Monday, May 23, 2022

Five Day Road Trip

So, I just got back from a road trip to see Jess and the family, and my son came along with me.  I like traveling with him, cause he's a light traveler, like me.  We were gone for 5 days, took one bag each, and just the necessities.  All I needed to feel comfortable on this trip was the open roads and a car with music to soothe me.  Freeways are my fear, which I had to go on for a short time, but it was mostly highway.  I drove to my hometown, and my friends, it isn't the small hometown I grew up in anymore.  It sure has grown and more crowded for sure.  But I got to visit all my favorite places to eat, the Mexican restaurant, See's candies, and I've always wanted to try Jersey Mike's Subs.  It's as good as they say.   I got mine with a rosemary bun.



I met my faithful friend of 47 years the first night, and my brother stopped by to give me some birthday money.  So generous of him.  She gave me a delightful cup with some French butter cookies that were amazing.  The cup is big, but lightweight, and I really needed lots of coffee after this trip.  I've been using it since I got home.  I love it.





It was good to see my friend again.  I didn't get a picture of us, but here we are back in the day.  Don't ya love the 70's hair and clothes?  (I'm in the second photo).


I also got a chance to visit with my church friend, Anne.  It was a short visit, but it was so nice to see her again.   She lives right by the church, so I got to go inside and say a prayer.  Now, I've been to many Catholic churches, but this is my home church, where all my sacred ceremonies took place growing up.



One morning, I met Jess at grandma J's house, and she was making breakfast for all of us.  This is a flower centerpiece that was on one of the tables.



She went all out and made bacon, eggs, waffles, and coffee.  I have to mention how gracious this woman is every time I visit with her.  She always makes me feel welcome in her home.   She truly is the best hostess that I know.  My son enjoying his coffee in my favorite cup of hers.  She told me she got it from Target, and I want one!



Francesca is into puzzles right now, and she really is getting to know the art of it.  Papa was so patient helping her with all the pieces.  She insisted doing it all on her own, but asked for help if she needed it.  This is when she first started,





and this is in the middle of the project.  She completed much of it.



Then, we went to the back yard, and grandma J showed me all the wonderful things that are happening in her garden.  This will be a post for another time, cause there was so much to look at, but the one thing that caught my eye was the cherry tree that's been recently planted, as cherries are my favorite fruit.



Francesca left something for the birds haha.





There was another birthday going on the same day as mine (a dear friend of theirs), and this is one of the bouquets for her.  I've always loved purples and yellows together, they go nicely.  It was beautiful.



On our way to my favorite Italian restaurant, Macaroni Grill.  Francesca put lipstick on, and kept hiding behind her big mirror when I tried to take her picture.  I finally got one of her, and it made me laugh.  She's at that age where she loves telling stories and hearing them.   





I'll show you some of the gifts I received.  This is a Cross made from palm leaves that you see at Eastertime.  Jess got it in Charleston, when she visited there recently.  On top of the Cross sits a pretty rose.



Alice in Wonderland tea with a cute initial cup from Jess, and a large bag of Lindor truffles with a bottle of wine from grandma J.



Francesca ornament.  It's dangling from my cabinet with children's books.



A picture of Francesca that makes me smile when I pass by.  I love the white frame that Jess found.



And a drawing from a precious child is the greatest gift of all.  It's Francesca, grandma, bear, 2 doggies, 2 balloons.  I like that they're all smiling.



Before we left, we had cake!  It was the most Yummy and moist cake I've had in a long time.  Jess carefully wrapped up half of it for me to take home.  Francesca even wore a shirt that said  Happiest Birthday Ever!



She had fun helping me blow out the candles.



On our long drive home, I needed to get out and stretch my legs for awhile, and you can see why I had to stop at this antique shop.  I could have stayed in there and browsed for hours, but I didn't buy anything, cause we just wanted to get home.  I'll have to go back again sometime. 





Jess is my child that is very much into detail, and she always makes a special effort to make any get together a memorable one.  It was so good to see my girls again.



And I can't wait to see my other girls this Summer.



Thanks for putting up with this long post.  When we take road trips, there's a lot of happenings that we experience along the way.  I'm not real big on the travel, but it sure is good to see loved ones, and it's always a relief to be home sweet home.



~Sheri  

26 comments:

R's Rue said...

Looks like a great trip with lots of memories made. Blessings my friend. Love it.

Billie Jo said...

Oh my goodness! What a beautiful post! I enjoyed sharing your trip and special day with you. Your family and friends are blessed by you, and the gifts and love they showed you are wonderful! I enjoyed seeing a photo of you in there as well! So happy you had a nice time. And now you are Home Sweet Home, filled with beautiful memories!

Salty Pumpkin Studio said...

Happy Birthday🎂!
Wonderful trip. Freeways are scary. Beautiful photos
Nowadays, so many women have long hair, it can feel like the 1970s Today.

nonie everythingsewing said...

Awesome road trip! I dislike the driving part but love riding along, so thank you for letting me 'ride' along, even if it was just virtual visit.

Debby said...

I love Macaroni grill too. I haven't been to one in years - since living up here. Now I'm craving it.

You and your friend were beautiful young ladies - you look like sisters. Francesca is such a little beauty. All the photos are so nice. I always enjoy your photos.

Ugh, long drives I used to enjoy - but now they cause me discomfort. It always takes us longer since I have to stretch out my legs. While my knee is new at 3 years now, I still have to use it or I cramp up.

