A Is For.....

Avocado! This is my "A" for the ABC-along 2008 from knitorious.
We have an old avocado tree in the corner of the backyard that was lush and full of fruit when we moved into the house in 2004. It is a shady respite on a hot day, and is home to parrots,woodpeckers, and the greenest lizards I have ever seen. Then, we had Wilma come through in 2005, and our stately old Avocado tree held on, but was reduced to this:


I think of all the damage to our property, this was the saddest. After much debate, we decided to see what the tree would do, instead of our initial reaction to remove it. I'm happy to say the old tree has filled himself out again, and this year was the best year by far for guacamole!! Here he is today:

Moving Right Aong With No Knitting Content

I am making some progress with my Morning Surf Scarf, really, I swear!!! Pictures will follow soon!!

Aside from knitting, two things I wanted to get back to in 2008 is my photography, and to improve my baking skills. For 2008, my plan is to get back to doing a Picture a Week, which I did faithfully in 2005 and 2006, but fell off the wagon in 2007. You can see them here, in my SmugMug Galleries. I will probably post the weekly picture in the blog on Fridays. It is a good way to hone skills, and try out new things. Initially when I started, it was with a group of photographers that would critique each other's work, which was invaluable. That ended, unfortunately, and I wish I could find something comparable online. I'd like to do more architectural photography this year, and more nighttime shots.

My other skill I want to improve is baking. I've been a bread baker for years, and am OK at cakes, pies, etc.. I'd like to get better consistency with baking, so I am going to try a Baked Goodie of the Week. Today we have Thin and Crispy Oatmeal Cookies from Cooks Illustrated, February 2008.

I have to say, these came out looking like the photo, that doesn't happen to me very often! And they lived up to their promise of being crisp on the outside and chewy on the inside. I just thought they were a little mild in flavor, I think I missed the raisins. I'd make them again, but with a modification or 2. I'd try them with raisins, or maybe a little sugar sprinkled on top. Overall, a good start to the new year!