Talkin’ Turkey Rides Again!

How far would YOU go on a quilting adventure with a friend?

I am so happy to meet these two! 

Terri & Chris boarded a plane and came all the way from Connecticut for some Southern hospitality and quilting fun in my workshops this week with the Birmingham and Evening Star quilt guilds. Machines have been loaned to them by accommodating guild members so happy to welcome in the traveling quilters.

They have discovered first hand the magnificent sight of  huge old magnolias, their leaves deep green and waxy shiny.  The taste of Bama barbeque and the syrupy sweet southern drawl of welcoming quilters (Music to my years now that I have lived southern myself since 1999)  who are so glad that they came this far to join us.

After all, THIS is what it is all about, right?  the coming together and learning together and Quiltershipping?

And they are experiencing it all in an upgraded rental car!  Hey!  If YOU had a choice between a sporty BMW or a mini van – wouldn’t YOU choose the Beamer?  I would!

It’s been so great to have you hear with us, ladies.

All of these gals have made our time together a joy!

Connecticut may be the farthest someone travelled, including air travel to get here but we have had folks drive in from across the state, as far as Mobile  And from surrounding states including Georgia and Florida, and Tennessee. 

And as always, when folks I know from one place become friends with people that I know from a previous visit somewhere else, and now everyone knows everyone, the world is a better. bigger and quiltier place to be!

And oh, the colors that came out to play!

And the fabrics in all of their variety!

Orange!  YAY!

It was great to see these blocks taking shape while those who had never done any string piecing before jumped right in and enjoyed the process.

There are many more photos in the slide show below!

The pattern for Talkin’ Turkey is found in my book String Fling.

The afternoon flew so quickly by that it was soon time to pack up and send those who had long drives home on their way.

I love these Mobile area girls!

So great to see you again!

A bit of sight seeing was in order!

ANYONE who comes through Birmingham MUST make a stop at Vulcan Park.  You haven’t visited Birmingham unless you have made the trek up the mountain to meet and greet the ORIGINAL Iron Man of Birmingham.

Getting a glimpse!

What kind of city builds a huge statue of a burly, bearded, bare-bottomed man to tower over its entire population? One that never forgets its roots. Vulcan, the Roman god of fire and forge, watches over all of Birmingham as a symbol of the city’s iron origins–and the ever-present spark of its indomitable spirit.

The Vulcan statue is the largest cast iron statue in the world, and is the city symbol of Birmingham, Alabama, reflecting its roots in the iron and steel industry. The 56-foot (17 m) tall statue was created as Birmingham's entry for the Louisiana Purchase Exposition (1904 World's Fair) in St. Louis, Missouri.

The statue is the world's largest iron-ore statue, and among the nation's tallest.

It was a beautiful day for a visit to the Vulcan.

You can purchase tickets, go way up top and view the whole area from the platform just below the Vulcan, but there are beautiful views to be found on ground level as well.

Hello, Birmingham!  It’s been a great week in your midst!

Taking photos of Chris taking photos of the iron casting display!

Of course, I honed right in on this quadrant!

Sewing machines were cast iron back in the day, and so were the treadle irons.  They had their roots here where ore was mined, forged and formed into all of the every day household and industrial items that made our world run.

From radiators to manhole covers!

Bye bye, Vulcan!  Thanks for the views!

We followed up our Vulcan Visit with some Dreamland BBQ, Birmingham Style!

This place is also not to be missed!

REALLY!???!??

The ribs were delicious, the cole slaw succulent and the company unforgettable! Seriously, the best ribs I have ever had.  And I laughed until my belly hurt.

Time for a few more steps.

This post is getting extra long, but there is no other way to fit it all in.  It was my last opportunity to explore the green belt area behind the hotel and I had about 15 minutes before it was too dark to see, so off I went.  In the week that I have been here the leaves have fully emerged.  It’s a green leafy world out there, and I’m so happy.  The leaves make me feel like I can finally breathe a sigh of relief.  (Re-Leaf?!) Ahhhhh!  You are back!  Now all is right in my green loving world.

The trail ended here at the stream, and there was a nice park bench for some sitting and reflecting. Do you see what looks like a stone fireplace on the opposite bank?  It's a culvert.  But I still thought of fireplaces!  How fun. I was still full from ribs, but S’mores came to mind.  There is ALWAYS room for S’mores!

The sound of the water flowing downstream and the song of birds.

Beautiful.  Simply beautiful!

I’m just about packed up here at my hotel.  One more workshop day ahead – We will be busy with My Blue Heaven today, and when class is over I’ll be heading over to Cullman for a couple days of activities.

Quiltville Quote of the Day!

Vintage pinwheels quilt top found in Alabama.

Take time to recharge. You do it for your phone - so why not for yourself?

Have a wonderful Wednesday, everyone!


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