On a bitterly cold, blustery evening in an old stone farmhouse, this family rolled out the
red carpet for six of us last evening.  The warmth of the wood burning stove and the
gracious, kind smiles of the hostess greeted us.  The problems of the day dissolved, as
we walked through the front door.

Shakespeare wrote, "Our happiness is greatest when we contribute most to the happiness
of others."  This couple certainly contributed to our happiness.  The lovingly tended table, with
colorful touches and many candles, immediately drew our attention, once inside the
kitchen.

Sitting at a table to eat and join in a time of tasting, textures, and sound is truly one of
life's greatest pleasures.  Frank Lloyd Wright said that "Dining is and always was a
great artistic opportunity."  I agree with him.

The freshness and taste of the salads we were served, was memorable!  The homemade
dressings put the entire salad, over-the-top in my book.

The butter heart added to the festive feel of the dinner.  "Your guests, whether friends or
family, thrive on individualized attention."  Whispering Waters Bed and Breakfast.

The dessert we were served, was so delicious that I did not want to pass the container to
the others.

New friends and old friends, joined together around the table.  Conversation flowed
easily, as our hostess graciously and calmly served the meal, while her three little
guys played in the other room.  I marveled as I watched her efficiently and kindly,
carry on using her gift of cooking and hospitality.

I would like to reintroduce you to the blogging friend pictured here in the middle;
I promise you that you would be so blessed and inspired by visiting her blog.
You can find it here;  www.gratefulprayerthankfulheart.com/
The other friend, pictured on the left, has been a lifelong friend.  If she had a blog,
I know you would want to visit it too, because she too, is a gifted, artistic lady.

We celebrated two special birthdays.  The aging process looks good on both of them!

 

After all, birthdays were meant to be celebrated, right?  The gift of another year of

life, is truly just that.....a gift.

 

 As I walked down the brick sidewalk to leave, I turned and looked in the front window,
watching those inside saying their goodbyes.  I must admit, I felt a sadness in my heart
that the evening was over.

And then, I looked up and saw the most exquisitely beautiful moon overhead.    I believe with
all my heart, that when friends gather together, whether for a meal, or dessert, or coffee, it
is always a time of refreshment and blessing.

Once again, this dear family reminded me of the importance of taking time for others,
making others feel loved, and for genuinely exhibiting hospitality to each one of us.
We left with small gifts of her homemade peanut butter spread, which was one of the
highlights of our dinner.  We also left the home, with happy hearts and treasured
memories. 

I was reminded of this verse as we drove down the stone driveway, "I might understand
all mysteries, have all knowledge and all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and
might bestow all my goods to feed the pour, but if I don't have love, I am nothing."
1Corinthians 13:2 - 3

Thank you for stopping by!  Thank you for your friendship and kindness to me, in all
the ways that blogging has to offer.