"Weavers Words" Vol. 3 Iss. 07 Date Sent: May 25, 1999 Web Page: http://www.iei.net/~davidc/ Subscribers: 1038 David Collins 408 North Devon Avenue Indianapolis, IN 46219 317-899-5747 davidc@iei.net %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Do You Like Weavers Words? Click Below To "Recommend-It" To A Friend! http://recommend-it.com/l.z.e?s=210339 %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% "Web Cards" - Create Full-Color Postcards For Your Web Page. http://www.printing.com/affiliate.asp?site=davidc For every free sample of "Web Cards" that you request from the above link, I will receive a $1 commission. It cost you NOTHING. Once you receive your free sample, you can purchase personalized "Web Cards" for your web page and/or business if you like. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Hi Everyone, There has been several pictures sent to me to add to Weaver's Words Picture Page. Be sure to check 'em out. The address is: http://www.iei.net/~davidc/pictures.html One of my hobbies is collecting celebrity autographs. I know many of you like Martha Stewart. I e-mailed her less than two weeks ago and today I received a personalized 8X10 photo from her. If you would like to e-mail her for any reason, her address is: mstewart@marthastewart.com I have found a terrific web page called ProLaunch. They give you 40 points a day for everyday you view two of their suggested web pages. It cost absolutely nothing and your e-mail address is not given out. After you accumulate so many points you can redeem them for gift certificates to major retailers. I already have received a $25 gift certificate from Target & I'm half way to another one. The reason they offer this program is they hope you buy something from their suggested web pages. Sort of like commercials. If it sounds good to you, e-mail me and I will officially refer you individually. That way I get 200 points for every referral. I would like to thank everyone who has purchased books through Weaver's Words Book Store. Now you can save 50% on all the New York Times Best Sellers. The address is: http://www.iei.net/~davidc/book.html Take Care, David P.S. Thank you to "Anonymous" who sent me the great NASCAR hardback book. P.S.S. Everyone please cross your fingers & pray for my Indiana Pacers. GO BLUE & GOLD!!! %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: we're off Date: Mon, 24 May 1999 00:37:43 +1000 From: Anna Lizotte To: "Collins, David" Hi everyone, Well, we are off to Darwin soon to swelter!! We are going from a rainy50 here to a dry 89 degrees there. It has rained here for a week! And hasn't rained up there for 5 weeks! What a change it will be. While there I will be teaching a class on coiling and in exchange the group has arranged for an aboriginal park ranger to take me out into the bush to show me what the Aborigines traditionally use for their basketweaving and how they dye the fibres! I can't wait! My bro-in-law has also arranged for us to spend 2 days at Kakadu national park....It will be great! I am hoping to ferret out some other basket makers, too, while I am there. So I will report back sometime after June 10. Can you imagine trying to catch up on 2 1/2 weeks of Weavers Words?????? The mind boggles! Anna in Tassie %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 3 I. 06 Date: Mon, 24 May 1999 00:51:33 -0400 From: "Donna Longenecker" To: "David Collins" Pam - Er, thanks, I think! Yes, we do think alike sometimes, and we sound alike on the phone, but we're very different in other ways. Probably the fact that she grew up in the business (It's only 2 years younger than her) accounts for a lot of the "sameness" where that is concerned. Let's wait and see if she has a reply. Donna is rainy PA bordlong@fast.net http://www.countryseat.com %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Alaskan baskets, Stowe, AMB Date: Mon, 24 May 1999 09:09:20 -0400 From: "Steve Catsos" To: "david collins" Jayna- Three years ago I camped through Alaska with my husband and 3 kids. It was an incredible experience! I dragged the family through every shop that could possibly have a "native-made" basket. Unfortunately, I discovered a lot of "made in China" stickers on the bottom of baskets. Make sure your brother is aware. My favorite place for native-made baskets is the Native American Hospital in Anchorage. In the gift shop he will find more (quality) baskets, carvings, beadwork, etc. than anywhere else (and at the best prices around). There is a wide range of size, quality, and price, so give your brother some guidelines. Another shop I discovered was an artist's cooperative, across the street from the Museum (of Natural History???) in Anchorage. If you want other info, e-mail me directly. Karen- I just returned from the Stowe Basketry Festival and it was just fabulous!! The teachers are