Tuesday, May 12, 2009

The Tourist Season has Begun!!

We have just completed our first Cycling Tour with the most fantastic people and it went better than expected!! We need to do some tweaking and make a few changes but that was to be expected.

We took a break from all our work one weekend and took the kids out for a cycle. This hill was a bit of a problem, in fact we scrapped this route from our tours -- too hilly. Although if you are an avid cyclist we have an alternative route and this is the hill you would be going down!!! Needless to say, my children were cursing me under there breath while I took this photo. FarmerBoy and DS2 were behind me and there was quite a bit of mumbling going on with them as well!!!
Today, was like Christmas of sorts. I received my first shipment of fabric for my little shop!!! 50 bolts of Moda Marbles. They are 4.5metere bolts which is perfect for a small operator like myself and a great way to bulk up your shelves without spending a fortune. I have ordered 16 bolts of Thimbleberries and they will be shipped out in June from the states (I can't wait to see if I make out better purchasing through the states). I am also considering another order of some Henry Glass fabric that I have had my eye on.

After the Spring Market I will be putting in an order with Moda for some of their upcoming lines. As well as purchasing some nice patterns. I have a small budget to get this up and running so hopefully I will make some good choices - - I will be doing some serious praying!!!!!

I have been spending what little free time I have had putting together some nifty little classes that I am going to offer this Autumn and Winter. Please send me lots of good vibes!!!!
See that big patch of dirt??? That is our vegetable garden, all 45 ft x 90 ft of it! We have sown about 500 potato seed and we are going to be constructing a 20 ft x 13 ft poly tunnel on it tomorrow. We have broccoli, beets, turnip, pumpkins, strawberries, beans, parsnips, carrots and cabbage!!!! In the poly tunnel there will be tomatoes, lettuce, cucumber, courgettes and basil. We are so exhausted from all of this but it will be well worth it when all is said and done.

Well, I am off now to the Garden Center. I need to buy special spray for our potatoes since we have already had blight warnings!!!! I also have to replace some of my strawberry plants, it appears that the sheep love strawberry plants!!!! This prompted FarmerBoy to go out and put up the electric fencing!!!!

Bye All!!!!
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18 comments:

Quilter Going Bananas said...

Love all the pics Anne Marie! Good thing you nixed the big hill for the cycle tour :^)

Love the fabric bolts, how exciting for you! You must feel like a kid in a candy store... Exciting times!

molly said...

Lovely weather the last few days, don't you think Annemarie? I'm visiting my sister in Limerick! Your garden sounds great and your fabric shop venture should make the quilters in your area very happy! The bike tours are a great idea. You do warn them though about all the lunatics loose on the highways and byeways of Ireland?!

Micki said...

Good luck on your shop and all of your plans. I was so glad to see you post, and hope you and yours the best in the coming months.
Keep me posted!
Micki

quiltmom anna said...

Nice to see you back blogging, Anne Marie. You have been one busy girl- between getting your little fabric shop up and running, a garden planted and the cycling tour moving along... Wow... good for you- I hope they all are a huge success for you all.
Wishing you all the best,
Regards,
Anna

Thimbleanna said...

Ooooh, I'm so jealous -- I want to be one of your tourists! ;-) Someday I will be and we're going to have to figure out what to do with the people I travel with 'cause they aren't bike tour people and I'd LOVE to do a bike tour!!! Your garden looks like it will be fantastic.

Sew Create It - Jane said...

How exciting! Glad to see both businesses are all a go. The fabrics look yummy!

Bunny said...

Hi! It seems to me that you are a very busy person. I wish you luck with your garden and your shop etc.
I will stop by again and see what is happening.

Abby and Stephanie said...

Just found your blog through Quilting Bloggers. What an interesting life you have. I love Ireland. Visited in 2003 and stayed in B & Bs. Best of luck with your new quilting business.

Lynda said...

You haven't posted for awhile. Must be very busy with the B&B, biking, fabric store, gardening and sheep. Wow!! When do you have any spare time to quilt? Your place looks wonderful. Good luck with everything.

Dorothy said...

I've just discovered your blog and have enjoyed reading your posts.
What an interesting life you lead.
I wish you all the best with your new quilt shop.

Mrs Quilty said...

WOW! What a wonderful place you must live! I learned of you through Micki at Irish Muses....she said you are opening a quilt store in your home and those bolts look like a fun start....wish I could see the shop when it's ready! I've always wanted to see Ireland...like I told Micki, maybe some day....enjoyed reading your blog. Come visit me at thegoodlifeatmyhouse.blogspot.com

Willow Grove - Kez said...

Wow, i love your blog. I love Ireland too. Nice fabric too.

Marj said...

Found your blog reciently, love all your pictures. Hope that all of your business adventures are going well. Please fill us in soon on what is happening in your part of the world......

Rhonda said...

Hello Ann Marie......what have you been up to? Haven't heard from you in some time.....Hope all is well. Take care.

quiltmom anna said...

Hi Anne Marie,
I received an Irish Quilting magazine in My Christmas stocking- Santa knows how much I love quilty things and thought I would drop you a note to say hi.
I like your tree quilt pattern. I imagine that you are very busy these days between your quilt shop, bed and breakfast and writing for the quilt magazine.
I hope that the New Year brings you many wonderful things- good health, prosperity and time to do the things that you enjoy doing.
Warmest regards,
Anna

Priscilla said...

My husband and I are coming to Ireland in a week. He has already told me he wants to visit in real tourist season as well but this trip is for our ruby anniversary.

I love applique and recreating antique quilts. You can check out my blog at:

http://pws.blogsite.org/workshop

YankeeQuilter said...

You sure are busy! I'm passing your blog to my BIL who guides bike tours in New England...

susie Q said...

hi -- i stumbled upon your blog while googling quilt finishing services. so this is an off-topic question but wonder if you have any idea of quilt finishing services in ireland? i am currently working on my very first quilt and i am unable to finish it properly myself (but want to give it to my good friend as a wedding present, hence i want it to look nice!)

any ideas? hope you don't mind me seeking advice.

sincerely,
another american in ireland :)