Shhhhhhh, don't tell Pam!

Our time up north just got a lot more exciting. Who'd ever think cutting the grass can be so much fun. I offered to cut Lee and Pam's grass while they were away. I also told Pam I wouldn't use her (yes her) new John Deere X300 lawn tractor. You see I don't think anyone else has been "allowed" to drive it. Pam wouldn't even let Lee back it off his pick-up when he brought it home for her! So, I trimmed and cut a portion of their lawn with their (ugh) walk behind power mower but each time I passed the garage door, I couldn't help looking at that sweet looking "green" machine just sitting there. I confess, I put the power mower in the shed and made a bee-line for the garage... and Pam's tractor.
What a beauty! Once I figured out how to work all the pedals and "safety" switches, I started it up and made my way to the lawn. It purred over the lawn cutting with scissor precision and I was lovin' it!
After cleaning it up to "hide the evidence" I just couldn't bring myself to park it without seeing what this beauty can do. I "tweaked" it and headed for the local Lawn Tractor Pull!

All I can say is WOW......

Oh man, there ain't nothin' like it! What a ride.

(Yep, that's your's truly at the controls!)

Whew, I got Pam's pride and joy all cleaned up (again) and put it back into its "parking spot" like it was never touched. ....as they say, "Nothing Runs Like a Deere."

I needed a change of pace after all that excitement so we were looking forward to an evening with friends Laura and Chuck's (park owners of our home in NH) house for pizza and some visiting with their family. We got to catch up with Chuck and Michelle (their son and daughter-in-law) and their son, Ian, and Heather (their daughter) and her daughter, Brooklyn. To say the least Ian and Brooklyn are the "light" in Laura and Chuck's eyes. We had a very special evening with them.

Ian, is the little boy who drives his Granpa "Umpa's" construction equipment. Well, he's recently set his sight on BMX riding. He's jumping and riding over any hill or whatever he can find on their property.

Tonight was a very special night. Just ask "Umpa!"

Family and Friends

Since we've set up "housekeeping" here in MA it seems that all we've been doing is driving. As you know we're camped in our friends Lee and Pam's back yard. They live just north of Lowell, MA and Pat and I are from the area north of Boston, MA which is known as the North Shore. You may have heard of a few of the towns that tourists visit such as; Salem, (the Witch City http://salem.org/ ), Gloucester, (http://gloucester-ma.gov/ ) and our home town of Peabody, (the Leather City http://www.peabody-ma.gov/ ). If you care to visit MA in your future travels an Internet search of the area will provide you with a colorful history of these New England towns. Yes, many of the best seafood restaurants can be found along the cities and towns of the North Shore of Massachusetts.

We spent a great weekend with our best friends George and Judy at their cottage in Sunapee, NH. Their son and daughter-in-law, Mike and Candice provided us with a super tour of one of New Hampshire's popular lakes, Lake Sunapee. http://lakesunapeenh.org/

George and I got to spend a couple of hours under the clear New Hampshire sky for some "star gazing." Clouds slowly shortened our session however, the highlight of the evening was sighting the International Space Station. Its south to north pass-over allowed us the opportunity to manually "track" the bright object along its path with our telescopes. I was lucky to make out shape and definition of the ISS in my 110mm refractor.
New England may well have "legendary" winters but the other three seasons make New England one of the most beautiful regions to visit.

Our Aunt Ruth invited her daughter Angela, Pat and I, our Aunt Evelyn and Uncle Joe for a lunch at one of the fine eating establishments in Gloucester, the "Azorean." http://www.azoreanrestaurant.com/ The city of Gloucester is known for its fishing fleet and is rich in European/Mediterranean ethnicity. Before heading out for lunch we sat for a time to catch up with family news. (Photo thanks to Angela.)

Our family gathering took up the afternoon as we talked and dined on a delicious lunch. Our lunch took up much of the afternoon. No one seemed to be willing to make the first step to leave.

Seated left to right is; Angela, Pat, Ruth, Evelyn, Joe and yours truly.

Between trips to our doctors for annual check ups we've played "catch-up" to note any changes to the area that we've missed over our first year as Floridians.

