Lost

***Warning: Whine Alert***

Last week, we returned from a nice camping and visiting the grandparents mini-vacation. Monday, in love with my own pictures as usual, I started this post by uploading some pics I thought were worthy. My plan was to blog, maybe do some laundry and spend the rest of the week lounging about by the pool, eating bon bons, watching my children cavort happily, and (of course) knitting my fool head off. Somehow, the combination of cool rainy weather and life in general conspired to make it one of the worst weeks in recent memories. I can't remember a time when my kids (and I) have acted worse and i've been so unprepared to deal with it.

This week, school started and the kids are happily off to their new lives. It's a big year for both; girlie is in 5th grade and ready to spread her wings while checking in with her mommie more than ever before and the seet boy in in 1st grade. Such a lovely age on both accounts. So, I miss them as always, but am unhappy in the fact that i'm glad it's over. I feel robbed. Of a good end to a busy summer.

So, here I am, a week later, attempting to put words to pictures of events that I can barely remember through the veil of unhappiness. We camped at Cape Henlopen, at the Delaware shore right near the beach town in which my in-laws have made their new home. The weather was good, if hot and our site was beautiful.

The boy spent a lot of time in a tree.

Lovely Lewes was the nearest town. I never made it in the yarn shop, which is situated inside an antique store.

The girl loved the fires, and spent much of her time "tending" them, covered in soot.



We christened Grammy and Poppy's new house by eating crabs in the driveway. Brought back some long-buried childhhod memories of eating crabs in the back yard overlooking the water. One of the better features of the Hampton Roads area.

Cheers! And here's to a new school year. It promises highs and lows; I hope to enjoy the roller coaster.

Instead of Blogging

A gorgeous felt Rockfish made by the boy and me.

A smashing nine-patch bag in the works by the girlchild and me.

Five pounds of luscious Jacob fleece, washed, and washed by me.

And what's this? A Sockapalooza Jaywalker? Late but lovely.

What's a sockie swap without a bag to wrap it in?

Lykkefantens

I am one spoiled Secret Sockapalooooza Pal. My Secret Sock sister, the lovely, talented and generous Karen from Denmark no less went in to the wilderness in July, so she mailed my socks early.

They arrived a couple weeks ago; unfortunately, I was struggling with my own contribution to the swap and didn't feel I should open them til I completed the socks for my secret pal. Unfortunately, I seem to be directionally challenged (more on this later) and after realizing I would need to frog two nearly completed socks and do them right, I couldn't stand it an finally opened the package.

And look what I found! This is my first swap and WOW! So much more than I expected. Inside I found a gorgeous bar of Danish chocolate, a lovely pair of mitts made from the leftover yarn, a hand cut bookmark (scroll down for a better look), and these:

Can you see the lacy diamonds? In the very beautiful Rowan Felted Tweed. I've been feeling drawn to knitting lace in tweedy yarn and look, Karen has shown it looks great. They are soft, warm, and beautifully conceived. The pattern is her original, and very clever.

And now, look at this bookmark!!! A talented artist, this Secret Sock Sister of mine. Go now and see her others.

Karen, thank you so much for the amazing socks and goodies! I can't wait to "meet" you.

Kiss Me, I'm Irish

Gryphon, Lia, Sarah, and I spent 10 hours in the boiling heat on Saturday at the Irish Festival in Alexandria. Luckily, Gryphon brought a fan (thank you:). All we had to do was plug it in...





on the lamp post! Good thing Gryphon hasn't forgotten how to shimmy up a pole (I'm not sure I ever developed that skill).



Of course, she brought her assistant, seen here fingering some Dragonfly yarn.

We had a fabulous spot with a breeze, as it where, from the Potomac. Sarah spun up some stunning merino/bamboo fiber. Looked and felt alot like silk. Check out this customer's socks: very cool.

It was not a particularly profitable day, but did at least sell enough to cover the cost of the booth. The music was enjoyable, the Irish Soda bread delicious, and the company lively, as always.

There was even a visit to Springwater Fiber Workshop just before closing. I shall have to show you purchases after the camera returns to me (it's currently fishing with the lovely Jack and our merchildren in the Chesapeake Bay). Gryphon stocked up on Lace Addi's and Sarah CLEANED OUT their stash of un-dyed silk hankies. Can't wait to see what she does with them.