YIPPPPPEEEEEEEEEEE

I am having another daughter in law!!!!! YES

Chad and Amy left for Paris yesterday .... today at the "I love you wall" in Paris, Chad proposed to Amy .....

and so, two shall become one   

I love you guys 

Catch up (but we're out of relish)

Seems I have quite a bit to catch up on here on the blog!

We left Honesdale, PA (where we went for four nights after we left Coatesville, PA) on Monday morning headed to a Fairgrounds in Cobleskill, NY.  Well we made it to Cobleskill and got a big surprise ~ thankfully Rick and I were very observant before we caused major damage.  Cobleskill from what I saw is a very depressed town (college town tho, which is surprising to me) and perhaps this is just another case of things just taking care of themselves and working out.  As we took a right off Main Street onto the street where the fairgrounds is located ~ what to our wondering eyes should appear ~ a train overpass with a height of 11' 8'' ~ well the coach is 12' 5" plus the satellite dish!  Put those breaks on Rick .... so we blocked traffic a bit for ten minutes or so to figure out a "plan".... the only way out of this was through a bank parking lot (going the wrong way in a one way area, which was the least of our concerns at this point).  However, to continue our exit strategy we had two tight left turns.  I ended up pulling four signs out of the ground so Rick could maneuver the second left (yes I did put them back in the ground) ~ Rick was laughing and laughing at me and could finally compose himself enough to say he wished he had a video of that move!  Heck a woman's got to do what a woman's got to do ya know.  

So when that maneuvering was complete we got the car out of the trailer and I went in search of an alternate route to the fairgrounds and check out the grounds.  I am glad I am fortunate enough to have a pretty decent sense of direction.  I finally found the fairgrounds and wasn't overly impressed - in the meantime Rick had headed off (the phones were not working well in the area so communication was fairly non-existent).  We couldn't find a place for Rick to turn around and at this point I was quite frustrated (read really pissed off) with the whole deal so I headed back onto the highway ~ interstate 88 I think (I was still in the car, Rick following in the coach).  We called two campgrounds in the "area" and both had not opened for the year yet!  We ended up driving onto interstate 90 and above and below are photos of where we spent Monday night!  Yeah a service area ... with less than delightful fast food .... Oh what a night ...

Yesterday our plan was to head to Bennington, VT, but when I routed that out it took us over there on route 7 and 9 and I just had a sneaking suspicion that we ran the risk of a repeat performance with low overpasses so that plan, unfortunately was scrapped.  We ended up in Bernardston, MA at a campground that I always wanted to try when we lived in MA and my parents were out here in Leyden and Greenfield.  Better late than never I guess and this is a lovely campground (now if the flippin rain will stop for 24 or 36 hours!) and being here will give me an opportunity to put some flowers at their headstone.

Now, for the Coatesville, PA area (we stayed at a Moose Lodge there for nine or ten days - I think it was).  Oh my what a gorgeous area.  I enjoyed all of PA in fact, I had no idea how beautiful that state is and I'd go back in a half a heart beat (just not through Cobleskill) and the people were all so friendly.

I think I'd mentioned in a previous post that we were in the Amish/Mennonite area (Lancaster County).  Below are two photos of a couple women out joy riding on a beautiful sunny afternoon!  Have I mentioned how much I loved that area.

Another thing I loved about the area was these beautiful old stone buildings.  I assume it is local stone because there are just so so many of these stone buildings.

The one below is a restaurant in Sadsburyville (next to Coatesville) called Harry's, where we spent some time on a few different occasions.  The place is absolutely gorgeous inside - and what restorations have been done have been meticulously done and period correct.  I just loved the place (and the food was pretty good too!)

Below are a couple shots of the Lodge we stayed at ~ they lodge owns nine acres and it too is just lovely.  Sir had lots of room to run and play and act like a fool.  There was a small pond there with ducks and geese (so we could play "duck, duck, goose").  Another warm, welcoming Lodge that we thoroughly enjoyed.

Sir even got a new "wilson" because I kicked the old one into the pond and was unable to retrieve it.  It did, eventually, get blown on the grass by a heavy wind so now we have a spare wilson.

Moving along to Honesdale, PA .. We stayed at a terrific campground there - we were both unimpressed and frustrated when we first got there - it took us an hour to try to level the coach and we weren't totally successful with it.  I ended up just loving the place.  Nice sites (although not level sites) and it was early enough in the season that we had the place pretty much to ourselves (there were three other occupied units during the week - the weekend was busier).  And we got to finally have a campfire!!  I could have stayed there for many more days.

While there we traveled into the "downtown" area about six miles away.  A nice old downtown with several interesting shops and this gorgeous old hotel that would be a terrific spot for a "sister weekend"!

