More Travel Plans ...

Were you a fan of Mary Tyler Moore? I was crazy about the show. My daughters even said I looked like MTM which of course, I do not, but they were trying to get on my good side! Everything about the show was perfect, and of course, they were able to make us believe it was really happening in Minneapolis. What I can't believe is that I have never visited Minneapolis long enough to drive past the house that was used for the exterior of "Mary's" apartment, and we live only four hours away. That is definitely on my list of "Things To Do" on our upcoming trip to the Twin Cities. We are looking forward to a visit to the Science Museum in St. Paul to see the Dead Sea Scrolls exhibit.

It's late March and seeing the spring plants peeping through the dirt gives us such hope. I noticed even the peonies are beginning to break ground. We also have tulips, daylilies, surprise lilies and iris making their appearance.

.I am working on a shawl called "One Skein A Stole" from Noro Garden Sock Yarn and I can't really say I'm crazy about it yet. It's full of dropped stitches so it's light and airy-looking. Maybe I'll be happier with it when I've completed it. I enjoyed making the felted coasters as a gift for a friend so much, that I've been trying to make one a day, felt them and have them on hand when I need a gift.

I just discovered another knitting podcast called "Gives Good Knit" by Tika who is a classic literature buff as well as a yarn and knitting fiend.

The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes - Marcel Proust

Long Ago and Far Away ...

... when I was a very young mom with two daughters under 4 we were sent to Mannheim, Germany by my husband's company. The original assignment was to be six months long, but that stretched into a year and then two and finally three. The girls learned to speak German at their nearby kindergarten and I learned to speak German at my twice-a-week Berlitz class. Because it happened so long ago, I have a romanticized idea of the city where we lived, Heidelberg, and have wanted to return. At various times I've expressed that desire but something else has always taken precedence. Possibly, just possibly, I can now say I can see Heidelberg on the horizon.

The most touching thing I've read about the recently passed health care bill is this:
"Ted Kennedy's youngest son, Rep. Patrick J. Kennedy (D-R.I.), visited on Monday morning and left a hand-written note that read: 'Dad, the unfinished business is done.' And on a dreary Tuesday morning, Caroline Kennedy, the senator's niece, sat in the front row, with other members of the storied family." His mission is complete.

Happiness...not in another place but this place, not for another hour, but this hour.
- Walt Whitman

Finally Spring ...

The peace and beauty of a spring day had descended upon the earth like a benediction - Kate Chopin

Two days ago, we had 4" of snow on the ground, but it quickly melted away. Today I love the fact that the street cleaners are driving their machines up and down every street, brushing the winter dirt away from the curb. It puts an exclamation mark on winter!

Maya Angelou says, "Surviving is important, but thriving is elegant."

Remembering High School ...

Today I got together with four friends from my high school class. We enjoyed a delicious lunch at a well-known restaurant called Stone's (http://www.stonesundertheviaduct.com/). For 50 years, Stone's were famous for mile-high lemon chiffon pie, but they no longer make it, another . Their key lime pie was an adequate substitute. Since none of us is currently working, we were able to linger over tea and dessert and talk about things other than 'what hurts'.

Sometimes health or lack of it becomes such a big topic of conversation we can never get to what's good about our lives. But today it was fun to talk about long-ago trips to Europe and more recent trips to Hawaii. I recalled how my first flight to Germany on Lufthansa Airlines was so memorable for many reasons, not the least of which was the four-course dinner served on china with silver and linen napkins. I still have the menu packed away in a box in the basement. Have you seen the movie called "Catch Me If You Can" with Leo DiCaprio? I'm talking about the era depicted in that movie when pilots were gods and flight attendants were young, beautiful and called stewardesses. Anyway it was a day of fun and something that doesn't happen often enough.

On the way home, I stopped for a few minutes to visit with Kathy at Charity's Yarns. She had a sale on three skeins of beautiful Elsebeth Lavold DK Silky Wool in "Reed" a heathered gold color; the entire 600 yards for $15, and a sample called Carol's Clever Little Shawl knit in an aran weight yarn so I'm planning to make the same pattern which is free online.

Before I can begin the Carol's Shawl, I will finish my Purl Ridge Scarf in Dale of Norway Harlequin in Chocolate.

Along my route, I saw flooding in the fields, and creeks and rivers were quite high. I guess when 60"+ of snow melts in ten days that's what happens.

