I Walked Into the Stream For These Photos

O.k. so they aren't amazing...

but they are pretty and relaxing.

It had been a very dry summer up in this part of Pennsylvania

so the stream was running low and slow.

 We have seen it overflow its banks

and rush dangerously

on its way.

This is much better.

The mist rising off the water was my inspiration.

I always love misty photos that other people take.

Just wanted to see if I could capture it.

 

I was thinking I would just stand in the 

stream for a while until something began

tickling my toes.

Ick.

I don't think I would like one of those

pedicures where the fish eat the dead skin off.

Have you heard about those?

Eww.

Suddenly the views are from the bank 

of the stream.

 I was trying to capture the water droplets.

It seemed that every time I would get one in focus it would drop

to the ground.

We are home again and life continues

on its merry little way.

We had a very fun day with our church family yesterday.

Katie's family hosted us for the afternoon.

The dads challenged the youngsters in a game of

ultimate frisbee.

The dads lost but not by as much as was expected.

 

After the game the players were rewarded with 

homemade ice cream.

Susanna loves to play with flavors

and did a wonderful job creating

Oreo ice cream.

Delish!!

My friends Sue and Ruth joined me in a 

watermelon seed spitting contest.

We had a blast.

They said I won but I think it was just 

because it was my birthday and they were being kind.

I did manage to shoot rapid fire with two of them.

Oh yeah!

 

Hey...have a great day.

I'm back in the candle kitchen.

Cooking up fun candles to fill orders.

Blessings.

A Very Sweet B&B

I've been away.

Guess you might have noticed?

We were in Potter County for our annual visit to 

what they call "God's Country".

It was a wonderful time away.

On Monday we were invited 

by my brother, Allan and sister-in-law, Bev

to visit the Bed and Breakfast they were staying at

near Coudersport, Pennsylvania.

Perfectly placed next to a golf course and in beautiful 

countryside known for excellent fishing, skiing, dark skies 

which thrill the astronomers among us and four wheel trails

to keep the adrenaline junkies happy.

 

Host and Hostess, Joe and Gail, are very experienced

and gracious at making their guests feel welcome.

We enjoyed conversation with Gail on their lovely 

and comfy porch 

as we rocked in rockers. 

The rooms are perfectly clean and uniquely laid out.

The two rooms I was able to peek at were spacious 

and creatively designed.

The great room, which serves as the entryway to 

this B&B is filled with antique eye candy.  

Gail has a way of decorating that is 

very pleasant and in no way makes one feel that 

things are there just because.

Everything fits together beautifully.

We went first to the gift shop and breakfast room.

Allan and Bev had just enjoyed breakfast, about which 

they had many good things to say.

 

I knew many of you would love to see this stove.

 Was I right?

 Sounds good to me....

 I happen to love antique rolling pins.

So you shall see them, as well.

As for the gift shop.

It is precious!

I found myself checking out the soaps.

Currently some friends of ours are working on 

soaps to match my candle scents so I am more interested 

than usual in what is out there in the soap world.

I made a purchase

which I am told was made by another home schooling

mama who just happens to have 12 children.

Whew. 

I'm impressed that she manages to run a successful 

soap business.

Good for her!

I also bought a jar of honey mustard

from this display of delights.

Yum!

Much of it has disappeared already as 

our family enjoyed meals together at the cabin.

Joining us again this year were

 our friends from Blue Barn Bulletin.

A very important part of the activities

in the mountains revolve around food.

Especially on the rainy days.

 

Back to the B&B...

It seems that pets are very carefully chosen

to live here.

They must be friendly, 

but not too friendly.

When a certain large breed dog

known for its tendency to slobber became too much 

for the incoming guests 

Gail and Joe found him a wonderful new home.

I could tell that it was a very hard thing for them to do....

but the man who has it now is wonderful with it and it is a very good fit.

These are the things we don't always think about when 

we think of those who welcome us to their spaces in the form of

Bed and Breakfast. 

There are clearly sacrifices.

Maggie here, is very friendly.

She loves a good scritch.

Tornado, the kitty, was mostly 

avoiding the camera but did pose

just once so I snapped her pretty face.

You can guess how she came by her name.

No, she was not born during bad weather.

Our final stop on this visit was this most adorable cottage.

 

It had been built originally as what we would call 

a Dawdi Haus around here.

Now it offers refuge for travelers.

Don't you just love the mantel?

 

I do.

Should you happen to plan a trip to North Central

Pennsylvania I highly recommend this 

wonderful Bed and Breakfast.

Tell them that Becky from Hospitality Lane sent you.

Probably won't get you a discount but at least 

they will know that spending time with 

this nosy lady was worth their while.

lol

 

I have much more to share from our wonderful time

away in Potter County. 

Thanks for stopping by.

It was nice to hear from one of you who

was concerned that all was well since it has been 

longer than usual between posts.

It is always busy before we leave and then 

extra busy upon our return.

The time in the mountains was delightful.

I would say I am rested and refreshed but that wouldn't

quite be true. 

I am happy, however.

 Very happy.

North East, Maryland - Part Two

 We enjoyed lunch at a place called Steak & Main.

It was pretty dark as you can tell.

However, it was lovely.

Apparently it is famous for having been featured on 

the show Man vs. Food.

All I know is that my burger was tasty

and Warren very much enjoyed his 

Reuben.

The tables and chairs are heavy wood.

Just beautiful!!

It had a very European feel to it.

Follow the leader.

 I thought these geese were a very pretty color.

They were on their way to their afternoon 

grooming and nap time under those trees.

 And the adventurers are off to explore....

Mom and I sat nearby and enjoyed the view.

Pleasure boats were leaving from the dock,

engines low until they passed the markers and then 

they took off with much enthusiasm.

 Such a peaceful spot.

I could sit and read a book here for 

a long time.

 Can you see the bird on the wood?

 And I leave you with this fun bit of decor....

I have a feeling we will visit this charming town and the Bay area

again.  It was a very lovely day.

Thanks for touring with me.