Did Ya Miss Me??? Beware--heavily photo & link ladened post!!

Well...I'm home--but I'm STILL on vacation! As you know we took a camping trip to Asheville, NC...the trip down (Saturday) was beautiful--Sunday we decided to hang out around the camp and enjoy our first day, and it was a gorgeous day--


After setting up camp and resting for a while we decided to trip into Asheville to visit Earth Guild and other galleries and shops...Even Jack likes Earth Guild...yipee! They were virtually out of their natural dyestuffs...so I'll just have to go with the ones I have stocked up on! I oohed and ahhed over the looms and wheels but I'm still waiting on the new Kromski Sonata to come out before I decide what I want!
The old Woolworth store next door has been transformed into a Arts & Crafts Gallery and the crafters change often so each time you visit there's something new to see!
Then I decided to give a yarn shop a second chance...
Oh...I should explain...I'm somewhat of a Yarn Shop critic! I used to work as a Mystery Shopper years ago...not for yarn shops but grocery stores. Anywhoo--I use those skills to critique yarn shops, because I used to work at one....and I know how I liked to treat my customers--I'm BIG on customer service. Now, I don't like to be "hounded" and followed around being shown every item...but I do like to be greeted when I walk in the door....being asked "if there's anything I can be helped with" is nice, but knowing the person working there who is willing to help if I need it is the clincher! So be prepared...with each out-of-town visit I make to wherever I go...you're going to get a "critique"! Though it may not mean alot to most...it's my own way offering others the shops they will probably enjoy!

SO--Purl's Yarn Emporium (no website to link to) on College St is the yarn shop I spoke of before...last year I visited and was VERY disappointed in the customer service...the shop is beautiful...arranged by color--each wall unit flows in color, good choice of buttons and patterns, the needle and notions selection could be better...but the customer service was non-existent! On that day I was in the store for 20 minutes or so...there was not another soul in the store except for the person (unknown if it was the owner or not) sitting on the couch knitting and chatting on the phone (obviously a personal phone call)--NOT once did the person acknowledge my being there! I left without making a purchase---my personal protest!!

This time...no difference except for the person working the store was not the same as last year, sat behind the counter never said "hello," "can I help you," not a word to acknowledge my presence! I even sat in the pattern section looking like I needed help finding a pattern!

My grade--FF++. I will not waste my time and give them a 3rd visit!

On Monday the gentle rains came--so we took a road trip to Cherokee (you can also find a link here) and visited the Cherokee Indian Museum and a few "Indian Owned" shops...I have this thing about when I'm visiting there...where my money goes! I've been a FREQUENT visitor of the Reservation since I was 3 years old...my grandparents took me on my first trip and we went practically every year thereafter! It's very hard to describe my feelings for these Native people...It's very hard for me now to visit since the casino's came...In my opinion they are a double edged sword, I know they create jobs for the Cherokee...but it also can and does create problems! I'm not a gambler...I can't even part with a dollar to buy a lottery ticket, it's a silly "thing" in my eyes...so if people are crazy and rich enough go gamble on the Reservation...it's revenue for the Cherokee! I prefer to go to the "Indian Owned" gift shops and buy crafts made by the Reservation Natives...the money goes directly in the crafters pocket!!! Sorry...rant finished!






From here we traveled on back stopping in Dillsboro...at one of my favorite BBQ restaurants! GOO---OOOD!! I also went back to...



The Yarn Corner (sorry no website to link to)
They carry a lot of "froofy" yarns, some basics and sock yarns, also a good selection of needlepoint canvases & cross stitch designs! She's a MAJOR "Vera Bradley" retailer...if you're into that sort of thing--I prefer to make my own! VERY nice ladies working there, greet you when you arrive...offer assistance if you need it--they get a good mark from me!



Monday night and into Tuesday the rains POURED!!! Knitting, reading and sleeping are on the agenda for the day...but we interrupted that to visit Black Mountain where I knew there was a great Knitting shop...I visited there last year and loved this shop! Great size, Great selection...great people!



Wilde & Wooly...(website still up and running)



Notice the sign in the window...when pulled up front and I saw the sign...the empty hollow and dark building...well Jack had a hard time consoling me! Here it was raining cats & dogs...I was so looking forward to spending lots of time shopping and knitting....and they're out of business! We walked down the street to a little Antique store, I asked the lady in there what happened and she had no idea...she said about 3 months ago they just closed...no warning and no explanation!
Oh well...we trudged about, jumping puddle after puddle to the shops we enjoyed last year.


