Last weekend I had a new experience. I attended my first ever quilting retreat at a facility in Celeste, Texas. I did not take my camera bag with me because I already had a sewing machine, supplies, and projects in tow. Adding the additional bulk of the camera gear didn't seem too logical. Usually when I make this decision prior to an outing I regret not having the camera with me once I am at the event. However, this proved to be the exception and the cellphone camera saw me through any photo ops with no problem.
However, a few weeks before the retreat, I drove to the venue so I could familiarize myself with a route and the general surroundings. On that occasion I did have the camera and this likely contributed to the reason I didn't feel like I'd made a mistake by leaving the camera behind.
The first stop was in the town of Blue Ridge, Texas. I had never been to Blue Ridge, and was surprised I was unfamiliar with the name of the town nor had I noticed the town on the map during previous ventures to that part of the state. There were several restored, old-model vehicles parked along the side of the road. I couldn't resist the urge to snap a photo or two.
This photo was taken from downtown Celeste, Texas. Nothing says "country" quite as much as a vintage tractor occupying a downtown parking space near the quilt store. This was the location of the quilting retreat. The owner of the quilt store has a dormitory/classroom facility across the alley from the shop. How convenient to have a shop within walking distance when one discovers they left a necessary tool at home. I love this photo!!
After leaving Celeste, I took an alternate route to get back to the highway. I don't remember the name of this small town, but the church and its grounds were charming. It could have been Trenton or Leonard.
The rest of the time I've been puttering in my yard: admiring the flowers, stooping to pull yet another handful of weeds, smiling at the bees and butterflies, breathing the fragrance of the roses, etc.
I am hoping to take a Water-wise Garden Tour next weekend. The city water department has put together a map of homes in the city which garden in a manner to conserve water. You can be sure the camera will NOT be sitting at home for that!
Until the next time....
