NEWS

Dear Alice,

It has been so long since my last postcard, and I have felt so guilty because I haven't written, that I think I will just dive in. 'Just start over, Nancy' I told myself when I alighted back in Ann Arbor this afternoon. So, here goes....

Mary, Ellen and I arrived home safely at 3 p.m. +/- this afternoon after our 12 hour drive from the NEWS Conference at Smith College. We started out at as soon as I finished up Daryl's Fast Warping class yesterday and drove as far as a bit east of Syracuse, arose at 5 this morning and continued the journey at 6:30 a.m. What a wonderful time we had! This was my first NEWS (not to mention my very first trip ever to Massachusetts!!), so I took advantage of every possible class I could. I signed up for every slot. There was so much to see, so much to do, vendors to check out, weavers to talk with, people with whom I was acquainted via internet to meet in person, architecture to see, the gardens (which I missed), Elm trees the likes of which I haven't seen in the USA (the one at Carl Linneus's garden is pretty impressive) Hancock Shaker Village, Fashion Show, Gallery Show, Instructors' Show...I was exhausted! I was so wound up I couldn't sleep. The inspiration I gained at NEWS will carry me a long way for the next year.

Thank you for introducing the Chicks to NEWS. This was Ellen's third, and I think this was actually Mary's fourth (she went with you, Sonja and Lois the first time. Remember that Hot Fudge Sunday in bed?)

I'll try to get some photos posted over the next few days. However, remember that tomorrow night is a Board of Trustees meeting, tomorrow morning I am taking Steve & Courtney to Detroit Metro at 5:30, Wednesday evening I am cashier for the AAFG booth at the Art Fair, I have a few details to wrap up on the "It's Spring Alice!" jacket, and then Saturday is the beginning day of the sale of your incredible stash (for which I have volunteered to help George out).

Chelsea, Scott and Stew are all glad to see me. And, of course, there is no place like home.

Love to you, n

Crash Courses

Dear Alice,

When Daryl Lancaster says 'Crash Course', you had better take he at her word! We had three intense, lecture-filled, practice-filled, garment-looking, study-filled, days. She gave 200% in her teaching to every one of us. I will catch up with you soon (all about it), since there are a few loose threads to wrap up here before Scott and I head to Scot-land!

Love to you!
Nancy

Not Gone....

Dear Alice,

It wasn't fair to entice you with that photo of my pressure canner, was it? I went to look for the little booklet that came with it, and alas! there is no publication date. I rather think it is from the 30's or 40's. The Kook-Kwick Handbook from Sears Roebuck & Company. It is a great little canner. I didn't meet my goal of 30 quarts of tomatoes, but there are 20 qts. and 4 pts. on the pantry shelf, and that half peck of tomatoes that were dried—those all fit into 2 quart jars and 1 pint jar! I used some of those today in the pistou mix that the turkey breast is marinating in tonight.

So begins a week of craziness! Suzy and her family are due here yet tonight. Friday I pick up Daryl Lancaster at Detroit Metro, and this weekend is our workshop with her. We also have to start our jurying process all over for the Guild.

I'll give you an update when things calm down a bit.

For now, be well!
Nancy

P.S. The scarves are finished!