Buckle up and get ready for the ride!

I’m back…miss me? I think I’m going to do this in a 2 or 3 parts…I don’t want my readers bored!

Well, the trip was great…Baltimore was HOT (the hottest and most humid I’ve ever felt)…and the food was great! So where do I start?! Well I promised yarn shop reviews but I’m also going to add a couple of our restaurant finds too!
I didn’t time my (minor) surgical procedure very well…I had a small, suspicious lesion removed from my lower back—the ride up was difficult because I couldn’t get real comfortable and once we got into Baltimore…we’ll lets just say ALL the construction going on isn’t going into improving the roadways—a couple of times I felt like I was looking at pedestrians feet on the curb at eyelevel! The heat/humidity was unbearable for any length of time but considering what the Midwest and West are dealing with it may have been a little better but still stifling! Not to mention how the sweat felt running down my back and under my bandage....ouch!
Let me back up a moment, we made a stop or two on the way…for comfort, as well as, other reasons!?
My first Yarn Shop Review is Eleganza in Frederick, MD. For those who know me and my love of history this was really special…one (and I have many) of my pet peeves is when a city, town or village levels old buildings to make way for new construction. Well, Historic Frederick and one gentleman (not the shop owner) in particular has saved some valuable historic buildings and created a very interesting downtown area…it’s called “Shab Row”.
This yarn shop is housed in a c. 1843 log cabin along one of the main routes through downtown. The interior is authentic and the owner, Paul(sorry I can't remember his last name--I bad about that), has made great use of the small nooks and crannies, even the upstairs has packed! He carries all ranges from the high-end stuff to what anyone could afford! Classic wools, sock yarns to fancy fluff! Rowan, Debbie Bliss, Maggi Knits…the list goes on and on. You name it I think he had it! The one thing he had (I didn’t buy any but I lusted for them, held them and thought seriously about bringing them home) was the brand new Lantern Moon’s new Destiny circular needles!! OMG!…the wood feels great in your hands—they come in rosewood and ebony, a very smooth join but the best part is…the cable SWIVELS…a very smooth swivel mind you…no noise…no hesitations, so when you are knitting the cable doesn’t twist and contort so that you have to stop to straighten them out! He even had some of the Knit Lites…you can knit in the dark; just think of what you can do in the movie theater now! Oh and about the buildings…there are two other log cabins next door that this gentleman (not the shop owner) moved from another location to save from demolition which house gift shops. So you ask what I bought…








I was trying to be reserved because I know there are some other places to visit! The pin was a must have--it says "Luv 2 Knit! And I’ve always wanted to see a copy of the German knitting magazine “Rebecca” from Muench yarns, this one has some great designs. I wanted yarn…believe me! Especially seeing as how I’ve not bought any since May! It was a personal goal to abstain until this trip!



We ate lunch at a café just down the block…Tauraso's Ristorante which is a remodeled warehouse building all the brick and wood beam architecture saved and exposed. The food was very good but the staff had no personality…their attitude was…well...non-existent. Jack and I both had the crab cake sandwich and let me tell you…it was ALL crab there was no filler used at all! And very good! It's a little pricey for lunch but what the heck we are on vacation!

The second yarn shop on the menu was Keep me in Stitches just about a mile away. It’s located on another main route through town but located where a lot of row houses were mixed with business. Parking out front was available, and of course I had all my duck in a row…I’d already had the smell of fiber and hungry for more! Hubby is very patient and says he will wait in the car for me…I bound out of the car, wallet burning in my purse. I step up to the door…IT’S LOCKED! The sign in the window says OPEN…I check my info again; Tues-Fri 11-7…I look at my watch it’s 1:45…I check the knob again to make sure I wasn’t being a wimp…I peer hungrily through the lace curtains hoping to see someone…the lights are on…I can see the yarn…I try the door knob again…no its locked…I knock on the door…no answer—DARN IT! So, I slump back to the car before I end up a heap on the doorstep, looking quite pitiful…all I can say is, all the while holding back the pain, “their closed!” I assure Jack I checked all the times, their supposed to be open! So I called them from my cell phone…no answer…all I get is the answering machine…DARN IT! DARN IT! DARN IT! (I could say something else here but I AM a lady!—stop laughing). I'll have to try again to give my review...I won't give a bad review this time but if the next time it's closed when it's supposed to be open...?!
So it’s back on the road to Baltimore…from Frederick we are only about an hour away. I have one more shop in Mt. Airy that I want to visit but that’s for the ride back. Stay tuned for Part 2!

