Greater Love for Stuff

How many times does this happen to you? You make a retail purchase and in return you get an actual handwritten thank you note from the shop a few days later. This is a first for me and it's such a simple act of appreciation and kindness that just blows me away. In fact, the last time I visited Stuff, the owner went out of her way to customize my purchase. I want to tell everyone I know while in Kansas City, you must visit this shop and invest in local, handmade talent.

Lunch Hour in Riverside

On days that I don't have appointments out of the office I'm able to ride Hoolie around on my lunch hour. It's a nice break in my day. Sometimes it's to Riverside Cafe for lunch or on a day like today, I just rode around the river and park.

Knitting in the Heartland

Becca, Judy, Jackie (my KIPer peeps) and I met up early this morning for a day trip to Kansas City for the 2010 Sunflower Knitter's Guild expo, Knitting in the Heartland. There were several alpaca fiber, yarns and spinning batt vendors. I came away with an ArtClub assorted batt and another Tracie Bunker felted dread ponytail holder. Our next destination was a stop at Stuff where I found the pretty Amy Labbe pearl cross necklace that caught my eye several months ago. It was just meant to be mine afterall.

Simple Things Shawlette

I found a simple pattern on Ravelry, Simple Things Shawlette, that's perfect for the denim colorway yarn I purchased during my last trip to Columbus.

The yarn hand dyed merino goodness by Neigborhood Fiber Co. at Wonder Knits. The pattern a basic stockinette design with garter eyelet ridges.

This scarf goes well with my vintage, denim Levi's duster. Yes, I've had it since the late 80's. It can also be snapped up the front for a dress and I like to think of it as retro-cool (NOT stuck in the 80s!) But then again, the 80's were the best...

St. Patrick Parade in Delano

I had some high hopes of riding my bicycle from home to downtown for the parade at high noon in Delano but it was too cold. So, instead, I loaded Hoolie up in the truck and unloaded at the stadium. Rode to the Vagabond for some coffee then over to Twist to find my spot facing Douglas Avenue. Jill and Shelly's kids kept me company as the parade passed by us throwing candy and beaded necklaces at the crowd. My favorite was the salon girls crazy, green balloon hair and hats. Then I rode down to Bicycle Xchange to take care of legal matters: a bicycle license, head/tail LED lights and a bell. Now I'm in full compliance with the city's bicycle laws.

Maiden Voyage

The temperature rose to 54 degrees today so I threw on some knitted mitts and scarf and took "Hoolie" out for her first ride over to Harrison Park. I made several passes around the park and discovered I need to get a bicycle bell. Pedistrians just don't have a clue when you say, "Passing on your left". I stumbled a couple times taking off after walking her across busy intersections, but come on, I haven't rode a bicycle since junior high. Then when I came upon a slight hill coming home I was thanking my lucky stars I have more than one gear. I'm in love with a bicycle...