Wanted to update our 6 weeks back in Tucson. We have been delighted to spend time with family and friends over the past weeks....playing cards and games,meeting friends for lunch and of course our family meals, volunteering and just waking up each morning to see what the day has in store. Tom has been busy helping Kelly and Pete coach the 3-5 year old soccer team. They practice 2 times per week and then have their games on Saturday. It is so fun to go to the games...it is just fun to watch the interactions. We know 4 of the team members as they are part of the "Tucson Graue Family".
Tom, Maryann and Pete and Linda (Bryan's parents) took a quick trip to Sedona, Flagstaff and Greer for a week the 24 th October. We walked around Tlaquepaque in Sedona and had a wonderful lunch at the brewery in the shopping area and then headed north through Oak Creek Canyon to Flagstaff. As we drove toward Flagstaff, the temperature got cooler and we had some rain. We did take a nice drive and saw some beautiful areas of Aspen. We stayed in Flagstaff for two nights. We were able to walk about downtown and of course had some good food in local resturants. We then drove to Pinetop and had a nice dinner in town before we headed to Greer which is on the "road to nowhere". We had a lovely cabin at Greer. We woke up the next morning to a couple of inches of snow. It was gone by noon and we were able to take a nice walk around the small town and along the stream. OF course, Linda and Maryann were very cold so dressed in layers. We ate at all of all of the resturants in Greer....that would be 3 of them! We then headed home on Friday by way of some very steep winding roads and went through Marinci which has a huge Copper Mine. We played cards and games and just had a relaxing great time together.
Tom and I have been spending some great impromptu time with Molly, Samantha and Kirsten...it is great. Maryann has started our memory picture book about our our retirement adventures. Kelly has a computer program so Maryann goes down and works on for several hours...once a week or so...she hopes to have done just before we "hit the road" again in June 2012!!!
Maryann's mom will be having hip replacement surgery on 19 December so we will leave nice warm Tucson and head to Pennsylvania to be there in time for the surgery and then will stay until the end of January 2012...oh my, it is nearly 2012! We hope that Maryann's sister, Joan and her Tom will be traveling back with us the beginning of Feburary. They will come to Tucson and spend a couple months with us..to get away from the winter in Linesville, Pennsylvania.
We will have Thanksgiving at Bryan and Kelly's with 30+ friends and family. We will be giving thanks for our many blessings to include each of you.
We want to wish each of you a very blessed day with those you love.
God Bless, Tom and Maryann
Monday, November 21, 2011
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
18 October 2011...We are back in Tucson!
Another great day just being together!!
We arrived home safely on September 27 at 1030 PM.. what a beautiful sunset we saw as we headed to Tucson...one of many we saw on our fantastic 4 month adventure. As we drove down Interstate 10..we talked about the many blessings we had on our travels seeing the most amazing country andre-connecting with our amazing family and friends....but also how lucky we were to be looking forward to seeing our Tucson Family! AND We realize how blessed we are to have each of you in our life. Thank you all again for opening your home and hearts to us as we were able to spend prescious moments with you and make wonder-filled memories.
We arrived in Spring, Texas on Friday and checked out the shops etc in Old Town, Spring, TX. We found a place called Rudy's BBQ and had a great dinner before we checked into our hotel. We woke the next morning so excited to be going to Fred and Belinda's to spend the weekend with them and we were not disappointed. We showed up on their door step at their beautiful home and were greeted by Fred, Belinda and Chelsea (their dog) it was like we just saw them the week before...not 36 years ago! Fred cooked us a delicious brunch and we spent the afternoon getting caught up and then Michael ( their son) joined us and helped his dad with BBQ of the best Salmon....we talked into the night. We awoke Sunday and attended Mass and then went to The Cheesecake Factory for breakfast...Tom and I had never been to the Cheesecake Factory....of course we also had to have cheesecake!!! After spending the afternoon just being together, Fred and Belinda took us to the Aquarium Resturant in Houston for dinner. Amazing to eat dinner in the middle of massive fish tanks and scenery! We left on Monday early morning...with plans to have them come to Tucson for a visit soon.
We deceided to drive to Altus, Oklahoma to see our friend Bob Carnes before we headed for Tucson. As we drove thru Texas, we were so sad to see the trees and the farmlands and ranch fields dry and brown with miles and miles of dead trees and fields. They are still having a draught. We did see a sign for a Rudy's BBQ and deceided to stop to eat ....once again we had a great meal of BBQ. We deceided we would look for Rudy's again!!!
We arrived at Altus and checked into another very nice billet on Altus Air Force Base. It had been 40 years since we had seen Bob Carnes, our friend, from our days at Francis E. Warren AFB in Cheyenne Wyoming...but when he walked in, seemed like only weeks. He took us to a great Mexican Resturant in Altus and showed us around the town. Altus is STILL a very small town. Tom got up early and went and met Bob at work and had coffee....while Maryann slept in abit. What fun we had catching up...and have plans for Bob to come to Arizona for a visit. I think we have helped the economy of Tucson, as we have plans for several friends to come to Tucson now that they have a room at our home.
We left Altus and were soon back in Arizona...and we did find another Rudy's and stopped to have lunch....the service and food were just like our first visit in Spring, Texas! We highly recommend if you see one on your travels.
What fun it was to surprise Molly, Samantha and Kirsten..and give lots of hugs....nothing like hearing all their stories and holding them in our arms!!! Yes, they all did change in the 4 months...we don't realize they are changing day to day as we see them at least once or twice each week when we are home... Molly has gotten taller and more grown...Samantha did not grow but her speach is more like a 5 year old....and so percise! Kirsten was talking in short sentences when we left...now she talks in paragraphs and is taller. It was also good to see Kelly and Bryan and Carrie and Buddi....Buddi looked great...hard to believe that he had been sick. And Pete and Linda , had a great dinner the Sunday we arrived home and we were able to catch up with them and Phil and Loly too.
As Tom was unloading the car on Wednesday, Gerry stopped by...as he and Teresa were taking care of our yard while we were gone....he was just in time to help Tom unload and take down the carrier down from the car...what a great friend. Since then we have seen Hilda and girls and Carol.
It took us a couple days to get unpacked and do laundry....we now know we can travel with half the "stuff " we took on this trip! We then started right in and did our fall home cleaning which we finished last week. We kept Buddi and Gizmo (Ali and Paul's dog) for a long weekend while Carrie, Paul and Ali and Rocco ( 2 months old and what a cutie) went to Las Vegas to a friend's wedding. We are also back into volunteering at church and helping out neighbors...so are back to normal. OH and Maryann has commented several times , "wow , it is so nice to be retired and not have a schedule". Tom is happy to have her home too. We are both back to daily exercise...and Tom already back on his diet and lost 7 pounds!!!
