNMN_Gm217_FR303_2010-03_Overall.tif">Lucas Cranach Archive</a>I have long admire this style of dress, and it is such a complex garment, that I will really only able to do sections of it. What I love about this particular goldhaube and barett is that you can really see the blackwork embroidery, pearls and goldwork very well in this image. The barett is in such contrast to the very detailed goldhaube. I find hats very interesting and want to show off how amazing this hat/coif would be.<br />
<br />
These particular pieces were worn by ladies in the upper class located in southern Germany (Dresden area) from the 1520s to the 1540s). They were painted by many painters, but mostly by Lucas Cranach the Elder’s (and his workshop). This particular piece has been dated to 1530 according to the portrait I am using. They often accompanied what we now call the German Saxon dress, as it was worn often by ladies from the Saxony area of Germany. Each painting has a different style or look to the goldhaube, so you can tell that it is a personal choice in how they were decorated. I am particularly interested in how such heavy beading can stay on the head (without any visible attachment). It is also noted in my research that women in Germany at the time often had false braids purchased or made for them so that they could get the correct shape to their goldhaubes. I will also be creating any necessary accessories to get the correct look.<br />
<br />
This project is a stretch of me because I have not done blackwork embroidery or heavy beading before. I have completed hats by hand, but this detail will be new to me. I will be learning how to do detailed work and learning how to embroider/bead. I will also need to learn how blackwork patterns were created, to recreate this goldhaube perfectly. The risk of this is that I have never done blackwork before. I have done counted cross stich in the past, but this will be new for me. So I will need to take a lot of time just to perfect the pattern and my technique before I even get to put needle to expensive fabric. It will also be a true test of working on an item throughout the year and not try and finish in a weekend. <br />
<br />
I have created elaborate hats in the past (beaded gable hood), embroidery and silk ribbon embroidery. I understand the requirements for this accessory. I have been researching this whole garment for three years, I have studied many painting and images (I did a trip to Germany so I could see as many Cranach paintings I could) with the goal of doing this for my challenge. What has changed is that I am not doing the whole garment, but just taking smaller more detailed pieces to work on. I hope to learn proper blackwork technique, how to bead on fabric and improve my hand sewing techniques. I will also hope to improve on my research skills and time management skills. I want to make this as perfect as I can.<br />
<br />
I will be using hand sewing as my main method. For the goldhaube I would like to use a silk taffeta as the outer fabric, with a linen lining. It is possible that it may require an interlining as well, depending on the weight of the beading. I will be using black and gold silk threads for the embroidery and freshwater pearls for the beading. The beads will be strung and couched down on the fabric. For the barett, I am still deciding between wool or silk velvet for it and I need to complete my research on what feathers I will be using. I will most likely not be creating my own patterns, as there are many available at this time, which will help me concentrate on the embroidery. <br />
<br />
I enjoy learning new techniques to better my clothing making, and I have wanted to make this for a very long time. I have made hats in the past, so the sewing is not new for me, but the beading and embroidery will be. I have been making garb and accessories for well over 15 years now, so my challenge is to recreate something and have it be very detailed. <br />
<br />
I expect that this project will take me the full year to embroider, bead and create by hand. I have looked at what I need to do and barring any unforeseen problems this should be completed in time. Once I have completed my samples I will have a better idea on the time it will take to do the embroidery. I anticipate at least 100 hours (including sampling) to complete. I will also be keeping a detailed diary on my blog of my progress. <br />
<br />
I feel that I don’t need to expand this challenge as I have actually taken my original challenge (to create by hand a whole German Saxon gown including all accessories) and focused it more, as it was too broad and I would not be able to complete in the allotted time. After many discussions with friends, I determined it was better for me to concentrate on the items I really loved and complete them to the best of my ability. There are still some unknown or items that need more fine tuning, but most of that will happen as I finish my research.<br />
<br />
What I want to do here is to really start documenting my progress and process on this challenge. That alone will be a challenge for me. Here are my next steps:<br />
<br />
1. Start collecting fabric, findings and pearls. – hope to do this black Friday.<br />
2. Draw out and figure out the blackwork/goldwork designs on paper.<br />
3. Start a sampler for the blackout and gold work designs.<br />
4. Test out many types of thread (linen, silk) while working the sampler. Also this time will be used to gauge how long it will take to complete the embroidery.<br />
5. Create a toile of the hat; see if there are any adjustments to the pattern needed. (I will be using the pattern created by Genoveva von Lubeck (<a href="http://germanrenaissance.net/german-goldhaube-cap-of-silk-gold-and-pearls-pattern-instructions-documentation-and-notes/" target="_blank">German Goldhaube Cap of Silk, Gold and Pearl</a>). I am also lucky to have her on Facebook as a reference. She is an invaluable resource, since she has already done a piece that is similar.)<br />
<br />
I anticipate that this will take me right through to January if not February. I want to have it so that I am doing at least 4 hours a week on it. <br />
<br />
To finish the post on the event, I was very lucky and met two ladies that have an interest in 16th century (German and Italian) garb. They both do a lot of goldwork, so I am hoping to be able to pick their brains for this project! And I got to drool over the most amazing Venetian gown I have ever seen! Garb envy to the max! lol<br />
<br />
~E Erin T./Emelote of Calaishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08631555486897900954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1094382467351433830.post-27655305267040899802013-11-06T15:54:00.000-05:002016-04-15T12:47:30.880-04:00Time Flies....I have to apologize for all the cobwebs on this site. You don't realize how quickly time flies when you have a baby. Olivia is now almost 14 months and I am back at work. I am finally thinking about the SCA again. With that basic intro, I will do a quick update post.<br />
<br />
I still have garb for sale. So if you are interested in any of the garb on this page (<a href="http://blog.emeloteofcalais.com/2012/06/my-early-sca-garb-for-sale.html">Early SCA Garb for Sale</a>) please send me an email. (Emelote(dot)of(dot)Calais(at)gmail(dot)com<br />
<br />
Other than watching Olivia grow, we have been fairly normal. We have had some house issues that will hopefully be all complete by Christmas (a flood, foundation repairs and fixed interlock walkway, new basement on the way). But I really don’t want to dwell on that. I have some very close friends who have wonderful SCA blogs and I should really try and put that as my focus here. If you want some interesting reads check out my bestie’s blogs (<a href="http://kraken-leather.blogspot.ca/">Leather Goods for the Discerning Kraken</a>) – Dafydd has wonderful experiments on his leather dying project right now. My other bestie Avelyn has her blog (<a href="http://yinthewell.blogspot.ca/">Y in the Well?</a>) which has her fun SCA musings. I am hoping to be able to update mine more often too! Though I do have a project I want to chat about. :)<br />
<br />
So a quick update and a I am debating about adding any more pictures of Olivia…she shouldn’t really be on the internet anyway…so sorry for now I won’t post any more pictures for now. <br />
<br />
~Em Erin T./Emelote of Calaishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08631555486897900954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1094382467351433830.post-86986422018803343092013-03-11T10:31:00.001-04:002016-04-15T12:47:42.795-04:00I have survived! (A birth story if you are interested!)As many of you know life can be kinda crazy...especially when you are waiting for a baby to arrive. I have been meaning to get to this blog for ages, but just couldn't get my head around it. My sweet little Olivia just turned 6 months, so I figure it is time for me to update and maybe get back on track. Lets see if I can even do a quick recap! Wish me luck!<br />
<br />
Last update: <a href="http://blog.emeloteofcalais.com/2012/07/a-short-week-but-man-did-it-feel-long.html" target="_blank">A Short Week but Man did it Feel Long!</a> (July 20, 2012)<br />
<br />
OK So in July I had another shower at my Mom's - no real pics, but here is one of me with the Donald gift from my sister Lindsay (who works at Epcot - in the Canada Pavillion!)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9xlEZ7hOFmU/UT3i4TyUIwI/AAAAAAAAJNA/dZqjDfUqEgk/s1600/2012-05-06+14.41.33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9xlEZ7hOFmU/UT3i4TyUIwI/AAAAAAAAJNA/dZqjDfUqEgk/s320/2012-05-06+14.41.33.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the few pics of my an my belly. LOL</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In August we went to my cousin Dave's wedding in Toronto...it was when I was 37 weeks exactly so Olivia could come at any time. It was a wonderful weekend and it was awesome seeing the family from BC! I hadn't met Lauren my Cousin Steve and his wife Vicky's little girl, she was so cute and fun!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lmtaM43N5kY/UT3jipnFIpI/AAAAAAAAJNI/K3yfDunVCVI/s1600/Dave-and-Christine-168.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lmtaM43N5kY/UT3jipnFIpI/AAAAAAAAJNI/K3yfDunVCVI/s320/Dave-and-Christine-168.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steve, Me, Jeff, Vicky and Shawna</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We also went to the Dead Can Dance concert in Montreal the next weekend! It was awesome and I was 38 weeks at that point! We had a great time with Shawna and on the Saturday we went down to Old Montreal (which I had never been) and walked around! Lucky for us there was an 18th century market happening! I was so excited! You know me I love reenactments! There were some awesome vendors and lace making too!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yceNKGinW08/UT3kHqXGz0I/AAAAAAAAJNQ/P5eibbMyvSI/s1600/Dead+Can+Dance+Stage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yceNKGinW08/UT3kHqXGz0I/AAAAAAAAJNQ/P5eibbMyvSI/s320/Dead+Can+Dance+Stage.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dead Can Dance Concert - Bell Centre Montreal</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After we came home from Montreal, I decided to take it a bit easy as Olivia could arrive anytime! I had lots of doctor appointments, cloth diapers to wash, etc. On Friday September 7th, I made plans to hang out with Mel and Dave, I had another ultrasound to do so I went into Ottawa with Jeff. We did the Ultrasound and they gave Olivia her weight at 5lbs 9oz. We were told that most often they are wrong when it comes to weight as she is almost due. We also had to go back to the General for another non-stress test! I was so annoyed with that! My due date was September 8th...so really anytime she will be ready. The spare room was finally done, in fact I was on the bed fluffing the comforter etc...I know crazy pregnant lady!<br />
<br />
Anyway, I meet up with Mel and Dave, we have dinner and then decide to watch more True Blood. Jeff was out with a friend. At around 8pm I start feeling the slight cramp. Nothing serious, just tension like my period is coming. I look at Mel and Dave and say, well I think I should call Jeff and make plans to stay at his parents. (they live 2 minutes from the hospital). The other thing was that I started bringing my suitcase with me in the car, just in case - so we had stuff with us if I went into Labour!<br />
<br />
Sure enough that is what was happening. By 12:30am I was in very painful contractions but new it was going to be a long time, so by 3:30am Jeff decided we should go to the hospital. I knew if I wasn't far along they would send us back. We get there and yes I am in labour, but only half a centimeter dilated...so home we went...not drugs, they said come back when I need drugs. So I held out till 9:30 and went back for drugs! Then I was only 1cm dilated! Oh come on! really!?! I was told they would last till about 4pm...to come back if I wanted more drugs. So sure enough come 4:30 I am back requesting more drugs! By then they take a look and the nurse says that they will keep me. At that point we had seen a resident doctor and the nurses were teaching him how to check dilation, etc. I don't mind being a student Guinea Pig at all! It is important that they can learn on someone for future doctors! Poor guy had seen me a lot! :P<br />
<br />
So they bring me into my new room and introduce me to my nurse (she was awesome!) and ask if I want drugs...I was Yes of course! lol So she went to get a doctor for my epidural but as my luck would have it they were all busy with a coma patient, so I had to get some drugs to tide me over till they could come up. That was a funny experience, once the nurse put it in I got really sleepy then perked right up and became really giggly. Drugs are fun! LOL.<br />
<br />
Finally the anesthesiologist comes up she tries to get the epidural in but can't...she picked me 3 times, so she had to send for her superior. Poor girl I felt bad for her, her boss came up and withing 1 min had it in. So get to relax until Olivia is ready to come out. I am on Facebook and checking email, really I was bored waiting. As I looked at the clock it is now 10:30pm...Olivia is not going to come out by her due date! I knew it! So I get to meet all the doctors in the house that night! I had my resident doctor (Dr. Andrew), then I met Dr. Webber who came to break my water...all I have to say is crochet hook! and then the doctor who would actually do the delivery. As I was pushing (Olivia decided she wanted to go back in) so they called the OBGYN in case they needed forceps...needless to say, Olivia was like, I am out of here. So when she made her appearance, there were 5 doctors and like 6-8 nurses on standby. Good thing I don't mind a crowd! lol<br />
