The Taste of Philadelphia --- MMMM!!

PRETZELS!!!! One dozen pretzels were in the bag.
I say "were" because they didn't last long!!


There are no words to describe the taste of a true Philadelphia pretzel fresh from
an oven and still warm in your hands. The taste -- the aroma -- oohhh -- I'm longing for another one! That's how they are -- addictive.
In my former days of Philly living, Vanilla Man and I would buy 5 for $1.00. Now they are 3 for $2.00. We'd buy them from a street vendor selling them on the corner. Some vendors we'd pass by for obvious reasons, others received our business.
But always on the way home from a day of teaching there was the sweetest, cutest, athletically built and tanned little lady selling pretzels at the corner of Front and the Blvd. After a hard day, (or a not so hard day), I'd buy a bag of pretzels. If it was a REALLY bad day I'd stop at B Street and pick up a watermelon water ice. Those were the days.

If you're like me, you eat the pretzel plain, scraping off most of the salt with your thumb and saving the knot for last. The knot is the best part of the pretzel. It is the softest and has this wonderful doughie, yeastie, yummie flavor. Always eat the knot last. Always scrape off a portion of the salt. Too much salt is not good for you.

On the other hand, Vanilla Man branches out and eats his pretzel in a variety of ways. He does not save the knot for last. He eats from the top down. He slathers his with mustard. He does not scrape off the salt. If the pretzel has even a chance to get "home" it is blanketed with a piece of white American cheese, placed in the microwave and heated until the cheese drapes down the sides in a rather droopy fashion. Then, with sighs of contentment, it is consumed one salty bite at a time. In this one area of his life Vanilla Man is not so vanilla.

Let me tell you -- not even Auntie Ann's can top the Philadelphia pretzel.
It has it's own unique texture and flavor.
There's just nothin' like it.


Now about the Philadelphia Cheese Steak -- the only place in these parts that tastes remotely like a true Philly Cheese Steak is found at Penn Station. They come very close but not quite.
That's for another post. We did not get to enjoy one of those while at home so I don't want to talk about them...July is a long way off.

Guess what's in the Bag!!

Hint: Only in Philadelphia!

I'll reveal the surprise tomorrow --- oh - welcome back to all of you...
so much to show and tell....so little time

Very Strange Happenings at the Frederick Home

There are some very strange happenings going on around here!!! For the first time in a very long time, and I mean a VERY, VERY LONG TIME, the Christmas presents are all purchased AND wrapped AND under the tree. This never happens - be assured! Not only that BUT, I have already sent the packages to my beloved family in Idaho - they should have it by Friday -- waaay before Christmas!!!! Not only that, but I have even purchased the stamps to mail out the Christmas letter (no, it is not written, the family picture is not taken, the envelopes are not addressed) but hey - look at all the other stuff I have accomplished. We even got started on the cookies but ate them all.

I actually had fun wrapping the presents (sort of) this year. Now, my wrapping doesn't consist of matching papers, ribbons, or bows. Oh no, you are lucky to have paper on it with enough tape to keep it a surprise AND a name tag! There must have been a sale on Christmas wrapping paper after Christmas 2006 because I used the same paper last year and there is more than enough for next year too! Whatever.

Back to my fun. This year the packages are labeled: Gingerbread Man, Tiny Tim, Frosty, The Grinch, and Jack Frost. I have to code them so my youngun's can't figure out who gets what. Plus, they love to sit by the tree and shake, rattle, roll the gifts to figure out who gets what. But don't worry, I have the shaking and rattling covered too. This year the packages are all wrapped in odd boxes -- I didn't buy any gift boxes as I hate spending money on them so I used my imagination and headed to the cupboard. Now the gifts are wrapped in cereal boxes, cracker boxes, christmas light boxes, pizza boxes,...you get my point. I even add "weights" to lighter packages and stuffed others with wadded up paper so they won't make noise.

On Christmas Day everybody gets a chance to say who they think matches with the code name. The person with the most right gets a $5.00 gift card. If no one wins or there's a tie -- I get the card! This is so much fun and it stretches the gift giving time. And the bonus -- bigger boxes look like more gifts -- "the economy" touches us all doesn't it? I can just hear it -- "Mom, you're crazy!! You bought me Rice Krispies???" "I thought I was Frosty!"

I just love it!

Here's to sentimentality -- "Christmas 1987" -- our wedding year.

One of our friends made this rocking horse for Anthony's birth.

I just can't do a themed tree because all the "memories" have to go up.