So here we are back in MA, cold, wet MA ....  I sort of feel like our exploring is on hold for a while since we are all too familiar with MA .... and New England for that matter....

In closing, Chad and Amy are leaving for vacation today ... a "trip of a lifetime" ... HAVE A GREAT TIME GUYS.

brief PA post

We left the wonderful Moose Lodge in Coatesville, PA on Thursday and arrived at a private campground in Honsdale, PA.  Above is a photo from along that journey ~ when I took the photo I had intended it to show the mountains (Poconos I believe) ahead, but when I loaded the photos I was pretty impressed with the sky as well ~ not with the dirty windshield or the darker windshield at the top, but I still liked the photo enough to post it ... for whatever that's worth!

We are (sadly) leaving here today.  We had intended to be here two nights, but as often happens, we extended for two more.  I'd be happy to extend another week but that isn't to be.  It is predicted to rain most of this week - what difference does it make where you are ... rain rain rain all around.

I will do a "catch up" post later.  I have several great photos of the Coatesville area.

A history field trip

No, not the photo above.  That was after Sir played so much celebrating his birthday.

On Saturday (I think it was) Rick and hopped on the bikes and went to Valley Forge.  I "rested" under a tree and chilled (well tried to, but it was too hot to chill) while Rick rode around the grounds.  Gorgeous huh!  Very typical of this area, that I am loving so much.

These are "huts" at Valley Forge.  I imagine they do reenactments in them - do you think?!

That is the brief history post for today!  

Now I will get back to defrosting the freezer.  Too much opening the door to get ice has created quite a mess on the ice side.

A day late and ....

Yesterday was CAMELOT'S SIR ARLO'S fourth birthday.  People often ask us how old he is and Rick's reply is ... "He will be four in April If I let him" ... well Rick let him, and Sir turned four yesterday.  I am delighted that we were in an area where he (Sir NOT Rick..) got to run around and let his ears flap.  Rick was very displease with Sir and I the other day though.... The Moose Lodge where we are at has two ponds with geese and ducks in ithem and I allowed Sir, on a 90+ degree day to romp in the ponds.  I do understand why Rick was upset - it is the territory of the geese, but jeez Arlo was hot hot hot and needed to cool down.  Anyway, I am unable to load pictures of Sir, but we all know how darned handsome he is!

With that all said ... On Sunday we all (yes including Sir ... UGH)headed into Philly - (about 45 or so miles away) to do the Philly cheese steak challenge!  In "south philly" there are two "famous" cheese steak joints directly across from one another - Geno's and Pat's.  Well with the help of "smartie pants" (our GPS) we headed out (first we did have to detour to a Harley dealer along the way to purchase a new battery for a 2003 bike which is ridden WAY more than a 2001 bike!!

Above is, obviously, Geno's ... below, obviously Pat's.  Our intent was to buy a cheese steak from each - cut it in half (DAH) and compare ... well the line at Pat's was so flipping long and it was so flipping hot and we had Sir with us so.... yeah we only had one ... and it was GREAT ....  

We are still in the Coatesville, PA area.  It is so beautiful here I am not sure I want to leave. We do have a "schedule (man I HATE schedules now, but sometimes schedules happen) to be in NH around the 20th of May (or maybe the first of June?????).  

People have asked us many many times along the way what is the best area we've been to. I've always said Utah (in spite of the people there, I thought the country side (mountains) was just beautiful).  Next to that would be Tennessee (although there are far too many dry counties there - seriously, what is up with that?  Jack Daniels is in a dry county for heavens sake ... UGH don't get me going there).  Well Utah just took third place (at least) for me.  I just love this area of Pennsylvania.  It is so beautiful and the people are so warm and welcoming.  Although the Amish seem to be much much more commercialized here (a bit distressing) than those we came across in Iowa.  Also, Kimberly, you were correct with your Mennonite, Amish info.  I found a fabulous website from the Lancaster County Tourism  (I believe) It is a plethora of information ... and goes on forever.  In all our travels, I think this has been the most welcoming, informative, easy to use website for those of us "passing through".  If you find yourself with "too much time on your hands" check it out .... it goes on forever with so so so much information.

I so admire this culture.  Their lifestyle must be such a struggle as the years go by.  I remember watching a PBS documentary about the culture and my friend Maureen told me about a book she had read about the "young people coming of age" ... unfortunately Maureen could not remember the name of the book - calling all readers..... who has read it?  I want to read it also, but what is the title?

Yesterday I went out for some "retail therapy" ... it is Rick's fault ... on the way into Philly the other day, he pointed out to me that we had passed a Christmas Tree Shops.  Well heck, I've been having CTS withdrawal since 10/2007 (with the exception of when we were in NH for Princess Paige's arrival in February this year).  Seriously, friends what the hell is the attraction with that store?  I know I can always count on them to have good "tacky" flamingo stuff and napkins etc for a great price.  Other than that ....... hmmmmmm

While I was doing the retail therapy thing Rick got on his bike and headed out to a railroad museum 20 miles or so from here.  I was a bit surprised by his destination and of course (for those who know my family will realize) it brought a tear to my eye and a warm spot to my heart.  