We have traveled over 17,000 miles and spent time with about 170 friends and family during this adventure. Each day we began our day with the Lord's Prayer and prayer of St. Francis of Assisi and to Blessed Martyr Basyl ( Canada's Second Martyr who's shrine we visited in Winnipeg, Manatoba and heard his history and were given a part of his relic to carry with us) and our Gardian Angel to please protect us and those who rode with us and all who passed us by with careful hands and watchful eyes....and WE WERE BLESSED on the road and made to feel like we were at home as we visited with each of you...SO WHAT WAS THE BEST PART OF OUR TRIP?......each day we spent together and with family and friends across Canada and the many states we traveled! And now we are blessed to be home with our Tucson Family.
We are looking forward to family time and the holidays in Tucson. We then will take some trips with Maryann's sister and Tom who are to come for a visit for a few months in January.
We ask you all to keep us all in your prayers as we remember Maryann's Sister Carol who was taken from us so suddenly.. during the 1st Anniversary of her death. We all miss her terribly but have so many "laugh out loud" memories of our "Carol" who we long to hear laugh..... just one more time. She is with us daily and we know we will be with her in heaven when it is our time.
We will continue to update our blog...with pictures too....notice the pictures that we could not add when writing from our IPAD...Maryann even figured out how to do on her own...but was very close to calling George to get his guidance...so thank you George for just being a call away ...just in case...it gave her courage to try!!!
See below....how the girls welcomed Granddad back....just another day of play with Molly, Samantha and Kirsten!
It was so nice to get hugs as we traveled....they were given for no other reason than we care for each other..what a good feeling. Will leave you with a hug from our heart to yours..simply because you each mean so much to us. We will keep you in our prayers and just let us know when you want to come to visit...
God Bless your days.
Tom and Maryann
Thursday, September 22, 2011
On the road again in Texas---22 September 2011
It has been about 18 days since last sat to say hello and update all with our travels.
This afternoon we arrived in Tyler, Texas.
We left Fayetteville Arkansas at 0700 this AM and arrived here about 3 PM.
We bid a tearful farewell to Peggy and Larry on the morning of 9 September. Our time with the Reinharts are always just perfect. This time we not only had remnants of the Hurricane but a week later...had flooding due to Hurricane Lee!! Their yard had a river running through it! We had spent the evening before the rain with Dan and kids as Amy was at the beach with her Aunt and the two youngest boys. Their home is a neat farmhouse that Dan has added onto with wood used from Larry's grandparents home...what a beautiful job he has done using the old wood. We found out the next AM that their basement had flooded. Tom even got involved in helping rescue two benches at Keith and Lisa's. The benches were near the creek on a wooden area that was flooded so Tom was able to go over and help Lisa move them to a safe place. Guess can say he helped out in the flood of 2011 in Lancaster!!! Larry, Peggy and Tom and I were able to spend the Labor day weekend just doing fun stuffs as Larry was off work. Tom could not believe had to mow the yard 2 times in 5 days!!! We had nearly 15 inches of rain in 2 days...more than Tucson gets in one year!!! We were also able to visit with their Aunt Doris and Uncle Jim which is becoming a tradition when we go to Lancaster...what special people they are too. Tom was a hit with the kids as he was happy to show them how to play Angry Birds and other games on the IPAD...another great reason to have an IPAD!!!! Once again we were blessed to spend these days with our Reinhart family....did I forget to mention the wonderful food that Peggy fixed for us....hmmmm...lots of fresh fruits and veggies and everything else wonderful...and Larry also had BITBURG Beer for Tom...what a friend!!! Peggy's grandson asked if we slept in the carrier on top of our car....how cute!
We had rain in Lancaster but by the time we got to Virginia, the sun was out. We stopped at Williamsburg and walked about and had lunch at the Cheese Shop(great little place to eat)and then headed to Langley AFB and walked around where we used to live and relived great memories
from 1975-76. We then headed to Virginia Beach where we spent 3 nights. We stayed at the Navy Lodge at Dam-Neck on Virginia Beach. The ocean was just across the Sand Dunes. We took the time daily to stroll on the beach and sit awhile...the water was warmer than in Plymouth!!! It is a private beach for the military so not a lot of people so very nice. We also walked the boardwalk at VA Beach...very crowded. We also checked out the Military Resort at Ft Henry. It was very nice but we felt the cottages and lodging at Dam-Neck (20 miles away) was a little nicer due to the location. We spent nearly a day at Yorktown Battlefield and walking around the town of Yorktown. The Va Beach area has so much to offer all ages so hope to someday go back with family and friends. One night we walked up to the beach to check out the full moon over the beach...amazing sight. One thing that never changes is the nice staff we always meet at the military billeting...they are just so willing to always help us.
We left Va Beach on a Monday morning ...late as we had slept in...no need to hurry!!
We drove thru Virginia and West Virginia and arrived in Ohio and drove on to Columbus where we stayed at a defense logistics base...also very nice...right downtown Columbus. We then met our friend Connie who lives in Lancaster, Ohio for a long breakfast to catch up. We were stationed together in Japan in 1971-75..what fun to catch up! Connie and Bob were "family" when we were in Japan and have continued to be. Bob died 3 years ago...but we were still able to talk about the good times we all had. We hope that Connie will come to Tucson and spend some time with us soon. Next stop....Dayton, Ohio!!
George and Pat came down and spent the evening and of course we had dinner...So good to give them a hug to celebrate George's news that his cancer is in remission! George took us the long route to dinner...even tho he had GPS...but it was OK as we are all retired so can take the LONG Way...huh George! We stayed in Billeting at Wright Patterson AFB so Maryann was able to just walk across the street to visit with Amy Kinnon. Maryann and Amy worked together in Tucson for several years. As always...lots to talk about! Tom took the opportunity to finally get a hair cut!!! We then went and surprised Greg Eberhart at his office ( he is a pediatrician near Dayton.) Greg worked with Maryann at Davis-Monthan. We had his office staff tell him that a patient had a complaint and insisted on talking to HIM....he was very surprised to see us! He had a very nice practice and staff. We arranged to meet for dinner and then went back to his home to spend some time with Angie as she had a meeting so could not join us for dinner. How blessed we are to know and have such wonderful friends!
Tom took the time to go to the Air Force Museum and will need to go back as was much bigger than he thought.
We then packed up and headed southwest to Cape Giradeau, Missouri on the Mississippi River.
Tom's roommate, Danny Conrad, now lives there. The last time they saw each other was in 1968. They had been roommates before Tom left for Vietnam ...Danny, Tom and Tony who we saw in Harrisburg were friends at Barksdale AFB "back in the day". We had dinner with him..his wife was not able to join us as had other commitments. It was like they had never been apart. It was so moving to see them give each other big hugs...just like when he met with Tony in Harrisburg. After all these years...still buddies!! Danny is now an RN. Definitely a REUNION with the 3 of them in the near future!!!
