Creativity is a funny thing. It's probably infinite in its possibilites, and yet, we have those (sometimes drawn out) dreaded dry spots!
During those times, it's like the sun is on hiatus, the clouds are murking up the day, and life feels...flat.
Thank goodness my creative wheels are turning again, and the sun is at high noon, with nary a cloud to sully the atmosphere.
I have a request for you--my reader! I have three ideas on the table, and they are all equally appealing to the writer in me. I wonder if you would do me the pleasure of your two cents, and share with me what you think I should tackle first?
Most of us have seen, in bookstores, and now on websites--such as Amazon-- that there is a market for books with local flavor. I appreciate reading them myself, and have bought them as gifts.
After some serious thought, I believe I am about to embark on writing a book about one of these three main topics:
1.) Legends and Folklore of Mercer County, PA. (Or possibly NW Pennsylvania, or Shenango Valley)
2.) Homicides (Murders, or Murder Mysteries) in Mercer County, PA. (Again, the other two possible locales.) This would cover the period of time between the first settlers, through the decades, up till today.
3.) History and daily life of the Amish in (again) Mercer County, PA.
So, time to do your homework, folks, can you just send me a note and tell me which one you think I should do?
Whichever way I go, I will need to start doing some research. If I cover legends (choice number 1), I would like to have at least one chapter on 'hauntings', which would mean I would need to put out a request for local yokels to contact me with their stories.
I already know of one lady, a family friend, who had a haunting in her Sharon home, back in the 70's. I'm usually skeptical of that sort of thing, but in her case, I really believe. She's a rational lady, with some eerie stories, and I think most Sharonites would be chilled to know about it.
A new writer's group has formed at the Shenango Valley Community Library, and I'm pleased to be a member. I'm also a member of PennWriter's, as well as past member of the (now defunct) Thursday Coffee Shop Writers, Sharon Writer's Group, and Tri-City Writers.
I wrote a Mother's Column in two Christian newspapers for several years, and am the official OP/ED letter writer for Pro Life of Mercer County.
Will you please accept my invitation and give me your opinion? Also, in the future, I may be blogging with more invitations to share your stories of local legends, hauntings, or murders. I hope I can bring you all along on my ride!
XXXhugs Annie
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Jitters
It's 'First Day Jitters Day' here at our house. Summer vacation has closed another chapter, and school is now back in session.
We have some news here, for the first time in fifteen years, there are no Elliott children in the middle school!
Maria is now a senior, JohnPaul, a freshman, and Therese is in the top grade for elementary! Next year, when she goes off to middle school, it will be the first time in 21 years that we will not have an elementary school child! INSANE!
I think the school system here should recognize us for this and put up a plaque or something!!!
It's interesting how each child is unique in what they worry about. Therese seemed mostly concerned with social issues--what if I don't have friends in my class? What if my teachers are mean?
JohnPaul was more concerned with how long and boring the day might be. He did mention a passing word about hoping he had friends in his classes, but he simply doesn't like having to be tied down all day. He never has.
Then there's Maria. She is a fretter from A to Z. "What if my top is too low cut for the dress code and I get sent home?". "I just straightened my hair and now it's flipping like somebody's hair from the '60's.". "Friends? Which ones, who, where, why, and how?". Oh, then there's the academic stuff--she is a huge bundle of emotions with that. Talk about A personalities. She's class 'A' if I've ever seen one.
I got up, made coffee, lunches, breakfasts, exercised, and prayed, all before 9 am. Then I ran Therese and Jacob to their schools, stopped at Walgreen's for a few things, cashed a check at the bank, came home and made myself breakfast, and I'm now ready for a nap, and it's only 10:30. Unfortunately, I have dishes to wash, laundry, and bills to do!
It gets harder for me to adjust to the school year every year. Summertime is a welcome respite for me, when I don't have to jump up at 6:30 AM, and dive into my day. I wish summer vacation could last another three months! The only thing I want to dive into is a swimming pool.
I'm enjoying a very sweet rain, gentle and almost musical, right outside my window. I was tempted to blog on the front porch, but realized the rain had bathed our chairs! So, I'm doing the next best thing, sitting close to the open window and breathing in the exhilirating scent of fresh rain!
Until next time...