My husband is bugging me to go somewhere - I always hate to leave my animals as well as my home. I'm good with day trips...

and to think I used to love to "boogie" and now I've become such a homebody.

Enjoyed your post like always - glad you are home safe within your own sanctuary of peace and comfort which equals HOME!

Lauren @ My Wonderfully Made said...

Wow what an amazing trip!! How fun to revisit places from your 'youth' . . . and yes, gotta love the 70's hair and the chokers haha! You sure managed to pack a lot in seeing so many friends and visiting so many places! Those cherries! My goodness . . . that made my mouth water! When I was a girl, our backyard neighbors had a sour cherry tree. We couldn't wait for those heavy branches to hang over into our yard! I would stand underneath and eat until I was nearly sick haha!

Carla from The River said...

Happy Birthday my dear and thank you for sharing your trip with us. I enjoyed your photos. I liked that you shared the photo of you and your dear long life friend. That is very special.
Love, Carla

Louca por porcelana said...

Happy Birthday my dear friend. What sweet and adorable post! Precious and unique time with your family! Great remembrances too. Made me smile.

Ginny Hartzler said...

You have a gorgeous family! And from the looks of Francesca's artwork, she is a very happy child. I have never seen a black quail before. The stained glass in the church is gorgeous; and I love the way it reflects on the floor. Your mug gift is so pretty, and the bouquets are gorgeous!! What a wonderful birthday trip!!

Jeanie said...

What a wonderful post, Sheri. And a fabulous trip -- Imagine, seeing your old friends AND your own family all in one. Francesca is getting so big. Glorious gifts (that cross is really special and unique) and I know your days were filled with wonderful conversations and loads of love. Makes me smile, BIG!

Pam said...

I love a good antique store. I used to go all the time, esp during the heat of the summer cause it got me out of the house but in the air just strolling around looking. Hardly ever buy anything but just looking is the nicest of all. Looks like you had a great visit with the girls, and a nice bday. So sweet. Glad you had a great visit and your son traveled with you.

Angelsdoor * Penny said...

Oh Sheri, what a wonderful trip. I can't believe how big Francesca is. They grow up so very fast, don't they?
Happy Birthday dear friend, I am so happy you had a good time. Beautiful photos.
Blessings,
Penny

CiNdEe's GaRdEn said...

Hi Sherri,
Happy Birthday! It looks like a wonderful trip. So nice you were able to visit with friends and family. The cross is beautiful what a lovely gift. Francesca is growing up so fast. I am glad your daughter enjoys making everything special. I enjoy that too. I agree with you about the handmade art. They are priceless. So fun!

Pilar said...

Happy Birthday Sheri! I hope that you have an amazing day my dear friend! How sweet of Jess to make everything special for you!

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Hello dear Sheri!!!

It was lovely to see you from long ago (70s photo) and the recent photos. What a rich life you have, your family to greet you and support you! I am glad to hear you had a safe and happy trip and I hope you can make it out to see your other daughter and her family!!!

Anne Hagman-Niilola said...

You have had a wonderful trip;-)

Debbie Nolan said...

Happy Birthday late, friend. Sounds like your road trip was wonderful. What beautiful gifts too. Sherry's place looks like the place I would have to visit as well. Isn't it such a delight to visit with old friends and catch up. So glad your son went along too. Sorry I was behind in visiting you. Hugs!

Nellie said...

I loved reading this post! I see I’ve missed a few! Such a lovely trip for you! Belated Happy Birthday wishes to you! It’s great that you’ve had a chance to visit family and friends!

It's me said...

Happy birthday Sheri…what a great and wonderful trip you have….nice to see your family and friends…love from me Zria 🍀💗🍀🌸🍀🌺🍀

Rose said...

You were a beautiful young woman...I know it had to be wonderful.to see the girls. I dint think we ever stop missing them.

Rose said...

I am crazy, I forgot to wish you Happy Birthday!

Chatty Crone said...

HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY!

So many things hit me in this post.
1. I am NOT a light traveler, my mom was, but boy do I admire that quality.
2. Open roads and music - love it.
3. Who says you can't go home - you sure did! Even your church.
4. You recieved so many wonderful birthday gifts. I love the one your friend gave you for tea.
5. Love your cross.
6. Loved seeing your photo beautiful lady. 3 generations of women there.
7. Didn't Francesca's hair lighten up? So pretty.
8. I love purple and hello flowers too.
9. I enjoy eating out on trips too.
10. That could almost be your store - Sherry - Sherri.

I enjoyed your post!

DeniseinVA said...

Hi Sheri, all your photos and happenings were a real treat. Family, friends, this must have been an incredible trip. Thank you for taking us along. A Very Happy Belated Birthday!

Donna said...

You and your friend are beautiful!! Love the old snapshots!!
Glad you got to have a sweet birthday and visit!!
No place like home though...lol
hugs
Donna

Klaudia Zuberska said...

Great entry :) A wonderful trip, wonderful photos. There will be many great memories!
Greetings from Poland!

Marilyn Miller said...

Happy belated birthday. What a lovely way to celebrate. It looks like your were surrounded by so many special people in your life. My but Francesca is growing up. It happens to quickly, doesn't it?
Love the quail in the last picture.
I don't know how far your are from Willows, but when I drive down I-5 I always have to stop there for an antique shop and in Corning for the Olive Pit. I miss those drives through that part of California.