Wednesday, September 7, 2016

North Carolina, I miss you................

I am home from my short visit to North Carolina and I just want to jump in my car and head back.  It is so beautiful, so green and lush, perfect temperatures and  beautiful mountains everywhere you look, you can't get better than that.  I had a very uneventful trip up, I was ahead of the storm by about 30 miles the whole time.  I was lucky I only had a bit of rain.  Seems like the rest of Florida, Georgia and North Carolina got loads of rain and wind, but not me!  Little Buddy's school was canceled for two days because of a chance of flooding in our county.  My house was dry and didn't even lose power.  Thanks for your well wishes for a safe drive for me.

My friend and I chatted, ate, knit, ate, made some small day trips, read, knit, ate and slept.  The weather was gorgeous.  The company was great.  Just spending time with an old friend is the best, especially one that has been through so much fighting cancer all the while her husband was at the end of his fight with cancer.  


On Friday we went to visit Skyvue Ranch where they raise beautiful alpacas.  This is the view from their front porch.  What a great way to live.  Carol, the owner, was as hospitable and gracious as she could be.  She has a small fiber shop in her basement and yup I had to buy a little yarn.


She taught us all about these beautiful creatures.  They are gentle souls, only spitting when they are upset.  They make lovely little sounds, and are just as sweet as can be.  Did you know that alpacas do not have upper teeth so they can't bite?  They are sheared once a year and can have babies almost at any time so the boys and girls need to be separated.  A pregnancy can last 11 1/2 months, that is a long time!


This is Lil Pumpkin.  She is about to give birth in just a few weeks.  I bought some of her beautiful yarn.


Above is Patches, he was my favorite.  He was hanging out with the guys.  They also have a guard Llama called Sargent Pepper.  You can call for a tour, which is free if you are ever in the area.  You can find out more at their website here.


I felt I had to buy some yarn because it was only us and the owner, I know it doesn't take much for me to make an excuse to buy yarn, but how can you not buy yarn after seeing those sweet faces?   I also bought this cute little alpaca, not for Little Buddy for myself.  He got some new Paw Patrol pj's!


On Saturday we spent the afternoon in the middle of historic downtown Franklin.  It is a wonderful area full of shops and little places to eat.  This is the view for the center of town, isn't it beautiful?


This is my second favorite yarn shop in the world, Silver Threads & Golden Needles.  It is a gorgeous store with so many beautiful things to see. 


My favorite part of the store is the yarn they have made for the store.  It is so soft and wonderful.  The owner hand dyes the yarn in incredible colors.   This yarn is Black Cherry.  I kept going back and back to it so I thought it was the perfect purchase.  Remember souvenir does not count when you are on a yarn diet.


On Saturday we went to a fun dish store south of Asheville.  We saw a billboard for this store and found it was only a few miles away.  It was a wonderful store, but actually too full if you know what I mean.  It had everything from yarn, to weaving and felting supplies.  But by this time I was at my yarn purchase max so just wandered the store for a few minutes.  It was packed full if you are ever in the area.

  
When I returned home I was able to spend a few hours with my middle son who was home visiting from college.  I had enough time to squeeze him and kiss his beautiful face.  He is not loving college yet, actually he has roommates that are older and gone all the time but he is adapting.  Tough on a mother's heart isn't it when one of your children are making a tough adjustment.

Okay I am off to work, have a good day.

39 comments:

Linda @ A La Carte said...

What a fun trip. Love the yarn! We had lots of rain here from the hurricane. Sending you big hugs.
Linda

Anonymous said...

Oh my gosh! Those sweet alpaca faces. They certainly are fun animals.

We have an alpaca farm not far from us. I bought some of Lucy's fine yarn and she even gave me a "kiss" as thanks. LOL

I'm glad you had a good visit.

If there is anything we can do to help your son, just ask. We're right close and he is ALWAYS welcome here.

Nance said...

It sounds as if your trip was just what you needed. (More yarn...maybe Not So Much, but oh well).

Heartbreaks Of Motherhood are the worst part of it. Where are the Magic Wands when we truly need them?

20 North Ora said...

Meredith - So glad you had a relaxing and fun few days off. You definitely deserve it. The animals are so cute! We have a farm of them not too awful far from here and the girls are always just fascinated with them.

Have a great day!

Judy

Heldasland said...

Hello dear lady, it has been awhile but I have caught up with all things mereknits. Of course, yarn that is a souvenir doesn't count when on a yarn diet. I recently visited Amsterdam and what do you know I happened upon accidently on purpose, a yarn shop.Don't tell the Mr, hehe .
I have always been afraid of alpacas because of the spitting. Obviously the ones I have seen are in distress.
You are a great friend ,your friend is very lucky to have you

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

Glad to hear you are back, that you had a wonderful time and that you had great weather where you were. I've been to an alpaca farm in Las Vegas NM -- so interesting to learn about these sweet animals. Their faces are just precious. That yarn you bought is one of my favorite colors. :) I know you'll make something lovely. My boy seems to be doing okay so far -- but maybe it helps that he is living in a freshman dorm so everyone is in the same position as him, getting used to being away from home at the same time. I'm sure your son will adapt soon. Have a good rest of the week.

