Sleepless and Heartsick

Yesterday, I found out that the business next door to me is closing as of today. They aren't able to finish out their lease. I can't tell you how hard this has hit me. As tired as I was last night, I could not get my mind to turn off so I could sleep.

I know how much time, effort, money, personal sacrifice and so much more goes into running a business. The owners next door are nice people who tried very hard to make a go of their business in the bad economy and having to deal with unsympathetic property owners/landlords who refuse to work with you. It's no secret that the business owners in our shopping center have been struggling since our anchor tenant pulled out 4 years ago. The surprising thing is that the owner of the center does not seem to care how many more businesses have to shutter their windows and close down their business.

I'm broken hearted for my neighbors.

Yes, I do still spin and knit!

Yes, I do still spin and knit! Actually, I do at least one of the above every day. (Hmmmmm....you would think I would have more finished projects to show off, huh?)

I finished a sweater a week or 2 back -

This is the Effortless Cardigan and I used Madelinetosh Tosh DK yarn. It was a quick and easy knit. I love the one-piece construction patterns.

I'm also spinning up some Polworth that I got from a fiber club that I'm in. The color is a little off in the pictures. It is actually a purple/silver colorway. I'm spinning my single pretty fine and will navajo ply when the singles are spun.


It's the end of October - it's very hard to believe because our October weather has been spectacular. I don't remember an October as nice as this one. I, for one, am ready for the cold weather though. Cold weather should equate to busy times in the shop and I'm ready and waiting!!!

Yesterday, Wilson and I spent a good part of the day with the youngest daughter. It's always fun to hang out with her - lots of laughter all around.

The oldest daughter has about 9 weeks left to go in her pregnancy. I've got a little sweater all knit up, but it still needs to be seamed together.

I'll leave you with a pic of the pups! My buddies.

Another Saturday off....

....and I did it again!


The first 3 photos were taken at the tattoo shop (Leviticus Tattoo in Minneapolis, done by Kurt).

This one below was taken last night -


After it goes through the entire healing process, I'll take some more photos.

Do I love it? Yes, I do. It far exceeded my expectations of what I had in mind - the detail is absolutely lovely, and the colors/shading are fantastic.

I wanted cherry blossoms, but I also wanted them done with an asian influence. I think Kurt nailed it exactly! He drew the tattoo free hand right on me (no stencils), and went to work. All in all, a great experience - and quite relaxing too - I was right next to their huge koi tank, so I got to watch the huge koi swimming as I was being tattooed.

Better Sunday

My mood improved somewhat on Sunday, thankfully. I had the day off (which is always nice), and since Wilson was headed over to my daughter's house to do yet some more repair work, I stayed at home for a bit with the pups, then headed over a little later on in the morning.

Since we both drove separately, I ended up heading back home mid-afternoon and sat out in the gazebo with the pups. It was a beautiful day.

When Wilson got back, we headed out yet again towards Northfield. On my drive on Saturday evening, I passed a local alpaca farm. After a quick call to find out if they had any fiber available, we headed over and got there about 15 minutes before they closed. The owner was quite nice and gave us a tour of the barn. We got to meet the alpaca and also the miniature donkeys that they have.

I did pick up an alpaca fleece. This should keep me busy this winter! (Wilson loved the color and has even requested that I knit something up for him out of it!)

Eh, Just Eh.

I've been feeling kind of "eh" about things lately. Yesterday, I got in my car for my 5 minute drive home from work and just kind of kept going. My 5 minute commute turned into almost 2 hours, and if I had had a full tank of gas, I'm not sure just how long I would have been gone.

I'm tired.