Pumpkins are taking their places at the Co-op and vegetable stands along with mums, apples, and ornamental cabbages here in Vermont. I thrill to the crisper air and the subtle changes in the shades of green on the mountains. At first I see a bit of yellowed green, then tips of leaves begin to turn red and now the speed of the transition is quickening. The light is different as is the air and the sounds. The crickets are here, and, soon I fear, the little mice that love to take up residence in farm houses such as mine. Poe, our cat, thinks she is a kept woman, not needing to earn her keep, which puts me in the unhappy position of trap-keeper.

The fall is my main time of year for reflection, and I am full of gratitude for this past year, my first year here in New England. It went by so quickly! I cherish the new friendships that have been created and this way of life which is so much easier in many ways than what I experienced in Maryland. Autumn is also a bittersweet time for me. I celebrate my daughter Chelsea’s birthday (my baby is 20!) while I go through my annual mourning of the loss of my daughter Chloë. It is hard to believe that she would be 24 years old now. I have discovered, as all people eventually do, how middle age gives one a different perspective; that the bumps in the road are meant to smooth our own rough edges. So I hope for Grace and an unending feeling of gratitude and abundance.

I must mention the Mostly Merino workshops in August that were held nearby. It was another wonderful and warm time. Here is a photo of part of the class for the first days of the retreat.

Here, BJ is unwinding her yarn for the Two-End Knitting, or Twined Knitting, class. We made little mittens to learn the techniques. Two-End Knitting, Tvåändsstickning in Swedish, is aptly named because both ends of a center-pull ball are used. The knitting is not like stranded knitting even though two yarns are used within each round. The yarns are twisted after every stitch yielding a thick and very warm fabric with unusual textural (or color) motifs possible.

And check out those Sanquhar Gloves!!!! My class worked so hard, but enjoyed themselves immensely. One of my students dubbed them “Sasquatch” Gloves and the name stuck. Silly, funny Janet!

I am looking forward to teaching this very class at the Olema Inn in Olema, California, north of San Francisco on Wednesday and Thursday, November 12 and 13. (I will also teach Norwegian Mittens on Saturday, the 15th and Seamless Arans on Sunday the 16th.) If you are interested in joining us for fun classes, exceptional food, and warm comraderie, call 415-663-9559. I hope to see you there!