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

Merry Christmas from God's Bible School

The now smiling statue. This was a very cool element of surprise. Ryan Watters did an incredible job of standing absolutely still in the town square. Many did not realize the statue was "alive" until he moved and spoke for the first time. Sooo cool. He also had some great pun lines.

Mr. Frederick with friends - Mr. Klotz and Mr. Simmons

Some of the girls in costume - Bethany, Mandy and Brittany.

David and other choir members.

The drama team directed by the McCrary's.
The McCrary's wrote the script, directed, and led all the practices. Lanae put in over 300 hours on the costumes. They are both amazing people with servant hearts. It is my privilege to work with them in Kidz Adventure and AYC.

The girl's and I attended on Friday and Sunday nights. Each crowd has its own personality which is interesting to observe and to see how the drama team and choir are affected by them.
I loved the little pieces of humor interspersed between the message. I figured out the plot about half way through but still enjoyed it. The orchestra was beautiful and the choir sang songs that punctuated what we had just taken place in the drama. Some of the selections had a hint of "Victorian" about them.

What Could be Better?

Duncan' Donuts Cinnamon Spice Coffee brewed and in your cup.
Just the aroma tickles your taste buds.
I'm not a huge Duncan' Donuts Coffee fan but this isn't too bad.

Add to this a "Chocolate Chunk Coffee" cookie
and
you have a special treat!

I made these cookies on Saturday...since my family is not keen on coffee in their cookies,
guess who gets to enjoy them? I've put most of them in the freezer to enjoy over the next month. The recipe makes about 3 dozen...yea, maybe the next month, or weeks, or week, or days, or day??

1 large egg
1 Tbsp instant coffee
1 tsp vanilla
8 squares (8 oz.) semi-sweet chocolate
1 stick butter
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 cup flour
1 cup quick cooking oats
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup nuts

Heat oven to 375.
Stir the egg, coffee and vanilla in a small bowl until blended; set aside. Break the chocolate squares in half; cut each half into 3 chunks. (I used 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips.)
Beat the butter and sugars in a large bowl with electric mixer on med. speed until light and fluffy. Mix in the egg mixture. Beat in flour, oats (I used old fashioned), baking soda and cinnamon on low speed until well blended. Stir in chocolate and nuts (didn't add nuts).
Drop by rounded tsp., 2 inches apart, on to ungreased baking sheets.
Bake 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool for 2 minutes. Use a metal spatula (makes a difference as they are chewy and stick to a plastic one) to transfer to wire racks.

This recipe book sells at Amazon for a great price in good condition.
I loved browsing through it and will probably use some Christmas cash to add it to my collection.
ISBN: 0-609-60542-9

Happy Birthday

David turned 18 last Saturday. Hard to believe!!
Where did our little boy go? Now he's a fine, young man.
David, we're proud of you. Happy Birthday Son.

Grandma made an angel food cake for him. Yum!!

A Cutco Hunting Knife from Dad and Mom.

Grandpa has been filling a piggy bank with dimes for each grandchild's 18th birthday.
We figured there's at least $30.00 in the bank. The question is -- how do you get them out?
David decided he won't break it open unless he gets into really "hard times."
Never mind, Grandma provided some cash in the card.

Thanksgiving Memories

All is calm...It took over 2 hours just to get past Dayton!!


Alicia learns about preparing the turkey. The look on her face speaks volumes.

The feast is ready.

More of the dinner participants.

Mom still teaches a Sunday School class and prepares a new bulletin board every month.
I am so proud of her. I hope I am as young as she is when I hit 6_!

My mother is also brutal when it comes to playing Scrabble - something we do every time we get together. Here she took my "quad" which netted a lousy 34 points and added "pusher" which netted her 60 points!! (Her "h" was on a double letter and she placed the "p" on triple word.) I have only beaten her a few times in this game BUT we scored over 500 points for the game which, in her words, "makes a very good game."

David spent some of his time reading Pilgrim's Progress for his English Lit. The cool thing was he had forgotten his Dover Publications reprint and looked on PopPop's shelf to see if he had a copy. Sure enough -- he did -- a copy that originally belonged to Dave's grandfather - William Rosenberry - David's great grandfather. I love that sort of thing!

We played lots of games...lots and lots of games...I mean LOTS of games.
This makes my mother VERY happy. We were happy too.
By the way -- she can still beat in Dutch Blitz too!

Teaching Skipo Golf -- this game intrigued Dave.

