Second Anniversary!

July 18-20, 2013 Elwha Dam RV Park, Port Angeles, WA

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RV LIFE:
Yep, July 18 makes 2 years of full time living in an RV. Time really does fly. I remember the misery of purging our house. The misery of staying at Pine Cone "Resort" at $51. a night while having our house fixed up for sale. But, I also remember the glee as another pile of our "precious stuff" was taken away, either by neighbors, freecyclers, charity, junk removers or to the bulk garbage. Even now I feel myself calming at the thought of all that stuff GONE! I really do not want to move back into a house. I know we'll just start filling it up...because we have the room.
I am VERY happy with my limited crafts instead of a whole room of "someday" projects, but "someday" never arrives. I love the fact that I can't buy more yarn or more craft supplies because they are on sale. Nope, just no room in the RV.
I love that I can't buy cutsy kitschy items I see at fairs. Just no room! Granted, I do have a moment or two of wistfully, wishing that piece of artwork could be mine. But I am soon over it, thinking of all the money I would eventually spend and all the "stuff" I would accumulate over time if I had the room.
I am PERFECTLY CONTENT with what I have. My life would not be better by buying that cute little doggie yard ornament or that beautiful skein of yarn. I have real dogs and I have PLENTY of beautiful yarn. Ahhhhhh. RV life is very good!

I am currently sitting outside in the shade under our awing. I have a jacket on and my fingers are chilled and my toes are on the cold side. I am so glad we planned to be in the Pacific NW for the summer! It is 70° here, 67° in the shade. In Neptune, NJ where we used to live it is 91°! Anything over 80° is too hot for me. Ahhhhhh, RV life is very good.

I've... well, we've been going places separately more often. Mostly because if we can't take the dogs, we don't feel like crating them, so it's easier for one of us to stay home. But also, as long as the RV park is decent and quiet, we really enjoy our time at home. I went to the Lavender Fest alone. I could have brought the dogs, but it was easier just to leave them with Scott. I'm glad I went alone. I was able to go at my own pace. There really wasn't much to interest Scott, except the food vendors and they were nothing special. So I could take as long as I wanted to ponder whether to purchase an item or not. I could eat when I wanted and relax to listen to the music or not. It was all up to just me.

Back at Point Hudson RV Park in Port Townsend, the sites were close together, but we had lovely neighbors. Each evening after their cocktail hour, Mike? (I'm sorry, I forgot his name), Maryanne's husband would cook dinner on the grill. I was usually outside with my own cocktail and on the computer. The first night, I couldn't resist. I said whatever he was cooking smelled delicious. He had made a marinade. He gave me a sampling of his oh so moist grilled chicken. Another night, he gave me a sampling of his baked beans and asked if it needed anything. I felt some diced onions would be a nice touch. Well, he did ask, so I told him. He thanked me and added the onions.
The next day they were given some fresh crab from a local. It sure pays to be friendly. Again as I sit outside I see Maryanne's husband cooking. I told him to not let me sample them unless he wants to kill me. (I'm allergic to crab, shrimp, lobster). He said he'd give a sample to Scott.

That's a sample???

Scott said it was delicious!
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SIGHTS:
Lavender Festival, Sequim, WA (Pronounced squim)
Well, I can check that off my list! Check & done! I was so insistent in getting up to the Lavender Fest since we were in the area. The good news is this enabled us to experience the wonderful town of Port Townsend. The bad news is that the Fest was no big deal. Really, I'm not that into Lavender. It's nice and yes, I have the spray for our pillows at night, and yes, we have a little sachet that we shake once in a while and the fragrance fills the dog smelly rv. And yes, thanks to Diane, my former Tuesday night, Ice Cream socializing knitting group, spinner of my Setters fur, knitting friend, I have some in a few of my bags of yarn.

I don't like the taste of lavender, so I'm not interested in lavender & spices, lavender ice cream, lavender lemonade nor lavender marinade. Also, I still have plenty of hand, face and body lotions to last a couple of more years, so alas, I resisted the purchase of lavender body creams. Yes, two years full timing and I still have face moisturizer, body lotions, unopened makeup from my stock while living in a sticks & brick house. Although, I have gone from a large tub down to a small tub, so there is progress.
RV life side note: Every time I empty another container my heart leaps with happiness. (Doesn't take much to make me happy). A little more room to either fill or leave blank so it's easier to get to our other "stuff". Why do I have a tub full of envelopes and note cards? Because I have a slight obsession with school supplies and stationery and pens. I may send out 5-10 envelopes a year. So I'll be dragging that tub of envelopes around till the end of my lifetime. So fine friends and family, please start a prayer circle, or send some Setter Zenn, or subliminal thoughts of persuasion, or comments to persuade me to PURGE that stupid tub of envelopes!

