Friday Surprise for Outdoor Wednesday

Outdoor Wednesday with Susan at
A Southern Daydreamer.
Stop by and say Hi.
You'll enjoy Susan's sunny yellow
flowers this week.


Last Friday our plans were
laid out before us.

All three children and I got
into the car at 6:45am headed
to Kennett Square and Longwood
Gardens. As is usual since Mikey
has begun his internship someone
has made this drive five days a
week.

The grandmas have shared these
commutes. Everyone seems to be
enjoying the process.

So on this Friday we intended to
stay at the gardens for the morning
as Mikey was supposed to get done
about noon. We were happy and
looking forward to it.

But, upon arrival, Mikey found out
that on this Friday he would stay
until about 3:00pm. It was an hour
and a half until the gardens would
open for guests. On the other hand
it was a a 40-45 minute drive home.

We decided to head on home and just
come back later.

So...we headed on our way...
UNTIL...we saw a sign for a barn
sale. Do you know how cool barn
sales can be in our neck of the
woods? I am telling you...they
can be oh, so interesting.

Since we had no place to be, we
took the detour. Through woods
and on tiny little roads following
signs. If Jonathan had not been
with me I probably would not have
been so brave. But, each little
sign urged us on until at the end
of a gravel road in the middle of
a woods we saw this...



In the middle of Nowhere!!!!



And in this cute barn was a nymph
of a girl named Courtney who was so
very friendly and helpful.



When Courtney saw our enthusiasm for this
unexpected adventure and learned that I
do this thing called blogging she said we
needed to go up to the house and meet her Dad.
He, apparently had some neat trails through
the woods that we would enjoy.



I was thinking that it was a bit
strange but friendly of her.
But we talked as I "shopped".
I promise to show you my finds
later...maybe tomorrow.



Courtney gave us many matchbox cars
for Mom's trip to El Salvador.
The children will love them!
She was so happy to help.



I think perhaps the reason Courtney
knew we would enjoy the trails was
the knowledge that Mikey was at Longwood
and that I shared my love of gardens.



So, soon she gave her father a call
and before we knew what was happening
we were pulling up to a very
unique and beautiful home and setting.

Would you know a gnomehome
if you saw it?
Jonathan knew
right away...

These were at the parking area.



You cannot believe the things we saw.
I was feeling too much as if we were
intruding to ask to take photos in the
house. But it was a real work of art.



Turns out we had stumbled upon the
Gnomeman!
His name is Richard Humphreys.
Actually, I had heard of him...
I don't think you can live in our
area and not hear of "The Gnomeman"
but I have never been into gnomes.
My apologies, Mr. Humphries.




Mr. Humphries is an educator.
You know that at the first sentence.
He is also very proud of the work he
has done on this part of the countryside.



The photos you are passing by
are from the outbuildings before
we headed to the woods.



The next thing we knew we were
walking on well defined paths.
Mr. Humphreys invited us to wander
at our leisure. Pretty kind of him,
I'm thinking, since we had only just
met. The other part of the equation
is that normally there is a charge of
$10 per person to take a guided tour.

Either we scared him to death or blogging
has its priviledges...because...

He generously waved that aside and
told us to enjoy it and to be sure to
play the drums we would find in a
gazebo at some point along the way.



The day was absolutely perfect.
Sunny, blue skies, gentle breezes
and happy attitudes.

Both Chelsea and Jonathan agreed with
me that we felt we had stumbled upon
a wonderful playground.
A gem in the
Southern End of Lancaster County.



The drum boomed out
over the hillside.









Jonathan said this gnomehome was
equal to a palace. A very noble
gnomehome.



We went...



down steep hills...



and back up again!



Before we knew it we were
back to ...



The gazebo housing the drum.









We chose the upper bridge...
There is a troll bridge underneath
but we always recommend taking the
high road...Jonathan insisted on
taking our picture as we made the
best choice.





Our walk came to an end but we have
certainly not forgotten the surprise
and gift received one summer day in
July 2009. It was a special blessing.
I would never have thought I would say
that about a place called Gnome Countryside.

To see a photo of "The Gnomeman" you can see
his website here. You will find him to be
interesting...I found him to be an artist,
a teacher and a very lovely person.
His daughter, Courtney is a joyful and
outgoing person. Her happiness is contagious.



Thanks for visiting today.
I hope one day, very soon,
you are blessed with a surprise
as nice as this one.
♥♥Becky K.♥♥