the game

My creation, originally uploaded by shelaghms.

from Pea Soup

the spinnery

I'm sure any readers I once had have given up on me. Posting every quarter is not reassuring, nor consistent, but my knitting hasn't been either. So late this summer, I decided to jump start my knitting with something special. I threw financial caution to the wind and booked my spot with these lovely folks. Then I set about securing a place to stay. The end of September is the beginning of leaf peeping season, so rooms were already scarce. Lots of people plan ahead. My planning revolves around a school calendar and I never think of staying at a B & B, hotel, or motel in New England. It seems like such an extravagance.

And it was! Jill and Dennis, the Innkeepers were outstanding hosts. The food was divine! My room was cozy and quaint, and Saturday night Dennis built a fire in the fire pit and I gazed at the multitude of stars glittering in the clear Vermont sky. I recommend the place wholeheartedly.

Four other women in the class were staying there too which made it less scary and more fun. Thanks to Lori from Westport, Kindy from Wellesley, Sally for being unable to attend so her sister Kindy could go in her place with Lori, Terri from NYC, and her friend Julia from Brooklyn; warm fuzzy, funny, eloquent knitters each of them. And they let me sit with them, so kind since I didn't bring a friend.

The starring attraction for me was the teacher.

More tomorrow, since I've finally got a little blog fodder, I don't want to use it all in one post.

ah, july

miss Isabel, july 4, originally uploaded by shelaghms.

It is a gorgeous day. . . and lucky many say: 7 . 7 . 07.

Miss Isabel sends a smile in honor of the holiday, her Nana's impending birthday, and the love of her Auntie. . . along with her passion for all fruit, Jerry, and Yoda, and . . . she's a happy little girl, and I am blessed she's part of my life.

I am knitting. Slowly, but surely. I finally got a new camera, so blogging may resume - I hope! - and ravelry will be used. What an amazing tool.

I hope you're enjoying your weekend.

new year :: generosity

The Kim family's experience touched and saddened me deeply :: please visit the Kim family art + craft auction :: all money raised will go directly to James Kim's family :: details are on the site or you may donate directly to The James Kim Memorial Fund ::

. . a safe, creative, and bright 2007 to every single one of you in blogville. . .

and thank you for your patience with me here.

How did it happen?

The incident is so vivid in my memory, I didn't think to explain how it happened or that it wouldn't be apparent to my readers. Rachel pointed this out, so let me clarify:

Cassidy, a 50 lb. mutt with what I think must be some terrier in her, got into the sheep pasture that is spitting distance from our home. She went into the barn, thru the screen door that is not attached to the doorway - it's propped up against the opening - and down the ramp. It had been a windy day and I had forgotten that the door wasn't attached to the doorway.

Cass chased the sheep, and the sheep ran into the pond to get away. The first row boat I hopped in quickly took on water, so I dragged out the second one, which delayed the possible rescue. The two of them swam around until the sheep very quickly became exhausted.

It's the thrill of the chase for Cass. And sheep aren't very smart. We didn't have this problem with the cattle or horses on the ranch.

My home, the sheep, the pasture, the pond, the barn, and the leaky rowboat are owned by my employer. You can imagine the pluses and minuses of those details. The Boss is away, but the under-bosses know; burying a sheep carcass is not a one person job.

Is the story clearer?

Payback?

One of my dogs drowned a sheep today.

I am still in disbelief.

Is it fast-acting karma for not knitting in almost eight (8) weeks? For not announcing my conclusions about and winners for RKT #1? For still having over 115 unread items in my blogroll? For not keeping in touch with friends - live, Knitty, and blogville - during this hellacious life transition? For a gajillion other things...

*sigh*

Color purple

You Are Grape

You are bold and a true individual. You are very different and very okay with that. People know you as a straight shooter. You're very honest, even when the truth hurts. You are also very grounded and practical. No one is going to sneak anything by you. People enjoy your fresh approach to life. And it's this honesty that makes you a very innovative person.

What Color Purple Are You?

I found this over at Kim's.

RKT #1 contest is now closed

Please be patient while I do the judging. No long weekend for me. It's work, work, work.

Thanks to all who entered!