<br />
So Olivia made her appearance at 1:36am on Sunday September 9th, 2012. Just a little late of her due date!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Uk-IjwC8zG8/UT3qOWXDojI/AAAAAAAAJNk/pEZpcy7tH2U/s1600/Olivia+-+September+09+2012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Uk-IjwC8zG8/UT3qOWXDojI/AAAAAAAAJNk/pEZpcy7tH2U/s320/Olivia+-+September+09+2012.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Isn't she a cutie!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QZKCZMeQMpE/UT3qSD1osjI/AAAAAAAAJNs/nI9KTr1D7Dk/s1600/Olivia+with+Mom+and+Dad+-+only+minutes+old.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QZKCZMeQMpE/UT3qSD1osjI/AAAAAAAAJNs/nI9KTr1D7Dk/s320/Olivia+with+Mom+and+Dad+-+only+minutes+old.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Olivia Minutes Old</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So that is what I have been up to...next update will be September on!<br />
<br />
~E<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />Erin T./Emelote of Calaishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08631555486897900954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1094382467351433830.post-7205866079691752492012-07-20T15:55:00.000-04:002016-04-15T12:47:57.324-04:00A Short Week, but man! Did it feel LONG!So I am sure you are all super impressed that I managed to blog almost every day last week...I knew it wouldn't last forever, but there was so much to catch up on...<br />
<br />
It has been a little boring at work, with me loosing work because I will be leaving, and it is Summer so there isn't as much going on, unless it is an emergency. Which is fine I guess, but makes the day very long. Along with not sleeping very well at night, this doesn't help with me wanting to be at work.<br />
<br />
I have to say my pregnancy has been really spectacular health wise. No major issues, lowest blood pressure EVER, and just minor symptoms. For me I get really bad heartburn, and my lower back and hips have been killing me. I roll over in the night and my pelvis pops...really loud. Loud enough for Jeff to hear it! :P So I have had to sleep on my side, so all my weight sits there and that means that I can get about an hour to hour and a half of actual sleeping until it starts hurting and I need to roll over. This disturbs EVERYONE! The cats and Jeff. I am sure Lance is fed up of me bouncing around. So what happens now is that I at about 3AM I have woken myself up...no getting comfortable and no sleep. Last night I had to move to the couch just to get into a different space. I guess I need to get used to no sleep, but man does it suck!<br />
<br />
On another note, my hormones are working overtime...I got teary eyed yesterday because I had order a caramel Sunday at Costco and 3 people after got served before me! I wanted my DAMN ice cream!!!<br />
<br />
I get back to the table and Jeff says "What's wrong"<br />
<br />
"Nothing"<br />
<br />
"Did someone step on your foot?"<br />
<br />
"JUST DROP IT!" I say forcefully with tears in my eyes.<br />
<br />
He gives me the wide eye look and shuts up. Stupid hormones! Can you believe it?!? Just wait till I give birth. Ugh!<br />
<br />
I can laugh now, but it sure wasn't funny yesterday. Then I had a nap.<br />
<br />
Update on the baby room - well it is 70% cleaned out, my Mom and Memere are coming up tonight to see if we can sort the rest out and the spare room too. Now that place is an explosion! I will be surprised if they can even find the bed again! The house is a quasi disaster, but the living room as stay uber clean...it is everywhere else now. But I guess we are getting there. As the countdown for Pennsic is happening for all my friends, I am counting down to finishing the baby's room!<br />
<br />
Here is a super cute picture of Cleo sleeping on my pillow last night as we had taken away her cat perch in the window of the future baby's room...now I need to figure out a good place for her to get it back.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1loJO-ZmNZE/UAm2AG7s3rI/AAAAAAAAAo4/w8FRafF6uI8/s1600/Cleo+Sleeping+on+my+pillow.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1loJO-ZmNZE/UAm2AG7s3rI/AAAAAAAAAo4/w8FRafF6uI8/s640/Cleo+Sleeping+on+my+pillow.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cleo Sleeping on my pillow...she looks so comfortable and cute!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So there...a gratuitous picture of one of the cats.<br />
<br />
Finally chatted with Mel in what is like forever! Got some ideas on Fighting garb and made a time for us to hang out...boy have I missed her and Dave. So I have to remember to put fighting armor and such on my project list to do while on Mat leave...if I can! I can already see the year fly by!<br />
<br />
I am sad too...didn't get to complete my 2 last months of my quilt bee...the fabric is sitting in a bag to be done, but it is not fair to the ladies, so I am going to mail them back on Monday unfinished. That sewing room is going to kill me eventually. Sorry ladies if you read my blog at all! I was not expecting all this work just to get ready for a baby...I know...no excuse, but I hope you can forgive me!<br />
<br />
~EErin T./Emelote of Calaishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08631555486897900954noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1094382467351433830.post-36129195499039006682012-07-17T14:00:00.000-04:002016-04-15T12:48:07.704-04:00A new Bed for Soon to be ParentsAs I am sure you are aware, I LOVE IKEA! yes I do...I love the design, I love that I have to build it, and I love the prices!<br />
<br />
So the weekend of July 7th, they had one of their great sales. Jeff and I were heading into Ottawa anyway since we were going to his sister's cottage to celebrate his nephew Josh's 17th birthday. So we decided that we needed a new bed frame and the one I wanted was on sale! YAY!<br />
<br />
We had a really nice time at the cottage, Jeff went tubing on the boat while I enjoyed the sun. It was late when we got home though and brought in the bed frame which had been tied to our roof rack.<br />
<br />
On Sunday we decided to build the bed and then work on the office and then Mel and Dave were coming over for dinner and movies or Rock band... Well needless to say that didn't happen. We started on the bed and Jeff noticed that the headboard solid panel was cracked. So we decided to head back to Ikea and get it exchanged. So I got the piece exchanged with no problems, we had lunch at Ikea and headed home. Now of course it is like 3:30pm. Mel and Dave due to arrive at 6pm didn't leave us much time.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yOEdal-DQOU/T_yCURNSuFI/AAAAAAAAAm4/LDstCPX50f8/s1600/Cesar+and+Lance+helping+build+the+bed+-+July+8+2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" ca="true" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yOEdal-DQOU/T_yCURNSuFI/AAAAAAAAAm4/LDstCPX50f8/s320/Cesar+and+Lance+helping+build+the+bed+-+July+8+2012.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ceasar and Lance helping in the bedroom!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So we look at the instruction and look back at the piece and it is completely different! It matches the instructions online, but not our instructions. The holes don't even match up! What?!?! So I call Ikea's customer service line to try and figure it out...apparently our bed was the Brazilian version!<br />
<br />
So do we go back or wait till Monday...Jeff wanted to get it over and done with so, back to Ikea we went. This time with all the other parts - sans foot board. We get to Ikea and lucky us, I get the same rep from the first return - Steph. She looking at the pieces and was trying to figure out what had happened. Eventually we came to the conclusion that we needed to return everything and they would give us a bed with all the proper stuff in it. But that meant we would have to sleep on the mattresse on the floor and go back for the 3rd time on Monday.<br />
<br />
Oh well, that is what we did! Now that night I had the best sleep ever! It felt like I was in a King bed. Jeff wasn't crowding me the cats all had their own place...how is that possible. I guess we had a bad bed frame before and now we were on the flat floor. No sagging in the middle. I can't wait for our new bed frame.<br />
<br />
So Monday night we head back to Ikea (#3) to exchange the whole bed. We ended up with Steph again (thank goodness!) and we didn't need to explain the whole situation again. She exchanged the bed, made sure we had the right parts, gave us a little something for our trouble, and I picked up some more boxes for the sewing room. We headed home ready to build our bed. <br />
<br />
It sure took us a long time to get it done...Lance didn't help by escaping and going into the culvert across the street, but hey! Here it is!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yi5SuEKFvSs/T_yNpAppFqI/AAAAAAAAAnE/onHuiWI088c/s1600/New+Bed+Frame+-+July+9+2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ca="true" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yi5SuEKFvSs/T_yNpAppFqI/AAAAAAAAAnE/onHuiWI088c/s320/New+Bed+Frame+-+July+9+2012.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
It is lovely and level and roomy! I really need to finish one of my quilts to put on this bed...<br />
<br />
Now on to the Baby's room...I think this is an ongoing theme!<br />
<br />
~EErin T./Emelote of Calaishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08631555486897900954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1094382467351433830.post-21029552734625432322012-07-16T14:00:00.000-04:002016-04-15T12:48:19.492-04:00Canada Day and a little JamCanada Day weekend is always a holiday I look forward to! It is usually really nice out and it is also strawberry season! This year I decided I wanted to make some strawberry freezer jam for myself. I love strawberry freezer jam, and I wanted to make it with strawberries I picked myself.<br />
<br />
So I convinced Jeff to come berry picking with me. Am I ever glad I did...I couldn't pick as much as I wanted. Jeff and I picked two 4L baskets of strawberries from <a href="http://www.cannamoreorchard.com/" target="_blank">Cannamore Orchards</a> about 10 minutes from home. They said there were lots of berries, but that the season was early this year, so that weekend would be the last weekend. And were they right! Most of the berries were rotting on the plant, just too much sun!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gtYydrnqMvE/T_x6q3FSGmI/AAAAAAAAAmc/LyjifHDZjo0/s1600/Jeff+picking+strawberries+-+June+30+2012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" ca="true" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gtYydrnqMvE/T_x6q3FSGmI/AAAAAAAAAmc/LyjifHDZjo0/s320/Jeff+picking+strawberries+-+June+30+2012.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is Jeff picking like the pros!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Apparently all the good berries were in the middle of the plant hidden from the sun. They were not huge berries but super sweet. After we were berry picking, I decided I wanted to work in the sewing room so that we can hang out on Canada Day downtown and eat chicken from the Chicken Farmers of Canada booth in Ottawa. But instead Jeff asked me to come outside and help him with the back yard, so sewing you are still not done!<br />
<br />
On Canada Day, I wanted to head downtown Ottawa for some museum fun, but I wasn't feeling up to it. I then decided that we needed to get these strawberries into jam ASAP! They were already getting soft from sitting in the kitchen for 1 day! What?!? I needed topick up a couple packages of jars and sugar so that we would have enough for all the berries. I also wanted to get them done before we headed to Cornwall to see my parents and meet with friends for dinner and fireworks.<br />
<br />
We made 4 batches of jam that produced about five 1-cup jars of jam.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vmv2249mSJE/T_x8K0cG4SI/AAAAAAAAAmk/vrL46bu5DS4/s1600/Strawberry+Freezer+Jam+-+July+1+2012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" ca="true" height="239" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vmv2249mSJE/T_x8K0cG4SI/AAAAAAAAAmk/vrL46bu5DS4/s320/Strawberry+Freezer+Jam+-+July+1+2012.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Strawberry Freezer Jam in process</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I ended up with five batches in the end - so that means I had about 24 jars of Jam, that had to sit for 24+ hours then go into the freezer.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HQMeJHABF7k/T_x8jN2lvcI/AAAAAAAAAms/jFqcznf8BEw/s1600/Strawberry+Freezer+Jam+Ready+to+be+frozen+-+July+1+2012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" ca="true" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HQMeJHABF7k/T_x8jN2lvcI/AAAAAAAAAms/jFqcznf8BEw/s320/Strawberry+Freezer+Jam+Ready+to+be+frozen+-+July+1+2012.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">19 jars of jam waiting for the freezer - 5 jars already in the freezer</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So I now have enough jam for the next year! That is if I eat 2 jars a month! LOL! I confess I have a jar in the fridge now and one at work too! Yum!<br />
<br />
So once this was done, we headed off to Cornwall for some visiting. We then met up with friends to eat at East Side Marios and then enjoy some fireworks! It was so much fun and the crowds were small (or large by Cornwall standards) but nice for us Ottawa folks.<br />
<br />
I had a great weekend and I wish it could always be Canada Day weekend!<br />
<br />
~EErin T./Emelote of Calaishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08631555486897900954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1094382467351433830.post-29310416822938857542012-07-13T14:00:00.000-04:002016-04-15T12:48:30.662-04:00The Garage Sale and Ceramic LacerationsSo as I slowly update you all on what has been happening, I have reflected that I have been a very busy girl the last month and a bit. Not as busy as I would like at work, but at least busy at home...not to mention all the visiting with friends we did during the time too! Whew! I need a vacation - oh wait, it won't matter since I would have to do all kinds of housework anyway! :P<br />
