Home Again, Home Again

I'm back! You may not have noticed the absence, I have been slow to post lately and got too busy to load any posts ahead of time before being in New England for the last week and a half. As you can see, I was lucky enough to visit Keepsake Quilting in Center Harbor, NH on Saturday last week, it was a rainy day and where better to spend time? And, yes, I found some goodies! 😁

Right around the corner of the porch on which I am standing is the site of the new Pineapple Fabrics store. It is featured as one of the top ten quilt shops in the current BH&G Quilt Sampler magazine; it does not disappoint, either! This space is filled with precuts; colorful displays, a wonderful room in which to relax (for quilter's spouses or those waiting on shoppers) equipped with a television, comfy chairs and complimentary beverages-- take a peek at the one minute video hyper-linked above-- you'll see!

A quick stop for Cider Bellies, donuts freshly made and hot out of the fryer, at a farm stand on the way to Keepsake made for a perfect day's outing! These may have been consumed in the car before even leaving the parking lot! Ah, fall in New England-- I wish you could have smelled this place, the donuts are positively irresistible!

Time spent in New England was precious family time. I carried a stack of quilt labels to document my Mother's quilts for her. Last time I visited we photographed and jotted pertinent data for each one.

This trip I sat and added the labels to the backs of each one. Don't ever neglect to document your quilts and include your quilt's name, your name, the year and where you were living when you made it; that's pretty much the bare minimum of what should goes on your label; naturally, if you can add more information it doesn't hurt (pattern name and/or source, quilter's name if different than piecer, etc.); you may think that you'll always remember and a label isn't necessary. Believe me, it really, truly is!!

My sister gave me this precious antique child's iron and ironing board during the visit. I still can't believe it; it reminds me so much of the ironing board that I had when I was three years old. I love it!

There's more to share and I know that I need to get back to the "little houses" teaser from the last post. I will, I promise. In the meantime: the pattern winner from that same post is Pat, she will be receiving a Lemoyne Trails pattern in the mail in the next few days; thanks to all of you for playing along! For the rest of the day I will be finishing laundry and settling back in. Dorothy knew best, even though it's wonderful to travel there really is no place like home! 

Life is Good! 

Customer Service!

We've only recently returned from yet another epic road trip-- this one was loaded with adventures and firsts for me; but that's another post for another day.  Today I want to focus on customer service; you know, that concept that we all want to experience on the positive end but usually don't respond to unless it is negative. Sadly, there are many too many bad customer service experiences anymore!  This is a different story, it's all good; this story is what the definition of excellent customer service is all about. While we were away I shopped for fabric for Gregory's Quilt* at each and every quilt shop along the way (there were many!). On the 17th of August we found ourselves driving across Kansas and stopped in Hays at Quilt Cottage Co. Here I found two pieces of fabric to add to my collection for this project (the plaid pictured in the large triangles of those shaded 4-patch blocks, and the dark green triangles of those flying geese-to-be units). When we returned home a week ago I began cutting out the quilt and piecing all the sub-units for the main blocks. Somehow, I mis-cut over half of the large triangles for those shaded 4-patches, instead I had erroneously cut up that pretty plaid fabric into the smaller triangles needed for the flying geese! (Who, ME???) I wasn't in a total panic; not yet. I kept thinking that maybe I had enough and that I had caught my mistake in the nick of time. That did not prove to be the case. I recalled being in that shop where the fabric was purchased and remembered being asked at the time if I wanted to register my email address with them, just in case I needed to contact them for more fabric after I returned home. Of course, I declined; no, that never happens to me! (ARRGGH!) When the seriousness of my error became apparent, the day before yesterday, I was left with no identifying characteristics of this fabric (I had cut off and discarded the selvages the week before, they were long gone!) other than a photo. I also had the business card from the shop. I Facebook messaged the photo to the shop and called them on the phone (dialing was difficult with my fingers crossed!) at the same time, hoping against hope that they still had some. Kari, one of the owners, answered. As I described my situation she simultaneously looked up the photograph and asked if I had registered my email address with them. "No", I replied, "I didn't see the need at the time"; we both laughed. She was quickly and efficiently able to locate the fabric there in their shop, and find my purchase too, through their electronic inventory system. She cheerfully told me that she would be happy to cut the yardage that day and get it in the mail as soon as she could. I was grateful and relieved (plus, I ordered a little bit more than in needed, just in case!), I assured Kari that she had just saved my life! A few minutes later she FB messaged me to let me know that it was already being mailed. Wow! Just WOW!! Is that the epitome of customer service or what? Isn't this what every Quilt Shop, every store, every business, should strive for? Yes, of course it is! And to that end-- from now on, whenever I encounter EXCELLENT customer service I am going to publicize it. I will make it a point to let the business know and all of my friends too. Top-notch service deserves all the recognition that it can get. Join me. Where have you received service that is above-and-beyond? Let's promote those positive experiences!

