On the Road & Encounters of the Best Kind

Road Trip!  

Last Friday, my husband and I headed north to see friends and to share my new book To Dance With Dolphins. 

So glad Greg was driving. I hate city traffic.

We had so much fun!

It began by spending time with some very special people. 

Gary & Deanna Kohl 

Kyleah Kohl

(The Inspiration for Claire in

To Dance With Dolphins) 

After giving Deanna and Kyleah signed copies of the book (I've been waiting a long time to do that.) Deanna served a fabulous home-cooked meal, which included the best scones I've ever eaten, along with homemade strawberry/rhubarb jam. Yum. 

We had a good visit, but it was too short. I can't wait to see them again - you know how it is when you have special friends ... there's never enough time.

The next day, I connected with two of my high school buddies. It's been years since we've all been together. We had tales to share - joys and sorrows. And we laughed! Oh, it was fun! When it was time for me to leave we promised that we wouldn't wait years to get together again - I'm determined not to wait too long.

Love you Sue and Joni.

Late leaving Joni's, I hurried to my 45th high school reunion, where I reconnected with more of my old friends. My husband was a good sport and tagged along. It was fun, hearing about all that had been happening in their lives. I can hardly believe the years have passed by so quickly. I was reminded to cherish the "now" moments because they will too soon be gone.

I snuggled into bed that night, my mind filled with thoughts of the day and my heart rejoicing. 

Greg and I spent another day in Washington and had a heart-warming evening with my long-time friend Vicci Brunz. As girls, we lived only a few miles from each other and all through the years we rode the same school bus to and from school.

A quick stop at the Black Diamond library, a short conversation with Deanna, farewell hugs, and then Greg and I headed south to Portland where a spectacular group of ladies met with me my first night there. My friend Lyla Swafford put together a meeting with readers and friends from the group Joni & Friends. It was a special evening. I had a lot of fun and treasure the time I spent with Lyla and her friends, and my writing buddy, April McGowan.

     

One more stop before heading home. 

The reading group, Ladies In Touch, invited me for lunch and a chat about writing and my new book, To Dance With Dolphins. I had a great time, and Chris Koski introduced me to a new food - Popcorn Cake. Ever hear of it? My understanding is that this unusual and delicious cake can often be found at potlucks in North Dakota. (I've included the recipe below).

The North Dakota Popcorn Cake Recipe is:

2 bags of microwave popcorn popped

1/2 c. of butter

16 oz. bag of mini marshmallows

1 c. Butterscotch chips

2 c. M&M's

1 c. Salted peanuts

Pop the corn and mix in peanuts, chips, candy.

Melt marshmallows and butter together.

Pour hot mixture over popcorn mixture.

Pack into a bunt cake pan/angel food cake pan

With my heart full, Greg and I headed home. It had been a busy five days - a time too collect and store away memories for those days when I need something to make me smile.

We are home and it felt amazing to sleep in my own bed last night, but I'm thankful for all the precious encounters of the last week and for God's kindness to me.

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie