DIANE'S CORNER ... Celebrate Hugging Day

There’s nothing more reassuring than a comforting cuddle; Hugging Day encourages you to embrace (see what we did there?) hugging, and to give those you care about a comforting squeeze. Lovely!

Image result for hugging gif

Word of the Day

journeyman

Definition:

(noun) A skilled worker who practices some trade or handicraft.

Synonyms:

artisan, artificer, craftsman

Usage:

He was a good ten years younger than I was; and, being only a journeyman, his worldly station was below mine.

Idiom of the Day

honest to Pete

— Honestly; truly; genuinely. An expression used to emphasize the veracity of one's statement, "Pete" here is a substitution of the word "God," so as to avoid potential blasphemy.

History

Feast of Our Lady of Altagracia (Dominican Republic)

A cloth painting of the Virgin Mary is the focus of a yearly celebration in the Dominican Republic. It was painted by a Spanish artist and brought to the island nation in the early 1500s. The portrait, crowned by a gold and silver tiara by Pope John Paul II in 1978, is located in a basilica in the city of Higuey, in the Altagracia province. Every year on January 21, thousands of pilgrims visit the Higuey cathedral to worship. The feast day is a national holiday; it is marked by all-night church services, singing, dancing, and festivals in many Dominican towns.

Fishing for Clues to Solve Namibia's Fairy Circle Mystery

With its bone-dry grasslands and oppressive heat, the middle of the Namib Desert may seem like a strange place to go fishing.
READ MORE:

Fishing for Clues to Solve Namibia’s Fairy Circle Mystery - NYTimes.com

Image result for 1789 - W.H. Brown's "Power of Sympathy" was published

1789 - W.H. Brown's "Power of Sympathy" was published. It was the first American novel to be published. The novel is also known as the "Triumph of Nature Founded in Truth".

Image result for 1846 - The first issue of the "Daily News," edited by Charles Dickens, was published.

Image result for 1846 - The first issue of the "Daily News," edited by Charles Dickens, was published.

1846 - The first issue of the "Daily News," edited by Charles Dickens, was published.

Image result for 1853 - Dr. Russell L. Hawes patented the envelope folding machine.

Image result for 1853 - Dr. Russell L. Hawes patented the envelope folding machine.

1853 - Dr. Russell L. Hawes patented the envelope folding machine.

Image result for 1911 - The first Monte Carlo car rally was held. Seven days later it was won by Henri Rougier.

Image result for 1911 - The first Monte Carlo car rally was held. Seven days later it was won by Henri Rougier.

1911 - The first Monte Carlo car rally was held. Seven days later it was won by Henri Rougier.

Image result for 1927 - The first opera broadcast over a national radio network was presented in Chicago, IL. The opera was "Faust".

Image result for 1927 - The first opera broadcast over a national radio network was presented in Chicago, IL. The opera was "Faust".

1927 - The first opera broadcast over a national radio network was presented in Chicago, IL. The opera was "Faust".

Image result for 1954 - The Nautilus was launched in Groton, CT. It was the first atomic-powered submarine. U.S. First Lady Mamie Eisenhower broke the traditional bottle of champagne across the bow.

Image result for 1954 - The Nautilus was launched in Groton, CT. It was the first atomic-powered submarine. U.S. First Lady Mamie Eisenhower broke the traditional bottle of champagne across the bow.

1954 - The Nautilus was launched in Groton, CT. It was the first atomic-powered submarine. U.S. First Lady Mamie Eisenhower broke the traditional bottle of champagne across the bow.

Image result for 1957 - Singer Patsy Cline appeared on Arthur Godfrey's nighttime TV show. She performed "Walking After Midnight."

Image result for 1957 - Singer Patsy Cline appeared on Arthur Godfrey's nighttime TV show. She performed "Walking After Midnight."

1957 - Singer Patsy Cline appeared on Arthur Godfrey's nighttime TV show. She performed "Walking After Midnight."