I did a lot of knitting and reading along the way…the baby sweater is back! I have most of the body done and getting ready to start the sleeves.
Oh—and I won a contest! Knitnana had a “Guess what it is” contest—I was one of 3 correct guesses...and Entrelac bag! Hey…I never win anything—Thanks Sallee!

SEE--I've been busy!

Here's the spinning I've been doing...remember me saying how I'm stuck on turquoise? This is called Dolphin Dance...and these pictures do it no justice at all! I bought this from Mr. David Simpson at Simspon & Co...you have to see his stuff in person to really appreciate it! This is 80% Merino/20%Silk blend...and its a dream to spin! I don't know yet what it's going to be...

AND...for the knitting...I finished another pair of socks! I was quite surprised by these, I bought Lion Brand Magic Stripes...unaware I was getting a faux fair isle pattern, a dear friend bought some that is just a pretty but not a fair isle design and the labels don't say what kind of pattern you are getting--they should do something about that--or that's why they call them magic?! Since I consider myself a beginner sock knitter I just want to get lots of practice in and cheaper yarns are the way to go! I've decided that this Christmas is going to be a "Sock Project Christmas" which simply means that everyone will get a pair of socks! I've started a pair of "Jaywalkers" (I know...I'm behind the times, seems everyone had made a pair of these except for me!) and I'm getting ready to start some men's socks.
With the heat we've had lately I can't stand to have something heavy (and wool) in my lap...so socks are the way to go!
The baby sweater I've been working on was frogged this weekend...I found a major mistake on my part that required drastic measures be taken! Oh well...the baby's not due to get here until early December anyway...I have plenty of time for mistakes!
We are getting ready to leave for Baltimore this week...and I hope to have some Yarn Shop reviews to post when I get back--hubby already knows we are visiting some! I also plan to go back to A Good Yarn, especially since they are located a few blocks from our hotel! I visited them last year (pre-blog days) and enjoyed this very small, yet quaint shop! And of course I'll be attending an Orioles game...Go O's! This has turned out to be a Birthday tradition for me...anybody familiar with "Boogs BBQ"? Of course, when I go out of town I kinda go on these "eating tours" which means Boogs for dinner on Friday night and I see lots of steamed crabs in my very near future!

Keep On Knittin" (I wish I could find that cartoon figure from the 70's--you know the "Keep On Truckin' guy...I'd have to put knitting needles in his hands!)

Lazy days of Summer!

I'm being lazy...no pictures to post...but lots of knitting & spinning going on! I borrowed this MEME from KnitNana. I thought it would be really cool to see how many I have completed and noted the ones on my "To Do" list! Oh...and there are a couple that I WOULD NEVER DO!