*So, back to Gregory's Quilt. I blogged about it here back in February. At that time I was planning to make it totally scrappy with blues, greens and tans. As time wore on I realized that I couldn't cobble together enough scraps to make this look at all planned or cohesive. I recognized the fact that even for someone as addicted to scraps, and in love with multi-fabric quilts, as I am; there came a point where it was okay to give myself permission to go shopping (away from my bins) for what I needed (plus, there will be left-overs, which means-- MORE SCRAPS!).

Now, all of the blocks will look like they do in this layout; with natural-colored linen sashing between the blocks and blue cornerstones. This will be his bed quilt. 

Because this quilt, his Picture Play quilt that has been on his bed for the past five years, is growing threadbare and wearing out. It is currently undergoing binding replacement at Chez Goddneedle. You can see the new fabric for the binding folded over the top in this photo. Nothing, not one thing, gives this quiltmaker more joy than knowing that a quilt is well-worn and well-loved.💗

It's why I quilt.

Life is Good!

EPIC Road Trip-- Wrap Up!

There were quilt shop stops that I couldn't fit in to the previous five installments; we can't forget those. I will attempt to place this wrap-up post in a timeline that is logical and makes sense without appearing too disjointed. The stop at this shop, The Quilter's Corner in Sacramento, CA was on Saturday, the 13th of August. I found this shop to be well-stocked, bright and organized. The owner was highly energetic and friendly, she recommended  a wonderful local restaurant for a pizza lunch that lived up to the billing. Later on this day we learned that our daughter-in-law had been admitted to the hospital for an emergency appendectomy! I don't know that I had ever felt so far from home. We were worried about my mother-in-law before we took off, but never had even considered that one of our children would be hospitalized and in need while we were gone. She did just fine, although the appendix did rupture upon removal which, sadly, added to her recovery time. The troops were called in to help from near and far to help with the children. Certainly, for me, this was the low spot in our adventure.

This is "Grass Lake" somewhere in the Wilamette National Forest, one of the most scenic rest areas I have ever visited. There were benches situated beneath large shade trees where one could sit and gaze out on this peaceful scene. If we hadn't been on our way to another stop (Crater Lake) this day it would have been the perfect picnic location.

This is Quiltmania in Richland, WA. This small shop was literally crammed full of fabric bolts, filling every square inch of space. I helped them clear out a bit by taking some with me! A longarm machine was located right up front near the cash register, occupying the remaining floor space. This shop stays busy with their quilting service. Something that I had not seen before: Quiltmania had an alcove filled with precut extra-wide backing fabrics of every shade and hue, customers for the quilting service can choose backings right on the spot when dropping off their quilt tops. 

Also on this day, we drove for a long time between Oregon and Washington alongside these trees: planted in perfectly straight rows, perpendicular to the highway and identified as Pacific Albus. I found the sight noteworthy and looked it up after returning home as I was curious as to the purpose of this intentional forest. You can read more about it here. (Photo credit to the indicated website.)

