Feeling Sheepish
Most of the time I come back from trips where I get little sleep and lots of activity exhausted. Tonight, I am feeling energized. Who knew that sheep could be the livestock version of caffeine for a city girl like me?
Friday morning, Julie and I got on the Blue Line with our suitcases and a lot of positive energy and headed off to O'hare on our way to see this:
Maryland is very green and lush compared to Chicago. And while the weather was a bit dodgy in Chicagoland all weekend, it was absolutely perfect in the area around New Friendship, home to the annual Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival. And my second trip to this focal point in the fiber universe was every bit as good as my first. Maybe even better. How could I not have a good time surrounded by Claudia, Silvia, Norma, Stephanie, Wendy, Leigh, Carolyn, Maggie and everyone else I got the chance to meet? I have to admit that I met many more people whose names I just can't remember right at the moment (I've never been good with names, but it seems to get worse in places like MS&W). Some parts of the weekend just became a colorful blur. But perhaps that's no surprise when images like this abound:
It will come as no surprise to anyone that I did a great deal of shopping. There will be more demonstration of me expanding my stash's horizons tomorrow when the light is better for pictures. In the meantime, I'll share my biggest revelation: there are a mindbogglingly amazing number of types of sheep, all of whose breeds I cannot remember. These are just the few that I was able to photograph (not only do I have a difficult time remembering names in Maryland, I also have a hard time remembering to use my camera).
(I have a strange attraction to these sheep. They look soft and lovely to me. In fact, their wool is long and coarse and not so good for anything but carpets. But I still think they are pretty neat.)
(I think this may be some kind of Leicester sheep... all that I can remember is thinking she looked like a rasta sheep. Very pretty curly wool with a subtle sheen).
(While looking through my sheep book, I kept seeing references to sheep with "Roman noses". I think these guys probably arewhat they were describing.)
This is probably my favorite picture from the whole show. These lovely red rams were definitely getting in some quality nap time.
Which seems like quite a good idea right about now....
Just found your picture on Claudia's site, you look wonderful happy with the shopping bags and you look lovely in your new sweater.
I am starting to turn green, when is it again?
I am looking forward to reading about your new spinning adventure.
It was nice meeting you... and eponge looked lovely in person! :)
I loved getting to know you, Theresa..it was a highlight of my weekend. I recognize that black sheep up there - I was with you when you took that shot! (remember his black tongue? and his bleating? poor guy, he was humiliated...) How's that spindling coming? My biggest buyer's remorse comes from the fact that I did not get a new spindle or two. Your black-topped one is permanently etched in my memory...
I wonder if my landlord would notice a sheep on the balcony...
I'm looking forward to hearing about your spinning experiences. The last time I used a drop spindle was in summer camp at age ten...but watching everyone fall, blogger by blogger, into the spinning groove, is making me want to learn :-)
Glad you had a great time! It was a fun fest! Love your pictures. :)
I am sorry that I didn't get to meet up any of any of you since I got there late on Saturday. Hopefully next year, something can be planned better. Since I know the people who do the website for the festival, I will try and say something to Kate about maybe having a desingated spot for knitting bloggers to meet up. And actually the name of the town is just Friendship. You should have been there Sunday also since the fairgrouds were not as crowded. But I am happy that you enjoyed my part of the Free State.
Hi Theresa,
It was great seeing you again--hope you can make it to Rhinebeck!
baaa baa ba
Sil and I sat outside the barn where they were doing the Parade of Breeds yesterday. It was like a sheepy beauty contest.."and next we have Miss Corriedale...." You would have loved it.
Wish I were there! Maryland is abit faraway from Norway - but who knows - maybe I get a chance to go some day...I love the sheep photos!
If you get a chance, I am sure we would be interested in WHERE to stay when all of us who did not go this year, go NEXT year. Could you perhaps mention your hotel, or one you might have seen while in the area??
What a view! I love all the sheepy pictures. So cute! Can't wait for all the purchases :)
I wish I were there! But, though we live so close our car got totally broken and all my plans were ruined. Not that my husband really wanted to go but he would sacrifice at least one day.