I had said I wanted to go to Savannah and take the trolley tour. However, when we reached Aiken, SC on Wednesday evening, it was in the high 90's and I had to rethink my plans. So, it was decided the next morning that we would drive to Lyons, GA to visit Gene's niece, Kelly, as it was her birthday, and then head home. We were also able to see his sister, Talley, and she treated us to lunch at the Dairy Queen. When we got on the road after lunch, it was nonstop to Ocala. When we arrived, we unloaded the refrigerator items and essentials, took a hot shower and fell into our own waterbed.
Ah, it is wonderful to be able to take a trip and wonderful to come home. So, thank you, Aunt Betty, for setting all this in motion. And especially thank you, Gene, who drove the 3428 miles and took wonderful pictures for me to post. I couldn't do it without you.
Sunday, August 2, 2015
A Porch, Mountain View and Hummingbirds
Monday we spent the night in Baileyton, TN at Baileyton RV Park - you guessed it - another Passport America park. There had been a torrential downpour just before we arrived and we had to cross two places where the water was rushing across the road. We made it safely across and to the campground. The next morning we traveled a whopping 45 minutes to our friends Richard and Linda Sue's in Greeneville, TN. It was a delightful day spent with them. They showed us their home and property and then Linda Sue and I settled into the chairs on the porch and watched the hummingbirds flying from the tree branch to the feeders she has hanging on the porch. It's the first time I have actually heard their wings humming. They would sit still a few seconds and drink the nectar, then fly to the branch and sit. I had only seen hummingbirds in motion before, so I was fascinated. It rained in the afternoon and we watched the mist and clouds changing over the mountain. They fixed a wonderful meal for us and after watching a gorgeous sunset, we headed to our RV to bed down for the night.
They had graciously offered their spare bedroom, but I am spoiled by my memory foam mattress. Wednesday morning Linda Sue fixed a great breakfast for us, supplied us with coffee for the road and we bid them adieu. It was a short, but most relaxing visit. I am looking forward to the next time we can spend time with them, sitting on their porch, enjoying the magnificent view and chit chatting. Next post "Family & Home"
 |
| Hummingbird at feeder at Richard & Linda Sue's |
 |
| Clouds & mist over mountain |
 |
| Sunset viewed from porch |
A Weekend in West Virginia
After a day of much needed rest, we left Rochester. On our way through Taunton, we took a short detour to drive by Grammy and Grampy's old house. The weeping willow tree was still there and I took several pictures while remembering how we cousins would race up and down the stairs until Grampy shouted for us to stop.
We spent the first night at Hemlock Campground in Tobyhanna, PA (the Poconos) where the temp dropped to the high 50's that night. We even turned on the little electric heater to take the chill off! The next night we stayed at Hickory Hollow Campground in Rockwood, PA. Both of these campgrounds were clean and quiet Passport America parks. We try to use the parks in this system because they are half-price for members. There are limitations sometimes, i.e, only one night at PA rate or not during weekends or holidays, but with careful planning, you can save a lot of money.
Friday we arrived at Mike and Diane's Church Street Deli in Spencer, WV in time for a delicious lunch and then on to their house in Mt. Zion while they finished up their work day.
It was a restful weekend enjoying their company and her good cooking. Saturday evening they took us to Glenville to the Smokehouse BBQ for a delicious meal and then a scenic drive over to Cedar Creek State Park where they like to camp. The park was large, sites spacious with several pull through sites and many families were taking advantage of the beautiful weather that weekend.
By Monday we were rested sufficiently to hit the road again and head southward.
Next post "A Porch, Mountain View and Hummingbirds"
Friday we arrived at Mike and Diane's Church Street Deli in Spencer, WV in time for a delicious lunch and then on to their house in Mt. Zion while they finished up their work day.
 |
| Glenna & daughter Diane at Church Street Deli, Spencer, It WV |
By Monday we were rested sufficiently to hit the road again and head southward.
Next post "A Porch, Mountain View and Hummingbirds"
Old Friends and More Memories
When Faith and I were children, our Mom and Dad were best friends with Bob and Ellie. We spent a lot of happy times with their daughters Betty, Nancy, Marilyn and Jane at their cottage on Long Pond. And so on Monday, we gathered again with Jane and Jim, Betty and John, Marilyn and Bill, cousin Bernice and children and grandchildren. Our hair has changed color, our bodies not as nimble, but the precious memories are still there. What a delightful afternoon of relaxing on the patio overlooking Long Pond remembering when we used to splash and swim as the young ones were now doing. And again, to be able to share that time with my sister made it even more special. We talked of our childhood, our children and grandchildren and our Moms and Dads, looked at pictures and even an appointment calendar from 1943 that Ellie had showing dates when they got together at each other's homes for visits or "canning days". One entry showed the scheduled visit had to be canceled due to gas rationing.
All too soon it was time to part ways, but we were so glad we were able to spend time with them.
Faith and Len were leaving the next morning for home and Gene and I would rest up and get ready to leave on Wednesday. A fun filled and memory stirring weekend we will long cherish.
Next post "A Weekend in WV"
All too soon it was time to part ways, but we were so glad we were able to spend time with them.