Life Experiences Meme
Bold = experiences I've had----*before # is on the "To Do" list of my life!
1. Bought everyone in the bar a drink
*2. Swam with wild dolphins
3. Climbed a mountain
4. Taken a Ferrari for a test drive
5. Been inside the Great Pyramid
6. Held a tarantula **(over my dead body)
7. Taken a candlelit bath with someone
8. Said 'I love you' and meant it
9. Hugged a tree
10. Bungee jumped
11. Visited Paris
12. Watched a lightning storm at sea
13. Stayed up all night long and saw the sun rise
*14. Seen the Northern Lights
15. Gone to a huge sports game
16. Walked the stairs to the top of the leaning Tower of Pisa
17. Grown and eaten your own vegetables
18. Touched an iceberg
19. Slept under the stars
20. Changed a baby's diaper
21. Taken a trip in a hot air balloon
22. Watched a meteor shower
23. Gotten drunk on champagne
*24. Given more than you can afford to charity
25. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope
26. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment
27. Had a food fight
28. Bet on a winning horse
29. Asked out a stranger
30. Had a snowball fight
31. Screamed as loudly as you possibly can
32. Held a lamb
33. Seen a total eclipse
34. Ridden a roller coaster
35. Hit a home run **(almost)
36. Danced like a fool and not cared who was looking
37. Adopted an accent for an entire day
38. Actually felt happy about your life, even for just a moment
39. Had two hard drives for your computer
*40. Visited all 10 provinces
41. Taken care of someone who was drunk
42. Had amazing friends
43. Danced with a stranger in a foreign country
*44. Watched wild whales
45. Stolen a sign
*46. Backpacked in Europe
47. Taken a road-trip
48. Gone rock climbing
49. Midnight walk on the beach
50. Gone sky diving
**51. Visited Ireland (and Scotland)
52. Been heartbroken longer then you were actually in love
53. In a restaurant, sat at a stranger's table and had a meal with them
54. Visited Japan
55. Milked a cow
56. Alphabetized your cds
57. Pretended to be a superhero
58. Sung karaoke ( I don't want to be thrown out of the bar!)
59. Lounged around in bed all day
60. Posed nude in front of strangers **(no but I have sunbathed in the nude before--no one was watching!)
61. Gone scuba diving
62. Kissed in the rain
63. Played in the mud
64. Played in the rain
65. Gone to a drive-in theater
66. Visited the Great Wall of China
67. Started a business
68. Fallen in love and not had your heart broken
69. Toured ancient sites
70. Taken a martial arts class
71. Played D&D for more than 6 hours straight
72. Gotten married
73. Been in a movie
74. Crashed a party
75. Gotten divorced
76. Gone without food for 5 days
77. Made cookies from scratch
78. Won first prize in a costume contest
*79. Ridden a gondola in Venice
80. Gotten a tattoo
*81. Rafted the Snake River
82. Been on television news programs as an "expert"
83. Got flowers for no reason
84. Performed on stage
85. Been to Las Vegas
86. Recorded music
87. Eaten shark
88. Had a one-night stand
89. Gone to Thailand
90. Bought a house
91. Been in a combat zone
92. Buried one of your parents
*93. Been on a cruise ship
*94. Spoken more than one language fluently
95. Performed in Rocky Horror.
96. Raised children.
97. Followed your favorite band/singer on tour
98. Created and named your own constellation of stars
*99. Taken an exotic bicycle tour in a foreign country
100. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over
*101. Walked the Golden Gate Bridge
102. Sang loudly in the car, and didn't stop when you knew someone was looking
103. Had plastic surgery
104. Survived an illness that you shouldn't have survived
105. Wrote articles for a large publication
106. Lost over 100 pounds
107. Held someone while they were having a flashback
108. Piloted an airplane
109. Petted a stingray
110. Broken someone's heart
111. Helped an animal give birth
112. Won money on a T.V. game show
113. Broken a bone
*114. Gone on an African photo safari
115. Had a body part of yours below the neck pierced
116. Fired a rifle, shotgun, or pistol
117. Eaten mushrooms that were gathered in the wild
118. Ridden a horse
119. Had major surgery
120. Had a snake as a pet
*121. Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon
122. Slept for more than 30 hours over the course of 48 hours
123. Visited more foreign countries than U.S. states
124. Visited all 7 continents
*125. Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days
126. Eaten kangaroo meat
127. Eaten sushi
128. Had your picture in the newspaper
129. Changed someone's mind about something you care deeply about
130. Gone back to school
131. Parasailed
132. Petted a cockroach *(no way)
133. Eaten fried green tomatoes
134. Read The Iliad - and the Odyssey (does half of one count?)
135. Selected one "important" author who you missed in school, and read
136. Killed and prepared an animal for eating (I didn’t kill it but I prepared it)
137. Skipped all your school reunions
138. Communicated with someone without sharing a common spoken language
139. Been elected to public office
140. Written your own computer language
141. Thought to yourself that you're living your dream
142. Had to put someone you love into hospice care
143. Built your own PC from parts
144. Sold your own artwork to someone who didn't know you
145. Had a booth at a street fair
146: Dyed your hair
147: Been a DJ
148: Shaved your head
149: Caused a car accident
150: Saved someone's life


Happy Knittin' & Spinnin' Everyone! OH--HAPPY KNITIVERSARY MARY!