Mom made apple dumplings for me. Sooo yummy!

Dave still did budgeting...he never stops thinking numbers!!

Dad and David went out Friday morning around 6:30 AM. Dad shot both of these buck within just a short time of each other. Plenty of meat for the freezer. He already brought in 3 or 4 doe!
The mighty hunter continues to be the mighty hunter even after a quad by-pass. I should have taken pictures of his pulley system in the garage by which he hangs the deer for a couple of days. You have to know my dad to appreciate his ingenuity. Pretty impressive. Oh, and he added more "furniture" in the garage too. (an inside family joke -- sorry for those without the last name Potteiger somewhere in your title).

On the way home we had to drive through Michigan's weather... 2 or more hours of 40mph driving. At least it was pretty.

Where Has the Time Gone?

I can't believe I missed blogging the entire month of November!!!

It has been very busy in this house -- so much to do -- so little time!

Let's see, last month...

the weather turned COLD

the much talked about elections took place

attended Praiser tournaments and games

taught classes

the girls got started on the Christmas decorations

we watched with amazement as God supplied our family with a car
(the van died over 2 months ago)

David was able to sell his Crown Victoria and bought a Pathfinder

we were blessed with the privilege of spending the Thanksgiving holidays
with my folks in Michigan

Lori celebrated birthday 40

our firstborn turned 18


Once again the camera cord has escaped my detailed organization...when I find it I shall tie it around my neck so as to always know where it is when I am in need of it...if I don't strangle myself before that...perhaps I should just put it in a drawer...

Hey, at least you have a new background to look at!

Happy December!

The Excitement is Overwhelming!

The Flag hangs proudly in the flower garden of our home.

The man's smiles cover his face -- ear to ear.

The shouts of victory ring through the house.

It's been twenty-five years -- before I even knew him.

It's been worth the wait. Vanilla man has sprinkles today.

Congratulations Philadelphia.

Congratulations Vanilla Man -- Enjoy the Celebration!

Prasiser Season Has Begun

Kevin Moser, our Number One Booster Fan, holds the trophy we took
home from the Week-end Tournament in Radcliff, KY.

Anthony warms up before the game...it ended up that we lost to this team which ranked us Second place. It was a heart wrenching game with David being fouled out by a bad call on the ref's part (this is fact - not mom's point of view -- even the other team of whom I was sitting next too, commented on it!). I was so proud of him as he walked off the court, a very unhappy young man, but very much in control of his emotions and tongue. That was his shining moment in my book!

Alicia and Brittany in a "bump" session at basketball half time. I never did get good pics of the girls volleyball team. They placed 4th out of 6. This was their first time to play as a newly formed team as only Alicia and Christi were "old" members from previous years. We had every reason to win but didn't quite get it pulled off. Next time.

David was a part of the all star team and honored with a medal.

The 2008-09 Praiser Team.

Good Job Boys!

Remember the Titans!

Forgot the Camera---
Sorry you "picture only people" -- one more thing to read!

Intramurals have begun at GBS.
Once more the high schoolers were relegated to their own team, made to go up against college boys that are taller, bigger, more experienced, more confidant, more aggressive, well...just more everything!
However...Remember the Titans!
Our team of 6 - yes 6 - high schoolers went up against a tough team tonight for their first game of the season. OOOO - it was a nail biter indeed with a tie that took us into overtime.
With an additional 5 minutes of play, the Titans continued to play hard and run down the other team all the while shooting and even, sad to say, missing quite a few - even at the foul line where they would normally shine and add a few points to the scoreboard.

In the end...
Titans - 55
Other Team otherwise called "home" or "red" -51

OH Yea, Remember the Titans!

Congratulations Boys!!

Alone With God

Still, still with Thee, when purple morning breaketh,
When the bird waketh, and the shadows flee;
Fairer than morning, lovelier than daylight,
Dawns the sweet consciousness, I am with Thee.

Alone with Thee, amid the mystic shadows,
The solemn hush of nature newly born;
Alone with Thee, in breathless adoration,
In the calm dews and freshness of the morn.

Harriet Beecher Stowe


I came across this today in my devotions and thought I would share it with you.
I love the word pictures it conjures up, but more than that, she was able to put into words what my heart sings.

A Quote Read Today

Here's something I read today.
I'm going to print it out and hang it in a few strategic places in my home.
Perhaps your family doesn't need this reminder every now and then like mine.
If so, Congratulations!


"If you don't like something, change it.
If you can't change it, change your attitude.
Don't complain."

