Re-entry into our home life and the real world has been tough with going straight to Christmas preparations, and the jet lag, and our anniversary. However, I started Madelyn's birthday sweater while I was still in Saudi Arabia, and though I am not finished (and her birthday was this past weekend), I have divided the body from the sleeves, and it is coming along well. Also, I don't think she will remember that her first birthday present was given late.

Let me tell you about my sweet husband. He wore socks from my mending bag, that need darning, while I was gone, simply because I had made them for him, and he missed me. So, yes, I will be darning those socks ASAP.

Speaking of my return, here are some of my pictures from while I was there. The trip was so much fun, but was really important for facilitating my re-connection with family members I hadn't seen in years, some decades, making new friends (with my brothers' wives, for instance), and spending time with my cousins. It was such an amazing experience, and I will be sharing more photos over the next month as I get permission from family members to do so. (Also, the preservation and renovation of Al-Balad, the Old City of Jeddah, is my youngest brother's work project).

There was not much reading done while I was gone, but on my return I did finish two books, both This Is Marketing and Something Beautiful for God. I'm reading some light fiction now, which is fun, but a bit too politically didactic, as I find so much modern fiction. Authors: Trust your readers to get your point through your story instead of lecturing. PLEASE.

Labels: Books, Design, Family, Homemaking, Knitting, WIP, Yarn Along

// posted by Ranee @ Arabian Knits @ 11:55 PM 2 comments

Christ is Born! Glorify Him!

We are still joyously celebrating the Nativity Feast! I hope you are, too. Christmas is far from over and has, in fact, just begun. The feast begins on Christmas Eve and goes through the Feast of the Theophany/Epiphany, and the season goes through the Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord and Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Because I am just returned from overseas, we are making things a little simpler this year than we normally do, though still very celebratory.

We are also celebrating our 29th wedding anniversary this year! This is the end of our 29th year, and we begin the New Year with the first day of our 30th year of marriage. I am so blessed to be married to my best friend and the beloved of my heart. We are having a New Year's Eve dance for our celebration this year.

Next week, we will be celebrating Old Calendar Christmas with Dominic, Shawn, and Winnie, along with Shawn's parents and brothers, and we are so excited to see all of them. Christmas movies are being watched, Christmas music is being played, and we will have wonderful meals and treats to share with them, as well as the gifts to exchange. May you enjoy and be blessed in the Feast of the Nativity and the joy of the New Year.

• Sunday - Fourth Day of Christmas and Memorial of Holy Innocents
  Breakfast: Leftovers, Milk, Tea and Coffee
  Dinner: Pizza, Salads, Mandarin Oranges, Chex Mix, Ma'amoul from Egypt, Basbousa from Egypt, Cookies, Ice Cream
• Monday - Feast of Thomas à Becket
  Breakfast: Creamed Eggs, Toast Fingers, Fruit Plate, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Herb Roasted Pork Loin, Roasted Jerusalem Artichokes, Beet Gratin, Leftover Desserts
• Tuesday
  Breakfast: Leftovers, Coffee, Tea and Milk
  Dinner: White Enchiladas, Salsa Rice, Christmas Pineapple with Ice Cream
• Wednesday
  Breakfast: Migas (using leftovers), Leftover Pineapple, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Eggs in Purgatory and Sausage, Bread, Leftover Desserts
• Thursday - Feast of the Circumcision and Holy Name of Our Lord
  Breakfast: Leftovers, Coffee and Eggnog
  Dinner: Pork Chops, Horseradish-Dill Potato Pancakes, Steam Sautéed Carrots with Garlic and Dill, Leftover Desserts
• Friday - Feast of Saint Basil
  Breakfast: Cinnamon Rolls/GF Cinnamon Cake for Jerome, Bacon, Fruit Plate, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Double Decker Grilled Reubens* (GF bread for Jerome), Pickles, Rosewater Almond Tea Cookies, Pistachio and Cardamom Crescents
• Saturday
  Breakfast: Shakshouka, Bread, Mandarin Oranges, Mint and Rose Tea, Coffee
  Dinner: Lebanese Roasted Stuffed Onions, Rice, Mafrouka

Labels: Christmas, Church Year, Faith and Morality, Family, Homemaking, Keeping the Feast, Menu Plans, Nativity, New Year's, Romance and Relationship, Tales from the Kitchen

// posted by Ranee @ Arabian Knits @ 12:28 PM 0 comments

It is the last push of Advent before the feast of the Nativity this week. It has gone by quickly, and we are a little overwhelmed, but it will be glorious, regardless. I'm excited to be returning to my family this week and can't wait to see and hug them all.

The beginning of our salvation approaches. May you have a blessed and joyous Nativity!

