Venturing Out -

It’s been months since I have traveled to shop in any city of mentionable size.

We are talking – maybe February?

In January I was in Phoenix, so definitely then.  February had me traveling to Bedford, Virginia (Gosh, it feels like a year go now!) but even then I drove past Roanoke, didn’t stop, so I’m not sure that even counts.

We are getting close to half-way through June now.

I have stuck close at hand doing everything I needed between Independence, Virginia – population 881 according to the 2020 cencus –to nearby Jefferson, NC and West Jefferson NC with a combined population of 2,898 which makes it just big enough to have 3 grocery stores including a Walmart, a CVS and Walgreens, a Lowes, a Dollar Tree, tractor Supply, Roses, and True Value with a smattering of fast food places and other eateries.

It’s more than enough for what I need – but sometimes you have got to hit up the bigger city.  One that has a Target, a Costco or Sam’s Club.

And it’s a jungle out there!

In search of “step on” trash cans for Quiltville Inn!

I made the 1 1/2 hour drive to Bristol VA in search of amongst other things – trash cans.  Major destination? Sam’s Club (Because there is no Costco and Costco is a 2 hour drive away.)

IKEA? More than 3 hours away in Charlotte.

Who would think it would be hard to find trash cans??  Evidently they are also in short supply.

And though this map makes the route look easy – it is winding and rolling all the way.  But a beautiful drive, and the best way I could think of to clear my head, see some different scenery and get a break from the routine of daily life.

Target had ZERO step cans.  In fact, Target looked like they were going through a liquidation sale without signs.  The shelves were all half-bare, they didn’t have anything I was in search of and so I left empty handed.  Even the patio furniture section which I have usually found to be good was just sad.

I know this past 3 months has hit big corporations really hard as well because we just haven’t been able to be out there purchasing what we need – so they are not restocking yet?

It was encouraging to see that all of the businesses had signs of “You must be wearing a mask to enter.”  However – when you get inside – less than 1/2 the people are wearing masks.  That part I don’t get.

Sam’s Club was next on my list.  Again – a sign “You must wear a mask to shop on these premises.”  Get inside – less than half the people are mask clad.

I found a big kitchen step can here, but no bathroom sized ones.

I DID find the metal serving trays and ice tubs shown in the top photo on the porch.  Those made me happy.  I found toilet paper in the BIG size so we are good to go.

From here I ran to the Walmart that was next to the Sam’s Club (Isn’t that the way that they are often found – side-by-side?)  and I didn’t even need to move the car.

Cat litter, bug spray, citronella candles, table runners for the outside tables (see top photo!) and other things I needed for the inn like body wash and make up remover face wipes.

Again – whole families wandering around like it is social hour and no one is wearing a mask.  Kids playing with all of the toys in the toy aisles - I can see why people are throwing up their hands and saying “whatever!” 

This is cute!

To hang the paper towel dispenser in the downstairs bath I had to remove a curio shelf from the wall, leaving the anchor/screw holes visible.  I needed something to hang above it to cover the holes.  Tada.

By the time I got back to the inn to unload everything it was 5pm and within minutes The Hubster pulled his pickup behind the van and out bounded Zoey who acted like I’d been gone a year - and how could I have done that to her?  LOL!

Hooray for step cans in the bathrooms!

This is the downstairs bath, the closest to the Quilting Quarters and used the most throughout the day – so much paper towel waste will be happening here. I am glad I found a “sideways” opening can that would fit in this otherwise wasted space.

The ceilings in the back hallway/stairwell and upstairs back hall were finished last night and by the time we were done we were exhausted. But it looks so good!  This afternoon we will put the furniture and decor back and get things looking the way they should.

Sani 10% Sanitizer/disinfectant/viricide going to work.

But how do you read that label on the concentrated gallon??

If your eyes are like mine -

You zoom in on your phone camera screen and take a photo so you can blow it up on your computer and actually read the fine print

Sometimes when ordering at a restaurant where the menu is on the wall behind the cashier – back lit, I also can’t read it unless I put my phone up there, zoom in to read.  I’m sure it looks weird to many, but it makes it so I can read it without straining my eyes.  My phone camera has been a useful tool for much more than just taking a picture of cute things.

All the little sprayers are for the bathrooms and also for the tables in the Quilting Quarters. There is a larger spray bottle for the kitchen surfaces, and there will be large spray bottles for the showers as well (when they arrive – ordered from Amazon, delivery pending)

We are almost ready.

And if you have made it this far – let’s share some quilty content!  I am still loving all of the shares happening on Instagram with our #unityquiltalong hash tag.  SO many gorgeous quilts.  Take a peek:

Wow!

I made my quilt rectangular to fit one of the beds at Quiltville Inn, but there are ways to make it the way you want.  Mrpdemi continued the flying geese all the way around in part 5 instead of just adding them to the top and bottom which allowed the next rounds to also go all the way around. 

Sometimes that may mean that extra spacer sashings are needed to make the math work – This is where YOU get to put on your thinking cap and do it!

I just love the colors, don’t you?

This one by rainbowflasmlp!

I love this quilt, and the quilt model is precious as well!  What a great use of black/grey/pinky red!

How is your own Unity quilt coming?  Keep it moving forward, even by baby steps if necessary.  And continue to post your shares!

Today I am throwing myself back into normality – all the usuals.  It’s a bit cooler today (so far) with a bit of cloud cover.

Likely no hike today as there are things that didn’t get done yesterday due to my trip to the “big town.” But tomorrow morning – I think I’ll be out fairly early and try to get that in.

Anything interesting going on for your day?

Quiltville Quote of the Day -

It is okay to change your mind about things you once thought you never would.

We were never put here to stay in the same place.

We can do better, be better.

Have a Terrific Tuesday, everyone!