Friday, June 27, 2014

My visit to North Carolina, and a gift

Thank you all so much for your Birthday wishes for Little Buddy and for all your loving words about his adoption.  It has been a busy week.  Yesterday we had his Medical Foster Family up for playtime, pizza and some more of those yummy cupcakes.  He had a grand time visiting with everyone at his own pace. He played and snuggled and even went into the pool with his Medical Foster Big Brother Jordan.  But by last night he had had enough and it is showing today.  He fussed and yelled all through Physical Therapy today, he almost fell asleep in his lunch, we need to get back to normal and lay low for a few days.

My trip to North Carolina was bitter sweet as you know.  I loved my time in the car alone listening to Barefoot by Erin Hilderbrand.  I loved my little tiny hotel room even though it smelled a bit musty.  I loved visiting with my friend Lynda.  Gosh she is doing amazing considering all she is going through.  However there was a big hole where Bruce her husband should be.  I really feel his loss so much.  I keep hearing his laugh and his chuckle, he had such a great sense of humor.  The weekend went well, the service, the gathering after, we laughed, and cried, and hugged a lot.  It was hard to leave, but nice to be home all at the same time.  

I did not take many photos while I was there, just a few actually.  Right next door to where Lynda is renting a home while hers is being re-constructed was this abandoned house.  Well nothing makes me more excited than an abandoned house or a barn, well that is except for yarn.  I was fascinated by it.  It is owned by a church and I think right now is being used for storage.  I would love to fix it up, want to see?



Can you imagine how pretty it would be all fixed up?


Historic downtown Franklin is so cute.  It is two blocks of cute stores, and a view of the mountains.  And you guessed it one of my favorite yarn stores is right here on this street.  I snuck away early on Saturday morning and ran in.  I gave myself 15 minutes, but stayed a tiny bit longer.  I could not decide what to buy there was so much beautiful yarn.  I swear I could move to Franklin just for Silver Threads & Golden Needles, it has everything you want in a good yarn store, and also has a lot for weaving and felting too.


Located outside the store was this chair, how cool is this?


A few years ago I bought some gorgeous gray yarn from the stores label brand, I made it into a short cardigan/bolero and I love it.  I bought more of the same color even though it is not the same yarn, you know me and gray we have a big love affair going.


This is 600 yards of sport weight happiness.


I also bought this beautiful Ella Rae Lace Merino, 920 yards of beautiful, I'd say.  This yarn reminded me of the colors of the mountains.  I will be back to this store next time I visit and I think you should stop by too if you are even within a 100 mile radius, you will love it.


The evening I got back from my trip I saw this parcel in the mail.  I waited until the next day to open it as it was for Little Buddy and it was his Birthday.  This amazing Trick or Treat bag was made by my wonderful friend Toni .

Toni creates at the wonderful blog A Little Yarn On The Side.  Toni makes some amazing pieces, she sews, knits, shares her adventures in the garden and with her cats.  She is amazingly gifted and very funny, go on and pay her a visit.  She made this bag especially for Little Buddy, isn't that just the nicest thing ever?  I mean Toni and I have never even met but she felt the need to make this special bag just for my boy.  A million thanks to you Toni for your gift, your friendship and for making me laugh.


I did block out Little Buddy's name on this side of the bag, so pick a name and just imagine that it looks fantastic.  I think my boy is very lucky don't you?


Toni also makes ornaments and sent one along.  Last year she made 365 ornaments in a year on top of a million other things.  I love it Toni and it is Little Buddy's very first ornament.


Last but certainly not least this furry boy missed his Mom a lot!  Usually I play second fiddle to the Dad person, but Max was so happy when I got home.  He gave me lots of hugs, stayed by my side all evening, and even slept next to me on the floor.  I missed you too Maxie.

Hope you are all having a great day and I wish you a blessed weekend.

34 comments:

Anonymous said...

That is SUCH a cool barn! I could imagine a yarn store IN that barn.

I've never been to Franklin. Sounds like maybe I need to go! LOL

Love the ornament for Little Buddy. Did Toni tat that? Very intricate!

Amy at love made my home said...

Although it was a bittersweet trip, I am glad that you found some time for yourself and to enjoy a little yarn shopping. The old house is looking rather sad, but it could be so beautiful, so hopefully someone will come and rescue it and bring it back to life again. What lovely gifts for Buddy! xx

Toni said...

