Some Bunny’s Love

Thank you, thank you, thank you! I cannot help but repeat those words over and over to everyone for all the wonderful messages sent this past week. Daddy is walking, talking, and moving like his old self except that he tires more easily now. He still has no problem voicing his opinion, so at least his wits are about him. Mother thinks he will outlive us all.

While I was away, I received a number of packages again. Note the boxes at the bottom… One of them is a very special one. Especially when I recognized the sender’s address from Charlotte, NC. The talented Aimee from “Fairie Knits” was my Ravelry Helpers Birthday Fairie! Not sure if anybunny remembers, but Aimee and I share the same birthday of November 25th. Last year, we found out that info just before our special day and did our own swap of goodies. This past May, we crashed with the other Helpers at Suzanne’s (of “Knitting Obsession“) during Maryland Sheep and Wool weekend. With excitement I opened the box, and here is what I saw.

Hmmm. Which one to start unwrapping first? I decided to start from my top right, go to the bottom, come back up to the opening of the box, go to the bottom, repeat. The entire time I cooed, squealed, awed, and giggled when I unwrapped these beauties.

Those stitchmarkers? She made them! See the crocheted headband? Aimee made that with her first handspun. The cuddly soft bunny? Aimee learned how to crochet so she could make him for me! Those bunny print sachets? She filled them with a secret lavender blend. I was ready to open the item that she said was going make me giggle at her expense.

I opened the black paper and became confused. Why would I giggle at this project basket made out of the same cute bunny fabric? The sack is adorable and the inside only needs a little tweaking. Aimee even included a little pocket. In my head, I pictured various contrasting colors to use as the lining bottom and straps. Giddy from the potential FO, I unwrapped the last item. The soft merino has subtle variations of color changes. Gorgeous! Thank you Aimee for the lovely goodies.

The other day, I received another box in the mail with no name in the return address. “Wisconsin? I do not think I bought anything from there recently.” The only folks I know from that state live in Rhode Island, and I have yet to order directly from Blackberry Ridge. I then looked closely again and shrieked. My SP!! My SP sent me a goody package. I quickly ripped into the box, and opened the card and each individual item. All I will say is that my SP just ROCKS!

Here I am in the first layer of goodies, and am loving them. I first unwrapped the tin of Sweetriot and squealed. I remember when I first read about the Sweetriot team members and how they toured all over the place to promote their chocolate-covered cacao nibs. I followed their blog and even commented a few times in the hopes of getting to meet them. Now I had a tin of the deliciousness of my own.

The next two items in this layer were delicious skeins of yarn. The softness of the Lisa Souza Sock Merino! yarn is incredibly matched with the glossy “Wild Things” colorway (my favorite one of hers). In contrast by tweedy color and rich texture, the Blackberry Ridge laceweight’s silk/wool blend begs to be made into a delicate shawl. I kept putting that skein against my cheek and neck hoping it would tell me which pattern it wanted to be. I think I have one in mind, but it will be a secret surprise.

Going deeper into the package, I started with the black organza pouch on the right. It was holding a numbered row counter for me. Total coolness!! Next, I unwrapped the blue paper’s hidden gem, and it was a bar of Vosges. I have always loved combining flavors and the unusual mixtures in these confections make my tongue dance. Lastly I opened the black paper, and giggled again. I was hoping to get more of these awesome Tetris-shaped magnets after getting some. I want to have them in my cubicle for work. Playing with the shapes as a stress relief is quite relaxing. Big thanks to my Secret Pal with lots of hugs!

Ah, and it is now Secret Pal 12 Question time. Here is Shelby’s latest for us to answer.
Boy, time flies. Summer is when many of us head out on vacation/holiday. So, this week’s question/s has us wondering:
1) Where is your favorite place to go for vacation/holiday?
2) Where is one place you’d like to go?
Now that I have Daddy’s situation, I think anywhere I can be with my family would be a favorite place. Currently my parents plan on going to the Bahamas this October, but the holiday overlaps Rhinebeck and I already have paid reservations in place. This Christmas, I might splurge and rent a beach house like I did years ago when I was making “serious money” at my job. It all depends on what happens in the next few months. As for where I would like to go, can I say EVERYWHERE? I would love to go back to Denmark and attend their Sheep and Wool festival in September, run over the dunes of Capetown to surf the waves on a noserider, swim in the Azores, shop in Milan, walk the streets of Cologne, and hike in the Alaskan wilderness. And if I can pop into Japan for sashimi, count me in!! =:8

Too many assignments to finish, too many projects to make, too many errands to run, too many posts to write, too many yarns to play with — not enough hours in the day. So goes life for most of us, eh?

