When last we spoke I mentioned our wonderful trip to Rhinebeck. It really was fun though I had a bit of trouble spending my money. Something happens when I get into a place with that much yarn/fiber. I lose the ability to decide. There are so many things I really like and would like to buy but what if at the next booth I find something else I want. I can't buy it all. This loops through my brain the entire time and I can't make up my mind. 

The first example of this was at The Fold's booth. There I was faced with tons of Socks That Rock, my most favorite sock yarn. I must have held every single color before I finally decided that Never on Sunday was the color I had to take home. It's blue, purple and pink, what more could I want. It was the very last skein I picked up.

I had told myself when planning my budget that I would get two skeins of Socks That Rock and only 2 skeins. Imagine what I thought as I stood there with one skein in hand and the loop going through my mind and that budget promise I had made. Quickly I grabbed the first skein I had picked up, in the color, Manly yes, but I like it too! It's browns and will be perfect for socks with a stitch pattern. 

I bought both these skeins within the first 15 minutes of being there and then walked around looking at everything else. Nothing caught my eye and screamed you must buy me, well, except for the chicken pot pie and the chocolate eclair. Our shopping time was winding down and I could feel the pressure. Must buy something else. That's when it hit me, I needed some fiber. Something fun to spin on the new spindle I bought in the spring. 

That's when I spotted this yummy red fiber. I don't remember which booth I got it in or exactly what it is. I do know that it is some sort of long wool that's good to learn with. Beth gave me a lesson a few days later and I think I have a better idea how to spin on my spindle. What I need is practice. I've got to find some time for that. 

Note to future self: Buy more at Rhinebeck. Bring a list and lots of money. 

Summer 2008 Beth was in the area and came to spend a day with me. It was so much fun to spend time with her and meet Elvis and Pearl. Over the past year we have talked about doing it again and after waiting and waiting that time finally arrived. Beth and E&P spent five days here. We had so much fun knitting, spindling, letter boxing and eating. We even made the trek to Rhinebeck. It was fantastic having her here and I can't tell you how much I hated to see her go. I do have things to remember her by but sadly no photos of our fun.

This is a skein of the world famous Wollmeise. Beth gave it to me. Now people, that is a friend! I've already cast on a little something I've been wanting to knit for a while and I'll share that soon. 

Beth, Elvis and Pearl: Thanks for coming and y'all come back soon!

Look at that. I'm posting two days in a row and I have another finished project to show you.

Here is N in his new sweater. I started the Child's Johnny (I did the collared version from inside the pattern) in the spring and quickly completed all the pieces. Then it sat and sat until I was truly worried that it would no longer fit. I knit a size 10 but N is growing like a weed. I spent a couple of days putting it together and sewing on the buttons and here it is. N is quite happy with his sweater. I am pleased that it will fit for at least another week. The yarn is Lion Brand Wool-Ease in oxford gray. The pattern was fairly easy to knit. There are a few small things I would do differently when I knit this again. And based on how N feels about it, I will be knitting it again. 

Thank you so much for your condolences. We are slowly getting used to having four less feet running under foot.

I finished my Aestlight shawl and I love it. The yarn is Dream in Color Smooshy in the color cloud jungle. After blocking it turned out larger than I expected but I am thrilled with the result. I highly recommend the pattern. It's very well written and a pleasure to knit. I'm sure I'll knit another one in the future. 

I (on the right) first met Riley (on the left) in 1999 in Quebec. We were at a friend of mine's house just hanging out with the dogs. Riley was the nervous guy shivering in the corner. I think the language barrier was a bit of a problem for him. I was the cool confident guy in the middle of the action. I hung with him a bit and from that point on we were best buddies. When I moved in with his family, I was the one out of place. He welcomed me and showed me how to get the good treats. We always had a great time together. Like all friends there were the rare fights but when steak is involved everyone is one their own. I forgave Riley when he pierced my ear that time I tried to take his last bite of bacon. I comforted him when he had surgery on his back. When it was cold we always snuggled up together. In the warm weather we barked at passersby as a pair. I'm sorry about the time I peed in your bed. I will miss you Riley. And so will the whole family.

Love, Picasso