A"Gathering of Friends"

Good morning and come right on in. The DD is ready and if you want Kona, you can have that too. It is so good to see you and I am so excited about this past weekend. It is a little cool this morning, but I love it, don't you? Anyway if you are comfy I want to share my weekend. Thursday morning I left for Grassy Meadows W. Virginia to go visit my friend Sandi Stevens, at her home, Daybreak Place. Friday eight more of our closest friends and some of their husbands were going to join us for a Gathering of The Primitive Pantry forum members. This year only nine members could make it. We certainly missed those who couldn't and hope more will join us next year. This was the second year in row we have done this. When you tell people you are meeting friends from the internet, they look like a deer in the headlights!lol When we had our first gathering last year Deb and I had met 2 of the members and we were the only ones who had met anyone. That was not a problem! We hit it off like long lost friends and still stay in touch. I am happy that out of the nine members there this year, all but two have visited me in my home.Anyway this is where we "gathered", at the farm, at Daybreak Place.

The girls are all on their phones reading the TPP.lol
I will say the husbands had as much fun as we did.

Marla and Sandi did kitchen duty

This was up at Daybreak. Everyone recognizes this window, I think.

Sandi and I on the porch. We didn't have our coffee out there in the mornings because it was too cold. Can you believe that?

We sat around an open fire, ate, drank coffee and visited. We had a wonderful time and already have plans for next years gathering. Seriously, last year when we met, we clicked. It was like old home week. Some of those who came last year, couldn't come this year. We had 3 girls come this year who couldn't make it last year, and they felt like they had known one another for ever. You just need to experience it to believe it. Marla and Randy drove 17 hours to make it, from Northern Wisconsin. Their son Josh came along. Deb and Michael had a funeral Sunday, so they had to leave early yesterday morning. He had to work late Friday, so they didn't get there until Saturday morning. Drove 10 hours for less than a 24 hour visit. does that tell you how much fun we had? If you haven't checked out the forum, you need to. You could be in that group next year.
Sandi's and Phil's home has been in several publications. She also has a PT. None of the pictures do it justice. None. It is a wonderful old house, that gives you a serene feeling when you pull up in the driveway. They have 3 dogs who welcome you with wagging tails. Mollie, Blaney, and Gracie. Gracie attached herself to me.Literally.

Isn't she a cutie? Sandi welcoming me to Daybreak.

This is up on the hill behind their house.

We all came home with happy memories and new friends. I had never sat around a camp fire so long and had never eaten a meal, other than at a wiener roast, until yesterday.  Toddy, Nicole's husband, made us sausage patties. They had brought their own homemade sausage and it was like eating ground pork chops. I sure wish I had one today! Everyone pitched in, I made breakfast Saturday morning, everyone brought food, everyone cleaned up, it was just a perfect Gathering of friends. We are looking forward to next years. Yes, we do know when and where it is going to be.
I have another trip coming up in September, so I decided to do a bit of fall decorating. This is all I will do inside. I have to keep it simple as I am showing my house. The mantle.

Thanks so much for coming Through My Backdoor where life is good.
betty
PS:We will go to Debs next post. We just haven't had time to do pictures. It will be worth the wait.
PSS:My nose is getting better. I have to wear a band aide all the time and it looks awful. It is healing and the doctor is pleased. (This is for all who have asked)
PSSS: Lets continue prayers for all our fellow bloggers who are under going changes in their lives. Please pray for the right person to want my house too, if you will.