Frisky vetoed the first option, and the second option just seemed like a Very Bad Idea. Luckily, the fabulous Salem Inn allows four legged guests to stay in one of its three historic buildings, the West House.
(The picture is from my last stay this summer - hence the lack of snow and ice.) With a family suite available (albeit on the 4th floor - and no elevator), we were in business!
Immediately upon our arrival I took Frisky for a walk in his snappy aran sweater, whereupon he proceeded to tinkle on every bush, cobblestone, and historic landmark on the block. When we got up to our room he began tracking some unseen object in the air with his nose. I swore he was seeing a ghost - until hubby pointed out that his Dingo Bone was up on the dresser and he was simply trying to get a better look at it :) As my older son remarked, "You know the weekend will end up being all about him!"
When Frisky settled down for a nap and the boys decided to go off to look at some historic ship, I thought it best to allow the guys some male bonding time. In order to give them the maximum amount of space, I went off to Seed Stitch. Oh, the selfless things I do for my family, sigh.
I picked up this cute shawl pin and some Ecological Wool for myself. Although I probably won't need more than one skein for the project I have in mind, I thought it prudent to pick up a second, just in case ;) It's a great bargain, so how could I resist? I'm sure i'll find something to do with it. The nice lady in the shop reminded me that I probably wouldn't want to be winding 478 yards into a ball back at the Inn, so when they returned from their male bonding the boys helped me work the winder and swift.
We poked around in the army navy store, and the comic store, and several doggie supply boutiques, and ate at a few terrific restaurants, and generally just kicked back. We also spent the better part of Sunday at the Peabody Essex Museum - a must if you are ever in the area. We took the kids through the incredible Yin Yu Tan house and enjoyed both the Contemporary Chinese Art exhibit and the interactive Polar Landscapes.
Back at the inn the kids read comics and watched cartoons, and I started this:
It's an improvised version of a vest from the Lion website that I thought looked cute and comfy. I've been wanting to try the Eco Wool for a long time, and this seemed like a perfect project for it. I love the definition on the seed stitch.
Anyway, we all had a great time, and although we had to leave super-early on Monday morning to get back in time to teach my 10 am class, it was well worth the inconvenience to stay the extra night. And someday soon, I will finish you, Transitions sweater:
