Double Barreled Saturday

Sorry this is late but I will do this in two parts.
Part One- I have friends who have a catering business called Butt Brothers BBQ and they had a gig at the Pottery Festival at Old Salem in Winston-Salem, NC. I helped and it was a lot of fun. They will be there at Old Salem again this Saturday for a BMW classic car festival. Please stop by if you're in town.

In the back from left to right: Joel is hiding, Gary. Front row going in the same direction: Rebe, me, Maya, Amanda, and Dennis.

The Butt Brothers BBQ banner.

Everything, including three sauces were homemade. Baked Beans, coleslaw, brisket, and pulled pork were gluten free. The mac 'n cheese was not gluten free but darn good. Several different cheeses were used and then cooked in the smoker.

A view of the Pottery Festival.

It was a great day. It wasn't muggy and there was a nice breeze all day long.

Part Two - After I left Old Salem, I hiked to my car and went home. I took a shower, had to ice my knee, and took a quick nap. Then I got ready for my English Country Dance group's frolic. It took place at Bethabara which is another old settlement in the area.

I won't be able to remember everyone's names but I'll give it a go. Jennifer, Lisa, and Rita on the far right. She's the one who put everything together. Thanks Rita.

I didn't get this lovely young lady's name but her she is with her mother. She is 15 and is all into Jane Austen and the Regency period. Down to the mannerisms for a young lady. A gentleman was trying to take her picture during the break and she didn't want one taken. So she whipped out her fan and put it in front of her face and started fanning. It was great. I could pick her up and plop her down in any of the Jane Austen movies. She reminded me of Darcy's sister in the BBC version of Pride And Prejudice. Her mom told me that she made both their gowns, and that it took forever to do their hair. What an extraordinary young person. And talented.

One of the dancers who turned into one of the musicians.

Ruth and Franz.

We even had an admiral.

Jennifer again.

Mr Woosley.

A mother and daughter. Mom made both gowns.

Jeremy and Riely Woosley.

I was very pretty to see all the color of the dresses and the swirling of the hems.

We even had Marina the gypsy.

It was a wonderful time. I didn't have time to make a gown. But next time, I'll be ready. After all, I've been accepted into the Jane Austen Wardrobe Challenge out of Australia. I will be starting a new blog just for my human type sewing. Until then, take care, and check out my Etsy shop. I now have some pieces up.

Bless This House

I'm working on staying on schedule with this block-of-the-month quilt. Here is block 2. The lighter part of the vase is reverse applique.

Wine Flights

On Saturday I went with my gal pals to Raffaldini Vineyards.

This was the sight we saw as we drove up.

We had our wine flight of five wines, then we got cheeses, meats, and fruit. We sat on the patio overlooking the vineyard and all the grapes. The day was wonderful, sunny, light breeze, not too hot. Gorgeous.

The view of the mountains didn't hurt either. We laughed, and drank, and ate. Yes, we did have a designated driver. Oh, I forgot to mention the yummy chocolate.

Afterwards, we hung around to take the garden tour.

This is an Asian Dogwood. Can't remember the exact name.

The smell from the rose garden was so intoxicating. I wish I could've bottled it.

This is a huge lavender bush. That smelled wonderful too.

A nice little waterfall.

We had a great day. It was nice getting out of the apartment and being around other human beings with massive senses of humor.

Quinlan Treasures

 Here are some of the treasures I got from the Quinlan Convention. There's just something about a deranged pig. He's like an Igor pig. Maybe that's his name. He's created by Marca Castillo-Bernard of www.fantasyfigurativeart.com.

These cute little sweaters were made by Jan Johnston. Yes, that's a quarter.

I usually don't like Gollies but this is the cutest one I've seen. Not the greatest history behind these but... There's Igor again and a skull pin by Amy Thornton. The doll is by Tyler Crain-Davis and he's called Kenneth but I think I'll rename him Mason.

Richmond, Virginia Part II

I tell you, when you go away for a short time, there's so much to do to catch up. Here is the last leg of my trip from the Quinlan Doll & Teddy Bear Convention. After the con I stopped back to Annie's. We went to an art fair and then to Hollywood Cemetery. It was called Harley's Woods but the name was changed to Hollywood for the numerous variety of holly trees.

There was this huge stone pyramid. When the recent earthquake hit, some of the headstones and decorative statues were damaged. But not this pyramid, only because no mortar was used to build it.

The tip of the pyramid.

There were many Confederate soldiers buried here. And 2/3 of Confederate officers are buried in this cemetery.

There is a President's row.

The James River. Across the river is Bell Island that was used as a Union prisoner of war camp. There is a beach over there and this part of the river is used for canoeing and kayaking.

This is a wonderful cemetery and it seems to go on and on. It's 180 acres and 165 years old. 3,000 are interred with room for 5,000 more.

Part of the James River.

Here is one of the pathways. I found it very inviting and mysterious.

Tours of the cemetery are given.

The stonework on the headstones is amazing.

One of several US presidents buried there.

James Monroe's tomb plaque.

Monroe's tomb. His body was moved from New York to this spot. It looks like a big bird cage. A grand birdcage.

Buster, Annie and Mark's pooch is ready to drive. Or at least go home.