Flashback: An Unexpected Visitor

A few weeks ago, and by 'weeks' I mean 'some time last year', I happened to spot something unexpected on our back deck.  I called to TiaDiva and ran to grab my camera.

 He hung around all afternoon...just sitting there, looking regal.

- HistoryDiva

Gatlinburg Weekend

Saturday was BEAUTIFUL!

The Old Mill in Pigeon Forge (swiped from TiaDiva's tweet)

Cades Cove

There were deer everywhere!

This doe was very curious and tame...she walked right up to the van!

 

The 'rustic' Methodist church in Cades Cove

The DivaUncle at Cades Cove

The little boy on the right had a gigantic glider and he and his family were out playing in the field.  The wind was moving at the perfect speed for the glider to really get some great distance.

The river was still running a little high from the snow melt.

Waterfall outside of Cades Cove

Ahhh...family togetherness.

 - HistoryDiva

Gatlinburg Weekend: Cross Stitch Edition

Last weekend I was invited to join my Aunt and Uncle in Gatlinburg, Tennessee for a weekend of sight seeing, shopping, and family togetherness.  And because being in Gatlinburg meant that I would be within 'spitting distance' of Dixie Darlin', a fantastic cross stitch shop in Pigeon Forge, I was all about this trip.
 

The "we were here" picture.

Quilt inspired patterns

Where should I start??!

Lots of Halloween and Thanksgiving patterns

A wall of hand-dyed fibers *swoon*

Custom cuts of fabric

I'll take one of each, thanks!

The walls are COVERED in stitched models.

"Seasons in the Village" series

The "Little House" corner

This was really cool, a box of vintage (80+ years old) fabric squares for quilters.

Chicken!

Geese

Exclusive Christmas ornament series, custom patters and little sleds!

 

 

We purchase our armloads of stitchey goodness and bid a rather reluctant goodbye to the ladies at Dixie Darlin'.  And no, I'm not going to talk about how much stuff I bought...or ordered.  Shut up!  It was vacation! 

After a quick pit stop for ice cream cones and root beer floats we headed toward Cades Cove, a lovely scenic loop road through a valley filled with historic pioneer homes and churches. 

But on the way there...we happened upon another cross stitch shop, the Needlecraft Cottage.

This place is crammed full of stitchey goodness! 

Are you drooling yet??

And they carry Rainbow Gallery!

LOTS of Rainbow Gallery.

From what I hear there is at least one more cross stitch store in the area which we didn't get to visit.  I think it's time to load up all of my stitchey friends and take a group road trip.  So...who's in?

- HistoryDiva