Yesterday, we decided to go on a little outing for ourselves, to a site in Vermont, not far from the Connecticut River. On the drive north, through little towns, we passed some small ponds and were surprised to see snowmobiles on the ice, as well as people and dogs. The ice has melted away from the banks, in places, and in two instances, people were spotted walking on the Connecticut River. This seems like a suicidal thing to do because if the ice gave way, that water is so cold now, and the currents so fast, hypothermia and/or drowning would occur quickly.
Aside from the anxiety of watching all of that happening as we whizzed by, we took a wrong turn. After traveling for a few minutes, we realized our mistake and pulled over to the side of the road to double check the map.
When we did, I noticed a landmark sign, such as those put up in New Hampshire to mark important historical events. As luck would have it, the sign was a tribute to Merino sheep and their history as part of Vermont’s heritage.
Wool from Merino sheep, a breed that originated in Spain, is the softest, long-staple, sheep’s wool around. According to a friend who was awarded the title of “master spinner,” the wool is a dream to spin. She has spun every fiber imaginable, including hair from a Newfoundland dog from which she knit a sweater for its owner to wear when showing his prizewinning animal.
I just love it when history pops up in unexpected places. At my request, Jim took a photo of the sign. The Merino sheep was smuggled into the colonies, in total defiance of the King who wanted total monopoly on textile goods, and did not want the colonies to be self-sufficient. “We” were clever though, just like Samuel Slater who memorized all the working parts of English textile machinery and set up a mill in Pawtucket, Rhode Island for producing cotton thread. (We have visited that mill and the mill museum. It’s worth the trip!)
Sometimes, taking a wrong turn, whether on a road, or in life, can open up new possibilities and a new way of thinking. During my lifetime, I’ve taken a few wrong turns myself, but I will have to say that all of the wrong turns, as well as the right turns, have made me the person who I am today.
Adversity and challenges always make us stronger. They are good antidotes for a boring life. Ultimately, I am thankful for all of my life’s experiences and all of the people with whom I have interacted.
Patricia
quiltersmuse.com Blog. I love your point of view.