Smicksburg Christmas Open House 2017

Yesterday Kath and I headed north to Home, PA – and  Smicksburg’s 2017 Christmas Open House.  We took a quick side trip to the Eat n Park ‘Cares for Kids’ craft show at the Masonic Lodge in Greensburg.  It’s always a nice event and this year was no exception – especially the creative chocolates and hand-made crafts!

An hour later we were pulling into The Chocolate Shoppe, buying Christmas-colored non-perils and chocolate covered peanuts (double dipped!).  We were in all the little shops, seeing old favorites and new temptations.  We had a taste of Fudge at the Country Cupboard, popcorn in the Primitive Peddler, cake at the Drying Shed – all accompanied by holiday music and decorations. When were were done ‘downtown’, we headed back toward Sinktown road, stopping first at the Smicksburg Country Store for our traditional hot dog and cheese lunch, greeted by the resident cat. 

While we were buying fresh-baked  cookies from an Amish lady outside, we noticed a commotion on the driveway.  Turns out a guy got out of his truck for something, and the dog locked the doors – with the truck running – blocking the only way in and out.  He tried several ‘tricks’ to get the doors open, to no avail.  Finally, Tyler pulled the wooden post and rail fence out of the ground for several feet to make room for the cars to get past.  That little place is always full of action – last time we were there one of the cows escaped and was just strolling down the lane!  Again, Tyler to the rescue!!!

We stopped over at Yoder’s store, browsed around in there at the beautiful displays.   So appealing! We said hello to our cousin Colleen (who works there), and had a nice little chat with Santa.  He didn’t say if I had been naughty or nice, but when I asked him if he was ok (I was sitting on his knee!) he said he’d never be ok again.  I’m not even going to TRY to interpret that!

We then drove out to visit the aunts/uncle.  The views were spectacular and we snapped several pictures on the way over to Aunt Joan/Uncle Clifford’s.   We took a picture of Colleen’s front porch as it was colorful and inviting!

Then, after a quick stop to give Aunt Dolly hugs, we drove part way up the cabin drive to get pictures there.  Alas.  Certainly not in its prime.  Sigh. 

It was a lovely day – a bit windy but sunny and dry so we were quite content.  We made our usual stop at Blairsville Wal-Mart and the Dollar Tree before heading back to Greensburg and the comfort of home.  But I can say that a trip ‘Home’ is balm for the soul –  There’s no place like Home (home!).