Faith and Len were leaving the next morning for home and Gene and I would rest up and get ready to leave on Wednesday. A fun filled and memory stirring weekend we will long cherish.
 |
| Jane, Betty, little James, John, Marilyn,Bernice, Faith, Glenna |
 |
| Jane & Jim have done a lot of work on cottage on Long Pond |
 |
| Jane holding James, Jim, Marilyn, Bernice |
A Walk Down Memory Lane
Aunt Betty had a delicious brunch fixed for us when we arrived. Faith and I reminisced with our cousins Matt, Ty, Chuck and Dan about our Grammy and Grampy and family gatherings at their home. Uncle Bob gave Len and Gene a tour of his workshop where he makes violins. We said our good-byes and made our way to Freetown.
When we arrived at the Museum, we were delighted to see replica buildings from our childhood. Sharrock's Grocery Store was where Faith and I would go to pick up items for Mom. Mr. Sharrock would use the long tongs to get items from the top shelves. There was also a replica of Mason Corner School. Our Mom and Aunt Marion went to school there and many years later, Faith and I attended Brownie meetings there. To make the day complete, we went to Boston Tavern in Middleboro so Faith and I could enjoy a meal of Fried Clam Rolls. It had been a long, long time since we had been able to have this childhood treat and we relished every bite! Another great day with family and our memories.
Next post "Old Friends and More Memories"
 |
| Len and Uncle Bob in workshop |
 |
| Glenna, Aunt Betty, Faith & Len |
 |
| Faith & Glenna - replica Sharrock's Grocery |
 |
| Replica Mason Corner School |
Surprise, Surprise!
It was a beautiful day for Uncle Bob's celebration. We traveled to Monponsett Inn in Halifax, MA, Gene
let me out at the doorway and parked the RV. I was delighted to see cousins, aunts and uncles whom I haven't seen since 2008. I was standing in a group with my cousin Matt when I heard him say, "Hi, Faith". I turned and had the surprise of my life - there was my sister Faith and her husband Len from Tallahassee. I was speechless for a moment as questions ran through my head. "How did they get here?", "Where were they staying?", "Did I miss an email?" Oh, no, she and Aunt Betty had been planning this surprise for months! Faith and Len had purchased an Apex travel trailer and driven up on what she hoped was a different route from us so we wouldn't end up in the same campground and spoil the surprise. She said she was going for "shock and awe". She hit it 100%! I cannot put into words how special it was to share that time with our family together with her. We reminisced with cousins, Lynn, Janice and Beth at our table. We were delighted their mother, Aunt Ruth, could be there also. We were able to meet Janice's husband, Marty and many grown children of our cousins. Lynn gave us a "Cradle Roll Certificate" with Dad's name on it.
I saw my cousin Daniel who had come from Oregon and gave him family pictures for him and my cousin Peg.
Uncle Bob played two beautiful pieces on his violin before our meal. He has played and crafted violins for many years. It was inspiring to hear him play and watch his nimble fingers. Aunt Betty did an outstanding job of planning the event with help from daughter, Ty, and daughter-in-laws, Mary, Maureen and Theresa and other family members.
When the meal was over, two citations were presented to Uncle Bob for reaching 90 years of age by the State Senate and the State House of Representatives. After a wonderful time of visiting, we followed Faith and Len back to their campground to see their trailer and hear the details of the surprise planning. We made plans to go to the Freetown Historical Society Museum after brunch at Aunt Betty's the next morning. What a wonderful, exciting day we had and more to come. next post "A Walk Down Memory Lane"
let me out at the doorway and parked the RV. I was delighted to see cousins, aunts and uncles whom I haven't seen since 2008. I was standing in a group with my cousin Matt when I heard him say, "Hi, Faith". I turned and had the surprise of my life - there was my sister Faith and her husband Len from Tallahassee. I was speechless for a moment as questions ran through my head. "How did they get here?", "Where were they staying?", "Did I miss an email?" Oh, no, she and Aunt Betty had been planning this surprise for months! Faith and Len had purchased an Apex travel trailer and driven up on what she hoped was a different route from us so we wouldn't end up in the same campground and spoil the surprise. She said she was going for "shock and awe". She hit it 100%! I cannot put into words how special it was to share that time with our family together with her. We reminisced with cousins, Lynn, Janice and Beth at our table. We were delighted their mother, Aunt Ruth, could be there also. We were able to meet Janice's husband, Marty and many grown children of our cousins. Lynn gave us a "Cradle Roll Certificate" with Dad's name on it.
I saw my cousin Daniel who had come from Oregon and gave him family pictures for him and my cousin Peg.
 |
| Uncle Bob & Aunt Ruth brother & sister |
 |
| Faith, Glenna, Len, Uncle Bob & Aunt Betty table behind |
When the meal was over, two citations were presented to Uncle Bob for reaching 90 years of age by the State Senate and the State House of Representatives. After a wonderful time of visiting, we followed Faith and Len back to their campground to see their trailer and hear the details of the surprise planning. We made plans to go to the Freetown Historical Society Museum after brunch at Aunt Betty's the next morning. What a wonderful, exciting day we had and more to come. next post "A Walk Down Memory Lane"
A Busy and Wonderful Trip
It started with an email from Aunt Betty in the Spring. Uncle Bob would be celebrating his 90th birthday in July and she was planning a party. I thought about it for a whole day, then decided I really wanted to go. The "planning ball" was set in motion - maps from AAA (backup for the GPS) and reservations made from here to Massachusetts.
