New York, New York ...

After the last few weeks, I really needed a break.
A change of scenery ....

And familiar faces ...I spent a few days in New York, visiting my sister and my son -- both of whom work and live there.

My travelling companion was, with a nod to Stephanie, the sock. The sock is a gift in progress for a friend who had foot surgery. What better celebration of recovery than handknit socks, right?

The sock enjoyed the sleeping compartment on the train ...
And brunch at The Farm on Adderley. The chocolate brioche with butter and sea salt was amazing and the Bloody Marys were the best I've ever had.

I dragged the sock to the Poetry House in Battery Park. For a word nerd, it is like a trip to Paradise. Books, journals, tapes, CDs -- all poetry, all the time.

The sock lit a candle at St. Patrick's Cathedral.

But wisely stayed far from the flame.

It walked across the Brooklyn Bridge -- with a little help.

And it found its dream bicycle parked under the bridge.

The sock visited yarny kin at La Casita and Knitty City. There was only one purchase, some gorgeous lace-weight in shades of red. Destined for a shawl, just have no idea which one.

And while the sock rested in its knitting bag, and I walked around a chilly New York in the sweater I'd made my brother 17 years ago, Cecelia and I remembered him with tears and with laughter. We talked about how family bonds are reconfigured around a gaping hole. We celebrated having each other and having time together.

We reminded ourselves that love really can see us through.

I got to hold the sock!

Stephanie Pearl-McPhee, the Yarn Harlot, was in Ann Arbor today for a 7 p.m. talk. My sister-in-law and I got to the public library a little before 3 p.m. There was one other person there -- and a couple of others had gone to get lunch.

We scored front row seats and settled in to knit. Or, in Kathy's case, crochet.

By 4, it was a little more crowded. Everyone was exchanging Ravelry names, and Lisabai had thought to bring name tags so that we could all identify our ravatars.

Brenda brought the largest knitting needles I have ever seen -- the ends were like crutch tips.

I can't help but wonder how achy my shoulders would be if I actually tried knitting with those -- but look how much she's gotten done.

And is anyone else thinking, "Wonder what airport security made of those?"

By 5:30, they were sending people upstairs to the overflow room.

Stephanie was great -- she was witty and entertaining, and has great comic timing. We all left feeling vindicated in our belief that, really, knitters will take over the world. We may be the only ones with the brain waves to do it. (Go hear her talk, read the book.)

There was a huge line to have books signed, and Stephanie was warm and gracious to all of us.

I got to hold the sock!

Afterward, we went to Busy Hands --everything in the store was 20% off; how could we resist? I managed to get away with nothing more than a skein of Lopi Grignasco silk/merino laceweight. I'm going to use it for Sivia Harding's Shetland Garden stole.

This sums it up --

The more, the merrier

Yesterday, a group of knitters who had mostly only "met" on Ravelry got a chance to meet in real life. And, you know, actually touch the projects we usually only see in little computer thumbnails.

We met at the Yarn Basket -- Soulbabe and Erksnerks, Catknittian,Forevermore (she of the amazing cookies) Ruanawoman, Mrs. Abi, Erksnerks, Kyrthira, Rynna (I think, so hard to remember Ravatars vs. real faces) and a couple more -- apologies to anyone I forgot. Senior moment.

And our hostess, Betsyboo --

There was yarn, there was coffee, there were cookies (thanks, Deb!) and a lot of sharing.

As others have mentioned, it is amazing how diverse people can be so connected through the medium of some sticks and string.

I got some knitting done on the lace stole. (OK, I made yet another mistake and ripped back. Cherry chocolate chip cookies, conversation and lace do not mix. But I fixed it and moved on later in the afternoon. )

I acquired yarn --

And, um, some Opal, too. I cast on socks with said yarn --

Then I went to lunch with my favorite non-knitter --

He and I went into Ann Arbor later -- I totally forgot it was the day of the Hash Bash. When I was at U of M, it was still on April 1. Now, in an amusing sort of mimicry of the federal government, it has been moved to the first Saturday in April.

While we were at West Side Books, we were treated to the police racing by to break up a fight at Conor O'Neil's. I stopped into Busy Hands, where the owner had almost hit her "drunk quota" for the day -- three and she's ready to close the doors. Ahhh, the Hash Bash. I had forgotten how much "fun" it is.

Busy Hands is partly sponsoring Stephanie Pearl -McPhee's visit on Friday evening, and will be open until midnight. With food. And adult beverages.

Who's with me?