Summer's End

I went to The CNE the other evening.  This annual visit always signals one thing; the impending end of summer. In four days I return to my regular job and believe me, I'm squeezing every bit of freedom from these last days.
I've been reflecting on the Summer of 2012.
When I first learned last spring that I was to be laid off for the season, I was understandably angry and worried. Hindsight, however, makes it look quite different. I hadn't realized how miserable I was in the job until I wasn't there anymore. Not being in that environment for nine weeks has allowed me to heal and regroup and has also provided opportunities I otherwise would not have had.  
I worked two busy events this summer; The Indy in July and Summerworks in August.  Both were dynamic, challenging jobs for different reasons and both involved working with a great team. I was reminded that yes, I am actually good at what I do and was allowed to actually do it. Yay me!
When I wasn't working this summer, I was riding my bike, visiting friends and family, knitting up a storm, sleeping in, going dancing or just hanging in my little garden.  I had a brief (very brief) love affair. I saw a bunch of festival theatre shows. Most importantly, I was able to really be available to support and help The Daughter as she prepares for her move to university (This Sunday! Sob! Sniffle!)
So, while my bank balance took a huge hit, I am humble enough to admit that sometimes life hands you what you need. I am grateful for the gift of time.

Gas Money

My sister got a new car and was hankering to drive it. "I've got gas money," I told her and talked her into a road trip to Elora with a side trip to nearby Wellington Fibres.
How remarkable is the restorative power of a short trip. A little change of scene sure helps rest the mind. It was a lovely drive heading North past Guelph. Stepping out of the car when we reached the farm was a sensory experience for its very silence. There were no other cars or people near so all we heard was the sound of crickets. The next closest building was out of sight from where we stood. And everything was so darn green.

We shopped for a while in the mill store but kept peaking into the back where the proprietress, Donna Hancock. was working in the mill. 

She invited us in and showed us the machinery and all the various steps the wool goes through to become yarn. Fascinating

 Below are the barrel sized yet super light and airy coils of carded fibre that get spun into fine single plies.

Naturally I felt inclined to spend generously after her kindness. That's two skeins of laceweight and two skeins of a worsted weight tonal colourway. They're all 75% mohair, 25% wool. I love the richness of Wellington's blue/green palette.

Later, Mr. Hancock took us to the barn to meet the source of the mohair.  These angora goats were smaller than I expected. The bucks and does were kept separate to prevent out of season breeding. The animals were curious about our presence but cautious.

 I wonder which one contributed to my future shawl?

Podium Finish?

My lovely shrug is done. Of course it was too hot today to wear it,  but I trotted it out anyway to photograph. It's such a lady-like garment. Simple, elegant design.  Thank you Laura Chau. I must wear this the next time I go to Lettuce Knit and show it off to her.
Details on Ravelry.

Update

I finished my Olympic project yesterday.  Well, sort of.  The edge ribbing looks crappy .It's untidy and comes too far up my neck.  I am going to rip about an inch of it back and cast off again more tightly.  
So, not there yet.