August 9, 2009

Fuel Stops, Rest Stops and Busy Hands...

They say "Idle hands are the devil's playground." Well, I can tell you there was no idleness around here Sunday! Handsome and I set our sights on parts North when we left home around 6 o'clock in the morning.

We packed our vehicle, and I made sure that my Blackberry and my knitting bag (in this case, renamed my crochet bag) were situated near me in the front seat. As soon as we were on our way, out came my hook and yarn and I started making granny squares. The Blackberry is handy so that I can read your comments when you leave them here. Thank you for making me smile every time I read them!

When we stopped at the first rest stop in Georgia, I had to take a couple of photos to share with you. The sign post was nearly unreadable, I understand, but don't you think it's weathered look gave it a fabulous patina? I think the flowering bushes were crepe myrtle. They had the sweetest smell and the color was vibrant. Just a simple way to rejuvenate ones senses while stretching the legs.

Handsome snagged my camera and got an "action" shot of me "hooking away", and I continued to add completed squares as we covered the miles. I did manage to sneak in a little nap, so I did take a bit of a break. Even so, when we got to our hotel room I counted my squares. Can you believe I've done thirty of them already? I was surprised. I still need to choose the color for the last round, but I'm going to do all these first and then do that last round on them later.

We had clear sailing most of the way, and fairly breezed into Georgia a mere 6 hours after leaving home. Other than a traffic jam (for apparently no good reason) just south of Atlanta, our day was uneventful.

The traffic jam really took a lot out of us, so we decided not to push for Chattanooga. We stopped just north of Atlanta in Kennesaw where we checked into a La Quinta. This hotel chain is perfect for us because they not only tolerate dogs - they welcome them. We were in a newly renovated room and Kes was happy to be there.

We brought our overnighters in, fed Kes, and then my boyfriend and I held hands as we walked to a local BBQ restaurant called Smokey Bones. It was the perfect end of the day for two weary travelers.

As we walked back to the hotel, I found scads of acorns along the sidewalk. I only picked up a few to show you (Handsome questioned my sanity, so I had to explain this "blog thing" again)...but my prize was the beautiful blue jay feather I found. I'm taking the jay feather home and will do something with it in my next art project.

We find that these road trips take a little longer these days. We used to do the drive to Wisconsin in two days - even when we each drove the trip alone. Now, even when we spell each other, it usually takes three days. No need to hurry, we say. "Enjoy the journey" is now our travel motto.

I'll update you later with my granny square count. I'm not sure what I'm going to make with them yet. Perhaps a lovely cotton cardigan. Perhaps a cozy afghan. Let me know if you have any other ideas for me. Handsome said he thought I'd made a "boatload" of coasters, but not in those exact words! He's such a funny guy.
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Comments equals entries...100th Post drawing Friday, August 14, 2009!!! I promise tomorrow's post won't be so long!

13 comments:

  1. Oh Donna!! You are SO close to me...well, maybe not in Kennesaw but south of Atlanta....around the Tanger Outlet Mall in Locust Grove ~ Wishing you save travels sweet friend, have a wonderful time, xxoo, Dawn

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  2. Love the crochet...

    came across your blog somehow... very lovely! I love a crafty hand! :)

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  3. I so enjoy a roadtrip! I love it that you crochet as you go. I agree with your motto, Enjoy the journey! I think your acorns are adorable. Have a safe trip! Twyla

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  4. You're headed "home"! Praying for safe journies and great times. Love road trips, my husband is the greatest about stopping just about anywhere along the way I want, even will turn around a mile or 2 down the road should I have second thoughts about stopping.We are planning a short camping trip this weekend or next to Lake Michigan Recreation area, they have a section of beach that they allow dogs to swim, so Nick gets to go and do what labs are born to do.

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  5. The "Boatload" of coasters comment, he is carrying on again! What a trouble maker, even when away from home...

    Hope your travels get you here safely!
    Jessica

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  6. I LOVE road trips! We did long family vacations every summer growing up, and now I want nothing more than to take my family on the same. My parents take longer on their trips these days too. :) I love your pretty crochet! If I could knit or crochet without having to look down a lot, maybe I would do that in the car, but my stomach is unwilling to cooperate with such a venture otherwise. :)

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  7. i love taking road trips too.
    looks like you guys are having a blast.

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  8. I got such a giggle out of picturing you with your Crackberry in one hand, and a crochet hook in the other! LOL!!! ;)

    Yes, that does appear to be a Crape Myrtle. That is like my new favorite tree! Just had it identified for me last week. Funny to see one on here today!

    I love La Quinta. We've stayed in them a few times. Very pet friendly. :)

    So what made you decide to do granny squares? Especially without an "end game". Is that 'N Creme yarn?

    I like the feather and acorns that were left on your path. Can't wait to see what you do with your feather.

    Kes looks so tired......

    Happy Trails ;)

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  9. We love the south anywhere. Doesn't take much to slow us down & meander rather than rush when travelling. A lot more enjoyable, isn't it. Have a wonderful time, Donna. TTFN ~Marydon

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  10. Enjoy your road trip. Isn't it nice to have something to do in the car like crocheting? I took my parents and 18 year old son on a road trip to Dallas a couple of weekends ago. My Dad and I discussed family genealogy while my Mom embroidered tea towels and my son edited his photos on the computer. We all enjoyed the adventure.

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  11. What a fun trip. I am jealo us. And I love the name for your husband so sweet. Mine is 'Cowboy' I wish I had thought of Handsome. Enjoy your trip and pick up so more treasures. Good luck with the crochet.
    Have a Blessed Time,
    Sherry

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  12. 30 squres in 6 hours and your took a nap...wow you will have a blanket almost done when you return...thats awesome..I have 9 crepe myrtles in 4 different colors in my yard.. I just love them. I miss lilacs and they remind me of them...what a fun way to journal your trip...have fun.

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  13. Snap! I have also been crocheting squares on my holiday and I am know sewing them together to make a baby blanket.
    x

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Thank you so much for leaving a comment today. I'm using new settings on my comments so that I'll be able to respond to your messages to me. Be sure to come back to see my replies!

Blessings, Donna