New Cabinets and Applesauce

What, you ask, do new cabinets and applesauce have to do with each other? Well, let me tell you.

This morning we took the motorhome to the Amish farm of Samuel Stoltzfus, the owner of Hillside Furniture in Gordonville, PA to have our new drawers installed under the cook top and kitchen sink. His son, Mahlon, who was doing the work, had already come to the motorhome and done all his needed measuring. They were ready to install.

We got the motorhome parked after I almost took out their clothes line. They saw us coming and reeled the clothes line in and I figured we would clear it - wrong! I didn't take into account that the cloths still attached were weighing it down. I think it (the clothes line) bounced over the King Dome before I came to a stop. I backed up to free it and the one daughter proceeded to take the clothes off the line which really helped. I pulled in and parked without further incident.

Mahlon met us and showed up the finished drawers and proceeded to begin installing them. I noticed that the mother and daughter were sitting pairing apples so I walked over to talk to them. That began a morning of fun and education for me. Linda, the mother, got me a chair so I could sit and talk while they paired three bushels of apples. I offered to help but guess I didn't sound like I meant it so I just sat and talked and watched. I noticed a wood burning stove type thing in the drive and asked what it was for. Linda told me that was where they would cook the apples to make applesauce. I could tell this was definitely going to be educational for me! After a little while she put about half of the apples in the top to cook. Of course she had to keep the fire going to keep it hot enough to boil. Midway through the cooking process, she asked if I would stir the apples that were cooking and I jumped at the occasion and said yes. There is a picture at Picasa as proof! After the apples were cooked enough, we dipped (yes, me included) them out into big buckets. From there, their youngest son proceeded to press the cooked apples, separating the skin and seeds from the apple(sauce). Picture of that is posted as well. I was put in charge of stirring the sugar into the pails of applesauce, it sure gave my arm a workout. We are talking 5 gallon buckets of applesauce! Linda was dipping the sugar out of a 100lb bag of sugar. I've never seen such a big bag of sugar. She said they always buy it that way during canning season because they use so much. Naturally I had to sample each bucket to make sure that Linda put in enough sugar and ummm good, the best applesauce I've tasted. Anyway, after the sugar was stirred in it was put into jars to be sealed. When the second batch of apples were cooked and the cooker emptied, it was cleaned out and then water put back in the top. Then the jars of the applesauce were sat in to heat back up. When they are taken out and sat on the table to cool, that creates a vacuum and thereby seals the jars for storage. Quite a process. I'll continue buying my applesauce in the grocery store but it won't taste as good as theirs. Linda insisted on giving me two jars for my hard work. One I'll have after we get back to Montgomery, the smaller one we will eat between here and there!

It was so nice talking with Linda and her daughter (I never did get here name). It was like we'd been friends for quite awhile. I talked about Amish ways and "our" ways. I told her that there were times when I long for the quiet peaceful lifestyle they live but that I know I wouldn't last over a day! She laughed and said I would probably last longer than that - at least until it was time to shovel manure - LOL! She asked about our lifestyle of living in the RV.

OK, during my fun time, Mahlon was installing the drawers and all to soon Dean said they were in and the work was done. I was hoping it would take all day! The work he did was really great and the fit is like it was made that way. No easy task because as Dean said, nothing was straight where the cabinets are concerned.

I want to recommend Hilltop Furniture and Samuel Stoltzfus and his five sons for any carpentry work any of our RV'ing friends may need done. Excellent workmanship and fair prices. I have posted pictures at Picasa of our new drawers. I'm sure they will serve us well. Now I don't have to climb inside the cabinet to get to something in the back!

If you get to Lancaster County and want some carpentry work done here is Samuel's contact information: Hilltop Furniture, 310 S. Groffdale Rd. Gordonville, PA 17529 Phone 717-768-8433. Never open on Sunday! Be sure and tell him we said hello.

There is a fair starting today in New Holland that I would like to go to. We'll see how the weather holds out. I'll post about it if we go. Till next time, God Bless....

Pictures are posted at Picasa.

Farmers Market, Food and Fun

I'm a bit behind again but will attempt to catch you up on our weekend.

We spent Friday with friends, Byron & Linda, going to Bird-In-Hand Farmers Market, a countryside Amish store, drinking some home made root beer, driving the back roads, shopping a general store and eating way to much food at Shady Maple.

