(Loopy guest edits the blog today to talk about his fabulous summer vacation.)
Oh the places I’ve seen! I was a bit hesitant when the Loopy people sent me out to vacation around the world over the past few months. Things are pretty nice and cozy in The Loopy Room, so I wasn’t sure how I’d like having a summer off to relax and play. I’ve decided that I like it a lot. I went so many places and met so many people.
First the people. Of course my favorite part was just vacationing with all of YOU. No wonder the Loopy People like you all so much. You’re fun! I met famous TV stars (here I am with Marlo Thomas and my friend Rosemary. I don’t think Marlo is a knitter, but she did a good job as “That Girl”, so I think she could be a knitter if she tried it. I think she thought I was cute. And of course I am.) I also met a lot of radio personalities (they may have talked about me on the radio. Or they may have talked about those of you who ran up and shoved me into their hands for a picture, like a crazy person. I’m not sure.) 
I also met many famous knitters. I like knitter’s a lot. I especially like sock knitters, so it was nice to meet Cat Bordhi in person. They call her “Cat” but she’s really a person. I couldn’t quite figure that out, but I guess you know who I mean. She was teaching a class at the TNNA Show this summer. I listened to a “Harlot” talk (which I thought was going to be a little scarey. Turns out she hates squirrels and I do, too, so I guess she’s ok after all.) I also golfed with Sergio at the US Open. He may not have known I was golfing with him necessarily, but I totally was. I’m a good golfer, as I can use all four feet when necessary. And what’s not to like about a game that is played on all of that delicious green grass? After we were done golfing, I went to collect my trophy.
I got to meet some of the cutest dang babies you have ever seen this summer. Most of the time I caught them sleeping, which I’m told is a very good thing. Sometimes maybe they’re not 
quite so dang cute? At least that’s what I have heard. I also met a lot of very nice, friendly family members on picnics, in parks, at baseball games, and all over the place. My buddy Hunter took me to his first day of school, and that was one of my favorite things. I had never been to school before. I’m not sure I need to go back. But I liked Hunter a lot. There were also a lot of other cute kids. One girl let me color with her. Or else she colored on me. I can’t remember. This girl wished that I had pretty blue eyes just like her, and I kinda wish I did, too. I was kept high and dry by this new friend, and rescued from the jaws of death by these buddies.
Some of you tried to give me a bit of culture. I visited the Sydney Opera House (which everyone needs to see at least once.) Dr. Jackie and James took me to hear the St. Louis Symphony. That started out good, but then they stuffed me into a bag for the 
concert and everything sounded a bit muffled. Next time I hope they buy me a front row seat. I also visited Wordsworth’s Grave (and had a moment of respectful silence there). I floated on a big boat in Sicily with Theresa, had a walk down Penny Lane in Liverpool, visited a sheep station in Australia, participated in an Irish wedding, took a peak peek at Denali, played in Kellie’s stash in New Zealand (she has a lot, but I’m sworn to secrecy), and even visited The White House. (Do you see George up there on the balcony? He was waiting for me to come in for dinner.) I particularly enjoyed catching Hamlet and Wicked – I love plays. 
And did you see that I was on hand for the unveiling of the last Harry Potter book? They had all of the books boxed and hidden under cover, but I pulled back a corner with my teeth, just so that I could say I saw it first. I haven’t read it yet. I’m afraid they might use “fleece” in some of their potions and I just don’t want to know. I also got to see a lot of yarn shops. I know I live in a yarn shop, but it’s always fun to visit someone else’s house shop. Mostly I had to hide in purses and knitting bags when we were in there. But I peeked.
There were a few scarey times. I went biking with Karen and her husband and I thought I’d pose on someone’s bike – just for the blog, you know – and I almost got tarred and feathered. Apparently it’s SO not cool to sit on someone else’s bike. But it felt cool. Getting past the scarey looking bouncer at the bar was a piece of cake after that. (Don’t let this photo fool you – he was as nice as could be and I think he is probably wearing handknit socks, although he wouldn’t admit it.) 
I loved the beach, but had another frightening encounter with this grumpy crab. He thought he might like to eat me, but then he decided I tasted like cardboard and left me alone on the sand. Whew. I was also a little scared of a cat named Sophie, until I remembered how much I like my own cat Zoe. I figured Sophie is probably just as nice underneath. I think I met a few cousins at some of the fiber festivals I went to.
