A week or so ago, I finally went on a must needed vacation to New England to visit my family and had some good ole fashion bonding. Lots of great food, laughs and and even some sightseeing.
Day 1
Burr... left home it was 5 below and the windchill was 26 below. Sure wasn't going to be a tropical vacation.
Just a lovely and quaint New England town.
When I arrived is was sunny and a a toasty 5 Degrees. Had a wonderful visit with Sue Loring and her staff.
The shop is just filled with all sorts of goodies for the quilter to the handstitcher. Of course I gravitated to the punchneedle area and the wool. MMM..great a hand dyed wool selection. Just had to fill up my shopping basket with some lush new colors to add to my stash and some new Valdani thread. A new project is on the way with my finds.
If you look closely you will see some of my patterns on display..and yes, even some samples.
How charming a ole trunk filled with a lush assortment of colors..
Lots of samples throughout the store. If you are in the Boxborough area...I recommend that you stop in the store..did I mention lots of great cottons and Japanese fabrics.
After a fun time at the shop continued my drive to Gloucester Mass through Lexington and the battle fields. Did I forget to mention my timing was not perfect I hit Boston rush hour...I finished the last hour of my trip white knuckling up the coastline. OK, maybe I was a little out of practice driving in lots of traffic..being I live in a small town in upstate NY. Arrived just in town just in town for a beautiful sunset at the beach. Sorry, no photos just to cold to get out and take photos.
Day 2
Sis and I hand a wonderful day in town going to art galleries, gift and antiques shops. How much fun. Then off to drive along the Cape Ann coastline, it is just beautiful in the winter, without all the foliage you really can see so much more, from frozen marshes to the wonderful ole homes with stone walls. Just a peaceful day finished with a belated Christmas Exchange of Gifts with the family.
Day 3
3 Generations of the gals in the family packed up and headed up to New Hampshire to visit Kathy at Wool and Goods. I was in awe of the Wall of Wool. Lots of textures and hand dyes, Kathy;s shop was wonderful..lots of samples of hooked rugs, wool applique and punchneedle.
The shop is located in an ole textile mill in Rollingsford NH.
It was wonderful to see some of my designs done up in different color combos. But the highlight of her shop was the Fish hooked rug below...Love it, Love it. On my bucket list for this year to learn to hook.
Wall of Wool...this photo is only a small section, floor to ceiling...
Lots of samples...but to busy shopping to take more photos. Fabulous store..will be back...if in the area it is a must stop and visit shop.
Off to lunch across the river to a quaint local restaurant..great seafood..my favorite. Then some antique shopping.
Then it was time to head off to Maine to go to.... Camp Wool
in Kennybunk. Meet with LeAnn the owner of the shop, it was great finally meeting her in person and do some shopping of course. The store is just packed with wool, more wool , velvets, and lots of Valdani threads and next to wool my next favorite thing in life is antiques. Kennybunk is filled with wonderful historical New England Town. The Old Painted Ladies Victorian Homes that were outstanding.
Love the primmie penny rugs on display
more samples
and more samples..even one of my patterns made up.
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Here is just a small corner of Antiques....great place to go if in the area.
We gals were then off to antique shops, the Kittery Mall and finished back in Gloucester with
Chinese dinner. Wow, it was a busy day. Lots of laughs and just a wonderful day of 3 generation of women bonding.
Day 4
Spent the day baking with my great niece...mmm Cheesecake and Zucchini Bread. What did I do wrong, I shared old family recipes and off the bake goods went to a party. Not a morsel left for her Grandma and Aunt to nibble on. Did hear the next day the goodies were a hit with her friends.
Day 5
Off to do more antique shops in Essex..one of my favorite towns.
Day 6
We all packed up one day and went to the Boston Aquarium, my 3 great nephews had so much fun petting the Rays. I even had to save one from jumping in the pool with them. Forgot how busy boys are. LOL. The Aquarium was wonderful, I think I enjoyed it as much as the boys.
Day 7
Bass Rocks is always a stopping point before heading out of town. It was a great vacation and looking forward to going back soon.
