My trip south was lovely. There was lots of time to visit with family (Jeff's mother's side of the family is in Ohio) and we even managed a trip in to the Amish country for some antiquing where I found a clock that Emory would have loved (but is still sitting there in the antique shop in Berlin because I just couldn't bring myself to buy it and put it in our house).
My main reason for heading to Akron last week was to help out with the family's yearly tradition of making sausage. This was my first year participating and I had such a great time and learned so much. I think I could very easily become hooked on the art of charcuterie!
(The men are very hard at work here)
The smokehouse is in Marie-nagynéni's back yard (she will be ninety-nine years old in March!) and I was so happy to be able to visit with her. She is one very fascinating lady and I loved hearing her stories.
These chickens were in her yard as well, cared for mainly by her niece who lives next door (there was also a large vegetable garden and a vineyard). Yes, I think I could move in with her and be quite happy!
It was a great few days away but I did miss my family terribly and, as the girl in the ruby slippers says, there's no place like home. I'm glad to be back (but really hoping that I'm invited again next year)!
P.S. In case you're wondering what twelve hours of car knitting looks like – it's 500 metres of worsted weight grey yarn, or the main torso of a man-sized sweater.
