Last weekend, I set off for a walk with no destination in mind. I prodded myself up a steep hill, then another, and then made a few turns—not my usual route. As I ambled along, a woman who lived at the top of yet another hill came to mind. She and I had belonged to a Moms-and-babies group many years ago and our grown sons are still good friends. We’ve spoken on the phone a few times but I rarely see her, partly because she’s battling a serious illness.
I enjoy walking through neighborhoods admiring the cute houses.
Do you know how it feels when your children grow up and leave home, and you stop seeing their parents again? You might like to run into one at the grocery store or pass them on the street, but never do. I didn’t suffer from empty nest syndrome, but I miss those parents!
Maybe you’re younger and have recently spread your wings and moved far away. No longer do you see former friends or fellow classmates. Although Facebook and iPhones help, nothing beats speaking to a person face-to-face.
As I neared this woman’s house, fond memories filled my mind. I recalled the happy times her son spent with us at our beach place, and how much we’d appreciated him. Several years ago, when this young man was still living at home, my husband and I had been in a jam. We needed strong arms to help move an old TV set. Our son’s friend had dashed right over when we called. We offered him $20, but he refused the money.
Rounding the last corner, I was glad to see two cars parked out front. Someone was home, but my friend had been ill and might be taking a nap. My mind scrambled with possibilities and reasons to keep strolling by. I’d heard her husband had retired; he might not appreciate a drop-in uninvited guest.
I gathered up my courage and rang the front doorbell. A long pause ensued, but finally she came to the door with a surprised look on her face. “Have you come to see me?” she asked. “For five minutes?” I said, more a question. “Do you mind?”
I noticed my friend still decorates her home with blue and white after Christmas.
She graciously invited me in and offered me soup she was preparing for lunch – butternut squash soup, which I adore. How’s that for perfect timing? We sat at her table, reminisced, and laughed over the good old days. And to think I almost kept going out of a misguided sense of decorum.
This glorious sky was my final reward after a pleasant day.
On my trek home, I asked myself how I’d feel if someone came to my door and saw my messy house, still in shambles after Christmas. Pride would make me blush, but would a true friend care? Unlikely. I recall my mother once said she always kept the living room straightened in case someone dropped by. But popping in without an invitation is an activity of the past.
When was the last time a neighbor or friend visited you on a whim? How would you feel? Do you welcome drop-ins as an interruption or an unexpected blessing?
Leave a comment to enter to win this Amish-made Apron from Lancaster County, PA.
Leave a comment and enter to win this lovely Amish-made apron from Lancaster County, PA, plus a signed book from The Legacy of Lancaster Trilogy: either Leaving Lancaster, it’s sequel Pennsylvania Patchwork, or Forever Amish! Winner has three days to respond. USA and Canada.
love your page!
Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway, Minta!
Kate
I know that we should always welcome company but I have always told people I need advance warning as I am married to a very messy person. I like my house a certain way for when people come over and I just have a hard time keeping it to those standards. I live out in the middle of nowhere so people rarely just drop by. Whew!
You should see my kitchen right now, Janice! If someone dropped by I would cringe but welcome them in, all the while scrambling to tidy up. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
The ONLY reason I kinda wish people would let me know they’re coming is so I can do something with my yappy doggie. Otherwise, I’m always happy for company. Love for friends to drop in as I am a people person 🙂
Loving the apron! Wish times would go back to that although I would have to make a change, too. It’s just that nostalgic bent, I suppose.
Glad you had a wonderful visit with your friend from old.
Thanks for your lovely comment, Loretta! I figure if a dog yaps it’s doing its job: protecting the house. I can’t recall the last time someone just dropped by and very rarely do it myself without calling first. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I don’t think I’ve ever had anyone just “drop in” since I’ve moved to Maine 11 years ago! Most of the time I would welcome it. Sometimes I use that as an excuse not to keep the house clean, “No one ever stops by!” But then it gets so dusty I can’t even stand it so I end up cleaning…anyways, I’d like to think I’d welcome a visit. Thanks for the giveaway!
Thanks for sending your fun comment, Connie! I don’t get drop-in’s either, except my sister. When I know she’s coming I tidy up as she is extremely neat, not that she’d give me a bad time about my messy kitchen. In fact, she might help clean it. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
What a good thing that you followed the urge to visit that friend! My house isn’t always the tidiest but oh I welcome drop-in company. To think that someone cares enough about me to do so!
P.S. lovely apron!
