Summer, Summer, Go AWAY!

I know I will probably regret feeling this way in January or February when it's cold, snowy, and icy or all three but I'm going to say it anyway. I hate summer and I want it to be gone. Our house is comfortable and I've been hiding out in it since Springtime, when it first got hot and the humidity passed 50%. The folks on TV love to go on about records but this one didn't surprise me: Summer 2010 in the northeast U.S., was the hottest since 1871, when official meteorological record keeping commenced. I had a bad feeling about it when the temperatures at the Maryland Sheep and Wool festival--always the first weekend in May--was 98 degrees. And, as for that argument about the Humidity VS. Heat, I just don't go there. I think they both suck.

Outer Banks retreat

A few weeks ago we had a phone call from my sister-in-law. A friend had offered her the use of a beach cottage in the Outer Banks and, in turn, she invited Paul and I to join her and her husband there. It was such a delicious surprise! Within 48 hours, I had bought a new bathing suit, Jack was sent to the doggie hotel and we were on our way. For five days, the weather was perfect. The four of us spent our time hanging out at the beach, reading, eating simple meals (most specifically, barbecue from a local landmark carry-out) and just visiting. It was so simple, so relaxing and probably one of the best vacations of my life. Ann and Ossie: Thanks for the memories!

Cousins' Update

Here are a few shots of our darling granddaughter and her adorable cousin. I was reading to Cora--we were discussing the gentle art of accessorizing--and Lilly came onto the scene with her mom holding her as she practiced a few steps. Clearly, Cora did not appreciate that I was no longer focused on the magazine.

108 Sun Salutations

June 22, 2010

This week, the local chapter of Yoga For Good hosted an event at a nearby college to support the Wounded Warrior Project. It was called, "108 Sun Salutations" and that's just what it was--yoginis gathered together to perform the yoga pose, or asana, called "Sun Salutation" to celebrate the Summer Solstice. Even after eight years of yoga classes, I had to ask, "Why One Hundred, Eight?" (Why not 14 or 23 or even 1?) The answer is that in yoga, 108 is a significant or sacred number. Someone who has studied Indian philosophy may be able to supply a reason, but I can't. It just is.

In preparation for the event, our weekly yoga class had been concentrating on the study of this basic yoga pose for several weeks, so our beloved yoga teacher, Phyllis, and several fellow students attended the early evening session as a group. It was held in the beautiful dance studio at Washington College and when things got going, the room was filled nearly to capacity with approximately 75 yoginis. The hostess explained the rules as an introduction: Do what you can, rest when you need to, leave when you want and ENJOY. As we all went through our postures, a small group of musicians, a drummer, guitarist, and flutist, improvised a lovely musical soundtrack for the movements. When I found it necessary to take a break, I sat watching the others. The variations within the synchonicity was very interesting. Some were doing very smooth, mediatative sequences, others were more athletic in their motions. I noticed three friends doing their poses together and their dancelike movements reminded me of a ballet.





Afterwards, we enjoyed a light buffet of hummus, homemade pesto, veggies and fresh bread. Paul and I had attended primarily to support the yoga community and its charitable efforts, not knowing what to expect but we agreed that it was really fun and interesting. Summertime in Maryland is not my favorite season but I'm hoping to celebrate its start next year in exactly the same way.

2x2 In the Green mountains

June is not my favorite time to live in the state of Maryland, but this year, it was worse than ever. The 90+ degree heat and high humidity started during the first week of May and continued without significant change. So, we were glad to escape to the mountains of New England to attend a regional motorcycle rally at Mt. Snow, VT.

Ordinarily, we do a trip like this one--eight to ten hours--in one day but this time, we had the opportunity to stop midway in Cornwall, NY, to visit with Paul's cousin and her husband. After four hours on the freeway, riding in full gear in the summer heat, their house (top photo) was sweet relief. If they had only offered us cold water and a chance to shed our jackets, helmets and long pants, we'd have been more than happy. Instead, they cooked us a delicious salad and fish dinner, let us sleep in their guest room, and, as they both left for work in the morning, invited us back on the return trip. It was wonderful!

By noon the next morning, we were in Vermont. The mountain air, clean and dry, felt like springtime. We even had a "spring" shower during the last hour of the trip. We were so close to Mt. Snow that we didn't bother with rain gear, so we arrived at the hotel soaked to the skin. Nevertheless, it was an extremely pleasant ride. Over the next four days, we rode hundreds of miles, enjoying the mountain scenery and charming New England towns. Some of the highlights were a visit to the King Arthur Flour Company--great bakery snacks and an incredible store--in Norwich, VT, a stop at the famous Vermont Country Store, and the chance to hang out with some friends that we only see on these trips. We also enjoyed sleeping in a real Murphy bed at the Mt. Snow Lodge. (I've since learned that President and Mrs. Carter have one in their offices at the Carter Library.) Next year, the national rally for the group will be held in the same place and we agreed that we will reserve one of the Murphy bed rooms.





Here's a shot of Cousin K's front steps and one of Paul napping at the "Iron Butt Motel" (aka: NY Freeway Rest Area).

Luncheon

If you've ever been in the Annapolis Barnes & Noble on a Thursday afternoon, you'll probably notice that there's another layer of noise emanating from the the cafe area. You might even think it sounds like a party because there always seems to be a lot of laughing. Investigate more closely and you'll discover that it's a conclave of knitters.

I've witnessed this gathering a few times and have always lurked at the edges, somewhat timid about breaking into what was obviously a tightly knit group. Once, I ventured closer to ask a question--something about short rows--and I was amazed at how many of them jumped to offer assistance. I was also impressed with the diversity of projects they were all working on: lacey shawls, sweaters and even a sock or two.

Because I was working full-time, I was never able to join them but this week I had an opportunity to do just that. One of the ladies who attends my monthly spinning groupinvited the spinners to a potluck hosted by the B&N group. It was such fun!

"Show and tell" was inspiring--again, lots of different kinds of projects--and I was struck by the quality of the questions and discussion each item received. It was obvious that the group was fueled by a high level of support and they were really interested in more than the knitting. It was as if the knitting had served as a starting point, maybe a bridge, to deeper relationships. And yet, despite the closeness of the group, they were very inclusive and welcoming of those of us who were visitors. I felt comfortable and eager to visit again.

This is Sam modeling her "Matador Cardi".




Kasey was not up to knitting on this day.

Finished BSJ

Here's a photo of one of the finished Baby Surprise Jackets that I've knitted lately, using some leftover wool from one of my own sweaters. I'm hoping that it will fit Lilly this winter.