still traveling...

It has been great to be able to travel around and visit my old haunts. 4th of July in Pennsylvania, a week in New York (western sticks), back to home base (Indiana), and now on to Las Vegas. I am getting sad that it is all going by so quickly, meaning the the return trip is rapidly approaching.

I spent the 4th with my "other family" in Pennsylvania-- camping, playing ultimate, playing euchre, holding and spoiling little Luke, and visiting with family. It was a great weekend and John had quite the night display of fireworks-- not to mention a great view of other people's fireworks in the surrounding valleys.


From PA- "Ma" and I drove to New York-- we took quite the detour and enjoyed some sights of New York that I haven't seen in some time, but it was a great few hours. When we finally arrived in good 'ole Nunda-- that feeling of "get me out of here" hit. It is only when I am in town for the first time though-- and I think it has something to do with not ever being able to make a quiet entrance into this small town. I dropped "Ma" off and headed to the land. I knew there was a lot of work to be done up there, but I almost cried when I actually saw it. Everything was grown up and so very different from how I remember it. Deer mice had moved into my camper-- they are persistent little creatures that make a complete mess! The grass was to my shoulders in some spots and at my waist in the rest. I couldn't even see the pond from the driveway.... so sad.... tons to do!

Dodger (my truck) seemed to enjoy the "work" though-- hauling fence posts (the ones dad and I put in so many years ago, dumping loads of grass raked from the mess of the "lawn" at my camper, and carrying junk from here to there. By the end of the week-- with help from Ma, Jason, Uncle Harold, Uncle Clyde, and Blaine-- the place looked livable again. I hated to leave! New York will always be my HOME-- and I can't wait to return to the hills/sticks! It is absolutely breathtaking!


Dad and I were able to enjoy a few days together in Indiana -- while mom and grandma were in Vegas. We got a few things done around the house (eves toughs, hay, piecing together a swing, etc.), and we enjoyed some father daughter moments sipping coffee on the patio. Since mom and grandma's return we have been running here and there-- and taking the in the sights of Noble county. The fair is in town--which means Elephant Ears (Fried Dough) and other great fair food! The entertainment was the typical small town stuff, but the atmosphere and sights made me smile.


I leave for Sin City today-- and am looking forward to visiting with my family and friends. Going to the 51's game on Thursday-- thirsty Thursday-- so excited!! I guess I should stop typing and start packing though.

home...

Sitting on the porch swing with my family, while my nieces and nephew catch lightning bugs, makes me so happy. It is so good to be back in the US-- eating steaks and pork chops off the grill. I can't tell you how many mornings I have woken up ready to enjoy my cup of coffee on the porch or ready to start my day by doing the chores (taking care of the horses). It is such a good feeling to be home.

I am still keeping busy, especially with my nieces and nephew around, but it is an enjoyable busy. AND, I am documenting every moment-- pictures of the horses, the landscape, flowers, the kids, the dogs and cats, family escapades, water parks, beaches, picnics, water games in the yard, farm visits, fishing frogs out of the pond, and the rain. All of this in only a week!

When my computer returns from its visit to the "doctor" I will upload some photos, but for now.. this is my nephew and I with the neighbor's starter calf.


I am off to PA this coming weekend (for the 4th) and then on to NY for a week of working on my land and camping!! SOOOOO glad to be home! I love the summer!

airports...

So Rauf got me to the airport with plenty of time to spare-- so I had time to get lost and make a new friend. I made it through the first security checkpoint and the passport checkpoint without a problems, but then I don't know what happened. While checking in the man behind the desk told me that my bag was too heavy-- I hate repacking while a line waits-- it was a rather quick exchange of some books into another suitcase, but still. Then he checked my bags and I was to be on my way-- but which way? When in doubt follow the crowd-- because for some reason when you need assistance all of the workers aren't anywhere around. Needless to say, I made my way (and mind you the airport is NOT big) to what I thought was the gate check. I waited there for about 20 minutes because it was closed off (the security guards were behind the "tape" talking). Jeffrey came sauntering by and we chatted for a little bit and then went to get coffee. This is the point that my new friend (the BMI desk man) started really assisting me- he called to me after allowing the pilot and flight crew through the security checkpoint and told me that I needed to enter on the other side of the big round cement thing-- duh! At this point I wasn't as much of an idiot as later in the morning!

So, I make my way to the checkpoint and think -- "Ah, I can do this." -- recalling the procedures I followed when leaving in December. My carry-on, laptop, shoes, etc... make the trek through the machine and I step up to the big tube (remembering that I had to raise my arms and face the machine). I entered the tube, put my feet in the right direction, hands are raised, and nothing happens. I look to my left and the "checker" is chuckling a bit and waves me through the tube! Guess I didn't have to follow the only signs I understood! Ughh!! I quickly gathered my things, sat down at the gate that was printed on my ticket, and put my headphones on. About 10 minutes later, just as I was recovering from the mornings idiocies-- my friend peaks his head around the corner and say, "Come onto this side. Plane leave from this gate." AHHH-- at this point I just wanted to get onto the plane!

I am now in London-- and I believe that my issues have been resolved -- probably because I am paying attention and the signs are in English! I am here for another 2 hours-- hopefully without any incidents....

DID I MENTION THAT I AM HAPPY TO BE ON MY WAY TO THE STATES-- I HAVE ALREADY STARTED SHOPPING AT THE STORES IN THE AIRPORT (IN LONDON OF COURSE).