You are so welcome!

Dee, the ornament is machine embroidery on wash away stabilizer (starch in fabric form). The design is made with thread and designed so it will stay together after all the stabilizer is washed away. Both of my grandmothers tried to teach me how to tat. I wouldn't say the experience left them both emotionally scarred for life, but I did notice that neither of them ever tried to teach anyone else to tat after that..............:)

Anonymous said...

It is a beautiful ornament, Toni.

Anonymous said...

Yes! Definitely would love to fix that place up. The red paint is charming, and the knitting chair! That's great!

Teresa Kasner said...

Meredith, you've sure had a lot on your plate lately - and you carried on with strength and dignity. You're awesome. I'm so glad you got some "me" time and got some gorgeous yarn! That 2nd batch is amazing! How did LB do while you were gone? I hope you get to rest up this weekend.
((hugs)), Teresa :-)

Faeryfay said...

I love that old house. I love that old knitting chair, your yarn and I love Maxie!:)

My Garden Diaries said...

You have been so busy friend. I am sot sorry for your loss and am glad you were able to be there with your friend. That gift you received from Toni is just wonderful! I can just see Little Buddy using this for Halloween! All the best this weekend friend...Nicole xoxo

Gracie Saylor said...

I'm glad you were able to have a meaningful time with Lynda, and that you have good memories of Bruce to cherish, Meredith. I think it would be fun to re-do the red house, too. I especially love your gray yarn and look forward to seeing what you will make with it. Hoping you and yours have a restful weekend and can settle into a routine that helps you all feel happy :) xx

Joy said...

I'm glad you could be there for your friend, Meredith, and I'm also glad that you had some 'me' time - we all need that but there are times when it's most important! I love that chair, your yarn, and the sad neglected house. Your friend Toni made gorgeous gifts for LIttle Buddy - how lovely and thoughtful she is.
Sounds like the birthday boy had some exciting times and now it's downtime for both of you, and lovely Max will help you both relax and unwind!
Big warm hugs, Joy xo

Betsy said...

Such a lot in your post today Meredith. I'm glad your little guy had a good birthday. Sometimes the come down from the excitement is a little too much at that age isn't it? You have certainly endured a LOT of loss in the past few weeks. I'm sure you were an absolute blessings to your friend. I'm also glad you had some time to yourself. I would love to fix up that little house and live there. The town sounds very nice and the yarn store? That chair says it all!
I hope your weekend is relaxing and filled with happiness and the not so good times will leave you alone for a long, long time. You've had enough my friend.
Blessings,
Betsy

Joyful said...

Aw, Maxie is a beautiful dog. How lovely to be missed by him ;-)

I like the red house and I love what you've shown us of Franklin. It would be so nice to have a yarn shop like the one there, to shop in.

Have a wonderful, restful weekend with Buddy dear Meredith. xx

Stins said...

You have so much to deal with lately...
That house is so pretty! I can easily see how much you can ( and must) do with it; so nice to imagine living there...
Love from Mirjam.

moonstruckcreations said...

So glad that you could be there for your friend, I am sure she really appreciated your time with her.

Toni's bag is so lovely, LB will make good use of it later in the year Im sure!

Cant wait to see what you make with that yarn, it looks fab!

Good old Max, he is such a sweetie.

Have a restful weekend, Helenxx

Between Me and You said...

You know, we live in parallel universes! There is a little timber-framed house not far from where I work, in the middle of the countryside standing all alone and abandoned. I torture myself by going to look at it frequently and even had a good look inside one day and took the number of the estate agents and looked up the schedule so I could see what it looked like upstairs!!I couldn't possibly buy it in a million years but I imagined myself there, spending my golden years, with a couple of sheep in the massive garden and a spinning wheel out back!!Maybe some chickens roaming around eating grubs!That all came to an end the other day when I spotted the SOLD sign had gone up and I bet the new people will bulldoze the whole thing and start all over again. It's in a prime site locally so lots of money to be made when it's a brand new 5-bedroomed family house. Never mind, I can always keep dreaming. Lovely gifts from your friend and all of your yarn is scrumdiddlylicious! Have a good weekend, my friend. x

Caffeine Girl said...

