Away.....n....Back Again

New hat pattern and yarn tucked inside the travel bag and I was ready to go.....

it calls for Aran yarn, but as usual, I thought I'd wing it and take along some yarn I've had for several years...waiting for something special.


We would  be arriving after dark, so with all my efficient packing for the weekend, I included a CD to watch in the car.
A special instructional CD for my camera...so I would be better prepared for next weekend's trip....

One problem.....I forgot to pack the laptop.

We were greeted by friends moments after driving into the park and talked of plans for the next day -
the dogs anxious to get out of the truck with hopes they'd be included onto the friends golf cart.

Up early the next morning I took the camera along to share the views with you..









I won't tell you how many times....or how long I worked on trying to cast on and increase to begin the hat pattern...when it finally seemed to be going well enough and I was thinking "finally" I was underway on the new pattern.....

A few inches later....it's a bust....this isn't aran yarn, too thin, I didn't want to double the yarn.
It's not going to work out...so I'll be digging into my stash of yarn for the emerald colored Debbie Bliss aran I know is there. (remember...no new yarn in 2012?)
I could increase the stitch count, but...frankly....I want to just stay with the pattern and get this on and off the needles and be done with it.

After I realized I'd wasted too much time I left the mess on the table and joined Man In Black for a lengthy bike ride up and down the hills looking for anything from wildlife to toys for sale (boats, jeeps, carts &trailers)...

We weren't the only ones up this weekend and we were surprised to see other friends enjoying the weekend...they got their sunburns on the water...our arms sun kissed while peddling.

The day ended late (12:30 p.m...that's late for us who typically go to bed at 10:00 on weeknights)
after spending hours around a campfire discussing everything from Obama, leases, trees, to lost friends over the past 10 years.

This morning we were up early....I like to use my favorite knife and fork out there and the plates I bought that I thought matches the 70's trailer we stay in.

See these????.
Our neighbor has a tradition going with us....He..yup...He...loves to bake

So every morning on the day that we leave he comes over with a plate of warm cupcakes for us to enjoy while driving home...sweet...

While we got closer to home...clouds....dark....the kind that holds a promise of rain....

The weekend ended perfectly....heavy rain, cold temps...a homemade pizza and a movie about a dolphin missing a tail...all tucked inside a cozy home...

Enjoy your week...I'll restart the hat pattern tomorrow and show you how it's going tomorrow night.
If I kept going the hat would have fit a 3 month old and I need it to fit someone 12 years old....
I have to have this done by Thursday...I'm not a fan of double pointed needles so that gives you an idea how much I'm NOT enjoying this cast on...I've considered going backwards on the pattern...

do you remember???

Have you ever resorted to that????      See you soon...we have a decision on Havasu...stay or go???