Phoenix Rising

Last week, we were dressed in summer gear as we enjoyed this:

This morning, the street outside our living room window announced a blast from winter's past:

The weather is a physical reminder of the constant of change.  We think we are trapped or blessed with something; in the blink of an eye, that thing which seemed so fixed has gone, to be replaced with another. 

Next week will bring another change.  It's the end of the semester, the end of my yoga class and I'm off to a hockey tournament in the 35 degree Celcius weather of Phoenix, Arizona.  No, I will not be playing hockey.  My knowledge of the sport consists of recognizing when a goal is scored.  Instead, I will be working on my final exam, editing my booklet, spinning and knitting, while I enjoy the luxury of air conditioning and cold beverages at our lodgings. 

We're staying in a motel the first night of our arrival.  Coleen taught in Tempe recently and recommended a yarn shop to visit.  As it happens, the shop is down the street from the motel where she had a pleasant week's stay, so I booked Mr. DD and myself a room there. (At the motel, not the yarn shop. Store owners discourage you from overnighting in yarn shops, unfortunately.)  Even better, the store is open daily, most days until 8 p.m., which should give me plenty of time for at least one good browse.  (Browse, yeah, good luck. This place carries gorgeous KCL spindles, people!) 

I've packed a couple of spindles in my carry on bag, along with some trip knitting.  I'm working on a wrap, using rather poorly spun silk and wool 2 ply and annoyingly twisty circular needles.  This is deliberate: although everyone assures me that they've had no problems passing through security with their fibre work, I seem to attract the attention of airport security on a regular basis.  (The last time involved a full pat down.  That was fun.)  In view of this, I think it's wise to work on something I don't mind losing:

I'm taking my mp3 player, but no computer, so there will be no postings while I'm away.  By the time I return home, my exam should be finished, my work up to date and I hope to have photos to post and stories to tell.

Enjoy the spring blizzards and think of me as I suffer in the horrid heat. 

Thanks to Richard for house and pet sitting.  (I will owe that man SO much yarn!)  And Happy Birthday to my nephew, Christopher David W., this Sunday.