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Sunday, July 12, 2020

Morning Hikes and Days of Retreating.


This was yesterday morning,  10:00 a.m.

It doesn’t get much better than this in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Southwestern Virginia.

Blue skies and sunshine dotted with white clouds floating by and gentle breezes.  The sound of the river rolling north, the song of birds and bees and other things that fly.

I am so very aware that other areas of the country are currently scorching – my dad in Arizona reminding me that 114 degrees F is no cake walk, but a cake bake!

(Yes, but he doesn’t get our winters either, so I will enjoy this while I can!)


And every time I come up here – you can see things changing.

Click to Play:


It’s always nice to have someone from the retreat join me – and it was a quick 2 miles, the perfect distance to clear the cobwebs, stretch our legs, move our bodies, relax our shoulders, take in that fresh air – a great way to press the PAUSE button on all of that sewing activity.

Not to mention walking off a few calories because the food at retreat is plentiful, wonderful, and definitely NOT low carb/low fat/low sugar/low calorie!


Crossing the VA/NC state line!

I just love showing this place to folks – and yes, Zoey was along for the walk too -


We made it back in time to celebrate Krista’s birthday!


And we are all enjoying the beautiful flowers!


I love two tone zinnias!

This one was large and lovely!


More sweets into the night!


Ooey Gooey Rich and Chewy!

While there are some “You need to toast them more”  “No! It has to be charcoal black!” opinions out there – the truth of the matter is “You do yours how you like it!” And that’s the beauty of roasting your own marshmallows.

Whether you like them roasted to golden and dipped in Amaretto before layering with your chocolate, or if you prefer a different kind of cookie to graham crackers –dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate, or perhaps peanut butter cups instead - want your chocolate melted by burnt marshmallows before you devour your creation – it is up to YOU to do YOU, while everyone else enjoys their own way of roasting, layering, enjoying.

There is no right or wrong way.  It’s ALL good.


And Zoey watches on, being so good!

Our sweet girl is 16 months today.  Today is 4 months since we brought her home into our lives, and we love her so much!  She is turning into the perfect retreat mascot.  She loves her visits with the ladies, they love her back and she is just SO GOOD.

Today is a bit bitter sweet. (No low carb/low fat/low sugar/low calorie!) Folks will start packing up and be on their way after lunch time.

Another retreat in the books – and I can’t wait for Yadkin Valley Quilts to come back next year.

If you are a single who doesn’t have a group – If you prefer someone else to do the cooking for you so you don’t have to – If you want to be completely spoiled, stay tuned for more info on their April 2021 retreat dates. We’d love to have you come.

I will let you know when they are ready to take sign ups – give us some time to get plans together (And rest up a bit from this weekend!)


Quiltville Quote of the Day

Whatever your challenges are, meet them head on today!

You've got this!



11 comments:

  1. This group looks like so much fun and I’d love to be considered as an add on to their retreat!

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  2. Was there any successful rehoming done, of quilts and/or machines?

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  3. Zoey looks like she is patiently waiting & hoping she will get a treat, too! What a sweet dog!

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  4. Your blog always inspires me to try new things...today it is dipping marshmallows in amaretto! Thanks Bonnie, enjoy your weather.

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  5. I too would like to be considered, as I don't belong to a group of 12!

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  6. Your sweet Zoey looks so little in that photo! Some days she just looks like such a baby girl, and today is one of them. Happy four months to her--she has spent her first season with you, and what a memorable one.

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  7. cbott and Katrina D both asked questions I was interested in. Retreats are so inspiring. Have a great week.

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  8. My goodness you have a wonderful job! spending your days hosting retreaters but then you get to play with them as well. And Zoey is special!

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  9. pretty flowers! i have a yard full of everything! dahlias, which is what that flower is (so many colors, sizes of a dinner plate! this, their name. )
    you should try growing them

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  10. What a fun group. I'd love to join them.

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  11. Quilting is just like s'mores - there is no right way or wrong way. I always tell my students "it's your quilt - you can do whatever you want".

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