Retreat report: Day one

I drove through hellish Friday afternoon traffic to arrive at Briarwood Retreat snuggled back into a woodsy part of Argyle, Texas. Twenty years ago I used to fox hunt up here with the Hickory Creek Hunt without seeing more that one or two little houses. Now, cookie-cutter urban sprawl has arrived. It's not pretty in my opinion, but this little retreat stays quiet with all its' little paths through the woods.

Anyway, I was spinning away within 30 minutes of my arrival with 20 other spin-oholics. Grabbed a few snacks for dinner, instead of the pizzas, and headed for the roving dying workshop. Mary had super-wash merino soaking in tubs for us. We squeezed the some of the moisture out of it, laid it out in tight zig zags, picked out colors and began painting it. I chose violet, golden yellow, yellow green. Next we put the tightly plastic-wrapped coils into roasters to steam and set the dyes. Can't wait to see it today.

Then it was back over to the lodge for more spinning, dorking out on the computers, and chatting up a storm until 10ish, which is late for this pumpkin.

Today Liz is going to demystify knitting two socks at a time for me.

The Canon DSL will be out today for sure. Pictures will be up tomorrow.

The only thing missing is my little pal, Trinket. I agree with Edith Wharton,

"My little dog- a heartbeat at my feet" .

Here come the holidays

Can you stand it ? I can't believe I am (a) talking about the holidays and (b) am actually knitting holiday DOG sweaters. I finished this one last night and have cast another one onto the needles in just a little bit bigger size. I think the only thing this one might need are a few little bells. We will be showing it off tomorrow at the Cavalier King Charles Fun Match up in Argyle, Texas, at the gorgeous mini-estate of Ted and Mary Grace Eubank. Over a hundred little Cavs will be there. I love the vendors, who have loads of Cav-themed temptations: ornaments, mouse pads, towels, coasters. Oh, and I take Trinket's doggy stroller for this. In the words of my daughter, "That is just wrong!".