In being frank, I do need to get a better handle on my spent time. I have been trying to reorganize my bedroom (Rich gets one, I get one, and we share the master) so that I can work out and knit upstairs in peace. I have a crunch appliance/tool/gizmo that my best-friend-in-RI let me have, a medium-sized Pilates ball, yoga mat, assorted sizes of weights, and now all I need is space to use it. I may have to tackle that bedroom on Sunday during the nice lovely weather that is hitting the area. I would tidy up tomorrow, but I am going to see Carol Sulcoski at WEBS for the signing of her co-authored “Knit So Fine” book. I also need to see if I can find more of a blue cotton/wool yarn for my friend of (GASP) 21 years, Eric. We dated for a bit during and years later after college, and are smart enough to know that we are better off as pals. When I asked if he would like a knitted item, he requested a cabled v-neck pullover. I finally found the yarn and have 3 patterns to decide upon. I am hoping to finish the sweater by Christmas. He is in great shape and could get away with a women’s design. Just thinking about the whole bit gives me shivers. =:8

Shelby’s SP12 Question #3: *What would you consider the perfect amount of stash?*
Is she giving us tough ones to answer or what? Here is my short and sweet response…
*From the Ravelry Helpers Birthday Swap Questionnaire*
What is your name? What is your quest? What is your favorite color?
Some Bunny’s Love, I mean, Kimberly.
To acquire all the yarn in the world.
Ummm… Not neon?

Slowly I am gaining control of my life. It first started when I decided to cut my hair, then I made a change in my eating habits to be healthier — or at least not as gluttonous. I started knitting more conscientiously about what I am making and what each detail symbolizes. I started getting a better idea on how much I am on Ravelry — maybe too much to comprehend? As for stash-enhancement-experiences, I am guilty of over-indulging a bit much. There are too many yarns “with whispering voices calling to me” (figure out where that phrase is from?) for projects begging to be made. To counteract the weight gain of yarn, I have taken up losing body weight and clothing sizes.

When Rich and I married four years ago, I was a fat bride and hated being one. Seeing myself in the mirror grow in size since I was 30 years-old depressed me and I kept wishing myself strong and healthy again. Without any support from home and work in everything I did and wanted to do, I found myself getting worse emotionally, mentally, and physically. When I was “walked” out in March, something snapped in my head for an unknown reason and the drive grew to become the person that I knew was inside.

I realized that my choices of what I put into my body were the main culprit to how I looked. I started grazing during the course of the day, and only ate heavier types of food for breakfast and lunch. I cut down on my meat intake and doubled my dairy intake. One discovery was a flavored/enhanced water that contained 2-3 grams of fiber in each serving — roughly 5 grams per bottle. Lately I eat lighter during lunch with a salad, or a cup of soup with a side of vegetables, but I still make sure I have breakfast. I also let myself splurge on the weekend with controlled portions of sweets. I have found that completely denying oneself always leads to backward steps. So far, I have been rewarded with a drop in 2 dress sizes. The satisfaction of having clothes unable to stay on my hips without being tightly belted is quite empowering!

My next steps are going to help me drop another 2 sizes and put some definition on my physique. Adding to the change in diet, I needed a new routine. I started walking 2 flights of stairs to get to my office. This week I joined a gym that has classes in conditioning, yoga, and pilates. I will have to replace my Monday/Thursday nights of knitting groups with the classes, but I know that the trade will make me feel and look better. My next target on the fitness revamp is getting more active. I have a lot of nervous energy, and a morning walk would help. Granted I have to get up earlier than I am now, but like the trade of the classes, the final result is worth the change.

