A Fabulous Lunch!!

It's been weird around here lately.  It was either wind or some sticky fingers that knocked down my fancy lighted tree (the one the neighbor donated to my yard).  I think they thought it would be a quick grab, because I don't remember hearing any wind at all.  They didn't know it was attached by a very thin wire and it crashed to the ground.   

That was my first task of the day ... trying to get it back upright in the dark.  I failed.  No time to dawdle, I was heading south to visit this wonderful couple.  You've met them before ... I followed them all across the U.S. and back, through tornados, rainstorms, hailstorms and sunny weather.  They have hung up the keys and are settling into their new house a few miles down the road.

Off I went in pouring down rain.  The freeway for the first 40 miles is all new.  Apparently there was an engineer somewhere that forgot you should slope the road slightly to let the water run off.  It really wasn't raining that hard, yet the road was completely covered with a thin sheet of water.  

The sun was coming up, causing the water to reflect the sky.  You absolutely could not see ANY white lines on the road.  Three lanes of traffic were trying to stay far enough apart not to hit each other.  Well that was exciting!!

A little closer and I got caught behind a truck and missed my turnoff.  I quickly grabbed my phone for a work around.  In no time at all I was driving down one of the scariest parts of town.  I figured if I went fast enough, I would either escape the area or be stopped for speeding by a cop who could escort me back to the freeway.

I was sure of the turnoff, but of course I was wrong.  Now I was stuck out in the middle of the orchards. It was the scenic tour, until I finally spotted Walmart, which I knew was not far away from their house.  Whew!!!  Made it!

Barbara and Tom have an amazing piece of history hanging in their house.  I don't know why I didn't take a picture.  It's a painting of a little girl and her dog ... on canvas.  It's dated 1852.  No kidding ... this is just a fascinating piece of their family history.  I made these two quilted squares which will be framed and live on each side of the painting.

Apparently the little girl did not live.  On the back of the canvas, written in what looks like pencil, but I suspect is a quill dipped in ink ... is a list of all the family members born on their farm.  There is a tribute to the little girl, along with other writing that is not very visible.  I took several pictures to see if I can bring any of it out with my photography software.  Such fascinating history.

Maybe Barbara can send a picture to me that I can post.  Believe it or not, they even have the exact same little dress the girl is wearing in the painting.  Amazing stuff!!

Remember that great soup I had there last time?  The one I bought four boxes of?  Barbara will tell you she's more of an eat out or order in person.  BUT ... looky here!!  She orders Hello Fresh meals about every other week and now cooks some of the most amazing food!  

No kidding .. this was a gourmet shepherds pie.  It was delicious with a capital D!!!  I took a picture of the recipe so I could make it too.  I may just have to go back to ordering from Hello Fresh.  They have some pretty tasty meals.

We finished it off with Cherry Garcia ice cream!  Mr. Chance will be jealous!  I think this used to be his all time favorite ice cream!!

Sadly I had to leave after we solved all the world's problems ... especially those related to teachers since that runs in their family.  I headed back home in terrible traffic, but no rain this time.  The skies continued to be weird however ... such blue sky amid the dark clouds.  The crescent moon shining through made it really eerie.  I ran inside and locked the doors!

Though I expected to be lounging most of this day, I'm headed off to have yet another shop check out my truck.  How coincidental ... the Chevy dealer is right down the street.  I hate car salesmen more than anything in the world.  It's especially tough if you're female.  I'll report back tomorrow on the state of the truck!!