up north and other things

We spontaneously threw all plans out the window on Sunday after coming out from church to absolutely stunning weather. Instead of raking and seeding our yard, we packed up a quick dinner, put on our hiking clothes, and headed an hour north to the mountains. After hiking for a couple of hours we enjoyed sausages, grilled potatoes and brussel sprouts, and fresh veggies and hummus beside the creek. I even snuck in a few rounds of knitting while waiting for the charcoal to heat up.

I was able to wash a small batch of alpaca fiber yesterday, and I plan on doing another one today. Then will come the most tedious part of combing the fiber into rolags. One day I really, really hope to save enough money to purchase a carder because that would make this so much faster. But until then, I focus on slowing my mind down enough that I can enjoy the process of combing it by hand. It is a wonderful process.

I am also really excited that we are nearing the end of our official school year. We should finish up mid-May which really isn't so far away. The kids are busy this week preparing their project fair boards for next week's event. We have evidences of their topics tucked away everywhere in our home right now. Sprouting onion bulbs, jars of plants plucked from the forest floor, rocks on EVERY flat surface of our home, and index cards and markers on the kitchen table, kitchen counter, and coffee table. My type A personality is trying to remain calm among all of these extra things laying around the house.

I finished my sweater and am currently blocking it. Sadly it grew a lot after I soaked it. Grrrr. But honestly, I wasn't too too surprised as I know these kind of sad affairs happen to most knitters from time to time. I threw it in the dryer (stop cringing) hoping to shrink it a bit, and it worked, but it still looks a bit big to me. I have it blocking right now, but I'm anxious for it to dry so I can try it on.

Have a wonderful, blessed day!