{Falls Brook Fair Remembered}

 

 

 

Knitting Up A Storm

All this talk about Earl and that havoc he is inevitably going to cause has got me to thinking! If this hurricane did actually amount to anything how would I get through it?

Storm Chasing really isn't my thing so I'll be staying home to ride out the storm. The battery life on my apple computer is only about 5 hours, and my dog isn't the best conversationalist, so I'll be left to rely on old faithful- no not the dog...Knitting! 

Although knitting appears to be  mundane, so 'the same', there are some precautions to take when knitting during a hurricane. It would be foolish to jump right into storm knittin'.

I've enlisted the help of my personal knitting consult to assist in this list.
{Please welcome Adele to the blog!}

We've come up with a list of good practices, essential tools and common sense anecdotes as well as some tips to keep you knitting come wind or high water! Bring it on Earl!

• If you're securing your patio furniture or putting a weighted vest on your dog, it might be wise to secure your yarn stash too. I've never known a piano or chest freezer to blow away, so if it will fit, throw all your yarn in and you'll have it when you need it!
  
• Now is the time to charge your ipod, fill it with knitting podcasts or your favourite mood music..are you in the mood for knitting?
  
• Headlamps are not just for splunkers anymore. These handy flashlights that sit on your forehead with the help of some sort of elastic are very affordable, Adele seems to think they can even be purchased at the dollar store!
  
• Another benefit of having a headlamp is that it will allow you to read knitting patterns or books, when the power goes out, or the battery of your laptop dies.
  
• To eliminate frustration and maximize your knitting time check online for patter errata for the project you plan to work on during the hurricane.
  
• If the Vikkel braid you know is coming up at the end of your Estonian mitten is making you shiver, look up the technique on YouTube before it's too late!
  
• In the unnecessary event of limited lighting get out those needle protectors! Unprotected needles could be more problematic than unprotected sex, without the little bundle of joy 9 months later. And really, no-one wants blood on their latest work in progress.
  
• Now might be a good time to practice knitting blind. If the batteries in your head lamp die, or your nervous about flammable material near an open flame, get out some chunky yarn, your size 35 needles, and close your eyes, it's time knit a garter stitch car cozy.
  
•  I know you've never lost a 00 needle in the couch cushions before and your sweet overweight cat never plays with your stitch markers, but trust me, anything can happen during a hurricane. Prepare your tool kit now!
  
• Knitting is not all about the tools, patterns and yarn. There are some things knitters need to keep going, you guessed it...coffee. Grind up some of Ethopia's finest now and brew it up, it will keep in a thermous long enough to keep you knitting into the wee hours of the morning.

There are many other things we could metion to help you prepare- like  how being frantic or melodramatic is not a good idea anytime, especially not in a hurricane, but you're smart and probably know all that anyway.

Think ahead, be prepared and knit up a storm!

Genuine Living

What Makes a Vacation?

What makes a vacation really great? Is it the deals you score at the outlets, the amazing hotel, or the perfect beach weather? Yes, perhaps but I tend to believe memories are made when you share conversation and experiences with people you care about.

On my recent vacation a lot of time was spent selecting food and places to eat with family and loved ones. Even through everything wasn't always perfect, I don't have one bad memory of the following places.


Wile I shopped in Bangor, Jacques got a breakfast Sandwich from Subway.

The next stop was When Pigs Fly to pick up some artisan bread and dipping oil. 

Then we enjoyed steak, and fish, lobster and beer at Gritty McDuffs. 

The next morning we grabbed a quick breakfast at  Friendly's in Freeport.

Jacques family took us out to Fish Bones in down town Chelmsford that night.

The next time we ate out was a breakfast treat at Tango Grill Cafe.

Later that day we visited my favourate grocery store, Trader Joe's.

When we arrived at Old Orchard Beach we had Bills Street Pizza which was delicious! That night our Portland treat was 51 Wharf.

The next morning we got our morning coffee at Starbucks....and breakfast at Mr.Bagel

Later that day we ate at Taco Bell but they had no Fries Supreme. A few days later our travels took us to Nova Scotia. Of course there was Tim Hortons.

And a great little restaurant in Truro called Frank and Gino's

Before Blue Rodeo we munched on goodies at Jungle Jims.

For most of this trip we grabbed snacks from grocery stores but on the way home we did eat at St. Hubert with my mom and dad.

What's your favourite vacation food?