If I get just a couple passes of quilting in the Nearly Lemoyne quilt, could it count as job done for the day?
The weather was just too perfect for late October to stay indoors. There is rain on the horizon - but yesterday - oh, yesterday!
The day just BEGGED for me to leave the QPO behind and head up to Grayson Highlands for some hiking and pony seeking.
Even as things begin to just look "tired" there is so much beauty!
And I love that there is still green.
I am soaking up as much green as I can, as green is one color that I really miss during the bleakest grey days of winter.
I don't always see the ponies.
And I am always wondering where they might be grazing, if there were to be any.
Yesterday, Zoey and I were lucky enough to spot five.
In talking to other hikers, asking them as they were coming down and we were going up, if they had seen any and taking directions - we still know that they are moving targets.
Some hikers said eight - including a new foal, but they move. Like lawn mowers. LOL!
Shaggy winter coats are beginning to grow in!
Sometimes you have to back away from the main focus to get the best view!
And don't forget to observe the beauty of a leafless tree.
Even the lichen on this one was just gorgeous in the sunlight.
Nature knows how to do it best!
Pony number 3 on our way back down.
Number 4 with number 3 in the background.
Not sure if that poised rear hoof is a warning or not!
We kept our distance.
Number 5! With gorgeous coloring.
I love it when the trails are leaf-carpeted!
The fragrance of fall was heavenly.
And some wild flowers are still blooming!
And sometimes - the view off your front porch back home is just as pretty!
As the leaves clear out, I can now see the long range ridges in the distance. My winter sunrises are enjoyed from this vantage point. Soon. Soon things will be open enough to enjoy those sunrises once again.
I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers!
(Anne of Green Gables)
Last night's moonglow.
By the end of it all, I was no good for stitching. Maybe my callouses deserved a break too.
And I slept 10 hours! That never happens. It was nearly 8am when I awoke this morning, missing that sunrise. I must have needed it.
Several folks have asked why they hadn't seen photos of Zoey in a while. I don't know why! Maybe because we have settled into living, not photo taking.
But here is one for you:
Zoey's favorite new toy -
A traveling head rest. LOL!
You should see her trying to kill the thing!
It's now her best new toy - until the day when she shreds it and scatters the stuffing all over the house like she did the exploding pet bed a few weeks back.
(Goodwill's loss is Zoey's gain!)
Silly girl!
It looks like a lazy Saturday ahead - not much planned but to work on some things here and there. I'm not feeling the need to go headstrong into anything today.
Shall we just simply enjoy this weekend together?
Melody's Appalachian Autumn!
Wonderful finish, Melody!
"I love this pattern. Thanks so much. It was fun to make. Happy autumn, my favorite season too."
Corrie sent in TWO photos!
Don't you love this photo shoot??
"Here is my Appalachian autumn quilt! Love it! And I also made a small topper for my sister, so much fun!"
How fun with the purple/blue background!
Truly, seeing your finishes and being able to share them with my readers has been the best part of October!
There is still time to make your OWN Appalachian Autumn quilt!
The PDF pattern for Appalachian Autumn is available in the Digital Patterns section of the Quiltville Store.
Quiltville Quote of the Day -
The journey may be difficult. It may be downright hard and you have to stop and catch your breath.
But if it brings you joy keep moving forward!
Scrappy Mountain Majesties quilt in recycled shirt fabrics - Pattern found under the Free Patterns tab at the top of the blog!
Have a wonderful Saturday, whatever you get up to!
What a spectacular photo show on your blog today Bonnie! The colours are so beautiful... the fall colours and the blue sky and white clouds... I made them as big as I could on the computer screen to enjoy the details in each one. I could almost smell the heavenly fall smells!
ReplyDeleteWow that was a beautiful day indeed. So many gorgeous photos.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful day for a hike. We had our bikes out at the state park here in Delaware because the weather was so wonderful.
ReplyDeleteLove those ponies!
ReplyDeleteI noticed the foot on that pony as mentioned. I grew up around horses. They rest their legs that way by putting the weight on other three. A horse, pony who feels challenged will be all four on ground, head high and seem tense, ready to run. At least that is what I remember. This horse definitely is noticing you but seems relaxed. However, thar said, horses are high strung in general and easily spooked. Zoey seems calm with you on walks so that is good. 0ne of my dogs would raise a ruckus and spook them. The other is very young yet but he already is much calmer in nature and my cat has already figured that out so they may be better friends if Baxter, older dog, will let them do it. Pets are like people; such different personalities.
