recapping Rhinebeck

Its been some week over here, and its been even harder to find a smidgen of piece and quiet to update the blog. When Mom, Dad and I came back from the festival Kailey had a bit of a diaper rash, which got worse on Sunday. And even worse come Monday. The Dr. had me mixing up maalox tablets and desitine cream which didn’t do a thing. Ended up being a yeast rash, which I’ve never seen this bad. (You would think I would, but no.) Finally after a trip to the Dr’s and a prescription she’s on the mend. Thank goodness. Anyway, you didn’t come over hear to hear about diaper rash now did you? (Please say no, please say no.) Recapping Rhinebeck is always a hard one, the kids and I load up in the car and start driving for a trip that we’ve taken millions of times.

after arriving at my parents house and settling in for the night my mom and I woke up early and started out towards Rhinebeck after the sitter arrived. We got there a little late, around 10. Walked around make a couple of purchases, and saw Valerie (got buttons!), before we met Adelle for lunch at 11. We saw Julie from Stoneview who gave me some fantastic soap, smells minty!

said hello to Julia and her beau Brant (man does that guy wear a sweater well ; ) before we set off for more wool shopping. I had a bit of a falling down at Brooks Farm at purchased enough solana for Wisteria

Mom and I skipped the blogger meet up this year. Didn’t exactly intend to, but time seem to elude us after lunch and there was wool to be purchased. I *had* to get more Greenwood Hill Farm merino, this time I got 10 hanks of the worsted in chocolate. Srsly this has to be the softest wool I’ve ever touched, it amazes me how soft and squishy this yarn is with the amount of hay that is in it.

I wondered around the barn a bit behind my parents (which I have to say, sometimes it feels a bit odd saying that I asked my parents to go with me because I’m an adult. but its nice to be able to go places with them. And not “accidentally” leave them. A story for another day.) I stopped at Snow Star Farm and made my most indulgent purchase 2 hanks of sport weight in black walnut and the other in osage orange/indigo

The husband gave me the free pattern for the mittens after I made my purchase. I don’t know how I get into these conversations, but the couple who owns the farm used to work in Great Barrington. Where my parents work. A small reminder on how small a world we live in. I just couldn’t walk away from that green, its fantastic. I’m hoping there will be enough of a contrast between the green and the brown. I’m thinking of making the bird in hand mittens with this yarn. After walking out of the barn and walking around we saw Valerie and Carole, Kim and her hubby stopped by. I’m sure I’m forgetting something or somebody, it was a lovely day and it was great to see blog buddies. Mom and I topped it off with a race down the fun slide.

I totally kicked her ass, click on the pic to see where I landed. (or clicky here if it doesn’t work) You can tell I have more practice going down fun slides. Great way to end a wonderful day. Counting down the days till next year.
The haul:

I have to share this clip of my youngest darlings,

frigitty, I can’t get it to embed like it should so clicky here

hehehe my kids rock.

The weekend of Rhinebeck…

..was one wonderful weekend. The kids and I arrived at my parents house in time for dinner Friday night. And Satruday morning, after my wonderful baby-sitter came over Mom and I headed off. After getting lost trying to follow RR’s shortcut, Mom was navigating that’ll never happen again! (Sorry Mom! Love you!) We arrived at Rhinebeck a little late, but boy was it a nice day

Mom and I did a little shopping, we stopped at the Fold’s booth. After saying “I just want to look at the coloways” I held these in my hot little hands

Sock that Rock lightweight in Chickabiddy and mediumweight in Azure Malachite. (I’ve been oogling this coloway for 2 years now on the Fold’s site.) We walked around for a little bit and then I bought more (I say more because I bought 2 hanks last year for a pair of socks for Dad) of this lovely merino from Greenwood Hill Farm to make twist from Chicknits. (but with the long collar not the hood.)

After it hangs out for a bit in a plastic bag with some lavender. It smells like cedar! Anyone have any hints to help remove that smell? Its still the loveliest, smoosiest, softest merino ever! Mom and I then met up with Adelle, P-la, Petra, Valerie, and I can’t remember her name! (I’m so sorry!)

