June is over today. June is one of my favorite months. It’s mostly still spring the first part, and summer is still fresh and new and full of potential for the rest. Once July arrives, there are the celebrations of the 4th, there are things in the yard that are past blooming, it’s peak wildflower time in the mountains (and why haven’t we been up there more?!?), and suddenly it’s a downhill race to autumn.
Already I am feeling summer slip by!
I once heard a saying while living in Missouri that went something like ‘fresh as a June morning’, and that clicked for me.
We lived in a small-ish town in Central Missouri, and there was no farmer’s market as such. What we did have was a community of old order Mennonites that would sell produce at their farms. I remember Saturday mornings…in June...driving out to pick up fresh strawberries, tomatoes, and corn, among other things. Among every other thing. The things they grew…including kids. Those were not for sale, but they did help run the cash register, stock the bins, pick the berries, and whatever else was necessary.
The trek out to the particular farm we frequented was peaceful, on less-traveled dirt roads, with wild-flower filled ditches.
June mornings in Kentucky were damp with humidity, as I remember, with dew on spider webs in the field across the drive, and red-winged black birds defending their territories in the field across the road.
These June mornings I have been riding to work. With a jacket on. Probably I will shed that with the advent of July, but I have needed one up to now. I have seen deer, geese, ducks, and cormorants. Glorious mornings, meeting walkers, joggers, and other riders on the trail, and wondering what I could be doing if I wasn’t going to work.
Yeah. Whatever. That’s just June working it’s magic on me.
June 30, 2010
June 26, 2010
Homemade Hiking Socks
Soaked, tossed in the dryer for a bit, then re-shaped.
Worn for a forty minute walk. And a day at work.
new to me...eye of partridge heel
Conclusion → Suh-weet! A most useful pattern that makes a good sock, from an excellent yarn.
Details: Walking in the Maize, by KyleAnn Williams (Crystal Palace Yarns) I simplified and shortened the cuff. I wanted to use just one skein of yarn. Which I did. Regia Silk 4-ply, 200 yards, 55% Wool, 25% Nylon, 20% Silk. A blend that is like buttah to knit!
Next time, I might start the ribbing a bit earlier, and the cuff a bit longer.
I am continuing on Eldest’s February Lady Sweater, and have about 10” of the body complete. So good there.
And I will be starting another pair of socks….exactly like these, with a different yarn blend.
But…
I am feeling the need to start something new and different and challenging. I have been looking over my Ravelry queue and matching up my stash with potential and probable projects.
I don’t know. I just don’t know.
It was mentioned at the spinning workshop that knitting with our handspun is a sure-fire way to become a better spinner. Perhaps I could start there…
Of course. There is the matter of the languishing quilt. But I have A Plan. Oh yes. A Plan with a capital P. And I will carry through with it when I know exactly what it is. And how it is going to work.
June 25, 2010
Wildflowers on Bobcat Ridge
Last Saturday, Wonderful Guy and I took an opportunity offered by our Open Spaces, and joined a Naturalist for a Guided Wildflower Hike along the Bobcat Ridge Open Area.
Starting at 9 AM, and walking an easy 2 miles, it lasted a couple of hours. The morning was a bit cloudy, which was nice, because there is very little shade at Bobcat Ridge. It was very pleasant. There were about 12 or 15 of us along for the talk, and except for a younger couple, most of us were…older.
Lupine
The Naturalist talked as we went, pointing out the flowers, some grasses, a bird or two, and a deer was spied. She was not totally technical and gave lots of ‘folksy’ facts, in addition to interesting tidbits of information that was easy to assimilate.
Thistle (some are native...)
This Saturday? I think we are going to try to make a walk at Horsetooth.
There were a couple of guys with fancy schmancy cameras and lens, and one guy that was very knowledgeable about the local flora. He was constantly spotting blooming things and pointing them out to our fearless leader.
white larkspur!
White Larkspur was found which surprised both the Smart Guy and the Naturalist. Very, very indeed. So there was a special sighting.
scarlet gaura
I also learned about Scarlet Gaura. A native to the area, and I have some in my yard, but of the nursery type. After they were pointed out to me, as is often the case, I saw them every where.
prickly pear
After the walking and talking and looking and photo ops, Wonderful Guy and I shared a picnic of cheese, crackers, tuna, jerky, water, and Hershey’s. Mmmm….nutricious, delicious, and easy to carry!