OH BOY--OH BOY--OH BOY!!

I think the mailman is figuring out the Secret Pal thing...he's very fearful of me when my SP lets me know when to start watching for my package! It's like he's delivering to a house where there's a mailman hating pit bull...drop package and RUN!

I have the best Secret Pal ever! Lammi Ewejean and MiniMe couldn't wait, if they could bounce they would have...that's ok...I was bouncing!

And she still teases me...but it is like my Birthday or Christmas...more to open!


Where do I begin? SP...you've out done yourself! She went to Woolfest, as I'm sure you've already read in my previous post this month...now I've got to look at the picture a little closer for my goodies!
It's truly amazing how much she knows about me! I love North Ronaldsay roving...and in fact, I had made sure that Spirit Trail was going to have a good supply for the Fall Festival...AND GUESS WHAT--MY WONDERFUL Secret Pal sent me some! Along with a booklet telling all about the breed, their history and the island! Some great North Ronaldsay horn buttons--which hubby is going to want...but their mine--ALL mine hee-hee-hee!
She's made me a beautiful silk blend scarf from Lana Grossa Gala Print...and it has turquoise in it! A new needlecase which I can use at my Living History events...because hubby took the one I had...SP how did you know?
A beautiful tea cup with my initial on it...SP how did you know I've taken up drinking hot tea??
Some of the MOST delicious Brodies Scottish Berries chocolates...which by the way are probably not going to last through the day--Tonight I'm going to have some with my wine, I have a great Cabrenet that I think will compliment nicely! I thought the Highland Fudge was to die for--I might let hubby taste part of one!
And last but not least...Lammi & MiniMe have a new pal--only this one is functional! A Lantern Moon "measuring ewe"!
She also included the brochure from Woolfest 2006 which has all the links and layout of the festival--guess who wants to go next year! Secret Pal---Can I come live with you?? You are the best--but how do you know me so well? What a way to make a Monday so pleasant!

I must offer my condolences to Mary and her family...my thoughts are with you.

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'

Appliance Saga...part 2!

Okay...I'm going to keep this short because I'm really, really trying to get over all this CRAP!

Remember when I said the delivery company called to say that they would be here between 12-4?! Guess what--at 3:30 I received a call to say that they were running behind and would be here about 6---NOT! Six o'clock came a when--7o'clock came and went...THEY ARRIVED AT 7:45, just as we had finally decided to do something about dinner! Oh--and they are so sorry for the delay! Not only did they arrive so late but during a really bad storm...tracked water all over the place. They had the nerve to complain that the floor was slippery--

Everything is getting back to normal...almost

Remember that 3rd thing? I guess this will be it--On top of the wait I had for the delivery I discovered Mr. Ace is not feeling so well! I paniced when I noticed he was not eating or drinking and had not been to "potty" since the prior day! Cat people out there will know what I'm talking about without me getting so graphic--apparently his glands are needing attention. This is the first time in almost 14 years he has had this type of problem. I call the vet...he's on VACATION--and I can't get him in for a week! I know there are other vets out there but all his record are with this one! Not that he has a lot of health problems...but his world has already been "disturbed" by the stupid refridgerator! Hey...maybe the fridge bit him in the butt?! Oh well...late last night he perked up wanted to play and started "being Ace" he ate a little, drank some water and this morning he did his normal "private" business. AND...during the night he even felt up to a little "pillow" (those who know him will know what this is all about) so I know the situation is not all that dire and can wait till the vet gets back!

