Projects at Poppy's

Projects at Poppy's. So, in between pricing gift items, processing books, straightening shelves, planting flowers, entering accounting data and the usual chores for Dad, sometimes I get to knit, crochet or even spin.

Super Fine Blanket Sampler by Marken of The Hat and I

My cousin Amy and I have each been working on this lovely blanket, made with Patons North America Kroy Sock FX yarn. Or I may have some other Patons sock yarn mixed in there. Once you get the very easy pattern figured out, it's great listening to podcast or audio books work.

Fingerless mitts (my pattern) in Atlantic Breeze Alpaca blend yarns

I have some lovely yarns from Atlantic Breeze Alpacas and I've been whipping up these samples to show how nice the yarns looks in a finished object from a couple of partial balls that Sandra included when she brought the yarn in. There's only a little of that deep burgundy left!

Dreamin' of Tulips from Think Outside the Sox in Sock-ease yarn

Don't anyone faint. Yes, I don't do socks, and yes, this is a sock. I can't imagine what got into me. The pattern is an easy one that was jazzed up in the original with color changes. I'm just going along with this subtle stripe and so far I'm pleased with the effect.

Merino wool on the Haldane upright wheel

I finally got a chance to bring the spinning wheel up but I haven't gotten a lot of spinning done yet because I need to bring a better chair. I hope to ply this nice burgundy with some dyed angora or a blend to give it some punch.

But right now it's a beautiful day and between customers, I think I'll go plant some gladiolas!

Poppy's 10 Concord Road Meadows of Dan, VA 24120 Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM Thursday to Monday April to November. Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM Friday to Sunday December to End of March

We're Open! Beautiful New Location in Meadows of Dan!

Poppy's 10 Concord Road Meadows of Dan, VA 24120
Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM Thursday to Monday April to November.
Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM Friday to Sunday December to End of March

Opening for the season!

Opening for the season on Saturday, May 13. New hours are 1 PM to 5 PM, Saturday thru Tuesday. Wednesdays and Fridays I'm still at Jerry and Connie's House of Collectibles with yarn and fiber as well. I'm also available at other hours; had to cut back the shop due to looking after Dad. Text or call me at 276-952-8370 if you are in town!


Greenberry House, 12206 Squirrel Spur Road, Meadows of Dan, VA 24120 Hours: 1 PM to 5 PM Saturday to Tuesday. April to mid-November. Closed except by appointment or chance. Mid-November to End of March

Book Review - Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis by J. D. Vance

Hillbilly Elegy by J. D. Vance

The young writer brought up some very interesting points about the economic and social situation in America's Rust Belt but very few answers as to how to deal with the enormous problems in the area. Like the author, I'm not sure there are any easy answers. One of the many points I found interesting was in the last chapter, where he acknowledges the enormous amount of help he received through his life from many people, especially the support of his grandparents. I often hear people that consider themselves self-made claim that they never received help from anyone. I suppose it depends on if you think help is only financial.  Branching out from this was the question of how to offer support to a social group that is isolated in poverty with few examples of success as inspiration and few mentors to show the way out of the crippling situation. Vance points out how little he knew about the world how to succeed, even after a stint in the military and four years of college. He also mentions how helpful knowing the right people can be in career and life choices.

The constant message that Vance received as a child was that he and his culture weren't good enough and that the choices of the white working class don't matter. His grandmother, an amazing woman who did her best despite struggling with an alcoholic husband and children with enormous issues,  tried to counteract this idea but was only partly successful. Vance's time in the Marine Corps did the most to change his attitude, although he constantly reinforces that he felt himself lucky to have had the support of his grandparents and I think he is right. Their support, along with the many other people that helped him throughout his life, helped him overcome a childhood of trauma due to an absent father and a mother who never overcame drug addiction.

This is not a book with answers to the problems of the working poor in America, but I think the book gives a fairly accurate portrayal of the complicated attitudes and issues. There are some valid criticisms of the book; some think he blames the poor for their own misfortunes and he does have a pessimistic view of how much the government can help. What stands out to me is the despair of the families and town, the struggles with addiction and hopelessness. At the end of the book things have deteriorated, both in the town and in his mother's personal life. To me, doing something to help has got to be better than standing by and doing nothing. 

Greenberry House, 12206 Squirrel Spur Road, Meadows of Dan, VA 24120 Hours: 10 AM to 5 PM Saturday to Tuesday. April to mid-November. Closed except by appointment or chance. Mid-November to End of March

The Season is Officially Over

And the season is done. There may still be some pretty days and I'll mostly be in town, so if you are in the area, give me a call. Thanks to all my wonderful customers and terrific vendors for a great year!

Greenberry House, 12206 Squirrel Spur Road, Meadows of Dan, VA 24120 Hours: 10 AM to 5 PM Saturday to Tuesday. April to mid-November. Closed except by appointment or chance, Mid-November to End of March

Changing Seasons

The end of our busy season is approaching. I'll be open regular seasonal hours this weekend, from Saturday to Tuesday, 10 AM to 5 PM. Next weekend I'll be open on Saturday and Sunday, and the I'll be closed for the season. If you are a vendor and want to pick up your things, drop me a line and I'll arrange to meet you. Thanks, everyone, for a great summer!

Greenberry House, 12206 Squirrel Spur Road, Meadows of Dan, VA 24120 Hours: 10 AM to 5 PM Saturday to Tuesday. April to mid-November. Closed except by appointment or chance. Mid-November to End of March

Swinging into Fall

Mist across the pumpkin fields at Greenberry House

I know I post every year about how busy October can be here in Meadows of Dan, but it's an exciting time for the little businesses in our area and we appreciate all the visitors that come to see our beautiful mountain and the glories of fall color.

