April 2021 Monthly Update

Welcome April --- here is your "I AM".   Doesn't it say enough?  I stumble and see others that do so as well all because of a lack of confidence.  Sometimes we just need to dive in.  Sometimes we need to fail. That failure SHOULD help us to try again after learning what we need to go forward.  This doesn't mean we have confidence in all that we do.  It says that we have confidence that we can "LEARN".

If you are new to the blog, you may be asking, "just what is a monthly update?"  I decided long ago that I just can't keep up with blogging daily.  I just can't.  Sooooo, what happens is I document a day in my life within one post and if something special happens, a separate post takes place.  See, you can stay caught up with a once a month check and then, if you're interested, see the other posts too.  It's a great system for me.

In years past, I have set goals for each month and I will continue to do that simply to keep myself on track.  I AM still in an ongoing UFO mode around here and trying oh so hard to use or clean out the stash.  It will be an continuing project this year.  If I want something to come in -- something has to go out.  That is one goal.  The balances change each month (hopefully) and will always show up at the bottom of the update if you read that far - and they are joined by links to the previous monthly updates for the year.

Now, grab a cuppa and sit back for a fun read and perhaps a new idea or two.   (P.S. I format on a computer, so if you are reading on a phone, well sometimes the pictures will be before or after the story.  It is what it is.)

Epic Road Trip - Days 10 - 11 We're Home!

Well, drat.  It is our last few moments here at Quiltville Inn.  They have been magnificent.  Did I get a lot of sewing done?  Nope.  Do I care?  Not in the least.  I am off to 10 days of retreat in one week and there will be plenty of time to sew.  This was a time to experience, share, laugh, and just enjoy.  I wouldn't change one single thing.  Honest.

The sunrise is happening --- the time is getting closer. 

Marshall Dry Goods!!!

 While planning our Epic Road Trip, we decided to suffer through a long travel day in order to take advantage of our proximity to Marshall Dry Goods in Batesville, AR.  Today is our opportunity and we have ALL been looking forward to it.

In we go and OH MY!  This is fabric heaven.

Just take a look around with us while we gather our breath.  It is a bit overwhelming and by making the restroom our first stop, we have a chance to absorb it all.  There are bolts, flat folds, fat quarters, and just so much more.

Epic Road Trip - Day 9 - Virginia Creeper Bike Ride

 Wow!!!!  The SUN is shining and our day is going to be absolutely beautiful.  We've waited all week for this and it is not disappointing.

Epic Road Trip - Day 8 - Ponies!!

Good Morning to Day 8 of the Epic Road Trip!  We have fun plans for today, but they will happen in the afternoon and that means we all get to spend time in the sewing room.  Jen has finished another bag and has her TA-DA.  I LOVE these bags and must find time to make one.

I am focusing on getting items ready for further work.  My two skinnies for May now are quilted and have the binding on.  I can bury threads and hand stitch the binding while traveling home.  Well, I think I can, but will it happen?  I am also working on a few Row by Rows.  All the pieces were cut ahead and I am just pressing them into place for applique once home again.  These are the two I picked up last year on our Arkansas trip.

Epic Road Trip - Days 6 - 7

 It is Day 6 in Virginia.  Up until now, we have commented on how long the days have been but it's starting to pick up speed.   NOOOOOO.  I want this to last and last.  For the FIRST time, I am the only one up.  It's kind of strange but I just couldn't stay in bed any longer.

Epic Road Trip - Days 4 - 5

 Day four of our trip has us waking at Quiltville Inn.  YES!!  I went to bed early last night so the first thing I am sent a picture of a TA-DA.  Samantha has her Carolina Crossroads top finished and it's wonderful!!!

Antiques on Main - West Jefferson, NC

 We are in West Jefferson, NC today.  Due to a possible power outage at retreat, this is a great alternative.  It is REALLY cold and windy, but we're determined to have fun.  Our first stop is Antiques on Main and I thought I'd share what we see.  Come along for some eye candy fun.

Epic Road Trip - Days 1-3

 The long-awaited day has arrived.  I'm not joking on that.  We booked this in December of 2019 and the trip was supposed to happen last April but then COVID reared it's ugly head and we had to postpone for a whole year.  However, the day has finally arrived!!  Sherri and I are off to pick up the van bright and early - can you say 6 a.m.?  Now, as with all things attempted by the two of us, there is a story here.  I have mapped out the way to Alamo but for some reason, my GPS wants to take me to Love Field - an actual field, not the airport and we are by-passing the airport.  It is discovered before too long and we find the right road.  The entrance is a whole different story.  Up the ramp only to discover that private cars are not allowed and Sherri has to back down the curvy ramp once more.  Yay!  The place is right there!  Hopping out of the car, I am going to hoof it and tell Sherri to just wait.  That is followed up, by me, with "I'm wearing my slippers."  Argh.  In I go and everything goes smooth and I have the van.  Sherri has left and as I drive away, I am struck with the thought that I don't want my last words to her to be about my slippers.  "Yes, Officer, her last words were, 'I'm wearing my slippers.'"  A simple call will work through that.  Nope --- we both still have our phones on Do Not Disturb and it takes numerous tries before I realize it.  Goodness.  Does this bode well for the trip?  

At any rate, I'm soon back at the house and we are ready to load.  Others have arrived and the whole Tetris game begins with Sherri and I packing all suitcases into the far back.  The back doors are slammed by both of us and fingers crossed they stay that way.

I put a breakfast casserole in the crockpot last night and made some banana bread so my sweet Mister is feeding the masses and trying to make sure we have all that we need in the process.  He has added a bag for emergencies, some Kleenex, and a stand for our phones while using GPS.

Virginia Highlands Quilt Shop Spotlight

 With a few hours to kill this morning before our arrival at Quiltville Inn, this is the result of a Google search.  It is right on our way and has great reviews.  Now, parking this vehicle is challenging at best and the lot wasn't full, so . . .

Jailbreak - Brazos House Retreat

 All my bags are packed and I'm on the road.  The sun is just rising and I'm late --- so late.  With crazy traffic and so many trucks, it takes me until almost 9 to arrive.   Goodness. 

Turning on 200, there is a wonderful meadow that is just alive with color.  What an abundance of Indian Paintbrush.  I stop for a couple of quick pictures to send to my daughter - it's her favorite flower.  Here's one to share.