Well, folks, it’s that time of year again! The New York Sheep & Wool Festival at Rhinebeck is practically here, and tomorrow Mom is heading off to one of the happiest places on earth for yarn lovers everywhere.

And guess who’s staying home?

Yep. Me.

While Mom gets to pack up all the yarn, head to Rhinebeck, and spend time surrounded by sheep, wool, gorgeous fiber, and fellow yarn enthusiasts, I’ll be here at home in Maine, living vicariously through photos, videos, and whatever updates she can send my way.

Oh, and I’ll have company. Meet Dave Growl, the PeekaPoo, who has apparently decided that my lap is the most important destination in the entire house.

Just look at that face! How am I supposed to argue with that? He’s snuggled up like he has absolutely no idea that an entire festival full of beautiful yarn is happening without me. Or maybe he knows perfectly well and is simply reminding me that I have a very important job here: providing snacks, belly rubs, and a comfortable place to nap.

Honestly, he’s a pretty convincing argument for staying home. Almost.

Because, let’s be real, I’d much rather be at Rhinebeck!

There’s something magical about fiber festivals. The yarn, the colors, the creativity, the people who understand why buying just one more skein is a perfectly reasonable life decision. It’s a place where nobody looks at your stash and asks if you really need more yarn. They just ask what you’re planning to make with it!

Mom will be there with all the Celtic Yarns inventory, representing our little yarn business and sharing our beautiful Irish yarns with festival-goers. I’m incredibly excited for her and hope she has a wonderful time. I also hope she remembers to take plenty of pictures, because I intend to inspect every booth, every skein, and every gorgeous colorway from the comfort of my couch.

It’s not quite the same as being there, but it’s the next best thing.

As for me, I’m still recovering from cancer treatment, and traveling to Rhinebeck just isn’t in the cards this year. It’s disappointing to miss out, especially when Mom gets to take all the yarn on an adventure without me!

But I’m trying to look on the bright side. I get quality time with Dave Growl, I can work on my own projects, and I can start dreaming about next year.

Rhinebeck 2027, I’m looking at you!

Next year, I’m hoping to be back in the swing of things, feeling stronger, and ready to walk those festival grounds with Mom. Until then, I’ll be cheering her on from Maine, keeping an eye on Celtic Yarns from afar, and cuddling with my very furry assistant.

So if you’re at Rhinebeck this weekend, stop by and say hello to Mom! Check out the beautiful Irish yarn, tell her I sent you, and maybe send a little yarn-loving energy my way.

I’ll be here with Dave Growl, dreaming of sheep, skeins, and a whole lot of Rhinebeck magic.

And Dave? Well, he’s dreaming about his next nap.

Honestly, we both have our priorities.