This week also brought me a wonderful package in the mail (Well, okay — several packages). The much anticipated “Favorites Swap” package by Bobbi from “(Caffeinated) Knitting Keeps me (Chemically) Balanced” brought anxious excitement. The biggest challenge of this swap was being able to abide by the $15 budget requirement yet offering a nice package. I enjoyed shopping for my assigned pal Wanda from the “Silly Sheep” blog, and am still wondering if she even liked anything I gave her. (YAY!! She DOES!!) Holding the box, I opened it to see what Bobbi had in store for me. Boy, was I in for some goodness!!

My favorite part about the package? The labels hinting at our favorites (Yes, that a purposely made pun). I love little details which show how much thought and creativity one puts into everything because I try to do the same. From the fragrant vanilla soap, to the awesome bunny-on-a-sheep figurine, Bobbi put a lot of time to incorporate both of our tastes.

There are 2 really neat items to showcase, and one was wrapped in the orange paper. The other I enjoy because one can never have enough…

So very huge ginormous bunny rabbit hugs go to Bobbi! Thanks so much for the wonderful package. I have been showing off the figurine to the rest of the Ravelry Helpers and anybunny who would listen!

Speaking of more posting, I need to answer the second question that Shelby my SP12 Hostess posted:
“In many parts of the US and abroad, school’s out. Take a walk down memory lane for Week Two’s question: As a kid, what did you look forward to most about summer vacation/break/holiday?”
I had to do a lot of thinking on that one. My sister and I never went away to camp, which may explain my uneasiness of being in the woods overnight. I remember the summer we learned to swim at the YMCA and discovered I took to the water like a fish. I could never get enough of being in the swimming pool and enjoyed our family membership. The idea of getting back into the water toys in my head occasionally, but I am not ready to slip into a swimsuit yet. In my last 2 summers of high school, I discovered surfing, and fell instantly in love. There is something organically sensuous about being in the water with only Mother Nature and a board. When I get enough money saved up for my little piece of waterside heaven, it will be near the ocean. Whew, I need to get in shape first!! =:8

The past two weeks have been a mite busy. As usual Ravelry and knitting suck up my attention, then work and the daily commute take up the rest. Since going “full-time with Ravelry” blogging had been put on hold and I have been slowly inputting back entries which cover the bigger events since April. To help with my slump, I figured that joining Secret Pal 12 would get me back on the writing saddle. But what is a blog entry without photos and side stories?

Above are the pieces of a Killer Rabbit. This little rabbit has been a challenge for me because I despise hand-sewing and knitting with 100% acrylic. I started this little guy on May 10th to kick off the anniversary celebrating Monty Python’s Holy Grail. Note how I am trying to make him look like “Seize the Bun” Caesar. I think my target is going to love him! The next time I make this pattern, I plan on embedding the ears as I knit the head, using short rows for the mouth, and knitting the hind legs like a boot. Look Ma, NO SEAMS!!

Another exchange I did was the Favorite Things Swap where I spoiled Wanda from the “Silly Sheep” blog. We had to send $15 worth of goodies that both pal and self would love. I sent over 4 skeins of a fabulous new linen/cotton/silk yarn that I bought during the WEBS Tent Sale since I have NOTHING in my crazy stash that is not “animal” fiber or a gift, a bag of Ghiradelli chocolates, a couple of stitch markers from Linda of Saratoga Llamas because my pal said she has never had any stitch markers (whoa — I am spoiled with my stash of markers), my favorite measuring cup (thanks to Alton Brown!), and a earth-friendly jigsaw puzzle that has a drawn rabbit for the artwork. Umm, how can a puzzle be earth-friendly? Because it is made of materials that can be planted into the ground. I have yet to hear from her since I sent the goodies over the past weekend, but I do know that she received it because I have tracking on the package. After realizing my little list for Wanda, I wonder what I will be getting…

My other exchange is the Ravelry Helpers Birthday Swap. Again the challenge is not to spend a lot of money — our budget is $20-25. Because I cannot show anything without divulging who my pal is, I must keep mum for now.