This is Quilting Bee in Spokane we were here on the 18th of August. This was not my first visit here, it is an absolutely beautiful shop in every aspect. I was impressed to find both the Bernina longarm and the Bernina 16-needle embroidery machines being demonstrated while I was there, that was fun. This shop is a destination in and of itself. 

On the 23rd of August we traveled through Theodore Roosevelt National Park very early in the morning, we were traveling between Glendive, MT and Minneapolis, MN that day and were already homeward bound at this point. This National Park is one of our favorites for the rugged landscape, abundant wildlife and peaceful serenity (especially just after dawn).  

Passing through some areas called "Prairie Dog Towns" these energetic critters are everywhere! When we stopped to view them they alert each other with a chirping cry and scatter as they dive and disappear into their burrows. I know this is a rodent, a kin to my nemesis squirrel; I shouldn't love them but I do. Who can resist that face?

We had visited this park two years ago and one of my most vivid memories from that time were the Pronghorn and the large herds of feral horses. This time we saw only a lone horse and no Pronghorn at all, they must have been hiding. 

The Bison were not in short supply however! 

The drive home was direct and without a lot of stops from this point forward. Two overnights: Minneapolis and Indianapolis along the way before we rested our weary heads on our own pillows again. Dorothy was right: "there's no place like home".

The wrap-up stats and the low-down on traveling with a pup-- 

Miles traveled: 9, 221. Quilt shops visited: 9. Days gone: 23. National Parks explored: 8. State Parks/Memorials/Monuments visited: 9.  States traveled through: 22, countries: 2.  Pies consumed: 2. State Forests traversed: countless. 

I kept track of each days' details through a journal. Constructed years ago, this journal cover holds a composition notebook making it the perfect size for travel. There are two large "pockets" front and back where the cover slips in which accommodate the maps, brochures and literature accumulated along the way; it secures with an attached tie keeping everything contained, neat and easily accessible.  We stayed exclusively at La Quinta Inns and Suites; they are pet friendly. No, we did not camp along the way! The corporate policy of LQ is two domestic pets per room, unless prohibited by law. We never found that to be a problem and all of our room reservations were made prior to travel, we only needed to adjust on one occasion because we drove farther than anticipated and rebooked that nights stay in a different location. Sadly, dogs aren't allowed on the trails in National Parks, he was carried on occasion. However, leashed pets were welcomed in every State Park we visited. We normally managed dinner by picking up carry-out and bringing it back to our room after we checked in for the evening, that way Hannes wasn't left behind; likewise we alternated getting our breakfasts and bringing it back to the room each morning. While in the car he rode in style, securely harnessed, on his elevated platform in the back seat. 

This was the last road trip for this car. Our 2000 model Mercury Marquis has served us well over the past sixteen years. We traded it in on Tuesday this week with this staggeringly high number on the odometer: we like to drive!

Yes, that is 342, 166 actual miles. All good things must come to an end. We are grateful for the service. 

Here's the odometer reading on our new car: 7.4 miles! Time for new adventures and more memories!

Thanks for riding along~

Life is Good!

EPIC Road Trip- Installment #5

~ The International Selkirk Loop, Glacier National Park and Waterton Lakes Provincial Park~

We left Spokane, WA in the morning bound for Sandpoint, ID via the International Selkirk Loop. The "loop" encircles the Selkirk Mountain range. We headed north on the western side along the Pend Oreille River and happened upon the Box Canyon Dam; it has an incredibly fascinating history.

We continued on to (and through) the Canadian border where we loaded our car onto a ferry to cross the beautiful and scenic Kootenay Lake; a magnificent black bear crossed the road in front of the car on this route before we got to the ferry. We slowed to a stop and watched him continue down a driveway(!) and disappear out of sight. (Wouldn't you know it, my camera was out of reach!) The ferry crossing took approximately thirty minutes, we drove off and continued on our way around the loop and the panoramic lake.

