I stopped sponsoring retreats at Insel Haus because Christa - the owner of the B&B - is now doing it herself. Okay, so I was also exhausted from schlepping food to the island, but it seemed like a good time for Christa to take over and even expand the offerings. She has done that and has retreats listed on her website (www.yarndreamer.com). I'll be teaching at two of the retreats: · January 2 - 4- 2009, Fair Isle Knitting, · April 3 - 5 - 2009, Cat Bordhi Socks. Both of these are "fly in" worshops because the ferry won't be running. Catch a small plane (6-seater) from Cheboygan (which is not that much more expensive than bringing your car over on the ferry). I LOVE being on the island in the winter. It is so quiet. There's a little element of "danger" involved - you might be stranded by weather. If the plane can't fly you have no choice but to snuggle in, enjoy the fire, and knit some more! Plus, there are usually animals in the meadow that provide live entertainment.

 

Another thing about the retreats has changed. I allowed up to 20 people to attend (a couple times we had even more), but Christa puts a cap at 11. You'll get personal attention in classes and not have to stand in line so long at dinner time. Whether it is a personal get-a-way or you are with a group of friends, time on Bois Blanc Island is always special.

 

Oh yes, the photo. That is Christel enjoying the beautiful weather on a recent retreat.

Thursday, October 30 at 6 p.m. is the downtown Lake Orion Halloween Parade (followed by trick-or-treating at local businesses). Come have a spooky good time!