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Virginia sojourn
Thursday, November 10, 2022 at 10:44PM 
New Market Battlefield
TG and I have been busy tripping and falling.
As in, we took a fall trip. We've been home for over a week, but in the interim we had a houseguest.
Now I want my own farm in the Shenandoah Valley
Naturally, we were not able to travel to better fall foliage country during peak leaf time. That happy coincidence generally eludes us.
BUT we did go, and it was fall, and there were leaves, and many of them were very beautiful indeed.
It was gorgeous from every angle
Where did the Pirate go? you may be asking yourself at this juncture.
We went to Virginia and points north. I will tell you about it in this and the next several posts.
Sara loves critters, both inside and outside
Let's start with Virginia -- specifically, the Shenandoah Valley.
We went there to visit my old friend Sara and her husband Marty.
If you want homey and inviting, this is it
I first met Sara in 1978 when she was a newlywed (not to Marty; that/he came later) and I was almost engaged, and then engaged, to TG.
We both worked at a ladies' apparel store named Evans, located in Southlake Mall in Merrillville, Indiana.
We talked about sitting by the fire pit one night but we never did it
Sara worked in the office, in bookkeeping, and I worked on the sales floor.
So then, I got married and both Sara and I began having babies. We ended up with a total of ten: six for her and four for me.
Inside, Sara does farmhouse like nobody's business
I no longer worked at Evans after I got married, and neither did she after awhile, but we attended the same church.
Over the years, until Sara moved away around 1986, we hung out a lot. For example, we've taken many a shopping trip to Chicago.
If you know, you know.
Everywhere you looked there were charming collections
Often our men would take in a Chicago Cubs baseball game while we girls shopped, and we'd all meet up later for dinner.
Once, we two couples took a dinner cruise on Lake Michigan. I remember because I ended up with food poisoning.
Bovine units are a favorite motif
Sometimes, on summer nights, we'd all drive to Highland Park, north of Chicago, and attend a concert at Ravinia Festival -- a favorite place of mine still to this day.
We'd almost always take an elaborate picnic meal to eat as we sat on the lawn, complete with candles for our portable Crate & Barrel table, which came with its own carrying bag. Ours was white.
This sign was at one of the stores we shopped in
In the cold months, we got together for family meals and the occasional party with other friends.
I visited Sara a few times after she moved away, and once she came back to the region for a couple of days before we moved away, but until week before last, I had not seen her since 1991.
Here's where we had a lovely lunch
That's right! I had not laid eyes on my friend in person for over thirty years.
We kept in touch though, and always knew where each other were and how we were doing.
If you're looking for the nicest people in the world, here they are
Eleven years ago, Sara remarried. I was so happy for her, as she had been single for many years.
Let's pull over and park her for a mo.
Sara and me back in the day ... as in, 1988 ... as young wives and mothers
An interesting bit of trivia is that Sara's youngest, a daughter, a few years ago married the youngest son of my mother's doctor.
The meeting of Sara's daughter and my mother's doctor's son was sheer coincidence, in no way either linked to or facilitated by me, or as a result of Sara's and my friendship.
The two kids were married before Mom got sick, hence before I even met my mom's doctor and his wife.
Sara and me now, as senior citizens and grandmothers
In fact, at bridal showers leading up to her wedding, Sara's daughter met and adored my mother, who never realized that the bride-to-be was the daughter of my lifelong friend.
(The doctor's wife/groom's mother, who was one of my mom's besties, believes that my mother never heard or read the bride's maiden name, or she would surely have recognized it.)
TG and me with Sara and Marty, who is a prince of a man
It's just one of those things. My mother's doctor and his wife have ended up being our friends too, as we became close during my mother's illness.
Back to the main story.
Me in the door of the smokehouse on the Bushong farm, beside the New Market Battlefield
Last January, Sara and Marty up and moved from where they lived in another state, to the Shenandoah Valley.
They purchased their dream dwelling: a circa-1887 Virginia farmhouse on several acres nestled between the Blue Ridge and Appalachian mountain ranges.