A good time was had by all, and by all, I am referring to the Guy and myself, at least. Therefore, I am checking out other such chances to observe and learn. Because. I am all about observing. And learning.
larkspur
This Saturday? I think we are going to try to make a walk at Horsetooth.
June 24, 2010
No Time A-Wastin’
While the fleeces were doing their soaking thing, I kept myself busy working on a project I have been putting together in my head for some time.
On New Year’s Eve 2008, I made a needle holder for my straight needles, and recently ‘finished’ it with some seam binding. I have come to realize how handy this is, and how much I just plain like it. I am often flummoxed in finding the size of circular needle I want, and have been thinking maybe I need to make something similar for my circs.
My circular needle collection is a bit motley. When I cranked back up the knitting, after giving away previous collection of needles (I know!), I bought a couple sets of bamboo needles off Ebay. They are…adequate.
My sock journey using the Loop of Magickness required different circs, however, and I bought some skinny and long corded Knitpicks. Oh. Now those were sweet, when compared to the bamboo! But KP doesn’t make their nickel plated needles past a size 3. They think beyond that, that’s what their interchangeables are for.
Not me. I struggled on with the cheap bamboo, and their uneven joins and thick cords.
Then I figured out while I may not want a set of interchangeables, all I really need is one of each size circ with a long cord. With Magic Loop, I can knit anything of any diameter! So freeing the Loops of Magickness are!Slowly but surely, I have been buying Addis, here, there, on sale, with a discount, on the equipment destash forums on Ravelry. I have almost one pair of Addis (or Knitpicks) of each size.
Well, those fancy-pants Addis sure as heck need a home, now, don’t you know
So…while the fleeces soaked….
I cut and trimmed and patched and sewed and matched and hemmed and bound and stamped.
Yes. Stamped.
Then I crocheted. I used plies of yarn from waaaa-ay back when my first spinning lessons. I took two, unrelated plies and single chained them together for a tie. Chic, eh? Well…certainly functional. And memorable...ever reminding me of how far I have come on the spinning scale...as it were...
It’s not perfect, but better than what was, which was Ziplocs, other plastic containing things, and shopping bags. And I like it. We will see how well it works.
Now the dpns and hooks are jonesin’ for their own place, but I don’t know. I am out of scrap quilt, and I really don’t use those implements at all.
On New Year’s Eve 2008, I made a needle holder for my straight needles, and recently ‘finished’ it with some seam binding. I have come to realize how handy this is, and how much I just plain like it. I am often flummoxed in finding the size of circular needle I want, and have been thinking maybe I need to make something similar for my circs.
My circular needle collection is a bit motley. When I cranked back up the knitting, after giving away previous collection of needles (I know!), I bought a couple sets of bamboo needles off Ebay. They are…adequate.
My sock journey using the Loop of Magickness required different circs, however, and I bought some skinny and long corded Knitpicks. Oh. Now those were sweet, when compared to the bamboo! But KP doesn’t make their nickel plated needles past a size 3. They think beyond that, that’s what their interchangeables are for.
Not me. I struggled on with the cheap bamboo, and their uneven joins and thick cords.
Then I figured out while I may not want a set of interchangeables, all I really need is one of each size circ with a long cord. With Magic Loop, I can knit anything of any diameter! So freeing the Loops of Magickness are!Slowly but surely, I have been buying Addis, here, there, on sale, with a discount, on the equipment destash forums on Ravelry. I have almost one pair of Addis (or Knitpicks) of each size.
Well, those fancy-pants Addis sure as heck need a home, now, don’t you know
So…while the fleeces soaked….
I cut and trimmed and patched and sewed and matched and hemmed and bound and stamped.
Yes. Stamped.
Then I crocheted. I used plies of yarn from waaaa-ay back when my first spinning lessons. I took two, unrelated plies and single chained them together for a tie. Chic, eh? Well…certainly functional. And memorable...ever reminding me of how far I have come on the spinning scale...as it were...
It’s not perfect, but better than what was, which was Ziplocs, other plastic containing things, and shopping bags. And I like it. We will see how well it works.
Now the dpns and hooks are jonesin’ for their own place, but I don’t know. I am out of scrap quilt, and I really don’t use those implements at all.
June 23, 2010
Fleeced
But in a good way.
