Pumpkin Sunrise

15 year young golden retriever named "shelby" blue heron on the shore, can you barely see it? This past Monday, we spent the day at our dear friend's lake house on the shore of Lake Wallenpaupack . We met when both of our daughters became friends and we've stayed friends for ten years. To our delight, they invited us for a visit and we immediately said "yes!'. We talked, we walked, we at lunch, we talked and pulled out some knitting-well-us girls did.  The kids (who are adults and teenagers) and the guys (middle aged kids!) water skied and water tubed.  That is too intense for me, knitting in the dappled shade is my speed for a fun time.  We ate dinner, we talked, we laughed.  In the early evening we went for a boat cruise on the lake and a bit up the river. We saw:  one blue heron, many hungry ducks, six-eight deer (I lost count) and one regal golden retriever who is in her bonus years-15!!

My husband and I have made an effort to go on day trips, enjoying what is near where we live.  As much as I long for a beach getaway and maybe it will happen this year but I doubt it, I can get lost in taking in the sights and sounds of Northeastern PA. Yesterday we drove a few towns over and spent some time at  Knoebels Amusement Resort .  We had a  great time walking around.  You see, it's one of the few amusement parks where admittance is free. And the parking is free. (you still by tickets to ride)  Gotta love that. You would never catch me on that ride in a million years. I've been waiting for the perfect weather day:  low humidity, mid seventies, blue skies and during a week day :) My children would have loved to have any of those brightly colored "buy me now" toys. Just look at that sky!  Is it beautiful or what? That is my husband, not realizing that I've stopped for a photo.  He's quite patient when photography is

I was lucky to have two outings in one weekend. On Saturday my husband and I went on a day trip.  I find day trips to have the best of everything.  I explore, I eat and car knit but best of all I sleep in my own bed.  That is a perfect day.  Anyways, we planned a day trip to Bethlehem , Pa.  Why might you ask?  Well since I teach knitting, conversations swirl about yarn.  A new friend suggested we go to Bethlehem and check out their yarn shop, historical town and good food.  After I researched, I discovered that there was a used music store that would delight that husband of mine.  He is always on the look out for more music. As you can see there's not one photo of yarn or the store.  I was too engrossed in shopping to remember to take a photo. However, walking around the town, I was in photographer mode.  I was constantly stopping and snapping.  The weather was perfect-cold in the shade, hot in the sun.  Nearly every restaurant had outdoor seating on the side walks.

So while I was at my knitting classes last week, the shop received a partial order of Malabrigo yarns.  I tried and I tried to resist purchasing yarn.  You see, I have lots.  I do!  But I didn't own this beautiful skein of Malabrigo sock in the turner colorway.  That is how I justified the purchase.  I have a funny feeling that every time I teach, I'm coming home with yarn. My daydreams consist of new projects to knit while my current projects linger around calling my name.  This sweet little skein is destined to be a cowl.  I'm itching to cast on but so far have controlled myself and have been focusing on finishing up my sweater (I'll save that conversation for yarn along). I spent six weeks daydreaming about a clean coffee table and a clean kitchen counter and it became reality this weekend.  I love everything in its place and having order.  But I do miss the kids.  They are both getting busy and I'm not sure if there'll be a family vacation this year.

Here is the campsite that was in the back of the cabin.  We did not have a campfire because it was too cold during our stay.  We did however cook on the grill both nights. This is the back of our three bedroom cabin.  It had everything:  electricity, kitchen, heat, wi-fi (not very strong).  What more could one possibly need? You just gotta love this tree. And lastly a lovely photo that a complete stranger snapped for me while my sister and I were out for adventures.  Whoever the stranger was did a pretty good job.  My sister is on the left.  I am the squinty one.  I took my glasses off because they are transition lenses and did not want shades. I am the older sister and we are best friends :)

