Memorial Weekend

For many of us, this is the official start of summer. We're not going to the beach (too many people), we're not going elsewhere (no $$). But later on today, we're going over to a friend's home for a small, "last-minute" cookout.

I'd like to thank all the soldiers who have died to protect us, including those who don't like the military. And, I'd like to say thank you to current soldiers who have sacrificed so much, like that guy profiled in this week's Washington Post Magazine who came back only to find it rough going to getting a job, with the chances that he may be sent off again back to the same region. May their sacrifices be not made in vain.

  And now, on to my knitting. I've been working on the Maplewing Shawl for the past two months ago or so. I'm using my handspun alpaca-wool yarn. It's taken me like 6 weeks to do the hem. Slow going, to be sure. But worth it. I have to say that I love this pattern, and it's one that I'd knit again in the future. As always, Anne Handson puts out great patterns, not only shawls but also socks, and she's now branching out to sweaters. And her paterns are very well-written and edited. She's quick to put out edits if mistakes were discovered. Can't recommend her enough. And oh, yeah, I got to meet her at MDSWF! Wish I'd had more time to talk with her. Perhaps next time . . .