Rhinebeck 08

The best fiber show in the East...Rhinebeck,NY at the Duchess County Fairgrounds. What a beautiful weekend it was. A bit chilly to start both days but the sunshine was abundant, the fall colors glorious and the attendance without par.

I didn't get a chance to take too many pictures as our booth was too busy to get away. And I knew if I stayed put I'd get to visit with everyone that stopped by eventually. I met so many great people who stopped to shop and was I able to catch up with others that I often only see annually. Saturday night my friend and assistant, Sandy, and I joined Tom and Diane Golding for dinner at the Double-O, always a treat to get together with them both. Regrettably I caught a nasty cold Thursday and wound up with laryngitis by Saturday AM. So the entire weekend I only managed to squeak out some words and fill in with hand signals!

A wonderful band played outside my building for a bit, they moved around the fairgrounds, smart marketing! They were from Peru, and called Espiritu Andino. The music was beautiful, I could have listened for hours...so I bought a couple of their CD's to play in my studio later. Great creativity music.

One of the other entertainment highlights of the weekend at Rhinebeck is Loretta in the ladies' room next to the First Aid center. That happens to be the bathroom nearest my building. Loretta is the attendant there and she is an experience without compare. Not only does she do a fine job of keeping the bathroom clean but she entertains as well! All the while you are visiting the bathroom, Loretta is there and she has all sorts of rhymes and sayings that just flow from her mouth like water in a stream.
No sooner are you in the building but you'll hear "See no feet, grab a seat"; "Gotta go, let it flow"; "Gotta pee, visit me"; Where would you be without me?";"The lady in blue is here for you"; "Welcome to the relief center where everybody's a winner". And there's Loretta all the while smiling, calling out the lines and handing out paper towels to ladies after they wash their hands. Loretta is a hero, a shining example of a strong work ethic with a personal touch that works. Her tip basket was overflowing by days end. God bless Loretta!

I found just enough time to walk over to the sheep barns to see the breeds. I love to also see the 4-H kids working with their animals, learning the lead line and show techniques. It's a healthy way to grow up and teaches lessons even in the barn! My camera batteries died by the time I got over there , darn it!

This is me with the owners of Unicorn Fibre Products. They stopped by to visit and make sure I had everything I needed regarding the product line. Wonderful people, fabulous products! Try them out by visiting our store at www.longridgefarm.com See the link to the right!

Sometime Saturday afternoon this sheep walked though our building to do a little shopping for herself. She was so cute, she had a ribbon on her back she had won!

I know many are saying that the show is just too crowded but if you want anything to do with fiber, and I mean anything, it is the destination. If you like it more laid back, come Sunday instead. Actually there is talk of having it three days next year, Friday after noon and then Saturday and Sunday.

A great big thank you to each and every one of you that stopped to visit us!