Foothills Sock

The Foothills Sock is now available on  Ravelry and  SmokyMountainColors. I have to thank Cristi for the inspiration for the sock with the Twisted Edge. It's awesome. Here is a link for you to check out her wonderful knitted items. http://turtlegirl76.com .


Now how about a little catch up. :-)


It's been way too long and I have really missed blogging. But, I now have a good reason for updating and loading you all with photos. This afternoon I am headed with my daughter to New Orleans where she will be working at Emeril's. One of Emeril Lagasse's restaurants. Also I have to brag on my son, he is getting so close to his dream of being in the military. He has lost 60 lbs. He looks so great, and he is so healthy, loosing the weight the right way. 


Right after I published the Foothills sock everything got crazy. Also going on at this time is my mom's health has declined and she has been pretty sick. I had to take her to the hospital Friday. We missed her brother's funeral because of it. So you can see, I have had my hands full. The good news is that I have some yarn that is waiting to get dyed. A few of you have requested a colorway that will be the first one I do. As soon as they are dry, you will get an email from me. You know who you are :-)


I have an update about the Foothills Sock. A friend of mine who is also a indie dyer, MoonT of Moon Holler (you can find her on Etsy and on Ravelry) is knitting my sock in some of her beautiful hand dyed. Check it out. I think it's amazing and refreshing when women can support each other. There is truly room for all of us and all our gifts and dreams.


I have a few new things for you on SmokyMountainColors. First off there is a new coupon code. The first Monday of every month use FIRSTMONDAY to get 20% off. Another code is for FREE shipping between March 9-15. Since these are the dates I'm in New Orleans, everything will be shipped when I get home. MARCH915 . 




Thank you for your patience and I can't tell you how much I appreciate you taking a minute to stop and read my blog. You are great!

New Knitting Techniques and Getting Comfortable with the Old Ones

Now that we have finished all our holiday knitting, and we have a little time before we jump into another big projects it's time to maybe think about learning some new knitting techniques or maybe learning a new, faster way to get the results you are looking for in your knitting. I know that some people avoid patterns because they are afraid of the technique because it looks too complicated or it just makes them nervous. That makes me sad. We should always be tackling something that makes us a little nervous. Where would we all be right now if we hadn't done thing that gave us "butterflies"?

I am working with my students on taking on a more challenging project every time they finish one. And I am so proud of them. Within a few months, they are knitting in the round, doing advanced cables and taking on their first sweaters. What an awesome group. SOOOOO, I am asking you, as a fellow knitter, as a friend, what is your next challenge? What are you wanting to learn but find yourself putting it off. Short rows? Cables? Finishing? Well I teach, but I can't get to you I'm going to suggest following the link below and just checking out what Craftsy has to offer. I have taken several of their classes, just to see the instructor, the class material, and what is covered. It's impressive. Plus once you bought the class, its yours forever, you can watch the videos over and over AND ask questions. They also have free classes. Now knitting isn't their only subject. I'm taking all kinds of things, but when it comes to learning techniques, being able to stop the video, and see close ups, at your own pace, this just might be what you are looking for. I know when short rows came out, some loved them and some were totally freaked out, but, now that technique is main stream and you see it all the time.

Ok, so here is the link, just click on it and check it out. Craftsy  (Don't forget to let me know what you think)

Give a Craftsy Class for Christmas

Right now you can Gift Any Craftsy Class and save big while you're doing it! Want to give someone a Craftsy class, but not sure which one to pick? With our "Gift Any Class" cards, you can buy a loved one any Craftsy class of their choosing for $30! It has never been easier to give the gift of crafting fun!

Gift 1 Craftsy class for $30 (save up to $30)
Gift 2 Craftsy classes for $55 (save up to $65)
Gift 3 Craftsy classes for $75 (save up to $105)

Features
• Gifted classes never expire
• Give one, two, or three Craftsy classes
• Deliver on any date (up to three months in advance)

Giving handmade gifts? Use the super cute gift tag below from Craftsy on your gifts this year and let your friends and family know their gift was handmade with love! 
*Please note that you must register in order to print the Gift Tag below. 

Dorset Batt,

When I began this Dorset journey I had no idea where it would lead. Dorset was a new fiber for me to learn about. I have to say that I really like it. As I have posted before I went back to a colorway that I used a long time ago, but this time I used Jacquard dyes and was very please with how everything turned out. In fact it took the dye amazingly well.