(P-la, Valerie, Petra, me, and Adelle) Valerie gave me my prize for winning her contest on yarn4socks’s blog. The blogger meetup was crazy! Photo’s are on my flickr set, I have to get going and help Mike with dinner. Later Dad came over and I tried to find yarn for a sweater for Allysa

Twisted by Blue Moon, in Puck’s Mischief. I can’t believe they had anything left at 4! Here is the obligatory photo of the haul

I still can’t believe that I didn’t buy more! It was a lovely trip, and I can’t wait to go again next year.

On our way

Right now. Pretty soon. Ok, in the next hour or so, we’ll be on the road heading to my parents house. I’d show you a picture of the van all packed up and the cool sign I made (Rhinebeck or Bust! yes I’m a nerd) But its raining cats and dogs right now, and well I haven’t packed the van yet! err…

Tomorrow Mom and I will be attending the NY sheep and wool festival, if you see us say hi! I’ll be wearing my Autumn Leaves shawl, and a pink cordory jacket. Mom will be wearing her bright yellow jacket. (its easier to find her that way!)

Gotta jet, there’s wool to be had!

A lovely day at the Pumpkin Farm

Allysa’s pre-school had a field trip today to our local pumpkin farm, we couldn’t have asked for a nicer day.

The kids had fun playing different pumpkin themed games, talking about the different leaves, eating apples. They’re favorite had to be running like mad though the hay maze,

(I seriously need to build one of these in my back yard.) I loved the look on the kids faces once they figured out the maze, Allysa would say “YES! I figured it out!” After she would find her way out, even if it was her 20thousandith time through, she would still say it!

I finished my first maple sugar swirl sock! The second sock saw a little bit of action at the pumpkin patch, ok. I knit 16 sts. 1/4 of a row while I was there… anywho,

A few things followed us home, I had to get some gourds and Allysa helped me pick out some neat ones! We also bought some golden delicious apples (mmm, delicious!) elderberry jelly, and a wee little pumpkin. (and now I see that window reeeally needs a good scrubbing. Ew!) It was a wonderful day, and the drive back home was lovely

Have to run, Corra wants to be a cat for Halloween and I have to finish cutting out the lining to her costume. 3 days, 56 minutes to Rhinbeck. I can’t wait!

again with the busy

yes, again with the busy! This week the kids had their first day of school (don’t worry there is FO picture at the end of this post!)

Corra and Bryce had their first day of school. Allysa can’t wait to go! Corra’s in third grade this year, and Bryce is in first. My, time is flying right by! While the older kid’s where in school Allysa and I baked cookies for them.

We used Sheri’s cookie recipe from this post. I love Sheri’s tradition of making cookies for her kids on the first day of school. It’s something I plan on doing. Thank’s Sheri for inspiring me! The recipe is a good one, mmmmm cookies!

Can you see that look in Bryce’s eyes? Please Mom, just one more cookie? I used chocolate chips, white chocolate chips and mini m&m’s since I didn’t have enough chocolate chips. Now, for the fiber (hehehe, no pun intended. Now, Mike. That’s a pun!)

I finished my Dad’s birthday socks

I’ll share the un-pattern with you when I get  back home to Pennsylvania. We’re up visiting my parents again, and I left my notes at home. Dope! I’m feeling so good right now though, Dad’s birthday is in October and his socks are done early *big grin*. I started falling leaves shawl from Valley yarn’s Monday? I think it was Monday when I started it..

I’m using raw silk from Autumn House farm in the Hattie’s Zinnia’s colorway. Its really not as red as the picture is showing. I casted on with a size 8 needle and have been knitting with a size 7. I hope to have in done in time for Rhinebeck.

Mike and my cousin Jason, took the kids to the fish hatchery to go fishing. Kailey and I are going to enjoy some knitting time peace and quiet. While it lasts that is!

