Life is indeed happening fast. After completing Summer Art Camp, we took a family trip to the Cape to celebrate my father-in-law's 90th birthday. This was only the second time in ten years we have gone away as a family (the last time was for Poppa's 85th); one of us usually stays behind for the animals. It was a huge leap of faith to trust someone with our beloved four-legged creatures. Everyone did fine, despite the record temperatures. We enjoyed a gorgeous weekend, seeing family, and the beach!
Just before we left, Sarah announced she made a decision to return to the States after graduation. Yipee! So between art camp, travel, house guests, the birthday party, and physical therapy, we made last minute changes and left for Costa Rica two days after returning from the Cape!
We were able to sell most of her stuff, and what we didn't sell, we packed and shipped. Thank goodness for my mom! She was coming for the graduation anyway, but ended up packing boxes and keeping Sari on task. You forget how much you accumulate after living in a place for 4-1/2 years! We had ten days to accomplish this amazing feat. Sari sold all the pots, pans, and dishes, but when the bed sold…well, it was time to go to a hotel!
The graduation ceremony was beautiful, even though my mom and I didn't speak Spanish, we were able to follow along. I'm so proud of Sari; she graduated with honors, and received a certificate for achieving a 100 on her thesis (written in another language)!!! We so enjoyed meeting Sari's friends and their families, and I'm so grateful to her adopted Costa Rica moms who looked after her, especially when she damaged her knee!
We were delayed a day on our way home (missed a flight), and now we are contending with a time change and total exhaustion.
I was able to finish this summer tank top during PT appts. and flight times. (Pattern here). I'm happy with the way it came out. I can't think the last time I knit something for myself. It's really comfy and cool, but in the Fall, I can see wearing it over a turtleneck.
On Monday, we celebrated my birthday a day early (because the Professor teaches late on Tuesdays). Em and Sari made me a gluten-free birthday cake with an orange glaze. Delicious! I can't think the last time I had cake!
For my birthday, Em made me this awesome felted bucket bag to hold my yarn, needles, and current project. I just love it, and Frida picked the colors! I think we need to sell this in the shop!
Sari and the Professor gave me a book I have had on my wish list forever. I hope to incorporate some of the ideas and projects with my teaching.
And how did my little sheepies fare in my absence? Well, they didn't want to have anything to do with me last night! I went to bring them in, and walked through the pasture with their grain dish (just a little bit to encourage them), down to the run-in shed, and my sheepies were following. But George was the only one to step inside; everyone else bolted! So I came out and circled, coming up behind them to herd them down to the run-in shed again, and they bolted a second time! I tried a third time. I threatened to get a llama who will spit in their face! I threatened to call their Ohio mama and tell her they are bad sheepies and misbehaving! The Professor came in the pasture to assist. By now, it was dark, and I was tired and all worn out. The Professor stayed out, coaxing, circling, pleading. Eventually even he gave up, and my sheepies spent the night in the open air (they could still go in the shed if they wanted to). First thing this morning I asked the Professor, "Do I still have six sheep?" "Yes!" What a relief!
In the daylight, I noticed how much their faces have changed again. Timothy is wearing black stockings and his face has darkened. And so has Georgie's!
I received an email from Saori Japan just before I left. When I complete my next Advanced Basic Classes in Worcester, scheduled for mid-August, I can send in my application to be an authorized Saori studio and equipment dealer!
Woolly Week Summer Camp for kids starts in two weeks! I am planning lots of fun projects and activities, and Sari will be baking lots of delicious snacks for the kids.
There's no place like home!
Fleece,
Abu
Well, aren't you a busy beaver?! It is so wonderful that your classes are taking off with such success! Timothy and George's mom is starting to darken up also, perhaps a sign of some wonderful cooler temps! Your fleece bag is beautiful! I just made my first pair of needle felted gloves so now I need to make a matching bag;) Give the sheepies a peppermint treat for me!
Posted by: Kristi Zifcheck | 08/03/2011 at 10:47 PM
Glad you still have 6 sheep! LOL. Your tank is beautiful, the bag that Em made is beautiful, and she should make more for the store...So proud of Sari, and with honors!! And so proud of you, for taking this huge leap, and making it work....just don't run yourself into the ground doing it...keep fleecing!
Posted by: bmor | 08/06/2011 at 08:18 AM