Hugsxxx Annie
We have some news here, for the first time in fifteen years, there are no Elliott children in the middle school!
Maria is now a senior, JohnPaul, a freshman, and Therese is in the top grade for elementary! Next year, when she goes off to middle school, it will be the first time in 21 years that we will not have an elementary school child! INSANE!
I think the school system here should recognize us for this and put up a plaque or something!!!
It's interesting how each child is unique in what they worry about. Therese seemed mostly concerned with social issues--what if I don't have friends in my class? What if my teachers are mean?
JohnPaul was more concerned with how long and boring the day might be. He did mention a passing word about hoping he had friends in his classes, but he simply doesn't like having to be tied down all day. He never has.
Then there's Maria. She is a fretter from A to Z. "What if my top is too low cut for the dress code and I get sent home?". "I just straightened my hair and now it's flipping like somebody's hair from the '60's.". "Friends? Which ones, who, where, why, and how?". Oh, then there's the academic stuff--she is a huge bundle of emotions with that. Talk about A personalities. She's class 'A' if I've ever seen one.
I got up, made coffee, lunches, breakfasts, exercised, and prayed, all before 9 am. Then I ran Therese and Jacob to their schools, stopped at Walgreen's for a few things, cashed a check at the bank, came home and made myself breakfast, and I'm now ready for a nap, and it's only 10:30. Unfortunately, I have dishes to wash, laundry, and bills to do!
It gets harder for me to adjust to the school year every year. Summertime is a welcome respite for me, when I don't have to jump up at 6:30 AM, and dive into my day. I wish summer vacation could last another three months! The only thing I want to dive into is a swimming pool.
I'm enjoying a very sweet rain, gentle and almost musical, right outside my window. I was tempted to blog on the front porch, but realized the rain had bathed our chairs! So, I'm doing the next best thing, sitting close to the open window and breathing in the exhilirating scent of fresh rain!
Until next time...
Hugsxxx Annie
Saturday, August 25, 2012
Admiring the Plain Folk
I've lived in Mercer County my whole life. Nestled nearby, there are clusters of Amish communities, thriving like early American settlers among the 21st century texters and Facebookers.
A short drive down Rt. 18, from Hermitage into New Castle, almost always results in spotting an old fashioned horse and buggy, clip clopping down the berm of the road.
If one drives in the other direction, across the Ohio border, there are other little Amish communities within a short distance as well.
It's not uncommon to see a buggy hitched up to a light pole in a plaza parking lot, or to see a family of Amish, shopping at the local Aldi's store. Aldi's is a unique store, full of inexpensive groceries, in a sort of warehouse setting.
Amish homes are easily recognized--they are typically white, with fields of neatly planted veggies, and livestock grazing. They only use one curtain in their windows, pulling it off to one side, so that's the real giveaway, if you're still not sure. Often, you'll see their buggies hitched up next to the house, and you may notice that their farm tools are all very 19th century. Amish people are impeccably tidy. Their property is always kept clean and orderly.
When they work in their fields, there are no tractors, nothing modern, it's all sweat and tears out there. The men are always tanned.
We are fortunate to have several little shops nearby where the Amish ladies sell their baked goods. It's been a tradition in our family since my grandma was alive (she died when I was 10), to go on a little drive and pick up a few loaves of freshly baked bread. Their pies, cookies, and other goodies are all delicious!!
I was once studying and researching how to be a lay midwife in Pennsylvania. After a couple years of discernment, I decided not to go forward with this because the laws were changing, and there were too many restrictions being put in place. The Amish ladies still use midwives, and the lady who I met with had been delivering Amish children for decades.
Once, when I was at her place, an Amish woman came in for her post natal, six weeks checkup. Her infant girl was dressed in the traditional bonnet, long black dress, and apron, with little black leather ankle boots, to match. She looked like a baby doll! How sweet!
Last week, my family went to Geneva-On-The-Lake, Ohio. This quaint little village is Ohio's first and oldest resort town. It sits on the shores of Lake Erie, and boasts lakeside cottages, game arcades, wineries, restaurants, and other such amenities.
While settling in on the toasty sand, and snapping photos of the kids, I noticed a young family about 100 ft. away. They looked fairly ordinary until I took note that the daddy had a long beard that ran the length of his torso. Tipping me off that he was an Amishman was the fact that he had no mustache, and his hair was cut in a simple bowl cut.
