Winter berries peek out from inches of snow
A picnic table by the creek waits patiently for spring
Our Garden Fairy catches gentle flakes
Our first experience with freezing rains
Monday, February 28, 2011
Winter Wonderland
As winter fades into spring, I wanted to share some of my favorite photos from our first full winter here in Lancaster County; what a joy it's been to once again experience four seasons.
Eating Humble Pike...I mean pie
This just in...my husband (whom I raved about in my last blog) has informed me that pretty much every spoke road leading out of Lancaster has a "Pike" to it! Therefore, while I have not personally driven on them knowingly, please add to my previous pike list: Harrisburg Pike, New Holland Pike and Columbia Pike. Apparently there are others as well, but this is a good start for those either moving to or traveling through our lovely county!
Obviously I am not ready to give up that TomTom yet!
Obviously I am not ready to give up that TomTom yet!
Monday, February 21, 2011
Are YOU sure you're on the Right Road?
Thank the Lord for a cherished gift from Christmas past: my TomTom (GPS system). My husband purchased it after realizing what a terrible neighborhood (aka "hood") I had wound up in one day while "Lost in Las Vegas" and deciding he truly did want to keep me around. That, along with his knowing how geographically challenged I am anyways, made it the perfect gift for me. (He's a wise man and I thank him.)
The TomTom rarely got used until we moved to Lancaster County and I was terrified of getting lost and not being found until the cows came home (pun intended). These back roads can be much more frightening than highways and Interstates.
The first month we arrived in Lancaster County, out of fear of the unknown, I kept taking the long but recognizable way to my son's pre-school. And I do mean the long way. Each day I would pass the most delightful sign that would give me reason to pause and reassure myself of my whereabouts. A year later, with just the occasional drive-by, it still makes me smile:
Determined to learn my way around (the Mall was calling my name), I started taking different routes to and from every destination I drove to. By doing this not only have I seen more of our amazing countryside, I can now give my husband a few tips about his own hometown!
I've also discovered not to pay attention to the many and confusing State Routes, Highway #'s, etc. as they all seem to be called multiple names by the locals. Life became much simpler once I learned the "Pikes". Yep, there are 4 major Pikes: Lititz, Fruitville, Manheim & Oregon. Figure these out and you've more or less got what it takes to get you back home.
And yes, today I am sure I am on the right road. But then again, I can always ask Tom.
The TomTom rarely got used until we moved to Lancaster County and I was terrified of getting lost and not being found until the cows came home (pun intended). These back roads can be much more frightening than highways and Interstates.
The first month we arrived in Lancaster County, out of fear of the unknown, I kept taking the long but recognizable way to my son's pre-school. And I do mean the long way. Each day I would pass the most delightful sign that would give me reason to pause and reassure myself of my whereabouts. A year later, with just the occasional drive-by, it still makes me smile:
Determined to learn my way around (the Mall was calling my name), I started taking different routes to and from every destination I drove to. By doing this not only have I seen more of our amazing countryside, I can now give my husband a few tips about his own hometown!
I've also discovered not to pay attention to the many and confusing State Routes, Highway #'s, etc. as they all seem to be called multiple names by the locals. Life became much simpler once I learned the "Pikes". Yep, there are 4 major Pikes: Lititz, Fruitville, Manheim & Oregon. Figure these out and you've more or less got what it takes to get you back home.
And yes, today I am sure I am on the right road. But then again, I can always ask Tom.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Goodbye Valet Parking, Hello Buggy Parking!
It was one year ago this week, after three cancelled flights and several emergency changes of travel plans, our family boarded a plane in Las Vegas, flew to Raleigh, NC and drove an excruciating 8 hours through snow and (weather) re-directed traffic to our new home in Lancaster County, PA. Our overwhelmed and traumatized dog arrived a week later when flights into Baltimore and Philadelphia resumed. Yes, we chose to move across country in the midst of the worst blizzards of the last few decades. That's us - we like to make an entrance.
Though my husband grew up here, we quickly discovered a lot has changed in the past 20+ years; while other treasures have remained exactly the same. Leaving Las Vegas was monumental; Gone are the skyscraper hotels, the blinding lights, the glitz and the glamour. Gone are the houses stacked one upon another, over crowded schools, the graffiti and the fake turf known as a "yard". In Lancaster County we've celebrated Farmer's Markets, landscapes that are postcard picture perfect in every direction we turn, the quiet grace of the Amish, and friendly neighbors who bring homemade soup and bread to welcome us to the neighborhood.
So, "Goodbye Valet Parking; Hello Buggy Parking"!
This blog is dedicated to the wonders of our new home, our new community and the many blessings we've discovered as we've settled in to Lancaster County, PA. It will be designed to assist those moving here, as well as those who just wish to visit. Our discoveries and adventures of the past year, and those yet to come will be posted in hopes you will want to explore Lancaster County as well.
Welcome to our journey...
Though my husband grew up here, we quickly discovered a lot has changed in the past 20+ years; while other treasures have remained exactly the same. Leaving Las Vegas was monumental; Gone are the skyscraper hotels, the blinding lights, the glitz and the glamour. Gone are the houses stacked one upon another, over crowded schools, the graffiti and the fake turf known as a "yard". In Lancaster County we've celebrated Farmer's Markets, landscapes that are postcard picture perfect in every direction we turn, the quiet grace of the Amish, and friendly neighbors who bring homemade soup and bread to welcome us to the neighborhood.
So, "Goodbye Valet Parking; Hello Buggy Parking"!
This blog is dedicated to the wonders of our new home, our new community and the many blessings we've discovered as we've settled in to Lancaster County, PA. It will be designed to assist those moving here, as well as those who just wish to visit. Our discoveries and adventures of the past year, and those yet to come will be posted in hopes you will want to explore Lancaster County as well.
Welcome to our journey...
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