<br />
As we near the end of June and beginning of July a little bit of panic has set in...The baby room is still not in any shape or order, it is still in fact an office. So that doesn't help at all. I made a small amount of progress in the sewing/basement, but not enough for my liking. Though the bonus of this was the garage sale my Mom said we could have at her place on the 23rd.<br />
<br />
Thanks goodness, since I had a ton of stuff to get rid of, so did my sister. So on the Friday night my car packed (I had already done 3 car loads before this), I head to Cornwall to get started in the set up. My parents have a nice garage so we had a rain location, which was important on Saturday morning as we had a small downpour, but then it got hot and sunny for the rest of the day.<br />
<br />
<b>**Warning graphic detail of injury here - skip if you don't want to read it! **</b><br />
<br />
Though my Saturday did not get off to a good start...As we were pulling stuff out of the garage, I accidentally knocked over a French onion soup bowl onto the concrete floor! Oops! I felt a little sting and looked a my flip flop clad foot and saw a tickle of blood...hummm this isn't good!<br />
<br />
So I decide to reach down and put my finger on the small cut to stop the blood and felt the missing skin...ugh! sure enough once I moved, did it not start to bleed a lot! Like I mean nicked an vein bleeding...running down my foot onto the cement floor! I am calm, and state that I need band aids and that I am going to the hospital to get this fixed...no I don't want to sit down, just get me a cloth and band aids please! :)<br />
<br />
So we get the band aids and head to the hospital - here is what my foot looked like before the doctor saw me.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--s-CU74sBKY/T_xzosFNmEI/AAAAAAAAAmI/d7y3xe1HRK4/s1600/Ceramic+Laceration+-+June+23+2012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" ca="true" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--s-CU74sBKY/T_xzosFNmEI/AAAAAAAAAmI/d7y3xe1HRK4/s320/Ceramic+Laceration+-+June+23+2012.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ceramic Laceration - waiting for the Doctor</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So as you can see the band aid barely held the blood...there are two band aids there in fact! But I was still calm cool and collected. The Doctor was very nice, the staff had me checked in and with the nurses very quickly. I think I was there for about an hour in total - not too bad at all! <br />
<br />
So the Dr. comes in and says well you need a couple of stitches (what I figured). So he had me lay down (Jeff was observing from the foot of the bed) and started to freeze my foot. Then I felt this really strange pressure (like there was a clamp on my wound) as he was freezing the area. The I got all hot and clammy...I guess the shock had worn off and the adrenaline was pumping. Jeff could see the baby bouncing in my belly from where he was sitting! Though once I was frozen, I couldn't feel him putting in the stitches at all. He was that good!<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jvq_i8T38aU/T_xzsCylVBI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/_aRJtpcy0tc/s1600/Stiches+-+June+23+2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" ca="true" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jvq_i8T38aU/T_xzsCylVBI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/_aRJtpcy0tc/s320/Stiches+-+June+23+2012.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My two stitches - Oh! blue thread!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Then the nurse patched me up, gave me some extra bandages and off I went. My first stitches in 35 years, not bad I think!<br />
<br />
So back to the garage sale we went. It turns out that Shawna (my sister) and I did really well getting rid of our stuff. People were on the hunt for deals and boy were there lots to be had. We did some really good sales and that took care of a lot for both of us. She has just graduated from school so the money was really needed!<br />
<br />
So a medical adventure and I managed to get rid of a lot of crap...or other peoples treasures!<br />
<br />
YAY me!<br />
<br />
~EErin T./Emelote of Calaishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08631555486897900954noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1094382467351433830.post-74605137399450635742012-07-12T14:00:00.000-04:002016-04-15T12:48:43.275-04:00Still here and still going! (Part 2 - The Garden & Yard)So after that long winded post, you get another for you to enjoy! LOL<br />
<br />
My Mom & Memere were at it again that weekend, especially in deciding to tackle my horrible front yard and overgrown weed gardens...I swear I had perennials in there, but who knew!<br />
<br />
I think we spent a total of 8-10 hours working in the garden...my Mom is a miracle worker when it comes to plants. She decided I needed a better spot for my perennials that was a lot easier to manage than what I already had. I have a front flowerbed with a bush, but you would never guess that, so my Mom decided to start plucking out the plants she wanted to keep and make a new garden!<br />
<br />
So under my bedroom window I have the hosta garden I wanted. I had so many mature plants that I still have tones to do something with. Then she decided to start a new side garden with the choice perennials. We couldn't believe how big most of my plants were and how easy it was to fill such a large bed.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hwPAHEdWvC0/T_92o7lSSfI/AAAAAAAAAnc/24mR62ffCbI/s1600/IMG_0990.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hwPAHEdWvC0/T_92o7lSSfI/AAAAAAAAAnc/24mR62ffCbI/s320/IMG_0990.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ooo! New Hosta Garden</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4bY8YZg9yNg/T_926f5AKaI/AAAAAAAAAn0/ToBMhUeyPJ4/s1600/IMG_0993.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4bY8YZg9yNg/T_926f5AKaI/AAAAAAAAAn0/ToBMhUeyPJ4/s320/IMG_0993.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front View of New Side Garden</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-90My-th3Vrg/T_92_xRaySI/AAAAAAAAAoA/_mOaibCinnI/s1600/IMG_0994.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-90My-th3Vrg/T_92_xRaySI/AAAAAAAAAoA/_mOaibCinnI/s320/IMG_0994.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Side View of new Side Garden</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: white;">My Mom cut down our huge evergreens that were taking over the walkway, and even managed to make the walkway visible. She also cut a lot off of other trees that were getting way too overgrown!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q1FGr_Dmt2o/T_92uGgmO9I/AAAAAAAAAnk/r-KhTWd4D6g/s1600/IMG_0991.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q1FGr_Dmt2o/T_92uGgmO9I/AAAAAAAAAnk/r-KhTWd4D6g/s320/IMG_0991.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trimmed Bushes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: white;">Now Jeff and I needed to clear the front flower bed a bit more - we moved my burning bush to the front for now - until I can figure out where I want to put it. We both have a bunch of items we need to take care of as well.</span><br />
<br />
On June 17th - Jeff and I spent the entire day working on clearing the deck from all the overgrown weeds, the wild raspberry bushes, and the trees growing in the deck and beside the pool. It took us forever, but what a difference it made! We also got the pool up and running so that we can swim in it soon. I love our salinator for the pool, sure makes it easier than chemicals! Go Salt!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hspCOQfiF8E/T_93Kafp_tI/AAAAAAAAAoQ/u5nGwTQUUA0/s1600/IMG_0997.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hspCOQfiF8E/T_93Kafp_tI/AAAAAAAAAoQ/u5nGwTQUUA0/s320/IMG_0997.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No Tree growing at the end of the deck!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hfdymaFWdjg/T_93O4jSm_I/AAAAAAAAAoY/qEX2A7Tu5Kw/s1600/IMG_0998.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hfdymaFWdjg/T_93O4jSm_I/AAAAAAAAAoY/qEX2A7Tu5Kw/s320/IMG_0998.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No Raspberry Bushes growing in the deck</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6Hkdc-hxNgw/T_93Z8VVN6I/AAAAAAAAAos/6NyKK6TjtP8/s1600/IMG_1002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6Hkdc-hxNgw/T_93Z8VVN6I/AAAAAAAAAos/6NyKK6TjtP8/s320/IMG_1002.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See No Raspberries!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: white;">Once we did a lot of this work, our new eavestroughing was installed on June 29th. Does it ever look nice! I love all the downspouts and now we have a working rain barrel! YAY!</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9UtqxUZEIx8/T_xuirqNErI/AAAAAAAAAl8/-ionws9kdS4/s1600/Easvestroughing+-+June+29+2012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" ca="true" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9UtqxUZEIx8/T_xuirqNErI/AAAAAAAAAl8/-ionws9kdS4/s400/Easvestroughing+-+June+29+2012.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eavestroughing completed! No more leaks!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We will have quite a bit of work to do outside, but here is the short list I hope to tackle in the next week or so...<br />
<ul>
<li><strike>Weeding the new flowerbeds</strike></li>
<li>Whipper Snip the front flower bed to get rid of the overgrowth and show off the bushes</li>
<li><strike>Cut all the suckers from the Crab Apple tree</strike></li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0KOqQYS9gm4/T_920GCBerI/AAAAAAAAAns/xyB3XAMAHa8/s1600/IMG_0992.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0KOqQYS9gm4/T_920GCBerI/AAAAAAAAAns/xyB3XAMAHa8/s320/IMG_0992.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Proof! No suckers!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<ul>
<li>Transplant Peony to side flower bed</li>
<li>Fill in our septic tank holes</li>
<li>Cut some of the Lilac down - it is obscuring the security light</li>
<li>Take weeds out of the walkway (again!)</li>
</ul>
This will all need to be done before Mom and Memere come back in a week or two! Whew!Erin T./Emelote of Calaishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08631555486897900954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1094382467351433830.post-29137531462889112182012-07-11T14:00:00.000-04:002016-04-15T12:48:53.002-04:00Still here and still going! (Part 1)Well it has been a very busy few weeks in the house. My Mom and Mémère came up in June for a whole weekend to help me get the house in order...and really it was awesome! We really only did a few rooms, but the impact of that change can be felt every day.<br />
<br />
M&M (Mom and Memere- he he) helped me get rid of a lot of junk and stuff for the garage sale at my Mom's place. We managed to get rid of some side tables (my Mom is using them as night stands), finish a bunch of projects just hanging around and they Jeff gave us some awesome ideas on how to move some of the furniture in the living room for a better look!<br />
<br />
So here is the lowdown (pictures to come, I promise)<br />
<br />
Living Room:<br />
<ol>
<li>Got rid of the too big end tables and coffee table from the living room.</li>
<li>Put all the CD's in a box to go through and make into MP3 (when time permits)</li>
<li>Moved the Ikea corner shelf from the corner of the living room everyone sees when they come in, to the corner of the room no one notices. (this was a HUGE change and all of the Jeff's idea - my Mom was so excited that we made the change right away!)</li>
<li>removed all of my crystal glasses from said shelf, washed them and put them in the kitchen glass door cabinet so we could use them.</li>
<li>Jeff rewired all the sound system to work with the TV in the living room and put it in my credenza that had extra room after I got rid of a bunch of useless serving pieces. So that let us get rid of his Sony audio rack to put for sale. Now the TV works with the Internet and we have great sound. We moved the sub woofer to where the old corner cabinet was and the speakers now flank the credenza.</li>
<li>Cleared the top of the credenza for only my candle holders and my Port (yum! Can't wait to drink that again! - the whole space is so airy now...I can't even believe it was my house!)</li>
<li>Put up some artwork that hadn't been hung, and my curio cabinet for all my cool thimbles people pick up for me on their travels...I have so many and now people can see them!</li>
</ol>
So we did some plant re-potting, got rid of nick knacks and a lot of little things...I had a Ikea Billy CD rack that was in the dining room (left over from when I had all my bookshelves in the dining room) went downstairs to the home theatre for the blue-rays, so all of my corners were empty of clutter. We moved the water dispenser to the dining room corner. What has happened is that my dining room tables now fits properly in the space! I just need new chairs or even a bench. I have even managed to keep the whole room clean for almost a month now! I just need to do some dusting.<br />
<br />
Kitchen:<br />
<ol>
<li>Jeff and I finished the moulding around the window and finally finished the hardwood floor with the proper edging.</li>
<li>Mom and I put in some of the de-clutter tools in my Ikea kitchen cabinets. I have only had them for 4 years in the packaging! LOL</li>
<li>Jeff and I only need to finish the door frame, painting the door and the quarter round near the door. I hope we can do that this weekend. Then the rest will be caulking and painting the trim.</li>
</ol>
Sewing room: <br />
<ol>
<li> Jeff and I finished the floor in the sewing room, and managed to get all the floor moulding and quarter round done...it isn't the prettiest but what a little caulking and paint will do to fix it. I am hoping next spring to repaint the room.</li>
<li>Mom bought me my Ikea 5 high bookshelf for my room! YAY it looks so cool! So we built everything and I have started putting all the fabric away.</li>
<li>I declutter my fabric stash of fabrics I won't ever use (my old Fabricland days) - I actually cleared out 6 Rubbermaid bins to go to the garage sale. WOW! Can't believe that either.</li>
