Back to the Charlotte Area 6-30-2011

After a comforably late (9:30am) start at Starbucks, 2 of my friends hauled me back north for the day. We went to QBee quilts in south Charlotte again. Diane's shop is fast becoming one of my favorites since she gives me treats when no one is looking. Beth remembered seeing a fabric that she could use as a border for her One Block Wonder that was done with bright Laurel Burch Jungle panels.

Judy found a nice new Hoffman Christmas batik. No one told me to behave, so I nibbled on a book that Beth was buying (don't think she's seen that yet...).

After we cleaned out QBee quilts we went to Concord Mills, to We're Sew Creative. This is a nice new shop primarily with contemporary fabrics:

I thought that the plan was to go to a nearby restaurant for lunch. I thought that Joyce was the only one who was directionally challenged until my current driver made a wrong turn out of the shopping center and onto the entrance ramp to I-85 south. Boy, was there finger pointing and I-told-you. I was happy to be hiding in my carryall, though I think they heard me snickering.

Soooooo, on to Fort Mill's Baxter Center again. This is rapidly becoming a favorite stopping point in the coming and going to North Carolina. This time doing a late lunch at the Fish Market. Had a wonderful Italian blush Pinot Grigio (who knew it blushed?). Though a bit upscale, the waitress welcomed me with a big smile, and I'm very sure we'll be going there again.

Judy,I'm listing to Starboard. Please set me up !!!

 I suggested that we try out the dinner menu at some point. Judy did let me have a hush puppy, and I napped the rest of the way home. I had to get back early to go to the Greater Columbia Knight Bee at Liz's house. More on that later today.

I road 206 miles today. That brings my total milage to 700 miles.

That's it for this report.

Roada does South Charlotte 6-25-2011

FARTS cannot start without a stop here.

On the Road Again.......Isn't that a song title?

After the obligatory local Starbucks detour 4 friends and I hit the road north to pick up a reserved quilt kit at QBee Quilts, just over the border into North Carolina.  I really wanted to stop at Carowinds, but my arthritic companions wouldn’t hear of getting any where nearer to rollercoasters than seeing them from the main road.  And then I was warned to stop baring my little rodent teeth and to get on with anticipating wallowing in fabric (what am I a hedge pig?).

The new location is airey, bright and beautiful!! Go Visit!!

QBee Quilts has recently moved to a much larger, airy shop next to their old storefront.  Needless to say, far more than one quilt kit was purchased (Joyce won).  I posed with Diane, the owner, as well as my travel companions.

Diane,Judy,Sue,Beth,Roada, and unknown girl

I previously sported only a Quilters of South Carolina earring, I have gained a Velcro bellyband to attach pins to—I now sport the pin for the 2011 Mid Carolina Run Shop Hop (we made it to 5 of the 9 shops in the 2 week run).

Next we went to our favorite I-77 exit (# 85), where there is a wonderful Starbucks, which was passed up on this trip, for lunch at another Baxter Town Center location, ‘Six Pence Pub’.  I was allowed a Bud Lite since I wasn't driving, but they successfully restrained me from attacking the Hawaiian grilled chicken salad.  I was allowed a few crispy “chips” (aka French fries).  If you are ever in the area tell Amy that Roada F. Tripp sent you.

I had to be pulled away from this phone booth. I thought it was a really cool place to visit. I remembered that everyone had cell phones so I really didn't need to use the land line.












We arrived back at our starting point safely and in time for 'Knot Judy' to make her dinner engagement. I did have to inspect all of the bags to make sure that there was no lingering chocolate. Satisfied that I had taken care of all of it, we went our seperate ways, soon to be reunited for another great adventure (I understand that I will be going to Knoxville,TN in a few weeks).

Thanks to Beth and Joyce for transcribing my notes. I had to go take a nap.

Mileage this trip: 160 miles.  Total FART mileage for Roada:  494 miles

P.S. For those of you that think I have used a 'dirty' word, please note that FART stands for 'Fabric Acquisition Road Trip'.

Until next time,