We're back!

We're back, new and improved - smelling of fish and dusting volcanic grit from our clothes. Iceland was magnificent. It is a place of magical beauty - waterfalls that defy the imagination, glaciers, mists, flowers, sheep. But also a darkly beautiful side - volcanoes, steep roads, vulnerable towns perched between avalanche zones and moody fjords. While we were there, a tour boat witnessed a minke whale being attacked and killed by a pod of killer whales. Two polar bears washed up on the shores this summer.

But the Nordic gods were glad we were there and blessed almost every day with sunshine and warm weather. (The mist was beautiful, too - truly Icelandic). An Icelandic friend came very close to winning the big national golf tournament and she's only 16!

First on the agenda: Did I find any yarn stores?

Answer: No. But don't be disappointed. Here was my mistake. I was looking for shops that specialize in yarn and didn't realize that yarn is still a part of normal, every day shopping. Guess where I found yarn - grocery stores, gas stations and my favorite yarn supplier - the local flower shop in town (Neskaupstadir). Here is a picture.

Do you see how they wind their yarn? Isn't that cool? I've never seen that before. It's true Icelandic Lopi and when you knit with it, you have to double strand this, so the disk is designed so that the yarn can be easily pulled from the center and from the edge. I have two ideas for my first Icelandic lopi sweater, but I left my other 3000 photos in a pocket of a jacket that was left behind at another farm called Krokur. (don't fret, my in-laws are still there and are bringing it back). We had a darling visitor to our farm named Arna and she had a sweater on that . . . well, I'll tell that story when I get the pictures.

So feast your eyes on some Icelandic scenes:goofing off at Sellfoss

brotherly love


If you're Icelandic, this picture needs no explanation. However, since most of you are NOT, this is the Icelandic Pylsa or hot dog. If you love lamb and you're a hot dog connoisseur, then Iceland is the place to be.


Hiking Sellfoss.


One big goofball in Reykjavik.

I promise to post more pictures, as soon as I get them back!

Into the wild blue yonder...

Oh, my sides hurt. You bloggy friends are so funny! Thanks for your supportive comments regarding my 14 hours of knit-banned flight time. Sigh. I may have to . . . gulp . . . read. (I am actually looking forward to this. I have a backlog of books that need to be read.)

Well folks, we're off to some remote spot in Iceland. I'll take plenty of pictures and try to find all the yarn shops along the way.

But before I go, let me show you what Lumpy caught this weekend.This old man was released back into his watery home for the next lucky angler.

I am also happy to announce that I finished my Clapotis. It's fabulous and it's coming with me on our trip. It will come in very handy - the weather there should be between 50-60 degrees F. Perfect for a warm wrap.

I'll also be bringing my Rivendell socks. It has been ages since I worked on them. What better place than a country that still believes in elves and hidden people to knit a pair of elvish socks. My goal is to snap off some pictures of the finished socks on some lichen covered rock in a misty glen somewhere. Wish me luck.

Finally, Guinifer sent TWO (yes TWO) fabulous pairs of socks for our charity knit. There is still time if you'd like to contribute. Check out the details here. THANKS, GUINIFER!!!

... ___ ...

SOS

My two, 7 hour flights to and from Iceland have banned knitting needles. I am confused and disoriented. Please help.

The Storm Rolled In

Good thing - I remembered to bring this back inside . . .
as the storm rolled in
and the storm rolled out.
We had a mess to clean up.

The neighbors did not fare so well.
But we'll all pitch in and and have it
cleaned and fixed up
in no time.

There is always a rainbow
after a storm.

Our 4th of July

Happy belated 4th of July, my bloggy friends. We spent a gorgeous long weekend on the lakes with family and friends. Good times, good times.

And what every good American does ...

knit wool hats!!!


Well, seriously, I was actually knitting wool hats out on the boat. We'll be heading to Iceland this summer and it will be a bit chillier than we're used to.

I experimented as I went and they happily turned out ok,


Now for some mittens . . .

ps. Guinifer, I take Leo up to Puppy Camp tomorrow! Thanks for your help.

Patience

I am not a patient person. I peek at my presents, skip to the end of books to see how they end (with the exception of Harry Potter). I managed to talk my hubby into finding out the sex of our 2nd child. I hate to wait. So inevitably, springtime is difficult for me. It is a long process of waiting for many things. But good things come to those who wait.I'll have to wait a bit longer for corn but as you can see - it will be "knee high by the 4th of July". I'll let you know how it tastes - pray for no hail.
And yes, my patience with boring brown has paid off. Here is my Christmas present to my father-in-law:
Pattern: Primavera by natalja
Yarn: Lana Grossa Meilenweit 100 Bosco
Needle: US 1 (2.5)

I loved the pattern. It was easy to memorize after one row. It looks great!