DAY FOUR - CINCINNATI OH

We started our day with a leisurely breakfast, then headed out to explore.  Our first stop was at Hauck Garden.

We missed the daffodils, bit the azaleas were blooming, and everything was so lush and green!

 Our next stop was the Cincinnati Art Gallery.  They are restoring this old building to incorporate it into the newer building.

DH was interested in the architecture of the building.  The art was amazing, and we had a wonderful visit.  There was a choir singing in a two story hall and the sound was amazing.  There were also many school groups visiting, and it was great to see the enthusiasm in all the kids.

  Our final stop before heading to the quilt show, was the Krohn Conservatory.  The rain forest was lush and green and the misters were working overtime!

The waterfall was adding to the moisture in the atmosphere.  There were silvery water droplets on all of the leaves.

Then we made a visit to the orchids - I'm always amazed at the variety!

Finally we went to the desert area, with wonderful cactus, agave and other succulent plants of all description.

One of the large areas was closed as they were preparing for the butterfly exhibit that will be opening soon.

DAY THREE - STILL TRAVELLING NORTH

On our way to Lexington KY,  we saw a sign for the Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea.  Of coarse, we had to stop for a while.

 They have the work of over 650 artists shown in the huge gallery.  There is a restaurant in one end of the building, and the food smelled wonderful.  Too bad it was too early for lunch!

 Before reaching Lexington, we took a detour to the Red River Gorge area in the Daniel Boone National Forest.


The narrow road snaked along a ridge, with many twists and turns.

We stopped at one of the scenic outlooks to see the view.  It was an amazing site, to see such a deep gorge, filled with rock outcroppings and lush spring trees.

 Our destination was the sky bridge.  After parking the car we headed into the woods along this nice path.  The sign said that it was a mile and a quarter loop.

Here I am venturing across the stone bridge!  You see that I am staying in the center - no guard rails and a long drop on either side.

 The path continued quite a way, and we were starting to go downhill.  Then it made a turn and began dropping quite quickly, with handrails every so often.


There were shallow caves and holes in the rock face, and still we kept going downhill.

We got our first view of the rock bridge!  It looks so substantial from the top, but very narrow from the bottom!

There is a natural fissure along the bottom of the span!

Our final view of the amazing natural wonder.

Now came the hard part - the climb back up!

The trail became steeper every yard, and we were breathing hard by the time we saw this.....

The bottom of a long, twisting staircase!  There were 74 steps to the top of the stairs, then the final part of the trail was the steepest yet!  
Good thing there was a nice bench at the top, where DH and I sat until our heart rate and breathing was back to normal!

We said goodbye to such a lovely place, and headed back along the road, heading to our final destination for the day - Cincinnati OH.
We plan to relax and see the sights tomorrow, then head to the quilt show for the preview evening!

DAY TWO PART TWO

After leaving Athens, we headed north east to Ashville NC.  We always stop at the Folk Art Center at milepost 382 - Blue Ridge Parkway, to see the wonderful crafts made by the members of the Southern Highland Craft Guild.

This time we missed seeing the redbud trees in bloom, but the dogwoods were glorious.





  

 There were two people demonstrating their crafts - one making small glass ornaments, and the other who carves wooden flutes.
There were lovely quilts hung overhead on the way to the galleries.  There were some special displays of glass work, as well as wonderful wood carvings and turned wood items.
The sales area had a huge variety of arts and crafts - I enjoyed seeing them all, but left them all behind!

We headed toward Knoxville, had dinner, then found a place to stay just north of the city.
DH does a wonderful job of finding interesting places to visit on our trips north and south.  It makes the semi-annual trek enjoyable.

DAY TWO

After our arrival in Athens GA last night, we took a short tour of the town.

 This morning we returned to visit the tree "that owns itself".  It's original owner had a deed drawn for the tree, including 8 feet in each direction!

Then we headed along fraternity/sorority row towards the Georgia State Botanical Garden.

We had visited several years ago, but we arrived too late to see the visitor center and the conservatory.  We were surprised to see how many more garden areas were developed.  Some were newly planted, including a rose garden, that will be spectacular in a couple of years!

This is a map of the main garden areas.  There are also walking trails through the woods.

This Kousa dogwood was in full bloom.  I liked the distinctive shaped "petals".

A view of the conservatory from one of the garden paths.

This blooming thistle was beautiful in the early morning sunshine.

This is part of the new garden area, with grape vines and a pear orchard in the distance.

There were lovely surprises around each bend in the path.  All the plants were well labelled.

There were small streams gurgling throughout the garden areas.

This bed of poppies was wonderful in the full sun!

One of the many orchids in the conservatory.

The view from the entrance of the conservatory.

We followed the path to the lower level, and entered a fragrant jungle.