I cleaned the Jacob’s fleece (bought from a weaving/spinng Guild member in May) and the CVM/Corriedale fleece I bought at the wool market this weekend. I also had 8 oz of an alpaca fleece that I needed to clean, too. I am not telling how long that’s been around.
Well. That was a job and a half.
I did some things differently from before. No soup pot this time. I cranked up the temperature on the hot water heater and used the bathtub, considering the quantity. I have been assured that the soapy lanolin water won’t plug up the drain. It didn’t.
Hasn’t.
Yet.
I was able to lay the fleeces out on the patio after towel drying for some nice, airy, drying in the sun. The Cat Who Is Queen watched them carefully. Best Dog Ever protected them from the squirrels.
I used lingerie bags, which worked very well, but think before I do this again, I will get some medium sized plastic baskets to keep the locks intact and prevent the little matting that occurred.
So. The alpaca was exceptionally clean, and is almost ready for carding. The Jacob is now mostly teased and I was a bit surprised with it. The last Jacob I had must have been very well skirted. I am still learning from my experiences. They are sheep after all, and barnyard animals!
The difference between the Jacob and CVM/Corriedale fleeces in texture and staple and feel is remarkable. I know about both from reading. The C/C is a ‘fine wool’, while the Jacob usually falls under the heading of ‘other’. But I have spun Jacob roving, and prepped 2 bs of Jacobs before. I know Jacob better.
I can’t wait to get to know the CVM/Corriedale better. I think I will have about five pounds to do so. I hope we get along.
The plan is to card by hand, practicing the technique learned at the workshop at the wool market. And when bored with that, I may rent a drum carder from the Weaver's/Spinner's Guild. But again, there is something to be said about getting to know wool by working with it.
It feels good to have all the raw fleeces cleaned. It was a lot of work.
Seriously.
I cleaned the Jacob’s fleece (bought from a weaving/spinng Guild member in May) and the CVM/Corriedale fleece I bought at the wool market this weekend. I also had 8 oz of an alpaca fleece that I needed to clean, too. I am not telling how long that’s been around.
Well. That was a job and a half.
I did some things differently from before. No soup pot this time. I cranked up the temperature on the hot water heater and used the bathtub, considering the quantity. I have been assured that the soapy lanolin water won’t plug up the drain. It didn’t.
Hasn’t.
Yet.
I was able to lay the fleeces out on the patio after towel drying for some nice, airy, drying in the sun. The Cat Who Is Queen watched them carefully. Best Dog Ever protected them from the squirrels.
I used lingerie bags, which worked very well, but think before I do this again, I will get some medium sized plastic baskets to keep the locks intact and prevent the little matting that occurred.
So. The alpaca was exceptionally clean, and is almost ready for carding. The Jacob is now mostly teased and I was a bit surprised with it. The last Jacob I had must have been very well skirted. I am still learning from my experiences. They are sheep after all, and barnyard animals!
The difference between the Jacob and CVM/Corriedale fleeces in texture and staple and feel is remarkable. I know about both from reading. The C/C is a ‘fine wool’, while the Jacob usually falls under the heading of ‘other’. But I have spun Jacob roving, and prepped 2 bs of Jacobs before. I know Jacob better.
I can’t wait to get to know the CVM/Corriedale better. I think I will have about five pounds to do so. I hope we get along.
The plan is to card by hand, practicing the technique learned at the workshop at the wool market. And when bored with that, I may rent a drum carder from the Weaver's/Spinner's Guild. But again, there is something to be said about getting to know wool by working with it.
It feels good to have all the raw fleeces cleaned. It was a lot of work.
Seriously.
June 22, 2010
Making Room
I have had the distinct pleasure this month of having a visit from both sisters. I have already described some of what we did during Wisest’s stay. Dearest’s was not so long, not even 24 hours. But we filled it full, with the tail end of my iris bloom, grandbebe girls, softserve twist cones, and a drive up the canyon to where I had scoped out the lowest altitude where lilacs were still blooming.
Yes, we did, and she appreciated it, too!
We also stayed up past my bedtime talking because time was short. There was planning to be discussed pertaining to another grandbebe quilt (Yep! Grandbebe the Fourth!) (I really need to get on number three. Seriously.) And she and I are wondering about the prospect of a long weekend to Salt Lake in Auguest or September.