I have a very good man...he puts up with my "fiberholism" actually enables it by taking me to all the shops I list, and consoles me when the shop is closed or gone for good! Booo-hoooo!

So we celebrated Oktoberfest by eating at the little German restaurant next door...Berliner Kindl---VERY GOOD food and BEER!

Beer helps....

Knowing I was in serious need of a "fiber fix" he rushed me to Biltmore Village on the south side of Asheville to a favorite yarn shop....

Yarn Paradise--appropriate name don't you think!

Cute huh? Every room is filled to the ceiling with yarn! Good yarn!!

I was very reserved in my fiber purchases...I bought a couple of patterns and a couple of skeins of koigu, we were doing some Christmas shopping while there so I needed to stop thinking of myself but the smell of good fiber, chatting with the ladies in the shop really made me feel much better!

So...what did I buy? I found the Knitting Kit I've been looking for...my 4 year old niece has asked me to teach her how to knit--be still my heart! So I've been searching for the same kit I bought my daughter....found on our Black Mountain visit...the book "Knitting Nell" is one I ordered before I left and my koigu--for socks of course!

Look what else arrived home....














I know this is getting really long...so I'm going to show you a couple more things! The rest I'll post later!

New "Sheepies" I bought---






He came with the name "Laddie"









and...


No name yet...maybe "Droopy"?? Check out the eyes!



Good to be home....I'm supposed to be busy doing laundry...So I better get at it! I'll post more about the trip later on--

Are you ready for the Blogiversary contest?? We are under a week to go!!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin"!!!!

So...What's going on?

One more picture from Saturdays...."Woolstock"!
What do you think they are thinking? "Who's next?"--"So what are you doing after this?"--"Where the @$*& are the dogs?"--"Someone smells baaaad!"




I'm getting hammered by questions like..."Why haven't you updated?", "When are you going to update?", "Are you still alive?"


I haven't updated because...this has been a slow news week! Hey, I'm not the only one--Check out Sangeeta's blog.


I'm updating NOW!


and...


Yes...I'm still alive!



We are getting ready to head down to Asheville for a camping vacation...yes, the weather here has turned cold but I can handle it! Favorite blankie, knitting, a good book and.....a campfire! The knitting is packed--On the Needles; 2 pairs of socks, Mom's sweater, Jessica's shrug and a pair of felted clogs.

I have my favorite yarn shops, restaurants and galleries in Asheville and have already made my mental plans to visit them! I have a list made for Earth Guild...and right next door is a great local Crafters Gallery!

A few of our favorite places to get GOOD food---Zambras, Apollo's Flame Bistro (great Greek food) and Salsa's (a really eclectic blend of Mexican & Carribean food)...there are more! Can you tell we visit the area often!

There are a couple of favorite yarns shops...Yarn Paradise in Asheville and Wilde & Wooly in Black Mountain.

We don't have plans to visit the Biltmore...if you've seen extravagance once you've seen it enough! Don't get me wrong...it's beautiful! I would love to go to the Winery but you have to pay the full tour price to go...NOT! I'll use that money to buy my favorite Biltmore wines! If you've never been....I suggest you go and take the tour! Holiday time is one of the most beautiful times to visit...



Remember me mentioning the weather here has turned cold....Mr. Ace has taken to his winter bed! Mommy had to wash it...he's was avoiding it!

And...placed at his favorite spot...nosey!

Hubby is bringing his laptop (but has promised me he won't do ANY work while we're camping) so I'll be able to check emails and do some updating....maybe!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'

Fall Fiber Festival 2006

What do you get when you combine a NorEaster and a Fiber Festival???

This was just as we arrived this morning....






And this was at noon...the little "straw streets" they made for us...disappeared!



I was not only prepared for the weather...but I also got pretty lucky on where I stepped...I guess?!




And if you DIDN'T drive a 4X4, and you DIDN'T take the advice of the parking attendees...AND you got stuck in the mud...

this is what came and got you out--a "tow tractor"!