I will return now to the previous fascinating subject of the Lavender Festival. Please do not misunderstand, the Festival was not bad. I just played it up to be more in my mind. If you are in the general area this time next year, go ahead and visit. It's free and you DON'T have to leave your doggies at home. Dogs are allowed.
The festival had lots and lots and lots of jewelry vendors, some expensive, some reasonable. A few knitters and crocheters had anywhere from children's character hats to felted hats to beautiful sweaters. I found one knit/crochet vendor very impressive. She made a type of shoulder poncho that was just above chest length in front and longer in the back. It was a nice accessory to cover your shoulders without it getting in the way of movement. I looked all over Ravelry and can't find the pattern. Sigh.
There were a couple of metal yard art vendors that had a lot of dog yard ornaments. Ohhhh, so tempting! I so glad there were no Setters, although the Golden was a close call. I just kept thinking, that I'd have to set it up and pack it away...somewhere each time we moved. Nope, don't think I'll buy it.
There were a few food vendors. All typical. I had a Gyro.
There are two locations for the Festival. One is in mid town and the other is about a mile South. I only happened to find the second one because I was looking for the Sequim Dog Park. The alternate Lavender Fest was on the same street. Both areas had live music also.

Sequim is a busy little town. There are lots of little shops to interest the tourist. If we were closer, I'd probably take a walk through with the dogs and window shop. Parking is not all that convenient, especially for a dually pick up truck. But park somewhere in the neighborhood and just walk to the main street. Sequim does not have the charm of Port Townsend. All the shops have new facades and all very clean looking.
Since we are only in this area for 2.5 days, we've not really had a chance to see much. While passing through Port Angeles, we were impressed by their actual Port. HUGE cargo ships to be seen. Very impressive.
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PETS:
Ratkins update. Chino & Patches are feeling more comfortable in their temporary home. At first, I thought they were really boring. They just snuggled in their cardboard shelter all day. I noticed at night, that they would venture out to eat. I am constantly worried that with their age, they will "pass on" during my shift. Chino has personality plus. She/he (I didn't think to look or ask) has an endearing tilt to her head from probably the after effect of a vestibular disorder. Chino is also quick, quick,quick! As soon as I open the cage door, she is there trying to climb out. Both tolerate holding them. Chino just wants to move and Patches is more curious and always smelling my fingers for what new treat I may give them.
They are both much more active during the day now. It's so cute when they are sleeping and I touch them to wake them up. They are so human like in that they yawn, stretch and look around to get their bearings. The yawning is absolutely adorable! Yes, I really like pet rats.
Pet Rats-The best pet on Earth!
Bill, the love of my life.
Rats are not good pets (They're great pets!)

BROWSING THE WWW:
Scott has pointed out that I have been snoring lately. Sometimes it is so loud that it keeps him up. He keeps threatening to make me sleep in my rocker easy chair.
There's an app you can download that makes your device into a sound activated recorder. It's called Sleep Talk Recorder. Also on this site, real recordings have been uploaded. They are short and funny. The silly and nonsensical thinks we say in our sleep. Check it out.

Also did you notice my jumping for joy Anniversary sign and my new cool (or maybe annoying) signature? Glitter Graphics is a fun site to create all kinds of moving, glittering fonts. And it's easy to use and free!

Take care,

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WHERE WE'RE GOING:
July 21-27, 2013 Cape Motel & RV Park, Neah Bay, WA
July 28-Aug. 3, 2013 Riverview RV Park, Forks, WA
Aug. 4-10, 2013 Silver Cove RV Resort, Silver Lake, WA
Aug. 12-18, 2013 Coeur d'Alene RV Park, Post Falls, ID
Aug. 19-28, 2013 Jim & Mary's RV Park, Missoula, MT
Aug. 29-Sept. 1, 2013 Jennifer's Driveway Boondock, Bozeman, MT
Sept. 2-5, 2013 Mammoth Campground, Yellowstone, WY (Tentative)
Sept. 6-15, 2013 Horseshoe Bend Campground NFS, Lovell, WY (Tentative)
Sept. 16-30, 2013 Wheels West RV Park, Custer, SD

south for the Winter of 2013/214

Black Sheep Gathering

June 14 -24, 2013 Armitage County Park, Eugene, OR

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SIGHTS:
We haven't really taken advantage of the beautiful hiking in the area. We are simply enjoying our beautiful yard with shade trees and grass. Well, I'VE been enjoying our yard. Scott has been working for 2 1/2 days. More on that in tomorrow's post.
I went back to the Saturday Farmer's Market, alone, since Scott had work to do. Eugene is a micro mini city. It has the "cool" feel of a hip town. It's a very "green" town (no plastic bags allowed). Lots of dog parks around, many open patio restaurants allowing dogs, great coffee shops and bakeries.
This week at the Market, I again bought some sweets, pasty's, kale & romaine. Since Suzi, from Beluga Adventures, was not here this week, I was able to snag some peas also.

