My grad

No not me literally -my baby boy who just graduated Grade 8.  He told me I wasn't allowed to cry, so I didn't. At least not there in front of him. Just like his first day of school I bravely smiled and waved and watched. And then went off by myself to have a little tear session. He's ready -head held high, striding confidently onto his next step in his life's journey.  I'm so proud of him. 

So classy a bow tie and Harris Tweed -does my boy know how to make an appearance or what?  Nest stop high school after a summer of work. He got himself a full time summer job!!!!!

One down one to go.......

Love the design -good thing as I have to knit a second one LOL  But if there is enough wool I think I will also knit a hat to match them :)

Turtle Power :)

I love turtles -they are so beautiful and serene. Today Lindsay spotted this fellow out on the sidewalk by the bus stop way too close to the road -we carried him back to the creek where he happily swam off :)  He was not very happy with the method of delivery but Lindsay was adamant we were not to touch him!
Anybody know what kind of turtle he is?

New Spindle

This is a Bristlecone Glindle -it is probably one of the most beautiful supported spindles I have ever seen. And boy can it spin - now I need to figure out how to keep up with it!
Can you imagine the hours of work that went into this one of a kind art? Its hand done glass and hand turned wood.

Fiber fair = more stash!

You all know what happens when we go to fiber festivals -we come home with more stash - admit it!
In my case besides some other lovely goodies these wonderful fleeces happened to follow me home:

Black Merino from Jim Baldwin -Maggies amazing shearer -the crimp is incredible in this fleece.

And two garbage bags full of lovely grey and white shetland fleece -yummy and very soft!

My clever crafty daughter

We bought a little craft kit at the dollar store with some cheap felt balls and wooden beads. Lindsay took one look at it and told me she wanted to make her own felt beads. Using the method we perfected to make felted cat toys we made all kids of smaller ones and bought some beads at the local craft store. Viola!
Bling by Lindsay!!

Beuaty in unxepected places

Had to make a pit stop today to pick up supplies for the Air Cadets practice today - went to the big grocery supply store outside of Kingston - industrial area and big grey building -as I was leaving I stopped to tie my shoelaces and there they were.

I don't know what kind of moths they are -but they are stunning. I wonder how many people will walk by the big red pillar and not even see them there.  All I know is I was glad for the moment to see such natural beauty and peaceful creatures.

No Im not a Hooker

LOL I am spinster though ;)  And in the case of the Ontario Rug hookers conference here in Kingston this weekend these ladies sure know how to make hookers look good :)

My mom and dad stropped by and my dad commented to Daryl -Never thought I would see you in a room of hookers LOL

M is for....

Magnificent Merino :) Springy and buttery soft. Lovely colours dyed by Maggie from her shearer Jim Baldwin's merino flock. 10 ounces - 280 yards spun up.

Signs of spring

Finally blogger has decided I am who I thought I was and is allowing me access back on the blog.
Spring has been so hit or miss here -sunny and warm one day, snow and hail the next. I went looking and found some signs of spring:

 Asparagus fresh from the patch.

 Dragonflies in the wild violets in the backyard - its too cold for the real dragonflies but Maggie's amazing BFL roving Dragonflies is a great stand-in there is 280 yards here -approx 8 ounces -have to weigh it to be sure :) 2 ply and so soft and the colours are stunning!

 Scamper's tree - a dwarf cherry tree -in full bloom -please no more frost -I'd really like some cherries from it!

Happy Spring All!!!

Happy Birthday Jared!!!

Happy 15th to my Baby boy!

Port Hope Gathering 2013

First show of the season up here - much hugging and greetings after the winter of friends from far and near.  Had a wonderful day with Peggy hanging out in the booth. Very good reception of buttons and other goodies. Came home with some lovely smokey maple syrup -cooked over open flame and wood burned kettle -yummy.
Also came home with the wheel that will evetnually make its way to a Ravelry friend I made two years ago -this is the second wheel relay between myself, Jody and Vicki in Texas :)
Here's the first pic of the second wheel delivery :)

Getting geared up for Maryland

So when I'm down I like to work on stuff -lots of stuff apparently - yarn bin is almost full of lovely handspun yarn including some angora -yummy! Made more drop spindle kits and needlefelting punches and now have started button production with some wonderful horns from Zoar Farms which is run in Otego NY by Mother Katherine and her sisters at the Holy Myrrhbearers Monastery -http://www.holymyrrhbearers.com/


Here's some button pictures to show you how marvelous these horns are!

Life and Death in equal measure

Last night we gathered to celebrate my dad 70th birthday a milestone for sure. As we gathered to wait to yell "surprise" and see his face, my sister sat with her beloved father in law and watched him pass away.  He fought so valiantly but finally he knew the peace of passing.

We thank the universe for both of these lives, both wise and caring and family men.  Both such vital and wonderful part of our lives.  We will gather together again later this week to once again celebrate life as a family.

Life and death intertwined in the eternal loop that is life.

I have been blessed beyond measure to have both of you in my life.

To Grandpa Rex - we are so grateful to have you in our lives every day.
To Grandpa Larry -safe travels as you move onto your next adventure - we are so blessed to know we have a wonderful guardian angel looking down on us.

Larry your plant is just fine ;)

My sisters father in law is very ill and is not much longer for this world.  He has good moments and bad moments and a wonderful sense of humour and still wants to know things. This morning he asked my sister to ask me how his plant was doing. She thought he was having a weird moment but dutifully asked me and I told her to tell him it was just fine. She asked me if I really knew what he meant and I said yes.  5 Years ago at a show his wife was selling plants and had dragooned him into service. She told him when he sold 5 he could go home. He kept offering plants to everybody and finally told me I had to buy one. I told him I have a black thumb when it comes to houseplants and I would kill it immediately. His response "I really don't care you make number 5" so I laughed and bought the plant. Well surprisingly it has survived and everytime we see each other he has asked me if it was dead yet and I laugh and tell him no,
So Lartry your plant is just fine and I will look after it forever and think of you everytime I see it there on the table.

Lindsays new Kitty

Didn't she do a wonderful job?  Its made from a pair of socks!

Happy Easter!

May the light of the resurection of spring fill your hearts and minds with joy!

Easter bunnies :)

Just cause its Easter and everybody needs a cute bunny picture :)

And here's the latest little project done - my travelling spindle project is done - from a fibre swap -cashmere and silk - 2 ply - 2 ounces - don't know the yardage yet.

Happy Easter all!!!!

Happy Birthday Lindsay!!!!

I know I'm not good enough and not the mother you deserve. I am impatient and fallible and I raise my voice. I am sorry. I love you and your brother more than I love anyone else in the entire world and I always wish I could be better for you. I'll admit I don't always love your behavior, and I'm quick to tell you that. But every single day, I love you with every fiber of my being. No matter what.

Happy Birthday Baby Girl!!!

Vikings!

I am in love with the new TV series Vikings both Daryl and my family can be traced back to vikings and celts -sailors, adventurers and craftsmen.  I especially loved that they showed weaving in the first episode :)
Here's my own Vikings taken a few year s ago -they have both grown so much since then!