Kootenay Lake - British Columbia, Canada

We arrived in Sandpoint, ID in the afternoon; we have been there before and loved it. As we had done two years earlier, we passed through Bonners Ferry on the way to Sandpoint and revisited the Bread Basket Bakery for Marionberry pie. This local delicacy tastes like a combination of raspberry and blueberry; it is THE BEST. And, even better, this pie was half the price of the Olallieberry pie in CA!

The next morning we left bright and early for Glacier National Park. This time we were able to pass through the park from west to east (Apgar to St. Mary) on the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Two years ago this highway was closed for repairs. Our National Park "do-over" was well worth it, not only was the navigating much better but the weather was lovely and significantly improved over the cold, misty days we had in 2104; I am so happy that we returned!

The Going-to-the-Sun Road is, literally, clinging to the side of the mountain. Some passes are really tight and the drop-offs are vertical!

But... the views! This is so reminiscent of Switzerland, the only thing missing here are the cow bells ringing in the distance!

On the first day here we traveled halfway through, going as far as the Logan Pass visitor center (above).

I spotted this friend chilling on a steep bank above us as we were driving out of the park; from a distance I thought is was a huge chunk of snow. Then he turned his head!

The photographs above should give you a feel for the rugged steepness of these narrow mountain roads; they are shut down for repairs from rock slides often and closed for the winter from October through May. This highway is 50 miles in length and simply put: offers some of the most spectacular views that nature has to offer!

These iconic red tour buses are a part of Glacier's history and have been showing tourists the sights since the 1930's.

Saint Mary Lake, on the eastern side of Glacier, is serene in its majestic splendor. Sadly, we drove a few miles through an area burned out last summer; the Reynolds Creek fire was first reported in the afternoon of July 21, 2015 and spread to over 4,000 acres in a single day. While the blackened trees stand out as an ugly reminder of the devastation there is already much fresh, bright green, reforestation occurring as well as brand-new views of this lake.

Just before exiting the park and heading north to Waterton this fella stepped out in front of the car; this time I had the camera in my lap; I was granted a second chance from being unprepared two days earlier. Another successful re-do! Thanks for sharing the magnificence of your home with us, Mr. Bear. Isn't he handsome?

Remember in the second installment of this EPIC Road Trip series I mentioned a retired National Geographic photographer who mentioned three top sights to see before one dies? Well, here it is-- the third sight: Waterton Provincial Park in Alberta, just north of Glacier. That "bucket" list is now complete; however, for the record: I am feeling just fine and have no plans of checking out anytime soon.

This is Upper Waterton Lake, it was a cool and windy day. I could have stood in this very spot forever; this location on earth seemed nearly sacred to me.

This is the historic Prince of Wales Hotel, it sits at the confluence of Upper Waterton and Middle Waterton Lakes: I do believe that National Geographic photographer knew what he was talking about when he included this picturesque park on the list of must-sees!

Middle Waterton Lake: the color in these pictures is unaltered, who could improve on nature's palette?  

Leaving Waterton we encountered herds of roving free-range cattle; not a fence in sight anywhere. The long road home was about to begin after this stop on our itinerary. We traveled from here to the extremely windy city of Great Falls and on into Glendive, MT.

I'll end this installment at The Enchanted Room in Glendive; of course, another state another quilt shop! I found this shop to be a lovely one: a refurbished old home containing oodles of notions, patterns, books and fabrics all artfully displayed and beautifully organized with a cheerful sales staff. The next installment of our EPIC adventure will be the final one. It will include Theodore Roosevelt National Park and a wrap-up of odds and ends that I couldn't fit into the previous posts as well as tips and tricks that we have discovered for traveling with a fur-baby (thanks to SueSS for this idea in the comment section of a previous post)! One more Snapple fun-fact as a reward for riding along this far: "A group of geese on the ground is a gaggle, a group of geese in the air is a skein."

Life is Good!