<li>As you saw earlier I have put up some of garb for sale...I still have all the pieces, so if you are interested please let me know.</li>
</ol>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hpWmDLN7aoQ/T_xq7GRLmYI/AAAAAAAAAlw/Ao4gOSu9Je0/s1600/Sewing+Room+-+June+2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" ca="true" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hpWmDLN7aoQ/T_xq7GRLmYI/AAAAAAAAAlw/Ao4gOSu9Je0/s320/Sewing+Room+-+June+2012.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sorry for the bad photo - but aren't the cubes awesome! There is the 1x5 that Leif gave us right beside it!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
So I have started to move stuff back to the sewing room, still not done yet, but I should be able to get a lot done in the next week or so.<br />
<br />
The baby room is still not completed, in fact the office is still there, so tonight we are looking at moving the rest of the sewing stuff into the furnace room, so we can start moving the office down. That is really the priority for this week, as M&M will be coming either this weekend or next to help with round 2!<br />
<br />
So Here is the partial June update...next to come the outside of my house and the Garage sale...what a tale with that one!<br />
<br />
~EErin T./Emelote of Calaishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08631555486897900954noreply@blogger.com0Embrun, ON K0A, Canada45.275646 -75.27541145.2532985 -75.314893000000012 45.297993500000004 -75.235929tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1094382467351433830.post-53169146334181747292012-07-10T13:47:00.002-04:002016-04-15T12:50:43.100-04:00Fantastically Awesome Geeky Baby Shower!On June 16th my bestest friends Mel and Melissa threw a fantastic baby shower for me! The theme was Geek and bring out your inner geek. I had tones of awesome friends come to celebrate Olivia's arrival into our very Geeky home!<br />
<br />
It was so much fun getting everyone together in an non-SCA environment and have some of my longtime friends come and meet my fun and Geeky SCA friends. I was overwhelmed with all the great stuff. The food was amazing and Mel and Melissa managed to do really cool geeky games...not your traditional baby shower games! (YAY!)<br />
<br />
<br />
We got books, clothes, bags, baby carriers, much needed cloth diapers, toys, SCA bib, bath accessories, etc...etc. I have some pictures of what I could find on the web as to what we have, and by no means are these the favourites (Since I love them all!) There were some cool stuff and so much that we would be here forever!<br />
<br />
<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pchXalLolB8/T_xneuSxQUI/AAAAAAAAAlk/6fVIjr5jx9A/s1600/Hats+from+Cate.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" ca="true" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pchXalLolB8/T_xneuSxQUI/AAAAAAAAAlk/6fVIjr5jx9A/s200/Hats+from+Cate.bmp" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cool Hats from Crystal! She blogged about it here - <a href="http://catetown.wordpress.com/2012/06/16/baby-hat/" target="_blank">A Day In the Life</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There were so many goodies! I also got a couple a really nice Mommy gifts, I got a really beautiful pearl bracelet with a pewter bunny charm on it so that I can remember which side I had breast fed on. It is so cute and totally SCA appropriate. I also got the owl Pandora charm I wanted too! I love it!<br />
<br />
So now I need to get proper thank you cards and get started on organizing the room to put all of Olivia's goodies in there. She will certainly know she is well loved!<br />
<br />
Thank you everyone! You know who you are and I LOVE all the gift and the friendship you provide on a daily basis!<br />
<br />
~E<br />
<br />
Updated April 15, 2016 - Links broken Erin T./Emelote of Calaishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08631555486897900954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1094382467351433830.post-9993404076941277072012-06-19T10:44:00.000-04:002016-04-15T12:51:03.457-04:00My Early SCA Garb for sale...<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">OK...so I am looking at selling some of my older early-SCA garb. (Sorry for the terrible pictures - our camera is not charged!)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br style="color: #333333; font-family: "lucida grande", tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /></span>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">1. Elizabethan: Size 18 (sewing size) in Cream and Rust, with ruff, bum roll and farthingale.</span></span></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iMnYVgOobCc/T-Mt44tdgZI/AAAAAAAAAkQ/6ZooxouqY_o/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" rca="true" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iMnYVgOobCc/T-Mt44tdgZI/AAAAAAAAAkQ/6ZooxouqY_o/s320/photo+3.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cream and Rust Elizabethan (Don't mind the strange dummy boob)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">2. A renaissance fair style double skirt in Chocolate Brown and Burgundy brocade style, with a chocolate brown underskirt. With a White renaissance blouse - both sewing size 16.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yUfCzlJvv1o/T-Mt2Vu7_cI/AAAAAAAAAkA/afcYEr6VSgE/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" rca="true" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yUfCzlJvv1o/T-Mt2Vu7_cI/AAAAAAAAAkA/afcYEr6VSgE/s320/photo+1.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">Renaissance Faire Skirt and shirt</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">3. Chocolate Brown Tudor style gown - satin under-dress</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="color: #333333; display: inline; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"> with quilted velveteen bodice including a matching gable hood. (Size 14/16)</span></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2I0KRfcCYLw/T-Mt31H_GTI/AAAAAAAAAkI/O2g-9ww8lVQ/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" rca="true" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2I0KRfcCYLw/T-Mt31H_GTI/AAAAAAAAAkI/O2g-9ww8lVQ/s320/photo+2.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
Chocolate Brown Velveteen Tudor Style Gown</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="color: #333333; display: inline; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">4. Olive green brocade with cream satin Italian renaissance gown. (size 14/16) (And my favourite)</span></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tfGV0qflSYk/T-MvjXt2Z-I/AAAAAAAAAkg/9ov5shFytzg/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" rca="true" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tfGV0qflSYk/T-MvjXt2Z-I/AAAAAAAAAkg/9ov5shFytzg/s320/photo+4.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Green and Cream Italian Renaissance Gown</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
If you are interested you can contact me and I will send you pricing...if you are not in my area, I can ship it, but you will also pay for that. :)</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
~E</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Erin T./Emelote of Calaishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08631555486897900954noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1094382467351433830.post-15941442794328616432012-06-08T14:17:00.000-04:002016-04-15T12:52:51.683-04:00Now what is happening??<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">
</div>
Once Border Spat was done and the proper time to recuperate happened, I had to start thinking about this baby coming! A few things that happened was that we found out that the baby is a girl, and we are naming her Olivia June. We both really liked Olivia and June after my hubby's Grandmother (I knew her as GG) who passed away in November 2011. So we are super excited, and all of our neighbours are too, since they all have boys!<br />
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
I wanted to paint the baby room in a mid-dark grey, something neutral so that if we have another baby it is easy to update. I was originally looking at yellow and green as my accents but I have been drawn into the pink or purples...it doesn't help when there are tons of cool fabrics in those colour schemes!</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
So my problem is colour overload. The Crib is a cherry wood, the walls will be dark and my accents will be what bring colour into the room. I have been debating about what colour should the dresser be, Chocolate brown or white? My Mom is probably right, paint the room then decide.</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
We are lucky that we are getting a crib for free from Carrie & Brian, we got a car seat cheap from Ian & Jill. The only new thing we have bought was the Bob Revolutions SE stroller from Amazon.com for $150 cheaper than in Canada. So we are off to a great start. We have absolutely no need for clothes, my Mother in Law has cornered the market on that! </div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
We haven't asked for tones to stuff, but really items we need...we decided to go with cloth diapers to save money and the environment, it is one of the biggest purchase we are looking at.</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
So to even get to the nursery we have to move the office down to the basement...to get the office into the basement we need to finish my sewing room. Luckily we have put in the floor, now we are in the process of putting in the baseboards. Here is the before picture. I know not a great one, but you can see the duct tape holding the old floor together. I will be painting this room maybe next year or at least after Olivia been born!</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N1i_RbBcgAg/T9D0hE_6h0I/AAAAAAAAAjE/tfUSKrZH0Qw/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" fba="true" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N1i_RbBcgAg/T9D0hE_6h0I/AAAAAAAAAjE/tfUSKrZH0Qw/s1600/photo+2.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Sewing Room - Yuck!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IXy-vPW9POg/T9Dq3nJHbwI/AAAAAAAAAig/dUutps070qs/s1600/PeonyPinks515.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
I was also very lucky to get 3 pieces for free from our friend Leif when he moved out of his apartment. So on the wall you see the shelves right now, I will add the Expedit 5 high shelf and the Expedit 4 square shelf. There is also a small file drawer on wheels, I think that will go with my sewing machines.</div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I am thinking of getting the 5 x 5 square Expedit to match the tall shelf to replace my makeshift ones in the picture above...and getting another 4 square - it will fit perfectly in my closet and will help me organize it a bit better. It is not cheap, but there are lots of options to organize with baskets, drawers and doors!<br />
<br />
Once the sewing room is done, then I can get back to my 2 blocks I haven't completed yet, the SSP I am working on for September, all the receiving blankets and burp clothes I need to make. I just can't wait for the painting to be done. Maybe on the next post I will chat about how I want to set up the other half of the room. <br />
<br />
So I need to get these built and start putting stuff back into my room for the weekend. Once that is done, then I can get the office done...it really is a domino effect! Oh yeah! I need to get the spare room done for my Memere and Mom are coming up to help me clear out some junk. They so need somewhere to sleep! :P It will be a messy weekend! :) Pictures to come next week.<br />
<br />
Wish me luck!<br />
<br />
~E<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Erin T./Emelote of Calaishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08631555486897900954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1094382467351433830.post-10956408616137680762012-06-07T13:45:00.000-04:002016-04-15T12:53:27.270-04:00Border Spat - Post Event report...yes I am late on this one!So if you read my blog back in March you would have seen my crazy post about all kinds of things, but really what was crunching down on time was planning the Border Spat feast on May 12th. Sorry for the wordy post, but I don't seem to have any pictures. If I can find some I will post them.<br />
<br />
So to give you an idea of what was on the menu - here it is (it is in Italian and English):<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="direction: ltr;">
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-bottom: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-collapse: collapse; border-left: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-right: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-top: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; direction: ltr;" valign="top"><tbody>
<tr><td style="border-bottom: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-left: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-right: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-top: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; padding-bottom: 4pt; padding-left: 4pt; padding-right: 4pt; padding-top: 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 2.913in;"><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
Italian Feast Menu</div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-left: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-right: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-top: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; padding-bottom: 4pt; padding-left: 4pt; padding-right: 4pt; padding-top: 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 3.284in;"><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
