Reentry

Coming back from vacation can be rough. Colorado is so beautiful. I love the laid-back vibe in Boulder, the wildflowers, the fresh air up in the mountains, seeing snow in the middle of summer, etc.

I visited two marvelous independent bookstores (Boulder Book Store and Tattered Cover), experienced the sinus-clearing power of the Mint Room at the Celestial Seasonings factory, hiked in the mountains, drank delicious microbrews, and visited with family and friends. I only hit one yarn store, and I didn't even buy anything, although a lovely 100% Bebe Maillebox kit by Bouton d'Or was calling my name.
Here's Lake Isabelle, up in Indian Peaks. See why I didn't want to come home to Chicago?

It has been very hot, both in CO and here in Chi-town, so knitting has been less frequent than usual. I have been cooking, including an indoor picnic last Tuesday.

Albuquerque Corn Salad, from Cooking Light (not quite as delicious as Avocado Corn Salad)

Goat Cheese Stuffed Dates, from the blog Everybody Likes Sandwiches
(chilling these overnight greatly enhances the lemon flavor)

More knitting content soon, I promise, including a free pattern.

Back from Boulder

The Colorado trip was fabulous. Picnicking, hiking, making mojitos, visiting a goat farm/dairy, catching up with old friends, playing sheepshead, what more could you want? Maybe a yarn shop visit, but there just wasn't enough time.

A young goat at Haystack Mountain Goat Dairy.
BTW, their applewood smoked chevre is quite delicious.

Ouzel Falls, Rocky Mountain National Park

There's still some snow left up in the Rocky Mountains.

Paul and I taking a breather from hiking at Ouzel Falls.

I knit away at my Donyale Socks over the weekend, with not too many inches to show for it. I'll spare you the photos. I did manage to come away with very blue hands, though!

Startitis set in, so now there are some Waterloose Socks in progress. The yarn is Cider Moon's Glacier again, in the "Magnolia" colorway. The subtle feather and fan pattern will benefit greatly from blocking!