Considering we knew what we were in for...it wasn't too bad until the temperature started to drop! We saw a mother with three young boys, at least I think thats what they were, COVERED head to toe in mud and wet--We heard mom saying "I don't want to hear that you are cold...you're the ones who were playing in the mud!" I later saw one of said boys (Mom was shopping) in the middle of the "tent street" knee deep in a mud puddle!

I met up with Cate, Roz, and Courtney (I'm terrible with names). It was so very nice to meet you I'm glad I made my name badge, otherwise we would have passed each other without knowing! Then later I met up with Sangeeta and Susan. It's so nice to finally put faces to the names I know from online and their blogs I've been reading for quite some time now! I wish the weather had been better...we could have sat down and chatted a little more! Just as I was leaving I saw Rae from our Knitting/Spinning group.




Sangeeta brought my goodie bag from her blog contest...Thanks so much--the best part was getting to meet you and Susan! I want to come to TYL and knit with you guys!






AND.....Remember that skein of yarn I entered??? I kept going to the tent where they were judging--peeking (of course) then I think they posted a guard to keep me out of there...

I placed!--I placed!! I know what my "dear" brother will say...second place is only the first loser...he likes to pick on me--A LOT!
I'm so proud, this is the first time I've ever entered any of my handgoods of any kind in a competition! Yipee!



Since I bought so much fiber last weekend...I pretty much behaved myself! Many, Many vendors either hadn't set up yet, or were there yet if they were coming at all! I didn't get a chance to visit with Jennifer this time--people swamped her tiny-tiny booth, I made several treks back to see if I could say hello...I noticed she didn't have any of her fibers out either (could have been because of the weather). The BIG tents were only half full of the anticipated vendors. Yes, that was disappointing but like I said before...I knew what I was in for prior to leaving the house!



Here's a picture most people (who know me) will not see or believe...




My Truck Dirty??!!






I found some "Sheepies"--



So many other pictures to blog about...maybe later! I need a cup of tea and my blankie!

TaTa for now....Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'
Oh...and get ready the Blogiversary Contest is coming!

WHAT A WEEK!

Boy am I glad this week is over with...

1-work

2-allergy attacks

3-work

4-I think you get the idea...

Tomorrow is the Fall Fiber Festival...and we're due to get a NorthEaster/NorEaster (depending on where you are from as to which way your pronounce it)! I've been waiting all year for this...I missed Maryland Sheep & Wool...I'm going ANYWAY!
Raincoat---check
Boots--check
Umbrella--check
Shopping list--check
Plastic shopping bag--check

I'M READY!

Yes...I AM a diehard...I AM a Woolaholic...I am a STASH QUEEN!

I'll be posting...I get to meet Sangeeta and hopefully other bloggers!


This is appropriate...I don't think I need THIS outfit, that would scare everyone!

Your Haloween Costume Should Be

Catwoman

What Should You Be For Halloween?

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'

Hawks Nest Fall 2006--Long Post

Most people have heard blonde jokes, polish jokes and of course your West Virginia jokes...
I know the man they talk about when they make up those West Virginia jokes...and he's hilarious...but I don't think HE can answer my question about what the hell is this?????





On our trip up Thursday we stopped at the Tamarack, a beautiful place where WV artisans display, demonstrate and sell their wares. This was at the entrance of the food court...My take on it is she's looking for her egg, or she's having a very difficult time laying (notice the look on her face)!! Anybody else have an answer? It is a funny display, but it does leave you scratching your head!

Friday Morning...

I didn't take my camera phone or Jack's camera down to the spinning room with me but I did on Friday! Here the ladies are just spinning away...David Simpson had his "fluff" out to tempt our fiber needs!



Pardon the glare...but this is the view from our "Spinning Room" aka the Conference room! Isn't it GREAT?!






Saturday...

As you can see the group thinned out a bit, because this retreat lasts for 4 days people come and go, we have day people that show up too! There were also lots of people who came through to just watch...As for me, I prefer to stay the entire time!!



One of the ladies has a Journey Wheel a dream to spin on but she had some difficulties with it for about the first day and a half which kept her from spinning as much as the rest of us.


Two of the ladies came from Good News Llamas, this rug is made from their llama fiber...I'm really kicking myself for NOT getting the last one! There is a link on their website if you are interested, but you better get there before me!