English Translation</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-bottom: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-left: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-right: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-top: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; padding-bottom: 4pt; padding-left: 4pt; padding-right: 4pt; padding-top: 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 2.913in;"><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: bold;">1 credenza freddo</span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-left: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-right: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-top: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; padding-bottom: 4pt; padding-left: 4pt; padding-right: 4pt; padding-top: 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 3.284in;"><div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: bold;">1</span><span style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: super;">st</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Sideboard (Cold)</span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-bottom: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-left: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-right: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-top: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; padding-bottom: 4pt; padding-left: 4pt; padding-right: 4pt; padding-top: 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 2.913in;"><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
Sottaceti</div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-left: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-right: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-top: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; padding-bottom: 4pt; padding-left: 4pt; padding-right: 4pt; padding-top: 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 3.284in;"><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
Pickles*</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-bottom: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-left: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-right: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-top: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; padding-bottom: 4pt; padding-left: 4pt; padding-right: 4pt; padding-top: 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 2.913in;"><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
Olive verde</div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-left: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-right: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-top: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; padding-bottom: 4pt; padding-left: 4pt; padding-right: 4pt; padding-top: 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 3.284in;"><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
Green Olives*</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-bottom: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-left: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-right: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-top: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; padding-bottom: 4pt; padding-left: 4pt; padding-right: 4pt; padding-top: 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 2.913in;"><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
Uve Fresche</div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-left: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-right: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-top: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; padding-bottom: 4pt; padding-left: 4pt; padding-right: 4pt; padding-top: 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 3.284in;"><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
Fresh Grapes*</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-bottom: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-left: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-right: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-top: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; padding-bottom: 4pt; padding-left: 4pt; padding-right: 4pt; padding-top: 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 2.913in;"><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
Pane e oglio</div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-left: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-right: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-top: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; padding-bottom: 4pt; padding-left: 4pt; padding-right: 4pt; padding-top: 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 3.284in;"><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
Homemade Bread & Oil*</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-bottom: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-left: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-right: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-top: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; padding-bottom: 4pt; padding-left: 4pt; padding-right: 4pt; padding-top: 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 2.913in;"><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
Burri aromatizzati</div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-left: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-right: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-top: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; padding-bottom: 4pt; padding-left: 4pt; padding-right: 4pt; padding-top: 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 3.284in;"><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
Flavoured Butters*</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-bottom: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-left: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-right: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-top: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; padding-bottom: 4pt; padding-left: 4pt; padding-right: 4pt; padding-top: 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 2.913in;"><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
Globi alla Romanesca</div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-left: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-right: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-top: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; padding-bottom: 4pt; padding-left: 4pt; padding-right: 4pt; padding-top: 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 3.284in;"><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
Roman Pastry Balls*</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-bottom: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-left: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-right: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-top: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; padding-bottom: 4pt; padding-left: 4pt; padding-right: 4pt; padding-top: 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 2.913in;"><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
Biscotti alla Milanese </div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-left: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-right: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-top: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; padding-bottom: 4pt; padding-left: 4pt; padding-right: 4pt; padding-top: 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 3.284in;"><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
Aniseed Biscotti in the Milanese style*</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-bottom: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-left: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-right: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-top: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; padding-bottom: 4pt; padding-left: 4pt; padding-right: 4pt; padding-top: 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 2.913in;"><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
Salumi</div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-left: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-right: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-top: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; padding-bottom: 4pt; padding-left: 4pt; padding-right: 4pt; padding-top: 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 3.284in;"><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
Cured Meats</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-bottom: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-left: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-right: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-top: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; padding-bottom: 4pt; padding-left: 4pt; padding-right: 4pt; padding-top: 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 2.913in;"><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
Torte di pollanca d’india</div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-left: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-right: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-top: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; padding-bottom: 4pt; padding-left: 4pt; padding-right: 4pt; padding-top: 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 3.284in;"><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
Indian Hen Pie (Turkey Pie) (warm)</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-bottom: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-left: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-right: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-top: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; padding-bottom: 4pt; padding-left: 4pt; padding-right: 4pt; padding-top: 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 2.913in;"><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: bold;">1 cucina calda</span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-left: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-right: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-top: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; padding-bottom: 4pt; padding-left: 4pt; padding-right: 4pt; padding-top: 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 3.284in;"><div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: bold;">1</span><span style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: super;">st</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Kitchen (Hot)</span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-bottom: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-left: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-right: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-top: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; padding-bottom: 4pt; padding-left: 4pt; padding-right: 4pt; padding-top: 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 2.913in;"><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
Insalata di cipolle arrosto</div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-left: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-right: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-top: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; padding-bottom: 4pt; padding-left: 4pt; padding-right: 4pt; padding-top: 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 3.284in;"><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
Roasted Onion Salad*</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-bottom: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-left: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-right: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-top: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; padding-bottom: 4pt; padding-left: 4pt; padding-right: 4pt; padding-top: 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 2.913in;"><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
Tortellini con piselli</div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-left: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-right: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-top: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; padding-bottom: 4pt; padding-left: 4pt; padding-right: 4pt; padding-top: 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 3.284in;"><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
Tortellini with peas*</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-bottom: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-left: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-right: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-top: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; padding-bottom: 4pt; padding-left: 4pt; padding-right: 4pt; padding-top: 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 2.913in;"><div style="color: red; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;">Purea di carote</span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-left: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-right: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-top: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; padding-bottom: 4pt; padding-left: 4pt; padding-right: 4pt; padding-top: 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 3.284in;"><div style="color: red; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;">Carrot Puree*</span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-bottom: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-left: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-right: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-top: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; padding-bottom: 4pt; padding-left: 4pt; padding-right: 4pt; padding-top: 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 2.913in;"><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;">Lombo di boue</span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-left: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-right: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-top: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; padding-bottom: 4pt; padding-left: 4pt; padding-right: 4pt; padding-top: 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 3.284in;"><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;">Roasted Beef with Spices</span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-bottom: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-left: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-right: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-top: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; padding-bottom: 4pt; padding-left: 4pt; padding-right: 4pt; padding-top: 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 2.913in;"><div lang="fr-CA" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;">Lenticchie al limone e