Tourists!
Our trip back east included a day driving through New Hampshire's White Mountains.
Holly was crazy about that covered bridge.
We hiked to The Flume, at Franconia State Park.
And found another covered bridge at the top of the trail.
This day ended with a lobster dinner at Newick's on the way home.
If you're not tired of fall foliage pilgrimage photos, you can go here for more.
Souvenir!
A trip is nothing without a reminder of how you felt when you were there.
A project bag found at the Peterborough, NH farmer's market...
A skein of yarn, found at Rhinebeck...
A few autumn leaves from the farm, taped to the window at work
Almost as good as actually being there.
Wait for it......oh that's right, you've already been waiting (I'm sure breathlessly).
I went, I saw, I bought, I met. It was overwhelming and crowded and there was SO MUCH to look at. Countless great examples in person of patterns heretofore only seen online. For instance,at the Ravelry meetup on Saturday I saw FOUR February Ladies.
And the YARN! Oh my, that was really something. I had to make myself walk away from the qiviut and the cashmere. I could have spent so much, but honestly, I did not fall under any yarn's spell. Well...I did make a couple small purchases, but one skein is already on the needles, one has already been gifted to the lovely Pamela, and the other is totally practical. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.
But really, the best part about Rhinebeck (as, I'm sure, you've read on countless other blogs) is the people. I was very fortunate to spend most of Saturday with J. and other Canadians. Below, you can see J. and her Jeannie, with Keri (Ultra-cool designer of the aforementioned Jeannie).
J. knows almost everyone. I got to meet lots of people, including Norma, Nipper, and the kilt-wearing David and Dr. Mel, who (it turns out) were staying at our bed and breakfast. And I even ran into people (along with her Boston-based sister) from home. The adventure included gluten-free (YES!) sweet potato tacos at Santa Fe in Tivoli and a rather late arrival at the Ravelry party.
Sunday was devoted to Julie, the Girlie's best friend from home.
We sat and listened to Kay and Ann talk about their new book. I tried to get a non-blurry photo of them.
I really did.
I talked to Lynne Barr, whose book, Knitting New Scarves, I LOVE. And I met Andrea Berman Price, who wrote Knitspeak. I bought a lavendar wand from Susan Borger. I recognized Iris and Cheb, and boldly introduced myself. I bought a lot of presents, so you loved ones can know I thought of you. It was wonderful to walk around looking at sheep, fiber, and yarn, in the company of other yarn lovers.
I leave you with a few highlight photos:
The men of Maple cotton candy.
The awesome Fleece to Shawl competition.
Llama butt.
More photos here.
...Preciptiation!
Last night we had the first rain of autumn. This morning you can still see the dampness on the ground. In this normally very dry place, it's delicious to be lulled to sleep by the music of the raindrops and the wind. Before I went to bed last night, I took the time to savor that experience by soaking in the tub, with all the windows open.
Ahhhhhhhh!
...O-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-m-m-m-m-m-m-m-m-m-m-m
That's it.
...New England!
This is just a glimpse of what's inside Mr. Celia's travel folder. In about ten days we will be traveling to the East Coast to spend ten days in New England. We're flying in to Manchester, New Hampshire and staying with friends whose family has a farm near there. Hiking, jigsaw puzzles, foliage viewing, lobster eating, quainte village visiting, etc. Awesome.
We celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary on October 8, and it was the Mr.'s idea to take this trip. I have to say, it was a perfect choice. He's already researched the golf courses in the area, mostly because there will be two days when I will be otherwise occupied. Yes, my friends, I will be going to RHINEBECK this year. And for those two days Mr. Celia can golf and watch all the football he wants to on TV while I have free reign to meet up, shop, and whatever else I might want to do at the New York Sheep and Wool Festival. We'll stay in Hyde Park and he's agreed to drop me off and pick me up, whereever and whenever I decide to I'm done.
So, tell me. Who else is going to be there?
...Mom
She is pretty amazing. Eighty-one and still really beautiful. She is active, busy, and fun to do things with.
At Mom's knee, I learned to sew, knit, crochet, and cook. I learned about applying myself and stick-to-it-ivness. Mom instilled an appreciation for music and aesthetics in all of her five kids. Not so much by instructing us, more by setting an example. She is quite a lady: calm, soft-spoken, stoic, and, speaking of setting an example, she and my Dad have an enduring 61-year marriage.
Yes, M is for Mom - she of the sparkling hazel eyes.
One classy dame.
...Lovely
I have too many things on the needles that each need too much brain power before I can finish them. And life is much too complicated. I needed a simple, lovely something to knit. You know what I'm talking about. Something for meetings, waiting rooms, and stolen moments that doesn't take much thought but is compelling enough to sustain interest. My inspiration came from Ann Shayne's post last week on Mason Dixon Knitting. Now, this I can do with very little brain drain. I cast on 40 stitches, but otherwise am proceeding according to the pattern. It's knit from Blue Moon Fiber Arts sock yarn. A simple, eloquent, LOVELY knit that lets the yarn do all the talking.
As for this blog, which has become the chore that shall not be named, I'll attempt to jump-start it by catching up with the ABC Along this week. I'll reach that goal if I post for seven days in a row.
Tune in tomorrow for M.
The Girlie gave me this kettle several years ago. I use it every day. Often two or three times. And every time the handle gets hot. I usually use a towel, my sleeve, or a napkin as a potholder, and each time I think, "I ought to make a little felted potholder for the kettle handle."
Yesterday, I finally did.
Perfection!
Just for Me!
You may recall this package which remained unopened until a certain something was finished.
It's from Knit Kimber Knit, my ISE6 spoiler.
A bag.
What's inside?
Closer view.
A perfect fit!
A new friend....
...who likes to sit on the windowsill with "Barb."
And, finally, some yarn to knit. OMG it's almost the same color as the scarf I just sent off!
I love the colors! Now what shall I make?
