Together - All Ten of Us!

I hardly know where to begin and where to leave off, when it comes to the events of this very full and wonderful weekend! Our "missing girls" came in one by one, starting on Thursday. Several book signings were planned for the weekend, but the highlight for us girls was a dinner hosted by Lovella and her beloved . .. as many of us know him by.

They set up tables in their shop and, although they did a lot of running back and forth to prepare, one could tell that they did it with joy as we were welcomed with big smiles. We were all so excited to be together and have our hubbies with us too.

As we are learning . . . Mennonite Girls Can Cook! We started on appetizers . . .

While Harv and Bev fried up the most delicious coconut prawns to add to the appies. Nothing like having them straight out of the pan. I have a feeling they will be served on all of our patios this summer.

The main meal featured Greek roasted Cornish hens and potato wedges, Greek style grilled vegetables, rice, Swiss chard rolls, green beans, several salads and warm toasted pita chips made from pita bread.

After being seated, Charlotte said a table grace in High German as well as in Low German. Ellen said a prayer in Russian and then we all stood to sing Praise God from Whom all Blessings Flow in English. With the acoustics in that room . . . it was very moving. There is something about hearing the language that was spoken by grandparents and parents ... for some of us even as children . . .  and then the familiar doxology in four part harmony, that made for a beautiful common bond.

We ate. Of course there was dessert too! Pies and ice cream . . . Then we sent the guys to visit on their own as we went about some of our business... fun  business!

On Saturday the group did book signing shifts between Winks and Lepp Farm Market. It was a lot of fun to meet old friends and new friends, some of whom we have met through blogging. We made excuses for photos . . . here is one of the three farmers wives . . . at Lepp Farm Market.

There were those who had received books already and came just to get them signed. I was excited to see my sister come by.

And some special little visitors, one of whom wanted to join me in the signing department. I used to think that when people got their books signed it was a treat for the person getting the book signed, but now I realize that it's a treat for the one signing. Ah... this could be short lived... so we just made the most of it!

I'm still getting used to the fact that Shaun and Kristal are really living here now. They came to check out the Farm Market Place and enjoyed some lunch at the bar.

Tonight we will be at House of James. There will be a short little program and we will serve some freshly baked desserts from the book. I'm really looking forward to visiting with those who can come!