I am not sure how the days, weeks, and months could have escaped me and allowed such disregard of my responsibilities since June. Let me do a short recap of the last 5 months! June came and left, providing us with many wonderful tomatoes. Unfortunately, we were out of town for most of the bountiful days.  Many thanks go out to Adrianna who kept all those patio plants and gardens watered in our all too frequent absences from the farm. She even managed to keep the hummingbirds in nectar. 

We are  lucky to have so many caring family and friends who keep it all together for us.  Mid summer also found Randall and me becoming overwhelmingly passionate about a new pastime.  After years of working for fun…..we discovered our first hobby since scuba diving in the 80’s.  We decided to learn how to shoot skeet. I would have never guessed that trying to hit a bright orange disc with a shotgun blast could be so much fun.

 We learned quickly to finish work as early as possible and head out to the range and practice until dark. We have met some great people and really enjoy the challenge. My competitive spirit suffers a bit when trying coming to terms with the time and practice it takes to get “even” marginally good at the sport. 

July was a flash and after MidWest Fiber and Folk Art Festival it almost seemed that fall was upon us. 

The long and winding road of October and November were here before we knew what had happend.  The start of it all was the Taos Wool Festival where we connect with lots of folks that we haven’t seen since Estes Park back in June. 

New York Sheep and Wool in 2009 saw Nathan doing the long flight and picturesque train ride with Crystal.  Everything went as expected except for Nathan having his head turned by a pretty little red headed lass from Ireland at Mahoney’s Bar and Grill. While waiting on Randall and me to pick them up from the train station in Poughkeepsie, they checked out the beer possibilities.  I think that Nathan will remember a new favorite beer as well as “Nat lee”. 

New York was a whirl wind of activity, set up, selling, eating some great food and saying good bye to a favorite stop that has gone the way of a lot of small businesses these days. We will now make Portofino’s the regular stop every year.  They never fail to have something surprising and wonderful on the menu. This year it was the Mac&Cheese!  I never thought that any restaurant could equal this home favorite, but it was superb.  If you are ever in Staatsburg, NY, stop in and give it a try.

Next stop on the tour….. Southeastern Animal Fiber Festival in North Carolina.  A big time favorite of BFY, and this year was no exception.  One of our first customers of the day appeared wearing her version of the Ewe Vest.  We were impressed with the color choice that was just perfect for her and evidently, several others thought so as well and promptly bought Duet for their next project.

The crowds were awesome at SAFF and we had our usual good time.  Not to mention, everything is better when we get some good Mexican food on the road.  Thank you…thank you…thank   you,    Papas and Beer.

As good as the weeks were when traveling, there is no place like home. Even though we were not there but for a week, Boerne, Tx can almost be called home.  We were on home turf and the weather was gorgeous. We all had such a good time and we were there to wish  KnE a Happy 21^st Birthday!  The BFY donation to the silent auction was the appropriately filled “Party Pail”, complete with snacks, wine and glasses, needles and an assortment of BF yarn.  Lise Wilson was the happy recipient!

Alissa was there with her collection of yarns and designs and unveiled her newest  pattern for Brooks Farm Yarn. 

 This baby will make the new show year even better.  

  I can say that a return from KnE left me feeling a bit at loose ends.  Without a next show on the list of things, what am I  to do with all that free time.  Well, for one thing, I can talk about Thanksgiving. For the previous month, I had allowed others to only speak of “the big bird Day” or the “fowl day”.  My way of blocking an impending event that will only boggle my mind if allowed to think too much about all the things I have to do.  I am pleased to say that I worked my way through all the prep and anticipation and remained fairly calm.  After all, I haven’t been doing a lot of cooking over the last 3 months. 

As I am seasoning the dressing for the big meal, Randall comes in the house bearing the previous day’s mail and hands me a package.  What a wonderful surprise, inside is the most beautiful red scarf and  card from friend and fellow dyer, Dianne Lutz of Creatively Dyed.  She has knitted and gifted me this lovely scarf made from our very own Solo yarn in the Irish Hiking Scarf pattern by Allison Gray.  This friendship gesture inspires me……  and reminds me of the importance of letting my friends and family know how much they mean to me.  Thank you again, Diane,  for the scarf and the inspiration.