 

So then it was time to knit. Since I have read and been told that Dorset is great for socks, of course that was the direction I went. I just wanted to find out what everyone was talking about. So on size US 1.5 circulars the test started.

 

The knitting experience was different. The Dorset makes a very solid fabric, because it grabs and clings to the stitches beside it. That makes a warm sock. To make gauge I did have to adjust the tension in how I let the yarn run through my fingers. After that, it was smooth sailing. The stitches are defined, close together and exactly what I was hoping for. Now I don't know if I would wear these in the Summer, but anytime it was chilly or cold, a Dorset fiber sock would be the way to go.

 

I had planned on just knitting one sample sock, but after finishing the first one, and enjoying the sock and it's fit, the second sock is on the needles as we speak. :-)

 

So I'm encouraging you to try some Dorset, I have several 4 oz bundles in the Etsy shop waiting for you to enjoy.

 

Dorset Batt, The Process I've Been Wanting To Share

A few months ago, Smoky Mountain Colors met a wonderful local woman who raises Dorset Sheep. We obtains one of her cleaned and processed batts and I couldn't wait to start spinning it. Here is a photo of what the batt looked like after I divided down to 4oz bundles.

As you can see it has a beautiful color, it's clean and a lot can be spun from 4oz. I've found it be airy and a little stretchy (which is fantastic for nice warm socks). Now I have to be honest and say that almost everything I spin has some silk or bamboo, or something in it to made it super soft. This is one of the few things that I have spun straight up, not blended. So with that said, I feel comfortable saying that it's a little softer that Lamb's Pride wool. If you have never used Lamb's Pride I guess it's comparable to Cascade 220 and maybe Galway.

So here is the next photo. I spin a little on the thin side, mostly fingering to sport weight. I spun this so that I could knit some socks since everyone has been telling me what great socks this fiber makes. :-) There is about 400 yards, 2-ply.

So my next step is to dye see how this yarn handles dye. I have changed the dyes I use and this gave me an opportunity to try out my new "goodies." Needless to say I was pretty excited about both learning how the new dye worked and seeing how the Dorset took the color. Let me insert a little side story, when I first started dyeing I did a colorway that I loved but sold it. So I've been looking forward to dyeing it again, and this was my opportunity. There is nothing like bright reds and yellows blending into a clean crisp orange, then that fading and then adding a touch of green and lightening it up to a lime so it will the blend into the color pattern. So here are my results.

 

Two days ago I started the socks and will have photos for you when they are finished so you can see how they look.

 

www.etsy.com/shop/smokymountaincolors

 

The Perfect Home for my Hand Dyed/Handspun

 

 

Many of you know that I have a real attachment to this year. I thought for days whether I would list it on Etsy shop or not. Well I did, and after a couple of weeks I am so happy to say that it found a good home. :-) I know for a fact that this yarn will be knitted into something beautiful, and will be well taken cared for. One of the things that makes this purchase so special is that it was purchased as a gift.

Now I have to dye some more roving for me!

Once I shipped the yarn and heard that it had been a huge success, it hit me that I wonder if other hand dyers and spinners out there get feed back about their work. I know I try to let the people that I order special yarns and roving from know how much I appreciate it and sometimes send a photo of a finished yarn or knitted project. Do any of you do that? Ravelry Groups give us a great opportunity to share our appreciation and photos. Next time you finish that special project, drop an email to the designer or dyer or spinner and let them know how you feel about the project. I am sure they will love it. Sometimes a kind word will make someone's day. :-)

Out Of The Normal

If I had to title the month of January, it would be 'Out Of The Ordinary " This truly has been a strange month. Our weather has had, let's say multiple personalities and even on a more personal level things have been odd. Here is one of them. Yes, the avid knitter is crocheting. I can't remember the last time I did a whole crochet pattern. I've taught it several times in the past few years but actually doing a project is a different story.

The pattern is actually part of the Kollage Yarns 10/10 kits. You get this awesome yarn a pattern and learn some new techniques. Pretty cool idea. The shawl that I am crocheting is the bonus pattern in the kit. Which means for you knitters there is the knit version in the kit also.

We've had a pretty good response to the kits in the shop and since we are getting more and more crochet ladies in I thought it would be nice to have a display for them.
If you are interested please let me know. I'd be happy to hook you up.
So be blessed today!

