A Lovely Disposition

Madison, Wisconsin, April 10, 2016. This little fellow is a twelve-week-old Havanese. I met him yesterday, and he is one of the sweetest pups I've encountered.

We miss you, "Miss."

Mount Horeb, Wisconsin, February 2012. We headed to Blackberry Ridge Woolen Mill today so I could pick up more of my favorite worsted-weight yarn. It's a lovely drive, and the mill is about 20 minutes from the house.

We were sad to learn "Miss," the Anatolian Shepherd Dog, recently passed away from Melanoma. Miss was 14. She was a sweet mascot, and she made every trip to the mill truly enjoyable.

It's time again for the Wisconsin Sheep and Wool Festival

Yesterday, two friends and I returned to the Wisconsin Sheep and Wool Festival in Jefferson.

We started the visit by pondering some of the bumper stickers in the parking lot.

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We're not in Dane County any longer.

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One uses angora yarns to knit these Bohus hats.

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Angora Rabbits.

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Show Angora Rabbit.

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Although we saw many angora rabbits, the focus is on the sheep.

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We watched some herding trials. We said, "That'll do, Pig."

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The lamb looks like a creature that isn't big enough for its skin. Think Lamb Chop.

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Waiting for the clippers.

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Cooling off.

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I was excited to see these puppies.

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These are not Border Collies. These are English Shepherds from Goochland Acres/Asylum Farm. The breeder is doing a great job of preserving the line of these marvelous dogs.

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The doggie wearing the yellow harness is a heart melter.

Izzy loves Jake.

Verona, Wisconsin, December 2012. You've seen Izzy earlier. Here, Izzy interacts with her adoptive cousin, Jake. (Here's another Papillon.)

A Cheater's Napoleonas

Verona, Wisconsin, February 8, 2014. Yesterday, I made a Napoleonas torte. The job was easy because I used frozen puff pastry. It's a small portion—yielding about seven pieces.

(Omaha's LithuanianBakery ships Napoleonai. We ordered one for Christmas, and it was great!)

Morning Graze, in Three Takes

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Verona, Wisconsin, September 2013. The horses are at this spot every morning.

Wisconsin Sheep and Wool Festival

Yesterday, a friend and I attended the Wisconsin Sheep and Wool Festival in Jefferson.

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The vendors' booths filled two barns on the Jefferson County Fairgrounds property. This structure must have been used as a horse stable.

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The market reminded me of the one at the Knit In, but this one was much larger.

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Homestead Sheep and Fiber displayed some beautifully dyed yarns.

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I hadn't been to Jefferson in about thirteen years.

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There are quite a few law offices in town.

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We enjoyed a delicious and reasonably priced lunch here.

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Where have the old county courthouses gone?

Déjà-vu Reunion

Mr. Irene and I pause at a familiar spot on our way to the boat tour:

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My Dad took this image a few blocks north—closer to the Prudential Building—in 1967. I posted the photo earlier here:

Does that hat look familiar?

Chicago, Illinois, July 6, 2013. You've seen the hat before here. (My friend and I were on a Chicago Architecture Foundation boat tour.)

Twice as Nice

Madison, Wisconsin, March 9, 2013. A friend and I happened to knit similar sweaters for our respective husbands, and the fellows unexpectedly wore the garments on the same night.

We go to the "Knit In."

Madison, Wisconsin, March 9. 2013. Today we visited the Madison Knitters' Guild 2013 "Knit In"!

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The Knit-In took place at the Bishop O'Connor Catholic Pastoral Center. The Center used to be a seminary. When I first moved to Madison in 1990, I tried to get a teaching job there. I didn't qualify for a position because I was not licensed for high-school teaching. I took a job at a yarn shop instead.

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The Flag of Vatican City flies on the property.

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In the Center's foyer, there's a curio (not curia) cabinet filled with (mostly) nun tchotchkes.

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Let's take a closer look. The doll on the bottom shelf, at the far right, looks like one of the Dominican sisters who ran my high school. (Have you seen The Singing Nun?)

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The Center's Chapel is light, modern, and inviting.

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We finally arrived at the Knit In's "Marketplace," staged in the center's Gymnasium.

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Although the space was crowded during much of the morning, things cleared out a bit occasionally.

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There were many tempting items, but we kept our impulses in check. We picked up a lovely bag (thanks, Donna!) and some exquisite buttons crafted from cedar wood.

Thanks to the Madison Knitters' Guild for organizing such a nice event. And thanks to my friend for creating another memorable outing for me and Mom.

An Encounter with Izzy

Although I favor the Poodle breed, I am very fond of Papillons. They're quick, clean, energetic, and affectionate. Many Poodle breeders consider Papillons wonderful "retirement dogs:" Papillons are almost as smart as Poodles, but Papillons don't require intense grooming.

"Izzy" is a fine example of the Papillon breed:

 Verona, Wisconsin, December 2012. Izzy gives me her full attention.  

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The Papillon is "a small, sociable dog with great enthusiasm" that can "channel its inner Napoleon:"

   

    Adorable!

Sometimes, we encounter a yarn shop with extra benefits.

A yarn shop occasionally has interesting helpers who add to the shopping experience.

Mount Horeb, Wisconsin, February 2012. "Miss," an Anatolian Shepherd Dog, greets my Mom and my friend as we arrive at Blackberry Ridge Woolen Mill. She recognized us from previous visits!

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Mount Horeb, Wisconsin, February 2012. Miss shows us the phenomenal selection of dyed wools.

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Mount Horeb, Wisconsin, February 2012. All of the local yarn shops in our area are lovely, but there is something extra special about Blackberry Ridge.

Thanks to my friend for creating another memorable outing for Mom and me.