I like about summer.  After several days of wondering if there is anything I like about summer, I found, not one, but 10.  I am a long way from the 10 year old who loved long hot summers.  A time when I don’t remember the heat ever being “that” bad, and  never too hot to ride my bike all day or spend hours in the neighborhood park pool.  A memory of the smell of chlorine triggering such excitement and anticipation that is difficult to explain.  Among all these childhood memories is a lack of any significant irritation from mosquitoes, june bugs, or hot blowing winds.  As my age advances, summer has taken on a much different perspective, one of never ending grass cutting, raking, weeding, fertilizing, and endless watering.  I really don’t mind the garden and yard chores that much but the heat is making life one big fat challenge.  There are no 50 year old childhood memories that can cool the heat in my face at 2 in the afternoon.   

Trying to find something wonderful and positive about my least favorite season of the year was my goal on Friday as Dena and struggled our way through 70 lbs of Four Play dyeing.  Instead of trying to list all the things I hate about heat, I would write a blog about the things I love about summer and I succeeded!  I knew I could do it….. what do you think about my summer love?  There must be at least ten.

Back in March, I was sure that the newly expanded back yard would be a perfect place for a garden but I knew that our travel schedule wouldn’t allow for such a time consuming endeavor.  About a month later, better judgment went out the window as it seemed a shame to let that big plot of ground (top dressed with a generous amount of composted goat manure) go to waste.  Why not pick up a few tomato plants and pop them into the ground and see what happens.  After a quick trip to Wal-Mart and Home Depot, armed with 12 tomatoes, 4 pepper plants and 3 squash plants, and a package of gourd seeds, I threw caution to the wind and entered the world of vegetable gardening.  Why not?  Of course, I forgot that tomatoes require more than an occasional checking for prospective fruit.  Oh my, those neat little (cheap) tomato cages that became quickly necessary, also required lots of garden twine and tying…..daily tying. Every time we left town and returned home, we were amazed at the amount of growth. The last return found the largest of the plants were systematically  toppling their cages.  The weight of the plants being too much for the “cheap” little cages and required that Randall come up with some steel stakes and cable to support the tomato supports!

As you may be able to tell in this picture, the plant in question is actually taller than I am.  Actually, it is as tall as 6 foot Randall. 

 And the gourds….oh my…..the gourds have taken on the lifestyle of kudzu!  Growth is so fast that you can almost see it happen, their tentacles stretching and grabbing to anything that doesn’t move.  And, if the number of gourds is commensurate with the amount of foliage, I will have  l o t s  of gourds.  My plan was drying, carving or painting gourds.  I am not sure when this was supposed to happen but …oh well.  Maybe they will dry on the vines and be ready for my creative urges after the fall travel schedule is complete.

Fall travel you say…. Yes, we are dyeing for fall. Alissa is planning new projects and Randall has a prospective new yarn on the horizon.  I have dyed a sample and it is with Alissa as we speak.  All I can say at this point is that it is luscious and takes the dye really well.  We are awaiting a knitting report before taking the plunge into a new product.   It is unlikely that we would debut this new creation before next year but I think it will be worth the wait.

 I also remember that a lot of you have not seen Alissa’s newest design….Delilah made the scene in Estes Park this year.  My not great photo doesn’t do justice to this jaunty little sun hat that is perfect for travel. It folds flat but the brim pops quickly into place when worn.  Delilah is knit in one skein of Acero and the pattern can be found at shows with BFY or on Alissa’s website KnittingFairy.com.  Check it out….. it is just “too cute” for words. 

I am sure there is more news than a single cup of coffee on an early Sunday morning will allow me to remember but the watering hose is screaming my name and plants are anxiously awaiting their first drink of the day.  Yesterday was our hottest day of the year and another expected today.  Guess I will get cracking on the chores.  More later….. 

is what we found  in Albuquerque.   I was prepared to see some different things from our usual abundance of yarn and spinning fibers punctuated by all the wonderful tools to make creation possible.  Having read the show information packet, I was even prepared for sewing notions, quilts and patterns for all things sewn.  What literally blew me away was the education I got on quilts.  Not your grandmother’s quilts.  This is not to say that the handwork put into those “ labor of love” quilts shouldn’t be revered and cherished.  It is however, a testament to the technology available in today’s world of sewing and quilting.  Never having quilted anything in my life, I walked away from this show thinking that nice automated machine that so effortlessly did free form quilting across the aisle from me all weekend, would be a fun little machine to have around the farm.  Wow, I will share with you some of the things I had the privilege to see.  Hope you enjoy them as much as I.  

