Archive for August, 2012

Big Bells

Wednesday, August 8th, 2012

Did you know it’s customary to throw a penny on the grave of Benjamin Franklin (“a penny saved is a penny earned” fame)?

Or poorly cast coins are called “waffles” at the Phillie Mint?

Or that the Rhode Island delegation never showed up at Constitution Hall because their state didn’t fund the trip?

Or that Geno’s Phillie cheesesteak sandwich is better Pat’s, though Pats originated the famous meal in 1937 (author’s opinion)?

Or that the Rocky Balboa statue has been moved from the top of the steps to the foot of them and over under a tree because it’s a movie prop, not an icon?

Or that I got to attend the first NON-sell out Phillie baseball game they’ve had in over 2 years (because they are playing so poorly)?

AND the bell cracked being rung in honor of George Washington’s 100th anniversary of his birthday in 1846.

Well there is so much to learn in Philadelphia (our nation’s capitol for the first 10 years) that my brain can hardly hold it all.

Reunion

Wednesday, August 8th, 2012

Two people begat five people begat ten people who begat many more in branches with surnames of Buie, Serfass, Fear, and Mackey. And some of those good folk made it to the Stone Harbor, New Jersey Shore to celebrate each other!

Eating, drinking, storytelling, beach time, games, ice cream, and tons of laughter.  Nothing fancy, but getting connected and catching up and promising not to be strangers.

Thank you for those who made it happen, those who traveled, and those who were our foundation and left us their legacy.  Missed those who couldn’t come but you were with us in spirit. There is a big hole in our hearts for those who have passed but family resemblances reminds us that they are still there in the smiles of the next generation.

I’m related to some pretty cool people and I’ve got the family tree to prove it (and a quest to look up early ancestors has me intrigued)!

Milton Hershey

Wednesday, August 8th, 2012

Kisses, Twix, Reeses Pieces! Yes, they are here in abundance and more!

We took the tour at Chocolate Town and also a trolley tour around the city that bears Milton’s name.  But what I find most amazing is that every bit of profit from the Hershey products goes to support the Hershey Foundation whose key obligation is running Hershey School.

What started out as education for orphan boys now houses and teaches underprivledged kids. They are cared for in loving homes with “house parents” (like Jeff and Renee Glover) who nurture nearly 2000 youth in K-12 grades. There are over 160 beautifully maintained houses on acres and acres of land with parks, playgrounds, pools and sport complexes. The school buildings are state of the art and upon graduation, each student gets a crisp $100 bill just like in Milton’s day. And a scholarship worth over $70,000 if they qualify!

So next time you have a piece of candy, think of Milton Hershey and EAT MORE CHOCOLATE!

Intercourse, Pa.

Wednesday, August 8th, 2012

I think I’d like to try being Amish. It’s probably more work than I could ever imagine but the simpler lifestyle and seeing the rewards of your labors sounds appealing. They were quite visible everywhere we went on our sojourn into Pennsylvania — on horse and buggy , out plowing fields, hanging laundry, or gathered in talkative clusters.

And corn, corn, corn.

Oh and yummie peaches too!

Jams, quilts, silos, meandering roads all beckoned.

But best of all, I never saw an Amish without a smile on their face.  I think it might be contentment.