Annual Piggy Bank challenge

Val, over at Val's Quilting Studio has run a Piggy Bank Savings challenge for several years.


This year, I beat the total saved by Mr. Books. . . . . I had $125 to his $85.  But, I would have had even more if I had not cashed in my savings early that the Challenge date.


Usually the Challenge date is after our "big" vacation so I have "mad money" to spend on myself.


But this year we had a "big" vacation to Lake George, NY so we decided to pool our funds to have extra spending money while we were away.


Now, we did get to a couple of quilt shops in the Lake George area. . . . and we both spent money at each shop so don't go thinking that my hard saved coinage went to things like dinner and such.


The two shops that we visited were Patti's Sewing Machines and More in Glen Falls, NY and Country Girl Crafts and Quilts in Chestertown, NY.  Both shops were very cute and packed with lots of samples, kits and fabrics.

The owners of both shops were extremely friendly, as were the other customers in the shops. . . . we felt right at home and as if we were long time customers instead of just vacationing visitors.  I find that quality so great. . . . .unfortunately there are a shop or two in my home state could learn a thing or two about customer service for new customers from these two shops.


So, now that I have spent the funds that I collected since last year it is time to start the next collection of coin. . . . and to see if I can top the amount that I have saved this year!

If you want to see what other people did with the funds they were able to save check out this linky post. 






In peace and pieces,


Sherry










This content was originally posted on the quilt blog Books, Hooks, Sticks, etc. (www.bookshookssticksetc.blogspot.com). If you are reading this on any site other than the original or quilterblogs.com it is WITHOUT my permission and the content has been stolen.

On amusement parks and motorcycles. . . . .

The first weekend of this month was spent in the company of a bunch of FROGs!  LOL

What I mean to say is that Mr. Books and I spent June 1 - 3 in the company of fellow members of Forest River Owners Group (FROG) at Knoebel's Amusement Park in Elysburg, PA.




It was a three day rally that had lots of food, good times, and warm weather.


We have gone to Knoebels for the past several years with different groups and it has always been a great time.


In the past we have stayed at the campground connected with the park.  However, this year the Rally was held at Lake Glory Campground. . . . and it is a lovely campground which is also part of Knoebels.


There is a lovely covered bridge just outside of the area where we were camping:


For me, I prefer Lake Glory because we can get full hook-ups so we don't have to worry about running out of water. . . .but the trade off is that we have to drive to the amusement park.  However, parking is plentiful and there is a shuttle from the parking lots so it isn't so bad.


After having fun in Pennsylvania we drove out to Lake George, NY. . . . and arrived just in time for Americade!

I believe someone mentioned that there were over 10,000 bikers in attendance at the rally this year.  But, in all of my research I had not seen mention of it. . . . had I known about it I would have steered clear.   LOL


The bikers were not obnoxious. . . .in fact, there were many of them staying at the campground we were in.  It was just hard driving through downtown Lake George with a full sized pick up truck with all the bikes lining the streets.








We did get to do some tourist-y things, like taking a Lake George cruise for 2 1/2 hours to learn about the area and the islands in Lake George.


We had several wonderful meals. . . . . ribs at Adirondack Pub & Brewery
The ribs we had were so tender the meat just fell off the bone when you picked it up.


Our breakfasts were mainly eaten at a little place in Warrensburg, NY

They have 3 locations, but the Warrensburg location is the only one that serves breakfast.  The company has been family owned and operated for over 90 years.


The food and service were phenomenal!  While I usually get pancakes when I eat out I did venture out and had blueberry banana bread French toast. . . . .and it was out of this world.


Mr. Books was raving about their biscuits and gravy.  And we both loved the sausage.


Our last dinner in town we went a little upscale and ate at Lizzie Keays



We had wonderful steamers, baked Brie with honey, walnuts and raisins, carrot ginger soup and prime rib.  Oh. My. Goodness.  The food was absolutely divine.


So, while I may not have had access to wifi we both had a wonderful time on vacation.


Oh course, at least for me, the downside is that I am now back to my normal routine of work, etc. when I would so much rather be on vacation!  LOL





In peace and pieces,

Sherry

This content was originally posted on the quilt blog Books, Hooks, Sticks, etc. (www.bookshookssticksetc.blogspot.com). If you are reading this on any site other than the original or quilterblogs.com it is WITHOUT my permission and the content has been stolen.