Happy Cottage Quilter: November 2020

As we will soon enter yet another new year, we pause for reflection. Remembering the years that have past. I'd like to share with you about a very special lady. One who filled a hole in our lives.

She was my teacher, friend, and soul mate in treasure hunting for over 30 years. I used to tag along with her to yard sales, antique shops and all kinds of second hand stores. She loved paper weights, and she also loved vases. She had quite a collection of both. I have several of her paper weights displayed in my home.

But more importantly, she loved my children and was a huge part of their growing up years.

My own mom passed away many years ago, before my children were born. She stepped in as an auntie, but more like a grandmother. Her generous and loving spirit filled us with her unconditional love.

Every Christmas my children and I would descend on her house and decorate for the season. It was a tradition we held until she no longer was able to live by herself. Our memories of her prick my heart, missing her laughter and generous hospitality.

Very rarely does someone come into your life that has left such a deep imprint on your heart. I am most thankful to have known and loved her.

Before the year is out, take time to tell someone you love them. For some people, it can be a very lonely time of year.

Thursday, November 26, 2020

Happy Thanksgiving

So once in every year we throng
Upon a day apart,
To praise the Lord with feast and song
In thankfulness of heart.
~Arthur Guiterman, The First Thanksgiving

Wishing you a Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving!

Monday, November 23, 2020

Memories

Do you remember the days when entertainment centered around people?

You invited people to your home, fellow-shipping and singing around the piano In the days before my time, before radio and TV, we entertained ourselves. I love to read books by authors Jane Austen

and Maud Montgomery and glimpse into times past when an evening of entertainment consisted of a skit, or a play or someone filling an evening by playing the piano or singing an aria. Since the days of electronics, we have even lost the art of correspondence of letter writing.

We now correspond instantly around the world, where it used to take weeks, sometimes months to hear from people in other states and countries. Now we text the person sitting across from us at the dinner table.

We have forgotten how to entertain ourselves. Perfection has wedged its way into our thinking.

It's a lost gift. During the days ahead, when family and friends gather around to celebrate the upcoming Christmas season, I hope the spark of fellowship and enjoyment will help us to remember how to entertain ourselves and relish time with others.

Grace at Home

Friday, November 20, 2020

The Escape

I love a good suspense novel and this one certainly did not disappoint.

The Escape by Lisa Harris takes you on a journey with US Marshals Madison James and Jonas Quinn. Assigned a routine transport of two prisoners, the plane they were traveling in crashes. With only three survivors, Madison and Jonas head out to track the dangerous prisoner in the thick of the National forest. This is an action filled adventure that keeps you on your toes.

The first book in the US Marshals series will keep you captivated as Madison and Jonas bond together through their joint effort to stay alive and find the deadly killer.

The book is well written, clean in language and content with an unexpected ending. The element of faith was definitely present.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Revell. All views expressed are my honest opinion.

Thursday, November 19, 2020

Travelers traveling home

Ok I am sure you are ready to be done with my traveling stories, but I do have one more thing to share.

I have mentioned in the past that my hubby is a very good cook. He has excelled in cooking brisket. So when we travel we like to try different barbecue places. Especially if they have won awards. Many times we go in and come out very disappointed.

Our plan was to go to Valentinas in Austin, but they were closed the day we were leaving town. So as we make our way east, we stopped at City Market in Luling, Smitty's Market, and Krewz Market in Lockhart. TX.

We were not able to go inside, but they take your order and cut the meat right then. We eat it in the truck pretty much right away. We thought the City Market was okay. It had flavor and was somewhat tender. Smitty's Market in Lockhart was not good at all. The meat was tough and even looked whitish. Kreuz Market was also okay. It was the most tender of the three. But none of them compared to the meat we got at Franklin's in Austin. By far the best barbecue we have ever eaten.

As we were traveling we kept seeing signs for Pecans. So we found a place in Georgia called Gibb's Pecan and Shelling.

Boy did they have pecans. I never knew there were so many varieties of pecans.

We bought some shelled and some in the shell. Great for Christmas eating.

This little lady, Jane, shelled a couple for us to taste.

I had a hard time loading pictures. Has anyone else been having problems with the NEW Blogger?