Linda was really mad at herself as we walked through the farmers market. She knew that we were going to go there, but not knowing what to expect, she stocked her freezer with meats from Wal-Mart. She could only drool over all the fresh cut meats etc. at we walked past. Next time Linda will know - lol. The countryside Amish store was one that we visited in June when our granddaughter Morgan was with us and we did the buggy ride. I couldn't remember where it was so I stopped at the buggy ride place and asked. Home made root beer, home made soft pretzel's and other home made goodies await anyone that stops there. Also a lot of craft items for sale including hand stitched quilts. A really neat place and not on the beaten tourist path.

Shady Maple - all I can say about it is food, food and more food. So many choices it's hard to decide on what to eat. A good way is to just take a little bite of what you think you want, try it and then go back for more. Everything from drink to desert is included for one price. Can't beat it! After stuffing ourselves we went to the general store beside Shady Maple in a effort to walk some of our meal off. Nice try but didn't work. It is a interesting store to wander through though. Kind of like a small Wal-Mart only different items.

Saturday was Adamstown Oktoberfest. Yep, we went. It was a great afternoon of music and dancing. The band was the Alex Meixner band and they were very good. The leader, Alex, is a very talented young man who can really tare up the accordion plus play the trumpet and the alpenhorn. The performances by the Liederkranz Schuhplatters Dancers were really entertaining. They even had a youth group that were amazing. The youngest was about 3 or 4 years old. It was nice to see that this was a family event. Many young couples with their children in attendance and on the dance floor with kids in tow. Yes, there was beer and wine, but I saw no one that seemed to be overdoing it. We left around 6pm and drove home in the rain. It continued all night long.

Byron and Linda left Sunday morning in a foggy, drizzly start to the day. I hope it cleared for them down the road. I hated seeing them go, but they are heading toward the south slowly and will be in LA in November. I'm hoping that we will catch up with them again this winter. We really enjoy our time spent with them.

Dean and I spent yesterday relaxing since the weather wasn't conducive to doing much. This morning we are heading to Ephrata to the grocery store and then stopping at Shady Maple Supermarket for some ham. We bought some fresh green beans at the farmers market and need some ham to make ham-n-beans today. Yummy, love it!

I had a call this morning from Samuel, the Amish carpenter that is doing work for our motorhome and he will have it ready by Wednesday. I'm ready for the drawers and anxious to see how they turn out. Of course I'll post pictures when it's all done.

I have posted pictures of the Oktoberfest on Picasa - hope you enjoy them.

Till next time - God Bless!

We Have Moved To Lancaster

It will be a week Saturday since Suze left us and flew back to Alabama. The first couple of days we spent relaxing. Gosh darn, I guess I'm getting old!!! I was just totally wore out after 10 days of going, going and more going. I'm not used to the pace. Dean and I go and rest, go and rest .... you get the picture. After a day of total relaxation, we decided it was time to catch up on the laundry. Off we went to a laundromat in Gettysburg where we filled five double load machines and spend nearly two and a half hours getting it all done. When we got back to the motorhome Dean asked "what are we doing with the stack of sheets and blankets behind your chair". Well, we went off and forgot all about the bedding that was used for Suze - dah!!! And I thought we were done - not! The next couple of days Ispent cleaning the inside of the motorhome. Yes couple of days - a little at a time. I'm retired ya know. Dean was so nice, he offered to take the bedding and visit the campground laundry room, I didn't argue. The end of our week was spent visiting with my Aunt Dottie and her daughter Carol who both live in Chambersburg. We went through a lot of old pictures and just had a good time talking and visiting. Dean and I did make one more trip to Thurmont, Md to eat at Mountain Gate (again), a big buffet for 6.75 a person. You just can't cook for that price!!! As always it was yummy.



Today, Friday, we moved to Lancaster County to have a Amish carpenter make and install some sliding drawers in the kitchen area. I can hardly wait to get them in - more space!! Our friends, Linda & Byron Landry from LA are here also. They were in DC and heading to Indiana to have some carpentry done and I told them about Lancaster County and the Amish man that was recommended to us. Surprise, they changed their mind and came here. They had a shelf installed under the front cabinet, over the driver. This is where their electronics are stored. It looks great!