Maya Angelou


Nothing profound -- just a gentle reminder.

O Is He Ever Happy!!!

For those of you who do not know my vanilla man very well, you may not understand this post.

It doesn't matter.

Last night the Phillies took the last win needed to land themselves in the World Series.

It's been 15 years since the last World Series event where they played against the Toronto Blue Jays and ...lost. (My Canadian side of the family rejoiced -- even had the audacity to call and "check" on Dave! HAHA) Now it their chance to redeem themselves. Of course the players have changed...gone is Schmidt, Dalton, and Dykstra and thankfully Wild Thing Mitch Williams -- I lost my fingernails when he was called into pitch!

I have no clue who is on the team now but they are good!!

You see, when I married Dave I also said, "I do" to the Phillies, Eagles, Flyers and Seventy-Sixers. My dear man loves his Phillie teams and although there is a smat following of the Reds and Bengals it is, to say the least, a VERY good time to be a Phillie Fan.

I could chaff under his enjoyment of the Phillies and listening to games or sports talk while falling to sleep almost every night. Instead, I choose to "enjoy" it with him, most of the time.

O IS HE EVER HAPPY!

Congratulations Uncle Harold!!

Update:

Yesterday elections took place in Canada. The Prime Minister was apparently successful in his plan to better unite his party. I don't understand how their politics work, but the Prime Minister actually called for this election in order to (my words) "make a point."

At any rate, the election went well and Uncle Harold is in office again.

Ok, I admit it, I am so proud of him!

Check this Out!! Uncle Harold

Love this smile!
You should hear this family laugh and joke! It's hysterical. Your sides ache for days after spending time with them. (Not quite, but you get my point).

At a Korean War Veteran's Banquet

Two posts in one day --- what is this world coming to?! BUT I couldn't help myself! My mom just called and asked our family to pray for Uncle Harold (her brother) who is involved in a Canadian election tomorrow. This is my claim to fame other than I shook President Bush's (#41) hand at the Lunken Airport here in Cincinnati when he was the VP.

www.haroldalbrecht.ca/EN/12858

Even as I wrote this they updated the site -- my uncle was on the first page with a picture of him speaking. Now you have to check out what I've written below to see pics of him at the "Multimedia" tab and under that tab hit "Photo Gallery." Lots of pictures of him just being "real."

His bio is pretty cool too. The farm mentioned is just down the road from where his parents (my grandparents) lived. Wonderful, happy memories there!!

Oh...AND...drum roll please.....I was the flower girl for Uncle Harold and Aunt Betty's wedding. Yea, I know...

On a more serious note - actually a very serious note - Canada desperately needs conservative politicians. If you think of it today and tomorrow, do pray that God will intervene on this country's behalf.

Until next time...

Busy Week-End

No pics --- forgot the camera, then remembered the camera but forgot to take pictures. That's my dear life set before you plain and simple like.

Friday night: Homecoming at GBS.

They honored the 1983 graduates of which only a few attended. However, of the few it was good to see Jeff and Christina Getz again. It has been YEARS since (probably the 80's) since I had seen/talked with them. They are doing a church plant in Manhattan, NY. Sounds exciting and interesting. The other old timey friend was Miriam Welker Hambrock. Erick and Mim along with their 5 children (a set of twins in there) pastor a church in Wisconsin and have been there 8 years. They love the state and the people. She is even picking up the accent remarkably well. It was so nice to chat with them.

They also honored the 50 year grads of which I knew very little but they were happy to be back. Makes you wonder what you'll have done/accomplished/be at your 50 years. HMMMM --- let's picture it...there we all stand ------ Susan Abney, Tracy Alderson, Patrick Anyaleweechi, Stephen Bellis, Marlin Betts, Karen Blankenship, Bob Blankenship, Doug Bond, Deanna Campbell, Jeanette Cleveland, Phil Collingsworth, Gary Cooper, Richard Cox, David Crane, Rebekah Davison, Linburg Dilbert, Bennie Durr, Joanna England, Shari Evans, Melinda Getz, John Gordon, Stephanie Gordon, Pam Hambrock, Bob Hoffman, Patty Keel, James Kelley, Shurland Kellman, Joe Leggesse, Tshai Leggesse, Teresa Mahoney, Crytal Muir, Daryl Muir, Dennis Payne, Naomi Phillips, me, Valerie Quales, Tim Raisch, Charleeta Richardson, Paul Riddle, Marshall Riggins, Bill Roark, Becky Rundell, Teresa Shoemate, Mike Simmons, Lori Smith, Maxine Smith, Sue Straub, Marlina Taylor, Micah Thompson, Debbie Toth, Robin Vandervort, Steve Veyon, Emmett Wakefield, Sue Walker, Leonard Waller, Shelah Watkins, Bob Welker, Nina Wiseman, Tim Wright, Carole Yaryan -----60 of us!!!! Those in the bold I have talked with or heard from in the last 5 years. Many of them visit the school regularly because of their own kids attending or because the continue to live on or near the campus.

