You don't realize how big Rhinebeck is until you've heard people at SOAR talk about it in reverential tones. And I've heard people talk about SOAR that way- spinners, anyway. SOAR is an annual spinning retreat- it's a week-long thing, and this year it was two hours south of me in the Poconos. Next year it'll be in Oregon, so I won't be going to that unless I win the lotto or suddenly become famous or the like. I only learned to spin in June, so my attendance at this year's SOAR was extremely unlikely, what with registration happening in March with a lottery and everything. But the vendors were open to the public, and it was hard to stand firm to the resolution of not going. Besides, this week I'm printing like a madwoman to help the Tsarina get ready for Rhinebeck. I'll be busy, I knew.

Then I ran out of toner Friday night. Oh biological impossibilities with canards, I emailed the Tsarina. We discussed the options. I would check for local shops one more time in the morning (but that did prove fruitless). I could drive to Rome where there is a shop that would be able to refill the cartridges- but that's a two and a half drive, and there was no guarantee that they could do it while I waited. Or I could drive to SOAR and rondezvous with the boss where she could give me toner. It felt naughty. Like I was playing hookey or doing something wrong. Or the heavens had opened and said, "Thou Shalt Go To SOAR." So I went.

It was nice to see everything. That is one very pricy neighborhood! But I did see a brace of bassets on my way out. The shopping area was about the same as one barn of Fingerlakes, without any animals. I saw the Yarn Harlot being escorted through the shopping area (or stalked- it was hard to tell if she wanted all the company she had), but I knew she would not know me from Adam (other than I'm the one with the tits), so I didn't bother introducing myself or saying hi, even if I was wearing my Vintage socks. I found the Tsarina eventually, and got the toner. Then I waited for Abby to finish her workshop, and I gave her beer. In front of the Yarn Harlot who looked on in envy. I figure Ms. Stephanie has enough people driving long distances to give her beer- but if I had known she was there and I would be in a position to do so, I would have brought her some too. Unfortunately, I didn't get to hang out with either of these ladies, but I got to meet a couple of other Ravelry friends before heading back to print some more.

I got some printing done- but now, I'm out of magenta. Fortunately, it is already being shipped to me and will arrive in time. But it means my wedding anniversary on Monday (12 years!) will be a nice quiet day, without me freaking out about getting enough work done.  ¶ 4:59 AM