On July 4th we left for Kingsland, GA to visit and spend the night with Julia, Gene's step-mom. Sunday night we stayed at a Passport America park, Jolly Acres, in St. George, SC, and then traveled to Raleigh, NC to visit our friends, Tom and Nancy. They treated us to a delicious meal at Sardis' Den Monday evening and Tuesday morning we watched Tom fly his Phantom helicopter. It was impressive! Afterwards, he played three pieces on the piano, which I always enjoy.
We were headed for VA when a little blip on the screen of life occurred. We exited I-85 at Oxford, NC to check the gas price at the BP station. Gene needed to move up to the next pump (one that would accept our card) and the RV wouldn't start - just made a pathetic "click-click-click" sound. The good news was that we were right across the street from a Chevrolet dealer. The bad news was that they didn't want to accept liability for towing us over there. Gene called AAA and then called Tom and Nancy, who graciously came and picked me up. Eventually AAA arrived, loaded the RV onto the ramp of the truck and took it across the street. We thought it was the starter, but by 5:00 they had determined it was the battery, installed a new one and Gene was on his way back to Raleigh to pick me up - about a 45 minute drive. Nancy had fixed a sandwich for Gene, which he gratefully consumed, and I enjoyed his left over bar-b-que ribs from the previous evening. We were on our way again and made it to the campground in Williamsburg, VA by 10:15.
Wednesday we traveled into Maryland and crossed the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. They funneled six lanes of traffic through the toll booth into two lanes to cross the bridge. The process took about twenty minutes before we reached Kent Island, the first English Settlement. The bay was pretty and I took several pictures of it and the bridge. We stayed at Holiday Park Campground in Greensboro, MD, another Passport America park. It had spacious, shaded lots, a very clean bathhouse and was nice and quiet. Just what we needed after Tuesday.
Thursday we drove through Delaware and into NJ and stayed at Timberland Lake Campground in Jackson, NJ - another nice Passport America park. It rained awhile and I drifted off to sleep with the pleasant sound of rain on the RV roof.
Friday we traveled across the George Washington Bridge into NY. The potholes on I-95 were really bad and traffic was bumper to bumper all the way into CT. Not our favorite driving conditions, but we survived. We finally arrived at Gateway to Cape Cod Encore Resort in Rochester, MA. It was good to be settled in one spot for a few days.
continue to next post "Surprise, Surprise!"
On July 4th we left for Kingsland, GA to visit and spend the night with Julia, Gene's step-mom. Sunday night we stayed at a Passport America park, Jolly Acres, in St. George, SC, and then traveled to Raleigh, NC to visit our friends, Tom and Nancy. They treated us to a delicious meal at Sardis' Den Monday evening and Tuesday morning we watched Tom fly his Phantom helicopter. It was impressive! Afterwards, he played three pieces on the piano, which I always enjoy.
We were headed for VA when a little blip on the screen of life occurred. We exited I-85 at Oxford, NC to check the gas price at the BP station. Gene needed to move up to the next pump (one that would accept our card) and the RV wouldn't start - just made a pathetic "click-click-click" sound. The good news was that we were right across the street from a Chevrolet dealer. The bad news was that they didn't want to accept liability for towing us over there. Gene called AAA and then called Tom and Nancy, who graciously came and picked me up. Eventually AAA arrived, loaded the RV onto the ramp of the truck and took it across the street. We thought it was the starter, but by 5:00 they had determined it was the battery, installed a new one and Gene was on his way back to Raleigh to pick me up - about a 45 minute drive. Nancy had fixed a sandwich for Gene, which he gratefully consumed, and I enjoyed his left over bar-b-que ribs from the previous evening. We were on our way again and made it to the campground in Williamsburg, VA by 10:15.
Wednesday we traveled into Maryland and crossed the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. They funneled six lanes of traffic through the toll booth into two lanes to cross the bridge. The process took about twenty minutes before we reached Kent Island, the first English Settlement. The bay was pretty and I took several pictures of it and the bridge. We stayed at Holiday Park Campground in Greensboro, MD, another Passport America park. It had spacious, shaded lots, a very clean bathhouse and was nice and quiet. Just what we needed after Tuesday.
Thursday we drove through Delaware and into NJ and stayed at Timberland Lake Campground in Jackson, NJ - another nice Passport America park. It rained awhile and I drifted off to sleep with the pleasant sound of rain on the RV roof.
Friday we traveled across the George Washington Bridge into NY. The potholes on I-95 were really bad and traffic was bumper to bumper all the way into CT. Not our favorite driving conditions, but we survived. We finally arrived at Gateway to Cape Cod Encore Resort in Rochester, MA. It was good to be settled in one spot for a few days.
continue to next post "Surprise, Surprise!"
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)