I have been removing the spent bloom stalks from the iris, and many are done. Wonderful Guy mentioned it’s bittersweet when the iris are done, and he misses them. So will I, but after cleaning them up yesterday, I mentioned to him I still have seven different varietals blooming. When they first started opening up, I was pretty darned excited to have seven different ones open!
So as for the iris, they have their time, then they make room for the roses. And other things. While I was puttering around in the yard and on the patio over the weekend, every so often the breeze carried the fragrance of my honeysuckle. I planted the old fashioned kind that spreads like crazy and attracts bees like nobodies business. And it’s beautiful, and smells wonderfully.
Exactly what I wanted.
Also, I am going to have some pretty stunning hollyhocks this year, I do believe, thanks to Kate. Can’t wait to see what colors I get. I seem to have a memory at the edges of my mind of Momma making ‘little ladies’ with hollyhock blooms, one big bloom for a skirt, and a small bloom for….I don’t know…the top of the person. Anyone remember this sort of thing? Because I am going to have hollyhocks and may need to impress my Grandbebe Girls with little hollyhock ladies.
So bittersweet indeed. The iris are so welcome for many reasons, and I am sorry when they are done. I do have a very long bloom time here, though, and when they go, I know summer is here, and there are lots of other blooming things vying for my attention.
Also, Dearest Sister brought me some iris from the desert. I need to find places to plant those guys!
Yes, we did, and she appreciated it, too!
We also stayed up past my bedtime talking because time was short. There was planning to be discussed pertaining to another grandbebe quilt (Yep! Grandbebe the Fourth!) (I really need to get on number three. Seriously.) And she and I are wondering about the prospect of a long weekend to Salt Lake in Auguest or September.
I have been removing the spent bloom stalks from the iris, and many are done. Wonderful Guy mentioned it’s bittersweet when the iris are done, and he misses them. So will I, but after cleaning them up yesterday, I mentioned to him I still have seven different varietals blooming. When they first started opening up, I was pretty darned excited to have seven different ones open!
So as for the iris, they have their time, then they make room for the roses. And other things. While I was puttering around in the yard and on the patio over the weekend, every so often the breeze carried the fragrance of my honeysuckle. I planted the old fashioned kind that spreads like crazy and attracts bees like nobodies business. And it’s beautiful, and smells wonderfully.
Exactly what I wanted.
Also, I am going to have some pretty stunning hollyhocks this year, I do believe, thanks to Kate. Can’t wait to see what colors I get. I seem to have a memory at the edges of my mind of Momma making ‘little ladies’ with hollyhock blooms, one big bloom for a skirt, and a small bloom for….I don’t know…the top of the person. Anyone remember this sort of thing? Because I am going to have hollyhocks and may need to impress my Grandbebe Girls with little hollyhock ladies.
So bittersweet indeed. The iris are so welcome for many reasons, and I am sorry when they are done. I do have a very long bloom time here, though, and when they go, I know summer is here, and there are lots of other blooming things vying for my attention.
Also, Dearest Sister brought me some iris from the desert. I need to find places to plant those guys!
June 21, 2010
Evolution
Dearest Sister visited not so long ago (and I commented with additional occurences) about, if a product appeals to us, it often can be the kiss of death. It has happened with alarming frequency that when we fall in love with something, be it *FHPs, cigarettes (oh we no longer smoke and haven't for an ever so long time!), a Celestial Seasonings tea flavor, a type of candy (remember Hershey-ettes? I am sure you don’t…) we need to stock up because that will guarantee it will be taken off the market!
It has happened again.
I rode my bike today. I went to log my miles on the web site that I have used since commencing to commute by bike (2006 for those keeping score). It’s been all updated! Well and good. These things happen and are somewhat expected. But! My login didn’t work. Since last I used it (early to mid June), I needed to set up a new profile, which means all this years miles are lost? Whatever. New profile, name, email, too many questions/reasons for communting….blah blah blah…where can I log my miles? Calculate carbon emissions saved? Figure calories burned?
No where it seems. No where at all. Seems the purpose of this here website has changed.
Great. Just great. And whatever. I will guess at what I have ridden this year, and just record my miles myself.
After all, the carbon emission savings only made me feel good, and I never believed what they said about the calories burned. If that math worked, I would be a mere shadow of myself!