Above, and some below, are photos from that trip ... sorry, I can't do  commentary on them 'cause I haven't a clue!

With all that said ~ our "intent" was to leave here tomorrow.  However, I be havin' a difficult time finding a reasonably priced place to be for four or five nights.    We don't need (nor want) swimming pools, playgrounds, seven hundred "planned activities") all we want is a spacious, full hook up ~ preferably pull thru ~ site reasonably priced .... DAH wouldn't think that would be difficult huh!  Trust me, in these parts it seems to be.  We had decided to opt out of interstate 95 this time ... been there done that too many times.  Seems all "campgrounds" are along 95 and foolishly priced no matter what "discount club" you belong to.  I would have no issue with a truck stop if it weren't for the fact that Sir is with us and I do the morning (7:00 AM) walk with him or if I stay up late ~ Umm 1:00, 2:00 or 3:00 AM ~ reading or facebooking etc. I will take him out before I "retire" ... NOT going to happen in a truck stop!  So we will be here for at least another night.  Then I noticed a flyer in a local restaurant today about a rock and blues fest this weekend here ~  so really, what the heck is a few more nights?  We have a month to travel, at the most 500 or 600 miles!

Decisions, decisions.  I will, hopefully, post photos of the great homes around here.  I've been trying to figure out the source and significance of the rocks that many older homes are built with.  They are just gorgeous.

Speaking of homes ~ Chad (and Amy) chill a bit ... it will ALL be fine and there truly is NO hurry.  Like I said Chad, that one wasn't meant to be, but there is one out there that IS meant to be.  I know you hate my "preaching" but sometimes, I do have a clue.  Just be thinking "parlez vous francais" right now.

Here we are in PA

We arrived in Coatesville, PA on Tuesday.  I had intended to upload some photos of our journey here (all 130 miles or so of it - I don't really remember exactly how many miles it was) but that wasn't to be and the complaint department aka/King says to stop mentioning issues with photo loading and how many days between posts ... so I won't go there)

We went into Lancaster  ... which is pronounced differently in these parts than we/I have pronounced it (but then again, what the hell do we/I know about PA pronunciation of these towns??  Actually, they are "townships, which I don't understand but will try to figure it out before we leave) The locals pronounce it with a soft "a" and I guess the emphasis is on the second syllable??? - HELP me here Maureen.  Anyway, we went "there" yesterday.

This is such beautiful country side, so it was a marvelous ride - all 25 or so miles of it through "Intercourse", "Bird In Hand" and "Paradise" ... Unfortunately "Blue Ball" was north of the route we traveled .... perhaps we will be there before we leave the area.  Aren't you so glad there aren't photos of each Township we went through!?!?

The photo above is a "side" street in Lancaster ~ it so much reminded me of Chelsea, MA (is that where Al Fresco stopped the duck for our loved ones to run in and get a celebratory beverage ... these great "side streets" with beautiful old "brown stones" ... nicely kept, so clean, neat and welcoming....

The photos below are of the Elks Lodge in Lancaster ~ what a treasure it is (no we are NOT staying there) but we sort of stumbled upon it ... what a marvelous old building - originally a "house" on one of those terrific "side streets" ... The lodge has four stories ... the lower most being the "bowling alley" (shown in the fourth photo below) the next is the main bar area and a terrific dining room off the bar (that dining room probably seats 100 or 125?), and an awesome "library" room (the photo directly below) the next level has two function areas ... probably seating 200 each ...

Check out the window where we did the tourist stuff in the photo - which was my first attempt at self timing on this new camera (or any camera for that matter --- I tried to observe Kimberly doing self timer at the "sister weekend" October 2007)  This photo doesn't really do the Lodge justice ~ the window is so much MORE beautiful than this photo shows ... I've done a bit of stained glass work and I DO appreciate what is involved, and this photo is NOT a good representation of the skill involved in THAT window.

A beautiful stairway, with a lovely window above the door ~ wish I could have eliminated the "exit" sign and still kept the integrity of the stairs and door area of the photo...... Chad, will you teach me some of these skills when I am north..... not to mention PLEASE give me a ""dummies version" of HTML so I can move around this blogger site with a some ease....  

