What to Do On a Cloudy, Cool Day?

Hearts and Diamonds Soon to Be Baby Blanket

Here I sit, with lowering clouds and an empty shop, enjoying the soft light and crocheting while I listen to music from the Crooked Road. This blanket is for the grandchild of a friend, coming along soon so I've been working steadily on it. The pattern is adapted from a doily by Cylinda Matthews; it has been fun working with it!


Coopworth/Alpaca Hand Spun Yarn

And the latest spinning I've done, which isn't all that recently. Fiber Femmes July/August issue was late, late, late; so much has been happening. So I've spent most of the last couple of weeks concentrating on that and letting the spinning wheel sit idle. But I'll soon be working on my next yarn; perhaps a blend of angora and merino in pure, pure white.

Playing with Choking Hazards

Trouble in tiny Paradise (on top of my computer, usually) as new cockatoo tries to take over the camel herd from the oogle and rabbit shepherds.

(delightful gift from JAG, sent by way of her terrific Dad, along with another camel! Many thanks!)

What's Your Sign?

I love my sign!

(And yes, I know the sign painter didn't use the preferred spelling of "Collectibles". But he's over six feet tall and covered with tattoos. If he says Collectables it's fine by me.)

Cozy

Stormy afternoon

A storm came in yesterday afternoon, and I had to get off the computer and batten down the hatches. After I covered the books and closed windows, I curled up on the wicker sofa here at the shop (I need to get some throw pillows!). What could be better than listening to thunder rumble overhead while the rain dances across the roads in wavering curtains, while I sit cozy and protected by this little old house? The Grandma Bolt that once lived here was frightened by storms, I understand. But there seemed little to fear here yesterday, with the house tucked beneath the friendly little town, and all became quiet with the rain.

And what could be better than reading about adventures while sitting safe and warm at home? A dear young friend loaned me Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert, and I had to go in search of a copy for myself after reading a couple of pages. This is a young woman I want to really get to know. She writes in her book about a year in search of self. Her first trip is to Italy, and I'm reading about her adventures in Rome in search of wonderful food and the beautiful language. She writes of the splendid, ancient city "I am inspired by the regal self-assurance of this town, so grounded and rounded, so amused and monumental, knowing that she is held securely in the palm of history. I would like to be like Rome when I am an old lady."

Charlie 1991-2007

More than just a cat.

Hypotrochoid (Two of Them)

Or, if you're not a math geek, really cool woven earrings from JAG. And they're purple!

We took our baths and then had a nap...

TJ looking serene after his bath


Lily, mildly resentful, after her bath

And no, I am not brave enough to bathe them together. This is only TJ's second tub bath; since they're house dogs I don't give them many baths. He didn't want to get in but behaved beautifully after we hoisted him into the tub. Lily didn't want to endure a bath, either, but she hopped in the tub after I finished with TJ. I guess she knows by now that baths sometimes have just gotta happen!

For great bathing beauty pictures, check here.

Saturday Sky...and a lovely trip!

Saturday Sky

Late again, I know! But I spent the lovely day yesterday traveling south a little less than 100 miles on the Blue Ridge Parkway from Meadows of Dan to perform a wedding ceremony for a lovely and very special couple.


Meadow at Bluemont Church, near Orchard Gap on the Parkway

I left early because it was working up to be a busy holiday weekend and I wanted to enjoy the drive without having to rush and deal with lots of traffic. I think I could have spent most of the day taking pictures; there was a beautiful scene in almost every mile of the trip!


Obligatory overlook scene early in the morning

I was lucky that the air was clear and cool going down the Parkway; some mornings can be quite foggy. Another reason for my early start. But the weather was perfect and I found myself killing a little time at a gift shop near my destination. Not good; I bought stuff! A hummingbird feeder for the shop and some lovely lavender soap.


Beautiful view from the wedding "chapel"

The misty haze had lifted by the time I reached the beautiful log house where the happy couple was staying. But cool breezes and a wide porch made for a peaceful spot to visit with the groom and attendants while the bride was getting ready. I didn't know the couple well before the ceremony and only met the best man and bridesmaid yesterday. They are all the kind of people you love immediately and I wish they lived close to Meadows of Dan! The wedding party was small, just the five of us. Friendly and a lot of fun!


Roy and Anne, July 7, 2007

The little ceremony went off well, mainly thanks to the beautiful mountain setting. We stood under a big oak tree next to an ancient cemetery. While I was speaking a bird landed in the tree above the couple and sang cheerfully. Anne was a beautiful bride and it felt like a "true marriage" of two people that assuredly came together as one!


Celebration!

Anne and her daughter spent the morning putting together a wonderful meal for us and we toasted the happy couple with very full glasses of champagne. We enjoyed sitting out on the porch with the breezes blowing and watching the clouds drift over the mountain while we talked and ate. Then after seeing all the pictures (oh, the miracles of modern conveniences!) I started my adventurous journey home.


Holy Trinity Church, Glendale Springs, North Carolina

When I headed out yesterday morning I didn't exactly know what my destination was, so I was pleasantly surprised when I saw the sign for the Churches of the Frescos on my way in. My mother has talked about the beautiful churches and the amazing religious frescos and has visited several times. This was the first time I have been near one of them. The church I visited, Holy Trinity, is a beautiful little chapel shaded by towering trees and rhododendron. It is a lovely experience to see the art. I was especially awed by the grotto and mosiac in the lower level of the church. The stained glass was also beautiful. The frescos are hard to describe; they are so powerful.


Devil's Garden Overlook, North Carolina

The roads were much more crowded on the way back but I had a nice drive. It's not often that I get to play tourist. And it was fun to see people out and about and enjoying themselves. I stopped at an alpaca farm on the way back that people had been telling me about; they have a nice shop!

Home again today, with the shop open and quite a bit of traffic. This is the second day of the Crafts in the Meadows festival; come out to visit! Sammy Shelor and some friends, including Linda Lay, I think, will be playing this afternoon.

Presents!

Awesome Herd(?) of Miniature Camels

Previously appearing in the Flickr photo stream of Jagosaurus, and now mine, mine, all MINE! They are all so cool!

Busy at the shop this weekend. I'm hurrying around putting more stuff on the shelves, quickly, because it may be a busy week. Heading down to Stuart for a festival on Wednesday; that should be interesting. And hot, I'm afraid!


Happy Fourth of July!

This photo has nothing to do with the holiday. It was just a distressing scene I came across in a local restaurant. I decided that it belongs here.