 And, these are only a few of the many outstanding examples of today’s quilting! I walked away with a whole new appreciation for this art form.

This trip also allowed a little shopping time during the show.  Granddaughter, Molly celebrated a birthday while we were out of town.  I found this amazing little handmade doll that is perfect for this “Fancy Nancy” loving little girl.  I called her Millie.  We will have to wait and see what Molly decides to call her.

This show was supported by many local guilds, in addition to the quilting groups.  We saw fine examples of weaving, crocheting, knitting, jewelry work, lace making, silk painting and beading. If I could just find a few more hours in the day, I would love to try them all.  Since that has yet to become possible, I will continue to appreciate all of those who shared their art on  Memorial Day weekend.  Thanks to you all.

My neighbor across the aisle who tempted me with her beautiful jewelry……

Robin, who is going to work some of her “loom magic” with some skeins of Mas Acero and Riata.  Look for me to be sporting a new vest at the Taos Wool Festival!  I can’t wait …Robin!  Thanks so much.

We traveled to Albuquerque in the spring, loved the weather and the people.  We had a great dinner with Robin and Michael, sold some yarn and had a very relaxed time of it all.  Thanks to all the folks who worked so hard to put this show on and make it such a memorable experience.  Frances Starnes and the entire hospitality committee worked tirelessly and we sure did appreciate the daily offerings of water, snacks and cookies.  This was a treat that we have not had at any show …..anywhere, and it was such a nice touch to the weekend.  Thanks to you all!

……. but  in reality, it has been 12 days.  Spring arrived and left while we were gone. It is now summer in Texas. Summer  the time of year that it is suddenly too hot to sleep without AC, the mosquitos have magically appeared overnight and the grass grows 6 inches a day; right before the rains stop and we lapse into crunch season.  That is the time when we dry out beyond reason and it is a challenge to keep everything watered well enough to prevent wilting by the noon day sun.  The time when the twenty days of blissful spring become a distant memory and we long for the cooler breezes of fall.  Enough of my ranting about the discomforts of a Texas summer.  I am sure that there are those who hate their winters as much as I hate summer.

When we left for Atlanta/Maryland, the climbing rose bush beside the backyard gate was in full bloom.  Now, it has lost its blooms and shed some leaves which has the nest almost in plain view.  A pair of Cardinals has provided a cozy retreat for 3 tiny spotted eggs which turned into little balls of orange fluff before our eyes.  Mom and Pop work almost non-stop and I am sure the kiddos will be fledglings by the time we are home from Albuquerque.  A picture of the hatchlings is unavailable as my camera battery charger was AWOL!

For those of you who may not have heard.  While these Texans were missing spring in Texas, the rains came to Maryland. Yes, my friends, things were slightly damp on Saturday and downright soggy on Sunday.  It was so muddy that without the hay scattered on the grass under the tent, one wrong step would suck the shoes off your feet.

Some came more prepared than others with their rubber boots, raincoats and umbrellas.  Others saw it as an opportunity to come out and play.  The rest of us made the best of a less than desirable weather outcome.

Randall  was everyone’s hero as he diverted water away from the tents.  What doesn’t show in the picture is that our poor Randall was soaked to the skin. 

 I am still not sure that this is the same Randall who would be hard pressed to pick up a shovel at home but voluntarily seeks same out and puts it to work in Maryland.  I will have to ponder this more at a later date.

When things settled down to a slow drizzle on Sunday afternoon, we were paid a visit by Leslie Orndorff of Tintagel Farm in Pennsylvania.  She came by to share her prize winning woven shawl. It was sooooo beautiful. 