Last night we went to Jennies Diner on route 30 for dinner. Wow - was it good. Linda and Byron tried something new - lettuce with hot bacon dressing. From the looks of their bowl, they liked it! I had it also as it had been years since I last ate it. Linda also like the pepper slaw. The biggest problem up here is they just don't understand small servings!

Today we are going to the Bird-In-Hand Farmers market, one of my favorite places. Linda and Byron have never been so I think they are in for a treat. Then we will be heading to Shady Maple for lunch. Have you been there? If so you know how good (or in PA dutch - goot) it is.

Tomorrow we are going to a Octoberfest in Adamstown which should be a lot of fun. I love the omm-papa bands. Maybe they will even do the wild turkey, or as better know, the chicken dance.

The campground we are staying at is very nice. All adult and quiet, no activities. But, the down side is it is very expensive and it's would be quicker to tell you what you can do rather then the rules of what you can't do! We do have a five mile view out our front window so that makes up for it.

I haven't taken any pictures yet but will get some soon and post them. Probably after Sunday and the Octoberfest. So check back in a day or so. Till then ......

Suze's Time In PA

Suze hadn't been back to PA in about 11 years so the four days that she was here with us were "her days". On Tuesday we drove to Harrisburg, which I've already covered in my previous post.

Wednesday was shopping day for the care package that she wanted to ship back to Alabama. It included mostly Tastykake products and of course some Penn State items - she is quite the fan even though she is in Alabama!

Wednesday night we met her friend from high school, Donna along with her three children and her mother for dinner at Mountain Gate in Thurmont, MD. I'm always up for a trip there - great food, just to much.

Thursday was Chambersburg day. We met our Aunt Dottie for breakfast then went back to her home to sort through a lot of old family pictures - some back at least three generations or more. Mid-afternoon it was time for a snack so off to the Igloo for some really great black raspberry ice cream. Yummy!

Thursday evening we had a family dinner at Mountain Gate in Waynesboro, PA. Yep, same name and same good food! It was really great seeing everyone that came. Bud and Sherry (cousin), Sonny (cousin), Diane & Tex (cousin), Carol and Wayne (cousin), Eileen and her two boys (2nd cousin) and my Auntie Dottie. Of course Dean, Suze and me. A really wonderful family time.

Friday was Lancaster day. Suze had several things she wanted to pick up from there so off we went early morning since it is about a 90 minute drive from Gettysburg. Our first stop was Bird-In-Hand Farmers Market. Surprisingly, Suze found everything she wanted there. We spent about 2 1/2 hours wandering through the market. It's a great place and I highly recommend it if your ever in the area. We then decided to take a short drive through the Amish back country. We happened upon a wood crafter (they are plentiful) that works on motorhomes. We want to have some work done so we stopped and will be heading there this coming Thursday. I'll post pictures of before and after next week. Anyway we then took off in search of Country Haven Campground to make reservations. Found it and we are set with a front row spot overlooking a beautiful valley. Picture will also come next week.

Our final stop was to visit with my cousin Barry and his sweet wife Connie. We spent about two hours with them, just chatting and catching up on our families. Barry and Suze are both BIG Penn State fans so they decided to go to the game in 2011 when Alabama come to State College to play Penn State. Suze was invited to stay with them. She is so excited about this opportunity. She has never been to State College so will be experiencing something new when she comes back.

Arriving back home, Suze had to get packed for her flight home in the morning and we all got to bed somewhat early (for us).

Saturday morning we drove Suze to Middletown, PA to the Harrisburg Intl. Airport for her flight to Atlanta. From Atlanta she drove home to Montgomery. She made it safe and sound but hopefully she didn't catch the flu on the flight. She has not been feeling well since arriving home. I pray she gets to feeling better real soon. Can't take a vacation and then call in sick the first day back to work - right? Her boss won't let her take a vacation again! This happened earlier this year when she took a Carnival cruise with some friends - she came home with the neurovirus. Was out of work almost a week.

Dean and I are exhausted. We are not used to going so hard every day. No regrets though. It's now our time to catch our breath and relax for a few days. I will go back to Chambersburg to visit my aunt again on Wednesday. Thursday we move to New Holland for at least a week while we have some changes made inside the motorhome. Then we will move back to Artillery Ridge for almost two weeks. During that time we will be going to S. Mountain Apple Festival - that promises to be fun.

