Two years!

Well, it's been two years since I posted on this blog. Time flies when you're having fun, but also when you're busy!

For the first time since I've been in Tennessee (and that's been 9 years!), my best friend since grade school, Sandy, came to visit for a couple of days in August. She brought her mom with her. Long trip from Pennsylvania (about 13 hours) and they took two days in which to do it. Sandy's mom, Pearl, and my mother have been friends for 56 years (they're both in their 80s) and cried when they saw each other. So sweet! They'd not seen each other for about 7 years, which was when my parents also moved to Tennessee.

Anyway we all had a blast! Pearl barely got in my door when she started asking when she would see my parents. So rather than waiting until the next day (and giving Sandy & Pearl a chance to rest) we drove over and picked up my parents and brought them back for the afternoon and an early dinner.

It was great to spend time with them. The entire visit was far too short - I think they were on the road more hours than they were here - so we plan to do this again but they'll stay for a longer visit next time! Can't wait!

The pool has been a blessing this summer. Having 72 days (and counting) with temperatures above 90 degrees makes for crabby Tennesseans. Usually we have only 30 or so days that are that hot. The tomato crops are non-existent here - too wet for them in the spring and too hot in the summer. And the 90 degree heat continues. Yesterday was 91, today it's supposed to get to 93, and it will be in the 90s again tomorrow before a cold front moves through and gives us some relief.

Currently (when I'm not in the pool!) I'm in the process of moving the contents of The Busy Needle's brick and mortar shop to the online store. What a job! The shop's last day open to the public was August 31st and with all the people that came in I thought we were having a wake. It was all I could do to keep friends and customers from crying. Good grief people, we're not closing - we're moving to a much larger space!

I finally wrapped up the plans for The Busy Needle Fall Retreat. At the moment we have 9 people going, with room for 6 more. We had to get a second lodging facility to accommodate all of us. No classes at this one - a retreat only for knitters and stitchers to get some work done on their Christmas gifts or WIPs. I'll be posting more information about the retreat on The Busy Needle's website later this week. www.TheBusyNeedleWebsite.com

Friends (Lorie and Gregg) asked us to join them bowling a couple of weeks ago. Bowling, hmmm.... haven't done that since... well... before I had children (and my oldest is 36!) The first time out was a bit of a shock when I realized I'd not been using my 'bowling muscles' for - uh - at least 36 years! My knee revolted. Took 10 days for me to walk without limping. Much better now. Anyway we've gone 3 times now and I'm just getting back in the swing of things (not counting those 8 gutter balls in a row last time out. We aren't going to talk about them!) Now if our friends will just get their act together and make this a regular weekly thing I think we'll all be in better shape!