I Met Barb and Kathysue!...or...We Partied on the Porch!

I have just returned from one of the best experiences of my life! I got to meet two of my favorite blogger friends....Barb at Grits and Glamour and Kathysue of Rate My Space! As bloggers, I am sure you are aware of the closeness that develops among fellow bloggers even though you have never even met! So when we had an opportunity to meet in person, we jumped at the chance! Here we are...l to r...moi, Barb and Kathysue!


And since we will be partying on the porch, I am hooking up with Barb again for her Porch and Patio Party!! So be sure to swing by her wonderful blog to see who else is joining us! Wooo hooo!

We planned our stay at the beautiful old Black Walnut Bed and Breakfast Inn in Asheville, North Carolina. We could not have chosen a better setting! It is an historic home designed by the architect of the Biltmore House! Isn't it gorgeous?

Barb was the first to arrive, next me, and then finally Kathysue! Barb and I were waiting in the driveway when Kathysue pulled up. Needless to say, there was much squealing and hugging when she got out of her car! This is our first photo together...meeting in person at last! Don't we look happy? We had two whole days to spend together!

We owe this wonderful opportunity to Kathysue's sweet hubby, Doug! He was the one who made all of the arrangements for a getaway to the nearby Biltmore Estate for Kathysue...a lifelong dream come true for her! He was also very patient as we gabbed and laughed, smiling at Kathysue as only a loving husband can. We also have Doug to thank for the photos you are seeing! What a great guy!! Thanks, Doug!!

We immediately set off for a tour of the inn...just beautiful! Imagine three women interested in decorating checking out every detail of the place...the furniture, the paint color, the wallpaper, the drapes, the lighting, the carpet...

...and even the shower!! lol

Next, we toured the beautiful grounds, but I am saving that for an Outdoor Wednesday post!

We sat on the big front porch in rocking chairs and had a chance to really get acquainted. So does this count for Barb's Porch and Patio Party? I say...yes! We sat on the porch and had a party...right??? lol Barb is just as you imagine her...funny and full of energy! Her wheels are constantly turning and she never tires of taking on a new project! I loved to hear her talk because now when I read her blog, I will hear her voice!

We had brought each other little goody bags. Here is Kathysue showing Doug one of her surprises. She is also just the way I imagined...funny and sweet! I love her laugh! It's contagious! The colors she wears are just what you expect...black and white with pops of other colors! Soooo Kathysue! lol Barb and I Southernized her, as she says, and introduced her to chicken biscuits and dirty rice at Bojangles!! And, once again, I am so happy that I will be able to hear her voice when I read her words!

We had a wonderful afternoon rocking on the porch and really getting acquainted. It was like best friends from high school who had not seen each other for a while who pick up right where they left off! When we told the staff our story, they were surprised and said they thought we were old friends! And that's just how it felt!! We had a lovely supper together and then, after chatting into the night, we got up early to check out the Goodwill hunting in Asheville! I have reported on my finds in my previous post. What fun!! I will also be showing you some shots of the tea room for Tablescape Thursday!

I hated for our time together to end! Two nicer, more wonderful ladies do not exist on this earth! I miss them so much already! It was without a doubt one of the best experiences of my life! And now I want to meet more of my blogger friends! If you get a chance, jump at it! You will be so glad you did! And don't forget to drop by Barb's to see who else is partying!!