coriandolo</span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-left: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-right: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-top: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; padding-bottom: 4pt; padding-left: 4pt; padding-right: 4pt; padding-top: 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 3.284in;"><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;">Lentils in Lemon and Coriander*</span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-bottom: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-left: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-right: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-top: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; padding-bottom: 4pt; padding-left: 4pt; padding-right: 4pt; padding-top: 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 2.913in;"><div style="color: red; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;">Salza di visciole</span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-left: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-right: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-top: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; padding-bottom: 4pt; padding-left: 4pt; padding-right: 4pt; padding-top: 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 3.284in;"><div style="color: red; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;">Sour Cherry Sauce*</span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-bottom: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-left: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-right: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-top: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; padding-bottom: 4pt; padding-left: 4pt; padding-right: 4pt; padding-top: 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 2.913in;"><div style="color: red; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;">Senape</span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-left: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-right: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-top: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; padding-bottom: 4pt; padding-left: 4pt; padding-right: 4pt; padding-top: 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 3.284in;"><div style="color: red; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;">Mustard*</span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-bottom: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-left: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-right: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-top: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; padding-bottom: 4pt; padding-left: 4pt; padding-right: 4pt; padding-top: 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 2.913in;"><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: bold;">2 cucina calda</span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-left: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-right: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-top: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; padding-bottom: 4pt; padding-left: 4pt; padding-right: 4pt; padding-top: 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 3.284in;"><div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: bold;">2</span><span style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: super;">nd</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Kitchen (Hot)</span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-bottom: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-left: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-right: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-top: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; padding-bottom: 4pt; padding-left: 4pt; padding-right: 4pt; padding-top: 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 2.913in;"><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
Insalata di cedrioli</div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-left: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-right: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-top: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; padding-bottom: 4pt; padding-left: 4pt; padding-right: 4pt; padding-top: 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 3.284in;"><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
Cucumber Salad*</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-bottom: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-left: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-right: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-top: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; padding-bottom: 4pt; padding-left: 4pt; padding-right: 4pt; padding-top: 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 2.913in;"><div lang="fr-CA" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;">Foglie di cavolo ripieni di nosetti</span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-left: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-right: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-top: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; padding-bottom: 4pt; padding-left: 4pt; padding-right: 4pt; padding-top: 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 3.284in;"><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;">Cabbage stuffed with Nuts*</span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-bottom: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-left: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-right: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-top: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; padding-bottom: 4pt; padding-left: 4pt; padding-right: 4pt; padding-top: 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 2.913in;"><div lang="fr-CA" style="color: red; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;">L'aglio salsa di formaggio alla Catalano</span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-left: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-right: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-top: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; padding-bottom: 4pt; padding-left: 4pt; padding-right: 4pt; padding-top: 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 3.284in;"><div style="color: red; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;">Garlic Cheese Sauce in the Catalan style</span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-bottom: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-left: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-right: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-top: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; padding-bottom: 4pt; padding-left: 4pt; padding-right: 4pt; padding-top: 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 2.913in;"><div style="color: red; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;">Asparagi</span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-left: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-right: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-top: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; padding-bottom: 4pt; padding-left: 4pt; padding-right: 4pt; padding-top: 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 3.284in;"><div style="color: red; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;">Asparagus*</span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-bottom: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-left: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-right: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-top: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; padding-bottom: 4pt; padding-left: 4pt; padding-right: 4pt; padding-top: 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 2.913in;"><div style="color: red; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;">Sardamone</span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-left: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-right: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-top: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; padding-bottom: 4pt; padding-left: 4pt; padding-right: 4pt; padding-top: 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 3.284in;"><div style="color: red; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;">Lamb Sauté</span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-bottom: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-left: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-right: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-top: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; padding-bottom: 4pt; padding-left: 4pt; padding-right: 4pt; padding-top: 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 2.913in;"><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;">Maccaroni alla Romanesca</span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-left: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-right: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-top: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; padding-bottom: 4pt; padding-left: 4pt; padding-right: 4pt; padding-top: 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 3.284in;"><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;">Roman Style Macaroni*</span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-bottom: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-left: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-right: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-top: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; padding-bottom: 4pt; padding-left: 4pt; padding-right: 4pt; padding-top: 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 2.913in;"><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: black;">2 credenza freddo</span></span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-left: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-right: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-top: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; padding-bottom: 4pt; padding-left: 4pt; padding-right: 4pt; padding-top: 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 3.284in;"><div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">2</span><span style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: super;">nd</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Sideboard (Cold)</span></span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-bottom: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-left: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-right: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-top: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; padding-bottom: 4pt; padding-left: 4pt; padding-right: 4pt; padding-top: 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 2.913in;"><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;">Noci canditi alla Spagna</span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-left: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-right: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-top: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; padding-bottom: 4pt; padding-left: 4pt; padding-right: 4pt; padding-top: 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 3.284in;"><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;">Candied Walnuts in the Spanish Style*</span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-bottom: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-left: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-right: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-top: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; padding-bottom: 4pt; padding-left: 4pt; padding-right: 4pt; padding-top: 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 2.913in;"><div style="color: red; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;">Torta Bianca</span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-left: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-right: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-top: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; padding-bottom: 4pt; padding-left: 4pt; padding-right: 4pt; padding-top: 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 3.284in;"><div style="color: red; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;">Ginger flavored Cheesecake</span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-bottom: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-left: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-right: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-top: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; padding-bottom: 4pt; padding-left: 4pt; padding-right: 4pt; padding-top: 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 2.913in;"><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;">Neve di late</span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-left: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-right: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-top: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; padding-bottom: 4pt; padding-left: 4pt; padding-right: 4pt; padding-top: 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 3.284in;"><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;">Bowl of Snow*</span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-bottom: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-left: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-right: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-top: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; padding-bottom: 4pt; padding-left: 4pt; padding-right: 4pt; padding-top: 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 2.913in;"><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;">Mele al forno con zucchero caramellato</span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-left: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-right: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-top: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; padding-bottom: 4pt; padding-left: 4pt; padding-right: 4pt; padding-top: 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 3.284in;"><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;">Roasted Apples with candied sugar</span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-bottom: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-left: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-right: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-top: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; padding-bottom: 4pt; padding-left: 4pt; padding-right: 4pt; padding-top: 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 2.913in;"><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;">Stecchi profumati</span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-left: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-right: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-top: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; padding-bottom: 4pt; padding-left: 4pt; padding-right: 4pt; padding-top: 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 3.284in;"><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;">Perfumed Toothpicks (Toothpicks in Rosewater)*</span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-bottom: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-left: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-right: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-top: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; padding-bottom: 4pt; padding-left: 4pt; padding-right: 4pt; padding-top: 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 2.913in;"><ul style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.18in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed;"><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;">Canditi e confezioni a beneplacito</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;">Come: </span></div>