the best, the Vermont countryside is so scenic, the basketmakers are friendly and supportive, and you don't have to cook or clean. What more could a basketmaker ask for!? I don't know the dates for next year, but you could contact Merry Vigneau at The Round Hearth at Stowe, 39 Edson Hill Road, Stowe, VT 05672-4133. or 802-253-7223. I encourage everyone to try to attend this basketry festival. It is small enough to be intimate, yet big enough to have basketry teachers from all over the world - this year we had Keiko Takeda from Japan, and Mary Butcher from England, along with lots of great teachers from the United States. Debbie G- Doesn't the AMB convention brochure look great? I can't wait to see those baskets in person. I will be going for my 5th year. I'm teaching and won't have time to take classes, but the vendors are open long hours, so I'll be able to shop! The convention is the largest basketry convention in the country and could be a little intimidating, but it has the best teachers and a great assortment of patterns, material and anything basket related. If you can handle the size (close to 1000 basketmakers) I encourage you to go. It's a great experience!! Happy Weaving!! JoAnn Kelly Catsos In South Western MA %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: swap basket Date: Mon, 24 May 1999 08:35:15 -0500 From: "PriNet" To: Hi fellow weavers... Just a note that before I leave for a week to spend in Oregon, I have sent out a special package to the "Show Me" state. Look out somewhere in Missouri...your swap basket is on its way! Susie prinet@iswt.com %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: handle supplier? Date: Mon, 24 May 1999 09:47:17 -0400 From: John Miles To: davidc@iei.net When we were at the NC Convention, a friend purchased some handles called muffin handles with cutouts in them. One with an apple and one with a house. Can anyone tell us a supplier who carries these. I have looked in all my catalogs and cannot locate them. Thanks for your help. Judy Miles, a stormy, much needed rainy morning in Maryland %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 3 I. 06 Date: Mon, 24 May 1999 11:16:55 -0400 From: jbenner@juno.com To: davidc@iei.net Hi All, Anyone caring to comment on Jaynas iris basket could you reply to me too? I never even heard of that pattern but will be checking for it now. We have a ton of iris's and would be cool to use them. I too, am way out in left field when it comes to naturals. I appreciate them very much, but obviously I don't know a honeysuckle vine from a poison ivy vine (VBEG) and will not be running off into the woods anytime soon. I *DO* know iris's so I feel safe with that. I don't like those ugly grubby bugs that are sometimes on them, so will have my dh harvest only the cleanest and best leaves. Thanks! Judy Benner in stormy eastern Pa. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 3 I. 06 Date: Mon, 24 May 1999 08:17:58 -0700 (PDT) From: Renee Skiba To: David Collins I will be visiting in the Toronto area in late Aug and early Sept. would like to know if there are basket shops or basket classes that would be good for novice basket makers. Also interested in knowing about interesting sites in the area (we will be there for a conference but have time on our hands) thanks for your help..... Renee in Milwaukee %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Oak weaving classes Date: Mon, 24 May 1999 12:05:18 -0500 From: Linda Boyle-Gibson To: davidc@iei.net Hello weavers! As the end of May draws ever closer, I wonder where did it go? The MO convention is almost here and many of us are looking forward to teaching and seeing old friends. Because I am privileged to teach 3 classes, I have decided not to vend this year but to participate in Teacher's Marketplace. I will have some of Patti Hawkins' Twill Baby Kits and other tempting basket related items (like the Lash Savers) and patterns. (Patti is unable to attend the convention this year because of her son's high school graduation) Another exciting weaving event happens here in Indiana on June 18 and 19when Betty Curry and daughter Michelle come to teach 3 different oak baskets. Friday at 2:30 P.M. we will weave the Medium Car basket and Saturday beginning at 9:00 A.M. the Casserole with the Pie basket starting at 1:30. The cost of each class is $50.00 and they will be held at McCormick's Creek State Park, which is located 14 miles west of Bloomington on IN State Hwy.46. There are spaces available in all classes. If you would like more information, please contact me directly at the e-mail address or the telephone number listed below. Wishing everyone bright skies to enjoy the still beautiful Spring. Linda Boyle Gibson, In a Hand Basket 2808 Winston St., Bloomington, In 47401 Site-- 812-333-1817 %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Wonderful, wonderful