Pennsylvania (round two) and Connecticut
Girls, meet some of the Amish people living in Lancaster, PA. Notice how they are living AND breathing
without the use of small electronic devices attached to their palms 24-hours a day. It is a Christmas
miracle! The phrase “Be Amish or Amish Style” is now being said instead of “put down your electronic
gadgets and be present”. The girls enjoyed seeking out their buggies and plows. Hopefully, we didn’t
offend anyone by taking photos, but we were very excited to learn more about their unique lifestyle.
The girls were jealous that the kids get to drive the horse and buggy around town, but then they decided
that they wouldn’t trade-in their phones and iPods to drive one. We wrapped up the Amish search at a
popular 200-foot smorgasbord (yes, take a mental picture…it was huge) called Shady-Maple that included
many Amish recipes.
Pennsylvania, round two! What would we do without our extended family taking care of us out here on the
road? We got to spend an amazing couple days with my cousins, Amber and Dan Skoubye (and their awesome
girls, Brin and Cambria)! Not only did they shuttle us around, feed us delicious food and give us a place
to sleep but they are also the best tour guides east of the Mississippi! Who knew? Thank you for your
incredible hospitality! Can’t wait to spend more time with you in the future.
Before boarding the train to NYC in Trenton, NJ, Dan took us on a fabulous tour of Washington Crossing,
where George Washington and his troops crossed the Delaware on X-mas eve in a freezing blizzard. I had
no excuse to whine about only bringing my “light” scarf with us when some of these men didn’t even have
shoes! The sacrifice that these men made is unfathomable!
Thanks to Amber, we were able to knock out several places in Philadelphia while on a tight schedule:
We ran the “Rocky Stairs” and raised our arms in victory at the top! Funny story, some lady “offered” to
take a couple family pictures for us, but wouldn’t give Brian back his phone until we gave her a “donation”
lol. Also, we may have lost Zoe there as well?! She decided to go back to the car without letting anyone
know. Heart-stopped-beating!
Independence Hall and Congress Hall. It was amazing to stand in the same room that Washington, Jefferson,
Franklin, Adams, Hancock, etc, all stood once and debated the principals of our new nation! As we are going
through our own political trials today, it is fascinating to compare! I am starting to find a deeper passion
and appreciation for the history of our country. Please don’t tell my husband or this will be the only topic
at the dinner table.
Liberty Bell – Both the museum and the bell were fun to see! The museum really added a lot to the experience.
The US Mint – No samples today, but still fun seeing how our coins are manufactured.
Sonny’s for a Philly Cheesesteak with Cheese Whiz. Didn’t disappoint!
After a quick glance at Ben Franklin’s grave we packed it up and headed back to Amber and Dan’s for pizza!
On the way back down to Pennsylvania we had quick stay in Connecticut exploring Mystic (and a few surrounding
towns) where it appears that the entire population enjoys their own waterfront property. We ate at Mystic Pizza,
which Julia Roberts made famous in some movie?! Sure, why not! Not the most exciting stop on this journey,
but we got to see a new state!
Living and learning!
Tina
Boondocks and Bliss