His upper body was bronze, while his legs were pale white. The wife had her hair pulled back in a simple low bun, and there were five children, close in age, no older than eight or ten at the oldest.
The Daddy plunged into the water with his little ones, and played in the sand. The Mommy looked over all her ducklings, but never ventured into the water.
I took this photo of the family; they do not realize that, the Amish do not like to have their photos taken, so I hope they would not be offended. They are just really adorable, aren't they?
I've seen Amish men on their way to the lake to fish, and they pull a fishing boat on the back of their buggies! It's an interesting sight!
I admire the Amish--the way they take care of their whole community. If one's house burns to the ground, all the men come together and build a house in one day! The ladies cook and bring cold drinks to the men.
They believe in the Gospel, and they live it. They work hard, they play hard, they pray hard, and they sleep hard! No tv's, no cars, no phones, no furnaces, no lights, no modern conveniences. And yet, they are content.
I've never had a dishwasher, and sometimes wish I did. My fridge is too small, and growing ancient. Our house is old and has very few electrical outlets. We have no air conditioning, nor do we have cable TV. And yet, everything I have would make life a breeze for the Amish wife.
I'm not ready to give up my Honda Oddysey for a horse pulled buggy yet, but I can see the value in that simpler life. I actually envy them to a certain extent!
Whenever I am in a mood to escape from the craziness of everyday life, I like to hop in the van and drive through Amish country. It's a good way to settle one's nerves, to take a deep breath, and remember that life is good!!!
XXXOOO Annie
A short drive down Rt. 18, from Hermitage into New Castle, almost always results in spotting an old fashioned horse and buggy, clip clopping down the berm of the road.
If one drives in the other direction, across the Ohio border, there are other little Amish communities within a short distance as well.
It's not uncommon to see a buggy hitched up to a light pole in a plaza parking lot, or to see a family of Amish, shopping at the local Aldi's store. Aldi's is a unique store, full of inexpensive groceries, in a sort of warehouse setting.
Amish homes are easily recognized--they are typically white, with fields of neatly planted veggies, and livestock grazing. They only use one curtain in their windows, pulling it off to one side, so that's the real giveaway, if you're still not sure. Often, you'll see their buggies hitched up next to the house, and you may notice that their farm tools are all very 19th century. Amish people are impeccably tidy. Their property is always kept clean and orderly.
When they work in their fields, there are no tractors, nothing modern, it's all sweat and tears out there. The men are always tanned.
We are fortunate to have several little shops nearby where the Amish ladies sell their baked goods. It's been a tradition in our family since my grandma was alive (she died when I was 10), to go on a little drive and pick up a few loaves of freshly baked bread. Their pies, cookies, and other goodies are all delicious!!
I was once studying and researching how to be a lay midwife in Pennsylvania. After a couple years of discernment, I decided not to go forward with this because the laws were changing, and there were too many restrictions being put in place. The Amish ladies still use midwives, and the lady who I met with had been delivering Amish children for decades.
Once, when I was at her place, an Amish woman came in for her post natal, six weeks checkup. Her infant girl was dressed in the traditional bonnet, long black dress, and apron, with little black leather ankle boots, to match. She looked like a baby doll! How sweet!
Last week, my family went to Geneva-On-The-Lake, Ohio. This quaint little village is Ohio's first and oldest resort town. It sits on the shores of Lake Erie, and boasts lakeside cottages, game arcades, wineries, restaurants, and other such amenities.
While settling in on the toasty sand, and snapping photos of the kids, I noticed a young family about 100 ft. away. They looked fairly ordinary until I took note that the daddy had a long beard that ran the length of his torso. Tipping me off that he was an Amishman was the fact that he had no mustache, and his hair was cut in a simple bowl cut.
His upper body was bronze, while his legs were pale white. The wife had her hair pulled back in a simple low bun, and there were five children, close in age, no older than eight or ten at the oldest.
I took this photo of the family; they do not realize that, the Amish do not like to have their photos taken, so I hope they would not be offended. They are just really adorable, aren't they?
I've seen Amish men on their way to the lake to fish, and they pull a fishing boat on the back of their buggies! It's an interesting sight!
