~ Quilt Barns ~

" A Patchwork Path Through the Farmland. "

When we were in Ohio last summer…I found the four below:

COAL MINER'S BLOCK

The quilt barn phenomenon is sweeping across rural America. It started in Ohio. The concept began as a tribute by Donna Sue Groves to her mother as a painted quilt square on the family barn in 2001.

 

THE FOREST BLOCK

Groves never imagined her idea would lead to colorful quilt patterns with names such as friendship star, bowtie and brown goose appearing on over 900 barns in 16 states.

OHIO STAR BLOCK

Today Ohio, Iowa and Kentucky have over 250 in each state, and the project continues to spread. West Virginia, Illinois, Indiana and Tennessee also have joined in.

THE BOWTIE BLOCK

There are several reasons for the popularity of quilt square barns. Volunteers see them as an opportunity to contribute to the community in a fun, unique and visible way. Farmers see them as a way to get people into the countryside, share their love of the land, and honor someone in their own family.

To view some of these barns… just google….quilt barns in Ohio

There is, however, one barn quilt square that will never be seen by the public. This past summer Groves was very ill for several weeks. When she came home from the hospital, her mother had a surprise waiting. Groves' favorite quilt square had been painted on their barn where it cannot be seen from the road. "It is just for the two of us," Groves says.

~ Wordless wednesday ~

for more Wordless Wednesday.....click here!

Nelsonville,Ohio

Nelsonville, Ohio... near Columbus, is a quaint little place.

******

 The Town slogan is "Come for a day, stay for a lifetime".

The Merchants and Miners bank (the pink building above) was built in 1873.

The town's claim to fame is the bricks that were made there in kilns for many years.

They are very unique!...and many of the sidewalks are still made of these bricks.

Above is the Rocky Boot Outlet where we had lunch!

Here are some of the beautiful old homes in the town.

Actress Sarah Jessica Parker was born in Nelsonville, Ohio.

I wish this cozy little town was nearby....I enjoyed my time there !

Suzy

~ Hocking Hills, Ohio ~

Last Summer while vacationing in Ohio, we visited the Hocking Hills area, about 50 miles south of Columbus. The region is home to 9 state parks and over 9000 acres of state forest land.

It'a a long way down to the bottom of the gorge to view the waterfalls.

There are caves and gorges that have evolved over hundreds of years because of water erosion.

Impressive waterfalls and natural rock bridges are unique to this area. 

This is called "Cedar Falls", but because of so little rain last summer, there was no water!

( can you find the man with a blue shirt on the ledge? )

Mini Me

These photos can't compare to the real thing.....

Ash cave

The Hocking Valley Scenic Railway is also located here. You can take a 14 mile ride on an old-time steam locomotive. Carriage rides and outdoor drama theatre are also featured.

~ Wordless Wednesday ~

For more Wordless Wednesday.....click here !

~ Words for life's journey ~

This is " Suzy's Bloomers " two year anniversary !

I've had over 14,000 visitors and 334 posts. Whew !!! That's a lot of jaw flappin' !

How did I find so much to talk about ?

Thanks to all of you that have visited, left comments and have become my blogger friends.

I'VE LEARNED...
that when you harbour bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere.

YOU WILL NEVER BE SORRY...
...for thinking before acting.
...for hearing before judging.
...for forgiving your enemies.
...for being candid and frank in love.
...for helping a fallen brother.
...for being honest in business.
...for thinking before speaking.
...for standing by your principles.
...for closing your ears to gossip.
...for bridling a slanderous tongue.
...for harboring pure thoughts.
...for sympathizing with the afflicted.
...for being courteous and kind to all.

...for loving Jesus with all your heart.

~ Love ~Love ~ Love ~

"Love may not make the world go round,

 but I must admit that it makes the ride worthwhile."

- Sean Connery

Who was Valentine? 

 He was a  priest in Rome.

According to legend, Valentine was a priest in Rome in the early years of Christianity. He would marry young couples, including Roman soldiers, to their sweethearts, against the Emperor's wishes. He was ultimately put to death and beheaded on February 14.

Happy Valentine's Day!