We will begin our trek southward around the 16th of October. Hope to make a few day stop someplace around the Smokies. We don't need to be in Montgomery until November 1st.

So that about catches me up. Until next week sometime, take care and God Bless....

Pennsylvania - Again

Monday we returned to Pennsylvania, my birth state. I always feel like I'm "coming home" when I do return here even though I've lived more years out of the state than I did in it.

The drive from Lockport was long, almost 400 miles, but not a bad drive. Most of it was on US 15 and I was surprised to find more four lane portions than two lane. It was a very pleasant drive with lots and lots of pretty scenery including trees that are beginning to turn to fall colors.

The Pennsylvania Welcome Center we stopped at was really very nice - it rivals the one in New York that I had posted about earlier. Here again, would love to be able to camp there and enjoy the views.

We are settled in at Artillery Ridge for at least a week. I guess we are lucky because they have several horse associations coming in the end of the week and I was able to get us one of the better sites where we can use our King Dome and our sat. for internet. I thought we would have to move on Friday but yesterday I was told that we could stay put. We will be in the middle of the group but as long as they don't mind, I won't either. The gal in the office warned me that Saturday evening it may stay "busy" quite late. In other words they may party - I told her that as long as I had a heads up I didn't have a problem, that I would go introduce myself and join in - HA!

Yesterday we drove to Harrisburg to visit with my great-uncle Ben and my aunt Carolyn. Suze hasn't seen them since 1998! My uncle turns 95 next week and still gets around fairly well and lives alone in his own house. My aunt is in her 80's and still drives which around Harrisburg is a feat in itself!!! Traffic is horrific! We went to lunch with my aunt then took off to Wal-Mart (how come they end up in every blog?) for some artificial flowers since we were going to go to the cemeteries where my grandparents are buried.

We did make a short stop so Suze could visit with her natural father. She hadn't seen him since 1982. From what she said, she had a nice visit. No, I didn't go in, Dean and I waited in the car.

Suze wanted some Penn State items so we went off in search for them and found most of what she wanted at the local mall. From there is was a stop at two cemeteries and then back 50 miles to the campground.

Today we are going shopping for Tastykake's for Suze to ship back to Alabama - can't buy them there. We will probably go into Gettysburg to look in some of the shops early afternoon. Then later we will be driving to Thurmont, MD to Mountain Gate Restaurant to meet Suze's friend from high school, Donna. Promises to be a good meal tonight : - )

That's all for now - catch you on the next round...

A Day In Canada

Canada, oh Canada - it was fun but I'm glad to be home!

Yesterday we drove across the Rainbow Bridge into Canada. Our destination for the day was Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Dean and I had visited this town in 2001 and I knew that Suze would really enjoy seeing it. It should be called Flower Town as there are flowers everywhere. It is a tourist town with lots of shops lining the street and tourists from all over the world. One just has to sit on one of the benches and chances are you will see people from many countries.

After a afternoon of walking, looking, and a little shopping we went to the park by Lake Ontario where the Niagara River comes to a end. The weather was perfect today and that made it great for a day at the park for a lot of people. We saw at least a half dozen newlyweds. Not sure if the wedding had taken place at the park or if they were there just for picture taking. Either way it is a beautiful setting for the occasion.

Heading back to Niagara Falls we stopped at a winery to sample Ice Wine. Ummm good. If you haven't had any and you get this way be sure to stop and sample some.

Dinner was at the Fallsview Casino buffet. It was very good but also very pricey! $22.00 per person. We decided that paying that much we wanted a table with a view. We had to wait about 5 min, but it was worth it. We looked out at the American Falls. What a view!

After eating we went to their courtyard area for the falls in color. It was a little disappointing as there was so much shrub and trees it was difficult to get a really good view. Oh well, you live and learn - right? I did get a couple of nice pictures though.

Leaving Niagara Falls, Canada after dark was a nightmare!! People everywhere making it very difficult to drive - especially when your not sure where your going. We finally made it back to the bridge and cleared customs without any wait or problems. It's so good to be back in the US of A!!! I Love America!

I have posted pictures at Picasa - I hope you enjoy them. If anyone know the names of some of the flowers/plants let me know. Especially the one plant that has the flowers hanging upside down.

Till next time - God Bless and be safe....

