It was a good week away.
Last Monday, the girls and I packed up and headed north to my college roommate’s farm in Iowa. It was a week of respite—five days to reconnect with dear ones and recharge our batteries for the long road ahead at home.
We blended right in with my friend’s family, just as we have done for the last several summers. We celebrated her older son on his golden birthday (he turned 20 on June 20) and cheered as her mom turned 72 a day later.
There were puppies and kittens to pet, bikes and a horse to ride, friendly neighbors to meet and marshmallows to roast.
The older kids watched the entire Lord of the Rings trilogy, and the younger ones bounced on the trampoline to their hearts’ content. We slept in an old farmhouse and ate delicious meals I didn’t prepare.
It was just what we needed—just what I needed.
My roommate and I discussed everything from my writing dreams to the retail business she is planning to open soon. We talked through tender topics that sometimes only surface after days of living side-by-side.
We encouraged each other, and it was good.
When the week was over, we left with full hearts.
Oh, and lots of pictures.
♥ Lois
P.S. I’m linking up this week with Purposeful Faith, #TellHisStory, Coffee for Your Heart, Chasing Community, #HeartEncourgementThursday and Grace & Truth.
30 comments
Such a special time! I’m looking forward to spending 2 weeks with my sister and her family —we live on different continents and are meeting in the middle. I can’t wait to share those precious times talking and reminiscing and dreaming with her. Thanks for sharing your rest time with us 🙂 Stopping by from #TellHisStory
That sounds wonderful, Laura. I hope those two weeks are full of every happy thing for you and your sister!
Your post made me sigh. I think I need a farm. xo
Me too, Tiffany! I am behind on most things right now, including catching up on blogs. Yours is on my list when I get a bit of time, my friend! 🙂
It sounds wonderful and like what we all could use-downtime, fresh air, and deep conversations with a friend. 🙂
Absolutely, Sarah. I hope you are having a great 4th with your sweet girls and husband! 🙂
Rest is one of my 3 Rs for Retirement. It is an important part of life I often overlook. So glad you could rest and enjoy God’s gift of friendship.
Me too, Debbie! I love that you have three Rs for retirement … what are the other two? 🙂
Dear Lois, what a blessed woman you are! And how wise to understand our need for respite once in a while. Thanks for sharing a little of it with your readers.
Aw … thanks, Alice. These pictures are still evoking peace in my heart … I’m glad you enjoyed them too! 🙂
Wonderful blessings, friendship and a place to recharge! Thanks for sharing all of it!
You are quite welcome, Kathy. Thank YOU for stopping by to enjoy it with me! 🙂
Loved this! I especially loved the flowers on the roof! That’s so unique! Thank you for sharing!
Leslie, that was one of my favorite spots at a garden place near my friend’s home that we all love to visit. It reminds me of a Monet painting! 🙂
Lovely, lovely. What a beautiful needed respite, Lois …
And please tell your sweet friend that I LOVE all her enamelware, graniteware, watering cans.
*smile8
It was just what the doctor ordered, Linda. That wall of pots is actually at a nursery/garden place near my friend’s home that hosts weddings and other events … the girls love it and we usually try to stop in there when we visit. I have a feeling it’s your kind of place too! 🙂
Ahhh, Lois. I’m so glad you and the girls had that time in Iowa. There is something special about living side-by-side with a friend for a few days that really encourages and opens up those deeper places in our hearts. Your pictures made me smile. Especially that pic of your daughter cradling the puppy!
I’m glad you had some time to simply breathe, my friend.
Those puppies were the best, Jeanne! I’m not really an animal person but even I was tempted to take one of them home with us! Thanks for your encouragement … I hope you and yours are having a wonderful 4th! 🙂
It sounds like the perfect vacation for you and the girls. So many good memories — and so many great pictures!
It was good, Michele … I’m so glad we went. I hope your summer is going well, my friend!
It sounds like a lovely week! I’m so glad you had a chance to relax and reconnect!
Thanks, Anita. I’m glad for that too! 🙂
I’m glad you had such a good time, Lois, and that you were able to find some rest and refreshment. I love the pictures- it looks like a beautiful place to be!
It is, Lesley. I hope all is well with you … I’ve not had much time to read other blogs lately but hope to catch up on yours soon! 🙂
Great post! The pictures made me smile….reminded me of trips to visit my grandparents when I was a kid.
Glad you were able to get a break! Really enjoy your blog.
Thanks for posting!
Thanks, Cathy … glad I could take you on a trip down memory lane with my little photo spread. 🙂 Hope you are staying cool this summer!
What a sweet trip, Lois! I’m so glad for you! The photos are lovely. Iowa is Matt’s favorite state : )
Bethany, I never would have thought Iowa could be someone’s favorite state until we started going there every year. Now I love it! Something about those wide open spaces and that huge sky … 🙂 Hugs, friend!
What a fabulous trip!!
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
#RaRaLinku
I feel the same, Jodie! 🙂