I admire the Amish--the way they take care of their whole community. If one's house burns to the ground, all the men come together and build a house in one day! The ladies cook and bring cold drinks to the men.
They believe in the Gospel, and they live it. They work hard, they play hard, they pray hard, and they sleep hard! No tv's, no cars, no phones, no furnaces, no lights, no modern conveniences. And yet, they are content.
I've never had a dishwasher, and sometimes wish I did. My fridge is too small, and growing ancient. Our house is old and has very few electrical outlets. We have no air conditioning, nor do we have cable TV. And yet, everything I have would make life a breeze for the Amish wife.
I'm not ready to give up my Honda Oddysey for a horse pulled buggy yet, but I can see the value in that simpler life. I actually envy them to a certain extent!
Whenever I am in a mood to escape from the craziness of everyday life, I like to hop in the van and drive through Amish country. It's a good way to settle one's nerves, to take a deep breath, and remember that life is good!!!
XXXOOO Annie
Friday, August 10, 2012
Pressing the Pause Button to enjoy my family
John had this week off from work, and it has gone by so fast. The three oldest of our young men have jobs, so it was hit or miss on whether any of them could participate in any of our jaunts. Maria's social calendar leaves little time for all day adventures with 'Mom and Dad', but we have managed to lasso her in for a few things, thankfully.
The circumstances of raising a family present many challenges. Rarely do we ever feel completely satisfied with the way things work out. But, with that said, we have had tons of fun! When we had a houseful of little kids and babies, our life was pretty much wrapped up in schedules, naptimes, feedings, bathtimes, bedtimes, etc. Going anywhere was hindered by the ever present diaper bag, stroller, and all the accompanying paraphernalia require when you have kids.
There is a small window of time when they all reach school age, and you can ditch the strollers, and skip a few naptimes with little repurcussions. That lasts for a short time, and then the older kids become socially involved, dating, scheduled, etc., and that starts a whole new phase of challenges.
We're currently in a stage where our eldest children are young adults, but still live at home and participate in family time when they can. Our three youngest are still in school, but growing more independent with each passing day.
But, anyway, let's get back to THIS vacation. A favorite moment--so simple, yet, a chance to laugh and bond--was when Billy Joel's Piano Man began to play on the radio, and we all started swaying and singing along to the catchy tune. That's the kind of stuff I will always cherish, and think my kids will, too.
This time we didn't want to go anywhere that would require an overnight stay. We did that in June, and it wasn't cheap. For a family our size, a hotel stay always requires two rooms or a family suite, so it costs a good chunk of change. Add into that the cost of eating out (which we generally like to do once in awhile while we're out of town) times eight. If we go to a sit down restaurant, add in a tip! It causes a rather large dent in our wallet.
So, we've been taking day trips this week. One day, we stayed in the valley and went to the movies. The next day, we went to a family recreation center and raced go carts, rode bumper boats, and played 18 holes of miniature golf. On the way back home, we stopped at Playthings, Etc., a unique toy store that offers kids of all ages a fun experience. We usually pay this store a trip once a year. Every time we go, they have all sorts of new and interesting things to look at. This is one store where the patrons are encouraged to touch and try out the toys.
Therese was quite taken with a bike that looked rather like a unicyle, only it had three wheels. There was no steering apparatus, no handle bars. The only way to steer was by leaning her body off to the side, and turning with her hips.
Yesterday we went on a shopping excursion at Boardman, Ohio. The large Southern Park Mall offers lots of shops and stores, food and other enjoyable places. I miss Jillians, though, an entertainment complex that we used to visit whenever we made the trip over in the past. We could bowl there in a retro 50's style bowling alley, complete with waitresses and even a bar. It was a classy and fun place, with a huge game room, too. Sadly, they closed down awhile back.
We had lunch at Chik Fil A--not trying to make a call on any political issues, just LOVE the food there. We only get to eat there once every year or so, although we did have some of that delicious chicken in June, when were at Splash Lagoon. I do, of course, feel proud to eat at a restaurant that holds Christian values, and do not offer any apologies for patronizing them!