Awesome Niagara Falls

For those who have been to Niagara Falls, you understand the title - for those who haven't been, it should be on your don't miss list.

We saved $5.00 and parked just outside the Niagara Falls State Park, parking in the park is $10.00. The walk was about a block to get to the visitors center and looking at the parking lot that is in the park, it was actually about the same distance away. We bought a Discovery Pass that includes riding the Maid of the Mist, Cave of the Winds, Niagara Gorge Discovery Center, Niagara Aquarium and the movie, Niagara - Legends of the Adventure.

We began our time at Niagara State Park taking the Maid of the Mist boat ride. Dean and I had done this several years ago, but the thrill is still the same. This time we were smart and opted to stay downstairs where you don't get as wet as you do upstairs. When the boat gets close to the Canadian Falls it's like you are in a hard rain shower with wind. We at least had some protection. Suze opted to go upstairs to the open deck. When the ride was over and we met back up, she was a little wet!!

I just can't decide where the falls are the most beautiful - looking up at them or looking across at them or looking down on them. What do you think. Let me know after you look at the tons of pictures that I will be posting on Picasa.

Being on the US side had it's advantages. You can get right up beside the river and witness the power of the water first hand, before it goes over the falls. It is awesome. You are right by the rapids, where I believe the trolley hostess said the river falls 25 feet in elevation toward the falls. I can't remember ever seeing water moving so fast! You don't really get to see this on the Canadian side.

Our next stop was Goat Island - this was after a expensive lunch of hamburgers and a drink at the snack bar at the welcome center. I forgot to mention that our Discovery ticket included a all day pass on the parks trolley system. Anyway, we boarded the trolley for the ride to Goat Island where we found even more spectacular view of the falls from river height. After looking around, off we went to the Cave of the Winds tour.

First disappointment - there is no cave!! We donned our special sandals and rain gear and off we went - first a elevator ride down 200 feet through a cut in the rock. Then a long walk through a tunnel - I guess the could call it a cave but it was man made. Then out to a walkway along the side of the hill. Unfortunately there were just to many steps and we opted not to do the entire walkway that takes you to the bottom of Bridal Falls and then brings you back up to the middle of bridal falls to a deck called Hurricane Deck. I've experienced enough hurricane winds and rain so don't really feel like I missed much except for being very close to the falls. There was a handicapped ramp that took you close to Bridal Falls and we walked that. You could sense the force of the water from that point, get wet from the mist and certainly hear the thunder/roar of the water as it hits the bottom of the falls.

The American Falls have a lot of rocks at the bottom and we were told that is where the "cave" used to be. In the 1930's it collapsed killing three people who were touring - a couple on their honeymoon and one other person - how sad. The park just has never changed the name from Cave of the Winds - as we were told, when Walt Disney died, they didn't' change the name of Disney World!

I have to add for my family - be sure and look at the picture of Dean, ready for to go on this tour - it's probably the only time you will ever see him in sandals - LOL!!!

We walked to Terrapin Point - the US side of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls. By this time my legs were beginning to ache so I stayed on the upper level but Suze went down to the point. The water here had such a beautiful green color to it as it began it's fall downward. I've captured, as best I could, this in a couple of my pictures. I hope you enjoy them.

Buy the time we walked back to the snack area it was almost 5pm and we were all getting very tired. We did watch a squirrel getting into the trash can to retrieve his dinner - french fries. He was so cute and you could walk right up and he wouldn't run. I guess he was used to people and was determined to stay for dinner!! Of course I have a couple of pictures of him also.

We rode the trolly back to the Visitor Center and watched the movie Niagara: Legends of Adventure. A very good movie.

Back to the car we went after a little shopping (for Suze) and headed home. It was a wonderful day although it stayed overcast. We actually decided that overcast was good because it kept the temperature down. The only problem with overcast is you don't get the rainbow at the falls.

Six tired puppies (feet) were glad to see the motorhome and it didn't take long before we all were in bed dreaming of tomorrow (actually today) and what is in store - the Canadian side of Niagara Falls plus more.

As I mentioned, I'll be getting my pictures posted at Picasa so be sure to check them out. Meanwhile - Au reviour (hee-hee, not sure I spelled that right but you get my drift).

Niagara Falls, Not Quite

Tuesday we saw Ohio in our rear view mirror after almost three really nice weeks of touring three different areas of the state. New York here we come...

