Visits From Friends

The past several weeks have been eventful. We had a lot of visitors from down south. It’s nice to have a house that’s easy to entertain in. The views provide entertainment and new topics when conversation slows. That’s always a plus.

The first part of July, we had visitors from Arkansas and Texas. Some I’d known a long time, but others I was only acquainted with. A tour of the Black Hills later, and it was like we were old friends. We had lots of fun, saw lots of sights, and enjoyed the day together. I loved every minute.

Our next visitors were our daughter and son-in-law. We always have a fun time when they’re around. It was the first time they’d seen our house.  They approved of it. They were here to decompress and escape the stresses of work for a while. We’re always happy to provide an oasis from that. While I was driving her around, Daughter spotted a quilt store in an out-of-the-way place. We made our way back to it and found the nicest fabric and accessories. She bought fabric for a quilt. I, who wasn’t going to buy anything, bought fabric for fall placemats. I have no willpower in quilt stores. I will be going back there when I have more time to sew.

The next week, we had visitors from Texas and Arkansas. They were people I’d known since I was in grade school and hung around with in high school. I don’t like calling my friends of many years my “old friends” because that implies they’re old and by association, so am I.  That’s not how I view them.  I see them as they have always been in my mind, the teenagers I knew back when. They make me feel like a teenager again. We don’t see each other often so the times we’re together are very special and blessed.

Hubby and I love touring people around the Black Hills, and this was no exception. We spent time at Mount Rushmore and did the Presidential Trail that goes beneath the faces. We traveled up to Sylvan Lake and walked partway around it. I love the tunnel you walk through to see the backside of the dam. The air is cool, and the trickling water provides calming background music to the beauty. We went over the Needles Highway, past the Needles Eye, and through the rocks. It’s a favorite route of mine, and I never get tired of that road. We also spent a lot of time talking, catching up, sharing memories which included lots and lots of laughter.

I went a day up the road with everyone. All the girls rode in my car which meant hours more of girl-time. Precious hours spent with ladies who’ve known me most of my life. We have so much in common. They camped out, and I hoteled in. We visited the Custer Battlefield in Montana where I did some of my research for my upcoming historical fiction. I had to part with them and drive back home. I said lots of prayers of thanks on the way back. It’s a time I won’t ever forget.

Next came a writer friend from Oklahoma. We met years ago at the West Texas Writers Academy. I love her books so I’m a big fan. She and her husband came early to see Sturgis before the masses invaded. Hubby and I had lunch with them one day, then she came over and we spent and afternoon plotting. That’s something writers do that sometimes involves things like poisonings and murders. It’s fun! I’ve told Hubby if something happens to me to please disregard the file on my computer labeled The Three Best Undetectable Poisons. It came from a writing group I’m in. Anyway, she and I had a wonderful visit.

Thanks to everyone who came to see us. You gave me such blessings with your visit. I feel revived and full of happy memories. The smile is still on my face.

And the Lord restored Job’s losses when he prayed for his friends…   Job 42:10

Ointment and perfume delight the heart, and the sweetness of a man’s friend gives delight by hearty counsel. Proverbs 27:9

Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing. I Thessalonians 5:11