New River Gorge Bridge


If you like to watch crazy people jump off of a perfectly good bridge...land in trees...land in the rapids...or make a perfect landing onto a VERY small patch of dry land...Mark your calendars...Bridge day is October 21st this year! It's really a great time, I for one prefer to keep my feet on solid ground, I get my thrills riding the rapids...speaking of which:


Hubby went down on the river while I was "busy" and took some really great shots!



So...you ask "What was I busy doing?"


This is not any of Mr. Simpsons "fluff", I bought this at Kid Hollow Farms last year at the Fall Fiber Festival, which by the way is this weekend! I've mailed off my Llanwenog skein last week for the lace weight competition! Keep your fingers crossed for me...this is the first time I've ever entered anything like this!

Now you ask..."What did you buy?" Fiber addicts NEVER pass up buying more...at least this fiber addict doesn't!

A little "Fluff"...from left to right the color names are:
Amazon Ambience, Lupine and (of course) Highlander!


And a little more "Fluff"!!
l-r: Apollo and Forest
I just love the names he gives to his colorways! He says they just come to him...

NOW...I ask, "Are you tired of me yet?" I decided to do this in one post since I'll be attending the Fall Fiber Festival and I'm sure there will be more to show when I get back!

If you are tired of me you might want to stop here because I must warn you...

I must RANT!
After hearing the news of what happened in Lancaster, PA yesterday and following on the heels of the same sort of incident in Colorado and Wisconsin in the past week or so...I must ask...WHAT $@*& IS WRONG WITH PEOPLE? I'm so saddened by this and only to find out today what this "sicko's" plans were to do to those girls...something's got to change! People like the Amish who live such simple lives and so close to God, you would never expect them to be targeted in such a way! It's awful...It's shameful...
I must stop now or this post will be neverending...

My thoughts and Prayers are with all those families! God Bless!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'

I'm Back!!

Just a short post to let all my "public" know I'm back home safe and sound! I had a great time and have plenty of pictures to post...I just need a little time to get them all edited.

Here's what we found when we got home...forgive the bad photography, we grabbed the camera as fast as we could...

His pillow and blankie are very jealous!

Check back soon...

29 days and counting....

My blogiversary is fast approaching...and I think a contest in in order! So, I'm cooking up an idea. I'll post the contest on or about the 18th, that's 1 week prior to the big day! This may be a little different from other blog contests out there, so read up and be prepared!

Crazy Aunt Pearl asks readers to send her pictures of "Your Favorite Kniting Spot"...for me it's anywhere my butt lands! But I guess this is my most favorite spot to knit:

I'm getting ready for the Hawks Nest Retreat, you can also find pictures here...leaving on Thursday!!!!
The spinning wheel is oiled and ready for 4 days of almost constant use! Mr. Simpson will also be there...I don't know where I'm going to put any more fiber, but where there's a will...there's a way! Then the next weekend we have the Fall Fiber Festival in Orange, Va. I think I've decided to enter a skein of my yarn for judging...kind of a scary thing when you get right down to it. So the long & short of it is...after tomorrow I will NOT be near a computer...no updates till I get back.
Woo-Woo!
I'm working on the fronts of Mom's sweater, starting a shrug for my son's girlfriend (the good one) and yet another pair of socks!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'

Blog Fodder...

I'm not so sure this is me....

You Are A Poplar Tree

People tend to look up to you, and it's a bit lonely at the top. Inside, you are not always self confident, but you show great courage. Mature and organized, you are reliable in any situation. You tend to have an artistic or philosophical outlook on life. You are very choosy in love and take partnership seriously.

What's Your Celtic Horoscope?

The being looked up to part? I don't feel loney...
Mature...organized...HAH!
I agree with the artistic/philosophical part...or at least I try!
The last sentence...ABSOLUTELY! Though I have had my moments of bad judgement!

I am an Echinacea What Flower Are You?

Sorry....

I don't know what kind of maintenance they performed on Friday but for me it has screwed up my template. I apologize if you are getting this screwy stuff...it's nothing I did!
If you do see something weird please let me know...

Thanks

***UPDATE***
Okay..so I think I know what happened!

I updated to IE7 this morning then my blog went bonkers...since I was planning on doing a "Blog Make-Over" next month anyway I decided to go ahead and fix it all now. I couldn't stand the way it was looking after the update, so Sangeeta this may help your problems with reading my blog, I would be interested in knowing if you were viewing my blog with IE7.
This is a work in progress...so bear with me!