For those who are curious on how many I am currently making, I have 3 Clapotis on the needles, but only 2 of them have been photographed during their WIP-ing status. The orange one is a summertime “thank you” for another exchange, the little sage/black green one is a twist on the pattern to make a matching baby blanket for my cousin’s future daughter arriving in August, and the giant green/yellow one is a birthday present. After these Clapotis are done, I have to begin my sweater for Rhinebeck and the cabled v-neck pullover for my best bud in Virginia, Eric.

Now for the Secret Pal 12 “stuff” to do. First and foremost is my questionnaire which has its own dedicated page *HERE*. Next is the button that I am using. Can anyone guess what it is based on?

The final item is Shelby’s hostess question for this week:
What is your favorite summertime drink?
Hmmm… That is a tough call because what I drink depends on my mood and the social situation. I love a good mojito, dessert wine in a chilled glass, bottled water, sweet tea, lemonade, and (as of late) Coke Zero.

I’m not through with knitting Clapotis
Or yarn clubs I’ll never get in
It’s like the toe of the sock
That I’m never gonna graft
This life has turned out like the way I want it to be
(Tell me what you want)

I’d like a fixed up house in a ‘Ronto hood
And a bathroom I can bathe myself in
A king size tub big enough for the cat plus me
(Yeah, so what you need?)

I’ll have a wonder publisher that’s ever so patient
And a number of editors on standby near
Gonna Kinnear a star from just a couple of feet
(Been there, done that)

I want a big project bag full of cool colorways
My own marquee on the Calvin Theater
Sitting between Kathy and Steve Elkin is perfect for me
(So how you gonna do it?)

I’m gonna trade this life
For fortune and fame
I’d even curl my hair
And change my name…

Cuz we all just wanna be with The Harlot
Speak in numerous theaters and halls
The yarns come easy and the groupies come to see
We’ll all stay skinny cuz we won’t eat meat.

And we’ll hang out in The Coolest Store
In the VIP with designer stars
Every first sock knitter’s gonna wind up there
And a stalking bunny with her dark black hair.

Well, hey hey I love to see my rockstar
Hey hey I love to see my rockstar.

I want to enter like Elvis with all the panties
Hire a tall body guard that keeps out groupies
Sign a bunch of autographs so I can eat my meals in peace.

I’m gonna dress myself with comfy fashion
Get a front door key to the Lettuce Knit mansion
Gonna marry a man that loves to brag about my books for me

I’m gonna trade this life
For fortune and fame
I’d even curl my hair
And change my name…

Cuz we all just wanna be with The Harlot
Visit numerous cities and towns
The yarns come easy and the groupies come to see
We’ll all stay skinny cuz we won’t eat meat.

And we’ll all stock up in the WEBS showroom
Like the way Jennifer and Maaike did.
The WEBS staff will get you anything with a big smile
Everybunny’s got a sock yarnie on speed dial
Well, hey hey I love to see my Rockstar
Hey hey I love to see my Rockstar.

I’m gonna knit those socks
that bug the major toe-uppers
Gonna use my needles
made of cold steel metal
Get internet readers commenting up my blog
Review my speech every night so I don’t ever get it wrong

I’m gonna trade this life
For fortune and fame
I’d even curl my hair
And change my name…

Cuz we all just wanna be with The Harlot
Stay in numerous hotel rooms and suites
The yarns come easy and the groupies come to see
We’ll all stay skinny cuz we won’t eat meat.

And we’ll hang out in the coolest bars
In the VIP with the designer stars
Every first sock knitter’s gonna wind up there
And a stalking bunny with her dark black hair.

Well, hey hey I love to see my Rockstar
Hey hey I love to see my Rockstar. =:8

One would think my two days in Blacksburg would be finalized and my cravings to visit satisfied for another few years. After checking out of my wonderful suite (oh how I wish I could share time there with friends), I drove over to snap a couple of shots of something I missed the day before.

There are many similar statues around all of Blacksburg showing Hokie Pride. I had to get this one because it was in VT Corps of Cadets dress uniform. Snaphot now taken, I drove to see my beloved campus one last time before driving back to Virginia Beach.

