“A sister is a gift to the heart, a friend to the spirit, a golden thread to the meaning of life.” ~ Isadora James

This past weekend, my sister Robin and I hit up the Southern Adirondack Fiber Festival. I posted from this festival a few years back, and you can visit those shots again to get a better feel for what the festival is like. This time I just used my cell-phone camera and took just a few shots. 

The only other fiber festival that I have to compare this one to is Rhinebeck. I would say that Rhinebeck is 3-4 times the size of the Adirondack one, and really can be a bit overwhelming. This was the perfect size and the perfect day. We could not have asked for more lovely weather, and the crowds were just right. 

Despite our mantra of needing more yarn, I actually only came home with two new skeins. I did snag one of these baskets however!

These felted masks were quite incredible.

Robin, modeling one of the tamer felted hats!

Yarn-bombed bike!

I'm so pleased that this is something that my sister and I can take such pleasure in together! It's already on our calendars for next year!

"Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree." ~ Martin Luther

The other morning, I returned home from running errands and changed into work clothes, awaiting Bruce to return and do the same. We had a few household tasks that we had decided to tackle even though the day was as beautiful outside as it could possibly get. When Bruce arrived home he announced that the day was too beautiful for housework, we were going apple picking! I like how that man thinks!

We headed to Beak and Skiff, about 20 minutes away. It seemed as though half of Central New York had the same idea! It turned out be be a school holiday, and the orchard was awash in young children, which was really fun. The apples that could be picked that day were McIntosh, Gala and Honey Crisp, which is what we were after.

Bruce was the master picker, and I - the picture taker!

Dressed for a day in the orchard!

As with many farm and orchard ventures these days, Beak and Skiff has branched out into other areas of consumer interest - specifically alcoholic beverages from wine to hard cider to vodka and gin.

The Tasting Room

Gift Shop

We ended our outing with a lovely outdoor lunch. What a wonderful way to spend a beautiful autumn day! Our work still awaits, but we'll get to it!

"On My Needles!"

Home! Just in time for autumn - my very favorite season! Crisp air (though warming some) - quite a change from Florida where, though it was beginning to cool a bit, it was like breathing through a wet blanket much of the time. The last few days that we were there, we saw rain unlike anything we've seen before. It's hard to imagine that the skies could hold that much water! It was wonderful to spend time there with friends, and myself, and then to have some time with Bruce on our own. It is also good to be back home though, even if a house-load of projects awaited us.

For the first time in some time, I have begun a knitting project for myself. I downloaded Zenith while in Florida and resisted going out to purchase yarn while I was there because I was quite certain that I had what I needed in my stash at home - and I do! A lovely, deep mossy green, I adore alpaca - like butter between my fingers. I am so looking forward to wearing this pullover on the cooler days that await! 

I many never be tall and willowy, like the model - but I know that I'll love wearing this!

© Brooklyn Tweed/Jared Flood

Forest Mix Color 62173

Now if I can just get it done before the snow flies!

"Time, Temperature, and Technique" ~ Bob Kramer

https://snapzusocial.wordpress.com/2015/09/15/master-bladesmith-bob-kramer-raw-craft-with-anthony-bourdain/

And now, for Episode Four of Raw Craft, with Anthony Bourdain. I want one of these knives! Talk about a thing of beauty! As a reminder, if a video does not come through via e-mail, please go directly to my blog site: My Retiring Life.

"Nothing is more precious than life... especially the life of your child." ~ Peter Diamandis

 We've covered quite a bit of territory since Bruce has joined me here in Florida! It's been so nice to get out and do things together again. Here are a few tidbits~

Calamari at Tiger Woods' new restaurant, "The Woods", in Jupiter. Dark, glitzy interior - I liked it! We only split the appetizer, but it was fun!

A fabulous band down by the river. The Victor Ross Band had the shoreline rockin'! Thunder and lightening stayed at a distance. The band's appearance marked the one year anniversary of a nearby restaurant, and also served as a fundraiser for a young boy that you have probably read about. Peyton McCaughey lives just a few miles from us here in Florida. After his family had been given the all-clear to return to their home following termite fumigation about a week and a half ago, Peyton became deathly ill as a result of the pesticide. His condition is tragic, to say the least, and it is possible that he will need life-long care. His uncle was present during the band's intermission to thank the audience and contributors on behalf of the family.  I won't write much more about it because I'll cry all over the keyboard. Hug your children and be grateful that they are sometimes a serious pain in the neck.

I have mentioned numerous times that while our individual condo is near the road, the complex sits on the St. Lucie River. This river is brackish, and as a result, we have seen jellyfish and dolphins from the complex's pier. Such a treat! Below are a few pictures of a little blue heron right at the pier's edge. 

And lastly, my favorite water bird!