Hi Y'all---I'm back!

Not that I really when anywhere....I've been having problems with my "new" DSL service, I think all the wrinks are finally ironed out...we'll see!




The Dolphin Dance is finished...but it's still holding secrets, it hasn't yet spoken to me to tell me what it wants to be?!? Sorry about the picture, I didn't set the depth of field as I should have...but I wanted everyone to get an idea of the beautiful color.



A recent post on Spin-List posed the question if anyone had heard of this series of books...my answer--'YES I HAVE'! The Foxfire series. There are 12 issues (I think) and I'm missing the last 6 volumes, and honestly I'm not sure of how many their are. These books are really wonderful...all about Appalachian life...all the things my grandparents used to do. Some not so pleasant and let me tell you when they made lard---the smell was horrible! I knew when I pulled in the driveway what was up but by then it was too late to turn around and leave, they'd already seen me. I can remember as a child my grandfather took me to a hog slaughtering house...YUCK! Though it may seem awful...these memories I cherish...because people lived hard and poor in these small Appalachian town, villages and spots on the map. I remember going to the country where I learned to milk a cow, gather eggs and slop the pigs. The cats would sit in the doorway of the barn with their little mouths open waiting for you to squirt milk into their mouth...he I became a pretty good shot at the tender age of 8! I remember how sweet and cold the water was when you pulled it out of the well...I remember Mrs. Cox canning sausage in her kitchen--and the HUGE kitchen sink she had. All of these things are talked about in these books along with knitting, spinning and quilting. All the old crafts that are forgotten or the knowledge is simply no longer need in out modern age. I miss my grandparents...they are a huge part of who I am today!



Check out this lazy cat...I wish you could hear him--he's snoring! That's what I call asleep! Oh and by the way...my granny's quilt--again!





If you don't like bugs...look away--


And while I'm on my childhood...I mentioned the other day the fact that I don't see any Praying Mantis' anymore. This proved me wrong--I was walking in the back door yesterday when this one was perched on my Avacado tree! He/She even posed for me! I used to keep them during the summer as a pet...remember I was a tomboy--bugs, snakes, etc.

Okay...I've got to get back to my knitting, I've got to find some what I can do all my 'computer stuff', read, knit and spin at the same time!!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'

Weekends Are Simply Too Short...

I could have done this all weekend long...




Why do the weekends come a go so quickly?


Okay...on to other stuff,
In an attempt to come into the modern age I finally gave up the old dial-up connection for DSL...I installed it on Thursday...It died on Friday! So I was without a computer to read all my blogs...and I ask myself, "What did I do before I started blogging??"
Obviously DSL is back up and running...


I finished the rest of my "Dolphin Dance" fiber...and a new problem arose--What color and/or fiber do I want to spin next? Decisions-Decisions!!

The Enabler...yes I am! I have managed to bring more "into the fold"--The Wonderful World of Knitting! A co-worker, dealing with some family issues "needed" to learn to knit...so who helps?? ME! A new volunteer at the library...somehow learns about the Knitting Group that meets there once a month...who told her? ME! She wants to learn to knit socks...who's gonna help get her started...ME!!

A shout out to Kimberly--GO BIRDS! I know it's late in the season...no chance of winning anything...but SHE WENT TO A GAME!! Read her yarn shop reviews!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

WIP's and Future WIP's

Works in Progress...at least a few of them...
The red is my son's Durrow that I need to sew together...along with the baby sweater and my backpack (which I forgot to photograph)--and before you say anything, you'd think that a seamstress would sew these things together but that's the part of knitting I put off doing! I figure that can be the thing I'm working on Christmas Eve! The blue is my Mom's sweater, I know, I know...it's the boring back (sorry Melanie, nothing personal)--all stockinette stitch but it's the mindless knitting I can do anywhere...I love leaving the fronts, and on this one the sleeves, for last because the pattern keeps my interest and goes a lot faster and the 2nd sock of the pair (see the Sept 9 post).





Here's my spinning that I've been neglecting, but like I said before my spinning foot is twitching so I'm going to get this (the color is called Dolphin Dance) finished up and get onto the next color--but what color will that be...decisions, decisions!





