A Snowy New Year's Eve ..... Looking Back on 2009

When I look back at 2009, I think it was a good year. I learned several new things this year, went to a few new places, and tried some new foods and cuisine. I've also had a new perspective that will carry over into 2010 on many things. My craft room was finished, and, I started dyeing fiber and yarn on my own. The weekend trip to Rhinebeck was fantastic. My travel buddies/roommates were the best company. We had so many laughs and giggles together.

I'm also not making any resolutions for this year. I have wishes and hopes for next year instead. Of course, there are fiber and yarn plans in there. :)

Today started with a super fast snow storm. The first flakes had hardly touched the ground when they decided to come down in full force. It took the street in front of my house a whole 2 minutes to be completely covered. After a few hours we have about 2 inches of the white stuff, making it look like a perfect winter scene. It's a wonderful touch for New Year's Eve.

My plans for tonight include making a gluten free pepperoni pizza for Pat, sitting in my new recliner, and knitting. I've don't drink and have never been one to head out to a party on this night of the year. I'll toast the new year with a glass of Diet Coke at midnight.

Well, enjoy your evening and ....

Happy New Year!!

Spinning, Knitting, and a Sore Mouth

The wheels have been busy spinning away as usual. The 2 ounces of pink Merino/Angora and 2 ounces of a multi Merino/Alpaca/Silk are both plied and now waiting for their bath and will become a scarf of alternating stripes. Both fibers are from the dye workshop with the Painted Sheep last June. All 8 ounces of the "Holly Berry" from CJKopec is spun up as singles right now and waiting for plying which I will be doing some of in a little bit tonight. The purple Rambouillet from Rhinebeck is getting there too.

The second sleeve of my Ditto sweater is about 10 rows from being finished. Then it's on to the yoke.

Sadly, I had to miss Knit Night last night due to a sore mouth. I started having a problem last Thursday. By Tuesday morning, I couldn't take the pain anymore and called the dentist. I was in the office less than 2 hours later, having gum surgery. The painkillers are wonderful things. I can take one every 8 hours as needed. Today, I managed to stretch it to about 10 hours, so maybe tomorrow I will only need one pill. Anyway due to this little hiccup in my daily fiber plans, I've been a bit behind on stuff.

Pat is back to work after his 2 shoulder surgeries, so the house is extremely quiet with no t.v. playing. Even the animals are quiet except for an occasional snore from Hanna the dog.

Happy Holidays Everyone

It's that time of the year when everyone is busy with family and friends, getting ready for their celebrations of the season. Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Winter Solstice, and New Years are all upon us again.

My Christmas wish is for peace, understanding, and tolerance among all of us. With all the hustling and bustling around to get that special gift, sometimes the true meaning of the holiday season is forgotten. It's not about the presents, food, or decorations. It's about spending time with people who are important to you in many different ways.

Pat and I will be spending the day with my brother-in-law as usual. It will be a quiet, peaceful day. After the meal is eaten, time will be spent watching the t.v., talking, and I will probably be spinning on one of my wheels.

Well, that's my reflection of the holidays. I hope you are enjoying yours as much as I am mine. :)

Happy Holidays.

A-Humming We Will Go....

What has a long neck, big soulful eyes, a perpetual smile, fluffy dreadlock bangs and beautiful fiber, four legs and hums to talk to you? If you said an alpaca, you are right. I really love these animals.

Last Sunday was spent visiting and spinning at a local alpaca farm, Paradise Farm Alpacas. Ice Pond Farm, and, Rocky Ridge Farm were also there. As you looked around, you saw several areas with these sweet animals in them. Some of these lovely creatures were in the paddock behind our tent. We could watch them as we were spinning. Since we were at an alpaca farm, it was decided we would spin something with that animal's fiber. Some of us spun dyed blends and some natural fiber. I think my favorite part of the day was watching the children leading the young (1 to 2 year old) alpacas through the obstacle course. Sometimes it would be a contest of wills as to if the animal would keep moving at the guidance of the young lady or man. Every now and then the family pet turkey would gobble at us. The farm cats also made friends with everyone.

It was a bit cold as the day wore on. I finally gave in and bought a pair of nice warm alpaca socks. My toes were very happy to have these covering them within a few minutes.

My sweater is growing a little bit at a time. The first sleeve is ready to be attached, and the second one has progressed to the second increase.

Today, I dropped off a couple of fleeces to be processed at Fibers4Ewe Mill. I'm having the Kid Mohair I bought at Rhinebeck blended into one of them. That will be nice to spin. Tonight, will be devoted to laundry and maybe some dyeing.