One of the nice things about a vacation is that it gives you lots of time as well as a different perspective to ponder. So I pondered. I've made the decision to stop vending at sheep and wool festivals and craft fairs. It just feels like the right time. Over the years, I've worn out 3 tents, gone through 2 vans, put on more miles, and tried out more ways of displaying things than I care to remember. This decision gives me more time to focus on building the wholesale part of Purple Fleece.

I've also decided to add another drop in Spin/Knit that will begin on a weekly basis on Saturday afternoons in July. The Fiber Floozies will still meet on the third Wednesday evening of each month. These are simply more opportunities to get together and do what we enjoy.

Last day

All good things must come to an end. This is the last full day of my "trip of a lifetime". Tomorrow we start our trek back to Stockton Springs.....

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Parque de el Retiro

Just a short walk from our hotel is this huge park with the Crystal Palace. Everybody was out enjoying the warmer weather.

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Prado

Athena and Arachne by Velazquez. Spinners rejoice! There are only a handful of art museums like this in the world. I grew up with the Metropolitan in NY and have visited the Louvre in Paris and can now add the Prado in Madrid to my list.

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More performance art

Performance art

Hemingway

Here's Byron, Janet, and Tom (Byron's frat brother from many years ago) who lives here in Madrid. We've just finished tapas in this old haunt of Ernest Hemingway. I don't usually begin my drinking early afternoon but when in Spain, do as the Spaniards. :)

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Mdina

Mdina is a small walled city full of history and religious significance. This is the gate to the city and our hotel overlooks the gate from across a small park.

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Blue Grotto

Today the four of us took a boat ride to see the Blue Grotto. It's one of a series of caves we went inside along the coast of Malta. The water is bright turquoise and crystal clear and fluorescent when the sun reflects off it.

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Valletta, Malta

We have all arrived in Malta. Where we were only 2 for many weeks, we are now 4. It's good to reunite with the husbands after so long. Today we go on the search for Caravaggio paintings.

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