Thank You

They went with songs to the battle, they were young.

Straight of limb, true of eyes, steady and aglow.

They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted,

They fell with their faces to the foe.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning,

We will remember them

Lovely

 

One of the ladies I work with brought in mint and lemon balm from her garden. Every year it is over run, and she shares her bounty with us. Tonight I have brewed some lovely hot mint tea, and tomorrow, it will be cold. Tuesday, I will make mint syrup, and perhaps some mint liquor.

My own mint is coming along well, and by next year, I hope I will have to bring in a bag to share with everyone else. The chamomile too is rooting well, though the days have been too cool for much growth yet.

On the other hand, the rosemary and thyme have had too much rain, and I hope the drainage is good enough. Alas, my tiny garden is not all I could wish it to be. It is, however, a garden, and that will do.

Ah, the tea is cool enough to drink, I believe, I am more relaxed already. The day is receding, and gentle evening calls.

 

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Zippy Bag Deluxe!

 

I like it, I really do. It combines the zippy bags program from Digistitches and the embroidery and cut work/crystal work of the new Bernina 780. Almost enough to make me want to buy the software. Almost! Actually, I have been thinking about the software for awhile, so, maybe, just not now. Too many unknowns in my life right now.

But I like it. I do.

 

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Back to Basics

 

I got this wonderful pumpkin colored mohair roving from Peavine Hollow Farm two years ago, and hadn't done anything with it yet. After going to the Md Sheep and Wool this year, I decided it was time. I want a nice medium two ply yarn that I can weave with, so I worked on my wonderful Rick Reeves wheel, oiling, rubbing, tying a new drive band, adjusting, until I was satisfied. Then I started spinning, and isn't it lovely!

My spinning tends to be fairly thin, and when I make it thicker, like his, I have trouble keeping it consistent, but that takes time and practice. I get into a rut, grist wise, and am set to autopilot. I need to break out! Between the spinning, the quilting, and the costuming, I am pretty busy, but enjoying it a lot. The break from working full time has been nice, but I need to get back to it. Bills are calling! In the mean time, pumpkin yarn is happening, and I am smiling!

 

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Battle Of The Nations, Day 3

It has been a very exciting day.  Today Battle of the Nations Team USA has kicked, um, butt.  Last year was our first year competing, and we had a very inauspicious showing.  Not so this year!  With the exception of Russia, and there is plenty of controversy here, but I am leaving it untouched, we were steamrollers!  We looked at what happened last year, the team worked incredibly hard to develop skills and strategy, and we were awesome!  The Bears better stand by next year, because we plan on sweeping by them too.... in a totally chivalrous fashion, of course!
Actually, Team USA was indeed given the Chivalry Award this year, something of which I am every bit as proud as the fighting.  We also have a dynamite support team, including admin and publicity.  The 21 man fights are still to come, tomorrow at 0400 Washington DC time, and I plan to honor our team's efforts by watching.  The taped feed will be good too, if you don't rise so early.  But give it a watch, and see the terrific team the United States has fielded this year.  We have sent our best to southern France, to show the world our quality.  Vivat, Knights of the Drawn Sword!  

“When Sword is drawn, and steel is tested,
Men reach with bloodied hands for honor’s blade.
Through battle have their souls been crested,
by the Truth of Steel, and Flag that waves.”
    by Lilli Haicken