July 25th, 2012 at the county fair, the goat show is done, it's evening and getting the kids ready to catch some zzz's after a long day of showing. After they crash, I watch as the storm that was expected starts it's thing. High winds, heavy rain, lighting and a little thunder.
As the storm continues I see a few tents fall under the weight of the rain. A few people are grabbing a few things, getting in their cars and leaving. I watch as the wind whips through the trees. Having been through a couple of tornadoes I keep on eye on how the trees are been blown around and am happy that there will be no tornadoes tonight.
In the camper with three kids, 11, 10 and 9 and I need something to do. Reading is out as I can't concentrate as the wind whips around...(I'm not a fan of strong winds, and nearby trees). Knitting!
I need my knitting. Where the heck is that black finger-weight aka solid sock yarn? I have the pattern for the "WesKnits" newest shawl KAL and the 1st two clues. I have my varigated yarn all set, just need the black. Searching around a camper in a storm with a flashlight is rather fun. (Hey, it's a county fair, no electric or water hook-ups) restrooms and showers are in the visitor center).
Hmmm can't find the yarn...damn...I sent it home with some other supplies that were no longer needed. Saves space in the camper that way. Oh well, next choice: My Wingspan shawl in Mary Maxim's Mohair Glitter yarn. Simple garter stitch, and short rows...perfect! I knit by flashlight and watch the storm and the kids as they sleep. Have the need to go down to the goat tent and check on things but as I'm the only adult I can't. Besides I'm not leaving the kids without me on watch.
The storm finally settles into a light rain and I pack up my knitting, turn off the flashlight and catch a few hours of sleep. Early morning after breakfast we head to the goats and llamas. Llama tent is fine and so are the camelids. Stressed but fine. Now to the goat tent.
Yikes! All the decorations are broken (castle theme with wood as the towers). Pens are soaked. BUT all the critters are safe and unharmed. Seems the outside tent poles collapsed as the weight of the rain hit the roof and the sides came down dropping part of the roof with them. Thank heaven for hog panel and t-posts pens! The pens were able to hold the weight of the outside panels of the tent and kept the animals from harm!
Cleaning up pens and decorations took a bit but all was fresh and clean by the time we were done. I got a few more rows done on my Wingspan and again I marvel at how knitting once again became part of the fair!
Now to find that black yarn!
