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Wednesday, September 28, 2022

We Went "Peopling"

Tis true, we've been off on a(nother) road trip the past week and a half. Unlike previous ones, this trip was to visit with people not to see places. Not just any folks, but the best type — family and long-time friends, many most of whom we hadn't seen in awhile.
Faces of family & friends visited in NJ and PA
We traveled to our home state of NJ, then to PA, and back to NJ before returning to NH.
My brother, Tony and wife, Anita, long-time friend, Margaret, and us in NJ
Our first NJ visit was to long-time friend, Margaret, a neighbor of my late parents. She celebrated her 94th birthday this past June. We spent a wonderful visit at her home before going to lunch with my brother, Anthony (Tony) and sister-in-law, Anita. We also visited Virginia, shown in the top right collage photo, an amazing 93 years young who knew my late. She and Margaret are friends who talk every evening.
Tony my "baby" brother is three years younger than myself and my only sibling.
Long time NJ friends, Jill & Art
Another NJ visit was with longtime friends Jill and Art. Jill and myself were co-workers over 25 years ago and we have maintained a now long-distance friends. 
Even longer friends, Sara & David in PA
An even longer friendship is that of Sara and David, fellow NJ natives, who now live in New Holland near Lancaster, PA. A highlight of our get togethers is to take a group shot followed by separate photo pairings. It's always fun the next time we see each another to compare pics from the previous time(s). My friendship with Sara predates her marriage; we attended high school together in NJ, many years ago.
This PA hotel is a steamboat-type accommodation on land
One of the most unique lodging experiences in Lancaster, PA, is at the Fulton Steamboat Inn, a steamboat environment on land in unique nautical or Victorian themed guest rooms. This was our accommodations thanks to a gift certificate received last holiday season from PA family members.

Why is a steamboat in the middle of Lancaster County, PA?

It's because Robert Fulton, the man credited with developing the idea of propelling boats by steam, was born in 1765 in a small farmhouse a few miles south of this location. 

In 1807, Fulton teamed with another engineer, and they designed and constructed the first successful steam powered ship, The Clermont. Fulton is credited with turning the steamboat into a commercial success and transforming transportation history.
Faces of youngest granddaughter
Our PA visit was to spend time with the youngest granddaughter. We were looking forward to seeing her play soccer on Saturday morning, but she didn't play.
We shared grandparent time 
While this was basically an indoors visit, sometimes those can be fun with game playing, coloring, story reading and naps too. 

This road trip was a busy one with many visits. As much as we enjoy seeing new places, there's nothing better than spending time with family and friends. We're sure you agree.

27 comments:

Jeanie said...

I love these happy photos! I don't think I knew that about Robert Fulton. My experience in PA is limited -- a state I wouldn't mind exploring. But I can see the best part is being with the people you love!

Bijoux said...

What a wonderful time with friends and family. How nice to visit a friend from high school. I did not know Fulton was from Lancaster and I’ve never heard of that hotel. The last time we were there, we stayed at the Willow Valley Inn, but that was sadly torn down in 2012. Liliana is a very cute granddaughter. I’m glad you got to spend time with all of them.

Anvilcloud said...

How mice for you, but you did manage to work a tiny bit of travel stuff in there. 😀

Vee said...

Oh, yes. Far better than anything is reconnecting with family and friends. Looks as if you enjoyed wonderful visits and I do hope that Liliana is feeling 100% now.

Barbara Rogers said...

Wonderful visits! Great to see all those smiles!

Joyce F said...

Looks like you had a wonderful time with family and friends including that sweet looking dog! All too soon it will be time to hunker down and get through the cold winter so Fall is a good time to do all we can! Joyce in Kansas

MadSnapper said...

you crammed a lot of people visits in that visit and everyone looks supper happy to see you. great photos, all of them

gigi-hawaii said...

Thanks for posting pics of your vacation with family and friends. This sort of thing truly enriches your life.

My name is Erika. said...

You sound like you had a super trip and saw people who meant a lot to you. that is always a good thing. Life is precarious and so you have to go when you can. And kids grow up and change and get busy with their own lives. But you know all that. Thanks for sharing. Happy rest of the week. I am off to visit my almost 93 year old Mom tomorrow. It is always good to see her and check in for certain. hugs-Erika

Marcia said...

Sounds like you maximized the time with family and friends.

LG said...

I so enjoy reading your blog. I grew up in western Chester County, and spent a lot of time in Lancaster County, so the places you name are very familiar. I left Pennsylvania 45 years ago, and don't get back that often, so it is wonderful to recapture those old memories!

Brenda Kay Ledford said...

So glad you had a wonderful time with friends and family. Sounds like an awesome road trip.

Jon said...

A road trip dedicated to seeing family and friends is a genuine treasure. It is something you'll remember forever and never regret. The photos are heartwarming.

Rob Lenihan said...


What a lovely post! It's so important to spend time with the people we love.

I got a kick out of the Steamboat Inn and I loved the photos of Lilliana!

Lee said...

You do get around! Not me...I'm an old stick-in-the-mud! My big journeys are my weekly (sometimes bi-weekly) trips to my local supermarket, which is 4kms away! :)

William Kendall said...

Sounds like you enjoyed yourselves.

Linda said...

Looks like fun. Since I’m getting older, I’m glad to see folks in their 90s who are still enjoying life.

Rita said...

What a wonderful time to spend with friends and family! Looks like everyone was having a great time. :)

Linda G. said...

The smiles tell all. It looks like everyone had a wonderful time visiting with each other.

mimmylynn said...

All these happy smiling faces lit up a smile in me. I feel good.

L. D. said...

Family and close friends are the best. People are glad to be together again. You grand daughter is so sweet.

Doris said...

What a nice trip! Your granddaughter is growing up and is so beautiful. I remember when that hotel was built but have never been inside.
So sorry we couldn't get together with you AGAIN this Lancaster visit. Really hoping your next time here we will be well or staying home =)

David said...

Beatrice, It is almost always great to visit family and friends. There are exceptions though. My better half's sister and her husband spent 9 days with us. We managed a couple of fun days...but at this point, despite vaccinations and boosters, we all have Covid! Not horrible hospital type Covid but more like a nasty cold or flu. Stuck at home for the next few days... Take Care, Big Daddy Dave

DeniseinVA said...

A lovely group of people, relatives and friends!

Eggs In My Pocket said...

How sweet all of your photos of family and friends are! Such a wonderful time it looks like you all had!

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

I do agree, but I don't take such good pictures of people like you do! A fun trip.

baili said...

oh i can only imagine your joy to meet friends and family after long time dear Dorothy :)

how sweet of you to meet your parents neighbor and her friend ,must be soul refreshing as meeting such old acquaintance can bring so many emotional memories back to life .

such a pleasure to meet your only brother !

longtime friends are treasure indeed to rediscover :)

Sorry your granddaughter Lilliana wasn't feeling well when you met her though spending time with her must be a great joy for both parties ,she is such a stunning young lady ,may she experience healthy and joyful life ahead amen!