Tuesday, August 2, 2016

A Different Kind of Vacation

 
Our annual trek to the north woods was definitely different this year.
I always look forward to this week - unplugging completely from the internet/phones
 and reconnecting with nature.

 
It was oh so different this year, as our sons could not join us.
Both were participating in internships/research fellowships in their field of study.
It was a disappointment to us all, but a great opportunity towards their future.
It was also a chance for my husband and I to reconnect...
 
 
We found that we spent time doing things that we enjoyed - 
things we might not do as much when the boys are along... 


Of course I spent time stitching...

 
And my husband golfed.
(I tagged along as the courses are usually beautiful and I can stitch in the golf cart ;) )

 
We spent time on the water, fishing as we usually do.

 
This was a once in a lifetime experience...
You probably need to zoom in on these photos to see a territorial chase between two loons.

 
They were actually using their wings as flippers to "swim" on top of the water in hot pursuit.

 
They moved very quickly creating a lot of waves.
Shortly after, the first loon left and the second loon seemed quite pleased with himself.

 
Of course I had to stitch some more...

 
We went to the Norske Nook for pie (before dinner lol - don't tell the boys!)
They have 45 nationally award winning blue ribbon pies! 

 
How do you pick just one?!
Of course I ate each and every bite!

 
Then I stitched some more...

 
We had a neighbor come for a visit.

 
And she brought her darling children.

 
Momma had found a little blueberry bush right by our deck.
She ate a few and then brought the ducklings along for a treat while she stood guard.

 
We went on our daily kayak runs as we do with the boys.

 
And hit another golf course for good measure -
while I stitched of course.

 
And all too soon, vacation was over and we were headed home to our sons and our pups.

 
I also had the good fortune of revisiting a wonderful quilt shop
and a small town, yet big on inspiration quilt show - more on that to follow.
(along with my stitch project finish)
A lovely yet different kind of vacation, but it is also good to be home!
Here's hoping that our sons can join us next year!
 
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."
~Matthew 5:14-16
 
Blessings, Patti

13 comments:

Lori from Notforgotten Farm said...

did somebody say pie??? my all-time fav dessert. I don't care what kind. I'm IN! {ok, unless there are berries w/seeds, then I'm out} BUT that looks like pb pie to me? oooooh yum! I'm loving your wool appliqué so far ~ glad you & the hubster had a chance to relax a bit.
xoxox
L

Von said...

What a nice vacation, Patti! I'm looking forward to a long weekend coming up. :)

marly said...

Well that did it. The simple peanut butter pie recipe has been on my mind and now it will be in my dish. Looks like a lovely relaxing vacation.

Rugs and Pugs said...

Patti,
That looks like a perfect vacation even without the boys!!! So happy you had lots of stitching time and nature time. So many beautiful pictures.
Thanks so much for sharing.
Hugs :)
Lauren

WoolenSails said...

That looks like a wonderful place to unwind and relax.

Debbie

annie said...

Love pie!
Such a lovely post, I loved your photos!
The table mat sure is different!
Looking forward to your finish!

Marilyn said...

Looks like a nice relaxing time away.
The pics are beautiful.
Marilyn

Three Sheep Studio said...

This looks like the BEST vacation, Patti !!!
Beautiful landscapes and nature AND stitching. A place to stop with 45 pies !! I'm in. I'ld never be able to eat just one slice and might have to stop each and every day for my daily fix ! Lol.
Glad you're back home safe.
Rose

Sue McQ said...

Hi Patti...so glad you had a wonderful time. May I ask what thread you were using? Such a pretty color. Lovely project. Blessings from Sue

Nancy Watkins said...

I used to live in WI and now you have me missing Butterscoth pie at the Nirske Nook! Oh that pie was so good! Thanks for sharing your pictures!

Sandi said...

Do you realize that your skein of threads with the wool penny behind almost looks loke one of the loons racing across the water! I first thought it was a wood sculpture when I glanced at it that you bought to remind you of watching them. Happy accident or did you plan that!

Sounds like a lovely holiday.

Julie - My Primitive Heart said...

Hi Patti,
What a wonderful vacation you had and I think it was extra special because you and hubby got to share it together!! Lovely pictures and beautiful stitching!! Sending a Big Hug to you mom and hope she is continuing to heal and get well!!
Take care and have a great weekend!
Heart Hugs~
Julie

laceystitcher said...

It sounds like a glorious vacation; relaxing and so enjoyable. Sorry your sons didn't get to go, but they certainly had good reasons for missing it. The scenery in your pics was so pretty. Glad you got to stitch a lot too. Happy stitching.............