50 States, Day 156

50 States, Day 156  Brunswick to York, Maine 100 Miles
 
"Sell good merchandise at a reasonable profit, treat your customers like human beings, and they will always come back for more."
~Leon Leonwood Bean


 I woke to pouring rain on the roof of our humble motel. A few hours later QG woke to light rain, and after breakfast and loading up, no rain. And the weather steadily improved until we put the tinted shields on and enjoyed some sunshine and high sixties by afternoon.

Product Placement alert! Put up your buying resistance shields and set them to Maximum Defense Mode, because today we went...shopping.


Yes, we shopped and purchased products at LL Bean, 100 year old native of Maine and owner of a huge freaking store. If we needed a pair of snowshoes, tent, backpack, or shotgun, Bean to the rescue. While the shotgun looked like fun, we settled for a pair of jeans for me and two shirts for QG and me. I considered trying out a fishing rod on their indoor waterfall but thought better of it. And it ain't just one building-no sir. One housed bikes and stuff, another kayaks and stuff and another had, um, stuff. Not only that, but Talbot's, Ann Taylor, Van Huesen, and a lot of other stores that I've never been in and that's a good thing and we didn't go in any of them today either.


However, while buying jeans I decided to take my time and find a pair that fit well. Instead of just grabbing a pair off the rack, I tried a few on and even put my shoes back on to see how they fit. You will see a whole new Kevin when you see me in those jeans. Oh yeah.

Back on the road (after a Blizzard @ Dairy Queen) and we headed for the oldest lighthouse in Maine, on Cape Elizabeth. This lighthouse was commissioned by George Washington, that's some history. They had set up a battery of cannons there, as it was the closest point to Europe and a big port-hence the name, Portland. The lighthouse looked really cool, but plain folk aren't allowed up in it. What? The thing is made to withstand horrific storms, so can't a few dozen thousand people march up and down the steps? I protest.


The point provided awesome views with waves crashing against the rocks. QG said she could live there, and I think I could too if it wasn't for being so far from virtually everyone and those nasty winters.

On the road today I realized I've been complacent about the great roads we ride. They are magnificent, winding through the trees, now with a good dash of cinnamon from the fall colors. The sun leaks through the leaves in patches on the road, and cute little towns pop up regularly, ready to treat the tourists. This time of year traffic is light (except for a few places) and the landscape a treat to the eyes.


Dinner tonight topped off the day. For some reason, Maine is noted for its macaroni and cheese. Really. So tonight I enjoyed lobster macaroni and cheese with peas. Unbelievable. QG enjoyed a pulled pork with applesauce on a bun.

Just like Washington state is famous for its apples and Iowa its corn, Maine boasts of blueberries. So when the friendly waitress offered blueberry pie...heated...al a mode...I just couldn't say no. Fruity, creamy, warm and cold. Ahh.  We both granted Maine the Best Food State of The Trip So Far, a worthy and laudable accomplishment. The only thing I've yet to eat is the crab. And the clam chowder. Running out of time. Maybe for breakfast. Okay, maybe not.

We settled into a humble motel again, the weather once more threatening rain. Go ahead, rain all night!
Just be nice in the morning. Please.


 And now, famous for her quilts that lie on beds in many states and one foreign country, Quilter Girl!

Remember last Tuesday, we stopped at a quilt store that was closed on Tuesdays? I did and we found that same quilt store at 4:45, 15 minutes before closing.  Whoo hoo!  It was a great store with lots of bright prints, my favorite.  There were samples everywhere, including an appliquéd lighthouse quilt that almost made me forget how much I detest appliqué!  The store was featured in the 2009 Best Quilt Shops magazine and had their quilt on display.  It was done in purples on a crisp white background.  They called it Solomon's Dream (I think). I got two fat quarters, one with lighthouses and sailboats and one with autumn leaves.  I also got a little pack of light colored fat eighths (9" x 18") for my Irish Chain quilts that I am working on.  It was quick, but fun.  

Yesterday I did a whole bunch of 4 patches for the Irish Chains, 123 of them.  I chain sewed like crazy while watching NASCAR and football and had a great time. I need 264 for the king sized quilt and a lesser amount for the double bed quilt for my mom.  Anyone have any idea of how big a double bed quilt should be?  I would appreciate your help.  Due to an error in the cutting directions in my pattern, I need to find 1/2 yard of the background for the king sized quilt.  Where is a JoAnn Fabrics when you need one?
QG


 
 
 
 
 
 

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Double size mattress measures 54" by 75", size of the quilt depends on the drop you want on each side. Follow you guys every day!

Mel Nason said...

I found the following on one of the websites I searched. Hope it helps!

Remember to allow for "shrinkage" - most quilts lose about 5 percent due to quilting shrinkage. The more densely you place your hand or machine quilting, the more shrinkage you'll see happen.

Donna Poster (whoever she is),
from her "Stars Galore" book
for finished quilt sizes, recommends 83" x 106" for a Double.

They also recommended getting the exact measurements of the bed; Length, Width and Height of the mattress, just to be sure!

Unknown said...

Have you ever considered employment as an investigator?
Thanks!
Thanks both of you for the help. You rock!
Considering an 18"drop, FYI