FIRST DAY ON THE ROAD

We had lovely weather for our first day on the road.  We left about 8:30, after going over our check list, and getting the last few items settled in the van.
We took a slight detour in Florida and visited the Suwannee Valley Quilt Shoppe in Trenton FL, just a half hour west of Gainesville. 
What a delight!  I plan to take my Florida quilt group on an outing there next fall or early winter!  There are 3 historic buildings filled with wonderful treasures.  There is a description here!
It was almost noon before we headed north again.  At Macon, we headed northeast along the Antebellum Trail to Athens.  We stopped in several of the times, and toured side streets, enjoying the lovely old homes.  Most were in good repair, but a few needed lots of work.
We are heading to the Georgia state botanical gardens in the morning before heading toward Asheville and points north.
I managed a bit of cross stitch in the car, but I'm ready to work on some applique tonight.  I picked up a package of Clovers' Black Gold applique needles to try!

DESIGN WALL MONDAY

DH has begun the puzzle that is loading the van!  This is just the beginning.  He still has to load his golf clubs, 3 guitars, 2 suitcases and a large duffel bag!
I'm doing KP all day.  Have to clean out the refrigerator, clean the bathrooms, while DH cleans the floors.   We have a routine that we've developed over the years, along with DH's check lists so we don't forget anything important.
Hope everyone is extra creative today!  Check it out at Judy's Patchwork Times.

STASH REPORT SUNDAY

Used this week 0 yards

Used year to date  67.675 yards

Added this week  0 yards

Added year to date  101.875 yards

Net used 2012    -34.25 yards

All my sewing/quilting things are packed, so I've been doing a bit of cross stitch in my spare time.  I've been washing so many plastic containers lately, as food items get used up.   I have to bake a cake to take to Easter dinner with friends, and since our garbage will be collected on Monday, I have to clean out the refrigerator and the cupboards of any bits and pieces that we won't be using on the last two days.

I do have an applique project to take along for evening sewing, as well as a couple of books to read, and the small cross stitch project that I just started.

Check out everyone's progress at Judy's Patchwork Times.

A BIT OF APPLIQUE

This is another project that was put on the back burner for a while.  While visiting Arizona several years ago, DH and I saw a wonderful baby tree of life quilt in a shop, and DH insisted I buy the pattern, designed by Chris Bubany for Dream On Productions, Tucson AZ.
I chose fabrics from my stash, but of course, didn't start working on it until a few days ago.  I spent my TV watching time preparing all the applique shapes, and decided to stitch the tree and pot onto the background fabric.

 I prefer using the back basting method, but it was difficult transferring the pattern onto the black background.  Instead, I used some wash away stabilizer for the shapes, and used a wash away glue stick to turn the edges to the back.  I stitched all the small parts to each shape, so that I only have to stitch around each shape when attaching them to the background.
As you can see, I love using bright colours on dark backgrounds, and I can hardly wait to begin the embroidered details on each shape.  I am doing the applique stitching with silk thread, as I find it disappears into the fabric.  I use 4 dark to light neutral colours, along with black and white rather than thread matching each fabric.
I plan on stitching each evening on our trip north.  I don't know if I can control the stitches well enough to stitch in a moving car!
 

PACKING AND PLANNING

My packing has been going slowly - I still have my quilting group on Wednesday, and after that, I can sort the tools and begin some serious packing.

In the mean time, I've been doing some planning for the wedding outfit that I'll be making for my future daughter-in-law when we return north.  Her sister is an author and artist, and they sat down and sketched the dress, with front and back views.  Instead of a veil, she wants to wear a fingertip length cape with a hood.

When we were heading south, we stopped at Mary Jo's Cloth Shop in Gastonia NC, where I picked up several samples of laces to send for the bride's approval.  Some were more sheer than others, and she picked my favourite!  Now I have to figure out how to turn it into a cape with a hood.  I've done some internet research, and I'm off to Joann's to buy some bridal tulle to play with.  I want to have something to test fit, when I take her measurements for her dress.  The dress design is very simple and classic - it will suit her beautifully!  I can hardly wait to get started.
 

DESIGN WALL MONDAY

No design wall for me this week.  This is just the beginning of my packing adventure!  First we have to get everything together, then make some descisions, then pack.  I haven't even unloaded my sewing room yet, and DH is getting anxious, as they are predicting rain later this week!
Hopefully, everyone else is still working hard and having fun!
Check it out at Judy's Patchwork Times.

STASH REPORT SUNDAY

No news is good news?

Used this week 0 yards

Used year to date  67.675 yards

Added this week  0 yards

Added year to date  101.875 yards

Net used 2012    -34.25 yards

I've had another busy week with almost no sewing!!!!!!

Our Godson, Liam, was visiting in the Orlando area this week with his parents and his older (middle) sister.  The eldest is working on her Masters degree at U Guelph Ontario.

On Monday we went to visit them, had a tour of their digs, lunch and shopping.  Tuesday was a busy day at the Disney Studios at Walt Disney World.  We left at 8am and returned home at 11 pm.

Wednesday was my day off for quilting, but the co-op board decided to hold a meeting, and we weren't allowed to use the clubhouse.  Disappointing, as for a couple of the members it was their last day before they were departing for parts north.

Thursday we were on the road bright and early, with a trip to Legoland.  The Lego displays were awesome, and there were lots of pieces of Cypress Gardens left to enjoy.  There were many "hands on" places for lovers of Lego.  Liam was at the top of the target age group, but he had a great time.

