My dear husband complains that I’m on the road more than I’m at home and I can’t argue. Since March 11, I’ve been to Washington, all around Italy, Maine, Texas, Pennsylvania, and New York. Out of 111 days, I’ll be gone 67. In other words, I’m away 2.5 days for every day I spend at home. I guess my husband has cause to feel a bit lonely.
I, on the other hand, am having a blast. First, I got to teach (along with Lorilee Beltman and Carson Demers!) at the third annual Getaway Retreat hosted by the Bazaar Girls in the quaint little seaside town of Port Townsend, Washington. It was a treat to learn and share while enjoying refreshing sea breezes, locally grown produce, and freshly caught fish, and shopping from independent merchants.
After just four (4) days at home, I joined Lambs on the Run’s 16-day excursion to Italy that included knitting and cooking classes, tours of wineries, a chocolate factory, and a cashmere goat farm, visits to museums, and lots of time to soak up the local culture, art, and architecture. The trip began with three days in Rome, followed by trips to Milan, Perugia, Florence, Viareggio, Parma (oh, the cheese!), and Turin. I stayed a few extra days to visit Venice as well.
I was home just long enough to get over jet lag and repack my bags, then I headed to Freeport, Maine, for my ninth Knit For Fun Retreat, held at the incomparable family-owned Harraseeket Inn. There, I rubbed elbows with teachers Kate Atherley (from Canada), Isabell Kraemer (from Germany), and Mary Jane Mucklestone (from New England), and enjoyed making lots of new friends and reconnecting with old ones. “Fun” is an understatement!
I had another two days at home before heading south to Fredericksburg, Texas, for Cindy Hallam’s first Cre8tive Escape. My fellow teachers were German knitwear designer Isabell Kraemer and Saori weaving expert Kathy Utts. If you like to pair learning with intimate luxurious settings, look for future Cre8tive Escapes.
After a full two and a half weeks at home (during which I cooked all of my husband’s favorite meals), I’m about to fly east to teach at The Knitter’s Edge in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania (June 11 and 12), and The Knitted Purl in Oyster Bay, New York (June 18 and 19). Of course I plan to make a detour to New York City to take in a couple of shows while I’m in the area!
My dear husband is delighted that I’ll stay home for the month of July (and I’ll enjoy sleeping in my own bed). During that time, I don’t know whether it’s wisest to treat him like a king in retribution for the fun I had without him, or to annoy him as much as possible so he’ll be glad to see me leave when my fall teaching schedule picks up.
Lots of travel, but sounds like they were all wonderful places. As for the husband, don’t overdo it in the spoiling department – you just might have to work too hard when you come home between teaching stints – spoil him just enough so that he spoils you when you come in from a grueling road schedule.
Would love to see pictures from these events – especially from the Italy trip.
Sounds like a great time was had by all except your husband. He’s a good sport to spend all that time alone. Probably better, though, not to spoil him. He will be expecting it July. Also, better not to let him know what fun you’re having without him. Enjoy my dear, I only wish you would come to VA!
Hi Ann,
I was wondering what classes you intend to teach at The Knitted Purl. I did not see a description on the shop’s website, but perhaps I am not looking in the right place. Thanks, Kara
To Kathie (June 4),
There are photos from the Italy trip on Ann’s Instagram account:
https://www.instagram.com/annbuddknits/
Lori
Hi Kara.
I’ll be teaching Custom Knitted Skirt (based on my classic “pleated” skirt patterns) and Top-Down Sweater with Circular Yoke (based on my book, The Knitter’s Handy Book of Top-Down Sweaters).
I hope to see you there!