Therese is the little shopper of the Elliott family: she loves to shop--to look at pretty and girly things. When she spotted Justice, that was the start of a female frenzy! We noted that there were racks and bins of all kinds of sale items, and we went a lil crazy! She walked out of there with a bag full of stuff--clothes, a swimsuit, sunglasses, lip balm! But, we saved over a hundred dollars! I couldn't pass up a sale like that!
I found a book on Jack the Ripper at a bookstore, and have just started reading it. I enjoy reading on my Kindle Fire, but there's just nothing like holding a real book in your hands.
This morning, we got up early, packed some food and drinks, piled comic books(for the kiddos) into the van, and took off for Erie. Erie has always been one of my favorite cities. I have been visiting it every summer since I was a baby... summer just wouldn't be summer without Erie.
We left there and went to Waldameer Park, right next to Presque Isle, overlooking Lake Erie. The threat of rain kept people away, so we were able to get onto the rides with little or no lines! Now, that I liked! Mother Nature was so kind; she only shed a few wayward tears on us, off and on throughout the afternoon, and finally, the clouds lifted, and we were greeted by the sun and blue skies.
After a long and exhausting day, we headed back to the van to have a little snack, some sandwiches, and cold drinks. John and I have a little tradition: every time we go to Presque Isle or Waldameer, we grab a hot cup of coffee from the McDonald's on Penninsula Drive to keep us alert and awake for the drive back home.
So, staying true to our traditions, we went thru the Drive Thru, and headed back to home sweet home. As we left sunny Erie, we noticed lightning on a dark horizon. All the way home, it rained heavily as we sipped our steaming cups of caffeine. I love taking time to pause life's hectic pace and make memories with John and the kids!
We still have a few more days to do more exploring, so we'll see what tomorrow holds!
HugsxxxAnnie
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Yummy (and healthy) meals on a budget!
I've been experimenting with new recipes (created by lil old me) and thought i'd share them with all you!
We've had some really hot and humid days lately, which means 'don't turn on the oven!'.
Because of that, I have come up with two really tasty pork dishes for the stove top that are easy on the wallet, and fairly healthy as well.
Both recipes call for boneless pork ribs. You can substitute other cuts of pork, too, but I think these work out really nice.
The first recipe is a pork and potato dish in one:
One Pot Wonder, by Annie
You will need: (Serves 4) (We eat more, obviously, since there are 8 of us)
1lb. lean pork ribs (look for some marbling or the meat will not be tender)
2 to 3 cups boiled whole potatoes (or two cans of whole potatoes if you're looking for shortcuts)
1/2 tsp. chicken boullion
1/2 tsp. beef boullion
1 mild green pepper cut in slices (around 8)
1/2 medium onion, sliced or diced
1 tbs. cornstarch to thicken
Place pork ribs in saucepan and cover with water. Stir in boullion, and add pepper and onion. Bring to boil, reduce heat, simmer for one hour. Mix cornstarch with 1/4 cup water, and blend completely. Stir into pan, mixing well with water. Let simmer on low for another 10 minutes. Serve with salad or fruit on the side.
If you try the recipes, let me know how you like them!
The next recipe is also one that calls for pork ribs:
Tangy Ribs, by Annie
You will need:
1lb. pork ribs
1 tsp. beef boullion
3/4 cup catsup
1/2 tsp. yellow mustard
1/2 tsp. sugar
1/2 onion
1 tbsp cornstarch to thicken
Place pork ribs in sauce pan, cover with water. Add beef bouillion and onion, simmer for 1/2 hour. Mix remaining ingredients, pour into pan (Mixing it into the water), simmer for 30 min. or until sauce is starting to thicken. Mix cornstarch with 1/4 water, blend well, then add to pan. Blend all ingredients well, let simmer 10 min. Serve on a hamburger bun with salad on the side, and with Tasty Taters (recipe coming up next).
If it's not too hot, you can make these potatoes to compliment the recipe for Tangy Ribs.
Tasty Taters, by Annie
Again, this feeds 4 people, I make twice this many
8 medium potatoes, quartered
olive oil
onion powder
paprika
garlic powder
cooking spray (preferably olive oil)
Cover a cookie sheet with foil, drizzle 2 to 3 tbls. olive oil on pan. With paper towel, spread oil on entire surface of pan. Place potato quarters in single layer on cookie sheet, then spray to all sides of potatoes with cooking spray. Sprinkle with onion powder, paprika, and garlic powder. Place cookie sheet in pre heated 450 degree oven for 20 minutes. Turn all potato wedges, bake for another 20 min., or until potatoes are fork tender, and golden brown.
