Rural Americana

Do you ever start planning your blog post several hours before you intend to write it?  I'm not a writer by any means, but I try to have something interesting to say.  Today, I left the house with plans to go to Gettysburg to Boyds Bear Country and the quilt store. 

Four score and seven years ago...     Most of you have heard of Gettysburg - the battle and the Gettysburg Address.  Our area is steeped in Civil War history.  Today, as I was driving along the battlefield, I pulled off the road to take a few pictures.  It was a dreary cold day, and I was trying to imagine what it would have been like to be in the heat of battle.  The area is now a National Park, dotted with canons, old fences, and monuments.

My real destination was Boyds Bear Country, where I was looking for a particular bear for a bloggy friend.  Sorry bloggy friend, they were sold out, but I found something else kind of cute.  I love visiting all the bears, especially at Christmas time.

The next stop was a new-to-me quilt store.  I've been by many times, but not when they're open.  Today was my lucky day.  It's not a fancy store, but they have tons of fabric,  quilting supplies, threads,   stitchery kits, embroidery floss.......    They specialize in civil war prints.  I bought some fat quarters, and I'd love to go back when I have a specific project in mind.  Very nice store, but I didn't take any pictures.

As I was driving home, I was looking for photo ops, and thought those of you who live near mountains would get a kick out of this.  This is a typical ski slope in this area, and the parking lot was packed!  The snow is manmade.  We've barely had a dusting of snow so far.  Not much of a mountain, as you can see.

Next I drove over a covered bridge. For the first time, I stopped to take a couple of pictures and I had actually stopped earlier to take pictures of another bridge.

I was getting close to home when I saw these in a field.  I had to turn around and go back to get a picture.

There aren't many longhorn cattle around here, so they are picture-worthy in my book!
So now you know what it's like to drive through the area where I live.

Last night, I stayed up all night and well into the morning to make this pillow for FNSI.  I had seen the pattern and sample in a magazine, but last night I couldn't find the pattern anywhere, so I just made what made sense to me.  I think it needs something, but I'm not sure what to add.  I also worked on a mug rug, but had to buy thread to complete the quilting.

I keep nodding off while I'm typing, so I guess it's time to to to bed.

Living Life with an attitude lf gratitudee.....Sunny