Sara has a room dedicated to Civil War memorabilia
Sara is skilled at decorating with antiques and the farm vibe, and she is devoted to that lifestyle. She even has three Angus cows: Daisy, Molly, and Bluebell.
They also have a dog, a German shepherd named Jovie. Jovie and I fell deeply in love during our visit.
Jovie, eyeballing the treat in my hand
We got to the farm around four o'clock in the afternoon on a gorgeous fall day, to find Sara and Marty sitting on their front porch awaiting our arrival.
Once we'd hugged it out with Sara and met Marty, and he had met us, we took a moment to absorb the beauty and peace of our surroundings.
Sara is partial to primitive decor
Then we went inside.
The house smelled like the succulent roast Sara was cooking, and everything looked just as I knew it would.
The parlor with its exposed beams and punched tin lamp
After a delicious home-cooked dinner, we sat around talking for hours.
The next day had been planned by our hosts for doing the kinds of things we all like to do: shopping, eating, and sightseeing. A liberal sprinkling of history was included, because all of us enjoy that.
If God is in the details, Sara has been deputized by the Almighty
Mainly we hung around in New Market, Virginia, where there is all of the above, and then some.
Lunch was at the Southern Kitchen.
Every corner held something interesting to look at
We toured the Virginia Museum of the Civil War and the New Market Battlefield.
Back at home in the late afternoon, Sara made another mouthwatering meal and, for dessert, served her homemade pecan and pumpkin pies.
Another one of those magnificent lamps
I have never tasted such pecan pie. I have asked for the recipe and am assured by Sara that she will share it with me.
More reminiscing followed, in Sara and Marty's comfortable and cozy living room (next to the parlor).
Time to say goodbye
One more sleep, and it was time to go.
After a few more hours of lively conversation over breakfast, TG and I took our leave.
Jovie, waiting for next time
We were assured that there would be a "next time" and I look forward fervently to that.
Maybe we will manage to go in peak leaf season.
Our next destination was special and poignant and I can't wait to share it with you.
Next time.
And that is all for now.
=0=0=0=
Happy Thursday
Reader Comments (17)
Wow! What a visit! And she certainly has decorating skills. I actually have the little crow harvest sign! You were so close to us!!! We live in the Shennandoah Valley between the Blue Ridge and Appalacians!!! It's too bad you cannot live closer to her, but wonderful that you got this visit. How far did you have to drive?
Oh wow! What a beautiful place and wonderful hosts! I love that you and Jovi took to each other too! I love all that rustic old time decorations they have in the house! How nice that you got to see your friend after so much time! I got together with a girlfriend about 5 years ago after not seeing her for 25 years so I know how special that was! Looking forward to hearing more about your trip! XO
@Ginny ... we drove a little over six hours and I knew I was close to you! I left a comment on your blog several weeks ago asking you to send me an email because I wondered if we could meet you somewhere for coffee on the way through, but I did not hear from you and then the schedule got crowded! But I thought of you as we wended our way through that beautiful part of the world! That little crow sign is so darling, I can see you having that. And having Sara only six hours away is a real treat -- something I never dreamed would happen. God is good. xoxo
@Jeanette ... It was just magical to see Sara again. She is the most calm, level-headed, generous, kind person, and I could never be described as calm so we complement one another pretty well, haaaha! And to see her so happily married to a wonderful man was so good for my heart. How special that you were able to catch up with an old friend too! There's nothing like it. Yes Jovie and I hit it right off, and Marty/Sara were shocked -- she even sent pictures to her kids to prove it -- because Jovie generally does NOT take to strangers! I love dogs and they know it, haahaa xoxo
How wonderful it must have been to see an old friend after such a long time.
She lives in a beautiful area.
What a wonderful post and how great that you got to visit your old friend. It is wonderful when you have someone like that in your life. You see each other after years of separation and it is as if no time has elapsed. You pick up right where you left off.
Beautiful images and love that sweet dog.
Have a wonderful weekend, my pirate friend. xo Diana
I loved reading this post! I am so happy to hear you had a lovely visit with such a dear friend. There is something priceless about old friends that knew us when we were young. My best friend and I have known each other since we were 18 and there is nothing better than talking to her.