DELICIOUS! (I like to dip mine in catsup.)
If you like my recipes, let me know--I'll post some more!
XoXoXo Annie
We've had some really hot and humid days lately, which means 'don't turn on the oven!'.
Because of that, I have come up with two really tasty pork dishes for the stove top that are easy on the wallet, and fairly healthy as well.
Both recipes call for boneless pork ribs. You can substitute other cuts of pork, too, but I think these work out really nice.
The first recipe is a pork and potato dish in one:
One Pot Wonder, by Annie
You will need: (Serves 4) (We eat more, obviously, since there are 8 of us)
1lb. lean pork ribs (look for some marbling or the meat will not be tender)
2 to 3 cups boiled whole potatoes (or two cans of whole potatoes if you're looking for shortcuts)
1/2 tsp. chicken boullion
1/2 tsp. beef boullion
1 mild green pepper cut in slices (around 8)
1/2 medium onion, sliced or diced
1 tbs. cornstarch to thicken
Place pork ribs in saucepan and cover with water. Stir in boullion, and add pepper and onion. Bring to boil, reduce heat, simmer for one hour. Mix cornstarch with 1/4 cup water, and blend completely. Stir into pan, mixing well with water. Let simmer on low for another 10 minutes. Serve with salad or fruit on the side.
If you try the recipes, let me know how you like them!
The next recipe is also one that calls for pork ribs:
Tangy Ribs, by Annie
You will need:
1lb. pork ribs
1 tsp. beef boullion
3/4 cup catsup
1/2 tsp. yellow mustard
1/2 tsp. sugar
1/2 onion
1 tbsp cornstarch to thicken
Place pork ribs in sauce pan, cover with water. Add beef bouillion and onion, simmer for 1/2 hour. Mix remaining ingredients, pour into pan (Mixing it into the water), simmer for 30 min. or until sauce is starting to thicken. Mix cornstarch with 1/4 water, blend well, then add to pan. Blend all ingredients well, let simmer 10 min. Serve on a hamburger bun with salad on the side, and with Tasty Taters (recipe coming up next).
If it's not too hot, you can make these potatoes to compliment the recipe for Tangy Ribs.
Tasty Taters, by Annie
Again, this feeds 4 people, I make twice this many
8 medium potatoes, quartered
olive oil
onion powder
paprika
garlic powder
cooking spray (preferably olive oil)
Cover a cookie sheet with foil, drizzle 2 to 3 tbls. olive oil on pan. With paper towel, spread oil on entire surface of pan. Place potato quarters in single layer on cookie sheet, then spray to all sides of potatoes with cooking spray. Sprinkle with onion powder, paprika, and garlic powder. Place cookie sheet in pre heated 450 degree oven for 20 minutes. Turn all potato wedges, bake for another 20 min., or until potatoes are fork tender, and golden brown.
DELICIOUS! (I like to dip mine in catsup.)
If you like my recipes, let me know--I'll post some more!
XoXoXo Annie
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Family Adventure
On a Sunday afternoon, what could be better than a few hours with your family? If you live anywhere within driving distance of Mercer County, PA, there is this remarkable place called Hell's Hollow Wilderness Trail that is a surefire way to spend a wonderful day with your loved ones.
Getting there from the Sharon/Sharpsville/Hermitage area is simple. Jump on Rt. 62 towards Mercer, and before you know it you'll see Bestwick St. on your right. It is about a 20 minute drive from the Sharon area. Bestwick is right outside of Mercer, before you get to town. Spring Valley Golf Course is right there, so when you see that, your turn is visible.
There is an option to walk or bike ride through the trail, but we chose to ride trail carts. Rental is $25 per cart for two hours. It took us a little over and hour & a half to do the four mile trail, and we took our time. We got off and explored on foot several times, as well as taking photos, and climbing a lookout tower.
The trail is four wonderful miles of WILDERNESS! There are indian camp areas (authentic), an iron ore furnace, waterfalls, streams, beaver dams, wildlife, all kinds of flora, swamps, ponds, and other interesting things to observe.