Well where should we go from there...we were heading for Arkansas...and thought that we had been thru Memphis but never really stopped there...so we found a Navy Lodge in Memphis and stayed for two nights. We spent a day in downtown Memphis walking around Mud Island ( a miniature replica of the Mississippi River on the island) and riding the trolley. We went to Beale Street and had THE BEST BBQ at BB King's Restaurant and listened to JAZZ. We also went
to the Peabody Hotel and watched the famous "Duck Walk". WHO KNEW that for decades these ducks have been trained to walk from the roof to the elevator on the top floor and then take the elevator down and walk to the fountain on the first floor and hundreds of people come to watch them daily.....NOW WE KNOW! We can now take that off our bucket list!!!! hmm..even tho not sure it was going to be on our bucket list.
Now it was time to head to Fayetteville Arkansas. We stayed in Fort Smith Arkansas at a reserve base...they gave us a 2 bedroom house!! We went up to Fayetteville and spent time with Uncle Herb and Aunt Marilyn on Saturday and then drove back to Fort Smith for the night. Sunday we visited with Uncle Herb and Aunt Marilyn and their daughter from Florida before we met with Aunt Lois and Stephen for dinner. We then went back to Aunt Lois and her kids came over and then the rain came and then the tornado warnings...Maryann was looking for a place to hide as the warnings were within less than a mile from Aunt Lois home...we all visited and the weather warning moved on. We stayed in Fayetteville that night at a hotel before moving into Uncle Herb and Aunt Marilyn home. Of course we were invited over the next night to Scott's for an Ardemagni BBQ with the family. Of course we went and had such a great time..lots of laughing and great food!!
Monday we moved in with Aunt Marilyn and Uncle Herb and were delighted to be able to help with house and yard chores for the next few days. We visited two of Tom's Aunts and saw Mike and family and Debbie and family. Once again Aunt Marilyn and Uncle Herb made us feel like we were right at home! We are so lucky to be able to "arrive on the doorstep" and greeted with open arms and hugs...and a place to stay.
This morning, we got up early and headed for Van, Texas. We just spent another wonderful evening with friends. Tom , Maryann and Darlene were stationed together 40 years ago...tonight we were able to meet Ronnie, Darlene's husband for the first time. Once again it was like we knew each other for years and had not been apart. They took us to a nice dinner and showed us around Tyler, Texas and we shared pictures of our families...What blessings we have to be able to meet up with our friends from the past!!
Tomorrow we will be heading to Spring, Texas to see Fred and Belinda who we met in Austin, Texas 37 years ago and have not seen since we left Texas 36 years ago. The anticipation is growing as we are so excited about spending the weekend with them.
We of course are talking with Kelly and girls and Carrie frequently. Buddi is still healthy!
Kelly called and asked her Dad to assist with the Samantha's 5 yr old soccer team that she volunteered to coach...Kelly is studying how to be a soccer coach..and Tom will have to study too, as he does not know anything about Scoccer. I think Pete, Bryan's Dad is going to help too. HMMMM...Maryann will be helping with watching the Molly and Kirsten...no need to study up on that!!! Also Carrie has asked if we can keep Buddi for a few days in October when we get home. So we were so thrilled to know that we will have "stuffs" to keep us busy on our return to Tucson!! What a relief!
Tom and I continue to enjoy our days together...in fact we feel that our relationship has grown since our adventure began 4 months ago..did not think that was possible but it has!!
God has blessed us not only with wonderful family and friends but with safe travels and blessings of all of those who have opened their homes and hearts to us during our adventure.
Maryann was reading and found this quote that would like to share with all:
"It does not take much strength to do things, but requires great strength to decide on what to do". We hope we can always have the strength to be able to know what is the best to do for our family and friends and those we meet ... and to always be here for them as you all have always been here for us at home and in our travels..no matter how long it has been since we have talked or been together...we are blessed to have you all in our family.
We appreciate you keeping us in your prayers and we continue our travels to Tucson.
God Bless
Love and hugs
Tom and Maryann
This afternoon we arrived in Tyler, Texas.
We left Fayetteville Arkansas at 0700 this AM and arrived here about 3 PM.
We bid a tearful farewell to Peggy and Larry on the morning of 9 September. Our time with the Reinharts are always just perfect. This time we not only had remnants of the Hurricane but a week later...had flooding due to Hurricane Lee!! Their yard had a river running through it! We had spent the evening before the rain with Dan and kids as Amy was at the beach with her Aunt and the two youngest boys. Their home is a neat farmhouse that Dan has added onto with wood used from Larry's grandparents home...what a beautiful job he has done using the old wood. We found out the next AM that their basement had flooded. Tom even got involved in helping rescue two benches at Keith and Lisa's. The benches were near the creek on a wooden area that was flooded so Tom was able to go over and help Lisa move them to a safe place. Guess can say he helped out in the flood of 2011 in Lancaster!!! Larry, Peggy and Tom and I were able to spend the Labor day weekend just doing fun stuffs as Larry was off work. Tom could not believe had to mow the yard 2 times in 5 days!!! We had nearly 15 inches of rain in 2 days...more than Tucson gets in one year!!! We were also able to visit with their Aunt Doris and Uncle Jim which is becoming a tradition when we go to Lancaster...what special people they are too. Tom was a hit with the kids as he was happy to show them how to play Angry Birds and other games on the IPAD...another great reason to have an IPAD!!!! Once again we were blessed to spend these days with our Reinhart family....did I forget to mention the wonderful food that Peggy fixed for us....hmmmm...lots of fresh fruits and veggies and everything else wonderful...and Larry also had BITBURG Beer for Tom...what a friend!!! Peggy's grandson asked if we slept in the carrier on top of our car....how cute!
We had rain in Lancaster but by the time we got to Virginia, the sun was out. We stopped at Williamsburg and walked about and had lunch at the Cheese Shop(great little place to eat)and then headed to Langley AFB and walked around where we used to live and relived great memories
from 1975-76. We then headed to Virginia Beach where we spent 3 nights. We stayed at the Navy Lodge at Dam-Neck on Virginia Beach. The ocean was just across the Sand Dunes. We took the time daily to stroll on the beach and sit awhile...the water was warmer than in Plymouth!!! It is a private beach for the military so not a lot of people so very nice. We also walked the boardwalk at VA Beach...very crowded. We also checked out the Military Resort at Ft Henry. It was very nice but we felt the cottages and lodging at Dam-Neck (20 miles away) was a little nicer due to the location. We spent nearly a day at Yorktown Battlefield and walking around the town of Yorktown. The Va Beach area has so much to offer all ages so hope to someday go back with family and friends. One night we walked up to the beach to check out the full moon over the beach...amazing sight. One thing that never changes is the nice staff we always meet at the military billeting...they are just so willing to always help us.
We left Va Beach on a Monday morning ...late as we had slept in...no need to hurry!!
