Friday, November 13, 2009

All Stars Retreat

Each year I leave in plenty of time, with the full intention of arriving at the All Star's Retreat on time like everyone else. But every year I get distracted and wander across and down the state, taking a new route each time, until I've wandered the day away and someone has to call and remind me where I'm supposed to be.
This year was no exception. I went to Dottie's house in Palatka to collect smoke and fire damaged fabric from her sewing room. Her river house burned about 3 weeks ago. I am going to try to save her stash. After bagging over 8 garbage bags full and stacking them in the Blazer, I decide to take the road less travelled.
I knew there was a place called Fort Gates Ferry on the St. Johns South of Palatka and North of SR40. I wondered if it might be an actual ferry. After turning off US17 and passing through Welaka on a nice little winding 2 lane I found a tiny sign that advised me to turn right to reach Fort Gates Ferry. Then the road just ended. At the river at the end of a travel trailer park with more permanent residents than visitors. The bait shop was closed with a sign on the door. "be right back". I wondered how long the sign had been dangling there.
After a while a lady came and sat on the first porch and asked if I wanted to cross. She yelled and the ferrymaster ambled along directly.


The ferry boasts a two car capacity, but it would have to be two small cars. I enjoyed the crossing, and when I drove off the ramp the ferryman was already pulling out for the return trip. I was headed west on a dirt road with no signs at all. So, being no stranger to dirt roads I took off. West would have to eventually cross US19 which runs North/South. It did. Eventually.

Thursday, November 5, 2009

More Harold's Quilt Shack

Topsy Turvy Time....

Remember last week's photos, all neat and pretty. Well yesterday I had 2 big groups call ahead to come and shop. What a total blast! I had so much fun watching all those ladies pick out fabrics for their projects. I think at one point the Fire Marshall may have fined me for being over on the capacity limit! Now my tables are overflowing with fabric that needs to be put back in place. My cash register overflowed too, see...
Okay, it's a tiny little cash register for a tiny little quilt shop, but I am having GREAT BIG FUN! Thank you to all who came and shopped.