• Sunday - Fourth Sunday of Advent and Feast of Saint Thomas the Apostle
  Breakfast: Pancakes with Maple Syrup, Fruit Plate, Milk, Tea and Coffee
  Dinner: Parish Providing Dinner
• Monday
  Breakfast: Oatmeal with Brown Sugar and Cinnamon, Tea with Honey
  Dinner: Mexican Garlic Soup with Oregano and Fresh Lime, Fried Tortilla Strips, Fruit Plate
• Tuesday - Christmas Adam
  Breakfast: Potato Breakfast Hash, Toast, Fruit Plate, Tea with Honey
  Dinner: Mejeddarah, Crisp Onions, Fruit Plate
• Wednesday - Christmas Eve
  Breakfast: Ful, Sah'awiq, Toast, Fruit Plate, Tea and Coffee
  Dinner: Fish Burgers, Pickles, Fruit (and treats and snacks to break the Advent fast after church)
• Thursday - Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord
  Breakfast: Christmas Bread and Butter, Sausages, Cheese Omelets, Hot Chocolate and Coffee
  Dinner: Garlic Rib Roast with Red Wine Pan Sauce, Cranberry Horseradish Relish, Boursin Stuffed Potatoes, Bread/Sides/Salads brought by Parish Family, Triple Chocolate Cheesecake with Candy Cane Ice Cream
• Friday - Feast of Saint Stephen
  Breakfast: Leftovers, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Chinese Take Out, Brown Sugar Shortbread (regular and gluten-free), Peppermint Meltaways
• Saturday - Feast of Saint John the Evangelist
  Breakfast: Ricotta Fritters with Maple Syrup (GF for Jerome), Bacon, Sliced Apples, Applesauce for Jerome,Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Double Decker Grilled Reubens (GF bread for Jerome), Pickles, Rosewater Almond Tea Cookies, Pistachio and Cardamom Crescents

Christ is Born! Glorify Him!

Labels: Advent, Christmas, Church Year, Faith and Morality, Family, Homemaking, Keeping the Feast, Menu Plans, Nativity, Prayer Requests, Tales from the Kitchen

// posted by Ranee @ Arabian Knits @ 9:41 AM 0 comments

While in Egypt, we divided our time between Alexandria and Cairo. We started in Alexandria, went to Cairo see the pyramids and the Sphinx, the churches, the old city, and Saladdin's citadel, and then returned to Alexandria. So I got to spend some time near and on the Mediterranean.

Rich made me promise to touch the water and get some photos of that, which we did. We rented a table and chairs for the beach, and sat there watching the sea, while they served us tea and we ate a little picnic lunch, and I worked on my socks. they are actually finished now, and I will get to wear them on my way home.

I actually have another finished project, as I finally blocked the prettiest wilderness shawl

Linking to Unraveled Wednesday

If you would like to receive updates and early notice of new patterns, beta knitting opportunities, and great discounts (plus pictures of new yarns, new tools, fun places, neat hints, book ideas, recipes and more) each month, please subscribe to 1,001 Knits. My best, and sometimes my only, discounts go to my subscribers.

Labels: Books, Design, Family, Homemaking, Knitting, WIP, Yarn Along

// posted by Ranee @ Arabian Knits @ 2:52 PM 0 comments

Rejoice! And again, I say, rejoice! This is our little break in the darkness as we prepare for the Light to enter the world. This is a reminder that our fasting and preparation are in joyful expectation of the Lord who has come, and who is coming. He will redeem the earth and resurrect the faithful to life. This is not a fast of strict penitence, but of self examination and preparation to meet our Savior with joy. We are still in the Advent anticipation, and still busy with fasting, praying and almsgiving, but are also taking time to remember the happiness that awaits us in His Incarnation and return in glory. Life got in the way of our getting our tree and putting it up with lights for Gaudete Sunday, but we are going with Alexander and Autumn and Amelia to get trees for both our houses together. We will do the normal Christmas Eve decorating of the tree with the older kids next week.

Christ is coming and come again. May your fast be fruitful, so you may welcome the Christ Child in your heart and home, and prepare for His coming in glory!