The trail is fun with all its hills, twists and turns. Some of the hills were frightening because they were steep and curved around with dropoffs. Go too fast, and you might drop down a loooong way! We were constantly yelling back to our kids to make sure they 'braked' as they descended.
A few times, we got carried away and took the hills pretty fast, and I have to admit--it was FUN! Kind of a roller coaster sensation.
I saw dozens of butterflies along the way, John saw a frog or toad, and Therese and I spotted a very large deer romping in the forest. There were also lots of birds and dragonflies.
The canopy of trees provided natural 'air conditioning' so the entire ride was quite comfortable. It was beautiful and lush--ferns, tall trees, brush, berry bushes...just gorgeous and wild.
I highly recommend a trip to this place if you long to get away from civilization for a little while. When we got back to the rental area, the owner told us that if you go early in the morning, or later in the evening, the deer are easier to spot--often up to a dozen in a trip. We only saw one, but we were there mid afternoon.
XXXoooAnnie
Getting there from the Sharon/Sharpsville/Hermitage area is simple. Jump on Rt. 62 towards Mercer, and before you know it you'll see Bestwick St. on your right. It is about a 20 minute drive from the Sharon area. Bestwick is right outside of Mercer, before you get to town. Spring Valley Golf Course is right there, so when you see that, your turn is visible.
There is an option to walk or bike ride through the trail, but we chose to ride trail carts. Rental is $25 per cart for two hours. It took us a little over and hour & a half to do the four mile trail, and we took our time. We got off and explored on foot several times, as well as taking photos, and climbing a lookout tower.
The trail is four wonderful miles of WILDERNESS! There are indian camp areas (authentic), an iron ore furnace, waterfalls, streams, beaver dams, wildlife, all kinds of flora, swamps, ponds, and other interesting things to observe.
The trail is fun with all its hills, twists and turns. Some of the hills were frightening because they were steep and curved around with dropoffs. Go too fast, and you might drop down a loooong way! We were constantly yelling back to our kids to make sure they 'braked' as they descended.
A few times, we got carried away and took the hills pretty fast, and I have to admit--it was FUN! Kind of a roller coaster sensation.
I saw dozens of butterflies along the way, John saw a frog or toad, and Therese and I spotted a very large deer romping in the forest. There were also lots of birds and dragonflies.
The canopy of trees provided natural 'air conditioning' so the entire ride was quite comfortable. It was beautiful and lush--ferns, tall trees, brush, berry bushes...just gorgeous and wild.
I highly recommend a trip to this place if you long to get away from civilization for a little while. When we got back to the rental area, the owner told us that if you go early in the morning, or later in the evening, the deer are easier to spot--often up to a dozen in a trip. We only saw one, but we were there mid afternoon.
XXXoooAnnie
Friday, July 6, 2012
A VERY Cluttered Mind
I haven't blogged for awhile...this entry will be very random...
Stuff on my mind...
I'm hating the fact that Penn State sent Jacob a letter saying he is not meeting their 'Satisfactory Academic Progress' standards, when we checked, and his grades are REALLY solidly high, he's on course to graduate next May, and he's been tutoring in the learning center for two years now. I can't begin to understand why, and no one answers a darned PHONE! We get all these dumb options, but no real people.
I cannot stand things that I can't resolve immediately--I'm impatient. I want answers and I want them NOW!!!!!!!
I'm thinking of things I want to do as Summer marches along at an accelerated pace--what has happened to 'time'? It's bounding away like a wild horse with no direction, an unbridled ride full of bumps and bruises along the way. I feel like I got knocked off the horse and am lying in a dusty trail somewhere rubbing my black and blue...ummm...well, you get the picture. Time took off and I can't figure out how to capture it.
I have an alternate life, it's really wierd...it's the life I land in when I enter REM sleep...it continues on every night. Maybe someday it will make a fantastic story for a book. Its me, John, and the kids, just as normal as apple pie. But, in that life, we have moved into a home where everyone has space. The house is equipped with extra rooms, large windows, extra baths, modern appliances, and we are on perpetual vacation. Every day is a new adventure, and almost always involves vivid family trips to the ocean or Lake Erie. We ride lots of roller coasters in that other life, too. Sometimes I return to school, and that is one of the down sides to the alternate life. I always feel confused that I'm back there, and even have had to ask my own kids what time a certain class begins. I tend to get confused because I'm sure I have a test but don't know what is on the test. Sometimes I stand at my locker and wonder how to open it because no matter how much I wrack my brain, I cannot remember the lock's combination.
