Spring and Early Summer Happenings ~ Part 3

Part 3 ~ Summer Visits!

Long years ago we visited friends in Tennessee who welcomed us to their home with a hand-written chalkboard on their porch, "Welcome Girotti Family."  I'll always remember that thoughtful touch.

That is now our practice...it says "Welcome Bet and Sonia."

My sister is now retired and can travel to see me any time. On this visit she and her teacher friend, Sonia, traveled to spend a few days with us here in Virginia. So fun! Sonia was last here in 2011. I had no clue it had been 12 years!

I planned some outings for us in downtown Staunton because I knew they would enjoy walking a small town street and browsing some shops:

It was definitely a fun morning as some of us found treasures at The Sparrow's Nest:

Tom joined us for lunch at The Pampered Palate, but we failed to take pictures inside. It was delish as always!

The next day was spent antiquing at one of the largest antique malls in America located only 10 minutes from us (at least they advertise that it's the largest!)...Factory Antique Mall in Verona.

This is one of the signs I saw and really loved! It's a 2-sided Amish Grass Clippings Sign.

Mainly I liked it because I collect grass clippings for the garden. Plus love the color! I would have mounted it down by the compost bin near the garden:

 However, on further inspection of the price tag...$15 maybe, $69 nope.

And since I love geraniums, I loved this geranium sign!  Same deal....price prohibitive at $75!

But it was a productive morning! We all came home with a little something in our bags!

That evening Jonathan had invited us down to his house for a meal and a tour! Jonathan, always hard at work:

I think Bet and Sonia enjoyed seeing his house, and definitely we all enjoyed the meal. Here's his menu:

All too soon it was time for our guests to travel back to their homes in South Carolina. Come again y'all!!

A few days later, long time friends from Texas arrived! They had been visiting family members in New York and had wanted to stop by here on their way back home:

It was just a quick overnight and breakfast the next morning, but we so enjoyed their visit and getting to see them again. They traveled here for Hannah's wedding in September...but, it's hard to truly catch up with everyone at a wedding:

Thanks E family for the visit! Y'all come back!

Now we're gearing up for missionary friends from Papua New Guinea to arrive next weekend! Will post when that happens.

~Deb

Comments

[victoria]

Such a busy summer for you all. I agree those signs were nice but way to pricey!
Chef Jonathan creates such interesting menus. I'm sure it was all so delicious!
Have fun with your next set of guests at the Girotti B&B.

[Krista]

We had a wonderful time with you and Tom. Thank you for having us. Grateful for our friendship!

[Carolyn]

Hi,Deb! I thoroughly enjoyed seeing all the many visits and meet-ups with past friends! Looks like you've had a busy and enjoyable summer! At this point in life, I think it's so important to do what you enjoy, see all the friends you can and go where you've always wanted, anytime and as much as possible. Life is getting short and not many more years to do it! So happy to see you doing this!
Love you my forever friend!