Many of you know Bill and Angela, well we headed for their house for a family BBQ.

Let's see, we got there around noon and Angela and others set the table for some "munchies" prior to "firing up the barbie!" For the next two hours fourteen of us couldn't stop picking at all the goodies. When it came time to grill we were trying to figure out if we actually wanted to eat. ....well, we did!

Then, we couldn't resist the desserts. Ashley baked a yummie blueberry pie, Angela baked a pineapple pie and Bill and Angela presented a cake to Debbie, Pat and Ashley for returning to school and for birthdays.

Unaccustomed to eating so much (uha), the kids hit a local park and the adults (most of them) took a much needed walk. I stayed back to watch the food, er house!

A good friend of Bill and Angela's family, Roy, dropped in and touched all of our hearts with his four Pekingese "mops!"

Have you noticed the sun is setting earlier? Yes, days are getting shorter and school begins next week and I've gotta rub in it! Now that I'm retired from teaching oh how I love this time of year!!!

Unfortunately, its also the hurricane season and it just so happens "Irene" is setting sights for Florida.

I think I'd rather be waiting for a good ole Nor 'Easter!

Campout!

So, two days to New England, one stop over in PA and get settled in Lee and Pam's back yard! Water, sewer and electric what more can a camper ask for. The best "campground" we've been in for a long time!

Look at our rig, snug as a bug in a rug... beside the garage! Pam moved their elegant Meridian and we backed in beside the garage for a few weeks of visiting and catching up with family and friends.

Perhaps this is a better view of our "home away from home."

Lee and Pam built the exquisite garage we're parked next to and set their yard up for their very first "Backyard Campout." What started out to be a small gathering of a couple of coaches turned out to be seven coaches.

A hand full of the Massachusetts Winnebago, Itasca, Travelers (W.I.T.) literally "squeezed" into Lee and Pam's back yard located just off their narrow street. One by one our well travelled drivers backed their coach off the street and inched into their weekend "site."

The above "stitched" photo says it all.

If you can pick them out, from left to right, (you can only see the rear end of) Pam and Lees,  Bob and Phylis', Ed and Bea's, Tom and Peg's, Jerry and Marcia's, Ed and Sandy's and Pat and Dave's.

The neighbors were all a gasp as these behemoths settled in for a weekend of friendship and good food...

did I say food.

They don't call us the "Eat-A-Bagos" for nothing.

After setting up we all headed for the garage for chat and... what else... food.

Friday night was Lobsters.

Thanks to Pam and the local Market Basket, eighteen lobsters were the "guests of honour." Along with "sugar and butter" corn on the cob (pronounced "con", ayah, New England you know) and bunches of after dinner treats, yum! (Now you understand our nick-name.)

Lobster eaters take their main course seriously.

The only meal where the plates provide the directions...

Hey, everyone smile! Ah forget it, let's eat.

...and how did they enjoy their lobsters?

Are you kidding? There weren't nothing left!

Breakfast treats galore and there was still another evening meal to go.

Deep-fried turkey and corn on the cob! (Addendum to our meal plan. We don't eat just a main course or two. Our "chefs" just can't let it go without "sides." Each meal, the serving tables magically fill-up with all the fixins one can imagine.

Would you believe Lee cooked up six turkeys and a roaster.

Hey, why waist all the peanut oil!

Above, Lee immerses the first bird while Jerry and Ed stand clear of the "blast."

Actually, only two turkeys were to be deep-fried. Until, Jerry and Marcia, and Tom and Peg wanted one "for the road." Then, hey, why not cook another one just to be on the safe side. And that's how the weekend went.

We all lived up to our "nick-name" and our coaches road a little heavier as they all made their way out of Lee and Pam's driveway on Sunday.

...As for Pat and I, Pat did a great job of pushing away from most of the food all weekend.

Me? I'm bracing for the "tongue-lashing" from my doctor on Tuesday when I see him for my annual physical!

