Last evening, we took a drive through the countryside, offering us a beautiful, yet simple
way to start out our holiday weekend.  After a long, cold winter, the sights before us
presented way too many photo ops for me.  It was a picture perfect evening!  For many,
sunny skies just extended the work day, as you can see by this picture.

Farmland always presents a calming, peaceful and orderly feeling to those passing by.

As you know from previous years, I cannot pass by roadside stands, offering fresh goodness
from the farms.  We came upon the attractive, clean, and good smelling farm store, about
45 minutes into our ride.

There were a plethora of signs on the lawn out front, adding enticement to a "must see" experience.

 

 

 Colorful, healthy looking flowers were everywhere!

Custom planted pots and hanging baskets, filled the front of the stand.  I found myself
wondering how they could keep everything looking so alive, and growing.

Fresh, homegrown rhubarb was the first of the vegetables that I came upon.  Now, I must
admit, I am not a rhubarb type of person, but what I immediately remembered when I
looked at the rhubarb, was the rhubarb quick bread that my friend Arlene brought along as
a treat to our Bible Study years ago.  Recently, I discovered her handwritten recipe in
my file, and knew I had to make it again.  I clearly remember how delicious it
had tasted, as she brought it warm from the oven, to our Thursday morning get-together.
I will share the recipe, and my attempt at making the bread, with you in another post.

Homegrown asparagus filled the blue tub.

Brilliantly red, ripe tomatoes were a picture waiting to be taken!

The sign above the cash register clearly said it all, and I found it to a great way to advertise
their success story, and the reason the small store was filled with people.  And...can I tell you,
the sweet aroma of the cider donuts frying, filled the air.

The first fresh, homegrown strawberries of the season, presented another photo opportunity,
as the filled pint boxes covered the entire counter.  I was told they had picked them that
morning.  I could not decide which one offered the most temptation for me...the cider donuts
or the boxes of strawberries:).

The sign out front advertised a very special treat.  Every Friday and Saturday, the magic
happened. 

And, here is where it happened.  The spotless fryer and the girl operating it, produced these
best smelling morsels.  I bought a half dozen. 

My husband had two when we arrived home, with a cold glass of milk.  Celebrating the
holiday in simple fashion ...... works for him.  He raved about the taste, through every bite he
took.  We are both trying to forget now, that they make these delectable masterpieces,
every Friday and Saturday through the entire summer:)

The baked good shelves were filled with other goodies from their kitchen, and I found it
difficult to not purchase one of each.

Quiet, peaceful, serenity existed at this thriving produce stand in the middle of the farmland...

...providing scenes of relaxation...

...and hard work at the same time.  Nature was alive in every direction that we looked.

Another highlight, was dinner at one of our favorite restaurants.

The food was exceptional tasting and our server Jessica, added to our

evening memories.  Don't you just love to find restaurants where the

food and the service both receive high grades?

The glorious sunset seemed like the best way possible to end our Friday night

ride.

 

I wanted to share this with you.  The week is been a difficult one for us.  We

lost two good friends, and another dear friend had a stroke yesterday, at an

out of state hospital.  Our hearts were heavy as we rode, and yet at the same

time were filled with gratitude for the exquisite beauty and peacefulness that we took in

during the evening.  At times, it is good to get away and spend time in

thought and prayer.  It is comforting and soothing to our hearts.

 

Wishing you and your family, moments of joy as you spend time together 

this weekend.  

 

Also, our hearts are filled with gratitude towards everyone

who has served and is serving in our United States Military.  We are so

grateful for you, and we appreciated the many United States flags that

we saw flying during our ride...

 

 

...at churches, schools, businesses, and by the driveways of private homes.

 

Freedom... is a huge gift!  May we never take it for granted!