I did find a handy parking spot along the Drillfield so I could quickly visit the War Memorial and the Pylons before getting a parking ticket. As expected, the campus was busy with students and faculty rushing about. I managed to snap a few photos when I received a return phone call from Emm1e. I had sent her my mobile phone number via Raverly-message in the hopes of meeting her before I left. Luckily my timing was perfect, we were meeting for lunch! She walked over from Burruss Hall to the War Memorial and we headed over to Mike’s.

For those who have never been to Blacksburg, nor will ever visit this wonderful town, Mike’s is a place that is sorely missed. The burgers are heavy on the meat, lighter on everything else, but made whatever way you like them. There are also pizzas, calzones, strombolis, and oooh the onion rings and fries… Lunchtime is usually a madhouse, and Monday was not only the exception, but was worse!

We managed to snag a table and finally hailed a server. The poor girl looked ragged and tired when she came to take our order. Both Emm1e and I chatted about Ravelry, her awesome Zombie Socks pattern (sorry, it is only available on Ravelry), Socktopia, Stash, MCY, and Clapotis. Our conversation was peppered with giggles and “Oh my goshes!” Time flew by and before we guessed it, Emm1e had to go back to work while I had to drive back to Virginia Beach. I then dropped her off and drove over to take a couple of shots of the Duck Pond.

Going my merry way on Interstate Highway 81 North, I stopped at a Shell Station to fill up the tank and ended up chatting with one of the women who worked there. The one thing that I miss from Virginia is the friendly Southern hospitality that welcomes even the most distant strangers into the area. Driving up the road back to the highway, I spotted the tourism billboard which inspired the title to this series of posts: “Live Passionately in Virginia!” Saying the sentence aloud, I smiled when I realized that the word “PassionKnitly” is used by my friend Jen of the “PassionKnitly” blog. I decided that I definitely had been “living passion-knit-ly” during this getaway and eagerly sought more just before my approach to Richmond.

I had driven past the Washington and Lee area when I read the sign for one of my favorite vineyards. Back in 1996 or so, I fell in love with V’Dor ice wine from Rockbridge Vineyard, and greedily purchased bottles of it when I could. The opportunity to visit this place had me thinking, “Hmmm… Are they open?” Indeed they were! I was able to take a quick visit into the shop and enjoy a wine tasting that offered up the various wines blended into V’Dor plus quench my thirst with a glass of the claret, Norton.

My hostess Jane turned out to be the co-owner and is also a knitter. As I am fond of saying, “How COOL is THAT?!” I think the question is quite applicable. Though the tell-tale handknitted items up for sale in the shop are not by her, but by the owner of a nearby yarn shop. Jane mentioned that their knitting group sometimes has wine during the meet ups. If only I did not have to drive back to Virginia Beach!

At some point, I decided to show the Clapotis WIP the various ribbons won by Rockbridge. Unfortunately, my picture taking hands were a bit shaky. I blame being tired and having to hold the needles up in dim lighting. (hush! No more words!) Here are the best of the many shots I attempted.

By the time I reached Ace’s home, it was around 7:30 PM. We had a quick meal and I decided to crash on the couch with one of the housecats, Jake. He was my buddy during my stay, and we hung out together a lot. I love being back home. =:8

One of the crazy ideas that hit me while reading Stephanie’s list of cities was that I could go see her at least two times in April — the sure fire ones were at NYC and WEBS. The other do-able cities were Atlanta (oh to be having an ice cold sweet tea in Hotlanta!), Baltimore, and Charlotte. During the early part of the trip I was able to contact Debbie of “Gotta Knit!” and came to the decision that if she did not hear from me Sunday morning, I was not going to make the Atlanta trip.

Towards the end of Saturday’s long day, I realized that Sunday was going to be my day to relax. I made plans to meet up with Nikki and Stephanie at Mosaic Yarn Shop, the LYS of Gina from the “Skein Cocaine: Misadventures of a Yarn Shop Owner” blog. Little did I know what I was in for! Let us start with Nikki and a little something she is shielding from the camera. Go ahead — click on Nikki’s photo and the knit-in-the-chairs photo to see.