Happy 2013

  Happy New Year!

This is where  I would begin telling you how busy I've been and how time has flown by. Well thats all true, but its true for all of us. In all honesty though I love to blog, but priorities, responsibilites and fatigue ruled 2012. That's not to say that it wasn't fun (oh my goodness there was fun) but a lot was and still is on my shoulders. 

Last night about 30 minutes before the ball in New York came down, I realized that I'm actually hopeful and optimistic about 2013. So many positive things are on the horizon for all of us. Personally I'm looking forward to teaching more classes/worshops and doing more fiber and yarn dyeing. My daughter will graduate from college and my son has somethings going on that I can't yet share but will be big for him. 

So I'm back to my blog, it maybe just weekly but it will alays be from the heart.

Saundra

Just Stuff. LOL

Crazy times, but fun times. I've come to accept that I'm going to be busy with something from the minute I get up till I go to bed. And that's ok, because 90% of the things keeping me busy are things I love. (or people I love) when I stop for a second and think about it. How many people can say that? No I don't have enough hours in the day, but that's a sign that I am filling every moment with life. Much better than the other choice, don't you think?  :-)

So when I'm not Blogging, Facebooking, Tweeting or emailing, I'm "busy." Busy with family, busy with my Great Dane, busy with  knitting, busy with spinning, busy with  a great job surround by wonderful people and FIBER.  That makes me happy.
I just had to get that out there.

Fiber update! I've been learning how to crock pot dye. I've got a couple done, and learned a lot, it also brought back memories of art school. I'm really excited about this new area I'm getting into, and sharing it with my friends. Here is a couple of pictures of what I've done so far. Both are Falkland.
Spinning will begin hopefully tonight after I bind off the sock I am writing for the Spinnery. (Happy Dance)

Inhale

For the past 27 years I've been a diagnosed asthmatic. I was asthmatic as a child but the doctor didn't address it. I'm not sure really what brought it on, but it happened and it's been one of those things that I've had to live with and deal with on a moment to moment basis. Life goes on no matter what. How you deal with what you face every moment of the day determines so much about your tomorrows. So that leads me to where I've been since Easter. 

Like asthma, it seems like this past month or so has had days where I could breath (figuratively speaking) easy and then there were days where it felt like someone was cutting off my breath and I was fighting to inhale. The joys were high and the lows were low. But in it all there were and are things to be so grateful for. I found that being able to sit down and knit or spin such a gift. It was in those times where I could hide myself and think and go through all the things I'm grateful for, coming out ready to see a bright side and the answers I needed, ready to see how God was going to work these things out, because they were beyond me.

So that's why I haven't been around, just dealing with things, handling the ever changing personality of a family member with dementia, and the endless juggling of life.

On a funny note, when I was in art school, I was always told that my best work came out of my pain. My creativity soared, as my mind filled with all these ideas and my execution of what medium I was using was right on point. Well it seems that I still have some of that, because through this past month I've casted on WAY too many things, but I just had to. I couldn't help myself, :-) so here's a little list.

• Celtic Kindle Cover
• A scarf
• Baby Surprise Jacket
• I'm writing a toe up sock pattern for beginners
• I'm about 1/3 into a Celtic Baby Blanket pattern that I'm writing
• and I started a shawl that I've ended up frogging because I didn't like how the yarn looked in that particular pattern.

That's just the knitting, let's talk spinning, LOL Actually I've been a good girl when it comes to spinning. I spun a friend of mine some beautiful BLF/silk for her birthday and I have some Polwarth to spin next, then some merino/bamboo/silk and then some merino silk and then...

In closing I want to let you know that it's really ok and a good thing to emerge yourself into things you love (healthy things) when times get a little overwhelming. Find things that slow your mind down and give yourself permission to deal with it all one step at a time. Realize that there are things that you just cannot handle. By acknowledging those things is a relief, it's a step in letting them go and allowing to work out. It clears the way for you handle what you can. So stop, and inhale, take a deep breath, focus on the slow exhale and be grateful, starting with being able to inhale.

Images From Todays Shoot

A few Images from Smoky Mountain Spinnery

Springtime in a Knitters World

It's been beautiful here in the Smoky Mountains. Spring has blessed us a little early with warm weather and beautiful views of the mountains. This weekend the Dogwoods have started to bloom and they have added just a touch of color to the mountain sides and along the road ways. This is truly a beautiful place to live.

