My little blogging hiatus is officially over!

So, life's been pretty busy, then I was pretty lazy.... but never mind about all that, I'm back!  My little fall break from blogging is over and I'm ready to catch you up on the fun stuff I've been up to.

Leicester Harvest Fair - Sept. 17, 2011

This is my second year demonstrating along with other members of the FiberKnots at the Leicester Fair.  It being World Wide Spin In Public Day, I demonstrated spinning on my wheel Elphaba.  It's pretty cool telling people all about spinning...  all the little kids are really interested in how the spinning wheels work and often they just sit there and stare at you spinning away.  This year, in addition to demonstrating on my wheel, I entered a couple items to be judged.  I submitted some handspun I had made of the summer and a photo I had taken of a frog that came out particularly nice. While I didn't win anything for my picture I did get first place for my yarn, so that made me very happy :)  The fair is always a really fun day where I get to spend all sorts of extra time with all my knitsibs.

Tower Hill Botanical Garden - Sept. 18, 2011

The day after the Leicester Fair, my mom and I took a trip to Tower Hill Botanical Garden, which is one of our favorite places to visit.  We actually hadn't been there in a few years so it was cool to see just how much the gardens had grown in that time.  While we were there, they had some cool metal art placed in the gardens. 

They were also featuring a succulent show and sale when we were there.  The succulents tended to be very small and very interesting to look at.  There were lots of cactuses and other plants featuring very thick leaves.

While wandering through this garden and by this lovely fountain, we ran into a couple people my mom knew from work, who I knew as well, so that was a really nice surprise. 

Apple Picking - Sept. 24, 2011

 This is year.... uh.... more than two.  Right! of us going apple picking.  I'm sure it's been something like ten actually, but my brain isn't working right now.  This year we went to Stowe Farm in Millbury, MA.  We got to take a couple hay rides as the orchard we were picking from was a little ways down the road. 

I think we picked a little late this year as there were lots of apples already on the ground.  Nevertheless we gathered up our bags and set back off for the second hay ride back. 

  

I'm trying really hard to remember to take pictures of myself so I don't just document what other people are doing but actually include myself in the group.  Not always so easy, but I think I'm getting better about it.  Luckily lots of my friends are good photographers, so I can hand off my camera with confidence.

Trip to Maine - Oct. 7-10, 2011

Mom and I went to the farmer's market in Bath on a beautiful Saturday morning.  We bought lots of produce including some from the farmer that is using some of my family members' fields on the island.  It's really nice to see the farmland actually being used instead of sitting fallow.  We got my dad a giant club of brussels sprouts... yes, I know that sounds weird, but the sprouts pop out of what looks like a giant blunt force trauma weapon.  I'm bummed I forgot to take a picture of it :(  You can learn more about Tarbox farm on their website at www.squiretarboxfarm.com

That afternoon, once Brian made it to the house, we took a trip to the Sweetgrass Winery and Distillery in Union where we had a tasting for I believe just $2.50.  I tried some apple and cranberry apple wine as well as their maple cranberry smashes.  Oh my, that cranberry smash was sooooo good!  It's more of a dessert wine or a cordial that a regular wine, but it was so yummy.  I also tried their rum which pretty much knocked me on my butt, lol. 

Mom and Brian with their tasting glasses and the little of spirits to try.  Too bad one of us had to drive home!  You can check out the Sweetgrass Winery at their website www.sweetgrasswinery.com

NY Sheep and Wool Festival - Oct. 15, 2011

This was me second trip to Rhinebeck, NY.  I drove out with one of my knitsibs and her two kiddos.  It was a fun but very long day.  I got to pick up some yarn I have been itching to get my hands on for awhile and I also got to meet a couple of the podcasters that I listen to every week on my commute.  In the picture below, I'm with Melanie and Deborah of the Savvy Girls Podcast.  They are absolutely hilarious to listen to and I was really happy to get to meet them both.  Thanks ladies for making my first fangirl experience a good one! If you want to learn more about the New York Sheep and Wool Festival you can check out their website at www.sheepandwool.com

King Richard's Faire - Oct. 16, 2011

To end my adventures, Brian and I went to Kind Richard's Faire this past Sunday.  We had meant to go earlier in October but the weather would just not cooperate.  While we were only there for a few hours, we listened to some awesome pipers and drummers known as Cu Dubh as we ate very yummy turkey stew.  Afterwards Brian finally was convinced to go get his picture taken with the hawk and I picked out a new flower wreath for my hair to match my faire costumes.

We finished the day by watching the joust, which Brian had actually never seen before.  We had a lovely time, I just wish we had been able to go with our friends the day before.  Instead, someone was gallivanting with yarn and sheep in NY.  I wonder who?