The long trek back

After classes on Thursday, Archimedes told Amy that it was a perfect time to hop on the bus and go downtown to find some warm sweaters or a jacket. They spent a good half hour perusing the bus schedule, trying to figure out the best way to get to Church Street before they eventually gave up and decided to just wing it.

City map in tow, Archimedes deftly swiped his student card in the slot so that they could have free passage on the city bus downtown. A bit unsure where to get off, they followed the woman complaining that her kids weren't there to meet her where they said they'd be. The woman took off, and Archimedes was left looking at the woman's kids, sitting on a corner. They quickly took off after their mother.

The little owl and his friend spent a very long day shopping without seemingly any luck. Surprisingly, there are not many heavy sweaters or decent jackets in many stores in June. They traversed through JCrew, Banana Republic, Old Navy, Urban Outfitters, Von Maur, and a myriad of specialty boutiques.

At one where the dresses cost $250 and up, Amy was stopped by the pleasant store clerk who exclaimed, "Is your dress by D%$&@?"

Surprised, Amy asked, "Who?"

"D%$&@?"

"No I don't believe it is." Amy and Archimedes looked at each other.

"Oh, I have exactly same dress, and that's who it's by."

Archimedes was quite surprised, as he was with Amy when she bought the dress at Target the other day.

It was starting to look like they might not find anything when our two companions wandered into The Gap, and rushed over to see a few last sweaters hanging on the clearance racks. Archimedes deftly lay the cash down for his purchases (they won't issue him a credit card in this economy) and, with only a bit of surprise from the cashier, they were quickly on their way.

In search of a bus stop to find his way home, Archimedes called Kris, who directed him to Main street. On the way, they passed the City Market Co-op. Delighted, the little owl stopped in to pick up some of his favorite delights.


Not much of a meat eater anyway, he got some chips, salsa, dehydrated mangoes, marinara sauce, kefir, and a few other yummies that most knitted owls love to eat.

His bags loaded, including the earlier clothing purchases, he was flying much slower at this point, to the point that he wasn't flying much at all. Amy asked if he wanted to just ride in her pocket, but he insisted on carrying his own weight, and held one of the bags behind Amy over her shoulder. They made it to the bus stop and waited. And waited.

And waited.

And realized it wasn't the bus stop. They had missed the last bus of the day, had grocery bags full of heavy food, and were a 25 minute uphill walk from the dormitory. Amy looked down, but Archimedes knew that they had to press on. And so they began the very, very long walk home.

At least Amy had a sweater.


Finally collapsing in the dorm room from the weight of carrying one of the bags, Archimedes was exhausted, and fell asleep right on the food. Amy carefully scooped him up and tucked him in bed to rest for the upcoming days ahead.

Sailor Disappointment

Hello! This is Archimedes, a little knitted owl who traveled all the way across the country from Iowa to Vermont to study for the summer. He's a bit scared, but really excited, and he wanted to say hi to you all. He's here to document his travels around Burlington, Vermont, and wherever he ends up going!

Yesterday he spent most of the day cooped up in Amy's pocket while they were both flying out here. He wanted to get out and take pictures with the sailors that were at the airport, but she told him that they should leave the sailors alone. Archimedes told her he would have just kinneared himself with the sailors, but then she told him she left the camera in the checked-in luggage.

Disappointed, Archimedes kinneared himself later instead.


He says that he wishes he told Amy to bring a jacket, since she's cold all the time. But the sunsets and the weather have been really pretty, and he's really enjoying himself so far.


He likes his room (it's kind of like a castle!), and the people seem sweet. Hopefully he can find Amy a warm sweater. He closed the window so she wouldn't toss and turn all night long tonight.

Hoot Hoot from Vermont!