And...a peak into the future...Lammie Ewejean can't wait!



Here are just some of the things I have planned for the future...socks, socks and more socks. The fiber color is called "Firestorm"--Oh, don't fret...there's more fiber where that came from!


Check out the quilt...I'm trying to rotate my displays, this one may not last out too long. My grandmother made me this quilt when I was a little girl...it's WELL loved--very tattered and torn and stained...like I said well loved! It's the Dutch Girl pattern. Miss you Granny!


I'm thinking about you Spinning Fishwife...

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'

Remembering….

Yesterday was a very sad day all over the world, though that tragic day happened here…at home…on our soil---Many, many lives were touched by it. Employees of the World Trade Center were from all over the World not just American Citizens. I didn’t feel much like writing this yesterday but I do feel that I need to put into words some of my feelings.
I guess you might say I’m a fortunate one…no one from my family was lost by this terrible act, BUT I think we were all touched by it.

I don’t think anyone alive will forget what he or she was doing or where they were when they heard about the attack on America. My day had just started at work, when a courier came in and said a plane had just hit the World Trade Center…we were always joking so I thought he was just pulling another prank on me. To my horror…it was true…and that truth only got worse.

Let me go back to late August of 2001. My hubby works for the Dept. of Technology supporting Police, Fire & CAD (Dispatch) for the City of Roanoke. That August we had attended a Fire Expo Conference in New Orleans, we both were amazed at the camaraderie of the Firemen and Firewomen from all over our great Nation. Our plane trip home we were surrounded by Firefighters from New Jersey & New York, I think we were the only “civilians” on board…we joked and laughed with them, their antics kept us entertained all the way to Pittsburgh where we changed planes for home…
When we learned of the numbers of those heroic firefighters lost that day took me back to that plane ride home…how many of those faces we laughed with were…gone?? We never learned their names…but I will ALWAYS think of them every 9/11.
It was later that I learned that one of my very good friends sister, a Lieutenant with the Navy, was to be at the Pentagon that day for a meeting…but she had been delayed. She saw the news and immediately called her brother to let him know she was okay.

One other thing I can remember about those days following the attacks was the fact that it was so quiet…the birds weren’t singing. There were no planes flying which also gave a very eerie silence. It was about 10 days later or so that I think planes began limited flights.

We were scheduled to go on a business trip to Los Angeles in early Oct. 2001 and, of course, that was postponed for obvious reasons. We decided to take a little time away, because those days following had been so dark…I, like a lot of others, couldn’t stop watching the recovery efforts on TV…and quite honestly I was feeling very depressed. We took a trip up to Antietam/Sharpsburg Battlefield in Maryland, which is only about an hour from Washington, DC. At that time planes had just started flying again and around the DC area they were being escorted by fighter jets (I don't remember but I think they were F-18)…




This picture will forever be a reminder…I didn’t know that Jack had captured it until we got the pictures back (yes, this is a pre-digital age photo), while he was taking this picture I watched a plane be escorted by a fighter plane on each wing.
The sound of fighter jets...unmistakable! Pretty amazing photo...to most it will just look like a black dot, but I remember what I saw and heard that day.

On the Knitting & Spinning front--
I started my second of the purple pair, and I started my Mom's sweater! My spinning foot is beginning to twitch...I think I'd better exercise it!
I have SO many projects in mind that I need more time to knit...darn it!

A Day of Reflection, Remembrance & Patriotism

To all those we lost 5 years ago....



New York, Washington, DC, Shanksville, PA

100th POST!

When I started this blog I had no idea how it would grow...and it has just grown to 100 posts! Unbelieveable!!



And there's even some KNITTIN' content...

Here is the first of the 5 pair of socks...does that make sense? The pattern I'm using is from "Sensational Knitted Socks" by Charlene Schurch. Using the 4 stitch pattern chapter, this is the Baby Cable Rib pattern...VERY easy!

I have about 4 more pair to finish by Christmas! I ordered some yarn for the cardigan, I mentioned before, for my Mom. Since her birthday falls in January if I don't finish it for Christmas...hopefully she'll get it for her Birthday!

Notice something about this picture? Guess who thought he was going to get in it?! I was preparing everything for the picture when "HE" decided to lay down knowing Mom wouldn't want to rearrange everything...little did ne know I could "crop" the picture! Another sign humans are smarter than cats! I tell him all the time that we are smarter...we can do more...WE HAVE THUMBS! Oh well...