Stowe Date: Mon, 24 May 1999 16:01:59 -0400 From: Dolores Gatz Organization: Eastern Suffolk BOCES To: "'David Collins'" Well, I had another wonderful time at Stowe. It's taken me all morning to catch up on my email. Haven't read WW's yet, but thought I'd write about Stowe. The sorry part about Stowe was I wasn't able to go for the entire week this year. I have a few senior's that I'm responsible for and couldn't leave for as long this time. I'm not use to such responsibility. I use to, I want, I go and that's all there was to it. This is torture, I will survive, I will, I will. I only did two classes this year. A willow purse with Jo Campbell Amsler, this is where I met Lisha Kimball. Hi Lisha, It was good meeting you. Now, I had taken a Caribou Antler Basket with me for the display area. (This was the first year that I displayed anything. ). I had some sisal in it that Lisha asked me about. Seems she's tried several hardware stores to no avail. It's made me decide to write about it. It's been awhile since anyone has mentioned it. But maybe, some people are still having trouble finding it. Lisha had wanted bulk amount. So my suggestion was -- (I'm from farmer stock.) We use to buy sisal on wooden wheels from farmer supply. The place we used was LICA (Long Island Cauliflower Association). The supply farmers with fertilizer, sprays, seeds, baskets (quarts, pints, bushel, pecks, etc.). They also had single stran sisal on the wheel for farmers. You bought the entire wheel and put a steel or wooden dowel through it to turn on. Now they also have hank sisal on the wheel also. The hank sisal comes in single colors or bicolors. The farmers use it for tying cauliflower. On the day the tie cauliflower that days tie gets done with a certain color. That way when it was time to cut they know cut all that are tied with that color. Anyhow the hank comes on the wheel again and the farmers just make one cut of 2-foot length and they have a hank of that color and are ready to go to the fields. I've also worked for a wholesale florist. When they shipped to market they tied the boxes of flowers going to market with sisal. The wheel was mounted under one of the tables. So you could try a florist supply house. My last and final thought for those whom are having trouble finded sisal. Your basket suppliers. H.H. Perkins tied their reed with it when their sending out your order. I bet if you talked to Mark, Ray, or Steve they would order it for you. Now, back to Stowe. Everyone finished their Willow Purse and they all came out different and all looked great. Jo was a bundle of information. I had a list of questions that needed answering and she had all the answers (that's what a woman likes to hear). I'm hoping that those that do willow do stay on weaver words because even though I'm not a avid weaver of willow I do sometimes use it and like to know what I'm doing. I also planted some willow in my yard. Jo had one extra kit for the willow purse so I purchased it. I want to do another. Jo discussed some mixing of materials and think the next one will have other materials mixed in. Then I'll have some willow left over to put in my next Antler Basket. I also, have plans on gathering some wisteria for the next one. The other basket I did at Stowe was the Flower Knot Basket with Keiko Tadeka. Now, this lady I love. Had one time I wouldn't have given you a penny for a Japanese basket. Now, the Japanese baskets battle with Naturals for lead position in my heart. There's something in Keiko's baskets that call to me. On the Stowe evaluation form there's a question of what would you suggest to improve the teacher's class. My suggestion was for Keiko to move to the town next to mine. The house next door would be even better. Keiko told us wherever we were on the base by lunchtime that was the size of the base. After lunch she showed up how to come up the sides. Well, we got 4 rows done in the afternoon and information on things we can do in finishing the basket. It's one of those under finished baskets. But this one will get done. It has too. I have plans on making more and trying more shapes, sizes and materials to do this basket in. One of the other lady's and I bought all the extra Japanese Cane that Keiko had brought with her. Judy B. -- I'm sending you half of what I got. So, start packing my box for me. So be expecting a package to be coming your way. Mary Butcher came with a stack of her new books. They haven't been released in USA yet. So we all got the first invasion of Mary's new Willow Books. It's Contemporary Baskets. I'll write back in with the exact name. I'm glad I got it, it has some great baskets in it. It was Rosie Kiley's first time to teach at Stowe. She couldn't believe it. She and her husband arrived a day early to set up. They got done and had gone to their room. We