The sun, with all those plants revolving around it and dependent upon it, can still ripen a bunch of grapes as if it had nothing else in the universe to do.

-- Galileo

******

My Pi Shawl is (almost) finished. Just need to block it .... here are some progress photos anyway:




Although I thought I'd have way more than I needed, I ran out of yarn. Obviously not planned so well. So, instead of the knitted-on lace edging I was going to do (different from the one in EZ's pattern because I wasn't really crazy about that one), I did a crocheted edging, which doesn't show in any of the photos because it needs to be blocked.

I'm not in love with the way it ends. But for now, I'm leaving it because I want to wear it while it's still cold outside. Maybe this spring I'll rip back the last row of diamonds and knit a lace edging from there. Except two rows of diamonds doesn't thrill me, either (it lacks the symmetry from how the three rows are centered and balanced). So, we'll see.

But for now, I'm happy it's finished and wearable. And heavy and warm, just like I wanted it. This is a Serious Shawl, not a whispery lightweight one. Horse Girl is using it as a blanket right now (I hope I can get it back!)

This past Friday night we had dinner at The Inn at Little Washington. We've lived near this place for years and years and years (either as weekend visitors or full-timers). We've trick-or-treated there, and sung Christmas Carols there. But I never really thought we'd ever dine there. It's outrageously expensive.

Brett recently did a favor for one of his clients here in Rappahannock, and didn't charge him for it (it was a favor, after all). So, this wonderful client gave us a gift certificate for dinner at The Inn. Coupled with the special deal The Inn has for Rapp Co locals right now, it was now within our reach to go. Now I understand what all the hype is about; why it's got 5 Michelin Stars and has been voted the Best Restaurant in America. It's amazing.

Brett and I, with my brother Tom and and his wife Kristen. A fun party!

This is how our evening started off, with a personalized menu for each of us:


Each course was amazing in its artistry and taste. I won't post photos of everything ~ the oyster slurpies (awesome), the lobster and rabbit and lamb, the raw tuna (the most incredible I've ever tasted, anywhere, ever), everyone else's amazing desserts (although like I GEEK I did take photos of everything) ... but here is my dessert, which I just loved ~ A Painter's Palette of Sorbet:

We had wonderful wine with dinner (they have the hugest, most unbelievable wine list ~ literally hundreds and hundreds of different wines, and a sommelier who can describe each and every one, and 80,000 bottles on site!). All the people who work there are such professionals. We ended up being there over 3 hours, but it didn't feel that long at all. Nothing was rushed, every course was perfect, but at the same time we never felt abandoned either.

Anyway. It was a wonderful, unforgettable evening. Someday I'd like to go again! :-D

And, because I am such an ubelievable Dog Geek and luvvvvv my doggie ... some recent photos of Phoenix with his favorite toy (which I am constantly fishing out from under furniture for him):

Seriously, how can you look at that face and not want to get down on the floor and hug him? He's so darn cute I can never be mad at him for long (even though he still does plenty of Bad Puppy Things around here).

Now to decide: do I start a new project (of which there are many planned), or go finish one of the two UFO's that are in process right now ...