Won't You Be My Neighbor?

Does this sight of a trolley bring back memories of Mr. Rogers?

Well, if you are feeling nostalgic, may I suggest a trip to the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum which is located in Washington, just south of Pittsburgh?

If you love history, you won't be disappointed.  The museum houses numerous photos from a different era, featuring, of course, trolleys. Most of the display is geared towards the Pittsburgh area, but other cities were noted as well.

One of my favorite photos from the past was one that I never knew existed:

I certainly found it to be entertaining.

Admission to the museum includes an authentic trolley ride which is featured once every hour.  So, after spending time looking through the photo collection, we meandered around and managed to entertain ourselves.

The ride on the trolley was certainly exciting.  After a friendly greeting by the conductor, we were given a brief history and then the bumpy ride began, complete with the ringing of the bell and the blowing of the whistle when we crossed over the highway. 

Did I say that it was exciting?

Yep!

The trolley took us to a huge warehouse which housed dozens of retired trolleys, some dating back to the days when they were pulled by horses, or by mules, as was the case in Pittsburgh.

I'd venture to say that we saw just about every era of trolley that ever existed.....all in one place.

Lots of fun for little kids as well as us "oldies"! 

 If you're in the area and looking for something unique to do, check it out.  I think you'll find the people to be quite "neighborly"!

  

The Happiness Predictor

I don't know about you, but I absolutely love wedding cake.  There is just something about the dense consistency of the layers spread with a lovely smooth frosting that just sorts of melts in your mouth.

As far as I'm concerned, it's the best part of the celebration dinner, and I've been known to hold out for hours in anticipation of a slice when the reception seems to drag on forever.  

And, I'll admit that it's difficult for me to contain my enthusiasm when the cake cutting becomes first on the list at a reception.  

Picking the perfect cake involves a lot of decision making on the part of the bride and groom. It deserves to be one of the major highlights of the evening. 

Tradition tells us that the joint cutting of the cake symbolizes the first "task" of the married couple's life together.

The bride and the groom each take turns feeding each other the first slice, symbolizing the commitment to provide for each other.

Did you notice how delicately these two fed each other their prospective slices of cake?

I just love it!  Nothing makes me happier than watching this obvious display of affection.

In contrast, nothing annoys me more than watching two people who have just vowed their lives together, smashing cake into each other's faces!

And, I shudder when I hear the crowd of people in attendance, chanting, hoping to see a near food fight. They cheer in jubilation when icing is plastered over faces;  they moan in dismay when nary a crumb is dropped.

What is wrong with these people?

Many of you may scoff at my opinion, and think that I take this tradition too seriously.

But let me suggest that the results of this tradition are actually a Marriage-Happiness-Indicator.

From personal observation, let me share with you my findings:

Cake damage to the spouse = unhappy marriage.  Most ending in divorce in less than 5 years.

Careful cake feeding = respectful, happy marriage.

To me, this makes perfect sense.  A happy marriage is strongly dependent on respect.

Now, this is not saying that everyone who is divorced smashed cake into their partner's face.
Nor is it implying that those who did not, lived "happily ever after".    I'm perfectly aware that there are many factors that can complicate the happiness of a marriage, leading to divorce.

No one can really predict what the future will hold, but it is my opinion that starting out the marriage with food in one's face is not exactly an endearing beginnning.

As far as this beautiful young couple is concerned......I was privileged to be among the invited, and am thrilled to have been part of the glorious celebration of their marriage.

If my indicator is up to snuff...these two have many years of happiness ahead of them.

Congratulations and Best Wishes to the happy couple!

It's a Dog's Life for Sure!

Have dog....will travel!
Let's just say that Buster is certainly enjoying his retirement years.  You'd never know by looking at this photo that he will turn 15 in November, would you?

We are once again staying at the Strasburg Hotel enroute to southern Virginia where we plan on having some quality grandchild time for a few days.  The staff here is quite taken with Buster, as he has become one of their frequent visitors.

Although most people think he's a puppy, his age shows while walking up the stairs.  The flights are about twice as long as the typical set of stairs, and he gets about half way up before he starts panting and just stops.  So, we pick him up and carry him the rest of the way.

And, since we're on the 3rd floor this time, Marty and I are certainly getting some exercise, although I'll admit that Marty gets a lot more than I do. :-)

But that's probably a good thing because he needs to work off that Tall Fat Tire!

No.....I am not insinuating that my husband is fat.  That's the name of the beer.

Had you going there for a minute, didn't I?

