Taking a break from cleaning, ordering clasps.

Last year or the year before, the hook broke off of my cloak clasp. last year we went from summer to winter with no real autumn, so it wasn't a huge deal--I was able to wear my winter coat.

Now, normally I won't buy a product a second time after failure like this, but it was lead-free pewter and I really thought it would hold. I decided that I probably need *two* clasps--two rows. My cloak is heavy wool and lined, so it makes sense that one hook might not hold. I've gone through so many clasps--antique, modern, fabric, cord, chain, hook/eye, brass, pewter, etc. These held through at least two rough years, which is about 18-20 months longer than any other clasp I tried.

This year, autumn has settled in for what seems like a lengthy stay. It's been chilly and rainy, but not frigid. I've been wearing velvets (washable, not silk) and woolens and thick tights. And I've been wanting my cloak. It's a pain in the ass to wear without clasps, as I remembered yesterday, when I had to keep it clutched tightly at my throat. Today, I wore my short fleece capelet, but missed the warmth and swirliness of my beloved cooler weather gear.

So I ordered two sets from Ram's Horn Studio. I ordered the same Celtic dog knotwork as my previous set.

Now . . . I need to figure out a weather-appropriate pointy hat. My current one is nice velvet with feathers--not at all good for rain.

nibble nibble

I've been grazing today, mostly just tossing together stuff from the farmer's market, with occasional forays out to the herb bed to fetch rosemary.

Spaghetti (gluten-free) with cherry tomatoes, chives, and mizuna.
Broiled tomatoes with parmesan and herbs
More broiled tomatoes.
Roasted tomatillo and tomato salsa
Concord grapes

I'm broiling more tomatoes with herbs and cheese.

I might cook up the fresh chickpeas and then toss them with roasted peppers and a balsamic reduction with raisins. Yum.