Going Up Top!

See those clouds? The sky doesn't look that great, does it?

This was just an indication of what would happen later in the afternoon.

While processing some Quiltville Store orders yesterday morning a call from Martha came in with a tantalizing invitation.

"Wanna go Up Top?!"

For those not in the know - I live in the vicinity of the two tallest mountain peaks in Virginia.  

Mount Rogers  stands  at 5,728 ft and Whitetop at 5520 feet. Whitetop Mountain is the second highest summit in the Commonwealth of Virginia and the highest point that can be accessed by vehicle.

And by vehicle we did go!

Over winding mountain roads past recently mowed hay fields and impressive Christmas Tree farms, following along the creeks and streams, checking out people's growing gardens and making comments on this and that as we passed.

The drive was only about 1/2 hour, but it seemed much longer.  LOL!

Destination? Railroad Market & Cafe for lunch.

The cafe is decorated and fitted out like a 1950s diner with black and white checked floors and sparkly red booths at old style Formica tables. 

They've got great typical diner food and we settled in to our ice teas while waiting for the cooks to whip up our desired fare:  A bacon cheeseburger with pimento cheese for Martha, and a Rueben grilled extra crispy on the outside for me. (I don't like soggy Ruebens so I always ask for mine that way.) We both chose the waffle cut sweet potato fries as a side - they are to die for!

The best part of the day was the conversation.  Being away from everything and just able to talk talk talk talk talk and put it all out there.

After the past few weeks feeling quite bottled up, It was great to have a non-judgmental friend (who has different thoughts/beliefs than I do) just listen and say "I understand how you feel"  

We could talk, listen, sit with each other's thoughts and just hold space for each other.

Isn't that what friendship is about?

Signs by the cash register at check out.

This solidified our day. It was the words I needed to read, hear, feel and experience.  It set the tone for the rest of the day.

And this display was in the parking lot!

This line up of freshly painted vintage tractors made me smile.  No, it's not fine art sculpture - but it embodies the hardworking people of the Appalachians and where they put their focus - on caring for this land, of working their farms and fields and raising their families.

This to me is a great display of the American spirit.  May it continue to thrive.

These William Morris prints!

Aren't these gorgeous?  They were included in the box of blues sent by a friend - I shared the blues yesterday.

The pieces are less than a fat-quarter, likely leftovers from a previous project.

I'm thinking of including them in my own Triple Treat Leader & Ender Quilt.

But then the are so pretty by themselves as a little collection so I am not sure.  I'll just leave them out and pet them as I pass by them until I reach a decision.

Oh, and that threat of rain yesterday?

Wouldn't you know that the sky opened up just as Judy's Stitchers were moving their cars to the parking lot behind the QPO?  We all got soaked! LOL! 

Nothing like starting retreat off with a cooling shower that had to have dropped the outside temperature about 15 degrees by the time I headed home.

There were some later arrivals after I had already headed home to my own dinner - and a text message ensured that everyone was in and getting settled.  I'll see them as soon as I hit send on this post.

Let the Quilty Fun begin!

Last night's hand quilting progress.

All I can say is that it is S L O W and that is okay by me.  I am loving the texture, and what this quit will be when it is done.

I've got some other projects to dive into today - along with spending time with Judy's Quilters and enjoying our time together.  I'm looking forward to an easy Thursday ahead.

How about you?  What do you have on your plate today?

Did you enter to win the July/August '22 Quiltmaker Gift-Away yet?  The drawing happens on Monday 7/11/22 so get that entry in!

Quiltville Quote of the Day -

Awesome insight from unexpected places! Thank you, Leonard!

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Blue Ridge Beauty quilty from my book Adventures with Leaders & Enders, available in the Quiltville Store.

Have a great Thursday, friends!