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Woolens shop in Avoca, Ireland

Woolens shop in Avoca, Ireland
Originally uploaded by tonkitty.

I couldn't pass up the opportunity to take a photo inside the woolens shop. The colors were incredible. A feast for the eyes.

Avoca, Ireland (Balleykissangel setting)

Avoca, Ireland (Balleykissangel setting)
Originally uploaded by tonkitty.

Isn't this gorgeous? On our trip through Ireland this past October, one of our stops was at a woolen mill in Avova, Ireland. Avoca is the location where the PBS series Balleykissangel is filmed. The whole of Ireland is absolutely lovely, and this photo captures the feeling of being a true fairyland. Just looking at the photo transports me back.

Ping - Tonkinese Extraordinaire - 1996-2004

DSC00332
Originally uploaded by tonkitty.

Here's my beautiful Ping. She was an exceptional kitty, unfortunately developed a liver problem and stopped eating. I miss her a lot.

It's a Winter Fairyland Out There .....

Yesterday's balmy breezes were just a spring tease - we're back to a winter white out. Probably won't stick, but it's beautiful right now, and coming down pretty fiercely. The birds are fussing and fighting on the suet cage and seed feeders. Right now it's a quarrelsome bunch of starlings flapping to edge out a foothold. Earlier there was a flock -a FLOCK!- of cardinals brunching between the feeders, sampling a little of everything. I couldn't take my eyes off them. I've never seen so many cardinals in one spot. Usually I've seen a pair or perhaps two pairs, but here today there were a dozen, probably more. The shades of red are gorgeous against the white of the snow. The smaller birds have had to wait their turn - finches, grosbeaks, warblers, sparrows. The woodpeckers are there as well, hammering away at the suet cakes. A bluejay is patiently waiting his turn off to the side. I could watch them all day. Must get busy.

It looks like a great day to knit. My current project is a Patons Divine Lacework Sweater in a color called Halo Blue, a soft icy blue. Fell in love with the pattern and yarn, so bought it, not noticing until I got home that the pattern is designated "Intermediate." Hmmm.......I think I'm more an advanced beginner. The yarn is very tufty and soft to the touch, although a bit troublesome to knit up. The back and front are finished. I've started a sleeve, where the lacework kicks in, so we'll see if I'm up to the challenge. I hope so.

The Tonks have been keeping a close eye on the birds, and now they're feeling sleepy. They've decided to settle in early for their afternoon nap. A good day for it, all in all.

Friday Night Knit Wits

Friday was our twice monthly Knit Wit get together at J's. We alternate between each other's houses for a true girls' night out with dinner, wine, and knitting. In her usual even better-than-Martha style, J served up a wonderful Italian meal before we got started on knitting. It was delicious, and J's table was beautiful, complete fresh spring flowers and little Easter favors at each place. After finishing off the meal, we remembered we were there to knit and began with oohing and aahing over patterns we might try before breaking out the current projects and beginnng in earnest. While we all know how to knit, none of us is very experienced, and we help each other with advice and excouragement. K has given up on knitting altogether, and instead crochets circles around the rest of us. She's currently working on an elaborate baby's dress that is truly gorgeous, a real prize winner. It's great fun to see the progress we are making. We have six in our group now, and have discovered that we knit differently. The former and current crocheters all knit Continental style, while the rest of us use the English style. After comparing and trying the opposite way, we decided to go back to our own most comfortable style. It was too much like trying to write with the opposite hand. Gave us lots of laughs in the efforts, though. What a hoot. Another great evening with good friends.

I'll get the hang of it pretty soon ...

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