jstefan posted on October 03, 2010 17:28
The night was perfect September 18, with tiny white lights surrounding the top of the tent's edges, giving just enough light to see. The six large picnic tables were covered with red & white checked table cloths with knots tied at all four corners, securing them and adding a country look. The two serving tables were also covered with the red checked table cloths. There were old-fashioned quart jars with pretty colorful bows tied around the tops and filled with beautiful flowers on each table. There were also small bales of hay accenting each table. The gift table had stacks of beautiful gifts and, Jan Wall, Pastor Steve, and Howard Karst were set up for music, including a screen to sing from. Larry Stirn minded the Grill, on which veggie dogs and grillers were “toasting” as Larry called it. Out in front of the tent, towards the Petting Zoo, Howard had his portable fire pit set up and the warmth felt very cozy after the sun set. There were chairs all around, for those who wanted to just relax by the fire.
There was plenty of delicious picnic food for all and a lot left for those who wanted to take something home, plus some for the children at Crest Lane.
Vespers was provided by Jill Smuda who read a short story to us about an old gentleman who asked that all of his valuable possessions be auctioned off when he passed away. However an old painting of his son had to be auctioned first, and the person who bought that item was to get the "whole thing." Carole Smith told two short family stories with good morals to them, which everyone enjoyed.
We sang many songs from the screen. Pastor Steve & Howard Karst played their guitars while Jan Wall played the keyboard. Folks passing by really enjoyed our tent, its decorations and the music.
For the shower portion in honor of Caralee & Eric’s upcoming wedding, Cheryl Smith had torn apart a small bale of hay on one of the tables and hid 100 pennies in the Hay. Caralee and Eric competed with Virginia and Bob Little to see who could find the most pennies as a couple, in the haystack. Virginia and Bob found 23, Caralee and Eric found 77. "Guess The Kisses in the Dish" was won by Diane Trickett. Caralee and Eric opened a huge table of gifts and cards, and send “thank you's” to those who so kindly sent gifts who could not be there.
The hay ride was a wonderful time! Mr. Baugher had the long hay wagon filled with bales of hay. Mr. Baugher played his harmonica most of the 55 minutes. He played many old songs, like one hears from the great out west of yesteryear, and you could hear the folks singing along. It was so relaxing. The night was so perfect. By 9:15 PM all was cleaned up and we were on our way home.