discovered there booth and start making our claims on our purchases. The next morning we were all waiting this our stacks of purchases for them to walk in the door. Rosie had some outrageous shaker boxes there. All and all it was a wonderful time. Have to run. I'll have to write in another time. Dolores Long Island, New York %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: comments Date: Mon, 24 May 1999 16:31:19 -0400 From: "Angie Longenecker" To: "David" Pam Woodbury - Thanks Pam - I wish the "the public got stuck with Longenbergers rather than Longneckers" also! Who knows what could happen yet! Lois Keener - What is the name of the weaver in the articles? If you can find the right niche and convince people you're special and collectible - I guess you can charge outrageous prices. I saw a weaver once who made regular reed baskets, same sort of thing - very plain, basic reproductions of old baskets - and her prices were way too high. If they were oak or ash they would've been priced right. I wonder if it's the same person? I could see a set up fee if you were weaving something brand new, commissioned by someone in special colors, etc. But not to weave more of what you have before! I'm so glad it's warm in PA! Angie The Country Seat http://www.countryseat.com %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 3 I. 04 Date: Mon, 24 May 1999 15:35:57 -0500 From: Roberta R Comstock To: davidc@iei.net "Weavers Words" Vol. 3 Iss. 04 Gail Caron - Hope you'll come back as soon as people settle down. Robbie from Wilson - If you want to spray your home made stains onto your baskets, you need to make them more concentrated than you do for dipping. Either put more of the source material in when you make it up, or put your exiting supply of liquid stain in a pot and simmer it for a while to remove some of the water. It takes longer to spray them because you may have to respray several times to get the color dark enough. It can give a nice effect though. You might consider trying some other natural dyestuffs, too. If the commercial water based stain you asked about is a wood stain, it may be the one my brother uses on some of his wood projects. He is very satisfied with it. I have a jar of it in black, but haven't ever mixed it up to use it on baskets. One of these days. Carol Miller - Some years ago I lost a cat (Eric the Red) who thought he was a dog. He used to take walks with me and loved to ride in the car. I think someone offered him a ride and he went with them. Dolores Gatz - Thanks for going public with your thanks to Lynn Gannon. I'm so glad you two were able to get back together and get things worked out! I look forward to hearing about your Stowe classes and baskets. Pam Feix - My late father-in-law used to slice black walnuts with his band saw. He made a sort of jig from a hardwood scrap to hold the walnut in place and give him something to hold onto while pushing it into the moving blade. Regarding swap coordinators - I'm not sure who is to follow me. I plan to search back issues and make a list, but can't do it right away. Our Sony Mavica just takes stills, but I really love it. I taught an herb walk session near Emporia, KS, Wednesday night. Before driving home yesterday, I took time to take nearly 2 disks full of wild flower photos. Today I have to take some basket photos for patterns I'm working on. Jill Choate - Will you still be on line as you travel? I think I'd have severe email withdrawal problems if I was away from my computer for that long. I look forward to meeting you in Kansas City in July. Allison in Arizona - Hope your daughter's heart surgery went well. It's miraculous what can be done with surgery these days! I'll be thinking about you. Anna Lizotte - Glad to hear your better. Ladder accidents are so scary! Have a fun trip & tell us what you learn about. I nearly always learn something from someone in my class when I teach. And it's often something that's so obvious I don't know why I didn't think of it myself. But that's just another thing I love about teaching. Bert Comstock, Independence, MO %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 3 I. 05 Date: Mon, 24 May 1999 15:37:08 -0500 From: Roberta R Comstock To: davidc@iei.net "Weavers Words" Vol. 3 Iss. 05 Gail Caron - I'm working on becoming more fuel-efficient - we just traded in our full size van for a Lumina. MUCH better gas mileage and easier handling and parking. Not as much legroom, but my legs are pretty short anyway. Donna - I know what you mean about marathon shopping trips. I keep a list that covers everything (not just groceries) and prioritize the important stuff. Then when I have a high priority item to pick up, I go over the rest of the list to see what else fits into the trip to the primary destination with the least amount of backtracking. Pam Feix - Your proposed sign-up in June and weave/send in July sounds good to me. Having missed the current swap, I will be sure to sign up early for yours! Bert Comstock Independence, MO, where it's Still to wet for roto-tilling. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Talkers Date: Mon, 24 May 1999 20:16:19 +0000 From: Tony Stubblefield or Dean Meredith To: David Collins References: 1 Lois - talkers in class - I have a problem with this at one of the places I teach. I don't mind a little chatter here and there, especially when it concerns basketry, but often times the conversation turns to child raising, problems at work and such. Now I am talking about complete conversations here not just random comments. They don't even stop when I start talking. I wouldn't mind as much if everyone was weaving at a decent pace, but everyone gets slowed down because of this, either they are talking and not concentrating or if they aren't talking they can't here my instructions. Well, anyway what I do is say, in a joking manner, "OK, teacher's talking, time to listen," or "less talking more weaving." I do this in a teasing manner so no body gets their feelings hurt, but it does get the point across (sometimes). I also will explain that they are paying me to teach them everything I have to share so they better let me talk so they get their moneys worth. This may sound harsh, but if I have a talker who won't quit to listen to my instructions I will let them "screw up". I can't make the rest of the class suffer for one person. I won't let a talker go home with a terrible basket, but if I tell them something repeatedly like they need to watch their tension and they are obviously not paying attention tome, well they go home with a loose basket This will probably offend some here, but I don't think I am being too out of line. I have mentioned this to some of my "quite" students and they said they really appreciated it when I would say something. Everybody - leaving WW - I think we have a really good thing here with the Weaver's Words. If every time I disagreed with one of my friends opinions or wasn't interesting in what they were talking about at the moment I just got up and left, never to talk to them again, I wouldn't have a friend left. Any relationship has it's ups and downs that's what makes them interesting. If I wanted to only hear my thoughts repeated I would sit and talk to myself. I really enjoy the debates on WW and hope everyone sticks around for the ride. Thanks, Tony Stubblefield St. Louis, MO http://www.tetranet.net/users/deanandtony/baskets.htm %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Date: Tue, 25 May 1999 09:06:08 -0400 From: "Ingram" To: Mornin David! Just wanted to let Kathi K. out in Yucca Valley know that the pony express left North Carolina this morning with a package for her. How long does it take to cross the country? Who knows? Hope you enjoy it--let me know when it arrives. Leigh In Laurinburg, NC %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 3 I. 06 Date: Wed, 26 May 1999 00:07:55 -0600 From: "Rae Hunter" To: "David Collins" I got the beautiful Swap basket. (These swaps are always more than I could dream or wish for) My Ojibway sewing basket pattern by Nye and Griffen, made of reed and black ash cures in natural and plum colors. MADE BY DEBBIEGRING to whom I am very thankful. Little treats were stuffed inside, No, not needles and thread. Two Chocolate bars that can't be bought here in Canada to my knowledge, lavender hand cream and a great size mug that I am enjoying my coffee in. I don't sew much so my basket is holding some of my aromatherapy oils in it. I think the basket is outstanding by itself, the extras are a nice bonus but not expected. I am hooked on these swaps and hope I can make it into the July one. If not maybe Bert's date. I just have to get my swap into the mail today so talk later. I will also get a picture of my swap basket and send it to you David. Cheers Rae %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Swap basket Date: Wed, 26 May 1999 01:12:45 -0600 From: "Rae Hunter" To: CC: "David Collins (Weavers words)" Garden and my swap basket are both finished. The basket will leave Tofield post office today May 25th or knowing our mail system, tomorrow. This swap made me weed challenged. Pulling quack grass, and other grasses and dandelions and finding space for the garden left me no alternative but to weave them into a basket while I rested. Hope Connie is as pleased as my stream and garden. Connie look under the foam chips for material for you to start a basket. Cheers Rae %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Weavers Words Date: Tue, 25 May 1999 16:27:18 -0500 From: Dianne Gleixner To: davidc@iei.net Just wanted to mention that someone in Arizona should be receiving her swap basket by the end of this week. It will be