Image result for 1982 - B.B. King donated his entire record collection to the University of Mississippi Center for the Study of Southern Culture. The collection included about 20,000 rare blues records.

Image result for 1982 - B.B. King donated his entire record collection to the University of Mississippi Center for the Study of Southern Culture. The collection included about 20,000 rare blues records.

1982 - B.B. King donated his entire record collection to the University of Mississippi's Center for the Study of Southern Culture. The collection included about 20,000 rare blues records.

Image result for 1987 - Aretha Franklin was inducted into the Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame. She was the first woman to be inducted.

Image result for 1987 - Aretha Franklin was inducted into the Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame. She was the first woman to be inducted.

1987 - Aretha Franklin was inducted into the Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame. She was the first woman to be inducted.

Image result for "The General History of Virginia, New England and the Summer Isles" was published in 1632.

Image result for "The General History of Virginia, New England and the Summer Isles" was published in 1632.

2002 - In London, a 17th century book by Capt. John Smith, founder of the English settlement at Jamestown, was sold at auction for $48,800. "The General History of Virginia, New England and the Summer Isles" was published in 1632.

DAILY SQU-EEK

If You Were Born Today, January 21

You are an exceptionally fair person, and others appreciate you for this trait. They know they can count on you to be objective and reasonable. You are charming, talented, and a little moody. Money and security are important to you, and you do appreciate all that is associated with the "good life", but you are never one to ruthlessly pursue these things if it hurts other people. Inventive and original, you are frequently dreaming up new and creative ideas, most of which can be quite profitable. Famous people born today: Geena Davis, Christian Dior, Benny Hill, Paul Scofield, Telly Savalas, Ethan Allen, Stonewall Jackson, Placido Domingo.

Image result for wishing you happy birthday gif

READERS INFO
1.

Meg Swansen's Knitting Camp Retreats 2017

The online application for Camp 2017 will be placed (thru link) on February 1 through February 8, 2017.

2017 will mark 44 years of Knitting Camp

Knitting Camp came into being when Elizabeth Zimmermann began teaching a weekend knitting course at an extension of the University of Wisconsin. Elizabeth passed the torch to her daughter, designer and internationally renowned knitting teacher Meg Swansen.

Week 1/Camp Retreat 1 ... July 6-July 10

Week 2/Camp Retreat 2.75 ... July 13th-17th

Week 3/Camp Retreat 2 ... July 20th-24th

Week 4/Camp Retreat 3 ... July 27th-31st

2016 Camp Fee as an estimate--includes tuition, lodging, and some meals

Schoolhouse Press - 2017 Camps/Retreats

Weekend Getaway 2017

We've Rented a Mansion and We're Inviting You to Join Us.

Experience your perfect knitting weekend getaway at the Historic Kent Manor Inn, minutes from the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. The Knitting Boutique Retreat will offer a trunk show as well as classes held in space with natural light and beautiful views. Great food, rooms with fireplaces, waterviews, and knitting - spend your weekend with us!

2017 Weekend Getaway - Single

Quiet elegance on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, the Historic Kent Manor Inn sits in a pristine, waterfront location and is perfect for a knitting retreat. The 1820 Historic Kent Manor Inn and Hotel, restored to its original beauty, combines history with contemporary comforts. We'll have a Double Knitting weekend with Bonita.

Dates
Fri - Sun, February 3-5, 2017

http://knittingboutique.com/knitting-events/special-events/retreat.html

The Big Tea Cosy – knit a tea cosy for Breast Cancer Haven

Hold a knitting tea party in aid of Breast Cancer Haven and raise money for a great cause while having fun with family and friends

for more information:

The Haven | Pages | More about The Big Tea Cosy

Pictures of the day

Bassac Abbey is an 11th-century Catholic abbey in Bassac, Charente, in the Ancient Diocese of Saintes style. It was largely reconstructed under Guillaume de Vibrac, Abbot from 1247 to 1286.

