Living in New England suits my soul as the changes of scenery and seasons are much appreciated. It's a great territory to sell yarn in and I get to many beautiful places. However, I truly miss the boys and the Texas connections. Being an enterprising person and looking out for opportunities that can meet my needs, I approached a couple of my vendors who do not have representation in Texas and was successful on annexing the state to my New England Territory. I know this may sound a bit wierd if not sacriligious, but it works for me! Having three sons that are living there, missing them a bunch, this combined business with pleasure in a beautiful way.
the last weekend in May, I headed to Texas to check out my new territory and spend some "quality time" with the boys. I arrived in Dallas on Friday, rented a car, fetched John from his condo and went to see Dave at the restaurant he is working at... Maximo's at the corner of Noel and Alpha (if you are in the area - stop by and say HI). John and I then headed to Austin for the weekend and to start my yarn prowl. We arrived at Will's appartment arround 11:30 and I was one tired puppy. After meeting Will's roommates and his girl (good job Will) I headed for bed while they stayed up till who know's when.
Saturday and Sunday were spent with John, Will and Katharine Ann (KA) and the pup the two or them were foster parenting while I was there (they have had quite a few and doing a great job with this). We went for Barbeque, to Greenway springs, in and around Austin, eateries, and just a generally good time. I even gave them a little space on Sunday as I headed out to Yarnorama in Paige Texas for a little drive by. Very nice store with a full table of ladies knitting a variety of wonderful things and talking up a storm.
This Will, John and one of Wills roommates at this video game van rentable for parties. The van pulls up in front of the party person's house with two games on the outside and inside full of screens and games for the party to enjoy. this one was full of four year olds doing parallel play! I am sure you are all wondering if this is a good idea.... but some people think it is!
The expressions on the faces tell the story...
Rudy's barbeque was a highlighted meal in Austin. John Will and KA are enjoying the feast! Note the picture at the top.
Here's John at the automatic hand washer... keeps away the swine flu germs I hope... maybe not since everyone used it. We survived
The week was full of yarn store visits and kid visits. Two days in the Austin area netted 7 store visits between San Antonio, Austin and surrounds, and Wimberley Texas. Going into a yarn store is like coming home. They are all so different but all so similar. Each has it's own colors, sense of design, fiber dedication and general personality. This is why they can exist comfortably even when located near by. Having the daily focus on my business, I was able to keep busy and let the boys be. Sometimes their late hours get to me, but since I had things to do from 7 am on, I was busy and content. I would return to meet them around four and we could wander around, eat and wander some more! It was great.
These pictures are from the Old Oak Ranch yarn store and sculpture garden located in Wimberley Texas, in the Hill country West of Austin. A great destination for all fiberologist and friends as there is Texas beauty all around - and some great fibers too.
Tuesday evening John and I returned to Dallas. There i also added to the mix of adventures visiting with a couple of good friends from back in the day. I hadn't called any friends because I wanted to focus on the boys and yarn. I wanted to keep my options open for availability when they were. Davey working in the restaurant business can be unpredictable. As time alloted and availability of a friend coincided, I was furtunate to get in a couple of great quick catch up visits. I even was there for the engagement announcement of one of Davey's good friends and the 30th birthday celebration of another of his friends. What a joy. Sharing in these happy milestones is a piece of the puzzle of life that I am missing by being far away.
Here's a picture of Sue Jones, an amazing lady who makes me laugh. It was her son who got engaged. Here she is pictures with her trailer preparing for her first official outting with the "sisters on the fly" group. Man, is she lucky! I hear-tell that she had a great time.
I didn't take enough pictures to represent all the good times I had, even totally missed a picture of Davey. I intend to go back in the Fall and will, hopefully be better about telling a story with pictures.
I returned from that trip and had to turn around and travel to the yarn convention in Columbus and a visit with my Dad and brother. More to come to get this all up to date.
