Having enjoyed my winter getaway last year, I fled the cold weather again this year. My trip started with a short stop in Madison for lunch with one of my sons and his girlfriend. I then spent a couple days in Milwaukee with my mother -in-law. Both of these visits were very enjoyable.
The first leg of my road trip started with a stop in Nashville, TN. Here I enjoyed 78 degree weather (on January 2nd!), a tour of the Ryman Auditorium, a visit to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and enjoying the Music City Walk of Fame.
I then drove south to spend ten days in Panama City, FL. Being in a villa along an intercoastal waterway, I enjoyed taking longs walks in the nice weather, riding my bike to the grocery store, riding along with Keith as he golfed the local course, and hiking at St. Andrews State Park and Conservation Park.
Keith needed to return to work the next week. So, I dropped him off at the airport before driving to Hilton Head Island. There I enjoyed lots of sunshine, walks on the beach (every day!), biking every where, shopping at the farmer’s market, and sunshine (did I already say that). I really enjoyed that opportunity to leave the Minnesota snow behind for a couple weeks.
Like last year, I had taken my sewing machine and lots of craft supplies with me. During my month away, I pieced together six quilt tops, crocheted four hats and made two pine needle baskets. So, while I was alone in South Carolina, I had plenty to activities to fill my days.
After leaving SC, and after a delay due to a glitch with the computer in my Highlander, I drove to Ashville, NC. The next day, I toured Biltmore Estate. I enjoyed the grandeur of the estate. But, I couldn’t help thinking that the money spent to build such a large house could have been put to better use.
From there, I enjoyed the drive through the Blue Ridge Mountains.
I met up with a fellow glass artist and visited a couple glass manufacturers, Wissmach Glass, Youghiogheny Opalescent Glass and Franklin Glass. I was able to purchase a large selection of glass sheets for future projects.
On the last leg of my travels, I stopped in Cleveland to visit my sister-in-law, niece and grand/great niece.
This was a great time spent away. Lots of crafts, relaxation, sightseeing and visiting family and friends!