Rainy Day Projects

Rain (finally) was predicted for today, so we got up with the intension of getting to the Farmer's Market this morning before the rain fell.  As we got closer to downtown, we discovered that the streets were closed off for a huge Art Fair; however, the Farmer's Market still held their territory right next to the artists' booths.

The sky was threatening, but the crowds forced us to park a few blocks from the festivities.  That was OK since we figured a little walk this morning might feel good.  The crowds were beginning to gather as we reached the market.  We found the bakery booth that we frequent often, and Rick was able to buy the whole wheat bread that he was seeking.  I bought a petite cheese boules which should go well with our Tavernhouse cheese soup this evening.  (Even though the temperatures are still near 80, soup always tastes good on rainy days!)

I had taken the market bag that Stephanie knit for me a couple of years ago.  As I loaded the bread into the bag, the young woman who always waits on us said, "Where did you get that wonderful bag?"  Rick told her that our daughter knit it for us.  "If she would like to make some more," she said, "I could easily sell them for her here at our booth. They would sell in a minute."  We smiled and said we would deliver the message.

So there you go, Stephanie.  In your "spare time" you can supplement your income with knitted market bags! :-)  Actually, we use and love both the knit market bag from Stephanie and the big lemon beach bag from Lindsay.  Sometimes just the right bag makes a world of difference.

We walked back to our car and within two minutes of getting home, the skies opened to a good thunderstorm.  While I feel bad for the people who are trying to sell their wares at the Art Fair and the Market, I am not sorry to see the rain.  The grass and flowers need it.

Yesterday and especially today, we have both been busy in the afternoons working on projects.  I am sewing Christmas bags to hold small goodies, and Rick has finally found time to work on his baskets.  He finished the smaller round cane Nantucket basket weaving today and took some time to continue his work on Stephanie's walnut basket.

Rick works on weaving the cane into the small
Nantucket basket.

The cane basket still needs its rim and handles to be complete.  Rick is not thrilled with the shape of that basket as it came in a kit and is not the quality of the other baskets he weaves; however, I can always find a use for a good basket!  His work on Stephanie's walnut basket is producing beautiful results.

The finished weave, off the mold, still needs the
rim and handles to be complete.

So as the rain continues to come down, we are spending a peaceful time inside creating new items.  The music is playing, the crafts are progressing, and our new bottle brush tree is growing.  I think we both needed this peaceful, rainy day.