Thanks for your encouraging comment, Judy! I feel the way you do about someone caring enough to come visit me, messy house and all. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I love visitors! Time to chat over whats happened. Get the tea kettle going and some nice treats. Sometimes it is just a chat in the yard. I know the one guy clean out our driveway and would not want anything. So I would head to kitchen and bake cookies, brownies and pumpkin roll now that was what he liked. Not to many people visit anymore. Love the apron! Hope you have a bless week.
Blessings
Diana
joeym11(at)frontier(dot)com
Thanks for writing and blessings to you, Diana! In summer, I chat with my neighbor over our fence and it’s easier to run into people out gardening or mowing. But during the winter, not so easy. Usually I’ll run into someone while out walking, but not when it’s pouring and my walking partner is out of town, like today. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
We love having company . . . although they get pretty close to overlapping sometimes. As long as I get the beds changed, etc. Our granddaughter and her husband and 2 little ones left one morning and saw our daughter and son-in-law who were waiting to board the same plane to come visit!!
What a great visit you must have had. I remember when I was young people did that all the time. We have gotten so far away from the simple life where people communicated one on one in person. Cell phones sure haven’t helped any. Oh, they are great for long distance or emergencies, but I’ve seen people next to each other texting. 🙂 People don’t just drop in on each other any more. Glad you did.
Thanks for writing, Joan! I hope there isn’t a home in the world where children and grandchildren aren’t welcome. What fun that they met at the airport. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I love to have friends drop by but, some times it’s best with a little warning so I can make or have a little goodie for them, and the house in shape or I’m dressed tee hee. All tho if your an old friend or family you know me quiet well so you will expect the unexpected or a suprizes when I open the door but, always with a warm smile, hugs and come on in and how I’ve missed ya, and when you leave come back soon, and I love you with all my heart.
Yes, I agree Susie! A little warning is ideal. Sometimes, when I’m busy writing, I slouch around in sweatpants all day and might not even wash my face until after lunch. (do brush my teeth) Thanks for writing and good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Drop ins are a blessing. I figure if they don’t like how may house looks then that is their problem. The visit is worth so much more. It is so good that you followed your instinct. Have a blessed day and thanks for the chance to win. The apron is beautiful.
Thanks for writing and giving me the thumbs-up, Debbie! The truth is, she didn’t need to come to the door if she were still dressed in her bathrobe, even at around noon. Not that I would’ve cared. Still, a good reminder to wash my face in the morning when I brush my teeth before I start writing. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
As you get older, you are grateful to see friends for your childhood, especially if you recognize them. I love it when people just stop-by. To me it symbolizes an intimatcy that is rarely found anymore.
So true, Joyce! How lovely that you love it when people stop by without an imitation. Best of luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I’m interested in receiving the free book and apron promised. How do I get them now?
By leaving a comment, as you did, you’re entered in the giveaway, Barbara! Thanks for writing and good luck!
Kate
It would depend on who it was. My honey came over and I was embrassed cause I had boxes all the floor from Christmas,but he did not seem to notice
Some visitors are certainly more welcome than others, Angela! Fortunately most men don’t seem to notice a messy house as much as women, especially when it comes to Christmas decorations. Still, it’s a good chance to see whether or not your Honey is compulsively neat, which would be no fun to live with in the long run. Thanks for writing and good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I remember when I was a kid family would visit on the weekend and neighbors drop by anytime, I am now grown and have lived in my old neighborhood 28 years and I know 2 of my neighbors and few of them have changed over the years and even the new ones I do not know them, I find this sad. Our street when I grew up, I am still friends with most of those people, the parents and the kids but I don’t know my neighbors. Our society has grown to the point of everything is so hurried and rushed we don’t stop and appreciate what we have, our children learn no social skills and communication is almost a thing of the past if it is not typed on a screen. Simple times would be so much better. One reason I love the Amish they have embraced all that we have lost. BTW the apron is beautiful.
I think the Amish’s close knit-community is one aspect we find so endearing, Connie! After almost 30 years of living in this home, I know most of my neighbors, and yet there are only a few I’d ask to borrow sugar from when I run out in the middle of a baking project, as I did in the old days. Fortunately, one of my neighbors went around and got the telephone numbers of everyone on the block, so we can call each other if needed. One woman said: Just come on over and ring the bell. A very gracious person. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
Home is where the heart is. Anyone can come into my home. I’ve had people come while I’m cleaning & stuff sitting and laying around. So your friend is a true friend. I’d would of done the same thing your friend had done. Surprises are fun. So you did just fine.