We drove thru Virginia and West Virginia and arrived in Ohio and drove on to Columbus where we stayed at a defense logistics base...also very nice...right downtown Columbus. We then met our friend Connie who lives in Lancaster, Ohio for a long breakfast to catch up. We were stationed together in Japan in 1971-75..what fun to catch up! Connie and Bob were "family" when we were in Japan and have continued to be. Bob died 3 years ago...but we were still able to talk about the good times we all had. We hope that Connie will come to Tucson and spend some time with us soon. Next stop....Dayton, Ohio!!
George and Pat came down and spent the evening and of course we had dinner...So good to give them a hug to celebrate George's news that his cancer is in remission! George took us the long route to dinner...even tho he had GPS...but it was OK as we are all retired so can take the LONG Way...huh George! We stayed in Billeting at Wright Patterson AFB so Maryann was able to just walk across the street to visit with Amy Kinnon. Maryann and Amy worked together in Tucson for several years. As always...lots to talk about! Tom took the opportunity to finally get a hair cut!!! We then went and surprised Greg Eberhart at his office ( he is a pediatrician near Dayton.) Greg worked with Maryann at Davis-Monthan. We had his office staff tell him that a patient had a complaint and insisted on talking to HIM....he was very surprised to see us! He had a very nice practice and staff. We arranged to meet for dinner and then went back to his home to spend some time with Angie as she had a meeting so could not join us for dinner. How blessed we are to know and have such wonderful friends!
Tom took the time to go to the Air Force Museum and will need to go back as was much bigger than he thought.
We then packed up and headed southwest to Cape Giradeau, Missouri on the Mississippi River.
Tom's roommate, Danny Conrad, now lives there. The last time they saw each other was in 1968. They had been roommates before Tom left for Vietnam ...Danny, Tom and Tony who we saw in Harrisburg were friends at Barksdale AFB "back in the day". We had dinner with him..his wife was not able to join us as had other commitments. It was like they had never been apart. It was so moving to see them give each other big hugs...just like when he met with Tony in Harrisburg. After all these years...still buddies!! Danny is now an RN. Definitely a REUNION with the 3 of them in the near future!!!
Well where should we go from there...we were heading for Arkansas...and thought that we had been thru Memphis but never really stopped there...so we found a Navy Lodge in Memphis and stayed for two nights. We spent a day in downtown Memphis walking around Mud Island ( a miniature replica of the Mississippi River on the island) and riding the trolley. We went to Beale Street and had THE BEST BBQ at BB King's Restaurant and listened to JAZZ. We also went
to the Peabody Hotel and watched the famous "Duck Walk". WHO KNEW that for decades these ducks have been trained to walk from the roof to the elevator on the top floor and then take the elevator down and walk to the fountain on the first floor and hundreds of people come to watch them daily.....NOW WE KNOW! We can now take that off our bucket list!!!! hmm..even tho not sure it was going to be on our bucket list.
Now it was time to head to Fayetteville Arkansas. We stayed in Fort Smith Arkansas at a reserve base...they gave us a 2 bedroom house!! We went up to Fayetteville and spent time with Uncle Herb and Aunt Marilyn on Saturday and then drove back to Fort Smith for the night. Sunday we visited with Uncle Herb and Aunt Marilyn and their daughter from Florida before we met with Aunt Lois and Stephen for dinner. We then went back to Aunt Lois and her kids came over and then the rain came and then the tornado warnings...Maryann was looking for a place to hide as the warnings were within less than a mile from Aunt Lois home...we all visited and the weather warning moved on. We stayed in Fayetteville that night at a hotel before moving into Uncle Herb and Aunt Marilyn home. Of course we were invited over the next night to Scott's for an Ardemagni BBQ with the family. Of course we went and had such a great time..lots of laughing and great food!!
Monday we moved in with Aunt Marilyn and Uncle Herb and were delighted to be able to help with house and yard chores for the next few days. We visited two of Tom's Aunts and saw Mike and family and Debbie and family. Once again Aunt Marilyn and Uncle Herb made us feel like we were right at home! We are so lucky to be able to "arrive on the doorstep" and greeted with open arms and hugs...and a place to stay.
This morning, we got up early and headed for Van, Texas. We just spent another wonderful evening with friends. Tom , Maryann and Darlene were stationed together 40 years ago...tonight we were able to meet Ronnie, Darlene's husband for the first time. Once again it was like we knew each other for years and had not been apart. They took us to a nice dinner and showed us around Tyler, Texas and we shared pictures of our families...What blessings we have to be able to meet up with our friends from the past!!
Tomorrow we will be heading to Spring, Texas to see Fred and Belinda who we met in Austin, Texas 37 years ago and have not seen since we left Texas 36 years ago. The anticipation is growing as we are so excited about spending the weekend with them.
We of course are talking with Kelly and girls and Carrie frequently. Buddi is still healthy!
Kelly called and asked her Dad to assist with the Samantha's 5 yr old soccer team that she volunteered to coach...Kelly is studying how to be a soccer coach..and Tom will have to study too, as he does not know anything about Scoccer. I think Pete, Bryan's Dad is going to help too. HMMMM...Maryann will be helping with watching the Molly and Kirsten...no need to study up on that!!! Also Carrie has asked if we can keep Buddi for a few days in October when we get home. So we were so thrilled to know that we will have "stuffs" to keep us busy on our return to Tucson!! What a relief!
Tom and I continue to enjoy our days together...in fact we feel that our relationship has grown since our adventure began 4 months ago..did not think that was possible but it has!!
God has blessed us not only with wonderful family and friends but with safe travels and blessings of all of those who have opened their homes and hearts to us during our adventure.
Maryann was reading and found this quote that would like to share with all:
"It does not take much strength to do things, but requires great strength to decide on what to do". We hope we can always have the strength to be able to know what is the best to do for our family and friends and those we meet ... and to always be here for them as you all have always been here for us at home and in our travels..no matter how long it has been since we have talked or been together...we are blessed to have you all in our family.
We appreciate you keeping us in your prayers and we continue our travels to Tucson.
God Bless
Love and hugs
Tom and Maryann
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Lancaster PA....4 Sept 2011
Good Morning
We are now in Lancaster, PA.!
We bid a farewell to Pete and Linda on the early morning of 3 August to head to Pennsylvania.
We took the scenic route through Rhode Island, Conn. and New York. We did make one final stop to have a seafood lunch prior to leaving the Northeast Coast!!! Pete and Linda were such great host that it was bittersweet leaving them...even knowing we would see them when we get back to Tucson in October. We thank them for sharing their family history and allowing us to spend time getting to know their family from the area...what gracious people!!
We arrived at Maryann's home to spend time with Mom and family on 3 August in the evening...as we hit traffic on Interstate 80...not sure why we were at a near standstill for over an hour...as could not see any reason for the delay. Tom said that "just Pennsylvania"! We hit rain just as we arrived at the PA border and it follow us to Maryann's Mom's in Karthaus, PA..central PA. Of course they were having the hottest week of the summer...Mom does not have air conditioning...hmmm. Very hot sleeping on the second floor...the window fan did move the air around a little... Maryann's sister Joan and her Tom brought them a large fan up from the camp which made the nights bearable...during the day we had 4 fans going in the room we were in....even thought it would be better in the 108 degree days were having in Tucson...as 0 humidity vs 100 % humidity!!! We were able to help Mom with stuffs that needed done around the house. My brother in law Kenny and Tom decided that the sidewalk needed to be leveled.. Maryann even was part of the team to help..and we were able to get most of it done. Of course it started to pour so we were able to get wet before we decided to finish another day.
