NJ Trip Part 3-finale

NYC has always had my heart. Everytime I'm there my serotonin levels get a major boost, its like the city's energy recharges my batteries. To get an additional boost we hit Starbucks, I figured since I was on vacation I could put a moratorium on my Frappacino hiatus. There we found Wooly Bear, our trip mascot, he was meant to come home with me.

We bought ticket for a 3pm show so we had some time to kill which we used to explore Knitty City.

What a fabulous store! The staff was eager to help me find something special that was made locally. I decided on this scrumptious silk, I just adore the colors.

We strolled through Central Park before heading to the theater. The park was lovely and many tees and flowers were in bloom.

Stunning views abound.

We stopped to see the memorial for John Lennon at Strawberry Fields in the park.

We attended the play Impressionism which was starring Joan Allen and Jeremy Irons, one of my favorite actors. We were in the third row and it was absolutely amazing to be so close to such talent. The play was delightful and even coaxed a tear or two from my eyes in the end.

We finished our evening in Little Italy and had a fabulous dinner at Lunella Ristorante. I had an incredible Osso Buco with risotto, mmmm I can't sing high enough praises.

We then headed back to Penn station and took the train back to Morristown. The next day the weather was rainy so we hit Short Hills mall where I fell in love with a stunning orange Fendi purse. I did manage to resist and made it home with some money still in my wallet, not much but at least something. We ended up spending 6+ hours waiting at the airport and then had the long flight. By the time we arrived home at midnight I was happy to be back in familiar surroundings and to sleep next to my dh once again. We crammed quite a bit into four days and it truly was a delight to go back. Next time I won't wait so long.

NJ Trip Part 2

How nice was it to find out that the lovely store Accents on Knits could be seen right from my hotel window. We had stopped in on Friday as they were setting up for a big sale starting Sat. So after a yummy breakfast at Friendly's we returned to the store. The couple who owned it were so personable and eager to assist us in finding some great buys.

Full bags were on sale for 50% off so I snagged this delightful shade of blue Glace with which I plan to make a summer top.

I also bought this nice linen which I am thinking of using for the Aleita Shell.



We then headed to our old church where I also attended 1-4th, 7th and 8th grade. I left in 1987 and hadn't returned since. I found out about the 50th Anniversary from my friend Michael who I chat with on Facebook. My favorite pastor Mike Ortel gave the sermon and even though my beliefs have change it was still moving to listen to such a dynamic speaker.

Here I am with my old classmates Michael and Tara and Michael's adorable children.

In the afternoon program Michael spoke about his experience attending Jockey Hollow Adventist School. He refreshed the good memories I had of Mrs. Chisholm and all the wonder times we shared.

I also was thrilled to see Ileana. She looks amazing, she hasn't aged at all since the last time I saw her, it's hard to believe she has 16 years on me. Growing up she was like a mentor/big sister, someone I could always talk to and relate with. Seeing her again was truly a high light of the trip. And even though it has been quite some time it only took a little while chatting to remember all the great qualities that endeared me to her in the first place.

Following the afternoon program we headed back to the hotel and then went to Grasshopper's for a drink and some dinner and a little more catching up with Ileana. It felt just like old times. We headed to bed early so we could get an early start on our trip to NYC Sunday.

Up Next: Sunday in the City

NJ Trip Part 1

We arrived in NJ Thurs evening and checked into our hotel. The Hyatt was right on the green and with in walking distance to many restaurants and stores. That night we had the pleasure of meeting my old friend Bill and his wife Cheri for dinner at the Morristown diner. It has been 22 years since we last saw each other, when I left NJ for CO. For four years we were neighbors and friends, he still lives in the same house but now has a lovely wife and children as part of his family. It was great to catch up and reunite. Friday we spent the day with one of my Mom's dear friends Sue. We went to this great yarn store in Denville Nonna's knit cafe. It is owned by two sisters who were beyond friendly and helpful. They assisted me with picking out this luscious cotton to make the tee pictured below.


We also drove to our old neighborhood and saw our old home on Kearny St. The new owners have added an addition on back but it still is as tiny as I remember it. For lunch we ate at Anthony's pizza in Rockaway, my all time favorite pizza place. And yes the pizza was just as delicious as it always is.

That evening I braved driving in NJ to go meet some online friends, Candy and Christina. We have been chatting for years so it was just like seeing an old friend rather than just meeting. While driving my cell phone which I use for GPS died. Luckily I found a Best Buy and was able to find my way back to the hotel. If I were to live out there again I think it would take me some time to get used to the driving. To say that NJ drivers are a different sort is kind, I do value the general courtesy of CO drivers. After arriving at the hotel I made my mom get out of her pjs and join me at the lounge for a drink. After the white knuckled driving a martini was well deserved!

Next up: Sat's church reunion and more yarn!

Revontuli is finished in time for Easter

I can not express enough how much fun I had with this project. It was a real challenge to spin the yarn so that the stripes would be in the same proportion when there was only 20 stitches and then later over 450. I think it came out pretty balanced. Here it is blocking:

All spread out, getting ready to go to Easter lunch.

From the front:



I think this one captures the colors best:

And lastly I have had this vintage pin for eons. A few months ago I was cleaning out my jewelry chest and almost got rid of it. I am so glad I didn't because it works perfectly with the shawl. I plan on bringing this shawl with me to NJ this week to wear to church on Sat. I am so proud of it.