Dirt Road Adventures: Celebrating The Season, Recipes & More

Happy Sunday, and welcome to Dirt Road Adventures! This is where we review all the exciting events behind the scenes, on the website, and the sources of inspiration I discovered online during the past week. This weekly recap ensures you don’t miss any of our adventures here at the end of our Dirt Road.

Hey Friends,

We’ve had a busy week behind the scenes here at The Ponds Farmhouse. I promised myself that after 6 months of being semi-confined, I’d take advantage of the holiday season activities. The week began with a fun girls’ day out. We visited Kernersville, NC, for lunch and to browse the quaint downtown. We visited a great little market with old-timey candies and lots of goodies made in North Carolina, such as Fruit Cakes, Flavored Peanuts, Peanut Brittle, and Moravian Cookies. Then we gathered for our monthly birthday group dinner and enjoyed a delicious meal, and celebrated Christmas! Next, on Friday night, we braved the cold to participate in Christmas on Sunset. The streets are closed off, and all the shops are open. There are live nativity scenes, photo ops, and carriage rides. The mules caught our eye and posed for a picture.

My friend Vicky and I decided to make a tradition of having our picture taken with Frosty. We had a good chuckle when we noticed how skinny he was. Although this year was much colder, Frosty appeared to be melting compared to last year’s photo.

Then, on Saturday, Brad and I went to Gold Hill, NC a preserved historic gold-mining town. They have quaint little shops and activities to celebrate the season. We spotted Santa and the Grinch strolling the streets. We had lunch and enjoyed visiting the shops. The sweet shop was the best with hot chocolate and the best red velvet cake ever.

In the middle of all these fun activities, I had my CT scan to determine if I’m cancer-free. I’ll not know the results until I see my Doctor on Friday, Dec. 19th. I’ll also learn when I have to start the cancer pill. I’m hoping it will be after Christmas.

(Posts on The Ponds Farmhouse may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. See the full disclosure details here.)

This past week was filled with some last-minute DIY projects and lots of recipe ideas. I experimented with simple syrup and mocktail recipes. I found the secret to making non-alcoholic mocktails that taste as good or better than the original cocktail, just without the hangover. As you prepare for the holiday festivities, I hope these ideas are helpful in your planning.

In Case You Missed It

Adventures Off The Dirt Road

Why Didn’t I Think of That?

There are so many wonderful blog posts each week, and I’m sharing some of my favorites with you today.

There are so many creative ideas, and I’m always asking myself, “Why didn’t I think of that”? LOL

• I love all these stunning wreath ideas Jennifer shared.
• Bows are so popular this year, and Jill shared some really creative ribbon and bow ideas for Christmas decorating.
• You’re sure to get inspired with Kim’s 100 Christmas Decor Ideas.
• Ann has the perfect setting for this stunning Vintage Ski Lodge Porch Decor.
• Stacy’s Winter Planter Ideas are just amazing.
• This Green and Plaid Christmas Tree stopped me mid-scroll.
• I loved the sentimental story CoCo shared behind this stunning blue-and-white Christmas home tour.

Thrifting Adventures

When the girls were in Kernersville, we went into a little vendor shop, and I found the cutest vintage snowman planter. I think he looks like the original cartoon Frosty The Snowman. I’m using him to hold candy canes for my coffee bar.

Coming Soon

• Thrifting with the Gals – Best Vintage, Antique, & Old Fashioned Christmas Decoration Ideas
• Ideas for Decorating with Old Windows and Doors
• And More!