22nd Annual Sheepshearing Festival

Una and I had the good fortune of visiting the 22nd Annual Sheepshearing Festival at Gore Place in Waltham, MA.

Sally was busy with a baby shower and a DAR luncheon.

When Una and I arrived we immediately noticed the tents and period attired women and men.  She was interested, recognizing the yarn similar to what I used.  We sat and talk with the women and they were gracious enough to let Una help in the balling of the skein of yarn.  The picture above is Una holding the skein for the woman on the left to ball.

The festival was packed since it was our first really nice day (80+).  We watched hand shearing of Merino sheep, as well as electric clipper shearing.  Una got to pet an Angora rabbit, as well as a cute brown Alpaca.

Here's a picture of Una peeking in on a couple of young sheep.  There is a lamb in the pen just out of the picture.  The mother was a new one.

All in all we had a great day.  We were sorry Sally couldn't join us, but we'll all hit the RI Third Annual Fiber Festival at Coggeshall Farm in Bristol on May 16.  Should be fun.

 

Fools – A Little Early

Over at a blog I follow called One More Thing, Kate is doing something called “the madhouse”.  Basically, a set of topics is laid out for other bloggers to post about.   Anyone can follow along and see what other’s think when presented with a specific topic.  “the madhouse” happens every Wednesday.  This week’s topic is Fools.

What’s more “Fool”ish than an Internet Worm set to go off on, of course, April Fool’s Day.  Yep, today is April 1st (well, it’s really  March 31st, but I wanted to give you a bit of fair warning to perhaps protect yourself) and in the tech world all hell is suppose to break loose due to the Conflicter Worm.  No one is certain exactly what the worm that is set to go off on April Fool’s Day will do.  It could simply pop up and say, “FOOL”.  Or, it could wipe your hard drive.  Or, perhaps steal your online banking password.  Whatever, it’s worth it to ensure you’re protected.  I’ve listed some defenses at the end of this blog entry.

When I saw this week’s topic I immediately tried to recall my best April Fool’s memory.  Unfortunately, I really don’t have any fantastic prank that I pulled on someone or someone pulled on me.  All I could recall was some radio DJs losing their jobs over some stupid prank they pulled. 

Next thing that entered my mind was who do I know that’s a fool?  No one popped to mind that I would openly embarrass here on this blog.  (Although I will say that recent discussions about straight men knitting made me pause.)

So, that left me to the “fools” who create computer viruses designed to show off their computer skills.  It’s much like a graffiti “artist” defiling other’s property to show off their artistic skills.  It’s not every year that the tech world has to be worried about this kind of “fool”, but it’s become rather common.  So, my life today is all about ensuring the computers at my employer’s place of business are protected.  It really is a waste of time for me and my staff.  It really is quite “foolish” that I , or anyone for that matter, have to go through this.

Now, if you’re unsure of your own computer’s vulnerability, the best place I can find is http://www.microsoft.com/protect/computer/viruses/worms/conficker.mspx.  Run the Protection Scan.  Also, if you haven’t already, run an update on your AntiVirus program.  Having the latest virus definitions really can’t hurt.

Oh, and if you happen to know the person who started this “foolish” worm, drop Microsoft a line.  They are offering $250,000 for assistance with an arrest and conviction.  Click here for more info. 

A Scarf for Sally

Having been inspired to knit by some friends wonderfully knitted clothes, I took the knitting kit I had purchased for Sally about three years ago and taught myself some basics (thanks to online videos from Knitting Help.)  This picture to the left is my second effort.  The first was a small scarf knitted for Una.  

Here’s a pic of that:

I’ve found a nice group of friends who knit and I look forward to taking on more difficult projects.  Perhaps I’ll get good enough to make some handmade Christmas gifts.  We’ll see. 

I’ve joined the Slater’s Mill Community Knit & Crochet Guild to meet some fellow knitters, and also support the Mill’s textile roots.  It seems like a perfect fit.  For the knitters out there who follow this blog, I’m on Ravelry as RIlurky.  Drop me a line there or follow along on my latest project. 

I'm enjoying this new hobby.