I'm not sure if once Senior Class president means that I'm responsible for the 25th reunion but I hope to gather a committee together next year to begin planning a big party for 2011. It would be soooo good to see everybody again and catch up on the news -- a nice meal, powerpoint of our lives since we left GBS, reminiscing of the days....but I digress from my week-end (see, once again you find me being me - plain, simple, and easily diverted from the task).

Sunday -- 35th Homecoming at the Kenwood Bible Methodist church (formerly Bible Covenant, formerly something Wesleyan). Previous pastors and their families attended as well as previous attendees. We had great roast beef dinner afterwards and then an informative, short but enjoyable, 2:00 PM service. I was disappointed so many of our current church family went home after the meal. What were they thinking?? You know what, I'm not going down that road -- I have a very opinionated opinion on the subject of church attendance and support for the home church. I feel VERY strongly about consistent church attendance along with responsibility and participation. It is a soapbox you definitely don't want me to get on -- especially not here and now!!!!!!!! O no, not right now -- I would rant and rave like a tyrant...definitely not now....

At any rate, I have a much deeper respect for those that laid the groundwork and have been faithful to the call. God bless the Wolfs, the Wingams, the Truesdales, Miss Beulah, Miss Clarisse, Mrs. Yount, Viola Durr, Helen Reiff, (still attending) and all the various pastors that gave of their time and lives throughout the years. Kenwood is the solid church that it is today because of their sacrifice. I found it amazing how God has worked in this church.

Now it is Monday...another busy week...what does God have in store for this week? I am becoming more like a child, in some respects, in my relationship with Him. At the dawning of each new week and even each new day I look forward to what God has planned for me - His child. What new things will I learn from Him? What new experience will grow me? The experience may hurt, bring sorrow or bring much joy. It will be OK. He is in charge. I can trust Jesus. There is no better way to live the day than in His presence...constantly abiding. I am finding a new layer of relationship and it is so satisfying and rich. It is well worth the price...

Enough rambling...until next time.

Char

Some of the Family

Christi and Breanna - cousins and friends.

These pics are from back in August --- how does time fly so fast?!

We spent Labor Day week-end at Bryan and Marsha's home in Marion, OH.

All four of our children were baptized by my father on Sunday evening along with 10 of their cousins -- Dad had married his own four children and dedicated the 16 grandchildren so it was a very special evening for the Potteiger clan. My pics of the baptismal aren't very clear so here's of the picnic that followed the next day.

Alicia and Brittany - the other sister with the other cousin.

Bryan is holding one of the trays full of chicken. On Labor Day their church has a huge picnic on the church grounds and Bro. Bruegger, the pastor, deep fries chicken in this huge black kettle over an open fire. It was absolutely yummy and so full of fat calories....nothing tastes better than good ol' fashioned fried chicken making grease puddles on your plate --- I jest about the grease puddle -- all the fat calories were caught in the paper towels used for blotting fat calories BEFORE it got to my plate!

Back to the baptismal service...Bryan and Marsha sang a special (or two or three). It was a good to hear them again. I had forgotten just how much I had taught them about harmony and vocalizing and the like.

Now...I have procrastinated long enough...I have got to go scrub the shower walls. I absolutely hate a messy house which is a good thing because I hate it just a little more than I hate house cleaning...

but...maybe I'll check on Dave first...maybe he needs me...maybe he's having trouble with his adding and subtracting and invoices and outvoices and well, you know, stuff.

Until next time...

Happy Mama

Guess how much this stuff cost me at Walgreens today!
$0.00!!

4 cans of Campbell's Select Harvest
2 jars of Skippy Extra Crunchy (MMMM!)
1 box of Kleenex tissues
2 Glade air freshners
5 sm Royal jello
2 40 count Snuggle dryer sheets

Two weeks ago I took advantage of Walgreen's spend $40.00 get $10.00 back in Register Rewards. I spent $62.00 but saved over $100.00 using coupons and lowest price sales -- we're stocked for winter colds and flu!!!
God is soooo good to me and brought to mind that today was the last day to use my register rewards (they do expire) of $16.50. The tissues and notebook were add-ons by the girls - not necessary in my opinion but needed by them -- I mean who doesn't want a tissue box that "matches" the decor??! And after all that puppy is cute!