It's also an amazing place to be involved in the Arts. Recently in the area there was the huge Quilt show that happens every year, and the Fiber Arts Festival in Townsend. Many of the attendees to these shows came to the Spinnery. We had customers from as far away as Massachusetts. It was a pleasure talking with them and finding out what the fiber world is like in their area.

On the home front, I have been really working on a schedule for weekly classes and a monthly workshop for the Spinnery. Right now here is a list of the weekly classes. (remember I don't have dates yet, that will be coming soon)

• Knitting (right now I have a Beginning Knit class on Wednesday mornings 10am but if you are in town you are welcome to come.)
• Knitting all levels
• Continental Knitting
• Magic Loop
• Crochet for Knitters. (edging, yokes, trim, cast ons, etc)
• Fair Isle (2 hand method)
• Drop Spindle
• Private Lessons

Workshops are going to be monthly. The April workshop will be the 14th, 1-3pm and the topic is LACE. I think Spring time shouts light lacy shawls and scarves, so I have a pattern that will be perfect. If you are in Gatlinburg on the 14th, please come and take the class it will be a lot of fun. Email me for further information.

Personally, I'm still living with what seems to be 100s of irons in the fire. But I'm coming to the belief that, this state I'm in is my "normal" I've always been a  person with a many things going on, that's why I've always been a knitter/spinner. It's my get away, my healing, my counselor, my therapy, my best friend at times. I'm truly blessed that I can be around it all the time. If being involved in with knitting, spinning, crafting, etc has done anything for you like it has me, you know what I'm talking about.  Now I'm finding that same feeling with designing. I'm currently working on a baby blanket that I'm going to call Celtic Butterfly. (Just have to get that Scottish touch in there LOL). The pattern is coming a long really well, and my goal is to have a couple of test knitters work with it by mid April. Cross your fingers.

I want to close out today with a thought.
Remember that there are always two sides to every story, before you come to a conclusion. This way you don't let other people form your opinions. You are one of a kind, so don't think like everyone else.

WORKSHOP NEWS:

I'm so excited about this. On Feb. 18th, 2-5pm I'm teaching a beginning Fair Isle class. In the morning we are having a Nuno Felting class, here is the info for you. Come to the Smoky Mountains for the weekend and enjoy the mountains, fiber and learn something new.


Fair Isle, Two Handed Technique
Instructor: Saundra McBride

Learn this beautiful technique in an afternoon. By using two balls of yarn and your own color choices you can now add a whole new level to your knitting. If you have avoided fair isle knitting because you thought it was complicated or hard learn, this method of 2 handed fair isle will surprise you.

We will cover the basics of 2 handed fair isle, yarn choices, color choice, pattern/chart reading and creating your own fair isle charts.

In class we will be starting your first project. Supplies will be provide and included in the fee.

Fee: $85

For further information and or reserving your seat please call (865) 436-9080

and

Nuno Felting Instructor: Sallie Stamps Swor

Are you ready to learn an exciting fiber art technique and walk away with the most gorgeous piece of wearable art? If the answer is yes, then this is the perfect class for you. This workshop will teach the fine art of Nuno Felting, one of the oldest methods of creating non-woven fabric. It involves taking wonderfully soft pieces of hand dyed roving (wool that has not yet been spun) and a feather weight silk and combining the two together. You will be using your own love of color, soapy water and gentle pressure to create a beautiful and completely unique scarf. Everything you need to create this scarf will be provided. Just bring your own artistic spirit. This is one piece you’ll never want to give away. Come join us to learn a new art and have a fabulous time!

Class fee: $125 (includes all supplies)

Please call us for more information and to reserve your space. (865) 436-9080

So Much Going On and So Much On My Mind

Hey, I'm finally having a few minutes to sit down and catch my breath. It's been a full schedule of coming and going, on the phone on the computer back out running the roads, work, knitting, selling my car, etc. It's been nuts. Then lets add a couple of things that have really been laying on my heart.