Friday we were off to Epcot Center.  Another hot and humid day, but we had a good time enjoying the rides and entertainment, we had a great lunch in "Japan", at the Teppan Edo Restaurant, and everyone drank lots of water.  Didn't stay for the "Illuminations" show, as everyone was worn out.

Saturday we were up bright and early, out shopping and enjoyed a relaxing afternoon playing a board game, while the thunderstorm passed overhead.  It was clear in time for our barbecue at the neighbours' place, and we ate too much great food, laughed and chatted while DH and a friend serenaded us on their guitars!

 

Today, I'm trying to get things back to "normal".  I have the dough rising for 4 loaves of cinnamon raisin fruit bread.  I'm also gradually moving all my sewing things into the house in preparation for packing.

DH has to pack up the garden railway this week.  All the buildings and accessories have to be cleaned and sprayed for bugs before being stored in my "sewing room" under the carport.  It can be a big job, especially in the heat, but he usually does it a bit every day.

I have to dig out all the items that have to be packed for our return trip north.  I pack the bins, suit bags, duffles etc., and DH magically fits it all into the van, along with 3 guitars, golf clubs, 2 sewing machines etc., etc., etc.,   Fortunately, we don't travel with too many clothes - just enough for the days on the road.  We usually take our time and see some sights along the way.

Check out everyone's stash progress at Judy's Patchwork Times!

DESIGN WALL MONDAY

I've been busy preparing some shapes for hand applique.  I picked up a pattern for a southwest tree of life design when we were visiting Arizona several years ago.  I brought all the fabrics south so I could work on it this winter, but unfortunately it was pushed onto the back burner. 

 I decided to get some of the shapes ready so I could do some hand stitching in the evenings on our way north.  There are still more stars and moons to get ready, as well as flowers, leaves and angels.  I've stitched the tree and the pot on the background fabric already.  I've decided to use a black background, to enhance the bright applique colours.  I can't wait to start adding all the stitched details, but I guess I have to get them appliqued in place first.....

I also had an abundance of 2-patches from my leaders and enders, so stitched them into 4-patches.  The block is called "Grandmothers' Cross" according to Electric Quilt.  I decided to use an "on point" setting, and the blocks have varied "light" setting triangles, using up scraps left-over from the plaid quilts that I made in the fall.

Check out all the creativity over at Judy's blog!

STASH REPORT SUNDAY

Used this week 0 yards

Used year to date  67.675 yards

Added this week  12.5 yards

Added year to date  101.875 yards

Net used 2012    -34.25 yards

Another fun week - temptation at the store closing added another 6 yards,  then I went shopping again yesterday to pick up flannel to back the 3 baby panels and some fabric for bindings - another 6.5 yards!  I did find some great stripes for bindings that have the colours in the two different panels, and I'll have some more quilts to donate to the community quilts program as well!

Just had a phone call from our friends who are flying from Winnipeg to Orlando.  Flight was delayed, and now instead of them arriving this afternoon,  two of them will be here at 10pm, and the other 2 will be sleeping on the floor of the Chicago airport and arriving around 11 on Monday.  So our plans for Monday are shifted to Tuesday, and they lose one day of their vacation!!!

Check out everyone's stash additions/reductions at Judy's blog.

Furry Visitors

We had Maggie May and Sophia over to spend the day while their human parents were off for a day at the beach.  They were both good snugglers, but I didn't get much sewing done.....
Sophia lives two doors away and visits often.  She was a bit jealous when Maggie May climbed right into my lap.







Today we were off to Epcot for the Flower and Garden Festival.  It was wonderful, as usual.  The flower displays were great, but we both wilted in the heat and humidity, and came home in time for dinner...

A DAY OUT

Yesterday, instead of my normal quilting group, we went on an adventure.  We met at 9:15 and headed out with 3 carloads of quilters.  First stop was the Patchwork Pig.  We were the first customers of the day, and most left with a small bag of treasures, although a couple had a big bag!  I was good this time, as I had already picked up 29 yards of fabric.  It is sad to see the shop becoming empty, and they will be closing forever on Saturday - a great loss for the Lakeland area.

The red and white print will be a perfect addition to my redwork collection. 
I found the gold and grey print, with gold accents, and had to pick up some coordinates as well.  I know I don't have many grey fabrics in my stash!  That's my excuse, and I'm sticking with it!

Then we made a quick stop at the Fabric Warehouse in Lakeland.  They have tons of bright coloured fabric, novelty prints, and wonderful coordinates.  Every time I visit, I think there is more fabric!

We finally met up again at Olive Garden, where we had a great lunch, with lots of chat and laughter.  A couple of the "girls"  asked if it was possible to stop at Joanns' after lunch......so off we went.
It was much harder to keep track of everyone at Joann's, but after lots of searching we were ready to head back towards home.
One more stop at the local Tastee Freeze for a soft ice cream cone - I had chocolate of course, and we finally made it back home.
Next week we are back to our normal quilting day - lots of finishing happening, as we only have two more weeks to go!