I love abandoned houses and barns, too. There is something mysterious and sad and beautiful about them all at once.

It was so sweet of you to visit your friend at this time. I'm glad you got a little time for yourself, as you are always doing things for others.

Buddy is a very lucky little boy!

Petunia Pill said...

Hi Mer! I know, I know! I'm such a stranger to this world of blog anymore! I just read this post and wanted to tell you I was here and looking! That chair outside the yarn store really struck me! How fun! And the barn...this house has an affinity for old barns too! We can't pass one without stopping for photos! My photography business has taken off ever so slightly...so haven't had time to do much crocheting lately. I do miss it, but find it hard to settle down and focus on it right now. I think the hot weather is a mental block for me too! I know you have warmth year round...and you stay on point! Sending love! Annette

linda said...

Lovely post Meredith, I'm glad that your trip went well, I'm sure Lynda was so glad that you you were there with her I want that house, I can just imagine what it would be like once it is all done up. Little buddy got some great gifts, bless him and I love your new yarn can't wait to see what you will make with it. Hugs to Max he's as cute as ever! xxxxx

Jennifer Hays said...

Prayers and positive thoughts for Lynda at this difficult time. I love seeing photos of Max, he is such a beautiful dog.

kathy b said...

So glad you are home to recoup. Im sure Lil B will get back into his routine now that his Momma is home.
I LOVE the Halloween bag your pal sent.
I am in love with grey now too….its your doing!

Rest. relax. Knit …love kathy b

Pammy Sue said...

I love the look of the little town surrounded by Smokey Mountains. And what a great name for a yarn shop! Love the yarn you picked out, especially the gray. I have a thing about anything gray lately. I'm loving it. Sweet Max...what a dear sweet soul to have around you all the time. Enjoy your weekend.

Suzan said...

I know your visit to NC was much appreciated by your friend Lynda. It's important to get away and to have time to yourself!! Beautiful yarns - especially your multi color yarns!!

Kris said...

Bittersweet for sure Meredith. The abandoned house is beautiful! And the yarn shop with the yarn bombed chair looks so fun!!!
Glad you will have a few days to slow down and get Little Buddy back on track. Upsets in schedule can really rock the boat. Max....aww, he is such a sweetie!
Hugs,
Kris

Judy S. said...

Your post made me want to head right on over to Franklin; never mind that it's on the other side of the map! That is a very cute Halloween bag. Lucky, Buddy! Have a nice quiet weekend, getting everyone back on track!

Ana BC said...

That place looks lovely...and the knit store adorable ;-) Can´t wait to see what you will make with that delicious yarn

Jo said...

Ella Rae lace merino - never heard of it but Whooooa! that is pretty yarn. Jo x

Jay said...

So good that you had one or two laughs in amongst the tears and spent time with your friend.
I also get very excited about old rundown houses, I'm fact I'm looking at one now, across a field from the cricket pitch I'm at! I first looked at it about 17 years ago and it's still derelict & boarded up. Such a shame, I sit and wonder what I could make it into.

Sweet Posy Dreams said...

Looks like a nice little town. Sorry that you were there for a sad occasion.

Linda said...

A great post Meredith, that Yarn Chair is fabulous, I so want it haha! Little Buddy's gift from Toni is great.
More new yarn, I have ordered new yarn too and I hope that it's delivered soon as I have finished my new top now and always itching to start something new hehe

take care xx

Unknown said...

Oh wow! Do you not love the NC Mountains!!! I love that barn, too! It looks like a pleasant trip, although it was bitter sweet for you.

Dawn

elns said...

I'm glad you were able to make the trip and spend some time with your friend. I won't lie and the LYS trip and it's loot is making me drool. Toni did such a lovely job with the Little Buddy gifts. I'm glad you came home to such glowing furry love. Here's to returning to the routine ... :)

Linda @ A La Carte said...

A little Birdie told me today is your Birthday! Happy Happy and hope you have a great day!

Home Meadows said...

Happy Birthday! :-) Hope you have a terrific day. Heather

Rose Red said...

I'm glad you had some time for yourself on your trip, I'm sure that helped give you strength for your friend too.

What a great bag and decoration for Little Buddy. Such a lucky boy.