#16 We appreciate the generous hospitality

Over the past year, we have had the pleasure of spending a few days each with several of our family and friends. This is a note to express how much we have loved this -to have lived our friendship in the comfort of their homes, to have had so many wonderful and warm conversations, and to get to know what has been happening in their and their parents’ and their children’s lives.

Without exception, they have gone out of their way to make our stay something we will remember for a long time, be it in terms of the great food they cooked, the time they took away from work, the local sights/restaurants they long planned and took us out to, and most importantly, how loved and cherished they made us feel.

It would be unfair to call out any one such experience, but equally, it would be unfair not to call out the stay we had with Tracy and Jim in Michigan. We only accidentally met them in Texas just this past December when birding, and they generously invited us, two utter strangers, to stay with them in their summer home of Michigan during our road trip. Not only did the plans actually materialize and we actually stayed at their lovely home, we cannot get over how well they looked after us - the warmth and care they showed was as profuse as any of our various friends and family that we have known for much much longer. They made us feel like they have known us for a few decades!

Jim with the elaborate supper that he cooked for us the first night (he did this every night we were there!)

Tracy displaying some of her quilted creations!

A close-up of Tracy and the quilt!

We love you all, and hope to stay in close touch with you!