No. 24 Mashed Cauliflowers and Castle Rock

After visiting the Cherokee Ranch and Castle, I went to the down town Castle Rock. It was my first visit there, and I was so glad that I did. I stopped at a farmers’ market while they were closing, so I could get a chance to check only 1 stand which still had some veggies on the table. I purchased several kinds of veggies and the water melons were the best of all. I got two cauliflowers for one, but, quite frankly, that wasn’t an exciting offer since, well, to think I would have to eat two cauliflowers rather sounded like a pain. But, the store persons told me, “Oh, no, try mashed cauliflower with butter. It would taste like mashed potatoes and it would be good.” That mashed cauliflowers was new to me, so, I tried with butter and ranch dressing powder and milk, and it turned to be very good and a good way to eat a lot of cauliflowers.
Besides the farmers’ market, I had a great fun time at Bennington Mercantile which wasn’t just a feed store but also carries fashionable western clothing and work clothing and the owner and staffs of the store were very nice and friendly. I was so happy that I found used horse shoes for sale at the store since I had wanted one for good luck. Also, the Barn, which was like an antique and unique gifts mall with style, was a wonderful place. I purchased several high quality cotton fabrics. I am sure that women would love to visit the Barn. And, one more treat at a Mexican restaurant, Yolanda’s Tacos. They served all homemade tacos, and they were really good. I had stopped eating meats at any Mexican restaurants for a while because the meats didn’t taste good, but, the Yolanda’s pork and beef were very good. Probably, the Yolanda’s Tacos would be the only reason why I don’t say that I am a vegetarian.

No.23 Cherokee Ranch and Castle Tour

I took a tour at the Cherokee Ranch and Castle in Douglas County, Colorado for the first time. The castle was built with rocks originated to the Douglas County in a Scottish style. From my perspective that I had seen the Hearst Castle and other Victorian mansions in California, the Cherokee Castle had rather a simple interior with mainly beautiful stone works, not too many furniture and decorations, and the spectacular view.
And, it is great to know that the land is protected as a wildlife sanctuary.

No.22 Good Book: Craft Hope by Jade Sims

I found this book, Craft Hope at a public library today. This is a great reference book for someone who is looking for a way to utilize sewing skills to bring a smile to someone in need in the global community. Jade Sims is the founder of Craft Hope, and this book introduces very cute and simple craft projects such as pillowcase dresses, soft cloth dolls, care caps, burp cloths, and etc. and the contact information of the charity groups which would be happy to receive these handmade crafts. I will be happy to make some, too.

No. 21 Handmade Cotton Dishcloths

I have been using Scotch Brite Heavy Duty Scrub Sponges for washing dishes and cleaning bathrooms. They work great. But, I have a concern that probably it would be better for me to start to use more natural materials because I have to throw away them oftentimes.
Long time ago, my dear friend gave me the handmade cotton dishcloth attached above for washing delicate china dishes. Since it is a handmade gift from my friend, I have been using it as like a doily. I have never used any cotton dishcloths, but, I am going to make some to see if they would work fine for regular dish washing.
At Wal-Mart, I have purchased a Peaches & Crème 100% cotton yarn for about $8.00. It was a good buy for 400g/14oz and seems to be proper for making dishcloths as the label indicates Free Dishcloth Patterns on back. I was so ready to try to crochet a dishcloth, but, Oh My, I can’t pull a yarn from a spool to start. Does anybody know how to find the starting yarn from this huge spool?

No. 20 Organizing Ribbons by Yarn Remnant

I love sewing and crafting and re-organizing my sewing room is one of the high priority projects. My friend once told me, “Someone who loves sewing usually has an enough collection of fabrics and etc to open her own fabric store.” Well, I don’t have that many fabrics, but, it is true that I may already have enough sewing materials that I would be able to enjoy sewing and crafting for the rest of my life. But, I still love finding cute and beautiful fabrics, ribbons, buttons and etc. especially vintage items. To me, it always brings me an excitement and fascination. And, it is also wonderful that oftentimes another shopper would come to talk to me in a very friendly manner, “Oh, it’s pretty. What are you making?” It would be just a very quick exchange, but, I always feel so blessed with a quick connection that we share the same love for making something beautiful.

I was so happy when I had found a package of the ribbons attached above at a junk store. I enjoyed opening the package pulling a piece by piece to see what I had gotten. I tied each piece by a ribbon that I had collected from gifts received or a yarn remnant that was too short to make something and stored them in a vintage tin box.
This is a small start to re-organizing my sewing room.

No.19 Handmade Simple Bed Cover

I made this bed cover with a 33” W x 42” L panel and three other fabrics. I was going to try my very first quilting like project but called complete just for a single fabric bed cover without lining. I have cats and they sleep and play on my bed, so, for a frequent washing purpose, this bed cover is more practical than a bed comforter to be used as a bed cover on top.

No 18. Roxborough State Park in Colorado

I had an unexpected great hiking at the Roxborough State Park in Littleton, Colorado. It was so hot under the shinning sun without much shade, but, the trail was nice and flat and it wasn’t too bad for me to walk. I applied Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 100+ on my face and Coppertone Ultraguard Sunscreen Lotion SPF 70+ on my arms and legs and they worked wonderfully that I didn’t get sun burn. After this trail hiking, I have a greater confidence that I have such a strong heat resistant body to enjoy more outdoor activities.
Besides, the view of the huge red rocks formation was breathtaking. The Roxborough State Park doesn’t allow hikers to bring dogs nor bicycling, so it was also nice that I could enjoy the silence while hiking on the trail. The Roxborough State Park had a special spiritual feeling to me. I thanked Gods for giving me eyes to enjoy the beautiful creation and His presence in the absolute silence.
For the next visit, I am hoping that I would be able to see some beautiful wild animals there.