Yadkin Valley Cutltural Arts Center

I volunteered to put on a quilt exhibit for the grand opening of the new arts center. As usual I had no idea of the work involved....and wouldn't have been successful if my friends hadn't stepped up. This gives me a new appreciation for anyone that hangs a big show. We had a lot of postivie feedback, it was fun showing people what modern quilters turn out. And Kathleen and I would like to state for the record.....WE CAN HAND QUILT, but choose often to have our quilts machine quilted so we can move on to the next quilt. (Some folks seemed a little judgemental....ha) Thanks Quilt Keemosabe, Salem Stitcher and Kathleen....I had a ball.

Happy 75th Blue Ridge Parkway

It was a shame it was rainy on Saturday because I am sure a lot more folks would have gone up to the parkway to help celebrate its 75th birthday. They had artists, music, historical displays and food! We bought a copy of this commemerative print, here is GP by an antique diesel, and a 75th anniversary quilt coordinated by the Asheville quilt guild.

We took a short ranger led hike around the Blue Ridge Music Center and would have loved to stay longer. Its a wonderful resource....and we are lucky to live so close by. Happy Birthday Blue Ridge Parkway....someday I hope to drive it end to end.

Prayers Needed

My sister in-law needs our prayers. She is faced with a serious health concern and has to wait until next week for any answers. I know she reads my blog so if you want to leave her a comment....we'll just call her GP's Sis.

We love you and are praying hard!

First Time Seller!

My boss asked today "Have you ever sold anything on ebay?" Well, no I have bought things and even used Craig's List to buy my last used car but I haven't tried being a seller. So he said, well take those old scanners in the back and see what you can get for them. How awesome is that, I get to use ebay and facebook as part of my actual JOB! We did sell Go Postal's dryer today using craigslist and if this ebay thing is pretty easy I can't wait to list a bunch of the stuff we are thinning out of our houses. Anyone need an antique pump organ?

Mostly "Labor" Day Weekend

We worked hard at my house in Winston this weekend, and got the garage doors and mailbox painted, all the windows washed inside and out, the flower beds cleaned up and mulched, pine straw spread, and the quilt room officially looks like a bedroom again. Hope nobody tries to sit on the bed however, Go Postal and sis simply layered two air mattresses on the bed frame and made it up. I still have lots of de-cluttering to go but it will hopefully be ready to go on the market before we leave for Maui. We still squeezed in a little fun too....we hit the Hot Cars, Hot Nights cruise in on Saturday night and caught most of the Tams concert. Then Sunday afternoon headed up to Grassy Creek, NC (just outside of Jefferson) for the New River Blues festival. This was a pretty setting with the river just behind the music tent....and for once we were some of the younger folks in the crowd. The weather was perfect for spending time outside!

We Got It!

We went to an auction all day Saturday. This couple has been friends with my Go Postal's family as long as he can remember and they are downsizing to a garden home....and so they had to downsize their possesions as well. We went with the intention of bidding on this sideboard. We picked a spot out for it in the cabin before we left. Dr L was a Dentist but also a very talented woodworker. He made this out of old church pews from the church. He had even lined several drawers with felt and put in organizers for silver. Go Postal also got a planer and dust collection system. We picked up some other items as well....and the real bargains were to be had at the end of the day when the crowd started to thin. They grouped together a whole box of linens and I got it for $10 not really knowing what I would find. Mrs L's mother was a fine needleworker and inside the box where several napkins and guest towels she had embroidered. There was also and appliqued block (and the fabric for the rest of the quilt) What Fun. We will treasure this piece in our home because of its beauty, but mostly because of our love for the craftsman and his family.

If I NEEDED another bicycle....

Check out the patchwork motif on the fenders! This would be a great beach bike. I bet Bonnie would like the Creamsicle orange one right beside it. We could attach a big sewing basket to the front....cruise the New River Trail a ways, find a sunny rock at the edge of the river....have a snack and do a little hand work. OK I can dream. Reallity is that I haven't been on either of my bikes in months....or done any handwork. But if I can get settled into the cabin and get my house ready to put on the market maybe the Fall will allow more time for these activities.