October was filled with family time. Last month, as you will recall, ended with our mini-family reunion when Ken's older brother and his wife came for a visit. Their RV camper needed a new engine which meant they'd need to stay an extra week. Well, as things happen, there was a problem with the installation of the new engine which required an extra two weeks to repair. Thankfully, they were wonderful to have around. ☺︎ The first week it rained a lot so we went to several used book sales. Finally, we were able to do some more sightseeing. We took them to the Rural Heritage Museum. . . .
We explored Frederick some more and went to the grocery store. I think they've seen most of the groceries stores in town now since we have several we shop at regularly for their specific brands and bargains. One of our excursions was to have lunch at a Cuban restaurant in town. Ken's brother has a way of engaging strangers in conversations, so it was a very interesting lunch when the proprietor was encouraged to talk about Cuba and how he'd come over on a boat lift in 1980 when he was 8. Our meal was excellent. I had Grandma's Chicken Soup--not like any I've ever had before. The broth was highly seasoned with herbs and the chicken was still on the thigh bone--outstanding. . . .
Our vacation to Eagles Mere took place while they were still with us. Since they had their 3 dogs with them they were not able to join us. Instead they stayed home with Poetry and looked after the house for us. You can read about our weekend-away here. This is my family gathered for dinner that Saturday night at Pine Cone Cottage. . . .
I was able to capture Olivia in mid-spin. . . .
Ken's brother's RV camper was ready a few days after we got back. The dogs were glad to be back in their "home." They'd had to spend their days in our garage because McGregor, the Scottish Terrier, did not approve of Gabriel being in HIS territory! And Poetry would not have approved of any of them being in HER territory. . . .
Last week we had a wonderful warm day that we could take the Roadster out with the top down for one last time. I mapped out a route down country roads I'd never been down before even though they are only 20 minutes from the house. We criss-crossed the countryside making our way back on different country lanes--some gravel. Here are a few of the sights. . .the last being the ice cream shop in the little town at the foot of our mountain. . . .
Our youngest son and his Dad went on a winery tour and out to dinner to celebrate Ken's birthday (which was last month), but there are no photos since the photographer (me) did not go along.
Our oldest son's in-laws live nearby on a farmette they bought a few years ago. We were invited to Pete's retirement party this past weekend. Here are his 3 sisters and 2 cousins feting him. It was really cute how they sang and told stories about their brother/cousin growing up. Afterwards they had their annual grape stomping for the wine he makes each year. . . .
Our son and his wife were there with Olivia. . . .
Our second son and his wife joined us at the Cuban Restaurant for lunch the next day. I tried the Arroz con Pollo this time and was not disappointed. . . .
Did you notice the hooked rug up in the Rural Heritage Museum photo? I found out about a class held at the Williamsport Library the last Tuesday of the month and went. The instructor started us on a primitive star ornament. The other two photos are of projects the other ladies who come every month. . . .
On the 29th we went to see beloved Loreena McKennitt at the Grand Opera House in Wilmington, Delaware. Because of the distance we stayed overnight in the wonderful little town of Historic New Castle just a few miles away. I'll be doing a post about that later with some wonderful stories about our stay at the Terry House Bed & Breakfast. . . .
On this tour Loreena did not bring her full band--just Brian Hughes on various guitars and synthesizer, and Caroline Lavelle on cello and Irish pipes. This is an example of the type of performance she gave that evening . . . .
As October ends and November gives us an extra hour in our day here's wishing you a Happy Pumpkin Moonshine from my little sweetheart, Olivia . . . .
•*¨`*•. ☆ .•*¨`*•
Take Joy!
This was fun to read--how busy you have been with good things.
ReplyDeletei would like to have seen the grape stomping! And the ride you took looks delightful. But Miss Olivia takes the prize every time!
You can't help but love her because when she sees you she does a little happy dance, then runs to be picked up so she can hug and kiss you!
DeleteI would be enthralled listening to Loreena McKennit live, lucky you. It seems you've been having some wonderful family and traveling time. We have a beautiful country with so many delightful places, historic towns and such. You are able to get out and appreciate it.
ReplyDeleteYes, you would have been. Everyone was. The Opera House was full and after our standing ovation they came out and played another song for us. If she hadn't said "good night" after that I'm sure there would have been calls for "just one more song please!"
DeleteThe rural life museum looks good I love to see old fashioned shops and kitchens.
ReplyDeleteThe fancy dress costumes were clever. I could see they were grapes but it took me a minute to work out the others were pizzas - brilliant!
They were slices of pizza because Pete comes from a large Italian family!
DeleteI love seeing families enjoy themselves, Cathy. I'm looking for a rug hooking kit, but have not been able to find the design I want. I think I'm going to buy the materials and draw in my desired pattern. Olivia is so sweet with her pumpkin. Can this really be the last day of October? ♥
ReplyDeleteThat really is the best way, I think, because you'll want to end up with something you really like after spending all that time working on it!
DeleteCathy, no kidding, but I honestly think you and your family have more fun than 10 families combined. With you as the Pied Piper - always checking out new things in your area. Even finding about things that have been there all along, that you somehow just hadn't heard about before - that's even better. Great shot of your canine houseguests peering out from their van, by the way. Four dogs and a cat in the mix - I bet a lively time was had by all at your house during their visit. How did Olivia do with your doggy houseguests? Was she as OK with them as she is with Gabriel? Or did it maybe take a little while to warm up? I imagine THREE excited little animals might be somewhat of a challenge for any little kid. Gee, is Olivia really a year-and-a-half-or-so already? I love how you describe her "happy dance" - what would any of us give to have that same, tingly indescribably-excited joy back in our lives? Oh well - I guess when you're little, you want to be big. And when you're big, you want to be little again. Part of Life's big circle. OK then, take care and talk to you again soon. PS - today is National Author's Day so give yourself a treat! ⭐️
ReplyDeleteThank you, Janet. I hope my kids read your comment! :-) The guest dogs were not a part of the family celebration because of the incompatibility issue. I've spent the day research Grandma Moses in preparation of my Take Joy Society get-together later this week to paint in the style of Grandma Moses. I'm looking forward to doing a post about her. She was quite a lady!
DeleteYou've had a lot on the go! That is so funny that the Scottish Terrier didn't want to share space with a Westie. So much for blood being thicker than water. :-)
ReplyDeleteOlivia is such a sweetheart. Capturing them in mid-spin seems to be what getting pictures at this age is all about. :-)
I think it's very hard for two terriers to share territory! But Gabriel seemed more curious than upset when he saw the dogs out through the window when they'd go out for their walks.
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