So what about knitting?

Yeah Betzi has been a knitting slacker lately. I was really trucking along on Madli (ravelry link) before the move, once we got settled in couldn't seem to sit still long enough to work on it. I am quite sure it has much to do with this place. All I want to do is be out in it, to really experience where I am. So I've taken to dyeing outside (see previous post), spinning on the porch, and hauling my drop spindle with me on walks. Which I go on a lot, epsecially since the kids are at Grandma's this week and I am even antsier than usual.

As you can see, spinning is far more conducive to my current state of mind. Also, take a look at Betzi's new office. You can't beat it, really:


That's where I do a lot of writing for the blog (and myself), answering emails, posting etsy listings and pics (which aren't ready to go quite yet btw), and just about anything else that needs doing. Plus spinning of course. And drinking coffee. You know, the necessities.

Yeah, I could knit there, but the spinning bug has bit and I'm just gonna go with it.

In a week we are going to Germany. We'll be visiting hubby's family home, which has been there for literally generations. It is so relaxing there, out in the country. Its wide open spaces and windmills as far as the eye can see. But that is not all that I'm looking forward to, no no.

In the attic, there are spinning wheels. Yup, you heard me: spinning wheels as in plural. They are gorgeous. I attempted to refurbish one the last time I was there, but there are a few of them and they all need a little work to get going. This time around I will definitely haul them all out and have a good look. And of course take a mountainload of pics. It is so interesting to spin on an antique wheel, particularly one that has been in the family. Talk about getting in touch with the past!

Because I now have ample access to spinning equipment, this year I won't be missingout on Tour de Fleece. I have no idea what kind of challenge I'll set for myself--perhaps getting some ancient spinning wheels to work is enough-- but I'm mulling it over. I'm definitely taking a spindle with me and as much fiber as I can smoosh in my suitcase. And Madli of course, who is suffering from serious neglect. Time to get back to her.


Everything Else

I used to go barefoot a lot. Around the house, in the yard, driving, spinning...even in the winter. But I was out on my morning walk to Jefferson Rock when I thought "wow getting up this rock would be way easier without these big honkin' running shoes." Later that day I hoofed it to the post office to pick up the mail in bare feet. It was so liberating that I swore of shoes then and there. And have not looked back. Now I go barefoot everywhere and all the time. Ok, I have yet to go barefoot in stores and restaurants--when I know I'm going I stick a pair of flip flops in my giant bag--but every where else is all barefoot all the time. Seriously folks, its the way to go. Take of your shoes right now and take a walk around the block. I promise you will experience your block in a whole new way. Heck, maybe you'll even want to go another block...

While the kids are away I decided to take full advantage of my freedom and explore my own little world a little more. Yesterday I went down to the river and sploshed around, barefoot of course. I snapped some pics.


About 3 seconds after I took this picture I promptly fell on my ass in the river. That's what I get for being a klutz. Thank god my ipod was tucked safely away in the depths of my L.L.Bean backpack. (I am a die-hard L.L.Bean backpack fan. They have yet to fail me, even this time.) Everything was dry and ok except for my clothes. I felt that gave me license to get even wetter and see how far I could get across the river. I'll just say that I didn't get very far and leave it at that.

I did have a little company while I was there. This guy followed me all the way up river:


We both went as far up river as we could, before the current got too strong to wade in. Its a funny thing to have a goose escort. Not sure exactly why I didn't get a better picture of him!

I had forgotten what a pleasure it was to walk in the river. I swear it makes you feel 10 years younger. I can't wait to do it again.

Oh, I musn't forget the barefoot picture. All those shells and pebbles look like they might hurt, but they don't. They are a very interesting texture actually!



I took a few pics of the graveyard on the way down, you can check those out on my Flickr page, where they keep good company with a ton of sunrise pics from Jefferson Rock (and other Harpers Ferry pics).


One More Thing...

I am completely overwhelmed and just plain tickled pink by all the comments about my "100 things about me" post. I never expected such a response. I want to thank you all for the compliments. I am so glad that you all found them interesting and in a couple of cases inspiring--the highest compliment of all. You all apparently think I am far more interesting than I think I am! I am still so encouraged by my readers, who ignore my bad spelling and grammar and are able to see through to some (hopefully) good content. You all make it worth it. I take every email and comment to heart, and it keeps me blogging. Thank you thank you thank you.

Well that's it for now. The next time you hear from me I will be across the pond, spinning up some stories from Germany. Till next time!