Debbie & Anita's Excellent Adventure (my version- hehehee)

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Ephesians 3:20


If someone would have told me when I started blogging that I would actually meet "real" people that would become "real friends" I don't think I would have believed them. After all, the internet is just this great big old "space" that no one can really get a hold on, right? Wrong.......not in this case!

As everyone is aware of we (Anita and I) have been planning this meeting for awhile. What I deemed impossible (she lives in another country you know) God brought to pass! I was excited from the beginning........and a little nervous. It is quite un-nerving to move the computer keyboard and monitor over and "blog" in real time! I told a few friends/acquaintances of my intentions and was met with the "hmmmmm, so, you're going to meet someone from the internet, are ya?" This was enough to quell further conversation. I knew in my heart Anita was not a serial killer *grin* let them think what they wanted. And even if she were, I thought as I left my hair appointment early Saturday morning on the "day", at least my hair would look good! *smile*

Anita finally called around 3:30 Saturday afternoon to let me know they were getting closer. Yay! I think I know how Paul Revere felt. I wanted to shout to everyone that would listen, "Anita is coming! Anita is coming!" seeing as to how I was in a business at that moment, I decided to stay quiet lest I get myself locked in the shelter for the night. We had decided to meet at the hotel a little before 6. I could hardly wait to see her! Time passed quickly, in fact, so quick I was a few minutes late. (sorry again, Anita)

We finally arrived at the hotel and Caleb and Nathan were out of the car in a flash. As Anita stated earlier, Nathan was the first inside. I could see there were a few people in the lobby sitting down. Although I couldn't see them clearly, I knew Anita was one of them. She was on her feet immediately and we were hugging each other and sharing a moment we had both anticipated. WE WERE NOT STRANGERS! I am convinced we are related. hehehee.......

I had it all planned. My husband would take a great picture of Anita and I meeting for the first time. Did this happen? No, it did not. *sigh* I really wanted a picture of that, but I treasure the ones I do have. Since Anita shared the one of us together I will try not to post the same ones. (I liked hers better anyway, *smile*)
This is Anita, as we all know and love, greeting Nathan and making him feel comfortable at the hotel. He was probably wondering what in the world was going on and who are all these people. hehehehee



You would think the way the guys bonded that they were the ones that had been blogging! Although neither one mentioned it, I think both of them had earlier thoughts of "what if I don't like this guy and have to be stuck him" Isn't God wonderful. These two weren't strangers either! They talked nonstop!



These are two I took before heading to the church to eat supper. Aren't they precious? Very handsome pose there Kirk and of course, Allie was dazzling everyone with her newly acquired "southern smile" I don't know where Brent was......




It was already dark when we left the hotel for the church, but I don't think it would have been a problem to see our way there even if we didn't have car lights. I think all of us were grinning so brightly our way would have been illuminated......oh wait.....
was that bright light from our grins or was it from a piece of jewelry someone was wearing of whom I shall refrain from naming..........hehehehee

Here are the girls at the church supper and...........


Here are the boys



Told you they were having just as much fun!

Oh, I forgot to show you my precious, precious gifts Anita gave me!
I anxiously opened this pretty blue box



to find this. I just adore it! Can you see how beautiful the pansies are? She knew I would love it!



She also gave me a can of the famous Tim Horton coffee. Graham is a BIG coffee drinker and will be the first to try it!


We decided to take a quick tour of downtown and then head over to the base. It was getting late so there wasn't too much to do. The kids decided they wanted to hangout at walmart and we were happy to oblige them so we could spend more time together. Anita and I got to ride in the back of her van and the boys drove. It was just like a double date! Since the post(military) is "closed" because of the w*r, we knew we would be stopped at the gates if we didn't have an official sticker on our vehicle. We would also have to provide ID's. We had to get out of the van so it could be checked but it was not as extensive as I thought it would be. I really wish it had been daylight.
Here is a couple of pics of Anita in the back of the van (these are great...did you spot her "ears"?!) and I took these of her taking pics of a place on post, those not too good, but I hope you can see.





These are a couple I took after returning to the hotel. We were getting ready to leave, but as you can see, my honey was engulfed in conversation.


We were having a great time, but we were all tired and knew we needed to get some rest for the next morning.

Anita did make it to church a bit earlier than we did, but we still got to sit behind them. Knowing they were not accustomed to the same type service as I am, I wondered what they would think. Not to worry though......it wasn't long before we were no longer defined by denominational boundaries. We were just God's children. Worshipping together. It was just heartwarming to see how much Brent was enjoying the service. I can't help but smile now thinking about it as I type this.