PS thank you all for your wonderful Birthday wishes!!! You all really have made my week : )

Yesterday…

… was my Birthday! And a fantastic one at that. I decided to stay up here with the ‘rents for a few extra days so we could all celebrate together. Mom and the kids baked cupcakes

and I made the most ridiculous face blowing them out

and I just realized, I forgot to make a wish!! But that’s ok, because I have everything I have ever asked for. My kids, my parents, my Mike, and lots and lots of yarn

its a good thing I left my knitpicks options at home! My sis gave me the yarn on the left, Mom and Dad gave me the mini maiden in Capri and the sea silk in straw. Mom took Corra shopping and Corra picked out the dream in color smooshy in visual purple and the saki by prism yarns in carnation. Kid’s got good taste!

Speaking of home, the kids and I are going to be heading there tomorrow. When I left we where having internet issues (the router was being a poop). Mike will be home on Friday, and then we will be coming back up to my parents house Labor day weekend for our family reunion/birthday party. Its going to be a loooong week with no internet!

Still here!

wow. Its been busy here and I haven’t posted in almost 2 weeks! I’ve been buried under a few things, but luckily I’ve made my way out.  I had my niece for a few days last week, which I enjoyed. It was nice having a chauffeur!

We brought her back home last Thursday, just in time for lobster that her Mom brought home. mmmmm.. it was good. I’m a horrible blogger because in my haste to get a warm lobster (er two *very* yummy lobsters) the camera stayed in the bag. The kids and I have been staying with my parents visiting, we completed their school shopping

Got clothes and shoes for 3 kids, and a few cute little outfits for Kailey. (I couldn’t resist!) All for around $500. I love me a good sale 🙂  We also took the kids to build a bear, and later we enjoyed lunch at Friendly’s

I finished my Johnny come lately socks, which I can’t remember if I even blogged about them

(more pictures here)

Pattern: jaywalkers by Grumperinia Published in Magknits

Yarn: Fishy wishy in a dishy by See Jayne knits superwash merino

Needles: US 1 (2.75mm) dpns

Notes: I’m in love with this yarn! I love the bright contrasting colors and I’m hoping that they don’t fade. The fabric is wonderful. And I love how the yarn striped.

I started my Dad’s Birthday socks, and I was a good girl and swatched for the socks.

I’m using the smooshy sock yarn I bought a few weeks ago and size 3.00mm. I’ve finished one sock and am on the heel of the second one. We’re going home to Pennsylvania on Sunday. And the kids start school on Tuesday the 28th.  Busy, busy, busy! Must be off. There’s cake to eat, today’s my Bday!

West Virginia wild & wonderful part 2

Here we go with part 2, this trip I had the opportunity to knit. I finished my toe up interlacement socks on the 5th of August.

many thanks to tempe who sent me some leftover interlacement tiny toes. If it wasn’t for her these socks would have been a bust! Here are the stats:

Pattern: I increased to 64 sts, short row heel, knit 13 rows K2, P2 cast of Option 2
Yarn: Interlacements Tiny Toes color 216, and a little bit of tapestry from Tempe.

Needles: US 1.5 (2.50mm) dpns.

Notes: The socks are a bit loose, I probably should have increased to 60 or 62.  I’m loven the wild colors and stipes. They aren’t my faves, but they are growing on me.

the heels are just too cool on these socks! Tuesday I took the kids to Discovery Station and Hagerstown Aviation Museum. The kids enjoyed themselves especially the airplane

The airplane had the same smell that my Dad’s plane had when I was a kid! Must have been those airplane plastic seats. Bought back some wonderful memories of family trips.

I could have left the kids there to play with the airplane all day, they loved pretending to fly! We went to the Martinsburgh West Virginia City pool Wednesday. (Sorry no photo’s, I forgot all about the camera again.) It was a very hot day, and the pool was a wonderful way to cool off! Thursday we drove home and luckily we missed the storm .  Allysa’s health registration  was at 1:30 and we where just a little bit late. Saterday we had a family picnic, and Corra had her BFF’s birthday sleepover.  Today I met my parents in Wilks-berre to pick up Heather who will be with me for a couple of days, yay! I can’t tell ya’ll how happy I am to be out of the damed car.  I’m all caught up and if you followed me though all that babble you should get a gold star. Night ya’ll!

