Lunch in the Log House

There's been lots happening, so let's start getting caught up.  We headed out traveling for a while and stopped near Wytheville, Virginia for a rest.  When we went into town for lunch, the first restaurant we came upon was the Log House Restaurant. 

Log House Restaurant 

This started out as a very small settler's cabin around the time of the Revolutionary War, but was completed later. 

Over the 200 plus years, it has been added onto in a higgledy piggledy manner and is now an absolute warren of rooms and passageways and nooks and crannies.  And it's a fabulous place.  Most of the interior was such close quarters that I couldn't take any pictures with my lens.  There was an atrium, brick floors, woodwork and all manner of whimsical decor.  


The other end of this "booth" just inside the entrance faced a fireplace.  That makes sense since it would trap the heat and make the eating place warmer.  I'm sure there is a name for this arrangement, but I don't know what it is at the moment. 

And I was transfixed by the dried roses in the light fixture. 

As we were led to our table, I almost gasped.  We were seated directly in front of a log cabin quilt that had to be at least 100 years old and it was hanging on the wall as decoration!!  As a quilter, I was both pleased and appalled.  I was pleased to see such a treasure, but appalled that it was being displayed in a way that allowed it to get dirty and be exposed to rough treatment. 

After lunch, we were invited to wander the grounds and take as many pictures as we liked.   We explored the whole place and it was made up of many small rooms, hallways and niches.  

Then we went outside and I was in heaven.  The entire garden was bursting with shrubs, flowers and statuary of some sort. 

View of back door of restaurant and dovecote

The dovecote (just to the right of the blue door) had white doves inside.  Then brick paths wandered throughout the garden.  There was one surprise after the other.   

Grinder man in the rabbit pen 

Entrance to gift shop and bar area 

Its too bad that the gift shop was closed.  And, who wouldn't love to have a glass of something on this porch. 

Part of the outdoor bar area 

It was such a wonderful surprise to find all of this, because from the street you can only see the front of the building.  We had no idea how big it was and how it stretched and twisted, or what wonderful gardens were behind it. 


So, all I've got to say is that if you are ever near Wytheville, Virginia, go find the Log House Restaurant and see for yourself.


Y'all take care. 

Potpourri

I cannot believe how far behind I am!   I was taking a picture of some applique pieces I was working on and came across these! 

Blueberry jam, chutney & sauce 

This is just a portion of the 57 pounds of blueberries that were picked this year.    Eleven and a half pints total  of blueberry jam;  four and a half pints total of blueberry sauce;  and 6 half pints of blueberry-ginger chutney.  I'm sorry I didn't take picture of the luscious berries, but here's some of what I got a couple of years ago and I went to the same place. 

I went the first day by myself and picked about 29 pounds.  All those were frozen for Hubby to use on his cereal throughout the year.  And, he'll use them all up, too!!!  A couple of weeks later, he and I both went up to the blueberry farm and picked another 28 pounds.  I used most of those to make these cooked items.  However, I got so tired of looking at blueberries that I did give away a big bag full of them.  Just couldn't stand looking at or handling another one. 


Dr. Lundy grows many, many different varieties of blueberries, both high bush and rabbit eye.  He encourages grazing until you find the one you think tastes best and then you start picking.  His bushes are very well groomed and cared for, making it very easy to pick lots of berries in a short period of time. 


As for my sewing, I finally got the borders on my Island Chain quilt. 

Island Chain, designed by Kim Brackett

I have no idea when it will get quilted.  It is a large quilt, about full size. 


I also went on one  expedition.  My Birdlady friend led a birding field trip up to Blackwater State Forest but I couldn't attend due to family obligations.  At any rate, the next day she called me all excited.  She wanted to take me to see something special and wondered if I was free that afternoon.  Sure, why not, so off I went to her house.  She took me back to the forest to Tetlow Bog, at least that's what we all call it.   There in the bog were the most gorgeous pitcher plants!!!!

Sarracenia Leucophyla

Sarracenia flava

I sent picture of our find to a botanist friend who likes pitcher plants.  He was quite excited with our find of the purple and white ones, Sarracenia Leucophyla, as they are quite uncommon.   I am woefully ignorant of wildflowers, so I had no idea.  This area covered several acres and was just spectacular.


There was also a lovely little purple orchid.   Its blossom was just a tiny little thing about an inch big. 

Whew, enough for now.  I'll be back soon.


Y'all take care.