Monday, November 16, 2020

Travelers traveling in RV's

We have been fortunate to stay at some really nice RV parks when we travel. When we find one, we mark it for when we return.

In San Antonio we stayed at the Admiralty RV Park.

Very clean. Nice laundry facility. There is a pool if you are so inclined. It was very close to shopping, and Sea World. There were tags from lots of different places.

and of course ...

It appears a lot of people live in these RV parks full time.

This one was a small house. The man was a traveling nurse.

Another very accomodating RV Park was in Wendy Oaks RV Resort in Florence, Mississippi.

On our return trip we were trying to go around the hurricane. So we arrived late one evening. We had tried to call ahead but was not able to connect. But the owner was a wonderful young lady, and with the help of her maintenance man found a spot for us. She has a sweet little Airstream that she rents out for anyone interested.

During our last leg we returned to our favorite RV park.

This is such a lovely park.

I hope you are enjoying the ride as there are a couple more to come :-)

Friday, November 13, 2020

Travelers traveling the River Walk

When we arrived in San Antonio, we decided we would find the River Walk. It was a little different than we expected.

I think I always thought the River Walk would be out in the sunshine and there would be shops along the way. What we found was what felt more like being underground, with buildings surrounding the river. There were some pretty areas, but it mostly felt dark and a bit gloomy.

We think the trees must be over 100 years old.

The boats were not running because of Covid. But we did see a police officer navigating the river.

There were numerous restaurants, none of which were open during the time we walked. But after a while my hubby started not feeling well, so we navigated our way out.

San Antonio is a pretty big city. Highways going every which way. There were some very pretty subdivisions and it seems like it had grown ever since we visited six years ago.

More to come.....

Wednesday, November 11, 2020

Thank a Veteran

Veterans Day is an annual United States holiday honoring military veterans. A federal holiday, it is observed on November 11. It is also celebrated as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day in other parts of the world, falling on November 11, the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I.

In the aftermath of World War II and the Korean War, Armistice Day became Veterans Day, a holiday dedicated to American veterans of all wars.

On this Veteran's Day I hope we will all take a moment to honor and remember the men and women who have served, and those who continue to serve to keep our country free.

Monday, November 9, 2020

Travelers traveling to Texas

Texas. The land of cowboys and Bar B Que.

After traveling 1300 miles and through four states we made it to Texas. Our first goal was to visit the best Bar B Que in the whole state. But you had to make a reservation the night before. Pay up front, and pick a time to pick up your food, as nothing is served inside at this time.

We made the call, and got our place secure. The next morning we made our way to Franklin's Bar B Que in Austin. When we arrived the line was already formed. We had to wait even to get in line because we were still pulling our trailer.

And it was no fun. Construction all around limited parking and even just getting down the line.

Now my husband is a really good cook. And he makes the best brisket this side of the Mississippi. Yet we have to admit, it was THE BEST BAR B QUE we have ever eaten. Tender moist brisket. Delicious ribs. We would go back in a heart beat.

We drove two more hours to San Antonio and set up.

We were pretty tied by this time, so we relaxed and did some shopping.

If you've ever been to Texas, then you know about HEB. WOW! This store puts any other by the way side. It is HUGE! But everything is bigger in Texas, Right?

Until next time :-)

Friday, November 6, 2020

Travelers traveling

Heading west, we drove about six hours before we stopped just outside of Tallahassee.

Passed through a town called Evergreen Louisiana.

Have you ever watched the Hallmark movies about Evergreen. Somehow it just didn't seem right with no snow :-)

We made our way towards Texas going on the slow road. The plan was to stop in Austin to pick up Bar B Que from the King of Texas Bar B Que.

And guess what? We made it!

Until next time.

Wednesday, November 4, 2020

Travelers

Funny how the times we live in have reflected our lifestyles. We never gave another thought about traveling in years past. But since the pandemic hit, it seems like every decision is made with caution.

That being said, my hubby made last minute plans to travel to Texas. We had tried to go several times before. The last time we went to Texas was six years ago, but we had to rush home because his father had a stroke. So, be that as it may, we decided to pack up our Airstream and hit the road.

On Saturday morning, two of our grandchildren came to have breakfast with us before we left.