In that life, I often spend time on stage. Sometimes, it resembles the school dream, where I'm on stage and realize I never memorized any of my lines. Somehow I get myself out of every jam. I always fix those problems, and come out on top. The last time I was on stage in that life, I was in a chorus line, and had never attended rehearsal. Everyone knew the dance steps but me. I did a lot of improvising!
A psychologist would analyze that and conclude that I'm trying to problem solve in my sleep. It might be true, but who cares? I love visiting my 'other' life. :)
Today is payday--gotta do bills--bathroom day--(clean that)--wash dishes--plan dinner (have no idea what to make! I'm running out of ideas!!!)--finish laundry--(finish? Ha! In my dreams!)--and think of something fun to do with my honey and my 'little' honeys tonight. (The little honeys who aren't out with their friends or working.)
Thinking of Tony, who starts his new job tomorrow! He got hired at WalMart! He'll be making pretty good money, and will be a WORKING MAN!!! Yeah, Anthony!!!
Last but not least--thinking I should have done my exercises earlier, it's really getting hot and I haven't done them yet. Better get to it before the weather gets worse!
XXX000 Annie
Stuff on my mind...
I'm hating the fact that Penn State sent Jacob a letter saying he is not meeting their 'Satisfactory Academic Progress' standards, when we checked, and his grades are REALLY solidly high, he's on course to graduate next May, and he's been tutoring in the learning center for two years now. I can't begin to understand why, and no one answers a darned PHONE! We get all these dumb options, but no real people.
I cannot stand things that I can't resolve immediately--I'm impatient. I want answers and I want them NOW!!!!!!!
I'm thinking of things I want to do as Summer marches along at an accelerated pace--what has happened to 'time'? It's bounding away like a wild horse with no direction, an unbridled ride full of bumps and bruises along the way. I feel like I got knocked off the horse and am lying in a dusty trail somewhere rubbing my black and blue...ummm...well, you get the picture. Time took off and I can't figure out how to capture it.
I have an alternate life, it's really wierd...it's the life I land in when I enter REM sleep...it continues on every night. Maybe someday it will make a fantastic story for a book. Its me, John, and the kids, just as normal as apple pie. But, in that life, we have moved into a home where everyone has space. The house is equipped with extra rooms, large windows, extra baths, modern appliances, and we are on perpetual vacation. Every day is a new adventure, and almost always involves vivid family trips to the ocean or Lake Erie. We ride lots of roller coasters in that other life, too. Sometimes I return to school, and that is one of the down sides to the alternate life. I always feel confused that I'm back there, and even have had to ask my own kids what time a certain class begins. I tend to get confused because I'm sure I have a test but don't know what is on the test. Sometimes I stand at my locker and wonder how to open it because no matter how much I wrack my brain, I cannot remember the lock's combination.
In that life, I often spend time on stage. Sometimes, it resembles the school dream, where I'm on stage and realize I never memorized any of my lines. Somehow I get myself out of every jam. I always fix those problems, and come out on top. The last time I was on stage in that life, I was in a chorus line, and had never attended rehearsal. Everyone knew the dance steps but me. I did a lot of improvising!
A psychologist would analyze that and conclude that I'm trying to problem solve in my sleep. It might be true, but who cares? I love visiting my 'other' life. :)
Today is payday--gotta do bills--bathroom day--(clean that)--wash dishes--plan dinner (have no idea what to make! I'm running out of ideas!!!)--finish laundry--(finish? Ha! In my dreams!)--and think of something fun to do with my honey and my 'little' honeys tonight. (The little honeys who aren't out with their friends or working.)
Thinking of Tony, who starts his new job tomorrow! He got hired at WalMart! He'll be making pretty good money, and will be a WORKING MAN!!! Yeah, Anthony!!!
Last but not least--thinking I should have done my exercises earlier, it's really getting hot and I haven't done them yet. Better get to it before the weather gets worse!
XXX000 Annie
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