Two Fine Days

We've had an almost perfect weekend here, with the exception of a little excessive whining on Julie's part. Not sure what's going on there, but it comes and goes, and I'm sure if we trudge on through it will get better again. In the mean time, it didn't stop us from having fun.

We started off Saturday morning with a trip to the Minneapolis Farmers Market - just me and the girls because Joe had to go get his hair cut. I've lived here for something like nine years, and this was my first trip. I don't know why I never went down there before, but I'm glad we finally did. Yes, it was crowded. Yes, I spent more money than I expected to. But oh my goodness there were so many things to see, hear, taste and smell! Right off, I saw a kettle corn booth, and since Julie had been quite whiney about not wanting to go, not wanting to be there up until we got out of the car, I decided to buy a bag and hand it to her to make sure she'd be happy. It worked. The kid chowed on popcorn pretty much the entire time we were there, but I'm okay with that. I had the girls in the double stroller, and although it was a little hard to navigate through the crowds and along the aisles, it was great to know exactly where everyone was at all times, and it was great for carrying all the stuff I bought. Here they are sitting next to one of the many vegetable stands. So many local growers with fresh veg of all kinds!



This guy was cutting samples of his canteloupes, and they were amazing! Just looking at them, with their dark orange flesh dripping with juice had me ready to buy one, but then I caught the smell and tasted a ball and oh boy! I haven't cut mine open yet, but it's smelling up the kitchen and will make great breakfasts this week.


Here's another vegetable stand. Just look at the colors! I felt a little weird about taking pictures of most of the stands, but there were so many beautiful flowers, too. There were several stands selling fresh herbs, and as the wind blew over them, the scent was unbelievable.


There were food stands, too. We bought some frozen tamales from one guy, then in the next aisle there was a lady selling single heated ones. It sounded good, so I bought one to share with Julie. She took a couple of bites and asked for more popcorn, but I thought it was pretty good. Sophie was happy chewing on her plastic rings. She still doesn't have those bottom teeth out yet, but it's got to happen one day soon.


There were street entertainers as well - some musicians, and this guy, a clown making balloon animals. What they say about clowns being scary is true. He knelt down next to her so I could take this picture, and she said "I want my mommy!" It was one of those moments where you feel sorry for your kid but at the same time warms your heart because you know you are their end-all be-all.



She was happy again once he handed her a bunny and backed the heck off. Until the bunny popped a few minutes later.


The morning overall was a complete success, and I came home with fresh corn, beets, apples, peppers, and some other stuff I'm sure I'm forgetting as well as the cone of cinnamon almonds that I treated myself to since nobody else in the family can eat them (Joe's allergic and we're holding off on nuts for Julie till she's at least four.)

It really was a fine day out, and the morning had been really windy, so after lunch we all walked to the park and flew our kite. It's a tiger, and we managed to get it up pretty high a couple of times, although the wind had died down somewhat and was coming only in gusts.


Julie had fun for about ten minutes, then wanted to go play on the playground, so Joe took her over there while I played with the kite for a few more minutes (I had Sophie in the sling) and then put it away and joined them.


Here we are sitting on the blanket, Julie having a little snack. It's not so often these days that the circumstances of not having Sophie in my lap and Julie wanting to sit in my lap collide, but it happened and it is wonderful to know for a moment that she is still my cuddle-bunny too.


Today was a good day, too, although much more laid back. Just a quiet day at home, maybe to make up for the fun we had yesterday. We got to eat a nice dinner out for free because the Granite City restaurant that is getting ready to open nearby was having their run-through night tonight. A friend called me this afternoon and told me to call up and make a reservation. They had a limited menu, and we all had to choose different meals, but otherwise it was their practice night to train the wait staff. I'm kicking myself, though, because like a total ass, I didn't think to call more friends till we were on our way home from dinner and then I was all "Why didn't we call so-and-so?" Sorry, friends!

And now on to some knitting. The blanket... The blanket is starting to remind me of "Audrey Jr." from the Little Shop of Horrors. She keeps asking to be fed more yarn, then she gets a little bigger and her voice gets a bit louder and she gets even hungrier. Now she's big enough, even started wrapping herself around me as I knit. I don't think she's dangerous yet. Here's the area I was working on tonight.



Now that the pants are done, there's another project piping up for some action, and I think it makes a good case to hurry up and get it done. This is a dark picture because I captured a lot more of the texture without the flash than with it, but here is the little sweater I was working on for Julie to match Sophie's prize-winning one.



This one is a pale cream color, and the cables are slightly different, but it is turning out just as lovely if not more so. The body is finished up to the underarms, so I need to get started on the sleeves. I'd say this project is at least halfway done. I think my mind just froze up when the time came to map out the sleeve stitches and numbers - and it didn't help that it coincided with a particularly bad moment in Sophie's sleep history. Sophie has been going to bed at a more acceptable time the last couple weeks (knock wood - we're not going to discuss it any further for the moment) so it is time. Time for a finished sweater! I'm going to go figure out and hopefully cast on that first sleeve right now. Wish me luck.