Our first stop in New York was at the Welcome Center off I-86. It sits on a hill looking down at Lake Chautauqua - a very large lake. This has to be one of the most beautiful Welcome Centers we have ever stopped at. Beautiful views of the lake, lots and lots of rose bushes in the front of the building and the center itself is huge. Pictures are posted at Picasa.

We continued on toward Lockport and the RPI (Resort Parks International) campground Niagara's Lazy Lakes via mostly two lane highway that was good road with shoulder. I preferred it to the interstate around Buffalo that was just crazy busy!!! We had to do a few miles of it and that was enough - I'll avoid it as much as possible while in the area.

After about 20 miles on more two lane highway we arrived at the campground. Our friends, Nancy and Jake were already here and didn't expect to see us as we were arriving a day ahead of our schedule, so it was fun surprising them. It was also nice seeing them again for a couple of days as now we don't know when we'll see each other again as they will be going on up to the New England states and we will head to Pennsylvania next Monday.

Yesterday we drove back to Buffalo to pick up Suze at the airport. Yep, I took the back roads, not the interstate - HAH! It was a nice ride and we had no problems finding the airport, a close parking spot and the terminal. After a short wait which we spend watching people go through security, Suze arrived and back to the campground we headed with a couple of stops including a hardware store and a grocery store.

We gave her about a hour to rest up and left for a ride on the Erie Canal at Lockport.

This was a very nice boat ride that lasted about a hour and a half. We actually went through two locks, number 34 & 35, saw the "Flight of Five" locks which are now a waterfall, passed under several bridges including the largest single span bridge in the US, the upside down train bridge, and two lift bridges. It was very interesting hearing the story of how the canal was built and how much time it saved the travelers back in days past. The story of the canal can be found at www.eriecanal.org

After the boat trip we had dinner at a real Italian restaurant in Lockport, De Flippo's. I highly recommend it. It is a three generation restaurant in what was the family home. Delicious!!

We returned home tired but spent some time sitting out and talking with Jake and Nancy - they leave in the morning. Safe travels to them!

Still ahead is Niagara Falls, both the American and Canadian side, so check back soon.

Pictures are at Picasa...

Geneva-on-the-Lake and More

Yesterday we drove to Geneva-on-the-Lake which reminded me of the typical seaside town with one exception - it is located by Lake Erie. There is a beautiful state park just outside of town and several campgrounds in the area. The town itself is touristy, of course. We ate at a restaurant named Mary's Kitchen and Dean had a great meal, me on the other hand had a really bad one. I'll start with Dean's - he had stuffed peppers and it was so good he ate almost all of his meal. I had fried Alaska paddock and it was awful! I'll never order that again. For one thing, I don't believe it was cooked thoroughly. The thicker parts of the fish were like mush or gel. Not flaky at all. I said something to the waitress and she said that is how it's supposed to be. Sure it is!!! I guess you win some and lose some.

We drove the highway that follows the lake to Ashtabula where I wanted to see the draw bridge again. I had seen a hill that you can park on and look down at the bridge so that's where we headed. The bridge is called the Fifth Stree or Bascule Draw Bridge (Bascule is a medieval term for draw bridge). It is unusual in that it uses a concrete counter weight to raise and lower the bridge. This is the first one I've ever seen. I heard it's one of a kind but can't verify that. I took pictures of opening and it you check them out be sure and look to the left at the big chunk of concrete - you can see how it lowers as the bridge raises.

After watching the bridge we went to the mall and it is obvious that this area has been hit hard by the economic situation. We went in Penny's and Sears and both stores were basically empty except for employees. I looked down the mall from both stores and saw no one walking. Actually it was kind of weird. We didn't stay very long.

I took a picture from the highway of the newest of the covered bridges. This one is the longest one in the US but I have to say that it doesn't have the look of the true covered bridges we had seen. It is a modern version and was completed within the past few years.

So that was our day yesterday. I have posted pictures at Picasa for your enjoyment.

Oh yes, we did go out last evening with Nancy & Jake and their friends. They wanted to go for a fish fry, AYCE. I think the place is called Wild Thing and it's it Jefferson. Well needless to say, the experience was less than great. The food is good but the service was really awful. Not sure I'd go back unless I heard that there were great improvements.