Taking Tea at Miss Spenser's

In April of 2009, I read a tiny notice in the local newspaper about an upcoming event called "Tea on the Titanic" at a place in the country called "Miss Spenser's Tea Room."
http://www.missspensersspecialteas.com/ My first thought was: how have I not heard of this place before? It was early morning and I vowed to call after work that afternoon. Unfortunately by the time I tried to make a reservation, the event was "Sold Out". I quickly reserved space for the Bridal Tea planned in June and rallied several friends to join me. Today I attended my 6th of their monthly teas, the Irish Farmhouse Tea. Each menu is carefully coordinated with the theme of the tea and guests are treated to a charming performance by Miss Spenser. At that first tea back in June, she played the part of Meg March from "Little Women" on the morning of her wedding day. Today she was Miss Mary McGrady and shared some tales and folklore from Ireland. She then played some Irish tunes on her harp while we continued to enjoy the food and conversation. It has been so much fun to share my 'discovery' of this hidden Iowa treasure with friends.

I recently discovered a blog called http://www.parisbreakfasts.com/ full of fantastic pictures and dreamy paintings, as well as great destination suggestions. I didn't realize I was a Francophile until I began reading Carol's blog. Of course that led me to a book recommended on the blog called "French by Heart: An American Family's Adventures in La Belle France" by Rebecca Ramsey. I have lived abroad ... in Germany for nearly three years ... and can identify with some of the challenges and adventures. It's lighthearted and a quick read.

I've been knitting the most adorable slippers called "French Press Felted Slippers" created by Melynda at "French Press Knits". Did I mention they're adorable? They are slightly addictive and others have knit several pairs ... we'll see how many I am able to knit.


Speaking of adorable, in October two new cuties were added to our family, JJ and BB.

Older sister Helen who's 2 1/2 going on 12 loves her new brothers and is a big help to mom and dad.


I recently discovered a new podcast called "Yarns from the Plain" by Nic who has a lovely British accent. It seems like Brits not only use words more beautifully than we Americans do but they have a larger vocabulary. For even more British accents, I listen to "Electric Sheep" by Hoxton (or Katie), and "Knitty Nora".

It was one of those March days when
the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold:
when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade.
-Charles Dickens

Until Later ...

Autumn in Iowa ...

This past week I was able to spend four days, Monday through Thursday, with friends in northeast Iowa where the autumn leaves are in the process of turning; in fact, I think they're at the peak. We had heard a forecast of rain and cooler temperatures, so made some plans for inside activities, but on Tuesday we awoke to a gorgeous sunrise over the Mississippi. Later the sky was such a clear blue and provided a perfect contrast for those burgundy, bright orange, burnished gold, yellow and green leaves. We walked along the dike overlooking the river, then drove to scenic and hilly Elkader about 20 miles west. We spent lots of time in The Buttery, one of those shops with the perfect combination of old and new, and Willow Creek Wine and Gifts. Instead of wine, we sampled sparkling apple cider which was yummy. We were somewhat disappointed that the restaurant we'd discovered last year, Shera's, was closed on Tuesdays, but consoled ourselves with a delicious lunch at Fennelly's Irish Pub. After a quick swing through the Turkey River Mall (old and new again), we had coffee at Treats, Etc. before leaving town. It's so much fun to enjoy the lower prices in small towns like Elkader, Guttenberg and McGregor.

Wednesday did bring the cooler temperatures and rainy weather, but we were ready. We planned to drive on the Great River Road to Balltown and Breitbach's Restaurant for lunch. On Christmas Eve 2007 the original 150-year old building was destroyed by fire. As the host explained, the blessings began almost immediately. None of the employees in the building at the time were hurt, and from the day (mid-March 2008) they broke ground for the new building, they had 100-150 volunteers helping them every day until opening day (mid-June 2008), their only payment food prepared by the restaurant staff. The food and service are outstanding. They have added a wine 'shed' where they offer free samplings, with wine, fall flowers and vegetables for sale.

On our way to Balltown, we left the 'beaten path' and drove to a tiny town called North Buena Vista where a grotto has been carved into a hillside. We drove to the top of the hill where the view was breathtaking. Through the trees, we overlooked the surrounding colorful hills and the Mississippi River!

We had decided to go to the movie "The Duchess" in Dubuque, but after some difficulty finding the theater, even with our trusty GPS (nicknamed Britt), we arrived about 35 minutes early, with enough time to do some power shopping at Kohl's.

