I Love Surprises!

As a new knitter, I come across surprises rather frequently. A new knitting store or even a new shipment to my favorite knitting store, can bring something new and exciting into my life. Yesterday Al and I went to The Point for a day of knitting which is what we do once a week. I was looking around and I came across this lovely knitted neck warmer. It was so soft and supple! I had felt soft yarns before but not one that flowed like this. Al took one look at it and said "Alpaca. Misti Alpaca." Of course, she was right.
I wanted to get my grubby hands on this stuff and make something nice for someone special. It so happens that they also had a scarf made from this, an easy knit, which is right up my alley. There's a woman who lives in our building who is just beyond wonderful and who Glenn and I adore so I decided to buy me some Misti and knit up this scarf for her. Here's the color I chose:

Isn't that friggin gorgeous??? As usual, the photo doesn't do it justice. It's a deep red, blood red I dare say, with black undertones. I was like a horny teenager rubbing it the whole way home. It is just so soft! I started the scarf last night and I'm sure I'll be done by midday, that's how quick and easy it is.
It made me think though. Do more experienced knitters still get surprised by things having to do with knitting? New yarns, new stitches, undiscovered needles or new projects? Will my excitement fade as time goes on or will everything new fill me with joy as this yarn did? I hope the joy stays with me as time goes on. It's like mini-Christmas every time I discover something new.
Oh then my niece, who lives in upstate NY, said that she lives near an Alpaca farm and is friends with the owner! I think I may have to ask her to take a lookie loo over there for me. And bring a camera.