Well friends, Day One of our Lancaster getaway kicked off bright and early — and I mean bright and early. I was up at 5 AM finishing the last-minute packing (because of course there’s always one more thing to tuck in the bag). We rolled out of the driveway around 7:10, and naturally our very first stop was… yes, you already know… my Dunkin’ coffee. A girl has her priorities. ☕️
From there, we headed to Mark and Susan’s, loaded their stuff into the car that seemed already too full and of course Michael was sure it wouldn't work and Mark headed to garage to get the van but they don't give Susan enough credit she got it all in our car. Now the guys are sure we won't be able to shop since their is no room according to them. Again they underestimate the powers of Susan!!! We finally hit the road for real around 8:05-ish.
Buford’s Biscuits — Breakfast of Road Warriors
First official stop: Buford’s Biscuits. Oh yes… soft, fluffy, heavenly… I have pictures, don’t worry. Let’s just say no one left hungry.
Susan's pick with sausage and poached egg!
Breakfast Sandwich
Ketterman’s Jewelry: More Than Sparkles - Ketterman's in Leesburg is a family owned and operated jewelry and gift store that has had the pleasure of serving Loudoun County and the surrounding areas for over 34 years. An eclectic mix of quality merchandise and their on-site jewelry repair and design shop make Ketterman's the perfect destination for your jewelry and gifting needs...Always.
Next up was Ketterman’s Jewelry, which is not just a jewelry store — it’s practically a wonderland. Susan and I came prepared with our Christmas lists in hand. There was something special on mine that I was determined to find.
Michael took one quick spin through the store — you know, the classic 30-second husband scan — and confidently declared, “It’s not here!” Then he made the tactical error of insisting and all that did was challenge Susan and I.
Bless his heart. 🫣
Because on my second (slower, smarter) pass… I found it. 🎄✨
Lesson of the day for Michael: never challenge Judi and Susan — we do not leave until we find the thing.
Catoctin Mountain Orchard – Snack Stop!
Back on the road, we stopped at Catoctin Mountain Orchard to grab a few goodies for the weekend. If you know, you know: once you walk in, you’re leaving with more than you planned.
Bird-in-Hand Farmers Market – Reunion Time
From there it was onward to Lancaster, with a stop at Bird-in-Hand Farmers Market, where we literally ran into the rest of our Crazy Eight crew....Freida, Wayne, Grace and David. We all picked up a few more treats because apparently we’re preparing for winter hibernation not just a weekend.
Fabric Store Fun — And Yes, I Bought Something
Next stop: The Log Cabin Fabric Store. All I’m saying is… I may have been the big buyer.
Can I tell you what I bought? Absolutely not.
Christmas elves must protect their secrets. 😉
Welcome to the Barn!
Finally, we arrived at our home for the weekend — an old barn turned beautiful house, and it is so cozy. We unloaded and put our things in our rooms, and gathered downstairs for a little visiting time.
Debbie and Steve joining us from GA arrived soon after, completing our party of ten!
The Hungry Bunch vs. Chick-fil-A
A few of us — okay, more than a few — were hungry, so our car plus Wayne headed to Chick-fil-A. And wow… that place was packed. Drive-thru, inside, everywhere. But Chick-fil-A runs like a well-oiled machine. Michael and Wayne snagged a table, Susan met them, and Mark and I handled the food run. We were fed in record time.
Sight & Sound — “Noah”
After dinner, we headed to Sight & Sound for Noah.
If you’ve never seen a production there, put it on your list. They do it right — absolutely recommend!
Back to the Barn & Off to Bed
After the show we headed back to the barn, visited a bit more, and then I called it a night. Long day, full heart, happy travelers.
Stay tuned for Day Two — the fun is just getting started!