Giving. Sounds simple enough. But, it's something that I did a lot more of when I lived in Atlanta. I had more time then and could sit and knit all evening and make things to give aways. Now though my direction for giving is a little different. I don't have a single person or group in mind. I just know that I want to knit and donate when I knit. So I've been asking around to different churches, organizations and charity groups and found a couple that could REALLY use the help. One is a clinic for children and the other is a ministry for the homeless and especially our military that are homeless and living on the streets. Now, if any of you feel in your heart that you would like to join me in the outreach, please email me at knittingsatori@gmail.com. I know for a fact that right now the military homeless are in serious need of socks. Not just hand made, but bags of socks from like Hanes/Fruit of the Loom, etc. I have seen so many wonderful things happen when a person gives. I know I've experienced a few miracles when I've given that could take a whole blog post to talk about. But, really, if you would like to join me, I'd love to talk with you. The child's clinic is mostly looking for blankets, small hand knit or crocheted toys/animals, hats, scarves, mittens, things a long those lines.

One true thing about people in the hand craft community is that we are always ready to help another person, no matter where we are at in our lives. That is an amazing character for such a large group of people. I have seen knitter's and spinners, freely help and assist other's that they have never met face to face, just communicated with online. It's a great thing.

Another thing on my mind (and not so deep) is knitting related also,

Stitches South. I am so hoping that I can work things out financially so I can go. It's looking good right now. Meeting up with some of my knitting students from Atlanta would be so great. I miss them. I would also like to connect with some of the customers/Ravelry friends from Smoky Mountain Spinnery. I guess I need to come up with something that has my Ravelry name on it, so I can be recognized. Any suggestions? I'm even thinking about setting up a meeting time over by the concessions so we could all meet up for a little while.

Writing my bio. I am in a place where I have to write my bio. Let me tell you, I tried it last night and I'm not good at it. I sound pretty dull. I can blog, I can encourage and I can share from my heart and experience, but putting something together about myself in an exciting way. Well, not so much. If any of you have suggestions PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, let me know.

Buying a spinning wheel. This subject has come up many times on my blog. I guess it just wasn't the right time. But, I maybe able to in the next couple of weeks. I'm really praying that it works out. I've got it down to two, (which is great progress from me asking everyone about their wheels). Both are Schacht wheels, The Matchless is my dream wheel, every time I walk by the Matchless at the Spinnery, it calls my name. I love that wheel. My other choice is the Side Kick. What a cutie. It's of course compact, and more portable, spins well, and again the one at the Spinnery and I are on good terms. We like each other. :-)

So that's some of what's been going on. Before I go let me share one of the projects I have on my needles that I'm loving. It's the Agave Scarf, by Universal Yarns. (the link is to the Ravelry description to it) The pattern could be written a little different at first, but once you get it, OMG, you will love it. It's a great knit, easy to watch TV and do, and it's beautiful when finished. 

I'm off again. Out to do my running around for the day. Enjoy yourself, smile a lot, and knit often.

Feeling like YUCK

Last week my daughter came in room and she looked horrible. You know that look you get when you are sick. Well her symptoms lasted about 5 days. Typical cold for her. Then Thursday afternoon I started feeling "funny." A little sore throat but mostly an uncomfortable feeling in my lungs. I knew I had caught it too when that feeling hit. For some reason when I catch something it always goes to my lungs. So Friday I woke up to having no voice and the yucky feeling you have when you got a cold. Today is a little better though. I still have no voice, but I'm moving around pretty good and I'm hungry.

Hopefully I can get some knitting done today, because I didn't feel good enough to even pick up needles yesterday.

Have a great weekend and stay healthy!

Fall in the Smoky Mountains

This morning I woke to the wonderful sound of light rain. I knew it was gonna be a great day. I've always loved waking to the sound of rain, knitting to the sound of rain, and well just about doing anything to the sound of rain. Then I got to get out in it for a little while. The leaves here are just starting to take on their new colors. With the leaves being wet and shiny they are just beautiful. In a few weeks they will be taking my breath away.

Waking up to all this has inspired me to knit as much as possible today. I have a rocking chair by my window that is my new favorite place to knit. I can open that window, listen to the rain and knit myself into a peaceful and wonderful place.

How about you? Do you have an inspirational place to knit? What part of your surroundings inspire you to get creative?

The Miracle of Knitting

I don't know about you, but for me knitting has saved me millions (slightly exaggerated) in what I would have spent going to a therapist. Don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with going to a therapist. I've been there after my divorce. Note: I wasn't knitting that much during that time. Anyway, over the years of knitting and blogging I have a reoccurring theme. Knitting can soothe the soul, can heal a multitude of things and can be the perfect meditation. It's a great cure for whatever is ailing you.