You have a wonderful and confident attitude, Kathy! Not everyone likes surprises. I’d guess at the root is fear of losing control. Hey, I’ve been guilty. Thanks for your encouraging note. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
“I recall my mother once said she always kept the living room straightened in case someone dropped by. But popping in without an invitation is an activity of the past.”- I still do this. I had no idea others thought this way. I thought it was just me having a messy house filled with kids’ toys, pets, etc. As long as my living room is straightened up, I don’t mind company. Now that the kids are older, there are no kids’ toys laying around, but while they were still little I made the decision our family lives here. It’s going to look like it. That can’t be helped. It relieved a lot of stress.
I would love company, but no one ever comes over. If I was out and about and decided to stop and see somebody, I would just stop. If they didn’t want me in their house we could visit on the porch. Or they could tell me to come back another time. Interesting topic!
I love the apron!
Thanks for leaving your terrific comment, Sally! Visiting on the porch is more a summertime activity, so I imagine there are many people who are lonely this time of year. In a way, I’m relieved to see a messy kitchen; I’m not alone in that department. Once I start cleaning the house my writing gets left on the back burner. Glad you like the apron. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I think drop-in visits are great Kate, and it sounds like you had a very good one, too! I know I’d love it if someone dropped by, but I don’t really know anyone here in San Antonio very well yet. I miss my Seattle friends & parents very much, especially since I am home looking for work, and I know it’d really cheer me up. Hope I can win this time, and thanks again for the giveaway!
You are a perfect example, Mallory, as I imagine you don’t know your neighbors yet. And most jet off to work in the morning. Even though I know my neighbors, there are many days that I don’t see another person other than my husband unless I go to the grocery store. But writing demands solitude. Still, I’m extremely grateful for my weekly writing group and my walking partner, when she’s in town. Thanks for writing. Please let me know when you land a job. Wishing you a terrific position and good luck in this giveaway!
Kate
Love drop in’s….most of my friends know a busy house & value friendship & are very understanding. Those that don’t? Their problem, not mine! I make them feel welcome….
If you love drop-ins you must get them, Nat! Wonderful that you welcome them and that your friend’s value your friendship more than a neat house. Thanks for writing and good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
My mom always keep every inch of our house in tip top shape. Me on the other hand not nearly as much. I figure a true friend doesn’t come to see your house they come to see you! With that being said please feel free to stop by any time!
Thanks for your gracious invitation, Susan! My mother always straightened the living room before she went to bed so she could get up in the morning and find one room ready for visitors. My parents entertained often and she was a marvelous cook, however she was a portrait sculptress and an avid gardener so had plenty on her plate. Sigh. How did she keep her house neat? When my sister and I lived at home, two daughters helped. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I love your blog. You have a friend in St. Louis.
Thanks for writing from St. Louis, Sandra! Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Drop in’s are always welcome at my house. BUT, they better beware of the chaos that they may be confronted with! Lol! I love company and a good cup of coffee and talk about the good times.
Other people’s chaos doesn’t bother me, Tasha! A fun chat over a cup of coffee are much more important then a tidy house. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
You have a new friend in St Louis.
Wonderful, Sandra! I love meeting new friends.
Kate
I remember, when growing up, how my family would go for a “Sunday drive” after Church. We would stop to visit relatives and friends. How I miss those days. Today, everyone is so busy that no one takes time to visit. How sad…
I am like you, Kate. I would take the time to stop and visit with someone….even if it has been years.
I volunteer at my church. I print and mail bulletins to our “shut-ins”. I make it a point to at least call these people or stop by at least every other month. What an inspiration!
So… Just take 5 minutes to visit/call the people we can. You will make their day. And, in turn, you will be surprised how you will feel after doing this.
Kate, I really enjoyed this story. Makes a person think.
Thank you.
I’m so glad you enjoyed the story, Elaine! Your parents left you a wonderful legacy. The printed bulletins and phone calls to shut-ins at your church are a huge gift. Yesterday, I realized I know a shut-in who lives nearby, so I picked up the phone. I’m not sure she could come to the door. We both missed the State of the Union message in favor of friendly chat. Thanks for your lovely comment and for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I really think God was quietly urging you to visit your old friend. I am glad that you listened. It seems like the days of dropping in to visit is a thing of the past, just like neighbors talking over the fence. Everyone is just so busy these days. You would think with all the technology it would make people’s lives easier and allow for more “free time”, but that doesn’t seem to be the case. Quite sad I think. I am glad that I am an old fashioned girl.