We all celebrated Leslie’s creativity and excellent weaving.  Congratulations Leslie on a job well done and thanks so much for bringing it by and letting us fondle this beautiful piece.

We also want to offer a big thank you to all you brave souls who braved the elements and joined us for another year at the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival.  It was noted that everyone who showed up not only braved the rain but did it in the face of Swine flu AND the struggling economy.  We appreciate you all more than you can know.  See you again next year….. and hopefully, the creek won’t rise! 

before I am once again enjoying sleep in my own bed and eating my own cooking.  This is not to say that the last seven days haven’t been fun, exciting, exhausting, and enlightening.  It has been a kick in the “you know what” thanks to a lot of special people. 

  The graciousness of the Atlanta Knitting Guild was amazing. We had so many from this talented group come by the booth and express their personal thanks to us for coming to their party.  True, XRX was the glue that held all the pieces together, but it was the spirit of this group that added the shine.  We at Brooks Farm bow to you, AKG; for all that you did to make this one fine event.

 Behind the scenes, in the Brooks Farm booth, we had our own party. The warmth and laughter followed us everywhere we went…… from the set up to the final hours we were supported with delightful humor, great company, wonderfully expert assistance and best of all …. more family for Randall, Sherry and Brooks Farm!  This year, we had the pleasure of having our North Carolina connection…Debbie and her mom, “Granny” spent the weekend with us.  Lookout Crystal, “Granny” will give you a run for your money for the “comic relief” title.  Debbie also stepped up to the plate and helped all those with knitting dilemmas to feel comfortable and capable with their selections.  This kind of help is amazing to watch.

 Our new pattern from The Knitting Fairy, Alissa, featuring Duet in a lime green colorway, was an instant hit with Granny.  She wasted no time in getting a skein wound into a ball (thanks to Randall and Webs with a ball winder) and on the needles.  Moss doesn’t grow under Granny’s feet!  Just ask Debbie to tell you about the time that she and husband, John, had to back track after deplaning from an overseas flight to find a missing Granny.  Fearing that something had happened to her, they were relieved (not surprised!) to find her sitting in the pilot’s seat and getting a first class tour of the cockpit! The charm, wisdom, and wit of this woman are something to behold.  What a pleasure it was to have them both.

The weekend was also punctuated with frequent text messages back and forth from the DFW Fiber Festival to Atlanta.  Dena and I kept in constant contact trying to not feel left out of the fun the other was having. This was especially true when she heard a big “hoot and holler” from Jerry when he won the raffle prize donated by Brooks Farm.  I will share with you a glimpse of Dena’s creativity.  Isn’t it fun!!!!!

  Well, we are almost into Maryland.  Granted, it is a couple of days early but time to take care of some housekeeping chores (yea, we have a guest laundry at the hotel) and mail a couple of orders from the show.  Yes, some people leave to think it over and don’t quite make it back.  A phone call to us will have the left off skein in the mail in short order.  Other than that, a little time to kick back and enjoy the sunshine will be appreciated.  I hear the weatherman has something else in store for the weekend. Before closing, I want to give a great big shout out to Eileen from Maple Creek Farm, who tangled with a big ‘ol phone cable during load up at Stitches. While Eileen lost that battle, she will be sporting colorful red, blue and black toes at Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival.  Get better quickly Eileen, your public awaits! 

 I am now in a panic.  I am suddenly aware that we leave for Atlanta tomorrow and I will not be home until MAY!  Yikes, what a busy time to be gone for 2 weeks.  The good thing is that once I am in the front seat of that truck and headed out the drive, I can quit worrying about all the things that I have left off the list for the guys to do while we are gone.  Did I designate someone to pick up the mail every day…..? yes, Nathan, it needs to be done every day.  This sometimes comes as a surprise to this young man who is no longer of the “kid” variety.  As time draws near, I start to scratch off the list the things that would make me feel better but aren’t really necessary to a successful trip…..like vacuuming out the truck and cutting the grass just one more time before we leave.  After 2 days on the road, who would ever know if the floorboard was clean when we left and with the rain expected, the grass will grow by feet instead of inches.  Cutting off an extra ½ inch now will not make it look one bit better when I get home.  So, quit worrying now I say and have less stress in the next few days.  Yeah, that sounds like a fine idea.

