Celebration, Old Friends

Friday, December 13, 2019

This was a great Friday the 13th.  Arthur, our main caregiver for Mr. Selden, graduated from Nursing School today.  We are so happy for him and was so pleased he wanted us to join in the celebration.  Flying in from Arizona was John and Anita and Roger and Barbara.  It was so good to see them again.  With time passing so quickly and so many miles between, it was so special to get together especially to celebrate such a great event.  We met for drinks and then a lovely dinner at the Stanford Grill.  Much laughter, congratulations, many many hugs.  It was such a pleasure to meet Arthur's Mom and Aunt, and two of his friends who also graduated earlier in the day.

Arthur, Samual, Gizachew

Santa Playing Blackjack

Tuesday, December 10, 2019

Stopped by to visit Dad. We set up his little Christmas Tree and drop off the shopping we did for him.  Found out Santa was visiting that day.  Debra got Dad and herself in the spirit for the visit.

Brandon's Winter Choral Concert

Thursday, December 5, 2010

It is always so much fun to be able to see a grandchild perform.  Brandon's Winter Concert was very nice.

More of Mr. Lincoln

Tuesday, December 3, 2019

Today we visited Mr. Lincoln's Cottage.  We did so much Lincoln history in Springfield, IL, today was Washington, DC.   The cottage was built in 1842 for a banker, George W. Riggs on a hilltop overlooking downtown Washington.  The estate was purchased by the Federal Government for the purpose of building a home for veteran soldiers.  While in Washington, the Lincoln family stayed here during the hot months.  President Lincoln often commuted to the White House by horseback.  He saw how the Capitol was changing during the years of the War.  He made some of his momentous decisions here  The cottage provided a place for him to reflect on these all-consuming decisions that needed to be made during these difficult times.

The tour was a very interesting one because the house is empty of furniture.  Instead of seeing the things that made life what it was in those years, one could reflect on the emotions of the time.  The tour reflects on things that were done here, decisions, mourning for his son's death,  the Emancipation Proclamation.  He visited with the soldiers and saw first-hand every day the impact of the Civil War.

Thanksgiving, 2019

Thursday, November 28, 2019

We were so intent on having a nice dinner for everyone we never took one picture.  Go figure.  We did have a nice Thanksgiving Dinner with Dad, Mark and Anita, Susie and us.  Chris, Candice, and Brandon stopped by before dinner to visit before heading off to Candice's family.

Our First Overnight with the Retired Members Club

Thursday & Friday, November 14-15, 2019

Off we go, bright and early Thursday morning for a long bus trip to Oglebay Park in Wheeling, WV.  We will be staying at the Wilson Lodge.

Off we go on our Gunther Coach.

We had a lovely room in a very nice lodge.  Did a little bit of exploring, had a drink at the Glassworks Grill before dinner and then a great buffet dinner with a floor show.  A tribute to Frank Sinatra.

Wilson Lodge

Outside our room.  It was cold.

Dining Room before dinner.

After dinner, we did the Festival of Lights tour from the bus.  Once we were back at the Lodge is was Hot Chocolate and cookies before settling down for a good night's sleep.

Just waiting for Santa.

Friday started out with a terrific breakfast buffet, then off to explore the area.  We started out at the Hilltop shops.  There was a candy counter there and of course, we had to try the dark chocolate caramels and turtles and several other candies.  Next was a visit to the glass museum.  This area was known for the Glass Producing Houses back in the day.  Some well-know houses were Sweeney and Co. Glass Works, Wheeling Flint and North Wheeling Flint Glass Works, Central Glass Works and several more. Fortunately, the glassblower was there too.  He was interesting to talk to and watch as he performed his craft.

Nativity Scene outside the Hilltop Shop

At the Glass Museum.

Sixteen Gallon Sweeney Punch Bowl, 1844.

Next, we did a bus tour of Wheeling and stopped at the Market Square where we had lunch.  We decided, out of many choices, to have the famous fish sandwich from Coleman's Fish Market. This sandwich is so popular it has it's own ordering line and believe me there is a line of people waiting for their sandwich.  After eating it I can understand why it has it's own line.  It was delicious.  Once our hunger was under control we strolled around the area until it was time to board the bus and return to Oglebay to tour the Mansion and see the Good Zoo and finish up with an excellent Christmas Laser Light Show.

Wheeling Market Square

Oglebay Mansion

Reindeer are resting up at Santa's Reindeer Training School.

Now it is time for the long drive back to the Union Hall in Landover.  It was a busy two days and we enjoyed every minute of it.  Now to have a relaxing ride home.

Miracle of Christmas at Sight & Sound

November 6, 2019

Once again we were treated to an uplifting performance at the Sight & Sound Theater in Lancaster, PA.
This was a trip with the Retired Members Club.  We started out with lunch at the Good & Plenty Resturant which is always an excellent meal.

As usual, the performance left me just stunned.  I was spellbound every minute.  Of course, we cannot take any pictures inside, but I am including a few shots from the brochure.  If you ever have a chance, please see one of the performances at Sight & Sound.

Once they start bringing that food in, all you think about is eating.  The best fried chicken, pork, beef stew, mashed potatoes, green beans, noodles in brown butter, corn, relishes, homemade breads, and probably more I have forgotten.  Then the desserts, pies, apple, cherry, shoefly, ice cream, little cheesecakes.  After we ate you can go downstairs to the bakery.  I got raisin bread and cookies.

Another great trip with the Retired Members Club.  Thank you, Richard, for planning these wonderful trips.