Guess I’m an old-fashioned girl too, Melissa Ann! I’m amazed when I see women walking her baby in a stroller while speaking on a cell phone or texting. But at least the child is with its mother. I realize many women must work to put food on the table. I have empathy for them. I’m grateful my husband wants his wife at home and supports my writing, even when our house isn’t squeaky clean. Thanks for your comment and good luck in the giveaway! PS: I do think God had a plan!
Kate
My house isnt always the neatest, i have 2 types of arthritis plus fibromyagla, so i do the best i can on good days, but i love company and ever ones welcome, we will sit for tea are soda and have cake are cookies, and chat away.
I’m glad you have friends who visit you, Shirley! I’ve heard from many that some friendships evaporate when they become ill and can’t go out to late-night dinners and movies. I’d take teatime any day. I pray, right now, that you find out what the source of your fibromyalgia is. Most doctors do not understand how to treat it, since it’s only a list of symptoms. (This was told to me by a very good physician.) Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway! Good luck!
Kate
I enjoy reading your post Kate,it is like visiting with an old friend.I am so glad you enjoyed your visit with your friend.I know she was happy to see you and was cheered up by your visit.I feel like visits are a thing of the past,every body is living hectic and busy lives and they just don’t have the time to visit any longer.I think we all need to slow down and enjoy life.
Thanks for writing, Jackie! I’m grateful I slowed down and rang her doorbell. A funny twist to the story: I had taken the walk to ponder a blog post about a completely different subject, one not half as compelling. Yes, I think we all need to slow down and enjoy life as it can be snapped away at any time, no mater our age. I don’t mean living in fear, but rather being grateful for each moment. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I love to see friends if they are drop in or call first no matter hose dirty on well did they come to see me or my house
Great attitude, Brenda! I’m sure they appreciate your hospitality. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
love to read your books. hope you have a good day. thanks
Thanks, Brenda, I’m glad you enjoyed my books! Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I usually like to have people call ahead of time instead of just dropping in. Exceptions are relatives. I grew up in an era when our out-of-town relatives might drive all night from another state, come into our unlocked house, and start cooking breakfast. People didn’t mind then. Now we keep the doors and windows locked and have those little peepholes in the front door to check to see who is ringing the doorbell. Life was cozier in the old days.
I also prefer people to call me ahead of time, Kaye, for fear they’ll see I’m not Martha Stewart. But if a friend happened to drop by, I’d be thrilled. Even would close my laptop and put on water for tea or coffee. Thanks for writing and entering to give away!
Kate
I don’t mind friends dropping by. I know they are there to see me and not my house, although, I work hard to keep in clean and presentable. My cat would prefer that the doorbell would not be rung, but then she’s really friendly with some company once they are inside. It’s so sad everyone is so busy we don’t take the time to visit like we use to with one another in our homes. I enjoy stopping by someone’s home when I’m out walking, too, if time is not an issue. Some days the walk involves talking more to neighbors/friends but there are times when the time spent talking with someone is what they needed. Glad you had a wonderful visit and I’m sure it made her day special. The apron is beautiful! I have family members who still wears aprons–so special! Blessings to you Kate!
I still wear an apron when I cook or wash dishes, Marilyn! When I go without, I manage to splatter on my shirt. While out walking last weekend on a different day, I met a couple who have lived on the far side of our block, yet I’d never met them. My kind of fun. By the way, I’m a dog person but most cats love me. One woman told me I was the only guest her cat had ever approached and that I have good cat etiquette. Thanks for writing and good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I love having company, but seldom ever have any. Our family lives out of state . The people we do know here are either working or so busy with their own lives and only visit with phone conversations or on facebook. I miss having company come over. But do enjpy or phone calls & facebook time with them
Many of my relatives and friends live on the other side of the country, Juanita! I sympathize with your dilemma. My favorite cousin in CT stopped using the Internet so I appreciate our phone calls and her Christmas cards. I know most of my neighbors, although usually only speak to them in passing. Thankfully, my next-door neighbor and I are good friends. Thanks for leaving your comment. If you figure a way to slow everyone down, let me know!
Kate
I would love to have someone drop in on these long days hubby is working ten hours.