 I have done quite a bit of dyeing in the last 3 days so Adrianna will have some work while we are gone.  It was as usual, the task is a little overwhelming as the day begins.  I had 3 of these babies  waiting on me. Each holding about 32 lbs of Duet…dry… when soaked, I am sure it all weighs at least 700 lbs. 

As the morning progresses, I pull one skein of each color dyed and line them up on the bench.  This keeps me from dyeing all blues or repeating  something I have already done.  Here we have the day’s beginning. 

Time marches on and lunch time is nearing and not much more than half the day’s work is done.  Geez, I had better get cracking.  Hard to go back to work at all after lunch…… chili rellenos a la Adrianna filled my soul and my stomach…. I managed to contain myself to having 1 ½!  More yarn did get done and finally by 3 pm, this is the finished color line.  The next time you see these it will be at the Midwest Folk and Fiber Festival in Crystal Lake, IL.

Of course by then, Adrianna will have them reskeined and labeled and ready for presentation.  Thank you Adrianna for the truly “hard” work and the wonderful chili rellenos! Tomorrow is the day that Dena and I get to complete the packing of the trailers.  Our trailer that goes to Atlanta and Maryland, and hers that is headed to Addison.  I hope this time we manage to get it all in the right trailer and she once again isn’t forced to head to Wal-Mart for all those essential office supplies that went to Baltimore instead of Boerne last fall.   Surely I can’t mess that up twice. Well, at least I hope that history doesn’t repeat its self.  See you in Addison or Atlanta and be sure and say hi!

Spring is here in all its glory.  How does my garden grow, you may ask. It abounds with pink, blue, green and reds.  Any color you can describe can be found in my garden. This is especially true on Fridays when Dena as I have just finished 80 plus pounds of Riata.

It had been a hard day but we wrapped it all up about 3:45 and were ready for a little R&R. That was the intent and when all was said and done we had some good laughs and sent the four squad cars on their way.  No one got arrested or even cited for anything but it is not a sight one expects to see in their front field.  Even Abby got in on the action and I teasingly said that she turned herself in….fat dog code violation!  She expected to go for a ride as she firmly planted herself in the front seat of the Lieutenant’s squad car.  While Abby was a tad disappointed to be booted from co-pilot position, the humans in the group were a bit relieved.  More to the story, you say.  Yes, lots more but destined for another day…..when we all know each other better. 

On a knitting note, I have a picture from Stitches West to share.  Joanne brought this beautiful sweater and graciously sent me the name and source of the pattern.  I wish I had more than 3 days of cold weather every winter in which to wear this type of sweater.  It is one that I would add to my wardrobe.  Thanks Joanne for the sharing the Placed Cable Aran by Cathy Payson from Interweave Knits Fall 2007.

I will also add to the knitting column today, the as yet unseen, Brooks Farm Yarn version of the February Lady Sweater in Mas Acero, will make its debut at Stitches South.   It is a great pattern and we love that Lise did such a great job of interpreting the pattern in our yarn.  Thanks so much Lise!

Must get cracking on the day.  A cake to bake along with lots of cooking to do for lunch and dinner.  Today is shearing day on the farm and it will be a long day indeed.  Matt arrives from Oklahoma about 10 and will shear until early evening and then finish up tomorrow.  If I can get away from the kitchen and dye deck, I will have a few pictures to post.  Wish me luck!

There are times when writing a post, I am just sure that what I have written will elicit numerous questions from you guys.  I added the “you guys” for all those who think  Texans talk funny!  The surprise comes when not one living soul out there questions.  I was just sure that my picture from a past post of   
”dye pot residual”  would  garner at least  one little guess as to it’s composition or location.  For those of you who thought it was something left in a dyepot….nope!  Nothing left in the pot. Hmm….. guess it was obvious or not quite as interesting looking as I thought.  I will say that the first picture taken was better….. before Randall attacked  it with his trusty knife.  