Tom and Kenny were able to spend lots of time together..they are like brothers...lots of time spend at Kenny's Camp sitting and talking and of course..drinking beer and eating peanuts!! Tom got to see lot of deer too..
It was difficult going home and knowing that Maryann's sister Carol would not be there to make us laugh. ( for those who do not know, Carol died suddenly from cancer last October..after only being sick for 5 weeks..she was 64). It was a comfort to sit on the bench Carol had always wanted vs a tombstone. It is right down from her and Kenny's home and looks over the mountains. Maryann keeps Carol in her heart but it was a comfort to be able to go up and just sit and talk and just be there knowing this meant so much to Carol. We were able to see cousins and attend birthday parties, make Pigs in the blanket with Julie (Carol's daughter) and play dice and do all the things we miss out on living far away. Maryann took Mom shopping and out to lunch and we were able to convince Mom and her sister to go to town and have lunch and just dropped in on her Aunt's daughter and she went to lunch with us...a 2 hour day trip turned into 7 hours!!! Mom's brother lives in Cleveland, Ohio so was able to convince Mom to go see him. We left on a Sunday afternoon and went to Joan's and her Tom's and spent the night and went on to Cleveland ( 1.5 hours from Joan and Tom's) the next day. Had a wonderful visit and so good to see Uncle Eddie and his family as had been 20 years since Maryann had seen him.
When we returned to Linesville, PA where Tom and Joan live, it was a beautiful day so Joan and Tom got out there ATV's and let us not only ride but drive!!!! Maryann had never been on a ATV...let alone let her little sister drive...but after a short time....Joan was riding with Maryann!!! We have pictures...Joan said could take off her bucket list....never really on her bucket list...but it was so much fun....so many laughs. We also went to the Amish place to shop and to the canal to feed fish...amazing how many fish...Mom has not done before so was good to share with her...she could not be convinced to get on the ATC with her daughters!!! (could not blame her). Tom and Joan are also such great hosts...lots of great food and dice games. Kenny, Tom and Maryann also spend a day with them at their camp ..yes the sisters did some more ATV riding... Maryann was able to see two good friends she grew up with and spent nearly an entire day with Janet ...going to dinner and movie...had not done that in YEARS!!!
It was so fun to see the cousins and their kids...the little ones were thrilled to use the IPAD to play Angry Birds... The night before we left, there was no parking at Mom's house as everyone came to say good bye. What fun!
On 27 August we said our teary good byes to Joan and Tom and Mom and Kenny and headed toward Hurricane Eilene..hmmm. We arrived in Harrisburg, PA about 11 AM and spent several hours over lunch with a friend Tom had found on Facebook that lived in Harrisburg. Tony and Tom were stationed at Barksdale AFB together. They had not seen each other since 1968!!! It was like they had never been apart. It was fun for Maryann to listen to all the stories etc. We look forward to seeing them again...either in Tucson or in Harrisburg...Tom and Tony are trying to find others who were with them and try to set up a reunion. THE AF is a small world.
After our time with Tony, we went to Maryann's Aunt Ethel's and we had a get together with Aunt Ethel and kids and Aunt Fran. It was Linda's birthday so we got to share another family event. When you go to my Aunt Ethels...you always come out weighing much more...she alway has lots of food and can get it all together in minutes!!! Linda had spent 6 weeks with us in Hawaii years ago...and we had not seen her since..she was 40 and when she was in Hawaii...she was 14!!! hmmm . What good memories.
Talked with Peggy and Larry on our way down and they were concerned as the hurricane was to hit Lancaster...we decided we had never spent a hurricane with them so would come on down!! We arrived here about 8 PM. Had rain and winds during the night but no loss of power etc. Sunday the morning had reports of severe rain and winds but we were able to go out in the afternoon to a nice sunny day. There were several area with trees down and no power but we were not affected. Since arriving in Lancaster we have been able to share the joys of seeing Peggy and Larry's kid, grandkids and family that we see as our own...even got to meet their bible study group at a pot luck and went back to church with them today and attended bible study with the same folks...such friendly people...felt just like we were at home! Today the sermon was on friendship...how appropriate...we were meant to be there!! Yesterday we did the Lancaster tourist stuff. Dan is the engineer at the Strasberg railroad so he was so good to get us tickets so could ride his train after a wonderfully breakfast at "Sugarplums and Tea" in Lancaster...highly recommend if you come to the area. Tom is Larry's yard boy while we are here and making sure the yard is mowed. Maryann, Tom and Peggy made cookies from Larry's Mom's recipe too as a surprise for Larry as he has had to work!!! Once again, we feel so at home here with Peggy and Larry! How blessed are we!!!
We were also able to visit Maryann's Aunt who lives in Lancaster too.
We are so blessed to not only have family but friends that are family too..it is the best of times to share moments with them.
Update on Buddi...Carrie says he is back to being Buddi...he will have more labs done this week to see if needs to continue on his meds. He sent us a video last week and YES, he does look like he is OUR Buddi again! Carrie has started her last class and then will have her BS degree.
We SKYPED with the girls last weekend...what a treat.
As we got on the interstate last weekend heading this way, we received a phone call and email from Pat and George with wonderful news. George's cancer is in remission. Thank you all who have been praying with us! We have planned to meet up with them in Ohio as they will be near I 70 as we make our way south. What tears of Joy we had to hear this news about our "GEORGE" and Pat!
Our travels will take us South on Friday when we leave. We will spend a couple nights at Virginia Beach and then head to Ohio and down to St Louis and then on the Arkansas before we head to Texas to visit friends and home...should arrive on 2-3 October.
All keep asking us what is the best part of these travels...everyday is a blessing and to be able to spend time with family and friends in their everyday lives seems like that is where we need to be...helping when we can or just visiting etc.
How blessed we are...and how fortunate we are to have all our family and friend at home checking on our home and knowing they will be their when this adventure ends.
We are keeping you all in our daily prayers. We ask you to keep us in your prayers as we head home.
Love and hugs
Tom and Maryann
We are now in Lancaster, PA.!
We bid a farewell to Pete and Linda on the early morning of 3 August to head to Pennsylvania.
We took the scenic route through Rhode Island, Conn. and New York. We did make one final stop to have a seafood lunch prior to leaving the Northeast Coast!!! Pete and Linda were such great host that it was bittersweet leaving them...even knowing we would see them when we get back to Tucson in October. We thank them for sharing their family history and allowing us to spend time getting to know their family from the area...what gracious people!!
