Fiber Festival, Crazy, Cuties, and Cozy

Yesterday morning The Tim and I got ourselves into our trusty little car, and headed to the New Jersey Sheep and Fiber Festival.  We had gone a couple of years ago, but missed it since then for various reasons, so we were excited to go back.  It's a mostly quiet, pretty drive, generally with no serious traffic, and not so far away that you start to get itchy being in the car.  I forgot my camera but I know several others have posted photos of the animals and several of the booths, so I am not worried that you will miss knowing what sheep, alpaca, and llamas look like.  Though I had never seen a Jacob sheep with 5 horns until yesterday and it fascinated me, I have to be honest.  The angora bunnies were soooo sweet and didn't mind if you petted them, so I got my petting-the-animals fix. Well, at least a little of it ...

There were so many wonderful vendors, and I really really wished I had more available funds, but also didn't want to walk away regretting having spent too much.  So I made these two very small, but very happy purchases.

These two minis will go into my mitred square blanket, and remind me of a very happy day.  They were purchased from a lovely young lady at the Wandering Wool booth, and at $3 each, were a true bargain.  She was so friendly, and we chatted about the sweater she was wearing (one of Thea Colman's designs), the one she was knitting (her first attempt at a yoked sweater), and it was altogether a favorable experience.  She was as nice to me as if I'd purchased $1000.00 worth of yarn.

Unlike the one woman who was the owner of a sheep I was admiring.  She said, "I hope you're not a vegetarian, because this sheep is good eating."  I said that I was a vegetarian, and she said, "Oh I can't *wait* to see what you have to say to me."  And I responded, "I don't really have anything to say.  I'm an adult and I know how the world works."  And then I walked away, feeling bad for the sheep on several levels.

Sadly, I didn't see any of the friends I knew were there.  I did run into two people from our craft group at work, who were there because I'd sent an e-mail about it. So I was glad they decided to check it out.

But oh what a lovely way to spend a lovely day!

******

The other day I was poking around on Ravelry, and I came across something that I couldn't decide impressed me or appalled me.  In the end, I was impressed because, well, think how this poor woman's wrists feel!  I showed it to The Tim, and told him not to get any ideas ...

******

I don't know about you, but last week and the week before, there were a lot of back-to-school pictures in my Facebook feed.  But this one is and will always be my favorite.  

My niece Julie took this on her daughter Penn's first day of Pre-K.  I love how dad Keith and baby Oden look pleased, while Penn has followed her mother's instructions for a thumbs-up, but with her own twist to it.  From all accounts, once they got to the school and she saw her name on the classroom board, she was happy.  But this photo says it all.  I hear you Penn, I really do!

 Baby Oden (aka "Little Brudder") is doing well, and is becoming such a cutie!  Here is a recent photo.

I think he's gonna be a fun kid, don't you?

******

And now, today.  Right now as I write this, it's cool and raining outside.  I'm sitting here with a cup of tea, with Jack sitting on my lap and the others nearby.  I think this will be a cozy day.  Such a nice feeling - I'm gonna enjoy it in every way I can!