I've been wanting an herb garden and thinking I couldn't until we settled into a house again. But I'm attempting one while RV'ing, so I bought cilantro, rosemary and basil plants to start.

Yep, I bought a "topsy turvy". How could I resist? It was only $1.50!!! It's worth a try! Cilantro is on the bottom, rosemary on the left and basil on the right.
Also purchased some ground hazelnuts and marionberry jam.
Since Scott wasn't with me, I took the time to walk through the craft vendors section. So many talented people.
I bought a neat pin that is also a bud vase.

This is a piece of silverware that was cut. The handle is hollow, so can hold water and a bud in it. The back has a pin attached. Maybe I could put a sprig of one of my herbs in there for a lovely fragrance throughout the day.

Isn't this beaded flower beautiful? It has a clip on the back, so can be worn in your hair, or on a hat, or for me more likely as a shawl pin to hold the shawls I knit. I am determined to learn how to bead this. I want some in other colors. There is just not enough time to learn all the crafts I'd like to try. At least this craft doesn't take up much room or weigh much for RV crafting.
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RESTAURANT REVIEWS:
New Day Bakery, Saturday Farmer's Mkt., Eugene, OR
My rating 5 out of 5
I can only rate this on their baked goods I purchased at the Farmer's Mkt.
Almond danish: Fresh, soft, delicious.
Homemade oreo type cookie: Basically two chocolate crinkle cookies together with oreo type filling in between. Cookies were great, but just too sweet for me with the sweet filling.
Carrot cake sandwich cookies: Excellent. Two carrot cake cookies with filling in between. The cookies were soft with lots of texture, big chunks of walnuts. Yum!
Cousin Jacks Pasty Co., Saturday Farmer's Mkt., Eugene, OR
My rating 5 out of 5
From their website: "What's a pasty you say? 
Take the most delicious and fresh veggies, meats, cheeses or fruits, wrap with a flaky crust and bake! "

The flaky, slightly cheesy crust is absolutely delicious!
Pesto Lamb: Excellent
Broccoli & Cheese: Excellent
Steak & Ale: Fair. The steak with chewy and stringy.
Sausage roll: Excellent
Dana's Cheesecake Bakery, Saturday Farmer's Mkt., Eugene, OR
I only had one item, the Carrot cake. It was Excellent!!!!!
Belly Restaurant, Eugene, OR
My rating 1 out of 5
Any restaurant that serves foie gras will not be getting a good rating, nor my business.
I am not a fanatic about animal rights.  I do not agree with PETA'S fantatical thinking and demonstrations. I believe in animal rescue work. I believe there should be more laws against puppy mills. I believe farm animals should be raised & fed in a natural way without force feeding, or added chemicals to force quicker and larger growth. I believe their slaughter for meat should be as quick as possible.
What is foie gras? Foie gras means "fat liver" in French. Ducks and Geese are force fed to make their livers large and fatty. They not only suffer possible esophageal damage from the feeding tubes, but they can die from a fatty liver. According to the ASPCA, "The birds' livers become so enlarged…that according to documentation by veterinarians, the animals must experience unspeakable pain and suffering. Birds have literally exploded from these forced feedings. The results of necropsies on dead birds that have been force-fed reveal ruptured livers, throat damage, esophageal trauma, and food spilling from the dead animals' throats and out of their nostrils."

On the left: a foie gras liver. On the right: a normal liver.

(Photo courtesy PETA. Permission to use freely) 

This is all for an overpriced, unhealthy appetizer that anyone can do without.

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BUSINESS/PRODUCT REVIEW:

Cama's Country Mill, Saturday Farmer's Mkt., Eugene, OR

My rating 5 out of 5

Their products are excellent and soooooo good for you. I may have to mail order from them when we use up what we purchased. This farm company grows their own grain and mills it also, so they have control of the finished product sold to the consumers.Tom's 3-grain cereal has cracked wheat, Scottish oats, and whole grain Teff. I slow cooked this just like oatmeal. Mmmm, mmmm good.