Anita had previously mentioned that they were planning to leave after church. I was hoping that we could have Sunday dinner together and when they agreed I was overjoyed! We had talked about Cracker Barrel earlier and decided this would be the place to eat. We were told that our wait would be 20 to 25 minutes, but we waited much longer than that. We were so caught up in conversation, we hardly noticed. We sat outside in the unseasonal, but beautiful weather and rocked and relished in our short time left together. Here are a few more pictures outside the restaurant.






And of course, here are a couple more of Anita and I. I just love her!




We finally got inside cracker barrel to eat and the fun continued.






There's my Brent! *smile*






I knew the inevitable was coming. I was going to have to see Anita and her beautiful family leave and head north. This is her family plus one of mine......*smile* right before they were to load into the van for the long trip.



I was feeling sad, but happy all at the same time. Sad because I didn't want to see them leave and happy for the time our lives had intertwined. I truly feel the Lord multiplied the time we had together. I know that Anita mentioned how amazing it has been and she is not exaggerating. Blessed, blessed, blessed. We have been blessed this past weekend. Things just don't happen the way our awesome weekend visit has happened. God has graciously blessed us with an extended family. Can anyone guess where our summer vacation plans are forming?

Twas The Month Before Christmas!

This is another email I received and thought it too good NOT to share!



Twas the month before Christmas

Twas the month before Christmas
> When all through our land,
> Not a Christian was praying
> Nor taking a stand.
> Why the Politically Correct Police had taken away,
> The reason for Christmas - no one could say.
> The children were told by their schools not to sing,
> About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things.
> It might hurt people's feelings, the teachers would say
> December 25th is just a " Holiday ".
> Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit. Pushing folks
> down to the floor just to get it!
> CDs from Madonna, an X BOX, an I-pod.
> Something was changing, something quite odd!
> Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa
> In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda.
> As Targets were hanging their trees upside down
> At Lowe's the word Christmas - was no where to be found.
> At K-Mart and Staples and Penny's and Sears
> You won't hear the word Christmas; it won't touch your ears.
> Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-si-ty
> Are words that were used to intimidate me.
> Now Daschle, Now Darden, Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen
> On Boxer, on Rather, on Kerry, on Clinton !
> At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter
> To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter.
> And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith
> Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace.
> The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded
> The reason for the season, stopped before it started.
> So as you celebrate "Winter Break" under your "Dream Tree"
> Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me.
> Choose your words carefully, choose what you say
> Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS, not Happy Holiday !

---

Spider Bites

I had started to reply to the comments, but since it was going to be so long I decided to make things easier and post. : ) I want to thank you all for your concern. As far as the spider bites, I did not go to the dr. Marilee, however, I did call to inquire about them. I was told to keep a watch (since I wasn't sure what had bitten me) and I did go online. After viewing some pretty disgusting pics of the brown recluse bites I was a bit worried. I had met the first couple of symptoms. (YIKES) and the thought of my flesh turning black in those areas (or anywhere for that matter) had me praying! The Lord was gracious as always and other than the red places, the wounds look much better! They had been scabbed over for a few weeks and amazingly enough two of them came off yesterday! After reading about Sharon's brother and Karen's sil I am truly thankful.

Melanie, you made me chuckle. Yes, I would say you have quite a ways to go! hehehehehe But then again, who knows? It may not take yours as long. One thing I have learned is you just keep doing what you know is the right for YOU and YOUR family with a Christlike spirit at ALL times. Sorta like Dory on Finding Nemo "keep swimming, just keep swimming" :)

Beth blessed me right before Thanksgiving with an awesome surprise. I am planning to post about it next. I wanted to have pictures first, so keep on the lookout!

How Great is our God by Chris Tomlin

See updated post below this wonderful video!

A Slight Update

Where does the time go? I have been so neglectful of my blog. It's not that I have meant to, it just that everything else seems to take priority over computer time. I hope all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. We did. I decided a few years ago that it was time to start cooking at my own home I wanted this for my children's memories. No matter how many times I tell myself that I won't cook as much food next year, I repeat the same mistakes! You would think I was feeding 20 people or more. I would rather have more than less, you know, in case of surprise guests. Which is what I had this year! My wonderful daughter invited a young man over for Thanksgiving dinner before clearing it with me. I didn't mind, but I was a bit surprised that she ask him since she hasn't known him that long. He seems to be a very nice fellow. Very polite and respectful. His mother should be proud. This is the first one she has gone out with since the break-up last year.