Wait! Is that who I think it is? It is the star of the shop, PURL!! She can be found hanging out at Mosaic and checking out everyone’s projects. Her sweet face is a great complement to the shop, and I had a huge kick out of finally meeting her. Of course I have loads of photos of this visit. I love the bright and sunny main room, and instantly felt happy when I walked into this LYS.

The shop has a very handy neighbor, Starbucks! The cool part of that neighborship? Being able to get online and that means being able to be on Ravelry. Yes, my addiction is strong. I was able to answer a few items in my messages and on the forums. The pressure of not catching up now released, I was able to start shopping.

I discovered quite a number of yarns that I wanted, but in the end, there was this one section in the 50%-off room that caught my eye. Click on that photo of those 50%-off shelves yet? That little section may not look it, but there are over 35 (40 maybe?) skeins of Classic Elite Posh and Lavish. Not able to resist a bargain, I snagged 12 (or was it 15?) of the Posh to make a striped sweater of green, tan, and brown. With our goodies purchased, we headed across to Kobe for lunch. There we had a fast food version of teppanyaki that was still quite yummy. Tummies filled, we decided to head back to Mosaic for more. It was as if I had this insatiable thirst that required attention!

Admittedly, I wanted the hours at the shop to continue, maybe closing at dawn. Not sure if it was the yarn fumes that tickled my brain, but I recalled Marni’s (from Yarni by Marni) fabulous Bias Fair Isle Pullover. Grabbing a copy of the Loop-d-Loops book, I checked the pattern and discovered that the rest of the Posh would fulfill the yardage requirements. I had to stop and think because though I have had made large purchases before, never had I ever hit over the mark I was aiming at now. While I was standing and debating, Nikki and Stephanie sat and waited for my decision. My breathing became shallow, and I stammered repeatedly, “I must be in shock. I don’t think I can breathe. This is the biggest daily-overall purchase I have ever done for yarn. I keep holding my breath!” Nikki laughed and said, “I think we are holding our breaths FOR you. We’re about as in shock as you are.” All in all, the 31 skeins of the Posh, a Fiber Trends’ Huggable Hedgehog pattern, a skein of CHP Fingering in the Hokies 001 dyelot, a skein of Misty Mountain sock, and a couple of “Knitting for Healing” tee-shirts went home with me that day. I think we exhausted little Purl with all the shopping!

Saying our good-byes, we parted ways. To tally up the weekend’s purchases, I brought all the yarny items into the suite. I felt restless and was itching to go out, but had no idea where. My friend Eric and his girlfriend Michelle were caught up in their studying and med-school activities, so I was a bit on my own. I debated between ordering room service and eating in the hotel’s restaurant. Neither option seemed to interest me. I decided to drive into downtown to see what had changed in Blacksburg.

With some crazy luck, I found a parking spot on Main Street where I used to work during my last year at school. Slowly looking around, I saw the college students that were making the most of their weekend. Smiling at my own memories of doing the same, I popped into Sharkey’s and had to stop in my tracks. The sandwich line that I worked during the day was replaced by a seating area. Granted when I worked there, the place was called “Arnold’s” and was a dual-faced place — a sub shop during the day, a sports bar at night. Pool tables were in the back, no dance floor space, and a picnic-table filled patio were in the back. Lots of big televisions were everywhere for lots of sports-watching.

A young girl greeted me when I came in, and I simply said that I used to work at Arnold’s, have not been in town for over 9 years, and wanted to look around. She looked at the direction of the main bar and said I probably would want to chat with her brother because he might remember Arnold’s. I gave my thanks and took a “watcher’s seat” in a quiet corner of the bar. Dave (I think that was his name) came to take my order. I repeated what I told his sister and he exclaimed, “Wow! That was before I worked here. But I remember the history.” It turned out I was 7 years older than he was, and the folks that we knew had gone on to other areas in their life. He brought me the Killian’s I ordered and updated me on the gossip of what was still open, what changed, and what stayed the same. I took in the details and walked to the patio to check it out.

Looking outside across the parking lot, I saw that the “Greeks Restaurant” had changed to some type of formal Southern dining. Greeks was one of the places to go for that “dinner before a formal” event. It was a fabulous place where one’s parents can have a nice meal yet students can be spotted in jeans. Back at the bar, I listened to more gossip and watched the hullabaloo over the NFL Draft. Finishing my beer, I thanked Dave for the update and paid my tab.

