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.

Xing is going up on the wall and I like it.

Now --- outside for a walk.  This is the old General Store.  Bonnie does own it but they will be taking it down as it is beyond repair.  So sad.

Behind it is the old mill buildings.  This was originally a corn mill with a sawmill as an extension.

A creek below and cool doors.

I do not wish to go all the way down there as it is not on Bonnie's land, but it's pretty cool.  Across the street stands this old home.  

Back at the General Store --- some pics of this amazing history.

Tin siding --- oh to reclaim this.  And check out the cornice work.  

Walk over and back into the house.  Ramona has complete another Quilt of Valor project - this one is Fourth of July by Bonnie.  TA-DA

I've been working on Xing and Bonnie snaps a pic.

Now to get out of the house for a bit - We are off to Wilson Creek where it meets the New River and is the actual Mouth of Wilson.  A walk will do us all some good.

Gotta love this!

Just enjoy the scenery.  We sure do.  Somewhere over there are Irene and Sherri, trying to get a waterfall pic or two.

The trillium is just starting to bloom and they are simply lovely.

Water seeping from the rocks and ground.  Beautiful.

The Round House, as it is called here, is really Octagonal and has a center chimney.  At one time, this must have been magnificent, sitting right on the New River, near the Mouth of Wilson.

There she is - what a beautiful scene.

And here we are - 

Interesting, but I don't know what it is.

Sam - along the creek.  I know what kind of flower this is.

Yes, we climb down into the creekbed.  Of course we do.  Would you expect anything else? 

Our selfie.

Bonnie's view.

Ahhhh - 

Sometimes it feels like, somebody's watching me . . .

Oooooh - must see closer.

It's being used as a blind.  Very interesting . . . .   Someone has to explore even more than I do.

The gang is waiting for us.  That's cool.

The old Halsey House on the hill.  The front is crazy overgrown with large bushes.

The end of Virginia and beginning of North Carolina.  We have one foot in each state.  Gather round ladies --- it's time for a photo op.  One foot in each state if you can.  Yes the line goes that direction.

That's as far as we are going today.  The return trip begins.

There is something GOLD in that there water.  Hmmmm.

So much fun together.

Back to the house - Garden Party is growing!!

Paula with a skinnie in progress and more Frieda Frolic.

Sherri working on a purple Pineapple Blossom

Linda and Stephannie blocks in progress.

Jennifer's Zuckerwatte blocks - so bright and cheery in her corner.

Paula with a skinnie top TA-DA - she is prepping it for May retreat.

And this is my semi TA-Da for the day.  I'm missing pieces and can go no further.  Drat it anyway.  It's also the end of today -- yep, they're going fast now.  (Day 7 below)

24th -  Day 7 begins.  I need to backtrack a wee bit today.  The group prior to us had mentioned to Bonnie that there was a beep going on in the house and then we heard it as well the first couple of days.  Upon a closer search, it was thought to have been found and then fixed.  Alas, no.  This morning, as Sherri was walking upstairs, she heard it loud and clear.  It appeared to be coming from the attic so up she went and did indeed discover it.  Then searching me out, the two of us went to solve the problem.  Of course, we documented.

First through the Private doors.  Now, before you judge, Bonnie had asked us to find it, no matter what.  Inside the first door is a staircase leading up.  Around the corner we go and then lift the board that covers the opening.  Yes, the gifted flashlight from March's retreat was put to use.  See, Debi, you are with us no matter what.  Success.  It is removed and brought back downstairs.

We set it on Bonnie's table and thought she would spot it first thing, but she didn't.  So we moved it under something and waited for the chirp to begin.  Such fun.  In the end, both she and Dave are happy to have the situation resolved.

Paula with her second skinnie partial TA-DA.  This one will be finished at May retreat as well.

Lunchtime.  Today we are gathering for lunch as some special moments need to occur.

Sherri and Frieda are both becoming Silver Diamonds.  What a special place to have this happen.  Congratulations to both!

With help from Bonnie, door prizes are up next.  Val's book goes to Sherri.  Frieda's donated scissors go to Terry and ? (waiting for help here), and the fabric roll donated by Irene goes to Ramona.  Smiles were all around at the table.

Smile Y'all.  I think most of my chores are nearing completion and my tote is getting lighter.  Whew.

So, perhaps I'll sew.  THIS is probably not the way to make binding.  Also, I need to clear my table for some quilting, so a picture of the goodies I've been gifted with before they go into that tote that was emptying.  Yeah, I know --- I'll fill it right back up.

Jennifer with her Zuckerwatte TA-DA.  

A few more peeks around the building -- I think I've been neglecting this.  The side porch, the snack table and the welcome desk.

Scenes from the room.

We have a bit of a break in the rain.  Let's get those quilts outside for pictures.  Frolic all around the turret.  

Ramona and Jennifer

Mine

Talking Turkey time!

Jennifer and Sherri

Samantha Carolina Crossroads

Jennifer Sandcastles w/Bonnie

Linda Allitare w/Bonnie

Next up, we are in shirts and awaiting a group picture as one of our group, Irene, has to depart tomorrow morning.  It's dang sad, but we have had so much time with her.  Bonnie gets our picture - Back row - Terry Frieda, Next - Irene, Ramona,  Next - Stephannie, Linda, Jennifer  Next - Sherri, Gwen, Front row - Me, Sam, Paula.

Having fun!!  TA-DA!!  Tiaras and all.

Just as we are finishing up, Dave and Jason drive up and are able to let Bonnie get into the pic too.  Perfect.

Sherri has some pillow case TA-DA's.

And then --- we are off to have dinner at a nearby restaurant.  As we arrive and discover that there is live  music, voices are raised to sing-a-long and ya just know this is going to be a fun night.

Happy Dr. Pepper girls - 

Hugs and laughter are strong with this group - 

Paula goes up to the singer and asks for something special.  

Check out what she did --- I only caught the very end.  Not quick enough.

Dancing ensues.  Dinner is magnificent and a wonderful time is had by all.  Enjoy the videos.

Group pic with the singer and then we are outta here.

When we get back home, Irene finishes packing and then brings us outside for some line dancing.  What a great end to the evening ---  So much laughter and fun.  After the first round, I step out to take a few pictures myself.  I think Sherri has video, but . . . perhaps it will come forward when one is least expecting it.  I've been know to do that to people.

And just like that.  It's time to call it a night.  Oh, just look at the front walkway.

Into the Hen Den for a bit more love and laughter and singing.  Quite a bit of "retreat legend" stories were shared with Irene and reliving them all over again brought forth giggles from all.  

We're done.  Irene is leaving at 5 a.m. and needs some sleep.  It was just so much fun having her here and getting reacquainted once again.  Keep your eyes open --- she'll be at Brazos again soon.  Plans are in the works.  Hugs, Irene, and thank you for playing with us this week.