Since he was ready for his close up...I couldn't resist!






WARNING FOR MARY---Close your eyes or don't read any further...Don't look...I'm warning you....


Football Season began Thursday night...MY team plays on Sunday----
GO COWBOYS!

When I met Mary for the first time this summer, I had been reading her blog for some time and became aware of the fact she's a fan of my teams rival! (I can't believe I just typed in that link) I think I scared her over fondue when I told her that there was something I must confess to her...she probably thought I was some sort of AXE murderer! The Cowboys home opener is agains...her team!

Now...about my team...I've been a fan since...well as long as I can remember, but I AM NOT happy about their spring time acquisition! My brother is elated...I like winning, but I am so hoping that this "player" (that's what "Big Tuna" -coach- calls him) screws up...again...and is gone!

Okay...I've gotta go chase the cat with the vacuum cleaner!

OH--Happy Birthday Miss Rose!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'

Is This Cool or WHAT??

My SP8 Spoilee, Aileen (and others I've been reading lately)have been posting about an event in Ireland...The Electric Picnic! I've been reading various blogs about the event--with pictures! Look here, here and here...and I'm sure you are going to find many, many more links...I am. Check out the past photo links from the main event page...really cool! Reminiscent of Woodstock--Irish style! I'm kinda blown away by the TeePee's!
Anybody wanna go next year??

Here in SW Virginia we have a similar event called FloydFest...CALLING ALL KNITTERS & SPINNERS--Maybe next year we should organize something like this?!?! Anybody listening??

Floyd is a very small community that has really turned into sort of this bohemian-hippie town! On this link you can find many music links...including a couple of our favorite bands--Naomi's Fancy & The CeltiBillies. Friday nights are really big at the Floyd Country Store.

Well...the house needs tidying and I have a sock calling my name, Oh--I got the mess straightened out and have started the heel flap!

My sanity is back--as sane as I've always been, you make the call!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'

Home again...Thank God!

Happy September...HELL...who said that?!

Rain, miscues and screw-ups!

But there was a "Sheepie" sighting:


Look even two of the sheep couldn't take it anymore!





We left in the rain...though it had cleared up where we were going...we packed up in a drenching...downpour! I was up in the wee hours of Monday morning rescuing items from the rain...no sleep for me, 'cause everytime I laid down I thought of something else that needed to be brought in. Weathermen...suck! There was no forecast for such rain when I checked! Now we have rain coming from Hurricane John...apparently, and a new storm brewing in the Atlantic...whoopie! My BIL in Eastern Virginia lost property...again! Ernesto was supposed to hit during lowtide, "with minimal coastal flooding"...NOT, he had just as much water as during Isabel 3 years ago.


Onto other subjects...I forgot my mushroom identification book that I use for finding mushrooms to use in natural dyeing...so I took some great pictures...example;




I counted over a dozen different varieties of mushrooms...but had no idea which ones to pick and take home...so I let them be and took pictures instead.









We had a glich in our plans for Saturday night...college football night...the one game we were all geared up to listen to wasn't broadcast on my XMRadio! So what does my brother do? I was hoping for a win...but not against Pitt.



I did a lot of reading...a little knitting, because I fell into knitters hell--I dropped a stitch on my latest pair of socks...oh you say no problem...it's a patterned sock! I decided I'd worry about that later...
I'm still waiting till later...



LOOK--Flower of Scotland!


More later when my head stops hurting and my mental state returns to normal!

Happy September...

Can you believe that it's September already? The weather gets cooler....yipee...and the Fall Fiber Festivals start up.....YAHOO! I'm planning on attending Montpelier's Fall Fiber Festival this year. There are some planning gliches though! --always--

Ernesto or not...we are going camping this weekend after all! I don't mind, I can sit and listen to my XMRadio, knit (my projects are the first thing I pack--who needs a change of clothes?), read (books get packed second), do some fishing and sleep! Sounds like a plan to me! I always miss reading all my blog buddies, it has become such a habit for me, and I hope I have some Knittin' Coop groupies out there too! Stay tuned, as my Blogiversary aproaches I'm planning something special...

I'll catch up with everyone on Monday--In the meantime...

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'