Milestones

Today is my parents' 54th wedding anniversary; eighteen and twenty they were in 1952. And the romance is not gone. My mum is helping me out this week in the shop and today a beautful bouquet of roses arrived from my father. I spent more than a few years, unknowingly, looking for a guy just like my dad!! Since my dad is at home in Picton and my mum is here, we are going out tonight to celebrate!

Things at the old wool shop seem to be picking up. I think the A-frame sign is making a difference. There were a number of people in today. I decided to put some of the yarn on sale. There is a lovely Gedifra yarn called English Tweed that I bought a fair bit of - I couldn't resist the colours and the flecks. It's an aran weight, and I'm partial to aran sweaters knit in colours other than ivory (is it still an aran if you change the colour!?!) (think of the young, good looking guy with old Rose in Titanic - he's wearing a gorgeous brown cable knit - I wish some movies included sweater patterns in the credits). Anyhow, it hasn't been selling like I thought it would and the fact that elann.com has it on sale probably hasn't helped matters. So, let's hope it moves - I need to make room for other things. There's a package waiting for me at the post office - could it be the Hand Maiden - perhaps the Ultra Alpaca - can't wait to find out!

Did I mention I had 18 rows to go on my Bloomfield Cardigan? Hopefully I'll knock off a couple more today. I've started my mohair throw at home - I found a sample ball of Lily Chin's Greenwich Village (a mohair, nylon, acrylic blend) in the green that I like (sort of granny smith/lime/celadon) so I'm throwing a couple of rows of that in every five inches or so. I haven't gone far enough to tell whether or not I like it.

I had a great conversation today with a woman who has her own alpacas and who does a little sheep shearing on the side. Her farm is close by and she tells me her barn is full of fleece(s) (I'm not sure what's correct, I don't have a dictionary here). I've made arrangements to meet her the week after next. She's going to bring me some samples of her spun yarn. Not only does she spin it herself, she also dyes some with natural dyes from plants that she grows - how cool is that!! I mentioned that I would be interested in undyed wool as well, knowing that there are those out there (DeeDee) that have have been experimenting with kool-aid lately. I think this idea pleased her even more - the less she has to do with the fleece, the better, she said. This means, of course, that I now have a source for roving too! We did talk a little bit about Newfoundland fur - she gathers and spins this as well. I've heard about this before (even spun possum fur from Australia) but I'm just not sure. There's something about that wet dog smell..... All in all, a great connection to make. I can't wait 'til she comes in.

I'm heading back up to the lake tomorrow night and returning on Saturday, by way of my uncle's 90th birthday party. Please note, for any kniterary enthusiasts, the shop will be closed Saturday afternoon. Nothing could keep me from giving my Uncle Reg a hug on this day. Always one of my favourite uncles, and a great dad to eleven children, his party will be like a mini family reunion. My dad is one of nine, so there is no such thing as a small family get together on his side.

Hopefully, Mark and the kids have been enjoying a week of great weather. I can't wait to seen them all again. And, I am scheduled to have my annual water-ski - can't seem to manage one ski anymore (must be the arthritic knees) - but the boys think it's a hoot to watch!

To borrow from Clark Griswold in Christmas Vacation, "Later, dudes!"