One of the best things about all my children now being married is that we have inherited a whole bunch of new extended in-law family members. We had the opportunity to spend some time with one such family over the Thanksgiving Holiday Weekend. Since we knew most of my own kiddos would not be able to make the travels home again so soon after being at the Farm for last month wedding, we opted to accept the invite.  My Andy's in-law family treated us to a fabulous time at their river home in Rock Island TN. They are the warmest and friendliest of folks, filled with genuine grace and hospitality.  

We were included in all the family traditions and fun including a glorious hike on Friday.

This part of the country has been hit with a drought this year so the river was quite low.

Low enough to walk out onto the riverbed and explore.

I was fascinated by the animal tracts.

Can you ID any?

And other treasures of the river.

                                                   We continued on to many waterfalls,

                                                               and fun photo ops.

I even got a lesson on deer markings.

Can you see where a buck rubbed the bark off with his antlers?

Such a Good Time!

Thank You Bummy and Kathleen

and Family!

We loved every moment.

That Cocktail!

Was divine.

A lovely touch for last month's Wedding celebration.

{I may have made a few small batches since}

A shot of bourbon, a sage-from-the garden based syrup, and a splash apple cider.

Served over ice in these awesome custom cups made for the occasion by Pink Poppy.

Add a branch of rosemary from that very same garden and we had a

perfect local fall flavor beverage that the party guests loved.

Ginny the bartender was awesome

For the wine and beer lovers, there was plenty.

We had been stockpiling for months,

the old coal storage bin in the cellar makes for a great cooler

and collecting purposely mismatched thrift store wine glasses at every opportunity.

My kate's old doll cabinet turned wine glass cabinet.

Each guest could choose a unique glass for the evening to refill as often as they liked.
No wondering whose glass was whos!

Planning a wedding is so much fun.

So glad Tommy and Chelsie entrusted some of the details to me.

I need a new big project!

****

Sage Simple Syrup

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1/3 cup honey

1 cup water

one orange sliced

a big handful of fresh sage leaves 

Combine all in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Simmer a few minutes until sugars are dissolved.

Strain when cooled.

Enjoy!

That Other Secret Project...

Pattern: Innisfree, Yarn: my handspun

Was for Tucker.

Given to this happy grandson of mine on his 1st Birthday last month.

Wonder if his parents know he had helped in it's construction over the summer?

My mother picked out the buttons. Perfect, I think. 'Little Mathew' the teddy was my son's best buddy as a child.

I finished Listening to A Shepherd's Life

a while back often while working on Tucker's Sweater. I enjoyed it so very much. How thrilled I was to be able to attend a book talk and signing by it's author just last week in D.C. James Rebanks' newest work is filled with lovely photos from the Lake District region he farms in the UK.

Such and interesting talk covering so many topics ranging from food systems
to preservation issues, politics
landscapes, language,

 and yes, sheep :)

***

Sharing with Yarn Along

Another Day, Another Walk

To a very special place.

McAfee Knob

The most photographed place along the Appalachian Trail.

I found out why.

The hike itself was fun and invigorating.

We walked and talked

and climbed and looked

and then reached this amazing place.

Many thank once again to those that gave us the day free from work and people care.

Moments like this and time for just two

mean the world to us.

 

High Bridge Trail

I drove a few hours to the newlyweds home to bring a carload of belongings to their new home.

They in turn treated me to the most wonderful walk in their hometown of Farmville, Va

 Across the historic High Bridge,

and over the Appomattox River.

Much to see along the way.

Like beautiful fall colors and artifacts left in the woods.

And knot creatures in the plank boards.

I see a seahorse, a solitary flower, a big eyed pumpkin and a lovely heart. What do you see?

Having a MIL show up for a sleepover 10 days into a marriage must have been a bit daunting, but Chels and Tommy greeted me with warm hospitality, a wonderful dinner, fresh baked cookies and very happy hearts.

I am grateful.

That Shawl

A secret project made spectacular reveal draped across the shoulders of a beautiful brid

I had hoped Chelsie might be able to use it at some point late into the night of her outdoor reception if cool temperature happened upon us.

Much to my surprise she immerged from our home with her new husband, my son, as they were introduced for their First Dance with the shawl I had made to complement her wedding colors.

Then kept it on well into the night.

Oh my, what a party that was!

Made with a combo of two yarns held together, alpaca lace and kid mohair, and embellished with over two hundred gold Swarovski crystal cut beads the shawl is so soft and draped so lovely.

Truly a project of Love

***

Joining in with Yarn Along