Chappy made a new friend today.

You might recognize her. She’s my sister’s brother-in-law’s daughter, first cousin to my niece and nephew . . . which means there’s no blood shared between us, but she’s still family, and I’m calling her my niece-in-law (grin).

This picture, actually, was the closest the two of them came to each other. Kaitlyn was very much intrigued with Chappy, but, um, kind of cried just about every time she came within petting range. Well, really, when they were both sitting, Chappy did kind of tower over her, and that’s got to be a little intimidating, right? Which was why it was nice when he politely laid down here. (He really IS a sweet boy.)

It was such a nice visit. Almost the entire family together for a kind of going-away party for my niece, who heads off for college on Friday. Then, on Monday, my nephew starts high school. There are big, important, educational, life milestones happening over there at my sister’s house next weekend!

And, look at that row of tall men in the back of the picture, too–That’s my sister’s brother-in-law, my nephew, my brother-in-law, and my Dad . . . all so tall! My niece isn’t exactly short, either. Clearly, I need to start wearing heels more often.

Oh, and you can see my haircut in this picture. I think it’s an okay cut, but I don’t think it’s the Best Cut Ever, either. You can see Kaitlyn was admiring it, though . . . it was the oddest thing, all day long, I kept getting the feeling that someone wanted to pull my hair . . .

As you can see, we were all having a good time. (And don’t her parents look appropriately adoring?)

I met my nephew’s new bunny rabbit, Snowshoe, although I didn’t get a chance to take his picture. Very cute little white and grey rabbit. Chappy did NOT get to meet him, though he did stand in my nephew’s doorway with his nose twitching for a moment or two. We all felt that that was a face-to-face meeting that shouldn’t take place, you know? Didn’t want to traumatize the poor bunny.

When we came home, I found my order from Webs sitting on the doorstep. I couldn’t resist that Summer Sale of theirs, and bought 18 skeins of Silky Wool in color 43 (Hazel). This photo is a little blurry, but the color’s just about right. I also bought two skeins of that creamy color (#41), just in case I decided . . . whenever I turn the Hazel into a sweater . . . that it needed an accent. And, really, for only $3.49 a skein, how could I resist? Especially considering how well my Celtic Icon came out. This yarn is a pleasure.

And, again, with apologies to the rest of the country, sweltering under heatwaves, droughts, flash-floods, and other catastrophes, our weather was absolutely perfect. No humidity to speak of. Seventy degrees (that’s 21C). Sunny sky with wisps of clouds to add interest…. I’m really sorry, but it was gorgeous.

Chappy is exhausted–not only was there the 2+ hours in the car, but he was so busy visiting with everyone, he didn’t get a nap pretty much all day, and you know how it is–he’s got a schedule to keep, and is now so far behind on his napping quota.

So, yes. Next week my niece heads off to college where she’ll be studying Environmental Engineering. That’s about 95 miles from us, and about  1:50 according to Google Map directions, so she’s not going to be exactly around the corner. Other than Thanksgiving, I’m not sure when I’ll get to see her again–I don’t expect to for my birthday in November. (Although, there’s a chance for fly-by visit on Wednesday when they stop at the orthodontist here in town. Of course, I DO have that vacation week in October–I wonder if she’d like a visitor?)

But, anyway, we’re going to miss you, T!

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