Hi everyone! I'm still alive here on planet earth, I just haven't done the work of a blog post. If I want people to stay interested in my blog I should probably check in here more often. I do have an Instagram page where I post more photos because it's so quick and easy.

I had to look and see when my last post was and it was shortly before Christmas! Gosh let's catch up.

My nieces enjoyed getting my handmade strip cosmetic bags that I put several goodies in like lip balm, moisturizer, a nail file, etc. Since I made Josh a huggy pal a few years ago I figured Connor is at the age for one too and made him a fox. I started getting some vintage Christmas finds on Ebay and scored several nice things at thrift stores like the santa mugs I remember drinking hot chocolate out of as a child. So nostalgic! My oldest brought his family to Florida to see both sides of their family, and my 3rd child flew in from Indiana, and with the other two being in Jacksonville that made it very special for us.

Madison is becoming quite the little chef. We cooked several times together over Christmas break and several times since. I think she feels special now that I've allowed her to chop veggies and use my favorite knife.

Of course I'm trying out new recipes weekly from my Pinterest boards and even FB. In fact Facebook is where I found the recipe for broiled garlic butter lobster tails that I made for Chris and I on Valentines Day. My youngest and I were having lunch recently and he needed to go to Teavanna in the mall. I went in a non tea person and came out wondering why I've never loved tea?

We recently went for a ride on the Wild West Express up in St.

Marys, Ga. What fun riding a vintage steam locomotive, hearing the horn, seeing the steam pouring out as we rode down the tracks being entertained by all sorts of characters.

I have always wanted to see a reenactment of a civil war battle. I lived in and then on the outskirts of Philly for almost ten years but never made it to the battle of Gettysburg reenactment they do every July 4th. Well this year was my year to see one at nearby Olustee State Park. What an interesting and educational experience. It's hard to believe how battles were fought at that time. Pretty up close and personal!

We went to Gainesville for a medieval festival. It was interesting to say the least. This was also a first for us and our niece and nephew we took as well.

Remember the 80's camper we bought that Chris is restoring? He felt certain it didn't have water damage but it did. He's making progress but had to remove all the wood on one side where the table, benches, and hanging bed were.But it's coming along nicely. I've been buying necessities for the camper at thrift stores and have found some fun things.

This is not a man who needed another project but what did he do? He bought a '52 GMC truck that he's going to put back together and I can't wait till she's ready to drive. What fun that will be! We named her 'Miss Ellie.' 

That just about does it. I'm feeling the need to sew something but I'm not sure what? I'm sure you'll find out next time. Thanks for taking some of your precious time to look at my blog.

Blessings,

Gina

A road trip to Virginia and some Christmas crafting

Hi Ya'll! I haven't blogged in a while and thought I'd share some pics of recent happenings with you. I went to Virginia in late October to see my oldest child and his family. It was unusually warm but Virginia is always lovely. The boys are getting so big, so smart and doing new things. We drove to Appomattox and toured all the buildings on the property. History was made there and it's interesting to see the artifacts.

  We went to homecoming at Liberty University where my son and his wife are alumni. What a fun day! 

  Of course my love for all things vintage caused me to take a few detours. The first was in my home state of Georgia to take a few photos of an old drive inn I went to as a little girl. The Georgia Girl Drive Inn. 

 When I got to Virginia and gassed up for the last hour of my drive up, I was drawn to some old, tiny log homes right across the street in a huge field. I drove over to photograph one and realized the door was missing and got to go inside!

  My time there flew by but I enjoyed every day. I started the 9 hour drive back and while in North Carolina I saw a sign for the Pigsah Covered Bridge. It was a little out of the way but so beautiful with all the farms, barns and fall decor on everyone's porches. When I got there and took in the beautiful setting of the bridge, I realized again - this is history.

  I had made a mental note on the way up to stop at one of the cotton fields in South Carolina. I don't think they'll miss a few branches  that I now have in a mason jar.

  Of course you never have to go too far to photograph the old and interesting. This almost 100 year old small store is just several miles from me. The gas pumps that were last there were purchased and moved to the property next door.

  Now it's time to get ready for Christmas. I made Josh and Connor their ornaments and sent them up to put on the tree. 

  Today I made the folded fabric star ornament for our tree. We do have a lot of ornaments, mostly handmade, but I like to make a few each year to add to our stash. 

  Us girls from our small group at church went o Painting With A Twist and enjoyed our time painting and snacking. 

  I'm working on sewing some Christmas gifts which I'll share soon. Till then blessings! Gina

a trip to beautiful north georgia

It's October already! Can you believe it? For some that brings images of changing leaves,cooler temps,sweatshirts and getting to wear scarves and boots to the big pumpkin pickin' day. Here in Florida that's shortly after the beginning of hurricane season and as you probably know Matthew left his mark on us. It was because of the storm Chris got a four day weekend and planned a last minute trip to north Georgia where I had mentioned I'd love to go visit. I'm Georgia born and raised but haven't been in that northern part in a long time. I thought I'd share my favorite photos from the trip with you and hope you enjoy them.
  We did a self guided tour that took an entire day and saw some of the highlights of the Blue Ridge area. We visited a winery and got to see them in the process of making some. The property the winery is on belonged to his grandfather and it's just lovely.

 We drove out to the swinging bridge.It's a treacherous four mile drive down a dirt road to get there then a short hike. But what scenery!

 We drove through a few Gaps of one name or another. This one was Woody Gap. I think I could live in that house off in the distance.

 Then there was the fish hatchery. He said last year they released over a million trout into the rivers.

 We saw the historic Skeenah Mill and it was so beautiful. We just stood there listening to the sound of the water fall and it was so soothing.

 We saw several fun sights as we drove around the area, like this vintage fire truck parked in someones yard.

 We visited the town of Dohlonega. So postcard -ish and friendly.

 We loved Ellijay as much and agreed we'd move to either of those towns in a heartbeat.

 We hiked of course.

 We attended the apple festival in Ellijay. Loved the homemade root beer and hot hand held apple pies.

 Ate bbq from a local dive featured on food network.Now we know why!

 We went to Burts where they grow pumpkins so big they have wheelbarrows to push them around in. Seriously,I have never seen pumpkins that big.

 We ate dinner our last night there at the Taccoa River Restaurant. We both had trout and it was the best.Loved the wood building and all the wood and handmade touches that started on the outside and continued throughout.

I strongly suggest if you've never been to north Georgia, plan a trip there. You won't be disappointed. 

Be blessed!

Gina