We arrived at Maryann's home to spend time with Mom and family on 3 August in the evening...as we hit traffic on Interstate 80...not sure why we were at a near standstill for over an hour...as could not see any reason for the delay. Tom said that "just Pennsylvania"! We hit rain just as we arrived at the PA border and it follow us to Maryann's Mom's in Karthaus, PA..central PA. Of course they were having the hottest week of the summer...Mom does not have air conditioning...hmmm. Very hot sleeping on the second floor...the window fan did move the air around a little... Maryann's sister Joan and her Tom brought them a large fan up from the camp which made the nights bearable...during the day we had 4 fans going in the room we were in....even thought it would be better in the 108 degree days were having in Tucson...as 0 humidity vs 100 % humidity!!! We were able to help Mom with stuffs that needed done around the house. My brother in law Kenny and Tom decided that the sidewalk needed to be leveled.. Maryann even was part of the team to help..and we were able to get most of it done. Of course it started to pour so we were able to get wet before we decided to finish another day.
Tom and Kenny were able to spend lots of time together..they are like brothers...lots of time spend at Kenny's Camp sitting and talking and of course..drinking beer and eating peanuts!! Tom got to see lot of deer too..
It was difficult going home and knowing that Maryann's sister Carol would not be there to make us laugh. ( for those who do not know, Carol died suddenly from cancer last October..after only being sick for 5 weeks..she was 64). It was a comfort to sit on the bench Carol had always wanted vs a tombstone. It is right down from her and Kenny's home and looks over the mountains. Maryann keeps Carol in her heart but it was a comfort to be able to go up and just sit and talk and just be there knowing this meant so much to Carol. We were able to see cousins and attend birthday parties, make Pigs in the blanket with Julie (Carol's daughter) and play dice and do all the things we miss out on living far away. Maryann took Mom shopping and out to lunch and we were able to convince Mom and her sister to go to town and have lunch and just dropped in on her Aunt's daughter and she went to lunch with us...a 2 hour day trip turned into 7 hours!!! Mom's brother lives in Cleveland, Ohio so was able to convince Mom to go see him. We left on a Sunday afternoon and went to Joan's and her Tom's and spent the night and went on to Cleveland ( 1.5 hours from Joan and Tom's) the next day. Had a wonderful visit and so good to see Uncle Eddie and his family as had been 20 years since Maryann had seen him.
When we returned to Linesville, PA where Tom and Joan live, it was a beautiful day so Joan and Tom got out there ATV's and let us not only ride but drive!!!! Maryann had never been on a ATV...let alone let her little sister drive...but after a short time....Joan was riding with Maryann!!! We have pictures...Joan said could take off her bucket list....never really on her bucket list...but it was so much fun....so many laughs. We also went to the Amish place to shop and to the canal to feed fish...amazing how many fish...Mom has not done before so was good to share with her...she could not be convinced to get on the ATC with her daughters!!! (could not blame her). Tom and Joan are also such great hosts...lots of great food and dice games. Kenny, Tom and Maryann also spend a day with them at their camp ..yes the sisters did some more ATV riding... Maryann was able to see two good friends she grew up with and spent nearly an entire day with Janet ...going to dinner and movie...had not done that in YEARS!!!
It was so fun to see the cousins and their kids...the little ones were thrilled to use the IPAD to play Angry Birds... The night before we left, there was no parking at Mom's house as everyone came to say good bye. What fun!
On 27 August we said our teary good byes to Joan and Tom and Mom and Kenny and headed toward Hurricane Eilene..hmmm. We arrived in Harrisburg, PA about 11 AM and spent several hours over lunch with a friend Tom had found on Facebook that lived in Harrisburg. Tony and Tom were stationed at Barksdale AFB together. They had not seen each other since 1968!!! It was like they had never been apart. It was fun for Maryann to listen to all the stories etc. We look forward to seeing them again...either in Tucson or in Harrisburg...Tom and Tony are trying to find others who were with them and try to set up a reunion. THE AF is a small world.
After our time with Tony, we went to Maryann's Aunt Ethel's and we had a get together with Aunt Ethel and kids and Aunt Fran. It was Linda's birthday so we got to share another family event. When you go to my Aunt Ethels...you always come out weighing much more...she alway has lots of food and can get it all together in minutes!!! Linda had spent 6 weeks with us in Hawaii years ago...and we had not seen her since..she was 40 and when she was in Hawaii...she was 14!!! hmmm . What good memories.
Talked with Peggy and Larry on our way down and they were concerned as the hurricane was to hit Lancaster...we decided we had never spent a hurricane with them so would come on down!! We arrived here about 8 PM. Had rain and winds during the night but no loss of power etc. Sunday the morning had reports of severe rain and winds but we were able to go out in the afternoon to a nice sunny day. There were several area with trees down and no power but we were not affected. Since arriving in Lancaster we have been able to share the joys of seeing Peggy and Larry's kid, grandkids and family that we see as our own...even got to meet their bible study group at a pot luck and went back to church with them today and attended bible study with the same folks...such friendly people...felt just like we were at home! Today the sermon was on friendship...how appropriate...we were meant to be there!! Yesterday we did the Lancaster tourist stuff. Dan is the engineer at the Strasberg railroad so he was so good to get us tickets so could ride his train after a wonderfully breakfast at "Sugarplums and Tea" in Lancaster...highly recommend if you come to the area. Tom is Larry's yard boy while we are here and making sure the yard is mowed. Maryann, Tom and Peggy made cookies from Larry's Mom's recipe too as a surprise for Larry as he has had to work!!! Once again, we feel so at home here with Peggy and Larry! How blessed are we!!!
We were also able to visit Maryann's Aunt who lives in Lancaster too.
We are so blessed to not only have family but friends that are family too..it is the best of times to share moments with them.
Update on Buddi...Carrie says he is back to being Buddi...he will have more labs done this week to see if needs to continue on his meds. He sent us a video last week and YES, he does look like he is OUR Buddi again! Carrie has started her last class and then will have her BS degree.
We SKYPED with the girls last weekend...what a treat.
As we got on the interstate last weekend heading this way, we received a phone call and email from Pat and George with wonderful news. George's cancer is in remission. Thank you all who have been praying with us! We have planned to meet up with them in Ohio as they will be near I 70 as we make our way south. What tears of Joy we had to hear this news about our "GEORGE" and Pat!
Our travels will take us South on Friday when we leave. We will spend a couple nights at Virginia Beach and then head to Ohio and down to St Louis and then on the Arkansas before we head to Texas to visit friends and home...should arrive on 2-3 October.
All keep asking us what is the best part of these travels...everyday is a blessing and to be able to spend time with family and friends in their everyday lives seems like that is where we need to be...helping when we can or just visiting etc.
How blessed we are...and how fortunate we are to have all our family and friend at home checking on our home and knowing they will be their when this adventure ends.
