Love, Laughter, Friends

I am blessed.

God has given me the dearest of friends.
I have such a basket full of true, real, loving, caring friends.
We share burdens and joys, laughter and sorrow.
I've gained family.

I've spent a day and a half, minus an hour, in Columbia, SC.
It has been full of visiting friends--my favourite kind of busyness.
The time has filled my tank, so to speak.
I got to go to my church.  People said, "Welcome home."
I got to see "my kids."  All those lovely, dear high school students who make me smile and a little teary when I see them excel.
Lunch with more laughter than I've experienced since....maybe the last time I had Sunday lunch with the Crutchfield's.  Honestly, I've laughed more this weekend than I have in ages.
Indian food with Hannah and Aaron...so yummy!  Oh, and great conversation ; )
Steph and I met at Starbucks...and proceeded to have the best and most funny time.
Long talks and Krispy Kreme donuts with Em. (I've missed that girl!)
An almost midnight visit with Annie and Kathleen...those girls are so funny!
Lunch at the Crutchfield's...the highlight of everyone's week!
Fish and Chips with Chris and Marie. These two are amazing.  They love me even when I am tired.
And, then tonight, chats with my roommate from last semester.  So good to see her!  (I'm crashing on her floor!)

Can you tell this has been a fabulous time?
I"m blessed, loved, and thankful!

A Weekend Fit for Friends!

Hello Lovelies,

This weekend I have been overwhelmed with friends (in the best way possible)!

My dear college roommate, Abbie, came to visit for 23 hours, and we only slept for 8 of them :)
We talked till close to 3 AM, had tea in the morning, went for a walk along the river, enjoyed the views, watched Sense and Sensibility, made a camp fire, roasted hot dogs and talked, painted rocks for the friendship trail, toasted marshmallows and stuck chocolate in them (because I forgot graham crackers), talked some more, cleaned up, visited my favourite river locations, came home, showered, went to the Buck Horn, played Phase 10, and then she left. (You may need a breath after reading that)

It was great!

Today I went to BC for church.  Then, Abby, Amanda, and I tried to go out for lunch.  Almost NOTHING was open.  We missed Country Cafe by just a little bit.  So, we drove to CF for lunch and enjoyed delicious food at the Tavern.  Upon finishing our meal, we came to my house, made cinnamon buns, tea, and I introduced them to Midnight in Paris.  SUCH a fab movie!  If you have not yet seen it, please, go watch it.  Now.

Now, I am home.  By myself.  Hoping I am called to sub soon.

Some pictures from the weekend with Abbie:

Fun times with my longest-running college roommate! (now we're both grads!) (Photo cred: Abbie)

Roasting hot dogs over the fire! (Photo cred: Abbie)

Some wine to go with our late night chat! (Photo cred: Abbie)

Restful day with Abbie at the river (Photo cred: Abbie)

I forgot the glasses!  (Photo cred: Abbie)

The cute little cabin! (Photo cred: Abbie)

My river and mountains!  (Photo cred: Abbie)

These places do exist. (Photo cred: Abbie)