My husband works long hours and travels, Lucy! I’m thankful for my writing, my writers group, and my FB friends to keep me company. I am not much of a shopper, so spending the day in the mall holds little appeal. Plus, it’s expensive. You may have to reach out and invite someone over. Where I live, people are notorious for not making the first move. It’s called the “Seattle Freeze” and doesn’t refer to the temperature. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seattle_Freeze
Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I would never mind a drop in visit from a friend. Visiting friends and relatives seems to be a forgotten art. Good for you, Kate, for visiting and I’m sure your neighbor appreciated it too.
Thanks for your encouraging comment, Rachel! I actually have an old Christmas card with a photo of her in my living room to remind me to pray for her and was thrilled to see how well she’s doing, when a couple years ago I thought I’d never see her again. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Drop ins would always be welcomed at my house. I would just swallow my pride , ignore my messy house and enjoy the company that came to visit. I loved your story and am glad you stopped to visit your neighbor. I’m sure it was a blessing for her to have someone to visit with. Life is to short to worry about messy houses and proper etiquette . Take time to visit thst someone you have been meaning to before you lose the chance forever.
Thanks for writing, Deana! You sound most welcoming. I mentioned to Rachel (above) that I keep an old Christmas card with a photo of my friend in our living room as a reminder for me to pray for her. I was thrilled to see how well she’s doing! The visit was a blessing to both of us, and I’ve been making butternut squash soup ever since. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
It’s too bad that dropping in on neighbors has gone the way of payphones and manual typewriters. What a joy your visit brought to you and to me vicariously.
Judy, you are welcome to drop by any old day. Seeing you always brings me joy.
Kate
I love it when people just drop by, it makes me feel like they took time out of their busy schedule to make my day better. I truly appreciate friends and always have some tea ready for them.
I’ll bet people love dropping in to visit you, Sparkle! I wonder if warm weather is more conducive to strolling to your neighbor’s house as opposed to wind, rain, and snow. That cup of tea sounds good, no matter the weather. Thanks for leaving your comment and entering the giveaway!
Kate
Never do mind drop-ins. House stays pretty much tidy. I, on the other hand, am usually in all sorts of disarray when I have no plans to go out. Just the way it is. I could look pretty good in that gorgeous apron though. Thanks for the chance.
Thanks for leaving your fun comment, Debbie! My father insisted we get dressed before we came downstairs and I’m glad I’ve continued that tradition. I never know when the UPS driver will ring the bell and deliver a package. I’m glad you like the apron. A young Amish woman helped me pick it out. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
i like this
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Susie!
We moved from my hometown many many years ago. It is so neat to go back to that city, go to one of the big box stores and have someone come up to me and say, “Are you Marilyn?”. Or the other way around if I recognize someone. Then we stand in the aisle and have a good visit. But after we moved (to the country), there were few people around. There was one, especially, that was a drop in (as I was to her). She would drop in at 9 a.m., or anytime until 3 p.m. I would fix coffee, always had cookies because of the kids in the house), and would just visit for hours, even if we had just seen each other the day before.
I love the apron.
I love drop in guest, as always I just say….excuse the mess, tell them I am rearranging! Which is the truth as I am always changing things….things since we moved almost 3 years ago do not have a permanent place! My coffee table is full of books, so they see this as clutter….I see it as educational break time! Anyway,time goes by so fast, good true friends never judge the condition of your home….they just welcome the visit, time spent and more cherished memories to hold in their heart.
I love your attitude, Linda! It does take years for items to settle after a move. We’ve been in our home for almost 30 years and still have educational-break-time tables. Well, can’t blame our clutter on a recent move. Thanks for writing your fun comment. Good luck in the giveaway and in getting your new home in order.
to eight
I would love drop ins and we do this all the time. I wish this would be more of an accepted occurrence. i am sure your friend ushered you out with a warm feeling all over her heart! So yes! I do think it is nice to drop in. I do also think it is very very nice if someone is in the middle of something pretty important, that the caller makes a hasty retreat and comes back another day.
You brought up a very good point, Mary Alice! When I phone someone I first ask them if they’re busy and if this is a good time to chat. A drop-in caller should certainly retreat gracefully if the person is in the middle of something. Thanks for leaving a comment and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I guess drop in would be fine. House might be a mess though.
If someone paid me a call, they would most likely find my kitchen table littered with mail and magazines, Jane! It seems no matter how hard we try, mail demanding sorting arrives daily. If I put it out of sight, it gets forgotten. But with one swift maneuver I could swipe all that aside and invite my guest to sit down to enjoy a cup of tea. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
It sounds like you were feeling a little lonely or may blue after the holidays! You needed a friend and found yourself close by one! Isn’t that what friends are for? Dropping in unexpected with no form of judgement on your housekeeping skills! I say welcome to family or friends no matter what my house looks like because you don’t know what could happen in the next hour! It sounds like your friend thinks the same way! Embrace that visit but try to do it more often! Just my thought!
