Tag Archives: LCsCottage

Cross Country Vacation Sept./Oct. 2025

The Hubster and I set out on a cross country trip to visit with our daughter and her fam. They live on the east coast and we live on the west coast. We choose to drive so that we can take our time and visit places that we have never been.

In other words, we set out on a very long scenic drive.

The last time that we did this was in 2023, and we had so much fun!

September 14 was a long travel day. We left home in Washington state, traveled through Idaho and most of Montana.

A stop for gas in Montana was needed, and we stopped at Muralt’s Travel Plaza. Who would’ve thought that a truck stop would be so nice!

This mural is painted on an outside wall. It features places to visit.

Muralt's Truck Stop, Montana

*Clicking on a photo will give you a closer look!

Muralt's Truck Stop, Montana

This guy was right inside the front door. I had to snap a photo for the grandkids!

Muralt's Truck Stop, Montana

One can not only get fuel, but also visit restaurants, a deli, buy baked goods, snacks and gifts, play in the casino, do laundry, stay the night and more.

Sunflower, Montana

When the Hubster and I travel, sometimes we car camp and sometimes we stay in a hotel.

Our first night was spent at the Huntley Rest Area.

We had a brief storm followed by a fabulous sunset!

Huntley Rest Area, Montana

The next morning, we drove into Wyoming.

Wyoming

We stopped at Fort Phil Kearny and I will share that in another post. Afterwards, we drove into Buffalo, Wyoming. Unfortunately, the Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum was closed.

However, I was fascinated with this sculpture that I spotted while driving through town.

It is called “After the Dust Settles” and was created by D. Michael Thomas.

D. Michael Thomas_Buffalo, Wyoming

D. Michael Thomas_Buffalo, Wyoming

Be sure to click on those links above to see more about this impressive sculpture!

D. Michael Thomas_Buffalo, Wyoming

From the website:

“Two war ponies, ravaged by the wreckage of war, have reached the end of their run. Their speed and their courage, sacrificed for the folly of man, have betrayed them and now only push at their hearts and their spirits. With their riders no longer driving them against one another they have found an escape, each becoming the refuge that the other seeks. Above them, an Indian arrow flies like a flag from a white man’s saddle, proclaiming a battle won and a battle lost. Behind them lies only dust and the terror that continues to pursue them. The frantic call of the bugle, the volleys of gunfire, and the screams of the wounded have thinned into a long, drawn out silence. All that remains are fear, comfort, and the sound of the wind in the sage.”

D. Michael Thomas_Buffalo, Wyoming

See the world around you!

More Travel Posts:

HQAL October 2025

I took about a month off for cross country traveling to explore and visit with my daughter and fam in North Carolina.

I brought some handwork with me, but did not accomplish much. I prefer looking at the scenery as opposed to concentrating on stitching while driving. I did try, but my stitching was pretty wobbly and slow going.

True…the Hubster is driving…don’t stitch and drive at the same time. Ha, ha!

A reminder of what I am working on:

Beez By Tricia Cribbs Embroidery Design

A reminder of where I was when last I shared:

Beez By Tricia Cribbs Embroidery Design

That block is now stitched!

Beez By Tricia Cribbs Embroidery Design

I have all nine of the completed blocks up on the design wall.

They are awaiting a wash and then will be pressed and squared up.

Beez By Tricia Cribbs Embroidery Design

I am deciding how I want to sew these cute bee blocks together. Do I want to make a small wall hanging? That was my original purpose for joining this group, but now I am having second thoughts. Do I want to make a couple of table runners? Bee pillows? I dunno. What would you make with these?

If you would like motivation to move your hand quilting projects forward, then consider joining this little group. No pressure; just encouragement. Details below.

This Hand Quilt Along is an opportunity for hand quilters and piecers to share and motivate one another. We post every three weeks, to show our progress and encourage one another.  If you have a hand quilting project and would like to join our group contact Kathy at the link below.

Hand Quilt Along Links

Previous posts:

Have fun and carry on!

A Stroll in the Garden

Delphinium

*Clicking on a photo will give you a closer look!

Phlox

Phlox

Lavender/Praying Mantis

Hydrangea

Beebalm/Monarda

See the world around you!