On to good news...no it's GREAT NEWS...it looks like the dreaded soon to be daughter-in-law is NO MORE! YAHOO!!!!!!!! I can't begin to tell you what a relief that is...long story--let's just say she could star on Jerry Springer! Enough said!

About knitting--I finished the sleeves for Durrow and almost done with the baby sweater! I need to start planning my knitting for the trip to Baltimore in 2 weeks.

Happy Kitting & Spinning...

It always happens in 3's...or so I'm told!

No knitting pictures but that doesn't mean I haven't been knitting!

Have you ever waited for the THIRD thing to happen? Last Wed. (after our wonderful camping trip), we started our looooonngg-yet short work week with the "I don't wanna go to work" blues with the normal routine of coffee and the morning news, or so I thought! Our little TV in our bedroom just went "POOF"--dead! Nothing we weren't expecting, it was almost 25 years old. So we gave it the proper burial on Monday--sitting next to the trash can waiting for the "truck" to come pick it up! So, we've become accustom to the "new routine" coffee and the morning news in the living room--sitting upright mind you! I think the only one really bothered by this change is Mr. Ace...never, never change a cat's world! He simply can't figure our why we are in the living room!
SO--this past Monday I came home from work and as part of my "wind down" routine I either sit and spin or knit for a while...then I get off my bum and do some (not all of it) housework--YUK! I start hearing this awful grinding...whining sound--so I rule out "the daughter" and the cat snoring (yes, the cat snores...one of these days I'm going to record it), not really sure of where it's coming from I check the fiber room (of course I check it first!), our bedroom and the bathroom...I stand at my daughters' bedroom door contemplating opening it--I'm always afraid that no one will find me if I venture into---"The Swamp" (borrowed from M*A*S*H), there are few things I fear and that IS one of them! Ruling out all of these persons and places...I go to the kitchen--it's louder--it's the REFRIDGERATOR! It sounds horrible! I didn't call hubby at work...I waited util he got home...the look on his face is very grim--he gives me the bad news--"Sorry honey, it's going--I'm not sure how much time it has left"! Do I cry...of course I do...not tears of joy, mournful tears of utter sadness...that means for my birthday I'm getting a refridgerator! I WANTED A NEW SPINNING WHEEL!
We made our trip to Sears on Tuesday...bought a new fridge, which is getting delivered today. When the sales person told us that someone would call at 7am (and we had to be available at that time or we would not get delivery) I made all the appropriate plans to be here when they came---early---to get this over with. I get the call--they say "We'll be there between 12-4 to deliver your new refridgerator". DAMMIT! As I sit here typing the mournful, moaning and groaning continues...not it's not me-- it the fridge! I think I'll just go ahead and pull the plug...I can't stand it any more! Hopefully no sirens will go off alerting authorities to my murderous act--I'm just being compassionate! Not to mention the cat won't go in the kitchen to eat--he thinks the fridge is going to grab him! The terror filled look on his face is very funny--but I moved his food anyway!
Everyone always said things like this happen in three's...so I'm wondering what the 3rd thing is going to be! I HOPE IT'S NOT MY SPINNING WHEEL--but then I would HAVE to get a new one! Sabbotage?! Nah--I love my current spinning wheel too much. It's only 5 months till Christmas--

Happy Knitting and Spinning everyone!

Off Topic (kinda)--But Totally COOL!

Did anyone watch the CBS Sunday Morning broadcast this morning?? If you missed it--YOU REALLY MISSED IT!
The cover story was about a little something called--"Blogging"--anybody heard of it? It seems to be taking over our lives!! I was fully expecting to see Yarn Harlot's site but instead it was all about Blogging Politics--imagine that! Oh well, it was interesting anyway...
Next was the reopening of the Art Museum in DC...also interesting...
BUT THEN CAME THIS PIECE--

Rose--You're totally going to love this one!! Maybe not afford it but LOVE it anyway!

