June 27, 2010

Day 35

NE Pennsylvania is an easy place to settle into.It's amazing how gorgeous the countryside is.Mountains and rolling hills abound.Every barn is a testament to Pennsylvania Dutch workmanship and folk art design.

There are not many lakes here.It seems every farm has dammed up a small mountain stream, on its way to the Lehigh River, to create a lovely pond to help decorate the door-yards (local word for backyard).

We are filling our weekend days with our children, our daughter in-laws, and our grandchildren.Brian turned 8!We watched he and his dad march with his Cub Scout troop in the Memorial Day parade.Then it was back home to celebrate his B-day with a wonderful party.We attended Emily's dance recital.She is a lovely young woman now who is as graceful as a swan.Isabella had her 2nd dance recital, and a graduation ceremony from preschool (class of 2023).Timmy is his grandpa's buddy, and a sweetie. He turned 5 this June and had a party with his friends and then with all his relatives. Anthony has grown so tall we hardly recognized him.It's the first time we've seen him with long hair.Johnny let us baby-sit for him.He fell asleep asking for Daddy and his tractor.Chris is almost as tall as his Mom.He is making the big jump to middle school next year- Go Chris!

Life in the RV seems to be on an even keel.Although "The Blue Beast" continues to challenge us; never letting us forget we are novices and who's boss.I have nightmares about weep valves, black water, house power, and toilet paper that dissolves when it touches your body.We've gotten used to the small space thing…….I think!Every once in a while you have the urge to go to another room to just to get away, then you realize there really isn't another room.

Abbie our pooch has taken over the front of the RV.I've had to put a king sized blanket on the dashboard so she won't scratch it.She surveys everything that passes the front window.Squirrels and chipmunks get her special attention.We have neither in Florida, and she thinks they are a good substitute for lizards.

We are still waiting for repairs to the RV from the accident on the way here.The parts take forever.We'll have to spend four days in a hotel when the repairs are done.There are many wineries near by and we are looking into bed and breakfasts.

The weather has been delightful.Last night we sat by the fire watching the sun set.It was cool and quiet….it was beautiful.