Betsy said...

Oh Meredith I love this post! The view on that alpaca farm is incredible. I'm so glad you got to visit with those gentle animals. We have several alpaca farms around us. I think their yarn is amazing. So soft. I'm glad you had a safe trip and had such a lovely time with your dear friend. I'll be keeping your son in my prayers. Adjustments are tough. Alex just resigned his job at the University in Tokyo and has gone full-time in his own business. He's also adjusting. It is been a dream of his for the last several years, but reality and knowing it's all you now is a bit harder. Have a wonderful day my friend.
Blessings,
Betsy

Caffeine Girl said...

Just hanging out with an old friend is the best. That's why I love my trips to Berkeley so much! And my heart goes out to your friend with her cancer battles.
Alpaca might be the cutest animals on the planet. I do find their yarn to be itchy, though, so I rarely buy it. I can wear some hats made from it, so I know how lofty and warm their wool is!
My daughter has some real struggles with roommates her first year away and it just about killed me. I finally had to intervene and call the Dean's Office because the problems escalated into bullying. I hope your son's situation is less painful than that!

kathy b said...

Love those alpacas. Really hoping Kims has a good pregnancy this time. Your trip sounded great MERE. Love the black cherry.
As for son and his transition, that is so heart wrenching. I'll pray to St. Teresa of Calcutta today for him!

If I had a crystal ball I'd see a lovely girl in his future.

Deborah said...

What a wonderful vacation you had, and the scenery is beautiful. I understand about adjusting to college. My youngest grandson is in second year at Texas A & M. The first year almost did him in.

Jo@awholeplotoflove said...

How lovely that you bought some alpaca yarn. I recently bought two balls, just enough for a hat. It was horrendously expensive I certainly wont be buying enough for a jumper but the farm is a few miles away from me. The fleece is spun about 35 miles away and sent to a local wool shop. I have two balls of the daddy and have accidentally bought a ball from one of the daughters! I'm glad you had a good trip. Oh wow is certainly is tough when a part of your child's life isn't quite following the plan. Fingers crossed and hugs x

CJ said...

Oh that Black Cherry yarn is absolutely delicious. Irresistible. And off course you have to buy yarn if you've actually met the llama that made it. Glad you had a good visit with your friend. We are struggling to be at home again after a break in the mountains as well. Very hard to leave. I hope things improve for your middle boy soon and that he settles in well to his college. Hugs, CJ xx

Helen said...

Glad you had such a lovely time with your friend, what lovely alpacas! I love buying souvenir yarn, lots of memories attached :) Hope your son settles soon - I really struggled for a few months, it's a hard adaptation but I'm sure it will go easier for him soon :) take carexo

Mac n' Janet said...

Glad you had such a great trip and didn't get slowed down by the storms. The alpacas are too cute, I'd have bought one too.

Willow said...

All that yarn love! And those sweet alpaca faces! You had a great vacation.

Araignee said...

Your fuzzy friends are just too beautiful. I don't blame you, I'd be heading back too or at least planning a return trip.

Blondie's Journal said...

I'm so glad you made it ahead of the storms! NC is gorgeous and I think it's so cool you found so many great stores to find yarn---most times it's the little towns.

Sounds like you have a good friend there and I'm happy you had time to kick back and relax!

Jane

Gracie Saylor said...

You taught me more about alpacas! Thanks, Meredith. I love the color of the yarn you bought, too, and hope you enjoy creating something wonderful with it. I am so glad you had a safe and happy trip and will be keeping Mr. Middle Son and all your family in my thought with love. xx

Grandmabeckyl.blogspot said...

Alpacas are pretty fun, huh? We've gone to a ranch in Hood River area a few times and I bought yarn there as well.The Black Cherry yarn is lovely! Glad you had a good time with your friend and you didn't get into the storm. I need to knit but I am going to sew a small quilt for my granddaughter for Christmas. Hugs and take care!

Annette T. said...

Sorry I've been quiet for awhile, readjusting to life. So glad your house made it thru the storm. My friend raises Alpacas and yes I've bought her yarn. So nice you could spend time with your friend during this most difficult of times for her.

Christina said...

Your black cherry yarn is simply beautiful. I am glad you an your friend had a fabulous weekend together, howe wonderful to have such a great friend. xx

Unknown said...

Nice to read that you had a great time! Love all those cute alpacas btw, they look so sweet...