I did manage to check in with some doctors during the summer. It’s always good to stay on top of your health. So I had an MRI to check out my spine (and they said it looked marvelous, even with all of the standing around I do all day long), I had all my teeth cleaned at the dentist, and I visited a mammogram machine just so that I could tell you to be sure to have your annual checkup. (As soon as this photo was done, I got the heck out of there. I’ve heard about that machine, and I want no part of it, let me tell you.) After all of those medical appointments, I needed some down time so I went tubing with Meg and her family in Michigan. They put me in a ziploc bag so that I wouldn’t get my fleece wet. Then I headed up to the cabin with Valerie in Canada. 
(Beautiful place up there. I particularly liked the cool weather, because the Loopy People kept complaining about the heat and humidity back in St. Louis all summer long.)
So as you can see, it was a summer FULL of a lot of fun. You can go over to my photo gallery to see all 140+ photos, because I did so many more cool things. The Loopy Lady says that I’ve talked about myself for long enough now, so I’ll end this. After you check out all of my photos, you can leave a comment and vote for:
– best “far away” place that I visited
– most interesting famous person that I met
– most unusual place that I visited
– most creative photo that I was in
Or you can leave a comment and just say hi.
The Loopy Lady says she’ll give prizes to the winners, and she’s going to draw an extra random winner from all of the submissions. She’s glad you all had fun with me (and I’m glad, too.) She also said that I can go again next summer – so where are we going next year??
Love, Loopy theworldwidetravelextraordinaire.Andohsohumble,too.
Loopy, you and I are among a handful of people who have been to a Cubs game, Wall Drug, the White House, Threadbear, AND have met Marlo Thomas. 🙂
You need to come to the Illinois Railway Museum with us. We’ll have fun.
I love Loopy getting inked in Ohio for most creative. I love Loopy, Annie P and Sarah Lou for most famous, and Melissa & MJ take Loopy to Cape Cod, MA for best “far away”. For most unusual I like the golf photo. That was cute! It was great to have Loopy with us! Can’t wait for next year!
Dear Loopy,
I enjoyed your very creative guest appearance on Sheri’s blog!! You really have been to some fun places! I will have to take a little more time to think about my votes because there are just so many to pick from… I will also have to think of a fun place to go next summer – can I get back with you? It will definitely be fun, though, I can promise you that. Do you like art? I usually like to catch museum exhibits on my trips, so that just might be on the list…oh, and you really must go to Fenway Park, if you haven’t been already. I didn’t get there as planned this year, but if I had, I would have brought you along!
Cheers! : )
I love Loopy seeing Wicked – it was a fantastic book!!
What a cool and funny post! 🙂
I think the picture of Loopy on the boat in Sicily is by far the most beautiful. (Of course, I may be a bit prejudice, being of Italian heritage).
Oh, how cool that you got to meet Cat Bordhi! You are one lucky sheep! I am using Loopy yarn to make a bunch of her new sock designs and they are stunning! Thans for sharing.
LOL! Loopy posing on the bike made me laugh and laugh, so I’m going to have to vote that one to be the most creative. (The crab is a close second) For most interesting person I vote for the guy at Sturgis. I’m a bit biased there since half my fun co-workers go to Sturgis every year.
For the best far away place I vote Loopy at the Rockies, pretty pretty!
And last but not least most unusual place is loopy at the book party for harry potter. 🙂
my vote goes to the Irish wedding for best far away!
I wish I’d gotten around to do posting my pictures. 😛
Loopy got hisself neutered on vacation at the Humane Society clinic. 😉
The Sydney Opera House is quite a plane ride for Loopy. I hope he had an IPod or GameBoy to make the trip seem shorter.
Joan
I can’t wait to take Loopy with me on vacation next year – we’ve got some good ones planned! Best far away place – Penny Lane (I love the song!). Most interesting famous person – The Harlot, of course (because I saw her this year, too). Most unusual place visited – Loopy’s mammogram (but thanks for the PSA). Last, most creative photo – Mr. Loopy goes to Washington. I’m just sentimental that way. 🙂
Those are great photos. I always love how this community comes together.
Well, I forgot to take Loopy with me, but he has seem some great sites, and met some great people. My favorite would be the symphony or maybe the mammogram. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t think that mammograms are the most pleasant in the world, but they save a lot of lives! Yeah for primary health prevention (and great music from the symphony)…….
Oops, I forgot – Loopy was tucked in my bag at St. Jude – so he was actually there twice. He just didn’t get his picture taken while we visited……Gosh he’s busy!
