As the name of my blog indicates, I spend a lot of time thinking about home. Of course, my Heavenly Home is the one that is eternal, so that’s where I need to lay up my treasures, and that’s the one I’m striving for. But in the meantime, I have been given this tiny piece of the here-and-now—this home on the edge of town, this family, this neighborhood—in which to serve Him. And, though this is in the earthly realm, I want the things that happen here to be investments in the Heavenly realm.




Thursday, October 9, 2014

gather. {memories with friends}


 ~ a cozy evening corner at Creekside Cottage ~


We have been away for a few days...and were blessed to have been invited to gather some memories with our friends at Creekside Cottage

Deanna and I met on our blogs, quickly became blog friends, and now we (and our families!) are face-to-face, hug-your-neck kind of friends. We have been able to coordinate visits two or three times a year, sometimes here, sometimes there. It is always a delight to share time with them. 

We began this visit with Moses, a spectacular production at Sight and Sound Theater. Their married daughter Lindsay and her husband Joseph work at the theater, and they gifted us with tickets! What a show! Then Lindsay, who is an animal trainer, led us on a fabulous backstage tour. We were all amazed at the size of the stage and the huge set pieces, as well as the precision with which every single detail must be planned. We enjoyed meeting the animals who were in their holding pens and stalls waiting for the next scheduled show. Lindsay introduced them by name and told us of some of their specialties and quirks.

Lindsay guiding our backstage tour




Bekah is learning about ancient Egypt in her history studies, so I photographed her with the hieroglyphics. :)



After Moses, it was time for a little shopping. Off we went to Fresh Vintage by Amy, a delightful store that Deanna had introduced us to on our last trip to Lancaster County. I love this store too, but Kati and Bekah are totally smitten with it! 'Round and 'round we went, circling the store once, then twice, and then back to one spot and another to make final purchase decisions. Both girls gathered some "fresh vintage" treasures!


one of Bekah's treasures...a button ring



Then it was on to Creekside Cottage! Tim was home by that time, and he and Ron began to catch up. Bekah disappeared with Sarah and Kyle. Deanna and I exchanged birthday gifts. We all sipped coffee or apple cider and chatted away until it was time to gather around their table for delicious dinner  of Chicken Tortilla Soup. (Oh my, was it good!) Rachel had made a mouthwatering pumpkin dessert, served warm and with a mug of hot coffee. We chatted through the evening, then made our lingering good-byes.

Creekside Cottage is a warm and welcoming place! It is comfortable and open and charming and cheerful. Deanna has so many beautiful and personal touches in her decorating. But more importantly, the people in the home are gracious...the hospitality there is also comfortable and open and charming and cheerful! We feel at home at Creekside!

beautiful scarf and jewelry from my friend who shares my love for autumn

Sarah, Deanna, Tim, and Rachel
Kyle in front :)




It is good to take time for gathering memories with friends! 

For Deanna's sweet words about our gathering, go ~here~.




This is day 9 in the series gather.  Click ~here~ to see more.


10 comments:

  1. What a blessing to gather with family and friends - makes this favorite season so much more special. Love the treasures you found at the wonderful little shop! Thanks for sharing with us - I always look forward to tagging along on your little ventures :-)

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  2. What a lovely post, Cheryl! Thank you for your precious words! We love having you here and we love going to your lovely home!

    It was a great, great day. Extended my birthday fun into this week. Your gifts were so thoughtful. Thank you.

    Deanna

    ps - One day Kyle will stop making goober faces when we take photos! Oh, and I love those button rings!

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  3. How wonderful to meet blogger friends in real life!

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  4. Loved reading your side of the story! ☺ Chicken tortilla soup...there's a recipe there someplace. The photo of Kyle is making me chuckle...doesn't seem as if his mother would stick him with a pin, but obviously... Has anyone ever told Bekah how seriously beautiful her eyes and eyelashes are?

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  5. Looks like a GREAT visit all the way around!

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  6. Sounds like a wonderful day. Loved the gift you brought, too.

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  7. What a wonderful day spent together. Lancaster County is one of my favorite places to visit. Thanks for a new store recommendation to visit. That is always a good thing.

    Janet

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  8. This post just makes me smile. So glad you two had a good time together.

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  9. It looks like you had a lovely time! I will have to look for that store the next time I am in Lancaster.

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  10. While there is much negative about the internet and social media, one of the huge positives is the ability to connect with folks we would not ordinarily have a chance to meet. That's great that blogging brought you together with a gal who has become a dear friend.

    I have met a few blog friends face-to-face, and we have enjoyed wonderful times together. And my daughter would tell you that her dearest friends in the world are those she has met through blogging. Phone calls, skype, snail mail, and actual visits have given her what she calls "sisters of the heart."

    Blessings,
    Patti

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