Andrea Ostapovitch said...

Hi there Mere!!!
What a fantastic trip, and what a gorgeous farm! I'm in love, seriously in love with Lil' Pumpkin. I should very seriously think about raising alpacas.

I am truly sorry to hear what this sweet couple has gone through with cancer. But we do our best, and clearly your friend's "best" is awesome.

Lovely post this morning, so glad I (finally) stopped by. I'll visit again soon.

Andrea

Lilbitbrit said...

Glad you had such a wonderful trip. I do love alpacas. Every up and down while your boy is away at college is your up and down, I know.

Have a great day.

Teresa Kasner said...

I'm so happy to hear about your wonderful getaway trip with your friend. What could bring a smile to you faster than the cute face of an alpaca? I like the spotty one, too. It looks like such a gorgeous area! I hope you can plan another trip soon. You got some luscious yarn! ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

Joyful said...

That's a lovely little town and it sounds like you had a wonderful time with your friend and the alpacas(and yarn). So glad you were safe throughout and your house back in Florida too.

Jo said...

Oooh nice yarn - black cherry looks wonderful. Glad you are safe and sound. Jo x

Jennifer Hays said...

What a nice trip, Meredith. You are a wonderful friend to all, including me. Thank you for your message the other day, you made my heart lighter. I hope you're having a good week. I will keep your friend and also your son in my thoughts.

AnnieOBTextiles said...

Glad you had a great trip. Spending time with an old friend is like taking time out of normal life - good for the soul. Alpacas are so cute. There is a farm near my brother's home and I love the noise they make too. Looking forward to seeing what you will make with that beautiful Black Cherry yarn.

Judy S. said...

Sounds like a great trip! So glad you had some time off to do something fun. Nice work on the yarn purchases; I especially love the black cherry ones!

Anonymous said...

Wish all the best for your friend. The alpacas are cute.

Lynne said...

North Carolina looks beautiful! I'm glad you were able to get away for a while and enjoy yourself. That yarn is gorgeous, and the alpacas crack me up!

Amy at love made my home said...

Glad you had a great time and that the weather was good for you. Souvenier yarn definitely doesn't count as yarn yarn!! xx

Clare said...

looks like a wonderful trip, I do love a llama, hope you son feels more settle asap
Clarex

Janet said...

What a wonderful trip, Meredith. I'm so glad you had such a lovely time with your friend. It sounds like just the refreshing break you needed to lift your spirits. The black cherry yarn is such a gorgeous colour - a perfect souvenir. Have a good week. XXX

Jo said...

It sounds like a great trip, friends, yarn and alpacas, what's not to love? It's still early days for your son, it can be quite an adjustment and I think most of them feel a little homesick when they're first away from home. Wishing him well.

linda said...

It sounds like you had a great time Meredith, I'm so glad that the storms didn't affect you, I LOVE that yarn the colour is right up my street. Have a great week. :) xx

Jodiebodie said...

Hi Meredith,

We heard about the floods in Florida all the way down in South Australia. All I could think of was "Oh no! Not Florida..AGAIN!" and wondered how you were affected, if at all.

It's a relief to know that you and yours were all safe and dry. What a way to be safe and dry too - ahead of the storm all the way and in such a beautiful setting. How lucky you were!

Your photos are very pretty. The town looks so neat - spick and span - with well manicured lawns and tidy pavements. The weather looked fantastic also.

Alpacas are such interesting creatures. What a lovely adventure you had but I am sad to know that your friend and her husband had such battles. Your trip surely nurtured your souls.

Your blog did give me a bit of a laugh at the end though. Perhaps it is my weird sense of humour. Without diminishing the importance of being able to see your son and help him through a tricky time, the layout of your words made me giggle.

Your last photo was of an alpaca's face and there was no gap to separate your final paragraph from the alpaca picture. If one looked at the page irreverently, one could almost mistake the final paragraph for a caption to the last photo.

If I read your words," ...spend a few hours with my middle son...I had enough time to squeeze him and kiss his beautiful face." as if they were a caption, it is funny because your photo was of an alpaca's face! (I often see silly humour in everyday things, no offence intended.)

It is understandable that you may not have wanted to post a photo of your son and I know he does not look like an alpaca, although the alpacas in your photos look so cute, it would be nice to adopt one into the family.

I hope you can see the funny side too and get a laugh - laughter has been proven to improve health and that is why I thought I'd share my silliness with you.

Take care,
Jodie xx

Melanie said...

So good to hear you enjoyed your time in NC. I haven't been there since I was a kid (visiting relatives). What a beautiful state! We have an alpaca farm right only a mile away from us. I love driving by and seeing these adorable creatures out front. Glad you got to enjoy a brief visit from your son, but of course I know how bad a mama's heart hurts when our child is hurting. {{hugs}}