Saturday, I met Nora in Verona at the Sow's Ear. I thought I was early but it turned out I arrived at the same time as Nora. First, she lured me closer with the promise of a closer look at her newly blocked shawl. Then she brought out a large garbage bag. A garbage bag that looked suspiciously familiar to one that I used to know. She gave it to me and I looked inside to see Artemesia's fleece, 2008 vintage. I did my best not to cry and scare Nora. Nora, Stacey, Joan, and Cookie conspired to find a replacement Icelandic fleece for the one that was lost a short while ago. Friends, I am so touched by your thoughtfulness. Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you! See how lovely (and large) it is! 
And here is a view of the creamy underside with the fleece folded. White Dot is performing a quality control check. He found it meets his very high standards. He's not quite sure why Nora got the heebie-jeebies when she touched it.
Nora and I enjoyed our yarn shopping, coffee-drinking, sock knitting and chatting. (I actually accomplished two rows this time. *g*) Nora was stopped by a yarn shop employee for appropriate shawl admiration. It is lovely. I think Nora is going to do a full post on it soon so this photo will just whet your curiosity. (It's wonderful what bloggers can do with a public utility box and a self-timer.) 
Nora had to head off to her family event far too soon. I started home but stopped at the garden center to support the local economy. When I got home I found DH had gathered these for the table. 
Aren't they lovely? Blue thinks so.
I am so glad I blog. I will always be able to remember this wonderful day of surprises and friendship by just reading my archives should I ever misplace this memory in my old age.
Oh yes...............DH knows exactly where the fleece is and what it looks like.
Yippee! It was such fun to surprise you! It was worth my struggle to keep quiet.
It was the long hair on the fleece that freaked me out. Too human.
The utility box is a heck of a photographer - we look like we're actually looking at someone!
(Tell Blue not to eat the violets.)
Posted by: Nora | Sunday, May 18, 2008 at 09:23 AM
Oh, Angie, it's beautiful. I can't wait to follow your journey from nekkid sheepie to sweater.
I'm so glad you two were able to get together yesterday and spend some time visiting. What kind of shoes was our Nora wearing, btw? ;^)
Lovely flowers. I see why you decided to keep him.
Posted by: Cookie | Sunday, May 18, 2008 at 12:59 PM
Ahhhh Angie that is wonderful! It's great to have friends who can understand things such as this. I look forward to your adventure with the new fleece. Yay!
Posted by: Deborah | Monday, May 19, 2008 at 06:56 AM
Gorgeous fleece - did White Dot get in and roll in it? Our cats actually tried to burrow into it the last time I spread one out.
Good to see you and Nora!
Posted by: Joy | Monday, May 19, 2008 at 07:38 AM
WOW! Where'd that come from? :D
/runs
Posted by: Stacey (just Stacey) | Wednesday, May 21, 2008 at 10:20 PM