YARNCATION

YARNCATION (yarn*k*shen), noun, Yarncation is a place and a thing. In this time of high gas prices and the media announcing that people across America are having a "staycation" we do just the opposite. I am a child of the 60s and going against the grain can be good for the soul.

Last week I traveled to Colorado for a yarncation with three other "knittin ladies". We rented a van and drove to Denver, in one day. Yes we stopped at a Yarn Shop along the way. In Pueblo CO we visited Colorado Fiber Arts. Nice shop, small and cozy. I did buy some "artful yarns - soap" A nice, white,silver and gray blend. Off to the Springs for a really good steak dinner. We made Denver by nightfall and fall is exactly what we did. We drove and knitted all day. Does it get much better than that? YES IT DOES......

I got to see the "Windmills in my Mind" in Western Oklahoma. There are more of these windmills being "planted" in western Oklahoma and the Texas panhandle. They are gentle giants and hopefully a way to a better future.

If anyone ever asks you if four women can get up and moving on time - tell them YES! When one is on a yarncation - there is a driven force within. Getting up on time without an alarm clock just happens. We never miss a meal because we need our strength for shopping.

Moving on further north of Denver we headed to Ft Collins. This was especially a highlight for me. We went to the Lambspun yarn store. I have read the knitting mystery books by Maggie Sefton which uses Lambspun as it's character store and the people that work and visit there may be characters in the books. We got to meet the owner, Shirley, which is Mimi in the books. There is a restaurant in both the books and store. The golf course butting up to the shop is included in the stories and Maggie has done well to leave out the Target store across the street which keeps the storyline quaint. They are a nice easy read and I like them. It was also a thrill for me to buy some Lambspun yarn which are blends of silk/novelty and wool/novelty. I can't wait to find a pattern to use them in. The weather was just perfect for us. However; the next day a large tornado hit a town north of Denver, near Ft Collins. Our Oklahoma hearts went out to them.

Our day was not over as we drove on to Boulder. I can't tell you how nice it was to enjoy the nice cool temps. I think I could look at this view all day long. There are "beach" people and "tree" people. I am a tree person/hugger. I have always loved the forest and the mountains. The smell of dirt and pine trees reminds me of visiting Grandma K's house in Pennsylvania. It's a scent that you have to experience - they don't sell it in a candle or a bottle.

After visiting a yarn shop in Boulder we drove down the street to the University of Colorado campus and the artsy downtown area. We walked the farmers market and the downtown art shops. Dinner at the Mediterranean (The Med) was great. Then once again by nightfall we were falling into our beds exhausted.

On that note - I think I'll follow suit.

Check out K's blog "Addicted to Knitting" - of course this will be "her" side of the story. hee hee

Goodnight. Buona Notte

This and That

Remember when we were kids and we would place pennies on the railroad track waiting for a train to come by and SMASH 'em? It was fun to watch a new generation place the pennies on the track. Chooooooo Chooooo I put on my Nancy Drew hat and finally solved a mystery that has been with me for over a year. One winter's day on the way home from Tulsa I saw a piece of an interesting looking building from the turnpike. The top of the building looked like an old church bell tower. It looked Celtic, yet Episcopalian and I couldn't figure out what it could be. I looked for it on each trip up and down the turnpike, yet never able to stop. Last weekend I was in Tulsa by myself and just knew what the drive home would entail. I remembered the exit and went to seek out the mysterious building. "What church could this be?", I wondered. As I got closer to the building my thoughts went down a whole different road. The building looks like some religious but it actually is a maintenance building for a CEMETERY. None the less, I drove through and took some pics and got back on the turnpike and nobody got hurt. ha

Here's a beauty which I wish would multiply, but doesn't. I get six lovely blooms on two stalks every year. She smells so beautiful.

MAY DAY! MAY DAY! I will always remember May 1st as May Day. This was the day that my Mother would have me take a homemade basket, made of construction paper, filled with flowers
to place on Mrs. Wagner's front door. I did this on my way to school. I wonder if that dear sweet lady ever knew who it was from - but most importantly - I hope she enjoyed them.

This May Day we were hit with a spring storm of hail and tornadoes. The hail grew from pea size to golf ball size. I think we might still have on in the freezer. That's what you're suppose to do right? Seems like we always did. Now let the insurance games begin.

Brotherly love. Need I say more? (Groucho loves to be covered while he sleeps. I think it keeps his old bones warm.)

This was a busy week. Several things going on and life seemed to be a struggle too. The flowers in the gardens are beautiful - but my allergies are horrible. My nose is rubbed raw and I should by stock in P&G.

Hi Mr. H! It was great seeing you in the doctor's office this week. All is fine with me and I hope with you. Jan - I don't think your Dad has aged one day since the last time I saw him. Good luck on your reunion.

Better close and go outside and plant flowers. Ciao!