Walking around town, I spotted many of the building fronts and stores that changed. The “Big Al’s Looking Glass” hair salon that I used was now a seafood restaurant. The dart alley “Ton 80″ was gone with nothing in its place. The Subway that opened during my last month at school was something else. I did spy a couple of places that were as strong as ever. Gillie’s, The Cellar, The Underground, and my old favorite — Souvlaki’s.

By now everyone must be wondering where the photos are. I did not take any and that was intentional. Blacksburg is never-ending in always changing. For this one night to myself I wanted to keep the images inside my head. Yes I am being selfish, but for those who are curious, there is a nicely written blog on a Blacksburg restaurant crawl back in 2005. Some of the places were around when I was in school (oh those wonderful margaritas meals at El Rodeo!) and the 2 entries on Souvlaki’s contains descriptive photos.

I stepped into Souvlaki’s and ordered a tiropita, gyro, and root beer. I figured that if I were going to wander around the campus at night, it is not a bright idea to be even slightly buzzed. I may have gall and dare to do things, but I will not go into them stupidly. Unfortunately they were out of the tiropitas, so I had a spanakopita instead. My meal was quiet — not a bit of conversation from the girl behind the counter. I found the silence peaceful, and caught bits and pieces of the other folks behind me at their tables, but let none of it stay in my head. The meal was as awesome as I had remembered, and bought a piece of baklava to go for munching later.

Stepping back out into the street, I started toward my car because rain was predicted for the night. I drove around campus, and stopped a couple of times to take in the Drillfield. I was able to snap a photo of Burruss Hall and Wall in their quietness. My attempts to photograph the War Memorial were null. The darkness was not kind to my little camera. I thought to myself, “Oh if these structures could talk. What stories could they tell!” The Wall is where I used to sit and watch the peacefulness of the Drillfield in the middle of the night. I did the same and took in the silent scenery around me. Tomorrow during Monday’s craziness of classes, students and faculty will be walking around with potential students, families and visitors like myself. I then walked around the solemn 04-16th-2007 Memorial, and photographed each stone dedicated to each victim. Each name whispered in my head with the words, “Remember, and do not forget. We are Hokies. We will prevail. We are Virginia Tech.” Slowly and quietly I took each photo. The night’s events were a wonderful counter-balance to the day’s. I finally was back home, and finally finding some peace. =:8

When I abrubtly left The Corporation, a flooding of opportunities opened up for me. Visions (and advice from fellow knitters who happened to be retired HR Directors) encouraged me to take advantage of the next 6 months and stay unemployed this summer. Besides knit my heart away, I found time to do a few things:
1. Get that much wanted haircut for donating to Locks of Love
2. Celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day on the 17th like a Rhode Islander
3. Visit all the LYS during the weekdays that I could never see on the weekends
4. Attend Stephanie’s debut in New York City on the 2nd
5. Interview for a possible job in a new career path on the 3rd
6. Run away to Virginia from the 4th to the 11th

Wait, did I write “run away” as in “Monty Python’s Holy Grail” movie? Why yes, I did. The journey began when I decided I wanted to go back home on Friday the 4th. Since LizW from “Life as a Spectator Sport” posted a Ravelry Meet up thread at the Chateau Morrisette Vineyard, I just KNEW a trip was in store for me. I made a few phone calls. Voila! A sojourn appeared that enabled me to fly to Norfolk, drive to Blacksburg, back to Virginia Beach, and leave Norfolk — all in 8 days. To kick off this journey I brought only 1 project to accompany me, and I cast on Friday morning while waiting for my flight. Guess what it is?

My sister greeted me when I flew into Norfolk on Friday. One reason why I was able to visit for the week was because I was borrowing my BIL’s car so I did not have to rent a vehicle. I hung out with my parents and sister’s family for a bit, then drove out west to Blacksburg. There I was going to crash at a friend’s to help save on money. After all, I would need it for yarn and wine souvenirs, right? The drive was long, but a bit different. My how the roads had changed! Roanoke and Floyd Counties are great examples of progress in the more rural areas of Virginia. Yet it is still peaceful and relaxing like it was just over 9 years ago when I was last there.