Whole grain Emmer flour: I was given a sample of chocolate cake made with this flour. Delish! I couldn't tell that this was whole grain. Emmer grain is a very high protein grain. 15% as to 9-10% protein in white flour.
I love these products and wish I was able to try more. 
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CRAFTS:
The whole reason for us stopping in Eugene was because I wanted to attend the Black Sheep Gathering. No, it is not for all the misfits that are considered the Black Sheep of their family.  This is an event for sheep farmers, spinners, dyers, weavers, knitters, etc.
When I was still working, I used to listen to a lot of craft podcasts. I remember podcasters excitedly talking about going to Black Sheep Gathering. I hoped one day to attend. That was also when I was in NJ and far, far away from Oregon. I can now check this off my to do list.
BSG (Black Sheep Gathering), is a nice event, but small compared to other fiber related events I've gone to.
I've gone to Stitches East in CT, which is more about knitters & crocheters buying unique yarn and accessories. This is a large event and geared more to my interest as knitter. Admission is $10. per day. They have many great instructional classes you can register for.
I've gone to Vogue Knitting Live in NYC, which is also geared more for knitters, crocheters and knitting design. Admission is $20. per day (hey, you're in NYC!). I've taken a class here and it was great!
And, I've also gone to the New York State Sheep & Wool Fest in Rhinebeck. This is an event that if you had to bring hubby and even kids, they could find something to keep their interest while you look for yarn. Admission is $12. per day.
#1 rating: Of all the events, the NYS Sheep & Wool Fest is the best. It is HUGE! Lots and lots and lots of vendors. A lot of fair food, lots of viewing of all kinds of animals that are used to make fiber. There's also demonstrations about old world crafts, goat cheese making, etc.
#2 rating: Stitches East comes in 2nd. This strictly for yarn purchasing. You not only have beautiful one of a kind hand spun and dyed wool, but also major mills producing fiber made from bamboo, silk, milk, canine, cotton and more.
#3: Black Sheep was a nice event and is FREE. But it is not a large event. There were three buildings and I viewed all three within a couple of hours. There was only one food vendor, so don't go hoping for fair food. This event is more for people who spin their own yarn. You can buy raw fleece, that still needs to be cleaned and carded (tedious work). There were bags and bags and bags of fleece for sale.

Bags all marked with what breed of sheep, price per oz. etc.

Woman wearing the shawl is judging the quality of the fleece.

I went to BSG with a my Ipad Mini in hand and a list of yarns to purchase with the associated pattern. I did not want to be drawn in to buying just pretty, soft yarn and then have to figure out what to make with it. Well....that was the plan anyway.
I only bought 1 skein of yarn with a specific pattern in mind and it ends up, I purchased the wrong weight. Duh! So much for lists!
Here are my purchases.

Yarn Buddy: This is a yarn harder that you place your ball of yarn on the spindle. The round base turns as you unwind the yarn while knitting.

Isn't the Zebra wood beautiful?????
Check out Dave's other woodwork.
Dave Yocom's Wood Creations

Ram's horn

I'm always thinking of my dogs. It's difficult to resist something for them to enjoy.









And last, but not least, the yarn.

Yarn that is hand spun, hand dyed or even spun at a mill in small batches can be quite expensive. So it is not practical to make a whole sweater. It would be very expensive-well over $100., more like $150.-$200. for a sweater that you have to be very careful when you wash it to ensure it doesn't felt.
Top light blue yarn is actually a blue and white plied together. It is a wool, mohair and nylon blend. 236 yds$15.00
Middle white yan is angora rabbit and wool blend 165yds $25.00
Windsor Farms Rabbitry
Bottom blue yarn is another angora and wool blend hand kettle dyed 230yds $30.00
Right green yarn is alpaca 660yds $35.00
Not shown is a deep purple lace weight yarn 400yds for only $7.00. Why so cheap? I don't know.
Stay tuned for what I make with my additional stash.
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BOOK REVIEW:
The Sinner by Tess Gerritsen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The author, Ms. Gerritsen, consistently puts out very good murder mystery with some medical drama mixed in.
This is my 4th book by this author and I still enjoy the characters of Rizzoli & Isles. I'm afraid to watch the show on TV for fear of my imagined character development, not being close to the TV characters.
Cloistered nuns and one or maybe two being murdered. A Jane Doe missing body parts, past love interests returning. All melded together into a great book that keeps us all interested.
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WHERE WE'RE GOING:
June 25- July 8, 2013 River's End RV Park, Chinook,WA
July 9-17, 2013 Port. Hudson RV Park, Port Townsend, WA
Tentative:
Neah Bay, WA
La Push, WA
Coeur d'Alene, ID

WA, ID, MT, ND, SD, WY, then south for the Winter of 2013/214