Firehouse Fun

When I texted the kids to let them know that we were on our way for a weekend visit, I was greeted with an invite to tag along with the Mom's group for a tour of the Squirrel Hill Fire station.

Now, how could I pass on that adventure?  Little did I know just how enjoyable the event would be.

The fireman were extremely welcoming and entertaining and they did their best to make the kids feel comfortable.

Each one of kids had the opportunity to sit inside the firetruck.

Pose with a fireman

And hold the water hose

There was a demonstration of just how a fireman puts on his layers of clothes, complete with oxygen tank and gas mask. This can look quite daunting to little kids, and the purpose in having the demonstration was to show the kids that even though a fireman may look scary behind the equipment, there is really a friendly fireman underneath.  

While the kids were being entertaining, I was enjoying the architecture of this station, built in 1906, which still boasts the ornate tin ceilings and many of the original tall windows frames and doorways.  Unfortunately, the pole that the men would have slid down in years past had been removed as the fireman facilities were all on the ground floor of the building.  Shucks!  That would have been fun to watch.

Being the inquisitive type, I found a friend in one of the fireman who was eager to answer all of my questions, and he surprised us all by asking us if we'd like a tour of the inside of the building.  

Thanks to this grandma, we soon found ourselves walking through the kitchen, den and sleeping areas.  Pretty cool.....don't you think?

These guys did a great job making the experience a fun time for all involved. 

My favorite part of the tour was when the fireman asked the kids, "So, what do you do when the smoke detector in your house goes off?

One of the kids answered, "You take out the batteries!!."

You can well imagine the reaction to that statement.  

Entertainment at its best.... and how lucky am I to have been invited to be part of the fun?

Driving the Forbes Trail and the Flight 93 Memorial

Holiday weekend traffic.  You'd think that after all those years of traveling with kids, that I would have remembered that such a thing exists.

But, somehow...it escaped my mind. The plan had always been to drive out early on Thursday, and return home Sunday evening.  Just what were we thinking?

A quick check of the PA turnpike conditions online showed that a long stretch of the road was pretty much a parking lot.  Obviously, we needed to modify our return route if we wanted to avoid the stress of dealing with a high volume of tired, cranky drivers whose fun weekend was now at an end.

So, we headed out with Buster in tow, and began the drive home along the "scenic" route.

Or should I say the twisty, curvy, hilly route?

At times, I felt like I was on a roller coaster, and poor Buster actually lived the experience when his cage tipped over (with him inside) during a sudden stop while driving downhill.  (Not to worry....he's just fine...a little excitement never hurt anyone, right?)

We were driving on the Forbes Trail....the one that goes from Pittsburgh through Ligonier to Bedford.  The very same trail that we had just read about in Pittenween Park in Dunfermline, Scotland a couple of weeks ago.

Small world, isn't it?

Along the way, we spotted signs for the Flight 93 Memorial.  We had been driving for quite awhile, and I suggested that we stop.  We needed a break anyway (Buster needed some stretching out after his roll over excitement) and I didn't know when the opportunity to visit here would come up again.

So, we made the turn and began the drive down a country road, through nothing but fields, on our way to the memorial.  

Rounding the curve towards the parking lot, I was surprised to find it so full!  It was nearly 5:00 on a Sunday evening,  and with this place being so remote, I certainly had not expected to see so many visitors.  

Near the parking lot there is a plaza featuring placards that describe the events leading up to the crash of Flight 93 on September 11, 2001.

The memorial itself is a long walk which leads to a view of the crash site and a marble wall that is engraved with the  names of the 40 victims.   After seeing the faces of the victims listed on one of the placards, it was difficult to make the walk without imagining the horror of that fateful day.

There were signs that asked people to maintain a certain reverence in respect to those who died, but I don't think that anyone walking through there needed the reminder.

You could just feel it in the air.  This was hallowed ground..... and people knew it.

The memorial wall, at the end of the walk, stands along the final path of the plane.  Each segment is engraved with a name of one of the victims.

In the distance stands the boulder where the plane crashed into the ground.

We learned that it was at this site where the plans for the attack were found, written in arabic, detailing the events of the day and the intended target:  the U.S. Capital in Washington, DC.  The visas, passports, paperwork and the voice recorder box supplied the evidence to confirm the terrorist attacks on this country.

The memories of the horror of that day came flooding back.  And it was obvious that I was not alone in  having flashbacks of that day.  

As we walked back to the car, Marty and I both commented about how impressed we were to see so many people take an interest to visit this memorial that is out in the countryside of Bedford County.