ReplyDeleteIndeed, that raised hoof indicates that the horse is relaxed and doesn't feel threatened. They also do that when they are asleep, and this old boy sure looks like he is asleep and enjoying the sun. He probably is relying on the other one to act as look-out. I have 7, so watch them all the time.
DeleteAt times days with no real schedule are a blessing. Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteGreat colorful shots! And please keep featuring peoples' quilts! I love to see the differences among them.
ReplyDeleteBonnie - Thank you for sharing the beautiful scenery during your hike. I love the mountains, the clouds in the sky, the fall colors, and the ponies. I like the changing of seasons, too. Each season offers something unique to enjoy if we just stop & take it in! Each season offers inspiration if we just pay attention! Zoey & her new toy are precious.
ReplyDeleteLovely photos of your hike. I think pony 3 is looking very rotund — perhaps expecting?
ReplyDeleteLove the Scrappy Mountain Majesties quilt. I have made several.
ReplyDeleteWe had a warm (record setting, actually) day yesterday with no rain for the first time all week, so I also spent most of the day outside, soaking it all up (until the next door neighbor started the leaf blower, which drove me indoors too early). No sewing happened, but this week will be in the 50's during the day, so lots of sewing time will be available. Enjoy it while you can.
ReplyDeletePat
Fall seems to be a time for feeling peaceful and just watching the leaves change color and the scenery change. We all needs these feelings of calm in our lives with no hurry up goals. Enjoy your weekend in your beautiful world.
ReplyDeleteThere is definitely something special about the smells of Fall!
ReplyDeleteYour autumn leaf photos are absolutely gorgeous! After seeing so many of your photos, I was curious how they came to be there, so I researched it. Found this info on a Virginia page. So surprising that they were introduced on purpose.
ReplyDelete"In the Appalachia Mountains, wild ponies roam free along the sloping grasslands of Mount Rogers, Virginia’s highest peak. The ponies were introduced to the area in 1974 to prevent reforestation of the grassy, bald mountaintops that provide sweeping views of the surrounding wilderness."
There are over 400 miles of trails between the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area and Grayson Highlands State Park. Most trails are for foot traffic, but there are some bridal and bicycle trails as well. The most notable is the Appalachian Trail and the only section of the 2,190 mile footpath where hikers can see wild ponies. The wild ponies’ favorite spot is along the Rhododendron Trail, and there’s a good chance you’ll find them here when you visit.
Autumn is my favorite season. I so appreciate that you share your beautiful autumn with us. Today is a few easy chores, easy cooking, and then some easy piecing - hoping to get this quilt top together this weekend. Then I think I will make some autumn projects this coming week, including beginning my Appalachian Autumn.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoy your posts. You live in such a beautiful place. Thanks for sharing it with us!
ReplyDeleteLoved the ponies, and your darling quilt waiting on the machine. Also love your sharing on posts! Thanks for all you do keeps us quilting.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos!
ReplyDeleteAm doing the "joy" thing for the next few days. With only the sashing quilted, my machine decided to quit stitching. It is not something I can fix, but my tech is great and he keeps my 20-year-old mechanical, straight stitch machine humming along like a newborn. It just means a few days w/out her. So . . . I could get some machine embroidery done; but, "joy" is calling my name and I picked up a baby quilt I have been (very, very slowly) working on. Seems there is never time to just sit and hand quilt these days.I love hand quilting and this is the perfect "excuse" to dedicate hours to it. We are still in open window weather and it's a pleasure to not have either heat or air on, just a lovely warm breeze sitting next to the window listening to the squirrels chatter as I stitch.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the beautiful pictures. You are keeping me sane with the rona going on . We have snow in Montana so I love your pictures
ReplyDeleteYour photos of your area are wonderful! I especially enjoy them as I seldom get out. Also, the photos of the various Appalachian Autumn quilts with varying background colors are very inspiring. I think I just may have to make myself a wall quilt. Reading your blog every morning gives my day a good start! Keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteBeing on oxygen 24/7,I can tell you that the beauty you add to my life is so uplifting.Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThe beauty you capture is incredible. I almost feel as though I were up there with you. Keep up the good work. Haven't heard anything about Mona in a long time. What is she up to without you?
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed your blog today
ReplyDeleteToday's photos are so beautiful. We have plans to camp at Grayson Highlands SP next fall. I can't wait to see all that beauty in person!!!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures love seeing the horses s the white one expecting?
ReplyDeleteLoved the quilt share really beautiful and the old pick up is quite charming .
Stay safe
Love and quilty hugs
Anne xxx