Thursday as we left Guttenberg, we went to My Favorite Things and found some 'must have' items to take home. It was hard to leave the beauty of northeast Iowa behind, but the memories are great.

We arrived in Anamosa in time for lunch at Daley Creek Bistro and Winery. I found this in the Iowa Winery booklet a year or so ago.

What I Did On My Summer Vacation ...

I can't believe summer is nearly over. In fact school began here today ... just impossible to believe. We have been blessed with the most gorgeous weather for the last two weeks or so ... only necessary to use the air conditioning on rare occasions. In the morning I love to open the doors wide and let in the cool air ... what a great way to begin the day.
Last weekend we went to Chicago to visit our one-year old granddaughter Helen. She's such a sweetie and we can begin to see her personality shine. While we were in Chicago we rode the train to downtown where we caught a cab to Navy Pier to watch the Air Show. Thousands of people were watching the show from all over downtown, but we found a cafe with an empty table on the patio overlooking Lake Michigan and the skyscrapers from the south side of the Pier, and the view was spectacular. Later we took a water taxi along the Chicago River where we enjoyed seeing the hanging gardens, attractive condos and restaurants along the riverfront. On the trip to and from Chicago I enjoyed listening to the inspirational autobiography of the coach of the 2007 Super Bowl Champion Indianapolis Colts Tony Dungy called Quiet Strength. What a role model. Even non-sports fans would like this book. I also began reading The House at Riverton by Kate Morton and Comfort Food by Kate Jacobs.
One of the reasons this weather has been surprising is because our ten-day Iowa State Fair just ended. Traditionally we have the hottest weather during the fair but not this year. I think it rained only one day of the fair and attendance records were broken. I was able to spend a few hours a week ago walking around to some of my favorite spots: the 4-H building, the animal barns, the dollhouses in the cultural center, free food samples in the agricultural building, the hymn sing at First Church in Pioneer Village, lunch at the pork tent, and the quilts and needlework in the varied industries building.
We've been enjoying the Olympics especially watching one of our hometown girls Shawn Johnson participate in gymnastics and finally win a gold medal last night on the balance beam. We were proud of the three silver medals she's won previously but the gold was the perfect ending to the competition. Unfortunately our other hometown girl Lolo Jones, after setting records in qualifying rounds, was not able to complete the hurdles, and I feel sad for her. I'm disappointed that synchronized swimming hasn't been featured on TV at all, at least not in prime time. When two of my granddaughters were in synchro for several years, I was able to see up close and personal how hard the swimmers work and what a beautiful sport it is. They were on a team that made it to the Nationals in Syracuse NY in 2001, and one of the other competitors was a 13-year old girl from California named Brooke Abel. Her routine was so stunning, I can still remember it. Brooke is now on the 2008 USA Olympic team.
One of my friends and I stalked yarn yesterday. She is making a baby blanket for friends and we ended up buying the yarn at Michael's but it was a great opportunity to visit a couple nice LYS in the area. Today's featured store is Creative Corner in Valley Junction in West Des Moines, also known as the pink house. This is a store that has been around for at least 25 years and has survived the macrame craze, the cross-stitch craze, and through it all, has always carried lots of beautiful yarn. One of my favorite blogs is Nuttinbutknittin and K who is the author of that blog works at Creative Corner one day a week.
This week I discovered an awesome podcast called Brown-Eyed Mom. Danielle is charming and fun. She's married to a cop and mother to two sons. She's a new knitter who's greatest desire is to learn everything and in her words become an uber-knitter.
We celebrated my mom's 91st birthday August 3rd with a Sunday brunch when I gave her the Sunday Market Wrap. Hopefully I can get a picture of her and the Wrap soon to post here. Mom is in the process of moving from her home to a really cute condo across the street from her church so we'll be ending the month of August helping her with that move. Recently my sister and I spent a couple hours helping mom pack, then took her with us when we checked out a couple of shops in nearby towns called Gifts of Grace in Gladbrook and Something to Share in Conrad. We treated mom to a delicious light lunch at Gifts of Grace.
Around the cottage we are still waiting for those tomatoes. We lost several during a storm about two weeks ago, but the ones that hung are are doing fine. I have a huge plant on a table on my front porch that is absolutely spectacular. I think it's some kind of begonia and it is beautiful. The leaves have remained shiny and the plant has grown and thrived, even though most of my flowers didn't look all that pretty this summer.
Later ...