Other biking notes:
The Singing Man last week…passing between The Gardens and the CSU ropes course, there was an adult man singing. His back was to the trail, and was facing Spring Creek. He was practicing vocal exercises and singing along classical lines…not like reggae or pop or country…
The Accident today…complete with ambulance, stretcher, and traffic cones. Someone crashed on the bike path, and required paramedics. Crashee was awake as I passed, and I saw no blood. Looked to be a leg injury, but I was paying attention to not crashing myself.
Bike to Work Week this week...freebies on Wednesday, and the trails will be rife with amateurs! Not that I am judging. It actually gives me a chance to pass instead of be passed!
*feminine hygiene products
It has happened again.
I rode my bike today. I went to log my miles on the web site that I have used since commencing to commute by bike (2006 for those keeping score). It’s been all updated! Well and good. These things happen and are somewhat expected. But! My login didn’t work. Since last I used it (early to mid June), I needed to set up a new profile, which means all this years miles are lost? Whatever. New profile, name, email, too many questions/reasons for communting….blah blah blah…where can I log my miles? Calculate carbon emissions saved? Figure calories burned?
No where it seems. No where at all. Seems the purpose of this here website has changed.
Great. Just great. And whatever. I will guess at what I have ridden this year, and just record my miles myself.
After all, the carbon emission savings only made me feel good, and I never believed what they said about the calories burned. If that math worked, I would be a mere shadow of myself!
Other biking notes:
The Singing Man last week…passing between The Gardens and the CSU ropes course, there was an adult man singing. His back was to the trail, and was facing Spring Creek. He was practicing vocal exercises and singing along classical lines…not like reggae or pop or country…
The Accident today…complete with ambulance, stretcher, and traffic cones. Someone crashed on the bike path, and required paramedics. Crashee was awake as I passed, and I saw no blood. Looked to be a leg injury, but I was paying attention to not crashing myself.
Bike to Work Week this week...freebies on Wednesday, and the trails will be rife with amateurs! Not that I am judging. It actually gives me a chance to pass instead of be passed!
*feminine hygiene products
June 16, 2010
Happy Birthday
To my best sidekick....
...from early on...
...through the years...
...and who I depend on now.
Hope you have a great day, Dearest Sister.
Think of me while enjoying your lunch at Andres! And I am looking forward to seeing you tomorrow.
...from early on...
...through the years...
...and who I depend on now.
Hope you have a great day, Dearest Sister.
Think of me while enjoying your lunch at Andres! And I am looking forward to seeing you tomorrow.
June 14, 2010
Rocky in the Rain
I am not sure what this stuff is, but think it suffices without words...
To get this, I had to retrieve the camera from the truck. By the time I got back to the tree, there was another photographer with a big fancy camera, with a bigger, fancier lens. I was a little intimidated...but whatever. I liked the little red baby pine cones.
(Clicky to biggy...)
June 13, 2010
Estes Park in June
(Meant to schedule this to post later, but seem to have messed it up some how, so two posts in one day. Such is what happens when the weather allows for some couch time, I suppose....2 posts in....5 minutes....)
After a week's worth of near record setting temperatures, in the high eighties, Trail Ridge Road, the one that takes you over Rocky Mountain National Park was closed yesterday with 4 inches of snow.
I insisted Wonderful Guy take me up as far as we could, to Rainbow Curve.
What the snow up there meant was rain at the Wool Market. It was a messy, and muddy day there. We went, though, and spent time in the goat's and sheep's tent, but bagged any outside activities.
It was beyond just raining. Temps hovered in the high 40's, low 50's all day.
So yeah. For us, disappointing, but we will have other weekends this summer to come to Estes, to hike in Rocky. We, and by we, I mean I, will have other Wool Markets to take in the sheep dog demos. I feel badly for those who plan an entire year's vacation to come out to see our neck of the woods...and get this sort of weekend.
Sometime just the way life works, I guess.
However, a quick stop was made at the vendors barn. Just a real quick one. I decided I didn't need to buy a drum carder just yet. Since I joined the Weaver's/Spinner's Guild, I have access to renting carders from that source, and that will be a good way to learn the technique.
However, I did buy a CVM/Corriedale cross fleece from a young woman who raises sheep with her sister down by Gunnison. I will have to tell all about it later.
After a week's worth of near record setting temperatures, in the high eighties, Trail Ridge Road, the one that takes you over Rocky Mountain National Park was closed yesterday with 4 inches of snow.
Four generations! Just like photos we would take at family reunions....