I didn't take pictures, as I was too busy to even think about it. We had a nice big turkey, dressing(stuffing, for those of you who may not be familiar with the southern term), chicken and pastry, corn, potato casserole, mashed potatoes and gravy, cranberry sauce, biscuits, pumpkin pie, let me see, what else? I think that's it, but it was way too much food! All that starch!! (no, I didn't cook collards this year)
My mother in law came over for awhile. She didn't eat the main meal with us this year since she had plans to eat with her granddaughter. She made a plate to take home and enjoy later. I love my mil, but she is so negative, Lord bless her heart, so imagine my surprise when she called me the day after Thanksgiving and actually complimented me on my cooking! This is BIG, I tell you, BIG!! I've been married to her son for almost 23 years and this is the first time........oh well.....you know where this is going right? I'll just say that I felt very honored that she actually admitted enjoying the food. God is sooo good!

Oh, we finally got the new furniture. I was so disappointed when I got the couch in with the rest of the furniture. It just didn't look right and it seemed that no amount of arranging could change that. I wanted something to go with my current loveseat and it was just not happening. I could tell the hubby wasn't happy with my seeming discontentment. I was so glad that we didn't get rid of the current one before bringing the brown one home!

The Lord was gracious to us, as always. My hubby's mother wanted it and we were more than happy to accommodate her. My wonderful hubby delivered it and removed her old one. It went straight to the dump. I hope someone who needed came by and rescued it. She had it for a few years, but it still had some time left.

We returned our "old" one back to the livingroom to rejoin the loveseat. We kept the chair, however and the hutch. The hutch is another story. It wasn't the one I wanted. It turned out to be more of a curio than china hutch. Oh well, I am still blessed and thankful...... definitely not complaining!

OH....something else I haven't told you about. Sometime during the furniture switch, I was bitten by something. Not once, but 3 times. This happened about 4 weeks ago and the wounds are still visible. Two of the bites are on my left br*ast and the other was on my lower back on the right side. I was really sick for a few days. I had no idea that I had been bitten until after the fact. I noticed I had chills and felt terrible on a Thursday night and ended up going to bed very early. The next morning I just casually ran my hand across my back and that is when I felt something there. After further examination is when I found the other two bites. They were very red and puffy with a definite hole in the middle. I know that sounds gross and it was! I think it was a spider bite from the sofa we purchased in High Point since it was stored in the warehouse. I don't know what it was, but I don't want to ever get bitten again.



Here is a picture of one of the chairs that I decided to keep. It has become one of my favorite places.





Something more important than anything I have posted so far is the fact that God brought a 2 1/2 child through open heart surgery in less than 3 hours! An hour shorter than estimated with NO complications!! This is only by the hand of God! Something else to praise God for, when she awoke she exclaimed "I've got a boo-boo!"

HOW GREAT IS OUR GOD!!!!!

Home At Last!

Well, I am back again........ I haven't had time to post about everything that has been happening around here, but I have some of the promised pics of my bil's return home. Ahh...yes, I thought that would buy me a little forgiveness! *smile* I can't post all of them that I would like because we were asked not to take any that could identify where they were taken, therefore putting our men in danger. I definitely don't want to do that.

This is just a random pic outside while waiting for the airplane to shine through the clouds. There was so much excitement standing out there as I watched the children anxiously peering into the sky wondering "how much longer?"



I can't tell you what I felt when I saw the lights of that plane coming through the clouds. I also hate to tell you that my camera decided to hesitate between shots, so I missed getting a shot of that, but here is one of when it first touched down.



This is when everyone is waving and shouting as loudly as they can, all the while hoping that their loved ones could see them from the plane. It was pure torture as we waited for them to unload.




I went inside the waiting hall before they unloaded. I knew they would have to march in and this was going to take a little while so I wanted to get a good spot to watch them come in. I cannot describe for you all the emotions I felt as these guys marched in after being deployed for 15 months. Most of them had not had a shower for at least 3 days and sleep was another issue. This did not deter them from making us all proud. The lump in my throat and the tears in my eyes were in the same company of others. You just couldn't help yourself! The children, wives, mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, girlfriends stood cheering, crying, and waving small flags and handmade posters greeting our heroes. This is a day that I will never forget.