The Saturday morning of the tasting and tour involved lots of rushing over to the winery. In anticipation of meeting everyone, I became nervous. I had met Stephanie of “A day in the life of a k-nitter” before at the big Yarn Harlot Kick off last year, knew Nana Sadie Rose of “knitnana” from blogging (and she made my beloved Posy Sack), exchanged emails and goodies with Nikki of “My Fuzzy Life” from NASCAR knitting, and the others from Ravelry. What did I have to fear?? Taking deep breaths, I parked the car, walked up to the restaurant, and entered. I saw LizW in the lobby, and she greeted me with a hug and a name tag. We then entered the private dining room together and she introduced me to everyone. My online buddy Nana Sadie Rose had saved a seat right next to her. It was so awesome to see everyone in person and we involved ourselves in lively conversation. Needless to say, I (not sure if everyone else did, but I am on holiday…) treated myself to some delicious food and wine before the tour.

The tour was made light and lively with our guide. I cannot recall his name, but I do remember his one piece of advice, “Never open a bottle of wine if you will not be able to finish it in an evening. Find a friend to share it with you. If you do open a bottle by yourself, call me and I will help you.”

After the tour, we hung out in the large shop and tasting bar. Because the overall tasting group was so large, our little group had our own tasting. Except for meeting the very odd woman who was the most belligerent knitter we ever met, laughter and smiles filled the air. I renewed my Kennel Club Membership which allowed me to purchase 1-1/2 cases of wine, some fabulous Vosges chocolate bars and other items that I purchased as gifts at a discount.

With our taste buds tickled, most of us headed off to the next part of the day — a visit to the Greenberry House Yarn Shop, owned by Leslie of “At the Top of Squirrel Spur” blog. When clicking on the first photograph below, what is in the larger photo is what greeted me when I walked into the shop. Clicking along the rest of the photos, other close ups show what was along the main wall, and what I ended up including in my purchase.

Now with our fibery needs fully sated, we all began to part ways. I decided to join Nikki, Stephanie, and Nana Sadie Rose for dinner. Nikki and Stephanie lead in their car while Sadie Rose and I followed behind in mine. Along the drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway, thick patches of fog and various deer crossing the road made the highway scary at times.

At one point (Sadie Rose is going to KILL me for telling everyone!), I spotted 2 more deer on the right side of the road and said “Oh! DEER!” To which Sadie Rose replied, “Oh yes!” All of a sudden, I hit 2 speed bumps in the road. Sadie Rose looked at me and asked, “Didn’t you see the sign about the bumps?” I responded, “Umm… No, I was paying attention to the deer on your side of the road. I pointed them out to you.” Realizing that I meant D-E-E-R instead of D-E-A-R, we both started laughing and giggling. And I still giggle at every incident the memory hits me!

When we drove into Roanoke, we decided to check out a new Indian restaurant that had recently opened — Taaza on 117 Duke of Gloucester. This restaurant is not only easy on the eyes with its architecture, but the heavily portioned food is as fabulous as it looks. Sitting down at our table, I took the pink paper wrapped yarn Sadie Rose handed to me and placed it on the table. I then spied a pretty green/yellow Chinese take-out box in front of Nikki. I exclaimed, “What a pretty box!” Nikki then answered, “Why thank you. It’s yours.” Both surprises were yarns that I love: Jaggerspun Zephyr in sky blue by Nikki and Zen String Harmony in Gina Silva by Sadie Rose. I think I will make Laminaria with the Zephyr but I am not sure which pattern to use with the Gina Silva — Cookie’s BFF or Lace Ribbon Scarf. Any ideas on which one to knit?

Instead of dessert at Taaza, we opted to head out to Barnes and Noble for some chocolate goodness. We checked out some books and magazines and later parted ways for home. This long Saturday was almost over. I drove to The Inn at Virginia Tech where a tub full of hot water was going to pamper me. What a surprise I had when I discovered that I did not have a room because there were none left. Instead, I had a suite!

Of course I took photos all over the place, and then I took a long