Movin' on

Its time to leave this once bustling city of New Castle, IN and head to New England. Rich in automobile manufacturing, New Castle and it's residents are quietly aging. Driving around the downtown area you can still hear the rumbling of long freight trains carrying grain and automobiles along with whatever else as they "snake" through the area. Every now and then you can still hear the locomotive engineer of a passing freight train pull on the engine's whistle as if to lament and remind those who remain of the luster and sparkle of past memories and greatness.

Rich in history, Henry County struggles to keep alive its proud heritage. Take for example the "Back in Time Tea Room."

http://www.lp-greenhouse.com/tea_room.html

A short drive from New Castle, you can sit and reminisce while enjoying a variety of elegant teas and fine foods. During our time here Darlene, Pat and Ashley got to enjoy some wonderful "girl time" as they dined in classical tea room style.

As many of you know Darlene has been recovering from surgery so she suggested Pat and I take in a "show." It just so happens the church Pastor, Pastor Steve, is in a theater group and she thought we'd enjoy a "change of venue." Sure enough, it certainly was a "change of venue!" We headed for the little town of Lewisville just south of New Castle to the "Guyer Opera House" ..... and countless years back in time!

The tiny "downtown" was like something out of the '40s. The beautifully aging town buildings were laced with character and "Ole American" charm. We were in for a pleasant surprise.

The "Guyer Opera House" is a non-profit, all volunteer ensamble. The theater is right out of the early 1900's replete with creaky wooden floors and stamped metal sheeting on the ceilings. (I think I could pick out a couple remnants of the old gas lighting fixtures of yesteryear on the sides of the stage!) The ten dollar ticket and (if you want) a pre-show meal for a few dollars will bring you "back in time" as you're surrounded by the ambiance of the aging architecture and spirit of the theater.

 The play, "Chess" the Musical based on the book by: Richard Nelson is the story of a Russian Chess player who defects to America at the time of the Cold War. The young and extremely talented cast skillfully drew us into the story with a blend of cleverly written, well sung lyrics and well rehearsed stage manipulation and acting. As you can see the stage and its setting is "up close and personal" to the audience...

The music "pit" is to the left, behind black curtains. Through out the play, the cast set the stage props and entered and exited the stage in near total darkness. And yes, they needed to move about on the black "steps" or platforms as well.

Pastor Steve, had a rather brief part in "Chess," albeit a very "key" part. He played "Gregor" the supposed father of a young woman who fell in love with "Anatoly" the Russian Chess Master. 

(Left, "Florence," Andrea Hadsell, right, "Gregor," Pastor Steve)

Pastor Steve was excellent, he never missed a cue, word or note on stage. (At least we think he didn't, his lines and song were all in Russian!)

Seeing as this is a Blog, I'll hold on telling the lengthy version of "Chess." Suffice it to say Darlene introduced us to Pastor Steve. Pastor Steve told us about the play. "Anatoly" (Zack) the Russian Chess Master is Pastor Steve and Darlene's cousin who just happens to be an outstanding singer with a beautiful voice.

"Anatoly" (Zack) is the cast member in black to the left of the Russian symbol. Pastor Steve, (also in black) is to the right of the photo (stage left) between the girl in black and red and the player with the black vest.

If you should find yourself passing through or visiting the New Castle area check out the

http://www.guyeroperahouse.net/ website. Who knows you may find yourself stepping back in time to enjoy some outstanding theater.

Of course I'd be remiss if I didn't offer our readers a place to find great sandwiches to eat...

"Cafe Royal" on Rt 3 just south of the center of town caught our taste buds on more than a few lunches!

http://caferoyalnc.com/index.html

Oh man, now I'm getting hungry.... gotta go!

We thought we were warm in Florida!

We traveled north to get out of the heat. So much for that theory! We've been stuck in the 90's and high humidity much of the time. Thank goodness for A/C.

Like many towns/cities in America, Henry county offered a couple of fireworks displays that satisfied most fireworks lovers......

The above fine example of fireworks was put on by the campground owners we are staying at. We just sat in front of our camper and enjoyed the show.

Sometimes here in New Castle, some people celebrate somewhat differently. Some people like to "throw things!"

The side lawn of a house across the street from Buzz and Darlene's is the resting place for some one's clothes that were thrown out the window by a family  "celebrant!"

