Trip South

So much has happened this winter since I left Madison.

So far we had copious amounts of snow and the records low temperatures.

As in previous winters, it would be good idea to escape the Wisconsin's winter and go South.

Spin-In 2010 is a good incentive to go to Destin, FL . I have not been there for the past four years. It would be great to meet again my weaver and spinner friends " from our good old times" and revive the craft which I've neglected in the recent years.

And at the same time, get that Florida's warmth and sunshine.

I've contacted the photographers friends, whom I've met in Wisconsin's Elderhostel photo workshop last Fall. " Whenever you will pass Birmingham, please stop by". So, I did.

Joyce and John showed me a true "Southern hospitality" in their beautiful and comfortable home.

It was pouring rain, when I snapped this picture.

Continuing my journey I drove through the torrential rain toward Pensacola, Fl. I arrived at Joan's place in the late evening, warmly greeted by Joan and Bunny, my dearest friend from our spinning days. She also braved the long drive from Rhode Island, to attend Spin-In and stay for a while in the South visiting our common friends. While waiting for my arrival, Bunny prepared a delicious tilapia wrapped with the zucchini slices and served with copious amounts of baked veggies.

In the morning I went into the garden snapping photos of the beautiful camellias.

Getting away

The winter of 2009/10 isn't any gentler then the previous ones. It's time to get away. As every year the Spinners from the southern states and beyond get together In Destin, Florida "to provide time for spinners to visit with old and new friends, expand their knowledge of their craft trough sharing, and to generally just relax,have fun and do what they love the best.
It is also an opportunity for spinners to exhibit the items which they have made using handspun yarns.
2010 challenge: "Sock It To Me". This will be special show and tell on Saturday morning. Only requirement is that some part of it be made of handspun or relate to spinning.
RANDOM NONSENSE: Skits, songs and other nonsense are encouraged.
I am almost packed. AAA helped me to plan my route. I plan to stop somewhere in southern Illinois or Kentucky for the first night. I've been invited by Joyce and John whom I've met on the photography workshop in northern Wisconsin, to stop for overnight in Birmingham. "Be sure to bring your photos" was an enticement.