So what is ailing me? Adjusting. I like change, really I do. I like meeting new people, I like new environments, I like the challenge of setting up a new home and all that goes into that. But, I've needed a knitting break. So today I sat down and pulled out some beautiful Wedgwood blue, Knitting Hemp 6 and made two little soap cozies. A local store here within walking distance makes the best bar soap I've ever used so I went down there and bought 2 bars of soap and they fit perfectly into the my little cozies. I can't tell you how good it felt to knit and clear my mind and make something. It was like drinking a shot of espresso. I felt energized and happy and ready to get back int to the "adjusting." The pattern is on Ravelry.

I'll be honest with you all, it's been a crazy couple of weeks. So many things hit at the same time that were totally because of other people not doing their part, or doing what they said they would. But, we got through it, on top of maintaining everything else that goes on with a big move. So we adjusted to all that.

So what else am I adjusting to I think it's a good thing, but, people here are so nice, and they want to get close to you, like a step or two within your bubble. And I'm not just use to that. Being where I use to live we kept our distance for safety sake. So I'm adjusting to trusting these people and not being so one guard. I don't want to come off as a Bit@#. They are really creative people and enjoy their lives and enjoy getting together with other creative people and sharing. I have had a lot of fun meeting them, and yet I'm adjusting to being the "New" one.

So, with all this going on, guess what I'm thinking about doing? Nope, I all ready have had a glass of wine, try again..... yup, I'm looking again at spinning wheels. I figure if knitting is magical and using a drop spindle is so relaxing, learning to spin on one of those fabulous wheels has got to be close to heaven. I'm sure it will definitely help me adjust. ;-) So I'm looking again. I should have a little extra change in a few weeks, so I'm open to suggestions. What should I get, and why. I can't wait to hear from you.

Blessed be.

Quickie

Being under the weather always has a sweet side. That sweet side for me is that I have more time to knit. (I bet you all feel the same way too.) Anyway, I haven't had much of a chance to work on my Monkey Socks so that was my project to start with. Throughout the day I worked on everything that I have on the needles but these socks have my attention. Here is a picture of them. This was take the other day, but I wanted to share with you how they are looking with the Knit Picks Felici.

There are 4 of the lace rounds finished in the picture but I've finished the 5th round and I'm starting on the heel.

So it's back to knitting, letting the Day Quill work and sitting in my knitting chair.

Blessed be

I'm suppose to be in Tennessee

My bags were packed, the Cruiser was ready, and my throat was so sore and my fever was 101.3 so I didn't get to go on my weekend trip. I really need to get away for a couple of days and check on mom. Plus I seriously need to go to the Smoky Mountain Spinnery. But mom sent me a few pictures to make me feel better.

So I'm going to fix me a hot toddy, kick back and knit, and sleep, and knit, and sleep... I may play on Ravelry some too. ;-)

Blessed Be

Pictures for you

Well I thought since I only have a couple of things on the needles right now, I'd get a few pictures of them up on the blog.

These socks are going to be sooooo nice when they are finished. I'm using Lion Brand's new Sock Ease yarn in Toffee. We'll see how the yarn wears pretty soon. LOL. The ribbing is a 4 stitch rib, with the typical 2 knit, and then the Moss stitch, that you have to see pretty much up close to enjoy, but I think it may become my favorite ribbing.

The next pictures are of a project I started out of frustration. For some reason knitting wasn't relaxing me so I got the drop spindle out a few weeks back and started hand spinning.. Then I decided that I wanted some yarn that was thick and thin, for the up and coming cooler weather. So I started spinning whatever I reached in and got. ;-) And this is what it's become. I'm naming it Neapolitan, since it reminds me of strawberry, vanilla and chocolate.

OMG, Ravelry! I know I'm a late bloomer and all that, but I have to say that I could seriously waste a lot of time there. LOL. I'm still getting setting things up and looking around but I hope this coming weekend that I can get a lot done on it. Keeping track of projects, needles, etc will be so nice.

I have one more picture for you. Everyone knows that my daughter is a Pastry Chef. (don't we all love her? ) But over the weekend she turned 22 and did her own birthday cake. Now let me explain a little about Sara. Since she was about 2 years old her favorite holiday has been Halloween. When she was 3 or 4 she wanted me to change her birthday to Halloween, so you can see where we are going here. ;-)

Blessed Be