On one of our days in New Hampshire we drove up to Portland ME to the Knitwit Yarn Shop .  There is something about entering a yarn store and feeling like you are home :)  This shop was lovely and the people were so very nice and friendly!  As you can see wall to wall yarn (we should all decorate our houses like this).  The top photo is a wall of Quince and Co  which I love.  I enjoyed seeing all of their yarn in person and getting to feel each skein. How is it that in a yarn store you can strike up a conversation with a stranger and then be friends upon leaving?  That is what my experience was like in this little store.  Knitting as a hobby brings so many people together in the strangest ways.  I think it helps that I will talk to just about anybody-this used to drive my mother up a wall. The above photo is a little crooked but it's the only one.  Right before I snapped this I ALMOST dropped my camera.  It was like a near death experience.  I was so flustered that I s

The first full day in Portsmouth, New Hampshire my husband and I visited Strawberry Banke Museum . It was very interesting and fun.  This museum is an area of town that has been preserved and they also relocated a few historical houses including recreating gardens.  What I thought was neat was that it spanned four centuries. Funny though, I thought my favorite places would be the oldest places.  They were eye catching and informative.  However, the 1950's house was my favorite and the little grocery store (that I did not take a photo of!) was great!  It had the prices of merchandise and the ration numbers. Isn't it funny that when you are out and about you seemed to feel like you are taking too many photos.  Always snapping or stopping.  Then I get home upload and think "this is it?".  I need to just keep snapping so I have way too many to choose from.  I love the old stoneware in the above photo that is on the floor. Unfortunately I cannot tell you

My weekend was full of traveling to Portsmouth, New Hampshire!  Yep.  That was the spot that we picked for our 25th wedding anniversary trip.  Why did we pick it?  Well, when the kids were little (8 and 5 yrs old) we were traveling north to visit his brother who lived in New Brunswick.  We stopped in Portsmouth but I cannot remember why.  I only remember being very angry with one of the kids (probably hungry and tired) and thinking someday, I would love to explore this little town.  So let's forget how many years it took to get there.  We were there and it was so much fun! I have more photos to share and of course there was a yarn shop exploration.  And, my husband was lucky to have TWO vinyl record used CD stores to shop. On our way up we listened to primarily The Talking Heads channel on Pandora which is by far the best channel yet.  Did you know that whatever channel we pick, if you listen long enough a Beatles song will appear.  Really.  Also on the Talking Heads channel

My sister was very excited for this past weekend.  You see, I was griping a lot on the phone (who me?).  You know the stuff that happens in life that can be a tiny drain on a peaceful existence.  I never complain on my blog-it is my haven and refuge.  Plus I save it all for my sister and my husband, lucky them.  Anyways, she planned a day trip to cheer me up.  And it did!  Anything to do with yarn shopping is a very happy moment. We drove to  Ligonier, PA  and spent a lovely few hours in a quaint little town that has two yarn shops.  First we went to  Kathy's Kreations  and then proceeded to  Bo Peep Fine Yarns .  Both yarn stores were lovely and oh so friendly.  Yes, that is my sister, "hi sis!" and see that little bag-that one is mine.  And that big old bag is hers-retail therapy does wonders! We had lunch  here .  Below are my spoils.  Starting from the left (at least I think it's my left)  Dream in Color Smooshy, Dale of Norwary Ull, Socka 50 and

I thought I would share with you some photos of our beach vacation.  We were in North Myrtle Beach, SC.  When I gathered everyone's schedule to plan a vacation it was immediately clear that the only week available was in May! That means if you want to swim in the ocean and not become an ice cube you must travel south.  We wanted a family atmosphere (read that as:  quiet, clean, and less crowded).  That is how we picked North Myrtle beach.  It was lovely to have oceanfront accommodations, the balcony view was perfect. I believe that I am fully recovered from the eternal ride coming home from the vacation.  Long car rides do me in mentally and physically.  My house is mostly tidy.  The laundry is caught up. I am now in the "summer" time of the year with both kids home.  It's nice to have a full house again. Another great way to kick off the summer is trying some new recipes.  My sister and I are both participating in the 30 Day Vegan workshop which st