Last week our family was on a journey.

But you kind of know that already, thanks to several posts about Piper’s funny on the road quotes and a couple of reviews of Gettysburg (thumbs up) and Hershey World (thumbs down).

Our ultimate destination was central New York but we stopped here and there on our way north. After our fabulous and relaxing stay at our cousins’ home, our next overnight was a rendezvous with a friend and business partner near Honesdale PA.

Tim is a talented illustrator with a prolific portfolio. One of his several claims to fame is as a Hidden Pictures artist with Highlights magazine. He’s created more Hidden Pictures than any other artist in Highlights history. That’s kind of a big deal.

 

Tim was already at the Highlights conference center, having taught a class the weekend before our arrival.

We headed our trusty stead through the snowy back roads and ended up at the picturesque family farm turned retreat center of the magazine. (And we also discovered that Highlights is truly a family endeavor – and has been from the start. I found that knowledge endearing.)

We were graciously welcomed into the lodge and given a great room to crash for the evening.

And not just an empty room either – our room was fully equipped for the arrival of our road-weary kiddos. A thoughtful Highlights staff member had prepared a special bag filled with magazine goodies. The kids received Hidden Picture books and magazines and special coloring accessories, joke books and other trip-worthy treasures.

Those gifts were well used and much appreciated over the next several days spent strapped into a car.

 

The kindness didn’t end that evening.

In the morning we were invited to head to the dining area where another gracious staff member prepared and served a special breakfast just for us – chocolate chip pancakes, oatmeal and fruit and orange juice.

The Highlights retreat center was really a pick up point for Tim but was truly so much more for us. It was a little respite and a comfortable evening and a fantastic breakfast.

It was, actually, a highlight if its own.

 

 

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