Crochet hat with brim

My employer provides a wonderful perk. A 45 passenger bus picks me up in my neighborhood and takes me to work. This allows me time to knit or crochet, read, ponder the meaning of life. One of my fellow riders admired a hat I was recreating for a friend's daughter. She asked me to write down the patterns so she could make one for her twin sister. This is for you, Cindy!

Crochet hat with brim

Ch 3
10 hdc in 1st chain, join with sl st in 1st hdc (11 sts)
2 hdc in each hdc around, join with sl st in 1st hdc(22 sts)
2 dc in each hdc around, join with sl st in 1st hdc (44 sts)
dc in each dc around, join with sl st in 1st dc (44 sts)
ch2 in 1st dc, 2dc in next dc*1dc, 2dc* repeat *to* around, join with sl st in ch 2 (66 sts)
ch 2 dc in 1st dc, sk 2sts *3dc in next st, sk2* repeat *to* around, join with sl st in ch 2 (22 3dc clusters)
sl st to 1st space between 3dc clusters, *3dc cluster, ch1* repeat * to* around, join with sl st in 1st dc. Repeat for 5 more rounds.
ch 1, sc in each dc around, join with sl st in ch 1.
ch 1, sc in each sc around, join with sl st in ch 1. Repeat for 4 more rounds.
This decorative row is optional: ch 1, draw up yarn in next stitch as to sc, leave both sts on hook. Draw up yarn 4 more times, total of 6 loops on hook. Go up to 1st sc row, count over 3 sts, pull up loop around bar of sc, draw yarn through loops 2 at a time until one remains. *Sc in next 2 sc, draw up yarn in next stitch as to sc, leave both sts on hook. Draw up yarn 4 more times, total of 6 loops on hook. Go up to 1st sc row, count back 3 sts, pull up loop around bar of sc, draw yarn through loops 2 at a time until one remains. Sc in next 2 sc.* Draw up yarn 4 more times, total of 6 loops on hook. Go up to 1st sc row, count over 6 sts, pull up loop around bar of sc, draw yarn through loops 2 at a time until one remains. Repeat from * to * around the row. 11 Xs made.
ch1, sc in next 32 sc, turn.
ch1, sl st in next sc, sc in next 31 sts, turn.
repeat the pattern, decreasing one st at each end until 13 sts remain.
sc around hat, picking up sts along sides of brim. Cut yarn, pull through remaining loop, weave in end of yarn.

Good Gravy!

My son was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes two years ago. This has forced me to write down some of our favorite dishes for ease of carb counting.

Sausage Gravy

2 lbs. ground sausage
1/2 to 3/4 cup flour (depending on how thick you like it)
12 oz can condensed milk
3 1/2 cups milk
salt and pepper to taste

Brown sausage, drain all but about 2 tablespoons of fat. Cut flour into sausage until no longer visible. Add remaining ingredients. Cook until thick and bubbly. More milk can be added if it is too thick.

Banana Nut Cookies

The bananas I bought for my lunch didn't make it to the end of the work week. They seemed to go from green to over ripe without pausing at a perfectly edible state. With only 2 bananas left, not even close to the amount I would need for bread, I was inspired to adapt a cookie recipe.

Banana Nut Cookies

3/4 cup butter (softened)
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup sugar
1 egg
1/4 cup milk or buttermilk
3/4 cup quick oats
1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon nutmeg
2 very ripe bananas (mashed)
3/4 cup walnuts or pecans (coarsely chopped)

Preheat oven to 350.

Cream butter with sugars, add egg and milk, mix until smooth. Add remaining ingredients, stir until well blended.

Refrigerated dough for 15 minutes.

Grease cookie sheet, drop by tablespoon about 2 inches apart. Bake for about 10 minutes, cool on rack.