Lucky thing Loopy! How do I get to take Loopy around next summer?
Clearly, Loopy, your best far away place was Sidney. It’s such a “sheepy” country, after all. And you are one cool Loopy!
Oops! Loopy got his picture taken at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp in western Michigan the beginning of August, but the card is still in my camera, I think? I’m not sure where the picture is. And my son doesn’t remember if that was a disposable film camera or the digital camera. Hmm…He should turn up some time.
My vote for best far away place has to be the Sydney Opera House. I think it has to be the farthest from St Louis of any mentioned, anyway.
I vote Cat Bordhi to be the most interesting person Loopy met, the crab picture the most creative, and Wall Drug the most interesting place (I’ve been there twice now-very fun).
Dear Loopy:
This is hard ! Here’s my votes:
Best far away place: Loopy goes to Sicily
Most interesting famous person: Loopy and the Harlot
Most unusual place: Loopy goes to an Irish Wedding
Most creative photo: Loopy with the crab
May I answer all of them? Best “far away” place would be Bavaria, since that’s where most of my family lives. Most interesting famous person would be the Yarn Harlot, at a wool festival, on line for coffee. Most unusual place that I visited would be Iguazu Falls in South America. Unfortunately I’m completely stumped on the creative photo item!!
I like Loopy with the crab!!
I giggle everytime I see that “Loopy in peril” …
Ugh, I failed, I completely misunderstood. May I withdraw my submission??
Wow, Loopy had agreat Summer!!!
Since I was born in England, I thought Penny Lane was the neatest far away place.
I think Jane Sowerby was wonderful for Loopy to meet but then I think Cat Bordhi. I love lace and socks!!
Most unusual place would be Wunghnu and the smallest sheep station in Australia.
I think the way that Loopy was shown Hiking in the Rocky Mountain National Park was very creative. Loopy was such a lucky Loopy!!
Loopy you did a great job guest blogging. I felt as though I traveled with you this summer.
I think the neatest “far away” place was the Rainforest in Austalia
The coolest person to meet was Loopy with Yarn Harlot
The most creative was with the crab
And unusual place was at the NC seashore 🙂
Isn’t it nice to be home, Loopy?
Best Far Away Place: Mt. Tamborine, Australia
Most Interesting “Famous” Person: the Storm Trooper!
Most Unusual Place Visited: the shark’s mouth!!!!
Most Creative Picture: @ Sturgis…with the bouncer…..
Great fun to feel like part of a community with everyone’s pictures; thanks all!
Does the stormtrooper count as famous?! LOL
The Irish Wedding was the best faraway place. With Sunrise pics included. 🙂
That second one is not a fair question! If they were not interesting they wouldn’t be famous. I decline to answer that.
Hm, I think the MRI is the most unusual. For a sheep I mean.
For most creative…I think Loopy and the crab.
The most creative was by far the crab! A little scary!
Man Loopy! I’m jealous! You went to such great places! I worked all summer. I need to take a tip from your book and relax and visit some new people and fun places! Thanks for sharing!
I’d like to vote for:
far away place: Sydney Opera House (I’d like to visit there myself!)
famous person: Cat Bordhi is the best!!! I love sock knitters too!
unusual place visited: Ritz truck (cute ritz boy though!)
creative photo: You and the Crab!
Dear Loopy
I forgot to send you the photo of your visit to my farm. I know that it wasn’t as glamorous as the Sydney Opera House but you did get to meet my kids and my chickens. Your chicken friend Cleo says hello. She was very glad that you visited her.
~tabitha
Best “far away”…Loopy in Sydney
Most interesting famous person…The Harlot and Loopy
Most unusual place…Loopy in peril at the beach
Most creative…Loopy on the edge
All terrific pics!
I definitely vote for your visit to Sicily on the big boat as my favorite place you visited, since my family is from there! :o)
Best far away place : New Zealand
Most interesting famous person : Yarn Harlot
Most unusual place : Mammogram machine!
Most creative : tie between living on the edge and the encounter with the crab
best “far away” place that I visited Loopie visits Penny Lane
– most interesting famous person that I met Cat Bordhi
– most unusual place that I visited The “one ewe” australia sign
– most creative photo that I was in Loopy in peril at the beach (crab)
Best “far away” I think was Sicily… It must have been so nice to feel the warm breeze from the ocean! Although I really want to vote for WICKED, as it’s an AMAZING show (I saw the one in Chicago, too!)