This guy litterally bought a gold mine--As soon as they gave the website (which you'll get in a minute) you couldn't get on it because the "server was too busy" I'm still trying!!
Anybody know who Bill Graham was? The famous concert promoter from the 60's to the 1991 (when he was killed in a helecopter crash)...ANYWAY--This guy, Bill Sagan, bought his warehouse and found millions of pieces of Rock-n-Roll memorabilia! Janis Joplin, Eric Clapton, The Allman Brothers, Jimi Hendrix...shall I continue?? Anyway...I'm still trying to get on the website...Oh...yeah...the website--Wolfgang's Vault--Okay so I shared it with you...now will you let me get on too?

Surprised?!?

Here's a "Quizilla" poll I answered...and for most of you it probably won't surprise you one bit--I knew what the answer was going to be before I started it!



Tomboy
Take this quiz!








I grew up my father's first son...then--four years later my brother came along and I was supposed to wear dresses and have tea parties--NOT! My mother literally had to hog tie me to get me into a dress! I can look back at pictures and there are VERY few of me wearing a dress, not to say it didn't happen--At Church I opted for the skirt and blouse look...but you better believe that when I got home I CHANGED into my jeans! I played with cars (still do--only on a bigger scale), I played sports (still do when the family gets together)...our last "competitive" sport was played a few weekends ago--badminton (I think my step-daughter was truly surprised at how rough it got!), I fished with my grandfather & uncle (still fish, YES, I bait my own hook)...I wish my grandfather was still here! I NEVER played dress up...until about 10 years ago when I started reenacting! I occasionally wear dresses now but I still feel more comfortable in my jeans. So I guess I am in touch with my feminine side.
Check THIS out! If you are a baseball fan THIS IS THE COOLEST! What's (dare I say it and be threatened with a lawsuit) Stitch-n-Bitch (so sue me) going to do about the play on words?
I showed it to Dear Hubby and he thought it was a joke...he said NO ONE can watch a ball game and knit at the same time and if they do they are not really baseball fans?!! What do I do every night while watching baseball?? Is this a challenge? I'm going to a Baltimore game at the end of this month...shall I take my knitting? Dare Me?? Maybe I need to start something in in black & orange!! That could change their streak of bad luck--maybe!?

I mailed my SP her second package--I'm not going to say what was in it until I think it's safe...you know, just in case I've been found out! I think she's going to really love this one--probably more so than the first one!

Happy Knitting!

Secret Pal 8

I've got 2 of the BEST secret pals...I want to do this again but I'm afraid that there will be no better Secret Pals paired up with me than I have this time!
I have my "spoiler's" permission to publish these photos...She recently attended Woolfest which I WANT TO GO TO! There were 8 ladies who camped out for the weekend...








Now...for those who know me and my love for History, this one is very intriguing! This is an interpreter demonstrating a "Muckle" which I told SP that it looked very much like what we call a Great Wheel.











Check out this great shawl! The Peacock shawl! AMAZING!!










And these "Gynormous" (Nancy before you correct me this is a word from the movie "Elf") knitting needles!















And....this is their haul for the weekend! I was told there was some "secret" shopping...so maybe something in this stash is for me?!?






I have my next package together for my "Spoilee" in Ireland--I sent her a postcard and was hoping she would have gotten it by now. I wanted to send this package after I knew she had the postcard in hand...I plan on sending it on Friday. I can't wait to reveal myself and have my SP reveal herself to me but I don't want this to be over! I'm having too much fun...but at any rate I do know I have lifelong friends in both my SP's!


I had a great weekend...very relaxing! I did a lot of knitting and reading...as I promised myself I would do! I'm so enjoying the Diana Gabaldon book--Cross Stitch (aka Outlander) I can't wait to finish this one and start the other! If you are interested in Scottish History I HIGHLY recommend this book! I didn't take any pictures...sorry.

Tomorrow night is our Knitting/Spinning group meeting--I'm going to try to remember the camera so I can take pictures for the blog! Well--I've got knitting and reading to do and I can't do it while on here...so till next time...
Happy Knitting/Spinning!