West Virginia, wild & wonderful* Part 1

Holy crappers what a week! I don’t even know where to begin, so much happened. How about the beginning, yeah, that sounds good. We arrived late on Thursday night at the Williamsport Maryland KOA. To make a long story short they screwed up the reservations and since we where the last person to make the reservation we had to leave. We quickly packed up and headed towards the campsite that Mike originally wanted to stay at since it was closer to his site. Mike was driving his truck towing the trailer and I’m driving behind him in the van with the kids. So we where driving down the road, we go through this intersection right by the Bryon Memorial park and it looks like the trailer went over a bump, I go through the intersection and there was no bump. Mike stops. I’m thinking. Oh, snap. This isn’t good.

(clicky on all pictures in this post to embiggen them)

I stop behind the trailer and put on my hazard lights, go up to Mike to see what’s wrong. The trailer is sitting on the bed of the truck. Shit. Shit. Shit. The hydraulic lift is taking forever and a day to lift the trailer up so we can see what happened. A few people wonder up from park to see what was going on, the locking clip that is supposed to hold the trailers pin in the hitch malfunctioned and ripped right out of the hitch.

frick, frickity frick frick. When the locking clip ripped out, the pin fell into the rails of the hitch. Thank God it fell there, because it could have ripped right through the tailgate of the truck and sailed right to the ground or worse.

From what Mike told me this hitch can pull up to 24,000 pounds and the trailer weighs 18,500 pounds. If the trailer’s pin didn’t go in the right way it would have fallen right out at the campsite, not 5 miles down the road. First I thought that the camper wasn’t put in right, but the more I thought about it the less that made sense. Mike has a commercial drivers liscense, he drove for TMC a few years ago before he got his old job back at Verizon, so he knows quite a bit about the hitch and how to drive the truck while towing the trailer. (He knows a hell of a lot more about it than I do, and thats OK with me!) The company that makes the hitch has shipped out a new hitch for Mike at no cost. He can’t move the trailer with out it. The company wants the broken hitch back, while makes me a little weary.

There are more pictures of this Wild part of our vacation in this flickr photo set. Many thanks to our Guardian Angel who was working overtime that day! Saturday we ran our errands, this is my second stay in the trailer with the kids. So I found some more things that would come in handy, needed some groceries and had to make a stop at the West Virginia welcome center to find some things to do since we didn’t have any internet access at this campsite (poo!)

Sunday I took the kids down to Harpers Ferry what a neat little town! We explored it a bit, than drove up to the Toy Train Museum and Joy Line Miniature Railroad. I thought Bryce would enjoy this,

he loved watching the toy train go around the track, looking at all the old trains. I do wish they had signs up explaining what the different older models where because I was stumped. No idea what was what, and a sign saying “please don’t touch” woulda been nice too. just sayin’.

Luckily the rain held off long enough for the kids and I to take a ride around the track on the Joy Line miniature railroad. On the last loop around I remembered I had the camera and took a video.

The kids loved the handcars too. You would have thought that it would have worn them out moving themselves around that big track 3 times. But no, it wound them right up!

We finished off this day by meeting Mike at Cracker Barrel and enjoying a yummy dinner. Look for Part 2 of our trip tomorrow since this post has gotten pretty long! This is going to be one busy, busy weekend. Tomorrow we have a family picnic and Corra BFF has a Birthday party sleep over. Sunday I meet my parents in Wilkes Barre and my niece Heather will be visiting for a few days next week.

*one of West Virginia state slogans.

Blog neglect

So there has been a bit of blog neglect around here lately… I’ve been a bit busy. The kids and I went up to my parents for a few days.

My niece Heather joined the kids and I on a trip to Umpachene water falls in Mill River Massachusetts. We brought a picnic lunch, and enjoyed an afternoon there.

The water was freaking freezing! But once you go in and get back out, sun a little bit on the rocks the water feels just right!