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Thursday, December 14

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Mark and Diane came (from Maine) several days early to help us prepare for our family Christmas.

They had a few places they wanted to visit during their stay, so we planned a short daytrip to a few local places. First, we stopped at a CAM (Christian Aid Ministries) drop box at Paul B Hardware where Diane placed a bag of hats she had made with a loom. They make nice warm hats for those in need during cold weather.

Next, we went up the street to visit our daughter-in-law Kristen who works for PBZ Manufacturing – a company of Paul B Zimmerman.

It was easy to find her because part of her job is welcoming visitors and directing them to the correct person and office.

Then we walked across the parking lot to Jere’s office (Kristen’s husband and our youngest son).

He also works for the Paul B Zimmerman Company. However, he wasn’t at his desk. He was in a meeting, so we messed up his desk by dumping the contents of his wooden candy dish. Mark found a few things on a nearby shelf and added to the mess. Diane signed a stick-it note.

Within a few minutes he messaged us to say he was bummed that he missed our visit.

Following another stop, we went to September Farm Cheese in Honey Brook – for lunch and a bit of specialty shopping. I had never been here, but will go back again.

This was our view as we enjoyed soup and sandwiches.

After getting a few fun items like cheese and baked items, we headed toward home and stopped at Martin’s Country Market (Ephrata) for a few groceries we needed for the weekend.

Because we had a rather relaxed day, we had time to take a back road to see the eagle’s nest not far from our house. We don’t think any of the residents were home. People are reporting recent sightings.

This is one of my favorite kinds of day.