Jul 092013
 


Roses in a silver pitcher.
Roses short or with long stem,
Rose teapots or cups and saucers
Blissful treasures where I find them!
Loretta Hayward

There are so many ways we can bring roses into our homes.
Every loving deed and kindness can change a plain room into a sunny garden!

“Some roses are red
white, yellow or pink
Any rose color
Is lovely I think!”


“Bloom where you are planted!
God has plans for you today~
A fragrant blossom along life’s pathway
Cheers and brightens the passageway.”

Have a wonderful Day!

~  Loretta

Oct 312012
 

Joys of the Shop Hop!
Gloria & I had the rare privilege to take two dear friends ( we hadn’t seen for a year) on their first Shop Hop!
We headed for Heirlooms and Comforts Quilt Shop in Central, SC. The hour traveling was spent sharing family news, current projects and laughing with the girls over their college memories. Inside the shop quilts we enjoyed gazing at the beautiful variety of quilts that were displayed like fine art pieces on the wall for everyone to admire.

 

 

 I kept busy with my camera taking pictures and close-up shots of the quilt blocks in batik and stunning embroidery embellishments.

We enjoyed  refreshments, had our passports stamped,
a gift package of needles given to each of us, and made special purchases
of thread and a book of William Morris quilt patterns before leaving.
This autumn quilt hangs in Franklin, NC at Deb’s Cats & Quilts!
When you go to Franklin there are two wonderful quilt shops with totally different fabric lines, themes, kits, and notions!

We are now at the Quilt Cottage in Inman, SC.
The friendly ladies that work there have wonderful samples and quilts to see in several rooms.
I have bought many fabrics here too! Part of the joy of sewing is working with beautiful and quality fabrics!

The Viking Quilt Shop was also a favorite stop. The Shop Hop Quilt was amazing and finding the Morris tapestry fabrics by Moda -a wish come true!! We all were able to choose fat quarters of fabric for our free gifts at the next 3 shops where our eyes feasted on bright fabrics and new craft patterns!! The day was so eventful we plan to shop hop together again!

Oct 172012
 

 

 Our Vacation on Mackinac Island! 
The seagulls are first to greet you as you arrive at the island docks!

  

 

Our luggage is sent on ahead to the Bed & Breakfast where our reservations were made months in advance! We decided to stay in one of the most historic homes. We start up Main Street and try out our  “land legs”  now that we havestepped off the ferry!    

Many visitors come to the island every year and if they do not bring a bike they will probably rent one sometime during their stay to pedal around the whole island! 
I will be stopping often to take pictures! I love the flower gardens, the history and quaint victorian homes everywhere!

 Yards are kept so neat! The vivid colors of all the flowers hold you spell bound! I could sit all afternoon in this yard and gaze!  We must move on and capture the sights !

 On the Island!

 Part of the delightful island experience is that there are not any cars or motorized vehicles here! Really! That cuts down on the noise, smog, and congestion quite a lot! The horses are available to rent, a buggy, or bicycle are also for hire. Many will walk the sidewalks and stop at various shops, vendors, entertainments &  historic sites along the wayside.

 

 The homes are so sunny and are a welcome sight too!

A pair of grays pull the carriage headed for the Grand Hotel!  Everywhere we look is so picturesque.

Ah….another beautiful home!  A true rock garden!  This is worth a closer look…I am always getting ideas for my gardens.

The side streets must be explored as time allows!
A fine china shop! Oooh this will be a wonderful stop on the way back!
Maybe I will show you some of the lovely purchases that I made-it was as wonderful as I had anticipated!
I found a beautiful bone china pitcher with a blue chintz pattern from England!
 

The weather changed throughout the day and  we missed a brief rain shower while we were busy exploring a shop!

As we headed up to the Bluffs we  pedaled over the wet pavement passing the Grand Hotel, golf course, and stables.  This will be much more fun when we come back and travel down hill!

The view is always worth the trip uphill!  Along the Bluffs are some famous historic houses.

 

We also visited the fort! 

  

The view from the Island fort was spectacular!

There was plenty to learn and  enjoy.

Those re-enacting life at the fort were very talented.

The museums had great displays. Seeing pictures of the development of the island was impressive too!


The buggy museum was so interesting!  Is this a fancy covered sleigh or what?

It is amazing where you can find relatives. Looks like some of my kinfolk!

  Our days passed quickly! The day of our departure was cloudy and we were glad to be heading home to the sunny south!