Knitting Party in Denver

My time in Denver last month was not without its knitting focus. After all, what would a vacation be if I wasn't Googling "yarn stores, Denver" for addresses and yarn store reviews. Of course, we went to Michael's where I got Tiana her first set of knitting needles (that Niki has claimed as her own, I'm afraid!) and other supplies, but we also went to Knitting Habitat, a very nice yarn store. The woman there let us hold up yarn to Max's face to find a color that worked (purple works so much better than pink for her!). Also, Tiana got to play with a little dog there. Anyway, here we are outside the store.


We had a "girls" BBQ and knitting party one night at Niki and Walter's place. Here are Tiana and Abbey (her cousin) out in the back yard.


Beautiful tofu/veggie kabobs. Ann said, "This is what happens when girls grill."

Here's Ann, Erica (Niki's sister-in-law/mother to Abbey), and Niki knitting away. I had a great time teaching them. Erica did fine, despite the cocktails. And Niki was such a fast learner! I hope she'll keep trying to do some easy projects and not get frustrated with herself. (Niki--remember that it's supposed to be relaxing, and the results aren't always the important thing!)

Tiana and I lounged in the hammock outside.
Here's me, Abbey, Erica, and Tiana. Notice the knitting needles. And, yes Dad, that is a skull on my shirt, but it's for The Venture Bros. Go Team Venture!

A Meal Revealed

This post is so long in coming (middle of May, anyone?), that it would seem the memory of this food would already be gone. But this meal I had in Tokyo was so amazing that I can still taste it. The place was called Bon, and it was a traditional Buddhist vegetarian restaurant complete with my own screened room and tatami mats. Yea!

Just look at how perfect everything is.
On the left, one lone lotus root wheel. I love lotus root!
This soup was thick and full of lotus root, savory broth, mushrooms, and other great stuff. I could have had a meal of just this.
Mmm--more mushrooms, asparagus, a grain type of thing, all covered in a delicious pea sauce.
Something that wasn't on the menu--soba noodles, tofu skins, and a sort of savory jelly something. Very tasty.
Look at this beautiful green dish. Ah! And the tofu was just right.

Best tempura ever. That leaf thing on top was so delicate yet crisp.
Final course--rice (of course), green tea, assorted pickles, and miso soup with tofu. No meal is complete without some rice.
Finally, some fresh fruit. A perfect ending to a near perfect meal.
One satisfied eater.

Check back soon for more updates--things have settled down somewhat.