Our travels here, including our journey from Maryland, (with the insane, aggressive drivers - THANK YOU KIMBERLY FOR CONFIRMING THAT) have been so "scenic" and calm (calm once we got the heck out of the suburban DC area - UGH that was awful) I had no idea how beautiful Pennsylvania is ... but then again, my Pennsylvania travel has only been on our return from either Daytona or Myrtle Beach in about 2006 or 2005 on the way back from a rally (either M.B or Daytona obviously) from vacation.  On that trip we stopped in Gettysburg for a few days - do I need to remind anyone how much I dislike "history" but I dutifully followed along (but NOT singing a song, day by day).

This area of PA where we are at (Coatesville) is just great.  I will try to post a photo or two of this lovely property ...

As is often the case, we thought we'd be here for two or three days, but we are going on our fourth night (I think) and I would be very happy to be here for another week.  

I'm not sure I've mentioned this, but we are headed to New England ... we had planned to be there for a few (three or four) weeks at some point this summer, but we may be there a bit longer)  There is a "sister weekend" planned for the Peck girls mid July and a Peck family Christmas bar-b-que  and Yankee swap - I can't wait  ~  and  Rick thinks he will be doing Laconia bike week with the "Amigos" ... not to mention doctors and scan appointments in July .... and we HAVE to be in Middleboro for "old time's sake" ... for campfires and vacation drinks with umbrellas etc.    

sometimes it just isn't what you had hoped ...

Do you think?  

My mother once told me that the anticipation of an event was far greater than the actual event .... hmmm ... Mom often had this dark sense of reality ... (truth be told, that quote was when I had a new sofa and love seat delivered, after a wait of about eight weeks, and I was so so disappointed).  

With all that said, we are leaving the DC area in the morning.

There are so many things we didn't do while we were here and actually, if it hadn't been for the time we spent with our niece, this stop was a HUGE disappointment!  And as everyone who has ever been in this area knows, something is very wrong if a "visit" to DC is considered a disappointment.....

Yes, I was glad to have seen the memorials I saw, and delighted to enjoy one rainy, raw and  cold day and one fabulous, gorgeous "foot loose and fancy free" day with Elisha, Rick and Arlo seeing some sights and Georgetown (yeah yeah yeah, and again Elisha thank you for that suggestion) but I had NO idea that I wouldn't see anything inside any building (unless dogs are allowed - DAH do you think that would happen - dogs in any of the buildings - NOT!!) - all the history, the Smithsonian's (and in all fairness I wasn't all that excited if I couldn't see the Smithsonian with the Hope Diamond and Ruby Slippers - which was "closed in preparation for renovations"!!) but I had no idea that all the trips into DC had to include Sir Arlo because making use of the "dog walker" here at the "campground" wasn't an option for the Whelan family.

So we truly should have left here on Saturday - because anything beyond that we have been in a very expense state of limbo .... I guess we need better communication in the future (do you think) on any destination/event that is suppose to be one of the "major highlights" of a lifetime or if there is another over the edge priced stop.  Live and learn and that is all part of this journey Rick, Arlo and I are on.

On top of that I haven't found the people in the area particularly friendly and the drivers - oh god, forget the drivers ... people say New York and Boston drivers are rude ... I have never, in all the travel around this country in the last year and a half, seen ANYTHING like these drivers - they are rude and aggressive and it is ALL ABOUT THEM - imagine that in an area so full of us "tourists").  

Plus the fact that it can take up to an hour to travel ten flipping miles by car - not only into DC, but in the suburbs where we tried to get to a Trader Joe's on Saturday (finally finally got in the Trader Joe area again)!!!  I so love that market and have had Trader Joe withdrawal/anxiety for months.  And when we got there I suppose the chaos of the journey was "worth it", but they hadn't put the daffodils in water for heavens sake (and there must have been 400 bunches of them in that water deprivation) - all these gorgeous dafs at $1.29 for a bunch of 10 not in water - how long do you think those lasted?!?!  When I got the three bunches home (yes I did put them in water when I got to the  car) it was "too little too late" I guess because I just "tossed" them ~ about 50 hours after they came into the coach .... UGH that shouldn't be and I should have known better - if they weren't in water how long could they possibly last?  Heck I go through how many (maybe five) 16 ounce bottle os H2O in a day ....

So, it is pouring outside, I am headed to bed shortly.  We are thinking we will head to the Amish country in PA tomorrow for a few days (then either east to Atlantic City or North to NY, neither areas we've seen along the routes we are considering) ... I loved the calm when we were in the Amish country in Iowa .... we shall see, but I am fairly certain most places in PA will be calmer and gentler than where we are at now.  

A trivia question as I close this out .... the "travel guides" for Lancaster County, PA (where I believe we will be tomorrow evening) refer to it as the Pennsylvania Dutch Country ... what is Pennsylvania Dutch compared to Amish or Mennonite?  If you look at Chamber of Commerce type info it refers to the area as both?  So for those in the know - what is the difference?  At any rate, I am hoping we wont get run off the road there by aggressive drivers ..