Dillweed! We had such a great time. It’s almost impossible to describe the relationships, the experiences, and the support within this group. Cousins!
We packed the Ford and got on the road from Kathy’s at about 4:30pm Friday. Kathy’s long-time friend Mae (from Kentucky) is up for two weeks so she was made an honorary cousin for the event. The drive up was beautiful, and the foliage was bright and colorful. Kathy and Mae had to take pictures since I was the driver.
Once everyone was there we spent some time sorting out who was sleeping where. Gail needed the room with the sink, so she slept in Sage. I needed to be in a room alone in case I started to cough, so I had Rosemary.
Karen O and Connie took the King size bed in Thyme, and Kathy and Mae shared Parsley, which had a double and a twin bed.
Colleen, Gwen and Beth took the 3rd flood Garden suite, which was perfect for them. A lot more room for three people.
After we were all settled with luggage, we tucked the food into the spacious kitchen. Holly took charge and wrote down the pizza preferences on a napkin. Beth set her phone timer so they knew when to drive over and pick it up. While they were gone, the rest of us sat out all the food and plates and drinks, etc so we were all ready once the pizza was there.
I don’t even think I can name everything, but here’s at least a partial list. We had veggies and caramel dip, fruit with dip, chocolate covered potato chips (Yep!!), a tray of mixed nuts (including chocolate covered peanuts, double dipped!). Charleston Buffalo/bacon dip (or something named like that!) with crackers, butterscotch pudding pie, meat and cheese tray, cheese pretzels, popcorn puffs, M&M’s, and the crowning dessert was Colleen’s homemade pumpkin (made with pumpkin from her garden!) chocolate chip cookies! We ate until we couldn’t eat anything else.
THEN…. we sang happy birthday to Gail (happy 77th, Gail!) and had a huge vanilla cake with strawberry filling and cream icing with slivered almonds. Oh, my. It’s a wonder we even fit on the chairs!
Once we were done eating, I read the two short essays I wrote for the occasion – one about being (or NOT being) a missionary and one ‘Ode to Chocolate Chip Cookies.’
Colleen and Connie on couch, Karen O seated.
Karen V and Holly drove home and didn’t stay to sleep (they live close) but came back in the morning. They stayed late enough, though, to help keep the conversation going. We covered every subject from kids, work, grandkids, spouses (those who had them!), food, clothes, neighbors, vacations, memories, health, and of course dreams and plans. There were a few gifts for Gail, which she opened. It was well after midnight when we all went seeking our respective rooms. I wasn’t sleepy so I read until after 1am. Beth said the Garden Suite gals were up til about 2am! I heard Karen and Connie chatting quite a while after they closed the door and shut off the light.
Saturday morning the nine of us took turns getting showers and using the bathroom. Karen and Holly were back early Saturday for breakfast, and as it always is with Kyra it was delicious. We had a fruit salad, sausage links, apple cinnamon French toast bake (delicious times two!), chocolate chip scones (imagine that!) and orange juice, tea and coffee. Checkout time was 11am and we left the tables at about 10 til 11! Once we had everything in the cars and packed away we all went over to the gift shop and spent about 45 minutes browsing and still chatting! And spending money!
Kathy and Mae and I headed home about noon and the trip home was even more beautiful with the sun shining on the fall leaves. There were several low-flying planes cruising over Route 22 and it was so peaceful and magical.
It was a wonderful weekend and I felt better than I have all summer. We know we can share anything that’s on our hearts with each other. No judgement, no questions, no stress or arguments. Just love and support and laughter and Holly’s amazing animated stories! And too much food! I couldn’t navigate life without these sisters of the heart. God knew what He was doing when He connected us through family and faith. Love you girls!
Standing: Holly, Kathy, Karen V, Colleen, Me, Gwen
I got home about 2pm and put everything away, then did a little work outside. It was a perfect fall day! Tomorrow is Trunk or Treat so another full day!
My blessings —- overflowed!
PEANUTS Thought for the Day:
TOMORROW October 20th is:
Information Overload Day; International Chef Day; Miss American Rose Day; National Brandied Fruit Day; National Day on Writing; National Youth Confidence Day; Sunday School Teacher Appreciation Day; Respiratory Care Week; National Chicken and Waffles Day.
Yesterday’s fake day was National Sunshine Day. Tomorrow: Writing! Celebrate writing. And Sunday School Teachers. And YES — respiratory care! Have a happy Sunday – God bless…
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