So Many Firsts! (And Gift-Away Drawing!)

Dad and I went out and about yesterday.

It was really too cold for any “real” hiking – and Grayson Highlands State Park was full of hunters for a controlled hunt so not a good time for us to be on trails, anyway.

But we did what we set out to do – what was on our agenda to do, and what I was so happy to do!  I showed my dad around the area and I think he gets it why Southwestern Virginia has just captured my heart and won’t let go.

“This is sure a world away from where you grew up!” he said, memories of growing up in the busy and bustling bay area of California. Life in San Jose in the 60s, 70s, and 80s definitely WAS a world away.  I never would have thought life would send me here, either!

To my young self – a life in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Appalachia was just not even on the radar.  Yet here I am.

Stopping to photograph old weather-beaten rail fences.

Can you see how this fence resembles the quilt pattern that we are so familiar with??  4 rails zig-zagging their way across the wind blown land….

I have often thought this fence would be a great quilt photo op spot.  Only – I keep forgetting to bring the quilts!  I just may have to go back this week – guess what quilt requires photography?? *sneaky smile*

Folks have asked if Dad was going to be in the reveal photo for this year’s Quiltville Winter Mystery Good Fortune coming up – and of COURSE he will!  I’m counting on it.

The past couple of Thanksgivings he has spent with my brother Mark and his family, and I’m really glad that he did make those memories while Mark was still with us. He’ll be going to Idaho to visit my brother Scott in December, but this week he is all mine.

Down a winding country road – mountains in the distance.

And cows – they make me smile!

Best of all! 

Taking him to see Quiltville Inn!

And I love watching him whip out his camera and take photos – like daughter, like father!  I don’t think he really could comprehend the enormity of the house until we pulled around the corner and could see it there, large and imposing.

And getting to take him INSIDE – wonderful!

Bed number 16 – in place!

This vintage maple bed is perfect in bedroom number 4 and doesn’t require any refinishing. It’s in the room with Jeanette’s beds with the pineapple finials.  I should be ready to order mattresses and box springs by SPRING!  (It’s a spring thing!)

Brrrrrrr along the river!

Big Wilson Creek runs behind the Inn and empties into the New River.  I took dad  down to one access spot so he could get some more photos.  The next time I am up here, this river may be icy with floating chunks and ice jams along the banks.  It’s still beautiful in any season.

But best when shared with someone you love!

And now what you’ve all been waiting for!

Our String Frenzy/Quiltmaker/Signature Thread Gift-Away closed last night with 7041 entries!  Let’s draw for some winners!

The Jan/Feb 2019 Quiltmaker Issue and Signature 60 3 ply winner is:

Elaine Sihilling!

String Frenzy and the Signature 40 wt is going to:

Patty Booth!

Ladies, I’ve sent you both an email.  Get back to me with your mailing addresses and we’ll get these goodies right off to you.

For the rest of you – don’t forget that String Frenzy Pre-Orders open in The Quiltville Store on BLACK FRIDAY’s PART 1 MYSTERY POST! Limited to the first 500 customers.  Books arrive next week.  When the first 500 have shipped, I’ll be adding 500 more copies to the store, and will be working this in waves.

Or to stay on TOP of the wave, not be pulled under it!

For more info on what is happening on Black Friday, click to Last Friday’s Post and read the whole thing.

I hear dad stirring – it’s time to get breakfast on and get this day going!

Quiltville Quote of the Day.

As we close in on Thanksgiving and the crazy pace of the holidays ahead, one thought keeps coming back to me.

I am so grateful for the kindnesses of others over the past year. (And beyond, really!)

It has been a year of seemingly insurmountable challenges, but also abundant and innumerable blessings.

Have a wonderful Wednesday, my friends!