Don't you just love Fall trips? They are my favorite. Not too hot, not too cold. Perfect.
Jovie is a beautiful dog. Yes, they know when someone loves animals don't they?
Thank you for sharing all about this part of your trip. I can't wait to see what else you've been up to.
@Jane ... Yes she does! And so do you! I miss reading your blog but I cannot access it. Please send me an email! Hope you're doing well.
@Diana ... That's exactly right! Hugging Sara and hearing her voice (although we do talk on the phone from time to time, it's just not the same as in person) made many years fall away. She's a doll! xoxo
@Lori ... That's it! The shared history is what makes these friendships so priceless. I sort of felt for Marty because we couldn't help but talk about the past, where he wasn't ... but it was funny because Sara and I would do the "recollections may vary" thing and he got a big kick out of that, haahaa. YES I think you will like the rest of our trip! xoxo
WOW!!! So much to love about this post! I am beyond thrilled whenever I hear of reunions such as this. Isn't it like time has not passed when you sit down with an old friend like that? I love that! I was especially tickled to see the 1980's version of you together. Such pretty smiles you both have in both versions of yourselves. I enjoyed the tour of her home. My favorite is the clock in the Civil War room. I also adore the tin punched pie safe (we have one in our bedroom, though it's not an original).
Looking forward to hearing more about your trip to Virigina. Have a fun weekend! XO
I enjoyed this post Jenny. Friendship is a true gift. And your post proves the point.
Sara has a true gift of decorating. I enjoyed the tour of her home.
I love the photos of Jovie, she has beautiful eyes. :-)
@Bijoux ... it truly is a miracle, the gift of enduring friendship. It's funny because so many years have gone by that it amazed me to on purpose remember all of the good times Sara and I shared "back in the day" ... it's just woven into your life and is there forever. Her Civil War room was gorgeous and I wish I could have shown more of it. She's got the eye for picking stuff out and putting it on display, that's for sure! And I need more punched tin in my life. We did visit an antique store where there were new things too, and each of us got a punched tin wax tart warmer (electric), so I could bring home some of that vibe with me! xoxo
@Carla ... Jovie's eyes were just amazing, so sweet and watchful and shining! Sara's got the gift for sure. She's the type who could easily be an influencer along the lines of Ree Drummond and Joanna Gaines, if she wanted to! She's that good. xoxo
What a wonderful trip! Time with a dear friend, beautiful surroundings and history. I may go visit her too. :)
I love Sara's decorating. It looks so cozy, charming and inviting. That photo of the two of you as young moms is sweet and I really see Audrey in you.
Glad you had such a nice time!
Lovely place Sara and her husband have! And how wonderful to reconnect in person after all those years! Sounds like a fantastic time catching up with her!
betty
@Mari ... I don't blame you for wanting to visit Sara's farm! I will go with you, haaahaa! That is so interesting to me, that you see Audrey in me. It's a great compliment to me. I never see that and yet people say it all the time! Yes it was a wonderful time and I can't wait to tell you about the rest of our trip. xoxo
@Betty ... Yes it is such a lovely place, and reconnecting was like one of those experiences you dream about but seldom have. I'm glad we made it happen. Love to Winslow! xoxo
Seeing a long-ago bestie is ...the best! I really enjoyed their collections and the cozy ambiance of their farmhouse. I loved seeing the "old" photo of the two of you as well as the photo of you together after 30 years. Jovie is a very soulful shepherd.
@Barb ... Isn't that the truth? I would not trade this visit for anything in the world. It was like the years had never happened. And you truly would love the cozy feeling of their house. Jovie is soulful indeed -- good word! I miss her. xoxo
Ohhhhh I'm in love with Jovie too.
Wonderful trip and visit...
Gentle hugs,
Mari-Nanci
"Beside a babbling brook" blog
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@Mari-Nanci ... You would have LOVED getting to know Jovie! And everything about her beautiful Virginia home. xoxo