This past weekend, I mentioned that I had traveled up north to visit with a friend. Last Wednesday, Hannah and I jumped in the car and traveled North a little ways thru Crawford Notch into Littleton to have lunch with Judy.
The day couldn’t have been more perfect for a road trip. The temperatures were almost autumn like with a warm breeze and the sun was smiling on us.
We met at this fabulous little cafe that looked out over the Swift River. Even Hannah who sometimes does not like to travel out of her own back yard had to admit that it was a nice day, especially when it included a trip to Chutter’s, home to the world’s longest candy counter.
Right next door to the cafe is a little grist mill, where you can find locally ground flours, oatmeal, pancake mixes and maple syrup. Given that I am trying to participate in Liz’s One Local Summer, I snagged some of each. Whew……..I never realized just how hard it can be to create meals comprised of completely local stuff. The fruits and veggies….not so hard, but it is the other things, such as flours, butters, etc that are a bit more of a challenge….but that’s for another post.
After a little chatting,
a lot of laughter and a great lunch, it was time for Hannah and I to wind our way back home thru the Mt. Washington National Forest. As pretty as the mountains are in the winter, they are even more so in the summer. The lush colors of green against the blue skies………..just beautiful!
There was a purpose for this trip besides just a visit with a good friend. You see this fabulous toy……..it is an electric winder that Judy’s significant other made for me. Let me tell you what a life saver this has been for me. What has made it extra special to me is that some of the maple wood on this was handmilled by C from trees on their land in VT.
Up until now, I have wound and rewound my skeins with a niddy noddy to the point where I thought my arm might go on strike, but with this new little toy, I have been able to quadruple what I can wind in an afternoon and my shoulders are greatful.
With winter not to far in the distant future am trying a few new heavier weight yarns….what a dream it was to use this winder with them :-). Thank~you Judy and C!!!!!
The Woolen Rabbit 
I can’t imagine the work it was for you wind skeins on your niddy noddy! I can’t take my eyes off that pile of color. I’m having dreams of winter…good, sweet dreams! LOL
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Lunch with Judy? I’m jealous! Awesome skein winder- an arm saver for sure! Looking forward to seeing some of that sweater yarn.
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That skeinwinder of Judy’s looks like the best thing since sliced bread. I’m so glad you have one! You need that arm for spinning, after all… 🙂
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You were winding everything by hand? What a chore that must have been! I’m glad you found something to help you.
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I am so happy to hear that you are pleased. I couldn’t do it without mine. I’ll tell C. We should meet there again soon. What a lovely day!
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You and Hannah must have had a wonderful time visiting Judy. I’m jealous of your skein winder!
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Lucky girl. Lunch with Judy AND a new skein winder. Can’t wait to see the new yarns.
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I love a good road trip. Gorgeous scenery!
That electric winder is going to same wear and tear on your arms. Worth every penny considering how much yarn you wind. I don’t suppose I could justify buying one, though I wish I could, because it’s so beautifully handcrafted.
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The grist mill was a great find! I’m looking forward to see what you did with the goodies you got there. 🙂
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What a nice trip! Lots of fun I bet!
The yarn looks yummy! Beautiful colors!
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Glad you had such a nice trip with such lovely weather! That ball winder is really wonderful! 🙂
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Great sounding road trip -I have only been there in the winter time but the reminder was appreciated! If I come to New England again I will see it through new eyes, not just as a skier but a knitter! I will need extra luggage on the return trip!
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