<ul style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed;" type="disc">
<li lang="fr-CA" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black;">confetti de melle apio o de pome Magnifici</span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed;" type="disc">
<li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black;">Orengat</span></span></li>
<li lang="fr-CA" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black;">Mele bullitoco le noci, detto nucato</span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed;" type="disc">
<li lang="fr-CA" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="color: red; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black;">Confetti de Scorze di limone</span></span></li>
</ul>
</ul>
</td><td style="border-bottom: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-left: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-right: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-top: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; padding-bottom: 4pt; padding-left: 4pt; padding-right: 4pt; padding-top: 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 3.284in;"><ul style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.18in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed;"><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;">Candies and confections in abundance*</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Such as:</span></div>
<ul style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed;" type="disc">
<li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black;">Apple Jelly Candies*</span></span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black;">Candied Orange Peels*</span></span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black;">Spiced Honey Nut Crunch*</span></span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="color: red; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black;">Candied Lemon Peels*</span></span></li>
</ul>
</ul>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-bottom: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-left: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-right: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-top: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; padding-bottom: 4pt; padding-left: 4pt; padding-right: 4pt; padding-top: 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 2.913in;"></td><td style="border-bottom: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-left: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-right: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-top: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; padding-bottom: 4pt; padding-left: 4pt; padding-right: 4pt; padding-top: 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 3.284in;"><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Drinks</span> </div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-bottom: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-left: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-right: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-top: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; padding-bottom: 4pt; padding-left: 4pt; padding-right: 4pt; padding-top: 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 2.913in;"><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
Andalusa limone sciroppo</div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-left: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-right: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-top: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; padding-bottom: 4pt; padding-left: 4pt; padding-right: 4pt; padding-top: 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 3.284in;"><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
Andalusian Lemon Syrup*</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-bottom: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-left: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-right: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-top: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; padding-bottom: 4pt; padding-left: 4pt; padding-right: 4pt; padding-top: 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 2.913in;"><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
Andalusa melagrana sciroppo</div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-left: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-right: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; border-top: #a3a3a3 1pt solid; padding-bottom: 4pt; padding-left: 4pt; padding-right: 4pt; padding-top: 4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 3.284in;"><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
Andalusian Pomegranate Syrup*</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="direction: ltr;">
</div>
<div style="direction: ltr;">
It was an ambitious menu (over 30 dishes) and I am pleased to say that we only had to discard 2 of them for timing and people getting too full (the Roman Style Macaroni and the Roasted Apples in candied sugar). Most of the event was a blur, but I will try and get all my thoughts down. It it kinda like having kids (so I am told) you only start to remember the warm fuzzy stuff! LOL</div>
<div style="direction: ltr;">
</div>
<div style="direction: ltr;">
Dafydd, Avelyn and I tried to pre-prep as much as possible for the feast so there wasn't as much to do day of. So lets me chat about how the day went.</div>
<div style="direction: ltr;">
</div>
<div style="direction: ltr;">
The week before we were prepping all week for the event, we even brought tones of equipment in case we didn't have it at the event. Next time I will HAVE to bring less! The night before we worked on some of the more time consuming dishes and prepped the dough, etc. Dafydd and I were allowed to get into the space early evening so that we could get stuff into the fridge and freezers. We were super lucky to have 3 fridges and 1 large freezer at our disposal. The room also had 6 stoves which we needed to share with the lunch staff, but once they were done, we could get to work. The other issue we needed to be aware of was the various food allergies and intolerances that our Baron and Baroness had, so we didn't cross contaminate. It was easy to do in that space, since it was a Home EC room. My lovely husband Takahiro came in later to help set up and after dinner help with the veggie prep.</div>
<div style="direction: ltr;">
</div>
<div style="direction: ltr;">
So the day of the event My hubby and I met up with my sister Alison at the school to start getting stuff ready. We had the craziest chart on hand that Dafydd set up with when everything needed to be started and ready. So first things first we needed to get the bread started. There was going to be 2 small loaves on each table which we had 11 tables. We had 91 reservations for the event, and I found out that we actually served 93 (2 people snuck in) and had a 50 person waiting list! I was also excited because we had our Baron and Baroness, the Baron and Baroness of Ile du Dragon Dormant AND our King and Queen of Ealdormere...I haven't cooked for royalty yet, so this was soooooo exciting! YAY!</div>
<div style="direction: ltr;">
</div>
<div style="direction: ltr;">
<div style="direction: ltr;">
While we were working on the bread, I discovered that one of the ovens didn't work, so that pushed me back a bit. I found that we were standing so much that we needed to sit as much as possible. It was hard back breaking work. I am sure many came in wondering how we could be so calm and organized, we were but we were also so tired! :P The other hiccup was that I forgot the pickles at home, thankfully Takahiro said he would run out and pick them up. Luckily we only live 40 minutes out!</div>
</div>
<div style="direction: ltr;">
</div>
<div style="direction: ltr;">
I have to say that during the day it went fairly smoothly. My biggest concern was getting the food out hot and in a timely manner. I didn't get to see any of the event, but sent my sister to take pictures, so hopefully I will see some more of it later. We had a lot of people coming in regularly to do dishes, and by the end of the night we had a system of putting dirty dishes by the sink and anyone who wanted to do them would pop in and wash whatever was there. Everyone was a huge help with that. Avelyn had to spend some time setting up her serving stating in the hall so that when we carted the food down to her, the servers could get the plated dishes. I have to say that this was a pain in the butt. The dishes needed to be out so fast, that we were being held up by getting the dishes to the room. There was Dafydd after a LONG day of fencing and marshaling, running the food with some volunteers. I am not sure what I would do to change that, but with less dishes it sure would be easier.</div>
<div style="direction: ltr;">
</div>
<div style="direction: ltr;">
My sister and Avelyn took care of a lot of the prepping of the dishes and the Globi - which I think were a hit. Come cooking time I would loose Avelyn and so I had to rely on Alison and Takahiro...whew! They so took up the challenge and dealt with my craziness in the kitchen. I have both of them a bunch of dishes they needed to prepare and look after themselves, both of them have never cooked in that scale before, but man was I super impressed! Calm under fire! Thank you both for such hard work and keeping me sane!</div>
<div style="direction: ltr;">
</div>
<div style="direction: ltr;">
I decided that I wanted to be out in the hall when the last course was served to get an idea of how everyone enjoyed the meal and if there was anything I could improve next time. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves, there was enough (more than enough) food, and people had to be rolled out of the hall! I received some lovely gifts from our Baron and Baroness and the King and Queen. I even received a small token from someone who could never sit feast normally, but because of the all the tweaking of the food for our Baroness, she could actually eat it. It was so nice to hear that people who could not normally sit feast, be able to do so this time. The fun was hearing how people enjoyed the dishes what were the favorites.</div>
<div style="direction: ltr;">
</div>
<div style="direction: ltr;">
A couple of the comments I heard or was told about was that one person who has been playing for over 40 years, said that this was the best feast in at least last 25 years and another said that she had never sat a feast this good in her time of playing in the SCA (12 years I believe). Well that was the point. To make people enjoy the food and raise the bar for all cooks in our area! Food can be good and period! </div>
<div style="direction: ltr;">
</div>
<div style="direction: ltr;">
The poll put on the Barony's Facebook page had the top 5 dishes as the - Roast Beef with Cherry or mustard sauce, Indian Hen Pie (Turkey pie), Asparagus, the Ginger Cheesecake and a tie for the Tortellini and lentils.</div>
<div style="direction: ltr;">
</div>
<div style="direction: ltr;">
Except for my bread recipe all the recipes were from period Italian sources. So if you are interested, let me know and I can direct you to what recipes and where they were from. :)</div>
<div style="direction: ltr;">
</div>
<div style="direction: ltr;">
I guess that it all, but whew good thing I won't be doing anything like that for another couple of years!</div>
<div style="direction: ltr;">
</div>
<div style="direction: ltr;">
~E</div>
<div style="direction: ltr;">
</div>
<div style="direction: ltr;">
PS - maybe Avelyn will be able to tell me more about how crazy it really was! :)</div>
Erin T./Emelote of Calaishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08631555486897900954noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1094382467351433830.post-83811539377823763262012-03-20T15:16:00.002-04:002016-04-15T12:54:34.930-04:00Well....It has been an interesting little bit of time. As you are all aware that I have failed at keeping my WIP going, but really I have a good reason for that! I swear! :P<br />
<br />
Well let's see the biggest news is that my hubby and I are expecting September 8ish. <br />
<br />
It is our first child so it has been interesting. The first trimester was good - no morning sickness (don't shoot me!) and apparently my Mom and her Mom (my Mémère) never had morning sickness either, so it must be genetic! :) But I have to say that I was SO tired the entire time. No energy, 3 hour naps after work, etc. I even fell asleep after the news, woke up at 8:30 brushed my teeth and went right back to bed. I was zonked! (I even napped in my chair at work I was so pooped!). No foods that I couldn't eat, but lots of foods I just didn't want to think or look at. I think I didn't have any eggs for 12 weeks! LOL and I love eggs. Mostly wanting to eat carbs and not protein. Strange, I know!<br />
<br />