Thanks for writing and sharing your thoughts, Pamela! I wasn’t feeling lonely or blue, but was definitely drawn toward her home. She is such a dear woman; I’ve missed seeing her. Terrific that you welcome family and friends no matter what your house looks like. Seize the moment, as they say. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I don’t mind having a good friend drop in for a visit but usually ask them to call ahead of time to make sure I’m home. I live out in the country so most people don’t just “drop in”. I have a lot of doctor appointments and also have my elderly mom living with me. I know when I was growing up , it wasn’t unheard of for us to go visit family even out of town for the weekend by just dropping in on them. I would love to win this apron and one of your books.
Calling ahead of time is certainly prudent and polite, Donna! Especially when visiting a friend out in the country. Sounds as though you have your hands full caring for your elderly mom, for which you’ve earned my respect. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
What a special post – thank you, Kate!!
I have health issues, live alone, and seldom have guests – so am usually dressed in what is most comfortable (robe or lounging dress). I have periods of de-cluttering my house, however, cleaning doesn’t always get top priority on my list of things to do. I’d enjoy having unexpected guests, but would probably be embarrassed at the appearance of both myself and my house, lol!! My parents would usually stop by a friends’ house or a nursing home, unexpectedly, after church and lunch on Sundays – however, both have health issues now and aren’t able to do it as frequently.
Thanks for writing, Bonnie! Praying for you: May your health issues improve drastically. I visited a friend recently after surgery. She warned me that she’d be in her bathrobe when I called first to make sure she was up for a visitor and to make sure she could come to the door. We enjoyed a pleasant chat without tea or coffee or anything but conversation. I hope someone stops by to see you or perhaps you’ll extend an invitation. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I welcome an unexpected guest for a short visit, cup of coffee or tea, and hopefully there might be a cookie in the cookie jar to share. I have been known to cook up a meal at a moments notice for a young family or an injured member of our church. Old-fashioned hospitality is such a gift to both parties.
Old-fashioned hospitality seems to be disappearing, Priscilla! How lovely that you welcome guests for coffee or tea, and even a cookie. Preparing a meal for a young couple or injured church member demonstrates your generosity. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
We received unexpected company yesterday. My house wasn’t too bad for that I was grateful. Let me tell you both me and my husband felt so good after he left. I’m glad I didn’t worry about how the house looked just enjoyed his company and stories. I’ve deceided we need more company!
Thanks for telling me about your unexpected company, Vickie, and how good you and your husband felt after the visit. May you two enjoy many more. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I used to visit others when I was a new mom and I lived in a neighborhood but now my boys are older and we live out in the boonies. We never have company during the winter but summer we have some and most of our company has to do with camp.
When our children grow up and leave home, there’s no reason to hang around their school chatting with other parents, Jennifer! I miss that, and I don’t even live out in the boonies. Summer does seem to be the best time for getting together with friends. I’m glad you’re involved with a camp. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
Drop-ins would be welcome; however can’t promise I would be presentable. Always love your posts and giveaways and some day I will win! THANKS for the opportunity!
Thanks for writing, Linda! I’m sure your drop-ins appreciate your hospitality, no matter how presentable you might find your home. It seems I’m always harder on myself than others. Doubly good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I value my privacy too much to feel comfortable when people just drop in. They also seem to turn up at the most inconvenient time.
I can’t remember the last time someone dropped in on us, Mary! I recall my parents’ neighbor who used to stop by while we were sitting at our dining room table, a most inconvenient time as she seemed oblivious to our desire to eat a warm meal. I assume you just explain this is not a good time for you and they excuse themselves. Thanks for leaving your comment and entering the giveaway!
Kate
While I do not mind company, I do like a little heads up that someone is coming. I have 5 children and 2 extra children that are usually at my house a few days a week too. So, as you can imagine my house can look nice one minute and look like a tornado hit it the next! Lol. So a little heads up allows me to make sure everything is at least half way in order before someone drops by. Love your books! I have all but one in the series you are giving away and I would so love to win it to complete my collection!
I’d love you to complete your book collection too, Tiffany! You sound like a busy woman. With so many children in your home I can’t imagine it would look like a page out of House and Garden magazine. I can understand why you’d like a little heads-up first. Thanks for writing and good luck in the giveaway!
Kate