This is my first attempt at BLOGGING!! Here goes. I Hope you enjoy.
My sister day in Provincetown, Mass was filled with catching up on where we had been and where we are going, along with foot long hot dogs and malassadas. Yeah it was a 2-hour ride for 5 pounds on the hips. My best wishes from the heart to my sister Debby and her family. Mr. Webster printed the words patience and kindness up just for her. In addition, through the years I have seen my sister Bernadette flourishes into the “Nature Queen of living animals”. She is truly creative and talented in her hobbies and whatever she puts her hands and heart in to. Moreover, the rest of my family has worked hard at keeping their lives and children in tact as much as they can. I think they all got it from my dad. When we were small, we thought of him being strict, was just because he is the dad, so that was all we needed to hear. No questions asked. Now they are in the “that’s what happens when you grow old stage of life”. As much as I will miss them both, dad promised that they will be fine without me there, and I know he’s right, cuz he’s the dad and he said so! All five of my siblings are close to them that they can take care of them, and mostly, each other.
Yes Free Spirit has landed. Actually, it was about a week ago that we left oh so many memories behind in Massachusetts. Between July 1 and August, so much has happened. Mostly all good things, but we had the scare of our lives on Thursday before we left. I probably am still a little frazzled about the whole ordeal. All four of us almost ended up in the emergency room with cardiac arrest, all because Molly decided to escape under the fence and run away. When Al realized she was not in the yard, his voice could be heard all over the city calling for Molly. All ended in a happy ending through the tears and rain-drenched clothes. We looked like a story from the Disney channel. Not enough loves and kisses to the smelly little runt, who was found three blocks away. Now our eyes won’t leave her for a second.
After vavo and vavoo, Al’s mom and dad, settled down, it was a lobster fest at vavo’s house, sort of like the last supper with Al’s daughter and aunt. Belly’s full and naps taken, I was still shaken up and full of nerves that needed release, so I decided to go for my 3-mile walk. Walking does relieve stress, so off I went to distress. Nevertheless, did I take the phone like the smart husband asked me to? No. No room in my pockets, so off I went. Somehow, on the way back, it was more of a trip then I expected. The “New Balance” sneakers got caught up on the sidewalk and suddenly , I was laying on the concrete, two hands, one knee, forehead and right shoulder scraped up like a 2 year old learning how to walk. Two very nice ladies saw the whole thing and stopped their cars to help. My pride and embarrassment got me to my feet and walked the rest of the mile and a half back home. Despite the thoughtfulness of both women who offered me a ride, I cried because of the bump on my head that grew by the mile.
A little ice never hurt anyone and “I Told You So” had a completely new meaning when I got home. I should have brought the phone. We made it safe to Pennsylvania on Thursday, thanks to my brother-in-law Jimmy who was our J.P.S. His knowledge of the roads got us on the right track with little traffic and somewhat smooth sailing. Somewhat, meaning, we had our first highway mishap. As much as AL checked and double-checked the tires, and even invested in a tire pressure monitor, we still had a blow out on 95 South in Connecticut. The tread came off a rear tire on the RV and tore off a portion of the rear quarter panel. A state highway tow truck pulled up within minutes and changed the tire for us, and we bought a new tire in PA. AL is repairing the panel as we speak.
Our first weekend included a tour of the #9 Coal Mines in the mountains and despite the 52 degree cold, it was quite educational. For 30 years, my dad shoveled the black, dirty, dusty stuff off the coal boats at the Mountaup Electric Company so we could all have electricity to watch TV and not have to hang out on the corners. Just kidding, we could not even get past the front gate, never mind get to the corner. The coalmines were in the original condition and as dark and cold as it was when the immigrants worked there in the 1900’s. Makes me appreciate what we have and how we have achieved our journey.
It looks like we will be here another week at this quaint little campground. Country store with old rocking chairs on the front porch and the barn, so named the pavilion, is where we spent our weekend; Friday night for Bingo, even AL decided to give it a shot. After all, it was only 25 cents a card and the jackpots were between $7 and $24, and I got the big $7. But hey, it’s all about the fun and not the prize. We returned for more excitement on Saturday for karaoke, where I sang my inspirational song “The Prayer”, and you can imagine the response from this Christian based campground. We then spent an hour at church service where God helped us earn another weeks’ stay.
I tell you the truth, standing ovation and some tears on Saturday, made the spot for singing the same song at worship service on Sunday. Another amazing experience that I will hold in my heart forever. Yes, church service in the barn, “Pavilion”, an old wooden open aired building that didn’t need any fancy lights or AC, because the light and fresh air from all the people was enough to keep it bright and cool. So, Dory and her husband, the owners who live on the grounds, invited me to do a show on Saturday night in exchange for another week.
So we will enjoy another week of fresh air on this beautiful mountain and just breathe, just breath.
Last minute update was the 5.9 earthquake that everyone, except me, felt here. Al said he felt the ground sway, but wasn’t sure what it was. He thought it was a gust of wind. But all is OK, no damage. Stay tuned for more.
These are photos of a small village called Molino, PA just off the main road to and from our campground. I thought that the old style and the way the town is set up is really cool. Had to take the pics. The place reminds me of some of the villages in the Azores.
We took part of a walking tour of Hawk Mountain. About 1500 feet up and about a mile of rock "scrambling". The most beautiful view of the Appalachians and got to see hawks migrating south from New England to Florida. 
Not sure what I was looking at, but the binoculars were a great tool to have on this hike. (Thank you Linda & Brad), besides the lunch in my backpack!! 
Lulu's favorite hangout. On the porch of the country store at the campground. 
And, now for the show. Didn't take long for the folks here to hear about Lulu. Her first gig at a campground will be this Saturday. Of course, that is if hurricane Irene don't change those plans.
There is no need to dress fancy this Saturday. Lulu will be performing right in here!! Free A/C and lighting.
And of course, let's not forget the camping dog. Molly is adjusting quite well to this lifestyle. "I love camping with moma and popa."