It was beyond just raining. Temps hovered in the high 40's, low 50's all day.
a week old, and I got to pet these guys!
So yeah. For us, disappointing, but we will have other weekends this summer to come to Estes, to hike in Rocky. We, and by we, I mean I, will have other Wool Markets to take in the sheep dog demos. I feel badly for those who plan an entire year's vacation to come out to see our neck of the woods...and get this sort of weekend.
Sometime just the way life works, I guess.
However, a quick stop was made at the vendors barn. Just a real quick one. I decided I didn't need to buy a drum carder just yet. Since I joined the Weaver's/Spinner's Guild, I have access to renting carders from that source, and that will be a good way to learn the technique.
However, I did buy a CVM/Corriedale cross fleece from a young woman who raises sheep with her sister down by Gunnison. I will have to tell all about it later.
Spinning With Maggie
I have had a most awesome two day workshop. I will try to hold in my gushing about it. But it was SO!AWESOME!!
Maggie is a fantastic teacher. I learned so very much, with many facts finally sinking in, and worked on finessing and/or honing many other techniques.
So worth the time, effort, and money spent on the whole experience.
We had about 15 in the class, ranging in experience from someone who had spun 2 pounds of wools on a drop spindle (!), to those who knew not which end of a wheel to spin from. We came from the western slope, the front range, Nebraska, and Texas. And other places, but those are what I remember.
Personally, what really sunk in were 'fleece facts', stuff like crimp and strength and such. (I had read, but now I have seen and done. My learning cycle is complete.) Also, the difference in woolen and worsted yarn and how to spin for both. (I am pausing just now to review in my mind the exact difference...woolen=lofty fuzzy, carded...worsted=silkier, smoother, combed...by george, I think she has it!)
Personally, technique-wise, I have moved past short forward draw/inch worm style of drafting. Friday afternoon, I finally had the long draw method 'sink in'. I was afraid to say anything for a while, for fear that Maggie would walk over to see, and the spell would be broken! But there I was-spinning and smiling...and long-drawing...
I learned a better, and by better, I mean way easier, way to card, and a smoother way to ply.
And regarding the worsted/woolen thing, we spent some time learning to spin worsted yarn in a couple of way, including spinning from the fold.
Yes, my head is full.
Also my heart, because if I didn't love Maggie before (she sold Betsy to me, and educated me on drum carders) I do now!
(and I might buy a drum carder today...who knows) (I mean, it's raining and what else is there to do?)
Maggie is a fantastic teacher. I learned so very much, with many facts finally sinking in, and worked on finessing and/or honing many other techniques.
So worth the time, effort, and money spent on the whole experience.
We had about 15 in the class, ranging in experience from someone who had spun 2 pounds of wools on a drop spindle (!), to those who knew not which end of a wheel to spin from. We came from the western slope, the front range, Nebraska, and Texas. And other places, but those are what I remember.
Personally, what really sunk in were 'fleece facts', stuff like crimp and strength and such. (I had read, but now I have seen and done. My learning cycle is complete.) Also, the difference in woolen and worsted yarn and how to spin for both. (I am pausing just now to review in my mind the exact difference...woolen=lofty fuzzy, carded...worsted=silkier, smoother, combed...by george, I think she has it!)
Personally, technique-wise, I have moved past short forward draw/inch worm style of drafting. Friday afternoon, I finally had the long draw method 'sink in'. I was afraid to say anything for a while, for fear that Maggie would walk over to see, and the spell would be broken! But there I was-spinning and smiling...and long-drawing...
I learned a better, and by better, I mean way easier, way to card, and a smoother way to ply.
And regarding the worsted/woolen thing, we spent some time learning to spin worsted yarn in a couple of way, including spinning from the fold.
Yes, my head is full.
Also my heart, because if I didn't love Maggie before (she sold Betsy to me, and educated me on drum carders) I do now!
(and I might buy a drum carder today...who knows) (I mean, it's raining and what else is there to do?)
June 9, 2010
Wool Market Weekend
The Estes Park Wool Market begins for me tomorrow. I am taking a two-day workshop on spinning, and I am quite excited about:
#1 2 days off work to do so.
#2 the workshop itself. It is led by Maggie Casey.
#3 Wonderful Guy and I are spending the 4 day weekend in Estes, a mini-vaycay, as it were.
#4 2 days off work.
