So it’s been a while. How about we start there? March has been crazy busy in all kinds of good ways, few of which have had much to do with knitting … let’s recap:
I finished physical therapy, defended my dissertation proposal (!!), and then, as if by divine design, spring break appeared; I did nothing but watch Law & Order and knit until: friends! Three very special ladies descended upon Nashville — and my apartment — for a seriously good time. (They are now all bona-fide PhD professional ladies, so … I’ve kept the discretion to a maximum.)
First, there was hot chicken at the hot chicken shack:
Oh yeah, I finished my cardigan (Shalom in EcoWool) — just in time to add pickle buttons.
The next night there were fancy drinks downtown …
… followed by some honky tonking on Broadway.
It was one of the best night’s out ever: we bought cowboy boots from someone named “Brad Butter” (it was embroidered on his shirt), put on our best clubwear, and danced till the honky tonks closed.
After that, we pretty much decided to concentrate on eating as many fried/ butter-positive foods as possible. Luckily, Nashville is that kind of town.
There was pickle tempura …
… and, the next morning, delicious biscuits to go with country ham, plenty of bacon, hashbrown casserole, and other assorted side-dish staples for breakfast (at 3 in the afternoon).
Finally, I met my Waterloo: the sidecar.
The ingredients might look innocent, but don’t be fooled. We toasted, we lounged, we watched It’s Complicated, I gave away almost all of my handknit socks to very deserving recipients … And then it was time for everyone to get back to their real lives.
It was a wonderful, tiring, just-right long weekend. Such reunions are made possible, and so much sweeter, by distance … but how I do miss easy proximity and that casual by-chance glass of wine on someone’s couch in the evening. And how lucky I am to have had a weekend of nothing but laughter and fun and friendship.
[thanks to M. and B. for all the fabulous photos]
brokeknits 
what fun! looks like you enjoyed break enough for both of us! (don’t worry, i’ll get mine this summer.) i was starting to worry! glad to hear this was a party-induced blog-break! (sorry. i cannot string words together right now.)
also, fried pickles? yes, please!
Oh man, two mentions of pickles in a single post! Well, welcome back to the blog world, and I’m glad to hear that your weekend was so nice!
Also: Brad Butter? Sounds like a very dubious spread to me.
I cannot wait until my life looks like this, fried pickles and all! (Here via rooster! Hi!)
This sounds like my kind of break! I’m so glad to hear you had such a good one, with great friends.
Shalom looks awesome!!! I love the buttons — they really pop. I still need to need the sleeves on the Shalom for my mum.
Sounds like you had an amazing time with friends. Nashville really looks like quite the place!
Congrats on defending your proposal. 🙂 This has been a HUGE year for you.
Hi Neighbor!
Just found your blog, it’s lovely and set right here in my home city! Hope you’re enjoying this spring weather and finding the time to knit outdoors. If cash is tight join me at the shop were I work , Bliss Yarns, in Brentwood. All the books and patterns are 40% off starting friday.
Nice meeting you!
tyna