Why Does Vacation Have to End?

One of life's cruel ironies is that vacations must end. Ok, well, perhaps it's not that cruel as compared to other things that could happen, but it is a sad time for me never-the-less.

I truly, deeply, enjoy spending time at the family cottage in Virginia's Northern Neck. The rural bliss of it all enchants me to no end. Case in point:

This is the road to the cottage. Corn was the big crop this year in the fields that lead up to our little slice of bliss on the river. I love corn.

The leaves are so pretty in the sun. This corn is destined to dry on the stalk for feed and grinding.

I also love the old buildings at every turn in the country roads. This is an old store and post office in a fork in the road called Remo, Virginia.

Trumpet vines and weeds have taken over, but my aunt remembers when it was open. I wish I had been in this old store when it was open--imagine how cool that would have been!

I love the red tin roof on this barn in Burgess, Virginia. See the lightining rod on the roof?

On the way to get some lumber to repair the driveway edging, we spied this old barn in the field of ripe winter wheat. Then hubby had to perform a rescue operation...

A hapless box turtle was in the road, and hubby took him deep into the weeds so he could go off and do his turtle thing unharmed.

 

Hubby was testing out a yard sale electric trolling motor (which he paid $2!) with our doggie on board. Even though her breed is better suited for herding cattle in the Outback, she is quite content on the water too.

Our son got to ride the mower for the first time and cut the tall beach grass!

I indulged in one of my favorite treats: Hershey's Cotton Candy flavored ice cream bought at the corner store!

More boating, and the two dollar trolling motor worked great!

We visited a local winery called Athena. They had a tasting of all of their varietals. I ended up buying two bottles of their late harvest dessert wine~~YUM!

Here are the acres and acres of vineyards set in the sandy soil of Northumberland County. What a fun indulgence on Fourth of July!

And speaking of indulgence, we spent all of $10 on fireworks at the local Wal-Mart. We got a pretty good show for our money!

My cousin's son had his first sparkler experience too!

The last night of vacation, saturday night, we ate dinner at a place on the river that has been around forever: The Horn Harbor House restaurant.

If you arrive from the water, you park here. If you arrive by land, you park here:

The official greeter:

This used to hold a pay phone. I am so glad its cover is still there!

Now, I couldn't let this vacation post slip by without telling you of my estate sale/thrift store/yard sale finds this week. Here is a selection:

One of the houses I visited was the home of a lady who was 104 when she passed away. Her grandson was hosting the sale. I found the carnation trash can and the pink ticking fabric at her house along with some other goodies. He was so nice to talk to about his beloved grandmother.

I picked up these fun bits of jewelry at thrift stores and a yard sale.

Oh, deer! Well, that's it for my vacation travel-logue in rural Virginia. The best thing is that we'll be back in 2-1/2 weeks. So, I guess I have no room to complain, do I? Time to get back to making more totes and pin cushions. I'll be listing more this week!~~~Glad to talk to you all again!~~~XXOO, Beth

Comments

[suzy]

I'm glad it was a relaxing week but I'm glad to have you back on the other end of that phone line. I'm drooling over all that cool stuff you got, especially that jewelry! It will be wonderful in all your creations no doubt! xo, suzy

[laurie]

What a great relaxing vacation. I love the estate of the 103 year old woman...and the grandson who shared a bit of her and made what you bought all the more special. My favorite kind of sale. The deer is a gem. Good job on the turtle rescue too!

[Mrs. Kwitty]

It all looks so lovely---I'm glad you had such a nice vacation!

Wow--you found some really wonderful things out on your treasure hunts (I would have bought every one of those had I seen them! lol) I'm sure you will put them all to good use. How fun it is when you get a little history behind things--like the 104 yr old lady--makes it all the more special.

Smiles, Karen

[Shelley]

Hi Beth,looks like it was a really wonderful vacation. I love all your fun finds.Can't wait to see what you create from them.

Blessings,Shelley

[danasmith]

What an awesome time you had and the estate sale finds are incredible. On my list of things to do is dinner at that restaurant!! The winery.....is that the one that the women own? I think I read about it in the Northern Neck magazine we subscribe to! Loved your posting!
Signed,
Gonna Retire on the Northern Neck

[Susan Drysdale]

I would love to see more of Virginia. How pretty it is! I've been to Williamsburg and around that area but that's all I've seen. I love traveling. How great you get to go back again in a few weeks.

[HeidiAnn]

Some of your pictures remind me a lot of places on the California coast and in the wine country.
You certainly found a bunch of wonderful things! That pink daisy enamel pin is absolutely TO DIE FOR!!

[barbara]

That looks like the perfect vacation spot - and vintage finds are the best souvenirs!

[Brenda Kula]

I've never been to Virginia, but it sounds delightful! Being right on the water, how picturesque. You are lucky to have such a place to retreat! And the pic of the corn reminds me of growing up in Oklahoma. Grandmothers I grew up with had big veggie gardens. Tall cornstalks I use to run through with the sun shining down. Felt like I was in the forest!
Brenda

[Annie]

Gorgeous photos, I really liked the old barns and buildings.

Annie
: )

[mary]

Wow, looks like you had a super-duper time and a relaxing one too. I LOVE the trashcan!! I just got back from Florida, always hard to come back home. Have you been to Westmoreland Farm near Colonial Beach, I am headed there next week, they have peaches ready (and lots of berries), really neat place to go.

[Selena]

I tend to ask myself why every day can't be a vacation. But I guess if we lived like this then it would lose its allure. At least that is what I try to tell myself. Great thrifted finds.

[Jona]

What a beautiful place to vacation. I feel relaxed just looking at your pictures.
That rhinestone seahorse is so pretty, what a find!

[Jenny F]

Fabulous finds, love the tin and the trash tin. Excellent hunting!

[SummerSadie]

You have to take me estate sale/thrift store/yard saleing with you sometime. You find the most amazing finds. I'm green with envy.

[jenny holiday]

Happy Summer Beth!!!
Just catching up in blogland!! This move nearly had me in the looney bin! ;)

Thanks for all the eye candy!!!!!!!
xoxo Jenny

[Robin~Thrifty Miss Priss]

Oh I love the Northern Neck! I've eaten at Horn Harbor before! Everyone must go there when they visit! Love the goodies you found also!

[Ray Petrie]

What breed is the dog. Very nice. Good temperament and smart?