Today is a down day - Jake and Nancy are leaving for New York, I'm going to get my hair done and other than that don't have any plans. There are several festivals in the area but not sure we are going to any. We have been on the go for almost two weeks strong and it's time to relax awhile.

Have a Happy Labor Day weekend everyone - see you after!!!

Part 2 - Covered Bridges of Astabula County

This morning Jake, Nancy, Dean and I took to the highways in search of the last five covered bridges. The tour map said is was 66 miles total - well that sounded good but after a really confused start and a GPS that had a mind of her own it was more like 166. Not really but it was beginning to feel like it! A couple of these bridges were very elusive and we had to double back to find them. Unfortunately, the map doesn't really give the best directions and their signage for the covered bridges and the Ohio highway signs don't make it a easy task finding anything. In spite of it all we had a really great time on our road trip. We stopped for lunch in a don't blink or you'll miss it town named Rock Creek - very good! We made a few stops at some yard sales where Jake found a 12volt cooler for $2.00 (and it works!) and a fire poker for $1.00. It was certainly his day for bargains. The Jeep made a turn into Dairy Queen in Rome so we just had to have some ice cream - naturally. That was yummy...

This afternoon we just relaxed, sitting outside talking and watching for friends of Jake and Nancy to drive in. A bon-fire is in our future in just a little while so will close for now.

The second set of bridge pictures are posted on Picasa - go take a look. My favorite one was the last one - very pretty.

Thanks for stopping by and will catch up with ya'll again real soon....

Covered Bridges of Ashtabula County, Ohio

Dean and I took off this morning for tour A of the covered bridges of Ashtabula County, Ohio. It is a 69 miles in length and takes you to 11 covered bridges, some old, some new and most that you can drive through. It was a interesting drive through the Ohio countryside and we even spotted a few Amish farms. We stopped in Ashtabula for lunch and a car wash before finishing our tour and heading home. I have posted pictures on Picasa of the 11 bridges we saw today. We have another tour to do that has 5 more bridges to see. There is also one in Ashtabula that we missed - the longest covered bridge in the United States but we will go back to it as I know we will be going back to Ashtabula one day soon.

I will let you enjoy the pictures of the bridges and sign off for now. See you next time!

Kenisee Lake TT Park & Good Friends

Monday afternoon we arrived at Kenisee Lake 1000 Trails park after about a 120 mile day - Dean's favorite kind!

We found a nice site right next to our friends Nancy and Jake and got set up and settled in.

It was so good seeing them again. It has been a very long time since our paths crossed as they have been going one direction while we were going another. We spent the rest of the day just catching up with each other's lives.

Yesterday we intended to drive to some covered bridges but plans are made to be changed - right? Instead, we drove to Ashtabula to Wal-Mart - what a outing! Really though, we all had stuff we needed and sometimes it is just a necessary thing to do - going to Wal-Mart I mean. We found Dean a barber shop so he could get his first of the month haircut, went to Lowes for Jake to look for a wrench set he wanted to replace and found a local restaurant for a lunch stop.

By the time we got back in the afternoon, it was to late to go in search of the bridges so we just relaxed at home and early evening sat around the bon fire. It's been getting into the 40's here at night and just gets to cold to fast for us southerners to stay out late into the evening and that is the reason for the early bon fire! Hopefully it will start warming just a little bit.

While in Ashtabula we drove over a one of a kind bridge or at least I think it's the last one standing and in use. It is a draw bridge over a inlet of Lake Erie that uses a huge chunk of concrete as a weight to raise the bridge. Interesting. I did get one picture, but I think Dean and I will go back as there was another odd looking bridge that was actually home to a conveyor belt that is used to send something from one side of the inlet to the other. I need to find out what and get a picture of it as well.

Today Nancy and Jake are driving back in the direction we came from and visiting a National Park. Dean and I are doing the covered bridge Tour A which takes us to 12 covered bridges. Nancy and Jake have done this already. Hopefully tomorrow the four of us will do Tour B which takes us to the other five bridges.

To those of you who have 1000 Trails memberships - this is a very nice park. Nice level sites, some in the shade and some in partial shade (that is what we have). Where we are parked there is no problem getting sat. reception for both TV and internet. If you are in this area, I recommend this park.

That's it for now. I'll post again after we do the covered bridge tour today. Until then - stay safe and God Bless....

Pictures are posted in Picasa...