And how appropriate to pay homage to these heroes on the July 4th weekend, when we celebrate the independence of our country.  

It wasn't a planned stop for us.....but one that we were glad to have chosen.  Gallivanting has certainly opened our eyes to opportunities that the straight road would have missed.

And, in this particular case, the added plus of driving along a road which was, indeed, much less traveled, making our trip home a bit easier.

Until next time.....

A Spectacular 4th of July

So, how do you celebrate our nation's birthday?  Do you have some sort of family tradition that you follow every year?  A picnic?  Parade?  Pool?  Fireworks?

For several years, Marty and I have enjoyed seeing the local home town parade where we meet up with old friends while sitting along the oak-lines streets in a neighborhood where the houses are over 100 years old. The men in the firetrucks toss tootsie roll candies out of the window while the little tykes scramble to collect them. People dress up their dogs and their babies, and march along with the bands and entertaining floats.  For me....it's always been the "Polyanna" moment.  Always a LOT of fun!

But this year was different.  And exciting.   And even more FUN!

For the first time in this family's history.....all 3 grandchildren were together, under one roof!
It was the first opportunity for the cousins to meet, and for the Great grandparents to visit with all at the same time.

Doesn't that  photo make you wish that you were with us as well?

It was a terrific day with typical American fare:  Hot dogs and hamburgers on the grill.

A little baseball

And the perfect opportunity for some cousin photos!

At first, it appeared that getting a good shot just might be a challenge.

A photo?  Really?

But then, everything fell into sync

And that moment lasted about 10 seconds before someone decided that she'd had quite enough of it.

This day was also a first for the "Big" cousin in the group, because he was allowed to stay up for fireworks.  The nearby country club is only a block away, and the front yard here is the perfect venue for viewing the spectacular display.

At 9:30, we were relaxing outside when the first boom came.

There were oohs and aahhhs and then a sprinkle or two.  Hmmmm.....was it supposed to rain?

Then, another boom 

and even more oohs and aahhs,  and with each new boom,  sprinkles turned to showers.

And, then, showers turned into deluge!  Does it figure?  It didn't rain all day, but as soon as the fireworks began, the water decided to fall!

And, wouldn't you know it, just as the grand finale was displayed in the sky, the rain suddenly stopped.  I  managed to get this photo, which isn't too bad, considering the camera delay.

What a great way to end the day:   Wet, a little wild and Wonderful!

I hope that your 4th was equally exciting!

Keeping up the Pace

What do gallivanters do when the gallivanting is over?

Is it actually possible to be a gallivanter and have time to rest?

Should I consider changing the name of my blog to something different to accommodate the word, "rest"?

Perhaps......but I don't have time to figure that out now.  I'm busy catching up with all that went the wayside while I was out gallivanting in Scotland.

But the stack of mail, heaps of laundry, and nearly bare-boned cupboards and fridge,  didn't keep me from heading out with Marty yesterday for a wonderful day in Mechanicsburg to catch up with some west coast relatives whom we only get to see about once a year.

No....Marty and his brother are not twins.  They are nearly 8 years apart......but it certainly isn't too difficult to see that they are related, is it?

The family was in town to help my sister-in-law's parents downsize their living arrangements.    We met them at the "old" house, on Main Street in Mechanicsburg.

I had been in that house many years ago, when these parents hosted the rehearsal dinner in their home for this couple's nuptials.  But, somehow, with all of the festivities, I hadn't really noticed the 19th century elegance and charm of this house.

The house was built in 1864 in the Greek Revival style, and the interior maintains much of the original aura of that time period.  As I walked from room to room, I couldn't help but feel sad that this family had to give up this gem of a home.  But the beautiful staircase led up to two more levels, for a total of 13 liveable rooms, and the size of the house had become way too much for these elderly owners.

In the practical sense, it was obvious why they had to sell, but emotionally, I could see why it would be so difficult.  This house had a welcoming presence about it.  As my brother-in-law listed off all of the negatives:  no air conditioning, radiator heating, mainstreet traffic noise, a train line running near the backyard,  I wanted to defend the house:  Beautiful molding,

 wooden floors in excellent condition, impeccable wallpaper that complimented the style of the house,

as well as an awesome stair railing, unique lighting, and convenient walking distance into the town center.  But, let's face it, we weren't there to dwell on the possible future of this place.

Despite much of the furniture having already been moved, there was still plenty more to do, and we were there to help out as much as we could, while attempting to catch up on each other's lives in the process.

