The Simple Pleasure of Friendship

It was only a matter of time that my friends knew that they would find themselves on Applejack Lane. Last Saturday, Linda, Ronda, and I had the pleasure to lunch and visit with our dear friend Ann at her home. It was an opportunity to Live, Love, and Laugh-a lot. Some of us have been friends for over 55 years! But all four of us have had a connection since eighth grade which has been about 47 years now. All of us entered the field of education in various degrees and graduated from Madison College-now James Madison University. Linda drove. There is a story behind that one. Right, Ronda?

When we arrived at Ann's house, we were greeted by lovely Fall decor in an antique wheelbarrow...
and a gorgeous Fall swag on the front door.
Ann had the table set as we entered her keeping room...
She is a wonderful gardener and talented floral arranger whether or not she wants to believe it. She has massive flower beds and made the table arrangements from her bounty...These nosegays were the table favors...
and clam corn chowder, fried green tomato with bacon sandwiches, and green iced tea were parts of the menu...
served on her mother's Haviland wedding china and crystal pattern. D-e-l-i-c-i-o-u-s!
Ronda and Linda...
Ann and me-a little dark there, but you get the idea...
Deep in conversation for hours that moved along much too quickly...
Linda sneaks in an extra homemade sugar cookie before leaving...
A couple of snapshots before we leave...

A fun day to live, love, and laugh with friends. It all ends too soon! Thanks, Ann, for a wonderful day!

Kline's Ice Cream

Good morning from Applejack Lane. It's a Pink Saturday again, and this week I want to take you to one of the hot spots in our town-especially on Saturday and Sunday nights. That can only mean one thing-Kline's Dairy Bar!

Even the sign has a nice dip of pink ice cream on the top!
The menu is pink...
and the flavor of the week is raspberry! Um-um-good!
Thanks for visiting Applejack Lane. Now, visit Beverly at How Sweet the Sound for more Pink Saturday participants.

A Peachy Outdoor Wednesday and Foodie Friday

This week, I plan to combine Outdoor Wednesday and Foodie Friday on Applejack Lane. Be sure to visit Susan at A Southern Daydreamer for Outdoor Wednesday and Michael at Designs by Gollum for Foodie Friday to see the other participants in these events.

This past weekend, my brother and sister-in-law made a trip to Chiles Peach Orchard in Crozet. She asked me if I would care to have any peaches. "Of course, I would love some!"

They returned with huge and beautiful summer fruits.Oops! One just drop out of the bowl. Let's cut him up!
These guys are over 3.5" in diameter!
Let's just slice him up...
add some whipped cream...
and all gone!But there are enough for some wonderful homemade peach ice cream for the weekend!

Another Saturday Excursion

Just north of Harrisonburg on Route 11 is Harper's Lawn Ornaments. This has been a gardener's wonderland for ornaments and garden statuary for over 40 years. Most of the goods are made on site. In recent years, Harper's has developed a very nice water garden and fountain business. If you have a few hours to relax and meander, take a day trip and enjoy the sites.

There are mirrored balls,


beautiful fountains, and water gardens. Can you see the pineapple on the top of this fountain? These things are more affordable than you think.


Today, I am looking for something special. Hum, I don't think I need a lion.

I can't use a dragon today, either. Maybe another trip.

This boot is not my size. I'm not sure about the color, either. I don't think Stacy or Clinton would say it follows the rules.

These shoes look like the ones my dad wore around the farm except he would not wear shoes with holes in them.

I love these classic urns, but man, are they heavy! You can find all sizes and shapes of containers


and pedestals. This is just a sampling, and I do mean a sampling! You can find wares that are painted in various tones or the unfinished white pieces.

A pineapple finial is a must for my next trip.

These dogs belong in my friend Valerie's yard.

If this were gray, it would look like Cathy's dog, Mr. Kahlo. In fact, I bet this piece is heavier than Kahlo.

What about a squirrel

or two

or three? I would consider nailing this on the oak tree outside the kitchen window. This is a cute feeder! Maybe, I'll add him to next trip's list.

If I had pebbles somewhere, I would definitely bring this to Applejack Lane.

If you need a pig for your yard, I know where you can find one!

This is such a sweet piece, but I don't have a wall for this little boy and dog on which to sit at Applejack Lane.


I usually pick up a rabbit, but I thought this one was a little weird. His pose reminded me of a dog wanting to play.

Oh, WOW! A pink flamingo! Now, this is a possibility! I just heard about a pink flamingo party earlier this morning. He could join the flamingos I got for Mother's Day! But, alas, I must remember my mission.

Hum, now we are getting somewhere.



This is a sweet piece. I wonder.......


Ah, ha! This is what I want today. An apple leaf birdbath to go on Applejack Lane! But, it is not going to be a birdbath. You will have to stay tuned it to see what I plan for this.


Goodbye, Mr. Lion. Another fun morning at Harper's Lawn Ornaments. Until next time!

Art in the Park

Saturday morning, I went to Art in the Park at Gypsy Hill. It is a yearly event to showcase local and not so local artists. The weather was absolutely gorgeous, and many families enjoyed the amenities that the park had to offer.



I stopped by to examine cutting boards that were made from trees indigenous of this area. They had beautiful tree ring markings to add to their beauty.

This was an interesting vendor from Hot Springs. His friend in Utah made picture frames out of slate by water cutting. Some of the slate pieces had evidence of fossilized material within them.


Some beautiful stained glass art was also on display.


Several years ago, Cathy gave me a gourd birdhouse made by Susan Wolf of Toms Brook. I was happy to see her display here in Gypsy Hill. Doesn't this cat look like he just swallowed a canary?

I saw an old teacher friend here at this tent. Betty, second from the left, has been teaching an environmental class through Mary Baldwin College. This year's theme has been Lewis Creek, a mainstay of Staunton. Lewis Creek has its source less than half a mile from Applejack Lane.
Betty's students incorporated art and journaling in the ecological studies. The animal box sculptures which portrayed the animals of Lewis Creek were well done. The students who had their work on display were very talented.


Even the dogs enjoy Art in the Park.

It's time to leave. But I must make one more stop by the infamous Duck Pond. One of my favorite artists, Mary Ann Vessey, did a print of the Duck Pond several years ago. Every family in the vicinity has memories of taking their children there to feed the ducks, swans, and fish. Art in the Park is one of the simple pleasures of living in Staunton, Virginia.