The article I linked is perhaps the best summary--the article from The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jun/20/microfibers-plastic-pollution-oceans-patagonia-synthetic-clothes-microbeads references some other studies. The science is new, but although no direct evidence has yet shown that consuming these micro bits of plastic is harmful, as one scientist says, we have to assume it isn't healthy until proven otherwise. Besides, when I can avoid a possible problem with WOOL or LINEN or COTTON, well, that's great!

For sure, Caroline, for sure.

Thanks, Sandra!

Pippa--let me know if there's anything in particular you'd like to know!

We missed you, Marilyn!

It'll be great to see you again, Pallas! I think your lovely yarns would work beautifully in a stranded yoke sweater--bring some for me to fondle, ok?

Thanks, Stan! I think I've found someone, and the excitement is starting to build again!

Thanks, Beth! Yeah, writing a book is just about as fun as it sounds!!! JAnine

Thanks, Pippa—I’ve been intrigued by stranded shawls for a long time, so this is pretty fun!!! Janine

Thanks, dear Deb! I hope your new creative adventures are satisfying!

I can hardly keep up with all the good wishes! Thank you, everyone, for replying with your uplifting messages!!!

A million thanks, Meg!

Give me a few more days and my natural resilience will return!!!

And I'm about ready to work on your pattern, Celeste! Yes, another wonderful person will show up--my job is to focus on creating a book that helps people do what they want to do...

Good perspective, Juliann-thanks!

Man, that inner critic is relentless! Anne Lamott's writings have been very helpful in subduing that voice, but when I get tired that critic takes advantage, like a virus!

You got it, nearly-twin! Thanks!

You've been such a cheerleader, JC, and I appreciate it!

Thank you so much, Nancy!

Thank you! I love hearing about your knitting excursions, and hearing how these have spilled into your "other" life. A balm--thank you!

R.--I know for a fact that this isn't true! If more people apply during the short application period (usually first week of February) Schoolhouse Press draws them by lot. I've been on a waiting list myself--the waiting lists move rather quickly. And either this year or last Camp 2 had openings for a long time. I attend Camp 2.75, and we had 5 or 6 brand new people this year, along with regulars and people who had been at other sessions and chose this one instead. Please try again! Camp has a reputation for being hard to get into that isn't the reality--perhaps it is all the other knitting gatherings that are available these days, as opposed to 16 years ago.

The museum was so very well done! It gave a sense of how it FELT in Sicily during the war: newspapers, maps of Allied offenses, uniforms of all forces involved, including school uniforms! I think you would definitely get a sense of your father's experience by visiting.

Good way to look at it, Deb--thanks!

Some of the letters have already been donated to the Washington State Historical Museum--I'm thinking these will go there too, if the museum wants them. Or the Skagit County museum. So interesting to read about when the road to town was paved, and other stuff like that that we take for granted today!

Excellent idea! Thanks.