Non-stop FUN!

Yesterday was crazy-busy. Jeannie and I set up a table outside the shop and she played the knitting-barker, waving people in. We made many new friends, signed a ton of people up for classes and the newsletter, and met so many who said "I didn't know you were here!" So Heritage Days has been a great success for the shop.

Up on the square, Heleen held court with some of our customers, selling hats, scarves and shawls, and teaching people to knit, right there on the spot.

At about 3, Jeannie and I made a dash across town to see Herman Cain. We got an awesome parking spot (a feat in itself), and waited for an hour, but his bus was running late, I'd promised MaryAnn that I'd be back so she could go have dinner with her visiting family, so we left. On our way home at 6, we saw the big campaign bus parked, so I have no idea when he finally arrived. Being the last stop on his Tennessee tour is like being the last flight out of Atlanta--you're going to be late. There was a respectably large crowd (maybe 600 people), and one lone sign in the back proclaiming "Obama/Biden 2012." No one bothered him, but several around us tisked-tisked as if feeling sorry for the poor deluded fool. Perhaps therapy would help?

We came home exhausted from our busy day, warmed up some lasagne, drank a lot of red wine, played with Ozzie and fell asleep by 9:30. What wimps.

Today, a more relaxed version of Heritage Days plays out, starting at noon. Whereas yesterday was about parades and contests, line dancing and cloggers in the streets, today will be a tamer version, with fewer crowds, but those willing to linger and shop leisurely. I always like Sunday better at Heritage Days.

We've been blessed with fabulous fall weather this weekend--warm sun, cool breezes and cloudless skies. Perfect to get everyone in the mood for fall.

Heritage Days a-comin'

Heritage Days was the first Rogersville event we attended, even before we moved here. They close off the downtown streets, vendors set up tents, musicians play non-stop, food trailers crank out the BBQ, fried Twinkies, curly fries, fried okra, and fried pickles (see a trend here)? The smells waft, the people smile. The library holds a massive book sale, the farmers bring their apples and alpacas, kids buy dangerous, hand-made toys, demonstrators show off historic crafts.
And this year, to top it off, Presidential candidate Herman Cain is coming for a stump-speech.

I can't wait. I love it all. Small town festival at its finest.

This year, Sunny Side Yarns will be demonstrating knitting and crocheting on the square, our shop will be open late Friday night through all-day Sunday, and we're cranking out shawls, hats, scarves--anything we can think of to bring in the business and make that register ring.

Now all we have to do is be ready to rock!

Autumn Arrives

My summer is gone. The new furnace is cranking out heat instead of A/C, with no break in between. (but it's really quiet, compared to the old one!) The crock pot is plugged in, I'm wearing a bathrobe and slippers, and thinking about chili, stew and soup. Leaves are clogging the gutters and cluttering the deck. The dog is scratching with seasonal allergies.

My nice clean basement is full of stuff again. My house is a mess of unpacked bags, laundry and dishes. Back to normal, in other words.

I wait for the weather to cool off so I can "do" things, and when it happens, I sit curled up on the couch watching "Chopped" reruns or take naps cuddled under a fuzzy blanket.