• Sunday - Third Sunday of Advent - Gaudete Sunday
  Breakfast: Pancakes with Maple Syrup, Fruit Plate, Milk, Tea and Coffee
  Dinner: Parish Providing Dinner
• Monday
  Breakfast: Scrambled Eggs with Cheese, Toast, Fruit Plate, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Potato and Vegetable Hash, Green Salad, Rolls, Fruit Plate
• Tuesday
  Breakfast: Scrambled Chickpeas, Toast, Fruit Plate, Tea with Honey
  Dinner: Tomato and Olive Pasta (GF for Jerome), Fruit Plate
• Wednesday
  Breakfast: Oatmeal with Dried Fruit and Brown Sugar, Tea and Honey
  Dinner: Curried Red Lentil Soup, Tamis (using safflower oil) (GF Pocket Bread for Jerome), Fruit Plate
• Thursday
  Breakfast: Apple Coconut Breakfast Bowls with Peanut Butter Drizzle, Tea with Honey
  Dinner: Vegetarian Ranchero Beans, Salsa Rice, Fruit Plate
• Friday
  Breakfast: Potato Hash Burritos with Salsa, Fruit Plate, Tea with Honey
  Dinner: Potato and Chickpea Curry, Jasmine Rice, Fruit Plate
• Saturday
  Breakfast: Fluffy Gluten-Free and Vegan Peanut Butter Pancakes with Jam, Fruit Plate, Tea and Coffee
  Dinner: Florida Style Black Beans, Rice, Fruit Plate

Labels: Advent, Church Year, Family, Homemaking, Menu Plans, Prayer Requests, Tales from the Kitchen

// posted by Ranee @ Arabian Knits @ 9:41 AM 0 comments

I have finished Prettyish Wilderness and am blocking it now. We left Jeddah and went to Alexandria, and have made it to Cairo and I've has my first view of the pyramids! We are going to explore them tomorrow.

Today, I started the little wristers you see there. I'm just not sure if I will continue. Perhaps I am the only person who does not enjoy working with Kid Silk Haze What do you think?

Linking to Unraveled Wednesday

If you would like to receive updates and early notice of new patterns, beta knitting opportunities, and great discounts (plus pictures of new yarns, new tools, fun places, neat hints, book ideas, recipes and more) each month, please subscribe to 1,001 Knits. My best, and sometimes my only, discounts go to my subscribers.

Labels: Books, Design, Family, Homemaking, Knitting, WIP, Yarn Along

// posted by Ranee @ Arabian Knits @ 2:50 AM 0 comments

I know the picture says peace. We don't know why. Peace is the last Sunday.

We are in the second week of Advent and this week has a few major feasts. It is still during the lighter part of the fast, however.

Rich and the kids are doing their bit, and I am missing them. We are trying to do our Advent wreath and prayers via Facetime. Blessed fast!

• Sunday - Second Sunday of Advent and Feast of Saint Ambrose of Milan
  Breakfast: Pancakes with Apple and Maple Syrup, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Parish Providing Dinner
• Monday - Feast of the Conception of the Blessed Virgin, Theotokos
  Breakfast: Cereal and Milk, Fruit, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Tuna Salad Sandwiches (on Lettuce for Jerome), Fruit Plate
• Tuesday
  Breakfast: Scrambled Eggs with Cheese, Toast, Fruit Plate, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Poblano Chile Relleno Casserole, Salsa Rice, Fruit Plate
• Wednesday
  Breakfast: Oatmeal with Dried Fruit and Brown Sugar, Tea and Honey
  Dinner: Potato Corn Chowder, Bread/Oyster Crackers, Fruit Plate
• Thursday
  Breakfast: Fried Eggs, Toast, Fruit Plate, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Mexican Street Corn Nachos, Salsa Rice, Fruit Plate
• Friday - Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
  Breakfast: Potato Hash Burritos with Salsa, Fruit Plate, Tea with Honey
  Dinner: Spanish Poor Man's Potatoes, Spanish Farmer's Rice, Fruit Plate
• Saturday - Feast of Saint Lucy
  Breakfast: Harvest Pancakes, Fried Eggs, Fruit Plate, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Spinach Egg Puff, Bread, Salad, Fruit Plate

Labels: Advent, Church Year, Family, Homemaking, Menu Plans, Prayer Requests, Tales from the Kitchen

// posted by Ranee @ Arabian Knits @ 9:41 AM 0 comments

So, I've changed locations for a little bit. I'm still working on Prettyish Wilderness, but I'm on the picot bind off and have found the right spot for the beads, finally. This will go to my auntie here.

Where is here? Jeddah, Saudi Arabia For the first time in 46 years, I am visiting here again. There are some relatives who haven't seen me since then, some have seen me more recently, and some even further back than that.

This was my first view of the Red Sea!

Linking to Unraveled Wednesday

If you would like to receive updates and early notice of new patterns, beta knitting opportunities, and great discounts (plus pictures of new yarns, new tools, fun places, neat hints, book ideas, recipes and more) each month, please subscribe to 1,001 Knits. My best, and sometimes my only, discounts go to my subscribers.

Labels: Books, Design, Family, Homemaking, Knitting, WIP, Yarn Along

// posted by Ranee @ Arabian Knits @ 2:47 PM 0 comments