Wonderful handmade kitchen accessories from Lazy R Country Crafts

Stunningly beautiful traditional Appalachian baskets made by local artisan Frances Radford

I've expanded the crafts at the shop and now have these lovely items made by local artisans, along with the lovely yarns from local handspinners and farmers. I will probably expand the crafts with a few carefully selected lines next year. There isn't a great deal of space and I want to continue to represent our talented local workers.

Romance by George Barr McCutcheon

The shelves are full of books at the shop and I've listed over 1300 books on our sales website. Cataloging, pricing and photographing books takes a lot of time but I enjoy the process and I always feel like I'm learning something nearly every day.

New girls in town

The Buff Orpingtons in my flock are getting older and with this last molt, they don't appear to be interested in egg laying anymore. A local farmer had these lovely girls for sale so I went over to Willis and picked them up. They are a mixed group but I'm enjoying the personalities. The white one in the cage is the first silkie I've ever had here.

A good dog

Knightley stays busy greeting customers and protecting the house from deer, squirrels, the lawn man and the fellows that came to pick up the old propane tank this past week. I wasn't here when they came and Knightley had quite a story to tell me when I came home!

Wild blue asters

Fall is a special time in Meadows of Dan, with Pancake Days drawing crowds, leaves tuning and crisp weather bringing in tourists, and wonderful produce available at roadside stands all along the main roads. Winter is coming and things will be quieter, so I'll be spending time spinning, knitting, and getting things ready for another year to come. The rhythm of the seasons.

Greenberry House, 12206 Squirrel Spur Road, Meadows of Dan, VA 24120 Hours: 10 AM to 5 PM Saturday to Tuesday. April to mid-November. Closed except by appointment or chance. Mid-November to End of March

Many new books and lots of yarn!

One of over 1100 books we have catalogued in our online shop

The fun thing about summer at the shop is delving into the many boxes of books and getting them catalogued, priced and ready for sale. Check out our online shop for many vintage and unusual titles!

We also have some beautiful new yarns from our local handspinners. I've been working on some angora singles from the rabbits that now live here at Greenberry House. Quark and Quentin are very happy in their snug bunny house.

Beautiful bulky hand spun yarns

Elegant hand spun yarn

Baby Clara likes grazing with her mama, but sometimes she wants to be a lap goat!

Little Clara is growing like a weed but still has plenty of energy to romp. She and Mama Rose don't like the rainy days we've had lately and they will enjoy the sunshine when it returns.

Greenberry House, 12206 Squirrel Spur Road, Meadows of Dan, VA 24120 Hours: 10 AM to 5 PM Saturday. to Tuesday. April to mid-November. Closed except by appointment or chance. Mid-November to End of March

Thoughts on a Lazy Wednesday

“In life, as in knitting, don't leave loose ends. Take the time to thank the people who matter in your life.” 
― Reba Linker

Greenberry House, 12206 Squirrel Spur Road, Meadows of Dan, VA 24120 Hours: 10 AM to 5 PM Thurs. to Mon. April to mid-November. Closed except by appointment or chance. Mid-November to End of March

Imagine

“Then the maiden climbed into a tree, and, seating herself in the branches, began to knit.” 
― Hamilton Wright Mabie, Fairy Tales Every Child Should Know

Greenberry House, 12206 Squirrel Spur Road, Meadows of Dan, VA 24120 Hours: 10 AM to 5 PM Thurs. to Mon. April to mid-November. Closed except by appointment or chance. Mid-November to End of March

Summer Thoughts

“Properly practiced, knitting soothes the troubled spirit, and it doesn't hurt the untroubled spirit either.” 
― Elizabeth Zimmermann

Greenberry House, 12206 Squirrel Spur Road, Meadows of Dan, VA 24120 Hours: 10 AM to 5 PM Thurs. to Mon. April to mid-November. Closed except by appointment or chance. Mid-November to End of March

Sale! Sale! Sale!

Big sale at Greenberry House tomorrow, Saturday and Sunday. All collectibles in the shop 70% off! (Excludes books, yarn, handmade, fiber and fiber tools) All books on the porch 10 cents each! Yard sale outside with lots of bargain items. Come see me!

Greenberry House, 12206 Squirrel Spur Road, Meadows of Dan, VA 24120 Hours: 10 AM to 5 PM Saturday to Tuesday. April to mid-November. Closed except by appointment or chance. Mid-November to End of March

Open for the Season!

Greenberry House 

Spring has finally arrived in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. I've opened the shop and we have wonderful yarns, vintage and antiquarian books and unique vintage gifts filling our shelves.

Wonderfully soft, soft alpaca yarn and roving from Ocotilla's Mountainside Alpacas.

We are delighted to be working with a close neighbor, Ocotilla's Mountainside Alpacas, from just up the Parkway at 4388 Buffalo Mountain Road. Pictures cannot convey how beautifully soft and warm this roving and alpaca are. Come and visit to see for yourself!

Chickens enjoying the sun under the pear tree and quince bush.

We had a nice winter with some cold days but not much snow here on the mountain. The animals have been happy and we think we will have some little goats at the end of May. One of our hens slipped away to make a nest and the resident fox caught her, but another hen has a little chick she is keeping warm in the chicken house. I'm hoping to move the rabbits over to the shop before long and we'll have a cozy little farm atmosphere to offer around the 1850s house that shelters the shop.

Greenberry House, 12206 Squirrel Spur Road, Meadows of Dan, VA 24120 Hours: 10 AM to 5 PM Thurs. to Mon. April to mid-November. Closed except by appointment or chance. Mid-November to End of March