Runaway Wednesday -

Not far from here - but a bit higher in elevation there is still snow on the ground from last weekend's snow flurries.

White Top mountain is aptly named!

The sky was a crystal clear blue with a gentle smear of clouds - the perfect kind of December day to just say "Forget the to-do list" and take off.

I needed to get "Out of Dodge" as the saying went - 

Snowy, icy rhododendrons line the road where the sun doesn't shine -

And yet it was warm enough that the frost was falling from the tree limbs above and showering down just ahead of us as we drove -

It was magic!

The whole reason for heading toward Abingdon?  Martha had left a shopping bag of goodies at one of the shops we visited on our way to drop me at the airport a month ago.

She had called the shop the next day and let them know we'd pick it up the next time we were over that way - and yesterday turned out to be the day.

Lunch at a favorite BBQ place - and several shops to wander in downtown Abingdon before heading a bti further down the road to catch another big antique mall in search of pretties.

Quilts are few and far between anymore.

We only spotted a couple worth taking photos of - this 1950s grandmother's fan with the tealy green backgrounds and yellow caught our eyes.

It looks almost Christmassy -

And I love the rounded edges of the fan blades.

Why is it that we don't find great quilts anymore?  I envision them all be snatched up and loved dearly by those of us who are out there looking for them.

And hopefully NOT turned into teddy bears unless they are far too gone to save.

One sewing machine - a 1970s child's version with zig zag.

I rarely see vintage machines anymore either - so are they being loved and used? I hope so!

I really enjoy seeing how the booth owners decorate their spaces for the holidays - it was really fun to see how things were displayed.

Of course, dishes and glassware are my downfall.

I *nearly* grabbed up that pitcher with the red transferware design - the ruffled edge around the rim was a delight to see.

And this pink ruffled dishware set!

It wasn't being sold as a set - but by the piece.  It wasn't cheap!  But in my pink glassware loving dreams I could see myself snatching this up and loving it from now until eternity - except for the fact that I live with menfolk and they would think they were being poisoned.  LOL!

Old barns in blue.  This was pretty stoneware!

A whole set of vintage tin canisters!

Martha, Belle of the ball!

(Too funny!)

In lieu of quilts of sewing machines, we found stacks and stacks of grandma's afghans made of good ole Red Heart acrylic yarn.

If the polyester double-knit era made quilts that will never fade or disintegrate, the same thing can be said for crocheted afghans. 

Every color, every style from ripple to granny square.

And more.

What is to become of these crocheted things?  It just lets me know that a whole generation of crochet-makers are crossing over, leaving their families all of these handmade items and they are finding their way to estate sales and thrift shops.

PS - the woven blanket at the top is wool and from Scotland according to the label, but someone had washed and dried it and it is now felted.

Did I buy anything?  NOT. A. THING!

But I had a great time out with a friend and that is what mattered.

I teased The Hubster with a photo saying "Look! I've found our Christmas Tree!"  He laughed and said "Don't you dare!" (See what I mean about what would happen if I brought home the pink frilly dishes?!)

And the "Dumbest Thing of the Day" Award goes to:

The old Sunbeam mixer floor lamp.

We couldn't decide.  Does it go in the kitchen? Or in the dining room?

You wouldn't have this as a couch-side table lamp, would you? 

Or would you?

All in all it was a fun day most needed.

Today I'll be back at the desk putting finishing touches on tomorrow's Indigo Way Part Four.

And perhaps add just a few more to my stack of growing Winter Cardinal blocks.

How are things looking for your Thursday?

Quiltville Quote of the Day -

Sometimes we really need to reexamine our priorities and decide what really is important, and what isn't.

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Especially during the holidays.

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Feeling overwhelmed? Simplify!