A Wonderful Weekend

A two hour drive doesn't sound like a great distance. Just jump in the car and go for the ride. But sometimes life gets so busy with everyday things, before you know it months fly by. Then you stop to realize that it has been months since you made the drive to visit your sister at her house. Oh of course we talk on the phone and she and her family make the drive to visit our parents (who live minutes from me) but it's just not the same as a weekend visit. Well this past weekend I did just that. I left my husband and my 17 year old son to fend for themselves and I hopped in the car with my parents and their very large but very sweet black lab, Molly and headed for Andrea's house. Andrea lives about two hours north of me in Brookville, PA. Brookville is a nice little town located in Central Pennsylvania very near Cook Forest State Park. The scenery was lovely as well was the drive. We arrived around dinner time and Andrea was preparing a wonderful meal for us. While she was busy in the kitchen, it was decided that my brother-in-law, Tom and my nephew, Hank would go for a kayak ride. Well actually Hank did the kayaking and Tom went for a swim. Tom is a very strong swimmer and is entered in a relay race of sorts this weekend. So we loaded up the kayaks and headed for the Clarion River. I was content to sit on shore, enjoy the scenery, and take pictures. My mom on the other hand (who is much more adventurous than I) decided to give kayaking a try. She did well and had a blast.

I was so impressed with Hank's kayaking skills. He just jumped right in and took off.

On Saturday there was a wonderful herb festival held in Cook Forest. The rain held off and we were able to wander through the tents picking the most fragrant herbs. I have always loved Holly Hock flowers so I purchased a beautiful plant which will hopefully someday yield lovely pink blossoms.

We woke early on Sunday and headed to a large open air flea market not far from Andrea's home. Oh we had such fun looking for those hidden treasures. Because we know what each other's interests are, we were able to spot things for each other that otherwise would have been missed. My sister purchased some wonderful old chess pieces, a vintage child's game and a fun vintage tablecloth. My mom found pretty depression glass dessert plates, a milk glass shoe, and a sweet hand mirror. And I--- well just look at all my treasures :)

I think the little rose pitcher was my favorite find. It came from a wonderful little shop called The Open House Shop. It was filled with treasures both new and vintage. From the moment you walked in the door you knew you were someplace special. The owner, Robin, was so friendly and helpful. I visited her twice this weekend and I am sure it will be on my list of favorite things to do on my next visit to Brookville.

I was sorry to see the weekend come to an end. (although I think I wore my sister and my mom out with all of my treasure hunting ) I had such fun visiting and spending time with my family. Times like these sure make special memories.

(Me, my mom, and my sister, Andrea) (my nephews, Hank and Isaac and my sister, Andrea)