We are keeping you all in our daily prayers. We ask you to keep us in your prayers as we head home.
Love and hugs
Tom and Maryann
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Plymouth, Mass 2 August 2011
We are back in the land of cheaper gas....It is much better to pay $3.69/gallon vs nearly $5. 30-$5.60 Canadian Dollar per gallon!!
We left Prince Edward Island by the southern route and traveled along the beach towns. Taking the 8 mile bridge back was unique and it was a sunny day so very pretty. We traveled through south New Brunswick and stopped several times and explored the small towns and then went to the Fundy River Valley where we discovered the Chocolate River and actually walked on the ocean floor. We must of walked for 2 miles through mounds of seaweed, tunnels and caves that one can not see when the tide is in. When the tide comes in it is acutally 7 feet deep in the area that we walked. We ...or Tom decided to take another route back to the car so we got to climb over some rock piles...not always an easy task... We were not sure if were headed in the right direction but then we saw the flags going into the forest and breathed a sigh of relief as did not really want to walk all the way back..were not sure if we would make it before the tide started coming in.
Note to ourselves...always take water..we expected it to take about 30 minutes vs 2 hours!!!
We then drove through the national forest and saw some beautiful scenery. Stopped in St John, New Brunswick and walked about the wharf and had a nice dinner...fish and chips again!!
We then headed for Maine. It started to pour rain as we crossed over the Canadian Border for our last time this trip. We were going to camp but it was raining so hard and Tom was not tired so we drove on...amazingly he deceided he was tried in Feeport,Maine...home of L.L. BEAN!!! So we spent the night there and awoke to a beautiful morning...and headed to LL Bean store and had a lobster roll and then headed south to Plymouth.
What memories we have from traveling across Canada...it was an experience that we would not have missed.
We arrived on Pete and Linda's doorstep and what a warm welcome we had...as always. They are renting a place here. Plymouth is a neat little town. Tom and I have taken a walk a couple mornings and our route takes us along the shore and "THE PLYMOUTH ROCK" and thru the town. It has been special to see where they grew up. We have also gotten to meet Pete and Linda's relatives and they have been so kind and generous to make us feel like we are home!!! Pete and Linda know the best restaurants and of course we have had to go to all our favorites...LINDSEYS in Buzzard Bay...about 30 minutes from here. Pete and Linda told us about Lindseys several years ago when we first visited this area. We have been to Lindseys at least 10 times in the years we have visited this area...and the food always brings us back. Their family was going to a clam bake on Saturday and they were able to get us tickets..which was not an easy task as they are always sold out..there were about 600+ people there. It was "Carver Days"..a town just up the road. We had never been to a real clam bake and how fascinating to see them prepare the fire and place all the food...clams, fish, hot dogs, sausage, sweet and white potatoes, onions, corn, stuffing, bread all on the hot coals and then cover with sea weed and put tarps on and then it cooks for about 1.5 hours and then ready to eat. They had about 25 people serving so all was very efficient. Maryann had not ever eaten steamed clams...she ate 5 and said they were good. Everyone else ate about 50...it was all you could eat. Then they served ice cream and watermelon. There were several rows of long tables and they would just come and dump buckets of clams at about every 4th person ...time after time to be eaten It was a nice breezy day sitting under the pine trees..everyone was so friendly..felt just like we were at home!!!
It was our 40th wedding anniversary..so was nice to celebrate doing an event we had never done. Of course we could barely move as so full...but about 7PM that night decided we were hungary for dessert so drove down to Lindseys..again... for Strawberry Short Cake. I am not sure how many times since we arrived here, we vowed could not eat another bite until the next day...but somehow managed to do so!!! We even drove up to Boston one day to spend the day with Pete's brother and wife. Tom, Pete and Mike went and did a guided tour of Wrigley Field...what fun they had. Linda and Maryann spent the day with Beth and then we all went to a restaurant on the water and had another great fish dinner ..with POPOVERS...ymmmmm.
We also shared a family get together with Pete's cousin and Linda's family and even had guests from Copenhagen..an international dinner!!! Yesterday we went to the beach...the water was chilly...but after lots of encouragement and having Maryann get wet first...Tom made the plunge!! I think the lifegaurd said the water was 60 degrees....We also had the best Pizza yesterday at a neat Cafe in the town where Pete grew up. And have stopped along the ocean to have clam chowder. As Pete says..."""SO MUCH FOOd...s00 LITTLE TIME"..and we must tell you about the stops for ice cream....hmmmm. The small cone is like a 3-4 dip cone back home!!! Somehow we forget that every time we stop!! Discussed that my sister Joan and her Tom would be in heaven here as they love ice cream.
We finally figured out SKYPE so we all were able to enjoy seeing Kelly and Bryan and the girls the other night. They were so excited to show us Molly's birthday stuff, Samantha's school art and Kirsten her dolls. It was so good to see them all...nice to know that they continue to want to share so much with their grandparents!! Molly and Samantha are enjoying being back in school.
The weather has been just perfect here. We attended a concert in the park at the water the other night....it was a bit nippy as Linda and Maryann had sweaters etc...Maryann had a blanket but decided to give to Linda's Aunt Jean who said she was cold. She is going to be 90 next year and is just amazing..acts more like 60!!! Amazingly Maryann was able to tolerate the "cold"!!! hmmm
We have talked with Carrie and Buddi..also Carrie has sent pictures and has a video of Buddi playing ball on FACEBOOK...what a miracle. He is back to being hungary all the time and activity improved 100% from 4 weeks ago. Still looks thin. He will have more labs done this week to see if medications need to be changed or can stop the prednisone. Carrie is delighted to have her Buddi back!!!
We were able to attend a neat old church on Sunday with Pete and Linda right here in Plymouth. We certainly know that God has been with us every minute of the day as have had so many blessings. We continue to keep you all in our prayers and thank you for your thoughts and prayers for this journey.
We are so blessed to have had 40 years together...through difficult and great times..one thing we know is that we were meant to be together and to be able to share our lives with our family and our friends, no matter near or far..memories are always with us...and we so appreciate being able to make even more memories as we look toward many more years.
We were so thankful to hear that our friend George had his last chemo treatment..please keep him in your prayers as he has his PET Scan in August....he and Pat have been so positive and have continued to travel in between Chemo treatments...heard from them today and are in Flagstaff, AZ with 48 degree temperatures....and had rain yesterday...if we remember correctly..they brought the rain the last time they came to AZ too.
We have also had a roudy night playing SKIPO with Pete and Linda...Tom and Pete won 2 out of 3 as they had so many skipo wild cards...how could they help but not win( this is Maryann's point of view!!) but Linda and Maryann hope to win a round before we leave...
Tomorrow, 3 Aug, we plan to head to Maryann's Mom's in Pennsylvania. It will be difficult to leave the comfort of being with Pete and Linda as we have certainly shared a week of great moments and will always have many fond memories of the days we have been with them...we cannot thank them enough for these wonderfilled days!!!!!