Whoever threw out the clothes must've been really excited because he made a banner with them as well...

Boy, Americans like to celebrate in some really unique ways!

We got to attend a very special "Talent Show" featuring Buzz and Darlene's very own Sir Winston.

Buzz and Winston captured the crowd...

The fireworks also heralded the arrival of our Grandniece, Ashley.

Buzz and Darlene and Pat and I headed for the Indianapolis Airport to pick her up.

Our young traveler is slowly making her way around these great States of ours. So began a week of sharing some great moments together.

We learned that Ashley likes horses...

Ashley got to learn all about "Flea Inspections!"

...and best of all, Darlene, Ashley and Pat got to enjoy each others company...

All right, lets get serious...

Come on, lets try again...

Finally!

We also found out that Ashley wanted to see what it is like to shoot a gun.

So, Buzz obliged her. Buzz took Ashley and I to the local range and she got to "sample" firing a variety of firearms.

...and shoot she did.

After some safety instructions "Annie Oakley" (I mean) Ashley got to try her skill at hitting a target.

She started out with a pellet pistol and stepped up to the .22. She handled several .22's and then got to feel the kick of a .38.

She finished off with a Glock... and that left her with a "kick" (literally)!

Yes, she did hit the target. A number of her "hits" were covered with tape but you can see the two large holes of the Glock on the right side of the target.

She got to load and unload the spent shells.

Ashley had quite an experience to say the least.

Never fear, her experience with firearms doesn't come close to her attraction to Consignment shops!

In closing...

Here's something all of Indiana is hoping to share with the world early in the coming new year...

If you enjoy watching the Super Bowl, here is the venue for the 2012 Super Bowl, the Lucas Oil Stadium located in downtown Indianapolis, Indiana.

What'cha doin'?

Here in Indiana we're going all out! Yep, up in the morning, head over to Buzz and Darlene's and  sit down to....

... watch our daily marathon of the Casey Anthony trial from Florida.

Since we arrived here in IN Pat and I get up in the morning and head for Buzz and Darlene's house for our daily dose of this sadly profound drama. Except for taking "Winston" out for a walk the four of us become "couch potatoes" from dawn to dusk. (We have to include the expert commentaries that follow the trial each evening.)

Fortunately, Buzz enjoys three days a week of shuffleboard with his friends and I felt the need to tag along today. Although, I might have been better off staying with Pat and Darlene today.

Buzz' friends are a wonderful mix of friendly folks. Today, after a hiatus due to health issues, their friend and long time shuffleboard player, Eula showed up to play. Eula is a sweet little lady who just happens to be 96 years young. Bill (of Bill and Angela) got to meet Eula last year and he knows well of what I speak. But don't let this sweet demeanor (and poor vision) fool you, this little lady is a "viper" on the court. Hardly able to see the other end of the court, Eula, in her typically sweet manner, asks, "is it good?" Being polite and always willing to be nice to Eula, we all tell her which puck is good and where they are on the shuffleboard triangle. Now, me being her opponent, graciously (albeit reluctantly) tell her the status of the pucks at the other end. She then proceeds to either clear my pucks off the score or into the "kitchen!"

Buzz' shuffleboard group made plans to play early this Monday to beat the heat and Eula said she'll be

playing. I think I'll be staying with Pat and Darlene and watch more TV!

You know we're not too active when Buzz has to look for things to do. Buzz thought he'd do a good deed and remove a few things that have been hanging around his rental properties. He loaded up his Ford King Ranch and turned his typically spotless truck into a "Clampert" mobile! Buzz pulled his hat down over his ears and actually drove his fine (and embarrassed) pride and joy to the scrap yard.

I'm sure (GMC lover) Bill can appreciate seeing Buzz' Ford in such a... well... demeaning predicament...

(These pitiful photos had to be taken without Buzz or his Ford's acknowledgement.)

I'll leave you with another "blast from the past."

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Ladies and Gentlemen, the real "Easy rider!"

Ray is one of our "Palm Tree Bikers" ride leaders! We have to keep reminding him that he cannot use this bike on our rides.