Needlephile

Where do I start??? I think the more appropriate title for this post is "what DIDN"T I do on my summer vacation", which would be rest. I was constantly doing something, going somewhere, and with someone. But I had lots of fun. The first day was relatively laid back... I shopping with my mom up in Amherst, NH to some little shops she wanted to see. We went to a couple little antique places, which I always like to look at, but never buy anything. But, I did get a couple finds, a postcard from what looks like the 1920's or something of Wachusett Mtn, which is in my backyard. I'll get a cool frame for it. The other thing I found is a super-cool vintage dress for $15, that will be perfect as soon as my mom makes a few adjustments to it. Pics to follow later! We went to a yarn store that was on the way, too, The Yarn Basket in Lunenburg, MA. It didn't really have that much in it... some acrylics, a lot of Berroco, some scratchy wools... I wasn't that impressed. But I did buy a pattern for a baby hat that looks like a fruit or vegetable, which I will make for my cousin Pam who just had a baby girl.
I was supposed to get together with Pam and Christine on Friday night, but I had to call and bail out. I was totally bummed cuz I really wanted to meet them both, but the thought of driving a couple hours to Providence, and then another hour to New Bedford, after the busy day i had was not at all appealing. So I called Christine, and since she is like the coolest chick ever, she was ok with it.
On Saturday, my mom had a get-together at her place for her side of the family. I helped my mom make brownies and cake, potato salad, lasagna and all kinds of other food. Everyone that came brought more food, too. There was sooo much food! There were only 15 people there! I must have gained back all the weight I just lost! Oh well... thats what vacations are for, right? We sat around and ate food all day, and caught up with eachother. Then at about sunset, the cards came out. I don't think there had been a Walker family gathering that has not involved at least one card game. We played Pitch and drank beers until about 11pm. My mom's best friend Pat made some "Dark and Stormys", and that was the end of that. A Dark and Stormy is made with Stewart's ginger beer (kind of like root beer, but ginger flavored), and Gosling's Dark Rum. Apparently its what the New England sailors used to make when their stomachs were upset. At any rate, they were very good.
On Sunday, my brother wanted to go to the local flea market, Riatta Ranch, to look for some furniture for his new aparment. I had to go, hoping to find some yarn or something. I did happen to find a big box full off acrylic yarn, which I paid $7 for. I figured it would be perfect for some of those fruit hats for my new little cousin! Then, I also found a bunch of needles for $2, including some DPN's and one really long crochet hook. The needles have a home in a new gift from my Secret Pal that I got when I got home. A very cute hand-made frog needle-holder! Perfect for my new needle stash! Thanks Secret Pal! I'm hoping she will reveal herself to me soon!!
I finally revealved myself to MY Secret Pal, Ashley! I thought it was pretty funny that she was originally from Massachusetts, too, and a Red Sox fan!
Speaking of the Red Sox, its funny that since the Sox won the world Series, and the Pats won 3 Superbowls, that everyone in New England now wears a Sox or Pats hat everywhere they go! When I went to the flea market, every other person I saw was wearing something to do with the Sox or Pats. We really love our sports teams in New England!
Well, since I'm tired of writing, I will write more later... and hopefully post some more pics! I need to catch up with reading everyone else's blogs and see what I missed!