Sending special hugs to you all..you are never far from our thoughts as we motor down the road to another adventure.
Love
Tom and Maryann
We left Prince Edward Island by the southern route and traveled along the beach towns. Taking the 8 mile bridge back was unique and it was a sunny day so very pretty. We traveled through south New Brunswick and stopped several times and explored the small towns and then went to the Fundy River Valley where we discovered the Chocolate River and actually walked on the ocean floor. We must of walked for 2 miles through mounds of seaweed, tunnels and caves that one can not see when the tide is in. When the tide comes in it is acutally 7 feet deep in the area that we walked. We ...or Tom decided to take another route back to the car so we got to climb over some rock piles...not always an easy task... We were not sure if were headed in the right direction but then we saw the flags going into the forest and breathed a sigh of relief as did not really want to walk all the way back..were not sure if we would make it before the tide started coming in.
Note to ourselves...always take water..we expected it to take about 30 minutes vs 2 hours!!!
We then drove through the national forest and saw some beautiful scenery. Stopped in St John, New Brunswick and walked about the wharf and had a nice dinner...fish and chips again!!
We then headed for Maine. It started to pour rain as we crossed over the Canadian Border for our last time this trip. We were going to camp but it was raining so hard and Tom was not tired so we drove on...amazingly he deceided he was tried in Feeport,Maine...home of L.L. BEAN!!! So we spent the night there and awoke to a beautiful morning...and headed to LL Bean store and had a lobster roll and then headed south to Plymouth.
What memories we have from traveling across Canada...it was an experience that we would not have missed.
We arrived on Pete and Linda's doorstep and what a warm welcome we had...as always. They are renting a place here. Plymouth is a neat little town. Tom and I have taken a walk a couple mornings and our route takes us along the shore and "THE PLYMOUTH ROCK" and thru the town. It has been special to see where they grew up. We have also gotten to meet Pete and Linda's relatives and they have been so kind and generous to make us feel like we are home!!! Pete and Linda know the best restaurants and of course we have had to go to all our favorites...LINDSEYS in Buzzard Bay...about 30 minutes from here. Pete and Linda told us about Lindseys several years ago when we first visited this area. We have been to Lindseys at least 10 times in the years we have visited this area...and the food always brings us back. Their family was going to a clam bake on Saturday and they were able to get us tickets..which was not an easy task as they are always sold out..there were about 600+ people there. It was "Carver Days"..a town just up the road. We had never been to a real clam bake and how fascinating to see them prepare the fire and place all the food...clams, fish, hot dogs, sausage, sweet and white potatoes, onions, corn, stuffing, bread all on the hot coals and then cover with sea weed and put tarps on and then it cooks for about 1.5 hours and then ready to eat. They had about 25 people serving so all was very efficient. Maryann had not ever eaten steamed clams...she ate 5 and said they were good. Everyone else ate about 50...it was all you could eat. Then they served ice cream and watermelon. There were several rows of long tables and they would just come and dump buckets of clams at about every 4th person ...time after time to be eaten It was a nice breezy day sitting under the pine trees..everyone was so friendly..felt just like we were at home!!!
It was our 40th wedding anniversary..so was nice to celebrate doing an event we had never done. Of course we could barely move as so full...but about 7PM that night decided we were hungary for dessert so drove down to Lindseys..again... for Strawberry Short Cake. I am not sure how many times since we arrived here, we vowed could not eat another bite until the next day...but somehow managed to do so!!! We even drove up to Boston one day to spend the day with Pete's brother and wife. Tom, Pete and Mike went and did a guided tour of Wrigley Field...what fun they had. Linda and Maryann spent the day with Beth and then we all went to a restaurant on the water and had another great fish dinner ..with POPOVERS...ymmmmm.
We also shared a family get together with Pete's cousin and Linda's family and even had guests from Copenhagen..an international dinner!!! Yesterday we went to the beach...the water was chilly...but after lots of encouragement and having Maryann get wet first...Tom made the plunge!! I think the lifegaurd said the water was 60 degrees....We also had the best Pizza yesterday at a neat Cafe in the town where Pete grew up. And have stopped along the ocean to have clam chowder. As Pete says..."""SO MUCH FOOd...s00 LITTLE TIME"..and we must tell you about the stops for ice cream....hmmmm. The small cone is like a 3-4 dip cone back home!!! Somehow we forget that every time we stop!! Discussed that my sister Joan and her Tom would be in heaven here as they love ice cream.
We finally figured out SKYPE so we all were able to enjoy seeing Kelly and Bryan and the girls the other night. They were so excited to show us Molly's birthday stuff, Samantha's school art and Kirsten her dolls. It was so good to see them all...nice to know that they continue to want to share so much with their grandparents!! Molly and Samantha are enjoying being back in school.
The weather has been just perfect here. We attended a concert in the park at the water the other night....it was a bit nippy as Linda and Maryann had sweaters etc...Maryann had a blanket but decided to give to Linda's Aunt Jean who said she was cold. She is going to be 90 next year and is just amazing..acts more like 60!!! Amazingly Maryann was able to tolerate the "cold"!!! hmmm
We have talked with Carrie and Buddi..also Carrie has sent pictures and has a video of Buddi playing ball on FACEBOOK...what a miracle. He is back to being hungary all the time and activity improved 100% from 4 weeks ago. Still looks thin. He will have more labs done this week to see if medications need to be changed or can stop the prednisone. Carrie is delighted to have her Buddi back!!!
We were able to attend a neat old church on Sunday with Pete and Linda right here in Plymouth. We certainly know that God has been with us every minute of the day as have had so many blessings. We continue to keep you all in our prayers and thank you for your thoughts and prayers for this journey.
We are so blessed to have had 40 years together...through difficult and great times..one thing we know is that we were meant to be together and to be able to share our lives with our family and our friends, no matter near or far..memories are always with us...and we so appreciate being able to make even more memories as we look toward many more years.
We were so thankful to hear that our friend George had his last chemo treatment..please keep him in your prayers as he has his PET Scan in August....he and Pat have been so positive and have continued to travel in between Chemo treatments...heard from them today and are in Flagstaff, AZ with 48 degree temperatures....and had rain yesterday...if we remember correctly..they brought the rain the last time they came to AZ too.
We have also had a roudy night playing SKIPO with Pete and Linda...Tom and Pete won 2 out of 3 as they had so many skipo wild cards...how could they help but not win( this is Maryann's point of view!!) but Linda and Maryann hope to win a round before we leave...
Tomorrow, 3 Aug, we plan to head to Maryann's Mom's in Pennsylvania. It will be difficult to leave the comfort of being with Pete and Linda as we have certainly shared a week of great moments and will always have many fond memories of the days we have been with them...we cannot thank them enough for these wonderfilled days!!!!!
Sending special hugs to you all..you are never far from our thoughts as we motor down the road to another adventure.
Love
Tom and Maryann
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