So everything I wanted to do went out the window. I was surprised I even managed to get my Bee block cut and mail out on time to the other bee members. My secret project, due in April - not even cut out completely...bah! So maybe it will be a birthday present instead. Ugh! But once 12 weeks happened, my energy seemed to come back, and the extra sun I am sure has helped too!<br />
<br />
I know that I am starting to get the "nesting" feelings...not in cleaning my house or such (I have a bit of that) but more of wanting to get started canning food, making bread, making cheese and my own sausages, especially dry ones! I have strange obsessions. My friend Siglinde has a leg of ham drying in her basement and I so want one too! LOL (<a href="http://siglindesarts.wordpress.com/2011/10/18/dried-ham-yum/">Dried Ham Yum!</a>) Who doesn't want their own prosciutto in their basement!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://siglindesarts.files.wordpress.com/2011/10/002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img aea="true" border="0" src="http://siglindesarts.files.wordpress.com/2011/10/002.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Copyright Siglindesart's Blog - Photo </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I know not the nicest looking thing, but soooo yummy looking! I could eat dried meat and fresh cheese with bread FOREVER! Thank goodness I can't make my own olive oil or balsamic vinegar! Time to move to Italy!<br />
<br />
So things have changed for us, going to Pennsic is out, my cousin getting married August 18 might be out, not sure about Hubby's cousin's wedding in Alberta, but probably out too. I guess I will be working on the baby's room, trying to get the house in order so I don't kill anyone once the baby is born. I still want to install my new floor in the sewing room, so I need to work on that too. Plus all my weird obsessions I want to start over the summer.<br />
<br />
Let's see:<br />
<ol>
<li>Baby Room</li>
<li>Finish Kitchen Trim</li>
<li>Redo floor in Sewing room</li>
<li>Super Secret Project</li>
<li>Finish Planning a 30 dish feast... (oops! didn't tell you about that one did I - I will explain further down)</li>
<li>Make Cheese</li>
<li>Make Sausages</li>
<li>Make Breads</li>
<li>Canning Tomatoes</li>
<li>Canning pickles</li>
<li>Maybe some sauces or condiments like relishes!</li>
<li>Freezer Jams</li>
<li>Have a baby! LOL</li>
</ol>
Well I am ambitious and hopefully not rubbish in my attempt at this. I have nixed any garb making until after the baby and since I am not really going anywhere for it, I won't be missing it! :P<br />
<br />
A little more about that feast...I decided to take it easy in the SCA over the summer, but I hope to go out with a bang! My local canton (<a href="http://www.harrowgateheath.com/">Harrowgate Heath</a>) is having a borders pat with the neighbouring Barony (<a href="http://www.dragon-dormant.org/main_en.htm">L'ile du Dragon Dormant</a>). The event called <a href="http://www.harrowgateheath.com/Activities/Events/2012/Border_Spat.htm">"Border Spat: For Love or Vengeance!"</a> happens May 12, 2012 in Cornwall Ontario (my hometown). It will be a huge Fencing event as we will be getting very experienced teachers from all over the known world coming to teach and fence! So it is very exciting.<br />
<br />
Of course there will be armoured combat, archery and classes too. A full day of fun! So I offered to do the feast (since I will be out of a while) and decided that since we were on an Italian Renaissance theme, that I would do and Italian feast! It is also the 30th anniversary of the Barony of Skraeling Althing (my Barony), so I decided to prepare 30 dishes in celebration! Well the tentative menu has been decided we are now in the recipe testing stage. Once that has been completed we will do a full test cook for timing and food tester's opinions. Should be wild as I want to get the menu up by the 2nd week of April the latest. I suppose I could post now with the caveat that it will most likely change...we shall see!<br />
<br />
So of course I couldn't do this feast without my 2 best friends and fellow Surly Mermaids - Avelyn and Dafydd! Thanks guys for keeping me on track and somewhat sane! LOL! Love you both!<br />
<br />
So! If you are in the Ontario/Quebec/Northern NY area and want to see a fabulous event (and have my great food), please consider coming out to the event in May. I will be in the kitchen, but someone can always fetch me to say Hi!<br />
<br />
Officially Insane,<br />
~EErin T./Emelote of Calaishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08631555486897900954noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1094382467351433830.post-43163665681724167392012-03-08T08:49:00.001-05:002016-04-15T13:31:42.950-04:00Shoes! How I love them...I am a regular follower of <a href="http://americanduchess.blogspot.com/">American Duchess</a>'s blog and I LOVE her stuff. I always look to her for inspiration in the 18th/19th century costumes (and vintage stuff) I want to make but really have no where to wear it! :(<br />
<br />
It is always sad, that we don't have any 18th century reenactors here in Ottawa area, though the war of 1812 is coming up this year. *le grand sigh*<br />
<br />
Anyway, Lauren (that's The American Duchess) she has done something that really you can't find anywhere else and that is she decided to design, and have made, period shoes for the reenactor! She has a wonderful shop at <a href="http://www.american-duchess.com/">American Duchess Historical Footwear</a> that carries 18th century shoes, Regency shoes and Edwardian shoes...and she keeps adding to them. The other great thing is that her shoes are beautiful and are made of leather. I know that she is looking at a Victorian button boot! w00t!<br />
<br />
But enough about this store, why am I blogging about this? Well she has started her pre-orders for the new Kensington shoes ($99) and has a giveaway for people who Blog, Tweet and Facebook about it. I am dying for a pair of these shoes, especially the red ones.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
I want a pair that I can make an outfit to go with it! I really want to win. So have a peak at her store and blog and enjoy the fabulous dresses she creates! Wish me luck too!<br />
<br />
~EErin T./Emelote of Calaishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08631555486897900954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1094382467351433830.post-63480595427564999412012-01-27T11:19:00.000-05:002016-04-15T12:56:07.715-04:00Musings on a day when it's raining...really?!?Well this week has been an interesting one, the in-laws are suppose to be off to Florida today, but in Ottawa we have rain! I mean shouldn't it be snow...well ok it will be snow in the afternoon, but I left the house this morning to pouring rain! :P So hopefully they will be able to leave without too many issues.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-56xpqdJcy6k/TyLFE3jBxbI/AAAAAAAAAfs/5cvbVX4cqvo/s1600/January+27+2011+-+rain!.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" gda="true" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-56xpqdJcy6k/TyLFE3jBxbI/AAAAAAAAAfs/5cvbVX4cqvo/s320/January+27+2011+-+rain!.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Lovely Montreal Road and North River Rd, Ottawa</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Yuk! It sure is yucky out there! So on Wednesday night the hubby and I went out for dinner with Gift Certificate from my parents this past Christmas. It was at SushiGo! and it was Awesome! Super yummy as you can see below. I had the Shrimp Tempura Roll, The Classic Californian and the Tomato (which was cucumber, cream cheese and sundried tomato) YUM!!! They opened a new store in Orleans, so I think this will be my new Sushi shop!<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N4TG9iUgn5E/TyLG-GIdFuI/AAAAAAAAAf0/hyu9PLek51Q/s1600/SushiGo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" gda="true" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N4TG9iUgn5E/TyLG-GIdFuI/AAAAAAAAAf0/hyu9PLek51Q/s320/SushiGo.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SushiGo - Shrimp Tempura, Classic Californian and Tomato Rolls</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Last night I made some progress in my SSP and cutting my fabric (sorry no pics yet). I think I have 5 fabrics left to cut out, so that means I should be ready to piece starting on the weekend! YAY! I won't get anything done tonight, but that is OK. It is Robbie Burns night (I know his Bday is really the 25th, but whatev!) for us and a bunch of friends. We do this every year, though this year it is on Friday, so it makes it a lot more difficult to get there. (They are in Almonte now) so a bit of a drive. So I am looking forward to see the gang and see how they all have been doing since last year.<br />
<br />
This weekend is still kinda in the air as to what is happening. The hubby has a Yumi course on Sunday, and unless my sister S. is going to be in Montreal then I won't bother going. I have lots of sewing to do and eventually get all of my stuff out of the room so I can paint and renovate! Then I have to think about some new garb, I really need something new as I am a bit bored with what I have. Maybe some linen kirtles for Pennsic and a coat or something...<br />
<br />
Ok I admit it! I have been coveting Sarah's <a href="http://www.modehistorique.com/blog/?p=690">Transitional Era Wrap Gown</a> at Mode Historique! I LOVE all her work and would LOVE to meet her and hopefully Geek out together...but I would be so intimidated since she has done so much great stuff! I have been trying to decide if I want to concentrate on a particular era for my SCA clothing. I love Tudor and Elizabethan, but I play in so many different sandboxes that it is hard for me to decide. Maybe this is part of the process...when I am ready to concentrate on one specific time frame and work towards making my skills perfect I will have found a time frame I really want to do. I have to say that I also really like Catherin's grab too! She has a massive loom and does amazing textile work! Maybe sometime soon I will make it out to her A&S day. (her blog is <a href="http://blog.catheron.net/">A Day In The Life</a>) Oh so much going on in my SCA brain! LOL<br />
<br />
We have the Saint Valentines Day Massacre in Barrie coming up in February, so I want to maybe have something new, but we shall see depending on my schedule.<br />
<br />
Well wish me luck as always!<br />
~E<br />
<br />
PS. Yup no signature yet...I have to work on that! What would you like to see? Erin or Emelote or just a cool stylized E? Leave me a comment about it!Erin T./Emelote of Calaishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08631555486897900954noreply@blogger.com0Ottawa, ON, Canada45.4215296 -75.697193145.0649016 -76.328907100000009 45.7781576 -75.0654791tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1094382467351433830.post-83116484274490233312012-01-25T20:47:00.001-05:002016-04-15T12:56:28.018-04:00WIP Wednesday: Some Progress...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GFAxykliGMM/TxeKrRAubJI/AAAAAAAAAe4/FKirEykyLuk/s1600/wipwednesdaybutton.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GFAxykliGMM/TxeKrRAubJI/AAAAAAAAAe4/FKirEykyLuk/s1600/wipwednesdaybutton.gif" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Hello! Well this is my Wednesday post for this week and it has not progressed as I would have liked. Well let's be honest, my wish and actions were 2 different things! LOL...though I have to say this is sure making me more accountable...lets see how I do! There is so much going on that is secret, that it is killing me not to say anything, but I will be able to say something in a couple of months anyway!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So the list is like this...</span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In Progress:</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Super Secret Project - Lucky me I did some work on it...I was able to cut out 3 of my 12 fabrics, boy it sure it taking longer than I realized...lots of little pieces! Here are some pics!</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JB7utzR9NmM/TyCuoedJ58I/AAAAAAAAAfU/bC8qqCfeFlg/s1600/SSP+-+Fabric+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JB7utzR9NmM/TyCuoedJ58I/AAAAAAAAAfU/bC8qqCfeFlg/s320/SSP+-+Fabric+1.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Fabric 1</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2iDOFh4Xo1c/TyCuy9orLdI/AAAAAAAAAfc/4c5jLZFoqvU/s1600/SSP+Fabric+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2iDOFh4Xo1c/TyCuy9orLdI/AAAAAAAAAfc/4c5jLZFoqvU/s320/SSP+Fabric+2.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Fabric 2</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zkU6108S2wQ/TyCu9vlvv4I/AAAAAAAAAfk/kKMKQ_xKAKg/s1600/SSP+Fabric+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zkU6108S2wQ/TyCu9vlvv4I/AAAAAAAAAfk/kKMKQ_xKAKg/s320/SSP+Fabric+3.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Fabric 3</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 18px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Sew Modern Bee Blocks (2) - still working on that but it has to be out by the 31st the absolute latest.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><strike>Bee Creative Block (1) </strike> no longer in the bee (had to drop out because too much on the plate)</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">March Quilt for Sew Modern Bee - still thinking on this one, but I would like to do Orange and Grey, but what pattern...hummm still to be decided. Better get cracking as this will need to be mailed out in Feb!</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Avelyn's Gown fix - well at least I picked up the gown...maybe this weekend?</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><b>No Progress:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Tokyo Subway Map Top (Finish 5 blocks and piece together)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Saxon Gown</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Leather Shoes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Bobbin Lace</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><b>This week's Stats:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Completed Projects - 0</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">New Projects - 0</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Currently in Progress - 9</span><br />
<br />Erin T./Emelote of Calaishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08631555486897900954noreply@blogger.com0