Saturday, October 31, 2009

Canyon de Chelly







We wanted to visit Canyon de Chelly last year on our way north but ran out of time so
we managed to spend a couple of nights there this year.

The first day we drove along the south side and the second day we spent all day in a 6 wheeler Korean War era ammunition carrier in the Canyon on a tour.

So much to see.

Much to imagine about life in the canyon although people still live and farm there in the summer.

Monument Valley



We decided to drive through Monument Valley this year on the lookout for John Wayne and John Ford.

Alas, we saw neither - didn't expect to for obvious reasons.

Gorgeous monoliths though.

Canyonlands National Park







We spent a day driving and a little bit of hiking around Canyonlands National Park.

We had a great time but it appears that if you have a 4 wheel drive vehicle with good clearance you could do and see so much more.

Sue's Presentation in Boise



















We planned our trip south to allow us to stay in Boise, Idaho, when Sue Veseth was giving her presentation of my ancestor's knitted lace and patterns - the Robbins family.

When my Father passed away we found handwritten patterns for laces from the 1800s and examples of knitted lace that I took to Sue to look at.

Sue did more than just look at. She examined the lace, washed it, laid it in the sun to naturally bleach during the summer days (actually there were quite a few that year) and then tried to knit some of the patterns.

From there she researched my ancestors, redid the patterns with modern techniques and.........

Great presentation - Michael said he learned more about my family during that talk then he had in thirty years!

Sue passed out a pattern to each Knitting Retreat participant to try and knit - very interesting to watch.

Thank you, Sue.

Sue also gave me homework for the project which I am very slowly accomplishing.

A visit with my Uncle Jimmy and Aunt Carvel



On our way to Tucson we stopped in Yakima/Selah for a visit with my aunt and uncle.

Spent the day catching up on family news then reviewing the family photos that I have managed to scan so far.

Then to dinner and back to our motel to rest up for out trip to Boise and Sue Veseth's presentation on the Robbin's knitted laces and patterns.