But, I did use my time last night to start working toward my April sewing project.

I was unable to track down a publication date for  McCalls 6112. Based on the skirt length and overall modesty, I'm guessing early sixties. I'm sewing the sleeveless, pocket-less version using white/navy floral print linen, and I'm lining in navy.
I cut last night. There are only five primary pattern pieces, but the construction seems like it could get a little complicated. The bloused bodice is a design element that's sewn into the dress. It's going to require a little patience. But, after last month's strides in sewing success, I'm feeling confident.
 
I do need to re-start progress on my April sweater; Friday is judgment day. Decisions must be made. Necessary actions must be taken.

At all. Perhaps, I needed a weekend to recover from the dizzying effects of my latest project. Because, seriously, I didn't even think about picking up my needles. 

Even when we regained 5 hours on Saturday, after finding out that our regularly scheduled agenda had been ruined by rain, my mind didn't deviate toward the possibility.  

And, when Mike and I got bored (after approximately 1hour  of being awake without direction), we decided painting the living room was as good a plan for the day as any. 

While spontaneous living room painting probably isn't most people's first-choice substitute activity, we couldn't wait to get started! Our walls really needed a make-over.

Our unit is a partial rehab, which means our walls, partially, are plaster. And, over time, some nasty cracks have spidered down and around the room. 

Mike pointed out and was impressed by the predictability of the crack patterns given the considerations of stress and torque on the room. I pursed my lips and nodded in agreeance.

We're pretty pleased with ourselves and the finished product. I have deemed myself most-accurate-and-awesome-paint-taper-to-have-ever-lived; I'm pretty sure the title had yet to be claimed. We got most of the room re-established yesterday and will probably finishing moving stuff around tonight. Then, maybe I'll be ready to knit again.  

After the fun and success I had last month working with Dream in Color Baby, I've decided to push a similar angle in April. However, no stockinette.  And, no size 4u.s. needles.

The dismal coloration in these snapshots is deceiving; the yarn is teal, and purple, and peacock like. And, my hands resemble those of Smurfette after multi-hour sessions of handling.

It's possible I bit off more than I can chew... This is definitely not transit friendly knitting, which means I lose about 10hrs worth of progress weekly. I'm going to play it out for another week to see how things materialize.  

Why decide between breakfast and lunch when you can have both? 

Michelle and Mike's Breakfast Nachos:

El Milagro Restaurant Style Chips
1/4 c. Salpica Black Bean Dip
1/4c. Frontera Tomatillo Salsa
4 Eggs
a splash of Half/Half
1T butter
1oz Kerrygold Aged Irish Cheddar

1 Morning Star Black Bean burger
Green Pepper
Diced Tomato
Dollop of Sour Cream

Sauté diced green pepped in a large frying pan until it is tender. Whip together eggs and half/half in a small bowl. Add the eggs to the frying pan, turning until fully cooked. Add cheddar, black bean dip, salsa and black bean burger. Use spatula to chop black bean burger. Mix contents of the frying pan until the mixture is heated through. 

Plate chips and top with egg mixture, diced tomatoes and a dollop of sour cream. ENJOY! 

I'm mostly sure the reason Chicagoans suffer through nine months of winter annually is because summers in the city are AMAZING.

As if the opening of baseball wasn't indication enough that summer was nearly here, today I found the Downtown Sound New Music Monday lineup!!! 

Over the past two years, Downtown Sound Series has has become my favorite weekly summer activity. I think I've missed three, maybe four. Total. This year, the lineup is absolutely outstanding!!! See for yourself: 

Monday, May 23
Bonnie Prince Billy featuring the Cairo Gang + Special Guest

Monday, May 30
Justin Townes Earle + Andre Williams and the Goldstars

Monday, June 6
Iron and Wine + The Head and the Heart

Monday June 13
Campbell Brothers

Monday, June 20
Kings Go Forth + Ben L’Oncle Soul

Monday, June 27
Low + Special Guest

Monday, July 4
Seefeel + Cave

Monday, July 11
Delicate Steve + Bombino

Monday, July 18
Blonde Redhead + Special Guest

Monday, May 30
Justin Townes Earle + Andre Williams and the Goldstars

Monday, June 13
Campbell Brothers

Monday, June 27
Low + Special Guest

Monday, July 11
Delicate Steve + Bombino

Monday, July 25
Ted Leo and the Pharmacists + Rachel Ries

I'll be there! Picnicing. Knitting. I'll save you a seat!