This leads me to my latest post which did  produce  some questions…… mainly, why would anyone carry an empty tequila bottle from the restaurant.  Did we need a visual reminder of the source of the early morning headache, did one duckling need just one more candlestick holder, or are we just this side of weird? I thought the best answer would be this………  

and maybe a little weirdness! 

writing while on the road seems to be an  impossibility.  I think it has a bit to do with fatigue and a lot to do with being a little over whelmed by so many things to show you.   XRX did their usual job of putting together a great event.  Unloading and setting up was without a snag and before we knew it, the doors were thrown open and the enthusiastic crowd descended.   

Once again we were amazed and delighted to see such creative uses of our yarn.  This sweater was a special adaptation and beautifully done in BFY Solo Silk.  The classic styling and color ways are perfect for the office or casual covering for an afternoon in jeans.

  This lovely design was exquisite in Primero.  Sweet and sassy at the same time, perfect for a cool evening.

Among the customer creations, we also introduced Diane Martini’s new design, Belleza. Striking just the right note for spring, a delicate and lyrical vest in BFY Ellie.  The thick and thin characteristics of the yarn add a hint of texture to Diane’s beautiful design. 

Also unveiled at Stitches West, our first sweater for the guys.  Diane designed this striking Mas Acero sweater that makes great use of a variegated colorway that is set off with a complimenting solid. The handsome guy is none other than Diane’s obliging husband! 

The Knitting Fairy made quite a splash at Stitches West as well.  Alissa’s patterns are a big hit.  We had  many who admired the samples and then picked out their own colors for  her designs. As usual, the Triple S Shawl spurred many to try their hand at recreating this pattern. 

This annual trip to California wouldn’t be complete without one evening at the Fish Market. This restaurant offers a wide variety of  the freshest  seafood imaginable.   Not only do they own and operate their own processor, distributor and wholesaler, Farallown Fisheries, but they prepare it flawlessly. The fish served here is purchased on a daily basis and because of the excellent quality and freshness, I decided to be adventuresome and step outside my comfort “plate” and order oysters….. raw oysters!  Not exactly plural, but the one called Royal Miyagi….Shot!  Served in a shot glass with just the right amount of spicy red sauce, it was so wonderful that I had just one more.  I am now firmly convinced that this step into full blown “adulthood” of culinary abilities will be with me forever.  I will have this dish again!  While I was raving over my appetizer, shrimp cocktails kept Randall, Crystal and Dena  busy.

Needless to say, food and drink make long days at the market a little more relaxing.  Our last evening of the trip included a trip to our favorite, Mexican food at Cabritos.  It had been a very long day and we were feeling a bit whipped after loading up.  This really wasn’t an excuse for my less than graceful slip on some damp tiles that put me on my knees in front of the restaurant.  The night could only improve after this and that it did.  We ordered lots of appetizers, washed it all down with some cold Coronas and then laughed and giggled our way through entrees.  The whole process was watched by him……  right up to and through the parting shots of tequila.

  What a good time we had, even Randall (our designated driver) had to laugh at our humor and antics.

 The tequila ran out about the same time the band started to play which is probably a good thing or we all would have had NO hearing left had we stayed for a minute longer.

 With empty tequila bottle in hand (no fear….we didn’t drink the whole bottle) we made our way back to the hotel.   What a grand way to end the show! 

and spring is just around the corner.  We arrived home from Pittsburgh to find lovely warm temps, bright sunny skies and this…….

The Carolina Jasmine planted about a year and a half ago has given us our first promise of the new season.  I love it and so do the honey bees that have been hanging around and looking for even a small taste of warmer days to come.

There will be more from the road as this trip progresses.  Three long days on the road before Crystal and Dena join us in Santa Clara for Stitches West and the show is in full swing.  I will also take a few pictures so that you at home can see the newest creations done in BFY.  Diane Martini not only got the men’s Color Block Pullover completed and patterns delivered but just one week later, she sends a sensational ladies vest in Ellie.  I really meant to take a picture before we left home but four days seemed more like 2 with packing clothes and making copies of patterns taking their rightful place at the head of the list.

I did take this picture before we left for Pittsburgh.  Nothing knitted or dyed, but the result of some dyeing.  I will leave it with you to ponder. Pretty cool picture….don’t you think?

See you soon from what we hope will be sunny California.