Interesting famous person, I’ll vote for Sergio Garcia (even though he got “Kinneared,” as the Harlot would put it!)
Most unusual is DEFINITELY the one-sheep Sheep station!
Most creative was the crab… though I did like seeing Loopy with all those different kiddos!
Loopy–I am glad that you had the chance to be on so many interesting vacations this summer. Hopefully we will get to see even more pictures that next time you take a vacation.
Most interesting famous person–Yarn Harlot & Loopy
Most Unusual Place–Loopy at Sturgis
Most Creative Photo–Loopy in Peril at the Beach (aka the crab photo)
Best “Far Away” Place–Loopy in Sydney
Favorite “Far Away” place? New Zealand! Hands down! Loopy’s photo was a nostalgia trip for me. (I was a flight attendant in my former life, and I would always take an extra suitcase on my trips and fill it with yarn.) Most Interesting person: Jane Sowerby. Most creative: Loopy with the crab. Most unusual: the mammogram machine! What a hoot!
I love the picture with Loopy with Marlo Thomas. The picture was taken at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (I recognize it because I have been there) Good job Loopy for going to visit the children at St.Jude!!
Most creative: Loopy Crab
The rest are just too hard to pick. Looks like Loopy had a blast!
I vote for Australia. I haven’t been there yet, but I know Loopy had a great time checking out the Sydney opera house!
Some of the pictures did not come up on my computer, but I’m sure I would have
loved Loopy in Sciliy, and wanted very much to see the Irish Wedding. However,
from what I did see, I thought the crab and loopy was very creative and I loved
loopy and the bouncer. He had the most interesting face and it’s too bad we
couldn’t get a look at his socks. Someone (not me of course) should knit him
a pair and send them to him. Loopy’s life is far more interesting than mine. I thought
it was fun that Loopy went from the very upscale to the very comic. How much
fun can one sheep have!!!!!!?????
– best “far away” place that I visited – Sydney!! The opera house…someday…
– most interesting famous person that I met – Cat Bordhi. I covet her mind.
– most unusual place that I visited – Donner Pass. Kinda creepy, but I want to go now!
– most creative photo that I was in – Loopy in Peril – do crabs eat lamb?
I think meeting Cat Bordhi was the best famous person. I loved the picture of Loopy with the crab, that by far was my favorite picture. The best far away place was Sicily. I think the most unusual places were the hospital visits.. I wonder how many peoples Doctors made side notes in their records about that. 🙂 It seems like Loopy had a wonderful summer… one I am jealous of.
My Loopy votes go to:
Far Away – Sicily–cause that is on my List of Things to Do!
Most Interesting Famous Person – Yarn Harlot. Cause she is all of those and a bag of chips!
Creative – Loopy in Peril. I cringed for Loopy cause I know those crabs are not gentle.
Most Unusual – Sturgis. I would have loved to have seen Loopy in a helmet.
Best place: Hokie Healing! The Hokies are nearby–they needed a little loopy love.
1. Far Away – Loopy @ Wolfe Island Ferry – so it’s not so far away from me (I ride it to work in the morning! – 30 minutes of sock-knitting bliss is a great way to start the day) but I think it’s far-ish from a lot of others!
2. Interesting Person – Loopy @ the Harlot – ahhh Canadian knitters!
3. Unusual – Loopy in peril @ the beach – eek!
4. Creative – Loopy @ Estes Park Wool Festival from Virginia – it’s like a merino/angora blend in its original state!
Far away – Loopy in Sydney
Famous – Loopy meets Marlo Thomas – definitely most unexpected!
Creative – Loopy on the Edge
Unusual – not sure how unusual it is but definitely Loopy visits Penny Lane
Loopy loved Wicked and so did we! We are even considering seeing it AGAIN! It moved me to tears!
I’m sure Loopy loves being at the Loopy Room more than anything! We need to come visit. Hhmmm, I think we will be in St. Louis at the end of October. Maybe we will stop by!
Those pictures rock! Way to go Loopy!
My votes:
Far Away Place – Sydney
Most interesting person – the Cider Moon gals (love ’em!)
Unusual Place – Mamogram room.
Most Creative – It’s a toss up between the sheep show and the crab on the beach!
By far the best place I have ever visited was the small island in Denmark where my grandpa was born and raised. We spent several weeks with my great uncle and his wife exploring the island, meeting relatives and learning a bit about Danish culture. We even found a crude stone implement while walking along a beach on the island- possibly made by the Vikings!