Home Again, Home Again!

After 8,842 over 57 days, we arrived home safely.  Before we left, we had secured our home with hurricane shutters and then inadverently engaged the deadbolt on the front door.  That made it virtually impossible to get in. Thankfully, new batteries allowed the garage door opener to work, and we were able to get in through the garage.  Now to unpack and plan for another trip!

Blurred Vision? No--snow!

We had hoped to see snow when in Jersey...or at least on this trip, and we weren't disappointed.  At about 7:30 am, enroute from TN to NC on I-26,  the white stuff started to come down....

Bluff City, TN

Our last travel adventure stop..Bluff City, TN, about 11 miles outside of Johnson City in north eastern Tennessee.  Our campsite was at Lakeview RV park, overlooking part of Boone Lake.  It was raining and cold the two days we were here.  On Thursday, we took a brief tour of Rocky Mount, a pioneer homestead.  Tomorrow, we will head for home.   

Gettysburg, PA

Monday, November 1, we left New Jersey and went to Gettysburg, PA.  On Tuesday, we took the 24 mile auto tour around the 6000 acres of the national park which included the fields where the battle was waged July1 thru July 3, 1863, where a total of  51,000 Union & Conferderate soliders were either wounded, killed, or missing in action.  It was hard to believe a place of such beauty was a scene of such carnage.  You can't help but be moved by the monuments throughout the park, and especially in the cemetery, where Lincoln gave his Gettysburg Address.

New Jersey Friends & Family

Cousins Adele & Michael, aka Jack O'Lantern, Merson.  Below are their children, Jill, David, and Rachel, and below that are Rachel and her boyfriend, Nathan.  We were there on Halloween, eagerly awaiting the Trick & Treaters.   Thanks for everything, Adele & Michael! 

Cousins Carol, Matt, & Nelson Montero.  It took 3 shots to get their heads on straight.  Below them is Annie Montero, who just started college.  I tried to catch her with a milk mustache.

Cousins Joe & Barbara Piascik and my cousin Pumpkin Head Piascik.  Joe & Barbara have 5 children, all busy at work or at college and not able to visit this time. Their oldest, Albert, will be getting married next June.

                                                                             

Uncle Mike & Rita

John & Mary Ann (aka "Plish") Dorer at Mario's.  I've know Plish since junior high school.

Brian & Judi Mutchler, Anne Veliky, Anne Rose, me & Dean Mutchler (cousins on my dad's side).  We had a wonderful visit, not to mention delicious meal at Judi & Brian's!

Garrett Mountain Reservation

When I was young, my family often picnicked at Barbour's Pond at Garrett Mountains in the summer, and I ice skated there in the winter. The mountain overlooks Patterson, Passaic and Clifton.  We used to be able to watch the fireworks from all the cities there on the Fourth of July. The park is a little over 500 acres with equestrian trails, two levels of picnic areas, a large field where concerts are often held,  and Lambert Castle.  In the castle is a museum, but it is closed October 15th thru December 15.  Were were  able to get a picture of only the back of the observation tower.  Next trip, we hope to be able to tour the castle.