I have Molly, the Marvelous Matchless, all set to go, oil and hand carders and extra bobbins and lazy kate ready, too. I have clothes laid out…for high 70’s, and for when the temps take a 30 degree dive on Friday.
Yep, that’s what those weather people say is going to happen. While they may be a bit off, I imagine the weekend is not going to hold 'shorts' weather for us. Too bad really. This week has really been nice and toasty, and it would have been sweet for it to hold over. I would have enjoyed some nice weather in the mountains, and not underneath twelve layers. But it’s the weather, and what am I going to do about it?!?
I am sure we will have a good time. And that I take plenty of photos. Of goats and sheep and alpacas and bunnies.
And I am wondering whatever should I be thinking about shopping for….
Maybe I will just look. Maybe I don’t really need anything. Maybe nothing will really appeal…
Maybe.
Or maybe NOT!!!
This weekend past, our neighborhood held its annual garage sale. While we don’t ‘sell’ every year, we do generally participate in the social nature of the event. This year we numbered among the sellers, though. With all the re-organization and clearing out and moving of things around, the timing was propitious, don’t you know.
Before Wisest Sister arrived, most all the goods were staged in the garage. After Sister left, we priced and arranged and readied things. And by things, I mean from Wonderful Guy’s old dirt bike equipment to old fabric of mine. Bookshelves, truck tool box, office chairs, computer equipment…out stuff ran the gamut.
My fabric consisted of yardage lengths of woven cottons/blends and knits, and a sack of cotton/blends scraps. Not to worry! Nothing of import was among the cast-offs! At least to my thinking...this stuff went back a few decades, but not so many that made it anything but hohum. To my thinking. A couple of women arrived and the younger zoomed in on the bag of scraps. The older remarked that she made charity quilts for Haitian children. To which I remarked that I would give them all the woven fabric they wanted.
Let me get a box! Or two!
They were very pleased and took all the cotton and cotton blend yardage I had. I was glad for that. It wasn’t…you know…moving, and I was going to make a trip to Goodwill when the day was over anyway. They ended up with two large boxes full.
Also? She said something about me being blessed for my generosity.
She has no idea how I have been blessed already.
#1 2 days off work to do so.
#2 the workshop itself. It is led by Maggie Casey.
#3 Wonderful Guy and I are spending the 4 day weekend in Estes, a mini-vaycay, as it were.
#4 2 days off work.
I have Molly, the Marvelous Matchless, all set to go, oil and hand carders and extra bobbins and lazy kate ready, too. I have clothes laid out…for high 70’s, and for when the temps take a 30 degree dive on Friday.
Yep, that’s what those weather people say is going to happen. While they may be a bit off, I imagine the weekend is not going to hold 'shorts' weather for us. Too bad really. This week has really been nice and toasty, and it would have been sweet for it to hold over. I would have enjoyed some nice weather in the mountains, and not underneath twelve layers. But it’s the weather, and what am I going to do about it?!?
I am sure we will have a good time. And that I take plenty of photos. Of goats and sheep and alpacas and bunnies.
And I am wondering whatever should I be thinking about shopping for….
Maybe I will just look. Maybe I don’t really need anything. Maybe nothing will really appeal…
Maybe.
Or maybe NOT!!!
This weekend past, our neighborhood held its annual garage sale. While we don’t ‘sell’ every year, we do generally participate in the social nature of the event. This year we numbered among the sellers, though. With all the re-organization and clearing out and moving of things around, the timing was propitious, don’t you know.
Before Wisest Sister arrived, most all the goods were staged in the garage. After Sister left, we priced and arranged and readied things. And by things, I mean from Wonderful Guy’s old dirt bike equipment to old fabric of mine. Bookshelves, truck tool box, office chairs, computer equipment…out stuff ran the gamut.
My fabric consisted of yardage lengths of woven cottons/blends and knits, and a sack of cotton/blends scraps. Not to worry! Nothing of import was among the cast-offs! At least to my thinking...this stuff went back a few decades, but not so many that made it anything but hohum. To my thinking. A couple of women arrived and the younger zoomed in on the bag of scraps. The older remarked that she made charity quilts for Haitian children. To which I remarked that I would give them all the woven fabric they wanted.
Let me get a box! Or two!
They were very pleased and took all the cotton and cotton blend yardage I had. I was glad for that. It wasn’t…you know…moving, and I was going to make a trip to Goodwill when the day was over anyway. They ended up with two large boxes full.