As these men stood in formation I saw their faces searching and scanning the crowd looking for a familiar family member. I was heartbroken for those that had no one there. There was one young man in particular whose eyes met mine and I could see his difficulty in "keeping it together" I so wanted to cross that roped off barrier and give him a big hug.




At last the ropes are taken down and everyone is scurrying to find their loved ones.



And just like before, my camera decides to keep me from getting a shot of what I wanted the most. I missed the first kiss, but I think this is the second one. Either way, when I mentioned that I needed another kiss, I was told "no problem"



These are few more of my favorites.






I don't know if you can read the *relief* I see on my sister's face in this picture. Definitely a favorite of mine. Something else about this photo is if you look closely you will see a young man standing behind my bil. He had no one there to greet him. When I realized this I went over with my daughter and one of my nieces and we thanked him for his service to our country. He told us that it was too far for his family to come since they were across the country. I was so sad for him.




I took this one before we left. I thank God for His protection and grace. I know my bil's return would not have been possible without it.

Recycled Email

I got this email from my sister. I thought it was cute and hope to make you smile, especially since I wasn't prepared to post something any better right now. *smile* I have something good, but it will have to wait until later.

A TRIP TO WALMART
You are in the middle of some kind of project around the house. Mowing
the lawn, putting a new fence in, painting the living room, or whatever.
You are hot and sweaty. Covered in dirt or paint. You have your old
work clothes on. You know the outfit, shorts with the hole in crotch,
old t-shirt with a stain from who knows what, and an old pair of tennis shoes.

Right in the middle of this great home improvement project you realize
you need to run to Wal-Mart to get something to help complete the job.
Depending on your age you might do the following:

In your 20's:
Stop what you are doing. Shave, take a shower, blow dry your hair, brush
your teeth, floss, and put on clean clothes. Check yourself in the mirror
and flex. Add a dab of your favorite cologne because you never know, you
just might meet some hot chick while standing in the checkout lane. You
went to school with the pretty girl running the register.

In your 30's:
Stop what you are doing, put on clean shorts and shirt. Change shoes. You
married the hot chick so no need for much else. Wash your hands and comb
your hair. Check yourself in the mirror. Still got it. Add a shot of your
favorite cologne to cover the smell. The cute girl running the register is
the kid sister to someone you went to school with.

In your 40's:
Stop what you are doing. Put a sweatshirt that is long enough to cover the
hole in the crotch of your shorts. Put on different shoes and a hat. Wash
your hands. Your bottle of Brute Cologne is almost empty so you don't want
to waste any of it on a trip to Wal-Mart. Check yourself in the mirror and
do more sucking in than flexing. The spicy young thing running the
register is your daughter's age and you feel weird thinking she is spicy.

In your 50's:
Stop what you are doing. Put a hat on, wipe the dirt off your hands onto
your shirt. Change shoes because you don't want to get dirt in your new
sports car. Check yourself in the mirror and you swear not to wear that
shirt anymore because it makes you look fat. The cutie running the
register smiles when she sees you coming and you think you still have it.
Then you remember the hat you have on is from your buddy's bait shop and it
says, "I Got Worms".

In your 60's:
Stop what you are doing. No need for a hat anymore. Hose the dog crap
off your shoes. The mirror was shattered when you were in your 50's. You
hope you have underwear on so nothing hangs out the hole in your pants.
The girl running the register may be cute but you don't have your glasses
on so you are not sure.

In your 70's:
Stop what you are doing. Wait to go to Wal-Mart until they have your
prescriptions ready too. Don't' even notice the dog crap on your shoes.
The young thing at the register smiles at you because you remind her of her
grandfather.

In your 80's:
Stop what you are doing. Start again. Then stop again. Now you remember
that you needed to go to Wal-Mart. Go to Wal-Mart and wonder around trying
to think what it is you are looking for. Burp out loud and you think
someone called out your name. The old lady that greeted you at the front
door went to school with you.

Costly Weekend Trips

Well, we went and did it again. My hubby and I decided to spend some time alone this past weekend and we ended up going to High Point. For those who are not familiar with High Point, this is a small town in North Carolina referred to as the "Furniture Capital Of The World." I knew better than to go there. I have been desiring a China Hutch for some time and I thought I would just have a look around and it something caught my eye, well, then............BIG MISTAKE!
Not only did I find a China Hutch, but I have also picked out a new sofa and chair!