ICE JAGUAR

jaguar-hood-ornament-covered-in-ice-cover

Cool close up of a Jaguar hood ornament covered in ice

knit
thanks, Helen

Drop Stitch Cowl pattern by Abi Gregorio

knit

Knitted Slipper Socks pattern by Kim Guzman



				Knitted Slipper Socks pattern by Kim Guzman This pattern is available in a kit. The kit includes two soles with fleece and two basic patterns, one knit and one crochet.

				View on www.ravelry.com	Preview by Yahoo

knit
thanks, Sandy

Hand-Knit Danbury Hooded Sweater Jacket

knit
Dotty Tweed Scarf pattern by Frankie Brown



				Dotty Tweed Scarf pattern by Frankie Brown This scarf is knitted in fabric stitch using three colours, giving a firm material that looks almost woven rather than knitted. Both sides of the stitch pattern l...

				View on www.ravelry.com	Preview by Yahoo

knit - VALENTINE'S DAY

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sweetheart-mittens-2

crochet

thanks, Ellen

Pin Point Crochet Blanket

crochet

Antique Pearls Square



				Antique Pearls Square AUG NOV MAR 20 2000 2001

				View on web.archive.org	Preview by Yahoo

crochet
thanks, Rosa

Cat Beanie (Chococat inspired) pattern by K Guz



				Cat Beanie (Chococat inspired) pattern by K Guz Made this hat for a friend and decided to share the pattern with everyone else who loves Chococat. I love seeing all the finished hats. I also like the modific...

				View on www.ravelry.com	Preview by Yahoo

crochet

Blast Off Crochet Snuggle Sack by Bernat Design Studio



				Blast Off Crochet Snuggle Sack pattern by Bernat Design ... Set phasers to FUN and blast off into crocheter’s paradise with this Rocket Snuggle Sack!

				View on www.ravelry.com	Preview by Yahoo

crochet - VALENTINE'S DAY

Heart Head Warmer Patterns



				2 Free Heart Head Warmer Patterns...In Knit & Crochet! -... These are so easy to make and are perfect for Valentine's day or any other day! A versatile head warmer that will can be made in as little as a couple of hour...

				View on www.creatiknit.com	Preview by Yahoo

RECIPE
thanks, Ida

BASIC PITA

is-that-my-bureka

ingredients:

1 c + 2 tbsp warm water
1 3/4 tsp instant yeast
2 tsp sugar

1 1/2 tbsp olive oil [optional]
1 tsp salt

~ 3 c AP or bread flour, or more as needed

method:

place the yeast, warm water and sugar in a bowl to prove for 5 minutes. after 5 minutes, mix well.

add the salt and olive oil and mix well again.

add the flour and knead for 10 minutes until the dough is elastic, adding flour if it is still very sticky. let sit for 30 minutes in a warm spot. the dough will be slightly tacky so don't go overboard adding too much flour. it will lose some of its stickiness, too, once it rises. you will dredge each side with flour when rolling the pita out so it won't be an issue by then.

after 30 minutes in a warm place like the inside of an oven with the pilot light on, it will have risen some. it does not need to double. if it has shown no movement however, wait longer.

separate into 8 balls. set aside covered on a floured surface. make sure they do not touch each other or they will get stuck together.

preheat your oven [mine is 550 F] to its highest setting and move the rack up to the upper 1/3 of the oven.

prepare your baking sheets with parchment paper or tin foil. you can also bake on top of a baking stone.

flour your board, take one ball of dough and flour both sides of the dough. roll each ball out to about 1/4 inch or 1/8 inch for a thinner one. they will be about 6 to 7 inches wide once rolled out or larger if you roll them very thinly.

transfer to your baking sheet and cover well. repeat with all pitas and let prove for 20 minutes.

place the pita in the oven and bake for 4 minutes. quickly flip them over and bake for another 3 minutes. they should lightly color. if they don't all fully puff up, don't worry. it takes practice. they will still taste great.

remove them and let them cool for a minute or two. with a spatula, depress them to flatten each pita and then either wrap stacked in a tea towel or place in ziplocs. they will soften further as they steam and cool down.