packed up today and taken to UPS tomorrow. Hope you enjoy it! Also, a question for anyone who has done a basket called Nine Patch Basket, by Judith Olney. I've considered myself a pretty experienced weaver until I tried this basket. I'm having problems getting the shape right and with the rows continually slipping out. In other words, not staying packed in tight. For the shaping, I've never done a cat head basket, so maybe that's my problem, but I can't quite get the nice rounded corners like the picture shows. I've done twills, and the constantly changing twill pattern in this basket hasn't been a problem for me. So if anyone has any suggestions on the shaping or getting the rows to stay packed together nice, please let me know. I've woven maybe10-12 rows up the side, and just put it aside because I keep getting frustrated! I'm using all 9 colors, and It should be really pretty once it's finished, but until then... One more question, there's been a bit of talk recently about not using a polyurethane finish on baskets, and not to do it because it will dry out the reed. I recently started using Deft Clear Spray finish over black walnut hull stain and really like the look. Is this finish OK? I read the label and it doesn't say it contains polyurethane, but I wanted to hear from anyone who's had more experience with it. I like the black walnut hull stain because I can get just the shade I want and it doesn't smell like some of the other stains, and that I can use it inside all year. I like the spray over the finished basket because it gives it a subtle sheen and dries quick, but now am worried about the baskets drying out. Any comments? Hope everyone has a wonderful, and safe, Memorial Day weekend! I don't know about the rest of you, but we've been in the high 50's to low 60'swith rain here and there, but should be steadily be warming up to the low 80's by the weekend. I hope to be outside enjoying it with my family. Take Care! Dianne - in southeastern Wisconsin %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 3 I. 06 Date: Tue, 25 May 1999 20:43:06 -0400 From: "Susan Tripp" To: "David Collins" Hi weavers, I'm writing to tell about my first visit to Stowe and the basket convention. IT WAS GREAT!!! I was a little weary to go after I had heard from several people that it can get a bit stuffy there if its your first time. I'm happy to say that it was so much fun and everyone was so friendly! This was only my second convention, but I will definitely make it a yearly tradition of going to Stowe. Classes were held in huge bright rooms in a ski lodge halfway up a mountain. There must have been 6-10 classes in each of the two large rooms on the main floor and a class or two in the lower level. It was really nice and I can't say enough about it. There was always something going on with the main classes, evening mini classes, teacher market place and Friday's celebration and banquet. I had lots of questions being new, and every time I turned around, there was Merry, the host. She was very helpful and the whole thing was so well planned and organized. There was about 136-8 students this year which was their most ever. Thursday we (my mother and I) didn't have any classes so we set out to explore Stowe. What a nice little town with lots of antique shops, gift shops and the famous Von Trapp family lodge. We found a wonderful Inn for dinner called Mr. Pickwicks - great food! We also drove about 10-15 minutes out of Stowe and visited the Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream Factory. We got to sample their new flavors of strawberry kiwi sorbet, pecan pie ice cream, and some chocolate flavor with white chocolate ice cream, chocolate ice cream and white chocolate and chocolate cow chunks. Now, that was the best! The drive to and from Stowe was breathtaking. I've never seen so many mountains and such greenery! It took us 7 hours to get there and 10 hours to get home. Wetook a little side trip through southern Vermont and visited the King Arther Flour store and several other little spots that were very enjoyable. The town of Woodstock Vermont is right out of a storybook! I can't wait 'til the2000 brochure comes out. I also tried weaver's stain for the first time. I was so surprised at how easy it went on. I can't see using it inside, but it you have nice enough weather to stain outside, this stuff works great. I had no problem with the evenness of the spray and didn't even try to be careful. It went on very nicely and even filled in the cracks well. I tried golden oak and driftwood. The driftwood was a bit grayish and made the basket look rustic which I liked. Thank you Dollie! Susan from Upstate NY %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% If for any you would ever like to cancel your subscription, simply send me a message with "unsubscribe" as your subject.