writing | My Travels

One doesn’t have an opportunity to make “new” old friends very often in their life. I am one of those blessed people. Stacy, my sweet, sweet dear friend, has stuck by my side as a dear, best friend for nearly 4 decades. That’s right, nearly 40 years we have been the dearest of friends.

We met in kindergarten all those years ago and we have literally grown up together and more.

On the road trip, we met up and had a wonderful lunch together in Nebraska. It was not far from where she lives at a nice place called “The Lodge.” I asked her to choose the place as she was and is very familiar with the region. Both of us have lived in a variety of places, towns, cities, and states over the years. However, we never lost connection.

Stacy gave me a tour of her town. She was trying strongly to persuade me to move to that area. She highlighted all the wonderful features, areas of great employment, and so much more. She was giving it her best shot to get me to settle there and be nearby! I am so very blessed. We all need amazing friends and friendships in our lives. I am so fortunate that Stacy is mine!

Stacy treated me to a lovely shopping experience at Buff City Soap. She has a member card there, emphasizing how awesome the shop and products are. Yes, I went home with quite a few goodies.

While we dined out, we talked extensively. Her children gladly babysat Pixie at their place. I don’t know who had more fun, the kids or the dog. Calvin, her husband, gave a hilarious status report when we returned and then promptly took a selfie with my phone.

Stacy’s Children are absolutely delightful. They were telling me stories and about all kinds of cool tid bits and information

Treats, Goodies, little gifts, Souvenirs–whatever you like to call them-trinkets you get for yourself or loved ones–can be a little tough to choose and/or get home-to the person–here are a few tricks I have learned a long the way–

Know your person–while there are a select few whom really love those Snow Globes-choose something they will really enjoy, like or use. I’d a grandmother whom wanted odd-ball location magnets–sometimes the simple little things mean the most to the recipient.
Find the unique item on street bizarre or jumble sales–it will be always a fun memory–I bought a bone china vintage tea cup and saucer on Portabello Row in London for pence on the pound and I used it for years (until an ill fated moment and a visitor broke it!) My friend’s mom loves puzzles–he was always on the hunt for local puzzles while we were recently in Scotland.

3. Postcards and T-Shirts/Hoodies– are your best friend. They are everywhere and relatively inexpensive–if you are sending more than one or two from a foreign country you “might” want to wait to send them from home as the postage can get excessive–me? I am a postcard junkie-just ask my family. I do send out some postcards but for me, I chose postcards for myself to add to my cork board (sometimes I even send myself one so I get the foreign stamp and postmark!) I am an average photographer but postcards nail it every time! Plus, postcards are super easy to pack!

4. Local goodies–things you can’t find at home–for example, my Sweetness loves soup so I brought him a regional T-Shirt, which I wrapped around a larger can of Scotch Broth Soup–I know I can’t make it as well from scratch as the Scottish do but from the can will be a close second. He loved getting to sample the local fare.

5. Keep a travel journal/diary. I like doing it with paper and pen but my friend does his digitally on his phone and attaches photos–I also put postcards and other tidbits in my travel journal.

6. Little things can be a souvenir, too. I picked up a fun scarf one day for less than $3 as I had left my scarf back at the guest house and I was chilled–a simple but pretty scarf not only kept me warm but it was fun to wear abroad and now at home, with smiles of all the places I have worn it.

7. Have any tidbits that help? Please leave the info in the comment section below!