And So He is Off Again...

Ethan has felt restless for a while. He was struggling with what to do next. Having finally recovered from everything and finished the training he was working on, he was trying to figure out whether he should get some sort of temporary work until the summer work season started again, or enjoy the spring in anticipation of being busy all summer. Those spells can frustrating and difficult.

This weekend was a turning point. He finished his much anticipated training, passing with flying colors and great test scores. On Saturday night he received a call from his friend, Hog, who helped him get his first job driving heavy equipment. Hog and a few other guys from the crew were working for the western division of the company doing work in Glenwood Canyon and they needed more help. When the supervisor mentioned the need for a good worker, Hog suggested Ethan. A few phone calls later, everything was lined up and Ethan was on his way by 6:00 am on Monday to go back to work. It seems to be making him happy. He even told the supervisor about a few commitments that he still had (such as a graduation ceremony for an important friend) and the supervisor said that he could be excused to attend those things. We are thankful for the support of his friends and another excellent opportunity to work for this company.

Ethan's vehicle needed some repairs, so had him drive Larr's car. Our mechanic called and wanted to share an impressive picture with us. Here's part of the issue:

His engine will be clean, fixed and happy again soon.

The weather, like the emotions around our house lately, have been on a roller coaster ride, too. We had a large storm about a week ago. Then we had a good bit of snow last night, too. A while back Ellie asked for a headband to keep her ears warm when she was not in the mood to wear a hat (like when she wants her hair in a pony tail. ) I whipped up this little dandy for her over the course of two days. I tried to knit quickly so that she would have it in time for the cold morning that greeted us today.


I used the Synnove's headband pattern found over at Ravelry.com . I cast on 98 stitches onto a US4 circular needle and used very nice merino yarns. I Once I was finished with the knitting I stitched it up with the kitchner stitch so that it was thick and two sided. Ellie likes it, but when I asked her if it was itchy she said it was. Perhaps I will knit another one, just one side this time, and line the inside section with fleece. Ellie is thankful for the things I make for her and she does not complain, but I want to get it right. I want it to be comfortable and warm, without annoyance.

We also spent part of the weekend with Uncle Doug, who was in town from Seattle, Don, Mark and Lilia. They invited us over for dinner. Here is a nice, simple and tasty recipe that Lilia shared with me:

Peach Cake
via: Lilia

3 eggs, beaten
1 1/2 cup Sugar (white)
1 cup Vegetable Oil
2 cups Flour
1 tea. Salt
1 tea Cinnamon, ground
2 cups Peaches, fresh, peeled, pitted & sliced.
1/2 cup Pecans

Preheat the over to 375 degrees (190 degrees C.) Grease and flour a 9" x 13" pan.
In a large bowl, combine all of the ingredients. Mix thoroughly by hand, being careful to not over mix.
Pour into the prepared pan and bake for 50 minutes, or until done.