Nebraska it was....
For everyone who guessed Nebraska for last week's contest, you were correct! My mom and I spent 5 wonderful days and nights in Palmer, Nebraska this past week....which, for those of you who don't know Nebraska at all (and even maybe for those that do!), Palmer is a tiny blip on the map about 30 miles north of Grand Island (which is in central Nebraska). Basically, it's in the middle of absolutely nowhere (see photo above).
The wonderful thing about being in the middle of nowhere is this...it's completely quiet! No internet or email for 5-6 days is absolutely wonderful. I thought I would go stir crazy, but in fact it had the complete opposite effect...I actually relaxed! I can't believe it myself, actually. I slept in until 10 or 11 am each day, took naps, got some knitting time in (will post knitting photos on Monday), and actually read a couple of books. Hey, I think I can get used to this life!
We also saw so many of our family members...almost everyone we know lives in Nebraska, so it was quite fun to see everyone and reminisce about old times. Also, my aunt (who is nearly the same age as me) had her first baby, so we got to spend lots of time with him too and we had a baby shower. He's such a cutie! Meet little Zane...
It almost (not quite, but almost!) made me wish I had a little one around here. I did say almost...right? :)
And, of course, I had to pick up some the stuff that I always get when I go to Nebraska....
Some cool new comfy pants...
Some Runza's (For those of you who are interested in the actual Runza
recipe, I will be posting this on Monday of next week, so get your pans
ready to cook up some culinary goodness! :)....
A little t-shirt for Abby (isn't this just adorable?)...
and my absolute favorite thing in the entire world...the Twin Bing candy bar! Have you had one of these before? If not, you need to experience one at least once in your life. They are the absolute best candy bar ever! Some of these will be going out in orders here and there in the next few weeks.... 
This was a good trip, a relaxing trip, and a productive trip. :) And, I'm glad to be back.
The winner of last week's contest is Helen! I will be in touch about your winning loot Helen! :)
There will be a small shop update this Sunday, which will include Miss Babs yarn (with a few new colorways) and Knitspot patterns.
Hope you each have a wonderful weekend! And hope you visit us next week, as we're having an "off to see the Wizard" contest (that's the only clue I'm giving!)
Glad to hear that you were able to rest, relax, knit and read. Sounds perfect to me! And Zane is too cute! Welcome back!
Posted by: Phoebe | May 02, 2008 at 01:09 PM
Glad to have you back! And I can't wait to see your knitting. And, I can only say "Oh, Crap!" if your clue means Wizard of Oz for next week. I absolutely HATE that movie. I get freaked out by all of those flying monkeys that I haven't seen the whole movie. I know pretty sad, but its true!
Posted by: melissab | May 02, 2008 at 01:51 PM
Sounds like a great trip - but I'm going to need more details about that candy bar...;)
Posted by: Stacey | May 02, 2008 at 02:52 PM
Congratulations on relaxing! The Twin Bing candy bar must be a regional thing, like Pearson's Salted Nut Rolls. What's in a Twin Bing? I may need to hunt one down.
Posted by: Chrissy | May 02, 2008 at 03:51 PM
Zane is adorable!!! Glad to hear you had a good time and was able to relax and knit. Can't wait to see what you worked on.
Posted by: Trish | May 02, 2008 at 04:14 PM
Glad you got some much needed rest! With 3 kids at home, I don't even remember what quiet is like. lol
Posted by: Emily | May 02, 2008 at 06:03 PM
Glad you had a nice trip. Love Abby's shirt! I've never even heard of that candy bar! Zane is such a sweetie! hugs
Posted by: Dawn | May 03, 2008 at 07:03 AM
Glad you enjoyed a relaxing trip to our state! :) Baby Zane is adorable, too. Found your blog through Knitted Gems, and I've enjoyed reading it!
Posted by: Karen | May 03, 2008 at 07:22 AM
I love Twin Bings! I always used to get one when I went through Omaha or Lincoln.
We missed you, but I'm glad you had such a wonderful trip.
Posted by: Wendy in Cambridge | May 04, 2008 at 08:56 PM
Well hello, Zane!
It looks like a great trip! Welcome home. Love all the pictures.
Posted by: rani | May 05, 2008 at 09:36 AM
Thanks!!! It was unbelievably easy, too. I was a little intimidated at the beginning, but it did get easy, anyway. I wanted to try paper piecing and this was a good start. Now, I just need a good place for it.....I love the shirt on Abby. Very cute. I think any of my pets would take an arm if I tried to dres them. :0( Ah, well. It's probably better that way. heh Love that Three Irish Girls Yarn! Did you see my Madeline Tosh fiber???? I like the canary a LOT!
Posted by: Sharon | May 05, 2008 at 12:46 PM
It looks like you had a wonderful and relaxing time. I hope you enjoyed every second of it!
Posted by: Crafty Pancakes | May 05, 2008 at 04:43 PM