The temps rose into the 90's, but we still managed to stay relatively cool as we loaded boxes and containers into the van to drive them the few  miles to the "new" house.  And, in the process of packing and unpacking, and attempting to organize, we had a great time.

We took a break for lunch at a lovely Greek Restaurant (within walking distance of the "old" house), where we sat outside and shared stories and photos.

And, in the evening, Marty and I treated the teens to dinner, giving them a much needed break and a little fun for the day.

I'll admit that we hadn't planned on meeting up this way.  But, sometimes last minute plans are the best, as it certainly was in this case.

I'm just glad that this gallivanting geismom had the stamina to pull it off.

Until next time........(which may be tomorrow.....who knows?)

A Day Full of Surprises

Does this look remotely familiar to you Harry Potter fans?

I wouldn't know, because I am not a Harry Potter fan, but this is Alnwick castle and it was apparently featured as Hogwarts in the first two Harry Potter films.  It is located on the edge of the town, Alnwick (pronounced Ann-ick.....I'd love to know what happened to the "l" or the "w").

But it was off limits to visitors this weekend, because the daughter of the Duke of Northumberland, Miss Melissa Percy, whose family resides in the castle, celebrated her nuptials on Saturday.  It was apparently a big celebration with Royalty in attendance, including Prince Harry, and the Princesses Eugenia and Beatrice.  All of this activity just 3 miles from where we were staying!  Fireworks were set off in celebration around 11:30 p.m., and we could hear them but could not quite see them because the roof on the house across the street was just a wee bit too high.

Today was pretty quiet in the town, where we attended Mass, then walked over to get a glimpse of this famous castle.  We did spot this "wedding" party bus dropping someone off at the corner near the entrance. 

 We had known that the castle was closed prior to visiting the town, but I just wanted to have a peek, so that I could say that I saw it.....kind of like Hadrian's wall. 

After a few photos, we headed into town to a place called Barter's books.

This is a HUGE second hand book store that is supposedly the largest of its kind in the UK. As the name implies, one can "barter" by exchanging used books for "new" used books.  There were certainly a lot to choose from, and if books weren't so heavy, I might have been tempted to stock up on  a few.

But, I resisted and we headed out the door with just one purchase:  a fly fishing book that Marty bought, which apparently offers advice on fly-tying from the fish's point of view.  Certainly sounds Scottish to me.

We jumped in the car and  headed to Bamburgh Castle,  the most "northern" stronghold in England, sitting on the coast of the North Sea.

The view of the castle upon approach was amazing.

I couldn't believe the size of it.    No wonder it was such a strong hold for so many centuries.

Off the coast, we could see the island where St. Cuthbert died.

Inside the castle, we were able to walk through countless rooms filled with items dating back many centuries.  You won't be too surprised to hear that there were some very unique items on display, because this castle was "rescued" by none other than Lord Armstrong of Cragside fame.  We had no idea when we decided to visit that there was a connection but we were so glad that we had learned so much about the man yesterday. It explained some of the unique items displayed.

The Daisy vacuum cleaner

A torch holder that looks like an arm sticking out of the wall, next to the fireplace.

Wouldn't that be a great addition to anyone's home?

The tour was great, but the weather turned for the worse, so we headed out on our way to the B&B near the airport as we return home tomorrow.

We decided to take the country roads rather than the main road, and as we were driving along, we spotted a sign for Flodden field.  Well, we both decided that was worth a visit, so Marty turned down a very narrow road, with high grass on either side, and we eventually came to the spot where a memorial stands on a hill in the distance,  in honor of the thousands of men, Scots and Brits, that died in the Battle of Flodden in 1513.

4,000 Brits and 10,000 Scots died on that fateful day, including James IV, King of Scotland.

From the stone memorial,  you can see the church which buried the dead, regardless of their loyalty.

I had just been reading about this battle prior to our trip, and I found it amusing that we could stumble upon something so significant, just by chance, but we had such difficulty finding Hadrian's wall when in search of it yesterday!

We ended up driving a good bit of the way to our hotel in the pouring rain, but it lightened up just before we reached Bridge Inn.

Our room is under the "Inn" sign on the side of the building, overlooking the canal boats in the Union canal.  We were able to enjoy a lovely dinner in the restaurant, and, afterwards, we took a little stroll along the canal where we were joined by a friend.

This place was the perfect place to end the trip, and the best part is that it is only a little over 3 miles to the airport.  

So, for now, gallivanting geismom will be heading home.  I hope you enjoyed our travels.

Until next time.....