Since we had driven my daughter's Ford Focus, (to save on gas) we were not prepared to transport anything. We have these pieces and another odd chair on hold for us. You know what that means don't you? Another trip for hubby and I. Yay! I hope to get everything picked up by next weekend. Meanwhile, I have tons of things to do......the fall festival, my bil's return, removing my teapot collection from my current curio, and I need to shampoo my carpet and decide the placement of the new sofa....whew! We didn't get the matching loveseat. I was hoping there would be one available, but there isn't. I have thought about changing the pillows on my current one, hoping to make a match. I don't know, but we will see......

Templates And Other Goodies

I was itching for a change (especially after visiting Sharon) and decided to play around with my template a little bit and this is what I came up with.....for now, anyway. *smile* This is one of my favorite pictures. It just takes me back to a much simpler time. *sigh*

Praise God for the rain! We didn't get a whole lot, but WE GOT SOME!!! I don't know about anyone else, but we have been in a drought around here. If all goes according to predictions we should get more tomorrow and maybe through the weekend. This is much welcome news. We are suppose to have our annual church Fall Festival Saturday, but I think everyone would trade it for a nice, soaking rain.

I have something else to praise God for. My BIL is coming home!!! He should be in Saturday morning! I thank God for protecting him. He has been through a lot and seen some horrible things. Please continue to pray for him and all the other men that return home that they will adjust to being back from the war zone. It is not easy.

My sister has been so busy getting ready for his return. She has been redecorating her home all while working full time. I am so proud of her........ I love my little sissy.

I decided to change speech therapist. Some of you may remember my concerns a few months back. I won't be able to get Nathan in to see the new one until December. I was hoping to get him in sooner, but with everything I have to keep me busy it will be here sooner than you know it.

Ummmm..........

Let me see.............................


what else?................


Oh yeah, I got my biopsy results. It was normal.....Again I praise God! He is always faithful!!
I found out that I have a small hernia. This was included in the report that was mailed out to me. Funny how the dr. didn't mention it previously.

I think we will be changing phone companies. Can I hear a big PRAISE THE LORD, Anita?!! The hubs has spoken. He says he has had enough! Digital phone is on the way out. I hope they have some type of promotion that will save some money. (please, Lord)

Testing.....123....check...Is this thing on?

Hooray! My laptop is out of the shop!! Shortly after my last post my laptop decided it had taken enough. I had to get the internal electrical receptacle replaced and another tip installed on the power cord. Up until this time, I had to turn it "just the right way" to get the battery to charge. Very frustrating, to say the least. It seems to be working properly now.Thank you so much for nice emails and prayers while I have been offline. They mean so much to me.

I hope to get around to everyone's blog to catch up on what's going on. I have emails to reply to and a few other things, but I hope to get those finished soon.

Wow! What's it been? 2 weeks? A lot has happened in that time. Can you believe it is the middle of October?! I can't and neither can the weather. It was over 80 again today. Hot, hot, hot. I am having sinus issues. I don't know if it is because of the weather or because I spent most of the afternoon cleaning out a dusty closet. I won't mention whose it was...........*smile*

I have had a long weekend and a long day as well. I am too tired to stay on much longer, so goodnight for now.

I'm Back!!

I have been a bad blogger lately. I have to say that I have been very busy. I have checked in here and there, but haven't had time to post or comment. Please forgive me. Here is just one of the activities that has kept my family busy and here is another. We've had so much going on!
This is another thing that has kept me busy. The last one was a bit scary for me, but Praise God for keeping me. I have 2 ulcers and a polyp that is being biopsied.

Oh, and I have to announce that ANITA IS COMING!!! Yes, my friend is going to make a special stop on her vacation to visit me!! I feel so honored! We have talked about it before, but now we are in the actual planning stages! Isn't this exciting news!?! There are so many things I would like to do while she and her family are here, but because of time limitations we won't be able to do them. :( However, I am looking forward to having her family attend worship service together with my family. Did I mention that she has an accent also.....*snicker* we talked on the phone for only a short time. My lovely digital phone service left me in silence. It reminded me of one of those wireless commercials where a comment is made and met with silence on the other end, only it wasn't funny.

Speaking of my phone service I called them and was informed that my software (phone) is corrupted. Now what are they going to do about it? He said they would send someone out, but I have yet to see them. I guess I will make another call.........

HE Loves Me!

Although I have read the scriptures convincing me of my Father's love and how He orders my steps, I am still amazed when I experience the reality of it. To know that my Lord loves me with an everlasting love..........

