T-Minus 3 Weeks and Counting

Welp, we're in the home stretch people! Things are winding down around here. I am finally getting around to scheduling utility shutoffs, organizing a bit and packing up some things. You know all the good adulting stuff. Unfortunately though, I am starting to feel the surge of stress moving brings. Sort of in grumpy moods most of the time as I obsess over the many things that still need to happen all in a short amount of time. Not to mention the logistics of getting Justin, Penny(our kitty), myself, and all of our crap 1000 miles north.

And then there's the separation anxiety. I guess we should be used to it by now considering this will be the third BIG move in three years. But it always gets to me no matter how good we have it down. I also always feel a little sad when we leave a place. There is actually a quote that best describes this feeling:

"You will never be completely at home again, because part of your 

heart always will be elsewhere. That is the price you pay for the 

richness of loving and knowing people in more then one place."

                                                                                       - Miriam Adeney

I get sad about leaving the place as it holds wonderful memories and experiences but it is more of the people I miss most. It is much easier to leave a place if you don't really know anyone there. But being the social person I am one of the first things I need to do when moving to a new place is meet awesome people! I have met and made friends with so many AMAZING people over the last couple of years. And I am so thankful and grateful to have them in my life. Though I have remained in touch with most of them(some more then others) the physical disconnect puts a strain on the relationship that no amount of letters, emails or phone calls can keep whole. Though the correspondence helps it is just the unfortunate reality of being thousands of miles apart. I can't just call them to hang out or grab a bite to eat. But there is an upside to this though! I get to look forward to reuniting with my friends in the future. The potential to one day share a cup of coffee and chat with them once again almost makes up for all the time spent away.

I guess I shouldn't spend time dwelling on the sad parts of this transition but rather looking forward to the future. Only good things can come our way! That's not to say there won't be trying times. But for the first time in my life I can say that this is the most confident I have ever felt about a decision. Sure I am going to miss Florida and everyone here that I made a connection with but if we never came here I would have never had the opportunities and experiences this past year gave me. So no regrets and no looking back.

Now if only the house would pack itself........ :P

New York Getaway

I know its been a while since I last posted, but that's because I've been on vacation!

Kind of funny that my sewing bag is just as big as my duffel bag!

I finally took some time off from work and just got away for a bit.

We stayed at Watkins Glen State Park which is near the Finger Lakes in up state NY. We always seem to have great luck at state parks. The facilities are well kept and the staff is very friendly and helpful. They even have security patrolling so its very safe.

The first day we walked down to The Gorge, which is one of the main features of the park. It was really beautiful.

We then took a stroll down to Seneca Lake.

 
When we travel I always look for local quilt shops and I found the most darling shop right down the street from the park!

O'Sushannah's Quilts and Gifts, nestled right in downtown Watkins Glen, is what I dream a quilt shop to be. Don't get me wrong I love my shops at home. But something about this place made it so much more.

For starters the place was huge! Everywhere I turned there was more amazing fabric!

Do you see the Swoon!

They also have retreats and classes in the upstairs portion of the shop.

I loved all the adorable samples!

 

The owner, Sue, was telling me that they will be featured in the Fall issue of Quilt Sampler Magazine with this quilt. And they were also voted a top 10 shop! Way to go girls!

And I couldn't leave without some goodies. After two trips to the shop I had a happy bag full of these beauties.

I can't wait to cut into these!

The next day we made a quick trip to the Corning Glass Museum.

This quilt like mosaic is all glass! Amazing!

And then since we knew we wouldn't be this close again in the near future we decided to go to Niagara Falls.....in the rain.

But the 2+ hour drive gave me some time to stitch some hexies!

Even in the rain it is still so amazing.

We got completely soaked. But I did manage to get a delicious local treat!

And since we were sooooo close we skipped on over to Buffalo for some authentic Buffalo at Nine Eleven Tavern. I normally don't eat chicken, but I kind of had to. It was seriously the best buffalo I've ever eaten.

And on our last day we made our way back to the harbor for a delicious meal at the Village Marina.

Tired, but happy camper!

The Sea Serpent! So yummy!

All in all we had an amazing trip and I especially had a good time de-stressing.  Although roughing it camping can be a little work, especially in the rain, its better then any day at work. I can't wait to get out there again!