Guess how much I spent on these items at Kroger?
$0.00!!
Using the Grocery Game and special coupons from Kroger, I was able to get:
3 - T paper
2 - Tums Smoothies
2 - Kroger Grape Jelly
2 - Land of Lakes spreadable butter
1 - 18 count Kotex

Guess how much all this stuff, combined with my Freebies cost!!!

6 Suave Shampoo
2 - Kroger Bread
1 - Kroger Hotdog buns
2 - Ball Park Bun length Hotdogs
3 - Kroger dz. eggs
2 - Kroger 8oz. cheese
1 Gallon of milk
1 - some kind of Ham spread (for Dave) (.09 cents)
2 - Kraft Easy Mac N Cheese (boy's ski lunches?)


I am excited to report that I spent .... drum roll please....



$10.02!!!!

an 82% savings! BIG SMILE

To complete my day I came home and made homemade potato soup and cornbread.
My children rose up and called me "blessed."

It's been a good day!

It was sort of fun to post again -- maybe I'll work harder at it again....maybe.

WOO HOO!!! YEA!!! CELEBRATE

The electricity returned today -- Friday --- at 1:33 PM!!!!!! What shouts of joy as we played with the light switch to see if it was really true!

It's 2:10 --- the laundry is started, the fridge is cooling down, the freezers are cooling down too, the e-mail has been checked as has the bank account and Amazon sales. What a wonderful world!

Charlotte

Hurricane Ike

Today, Wednesday, marks our 4th day to be without power. A dear friend offered her home for laundry and computer check-in. So here I sit with lights on, a cold Power-C vitamin water, and the sound of jean zippers hitting the inside of a dryer tub as it spins. Who knew that I would put those things on a "blessings" list -- oh AND Mackinac Island fudge (peanut butter and turtle) to enjoy! God is good and friends are wonderful!

Last night we spent the evening at the home of other friends who favored us with a delicious supper and twig/branch burning entertainment. You have to understand the men in my family to understand the "fun" of burning stuff. I'll have to post pictures of the fire sometime --- it was HUGE --- maybe to huge actually.

The night before, I visited with a friend who lives just a block away but we never have time to sit and chat....plus I was desperate for a cup of coffee! Electricity does that -- it gives you time with your neighbors...a very nice thing.

No electricity gives you time with your family...sitting around the little fire pit talking and laughing together...it gives you time to read by candle or lamp light - a book just for the fun of it! It gives you time to get caught up on coupon clipping and sorting, time to plan ahead for classes and Kenwood Kidz, time to paint the porch and all the outside steps, time to eat simply but savor the taste and conversation....

It's been a good thing for us...we are blessed...besides that we never lost water...our gas heater gives us opportunity for hot showers and dish washing and some house cleaning. We were able to save all of our fridge and freezer items thanks to the Sysco company who brought a refridgerated truck to the school to save all the GBS food items and their was room left over. Our gas stove allows us to cook and we have the grill...it's not been so bad...actually - it's been a blessing. We have slowed our pace and had time to enjoy each other. God is good!

Only in Pennsylvania

Many of you have never met my youngest sister...her name is Evonne...I'm sure she'll be thrilled that I put this particular picture up. No, I won't tell you that she ate this entire sandwich!! At any rate, she lives in Pennsylvania - Perry County - the natives brag that their county continues to have not one traffic light.
Despite this lack of "civilization," they do know how to make an incredible sub sandwich!!
The one above was made in the town of Newport by true, full-blooded Italians and was
absolutely yummy!!! The bread is homemade and you're never sure how big your roll will be.
MMMMMM...

And the chips...only in Pennsylvania can you get chips like these...Grandma Utz's, Middleworths, Gibbles...
The rest of the world has no clue what their missing eating Ruffles and Frito Lay!!

This sandwich is made by the infamous MAMA's Pizzaria of New Bloomfield.
It used to be my favorite but the place in the first picture has won the gold.
Yes, I ate two sub sandwiches in one week!!


Yes, I have found a way to upload pictures...
Many updates on the way.

I guess I'll head to bed - hungry.
I better get some sleep - I'm sure to hear from Evonne tomorrow.