Canadian Stash Enhancement

I did buy some yarn on my cruise at the beginning of September -- but only in Canada, as it turned out. First, at Loop in Halifax, I got a skein of Tanis Fiber Arts merino laceweight yarn in the Lagoon colorway. Then at Cricket Cove in St. John I got some Handmaiden yarn -- a skein of rumple (a 100% silk with a nice boucle texture) and another skein of rumple together with a skein of angel hair (70% kid mohair, 30% nylon) in coordinated colorways. Each came with a hangtag pattern for a shawl. I thought that was a clever idea -- no need to wonder what to make of the yarn or whether you would have enough yarn for the pattern.

Bar Harbor 2009

Probably the best day of our Canada-New England cruise was our day in Bar Harbor, Maine. The weather was fantastic -- in the 70s with a clear blue sky. I walked around the town, looking at the Victorian homes, many of which had been turned into inns. Then we had lunch at the Quarterdeck restaurant, on the second floor by an open window with a view of the harbor. Jeff had lobster and I had a lobster roll, followed by blueberry pie -- a yummy lunch. I didn't want the day to end.

NYC

I love going to New York City. I love the energy. I love walking everywhere -- fast, and jaywalking at intersections when there are no cars coming. This is walking as transportation, not a leisurely stroll. I love looking in the shop windows. I love watching the people. We usually stay in the Affinia Manhattan when we can. It is right across 7th avenue from Penn Station, so you don't need a taxi. And Madison Square Garden is right above Penn Station, so this hotel is super convenient when we go to watch Duke basketball at the Garden. And there are two Catholic churches less than a block away. My favorite is the Franciscan church, seen in a view from my hotel window on this trip.