I am just overwhelmed.

Me.

I mean.........

ME!

I know there is a reason for all things. In fact, everyone that serves our Savior can probably testify to this and the times that we felt such a wonderful peace knowing that God is in control. I for one, am so glad that He is. I have made enough mistakes on my own.....

Spent time in prayer asking for forgiveness from my forgiving Lord. How merciful He is to me.....thank-you, Jesus, so unlike man and the ways of man. Again, I thank YOU Lord!

The past few weeks I have struggled with a bad decision.........

One that has been more aggravating than anything else. No one forced this decision. It was one of pure human error.....

MINE.

Maybe this is why I have re-lived the moments over and over in my mind. (kicking myself over and over again)

I knew better. The Holy Spirit warned me with just a whisper "Don't"

I didn't listen. I listened to man instead. Haven't I heard the Spirit's voice enough to recognize it?

Yes, I have asked repeatedly for forgiveness. My Father forgave me the first time I asked.

I couldn't forgive myself.

I asked for a way out......all the while feeling unworthy......

and I have seen God at work.

No....not in the way that I would think He would, After all, His thoughts are much higher than mine.

And no, I haven't seen completion of the escape that He has made for me....

BUT I have this PEACE about my situation that PASSES ALL UNDERSTANDING!!

ASK me again why I love Him so........

My answer won't be one of a list of things He does for me.....(although He does)

It won't be one of how He has prepared a mansion in heaven for me (although He has)

It will be BECAUSE He FIRST loved me.


HE LOVES ME!!

Free Coffee

You ladies know how I love my tea, but I sometimes have a nice cup of coffee. Recently, I received a free coffee sample from Folgers and wanted to share. All you have to do is click on the link and sign up. Enjoy!

Lunch Is Served!

I attended one of the best luncheons yesterday. There were so many delicious things to choose from that it took a few minutes to decide. There were salads, dips, appetizers, kabobs, fruit salads, and the list just goes on. One of the best things about it was at the end we were allowed to purchase a recipe book with all of the dishes that were prepared for the day!

Because several of these menu items became a quick favorite of mine, I made a beeline to the area to purchase my copy. I plan to share a few of them from time to time. Many of you may already be familiar with some of these, but if you aren't they will be worth your time to try. One of my favorites of the day was the Cucumber-Tomato Dip. There is only one word. D.E.L.I.C.I.O.U.S. If you decide to try it, please let me know what you think. You will not be disappointed.

Cucumber-Tomato Dip

1 8oz. pkg of cream cheese, softened
1 8oz. carton of sour cream
1 cup chopped cucumber
1 cup chopped tomato
fresh cilantro, chopped to taste

Beat together the cream cheese and sour cream until fluffy. Stir in cucumber, tomato and cilantro until blended. Refrigerate until ready to serve. (I would prepare this as least a couple of hours ahead to allow the flavors to blend)


This dip was served from a cabbage that had the insides carved out, but the outside leaves intact. Very pretty. I think a purple cabbage would have been an extra touch of color.

I tried Grape Salad for the first time in my life. This was another favorite of mine. It was so, so good! I may post that recipe next. This is sure to be a hit at any church function and I can't wait to awe my fellow church members with it.

I regret not taking pictures as I had my camera in my purse, but I didn't know how well that would have went over with the hosts. I apologize, but there is only so far I will go to risk my invite for next year! *grin*

The Gift Shop Is Open For Business!

I know I have been a little slack about posting, but I have been busy since we got back. Please forgive me. As the weekend drew near, we were off to the Biltmore House again! NO, I am not sick of it yet....

As usual, I have left the pictures clickable so you can get a closer look. I hope you enjoy browsing as much as I did.


Since I am pressed for time, I have decided to post some of the more important pictures *smile* first. Those of you that know me will understand why. The gift shop was under construction the last time we went, but look at it now!



These are the replicas of the Biltmore tea service. Aren't they just lovely! Expensive!



I like the cake server in this one and the tea for one pots.


Ahhhh..... a tea lover's dream! Look at all these! They have really expanded their tea accessories. It has been worth the wait.


Although this one looks as if it were taken in the house, it isn't. Remember the "no camera" policy? This one is also in the gift shop. I think this setting would have looked a little more authentic if the hardware on the door would have been Victorian. Hmmm....I think when they send me the questionaire about my visit I may suggest this.


In case you're wondering, I did ask before taking pictures inside the gift shop.
I hope to share the others later.