Also? She said something about me being blessed for my generosity.
She has no idea how I have been blessed already.
June 8, 2010
Road Trip
…but of a much easier nature than it could have been….oh…150 years ago…
Wisest Sister and I did indeed head north and east through Wyoming and to Nebraska, and visited the Brown Sheep Company. I have been there once before, and it’s really not such a long way from where I live.
When I was there previously, I was thinking it was the funnest (is SO a word!) name for a wool mill ever, and wondered about the brown sheep that must have inspired the name of the company. While waiting in the hallway for my turn at the ladies room, I happened to spy a photo. Of the Family Brown. Who founded the yarn mill.
Yep, Not about brown sheep, but about Mr. and Mrs. Brown and their kids. Glad I didn’t say anything. There is an old adage about there being no stupid questions…well, I would have proven that one wrong.
So we shopped some at the factory store, where I bought more than Sister. But not too much. Then we headed to Scott’s Bluff National Monument, which is just down the road a piece. It was a beautiful day for seeing such sights.
End of April, we traveled back to Kansas, and while there, we trekked out to a place called Alcove Springs. After debarking in early spring from Independence, Missouri, on the Oregon Trail, the wagon trains would stop at Alcove Springs for a brief respite. This rest was sometimes out of necessity, to wait for the Big Blue River to fall a few feet to crossing safer.
(seen up close, little arrows, mine, mark the swales)
I was born in Kansas, and lived there, and in other places around the Midwest many of my years. I have also traveled the West a good bit as well. However, until Alcove Springs, I had never taken the time to get off the beaten path to find one of those places where one can see the ruts left by the wagon wheels of those wagon trains.
(seen from way up high)
As the wagons crossed the prairies, the wagons did not go ‘single file’. They would spread out, and in this field, there were several ‘dips’ and runnels in the grassy area that are what remain of those pathways.
(reproductions wagons next to where the actual trail passed)
Now, it’s the first of June, and Wisest Sister and I are in Western Nebraska at Scott’s Bluff, which marked the end of the prairie to the travelers. I am not sure why they thought it was the end of the prairie. I think there is a lot of prairie west of there, but those were the claims made in the pamphlets and guides we read. They were one third of the way ‘there’, at any rate, upon reaching this particular landmark.
Whew. What a relief to be able to answer that! to all those ‘are we there yet?’ questions…
At Scott’s Bluff (called by the Native Americans ‘hill that is hard to go around’), the wagon trains had to pass through single file. Quite a bottleneck, don’t you know…
The wagons passed here…(again, the arrow is mine...it was not there to mark their path...lovely and pink, though it might be...)
And here…
And here…
It was a beautiful day while we were there. In the low 80’s. Blue sky with a few clouds, and a gentle breeze (very uncommon for the area!). As I walked up the path to where the wagon trail crossed, I shed my overshirt down to my tanktop.
Not something a pioneering female would be apt to do, in spite of how warm she was, in her long skirt and undergarments and long sleeves. And apron. And bonnet. And I suppose there would have been more unpleasant weather with which to contend. Just perhaps…
Also in the pamphets and guides? Those hardy pioneers found most of the claims made by the promoters grossly understated the hardship and overstated the ease with which the journey was to be made! (Madison Avenue strikes before there was an actual Madison Avenue!)
So.
I am left pondering. I have much admiration for these hardy souls who up and left what was behind, looking forward to what the future might hold for them. And yet, there, at the monument, is one small patch where the original ‘prairie’ is being regrown. Our forefathers exacted a huge price for all their tenacity and endurance and hardiness on the environment, the Native Americans, and the indigenous species of plants and wildlife.
Hindsight, yes, and yet, if we do not learn from our history, we repeat our lessons. (I know these things…)
June 3, 2010
That Time of the Year
Arctic Lace?
Tanzanian Tangerine
????
Celebration Song?
It was a good time for Wisest Sister to visit.
Liger
I was able to share my blooms with her.
Lions Share
And my grandbebes, too.
Long's Peak?
But this post is about my iris.
Millenium Sunrise
And while I have been a bit tardy in presenting my photos...
Mt. Sinai Aflame
...really, all of these are blooming right now!
Pink....
And I have more still to open.
Titan's Glory
DSis? I am not remembering the names for all of them.
Celebration Song???
Fill them in as you can, please!
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Needles of Iron
