As we were working out the details of the trip, my son came home from school with a notice from his German teacher. The date for a panel discussion that Clemson was hosting for area high school German students, an event we had been looking forward to, was set for “my Saturday”. “Well, never mind,” I thought. “Clemson is on the way and the event is in the morning.” It meant we would only have half the day, but we could still have tea. My husband called to make the reservations. They were booked for “my Saturday.”

Things were getting off to a disappointing start, but I was determined to have a wonderful birthday and decided that a visit to the Carl Sandburg House and a dinner in a restaurant in downtown Hendersonville would still be fun.

On “my Saturday,” my husband, our son, and I went to the Clemson event. Clemson had invited a panel of some present and former German Language students to talk about their experiences as exchange students, interns and/or employees at German companies. It was quite fun to hear these young people speak. I enjoy being around enthusiastic people who are unabashedly enjoying the opportunities that come their way. It is an added treat to be around young people whose opportunities and choices are just beginning. First gift of the day- a recharging of joy about this excursion called life.

Then, we were off to Flat Rock to see Carl Sandburg’s house. What a delightful place. The home’s natural setting was soul-refreshing. The couple’s life-story was inspiring. Here was a couple whose mutual admiration, respect, and support allowed them each to explore their individual talents. He was a writer celebrating the simple life and she was a goat breeder, creating life, so to speak. The second gift of the day- a gentle reminder of the quiet joy that that kind of marriage brings- the kind of marriage that my husband and I also share.

From there, we rode over to Hendersonville. Although Savannah’s on Main was booked (and closed by the time we got into town) and I wouldn’t be able to have tea there on this occasion, my husband wanted me to know where it was and how to get there; for future reference. We found it and then, searching for a dinner destination, we strolled down Main Street discovering lots of shops I would love to have been able to go into. I purposefully chose a restaurant I thought my fellows would enjoy. The food was good, the conversation and company were excellent. The third gift of the day- the joy of being with those you love and knowing they love you.

The fourth gift of the day was actually received on the following Thursday. My husband had insisted that I return to Hendersonville with a friend to fulfill my tea and antique shopping wish. I could certainly see why Savannah’s on Main was all booked up on the previous Saturday. The tea room was a spacious and elegantly appointed area in the rear of a retail shop. The day of our visit was rainy and a bit dreary outside, but the deep red walls of the tea room and Barbara and her husband’s warm and welcoming personalities filled the inside with cheer. The psychological effect of the color red is supposed to be excitement, but this particular shade just felt cozy and comforting on this rainy day. The aroma of the “tea of the day,” black currant, seemed just the perfect fit for the weather and the surroundings. The menu, I was told, changes daily. If it is always as good as what we were served, and I am sure it must be, then I intend to make Savannah’s on Main part of an annual Hendersonville pilgrimage. The selection of antique stores on Main Street was impressive, as were the art and specialty shops. When autumn breezes blow in a desire for antique shopping and teatime in the mountains, Hendersonville “leaves” nothing to be desired.

Wishing you a pleasant teatime,