Thursday, May 13, 2021

Temperature, Low 59 Degrees; High 65 Degrees

This Is Harpers Ferry

What another beautiful day we were given today. Abundant sunshine, clear blue skies and moderate temperatures. These are the kind of days one really looks forward to. Suffice to say, I made the most of the day.

Let’s go back now to Harpers Ferry. There is so much to see and discover at this Historic Park. More than any one blog, or even two or three can cover. But let me at least give you taste of what is here.

A couple of stores on Shenandoah Street.

Think of this store as your early Walmart. Here you could purchase almost anything that you could need: a toy for your child; a bolt of cloth to make a new dress; a more contemporary top hat; and, any number of spices. You would need to pay cash since credit was not accepted.

Sort of like Show me you vaccination card. Entry in and out of Harpers Ferry during the Civil War was strictly controlled.

So it is, Harpers Ferry is much more than just another town. Here, in this town you discover a natural corridor that helped early pioneers move westward. Here, Robert Harper started a ferry across the Potomac in 1747. The C&O Canal and the B&O Railroad made the town an early hub of transportation. Here, by the early 1800’s the rivers powered commercial mills that helped to fuel the Industrial Revolution. Here, John Brown, though he failed to accomplish what he set out to do, focused attention on slavery and propelled the nation toward Civil War. Here, the Civil War tore the town apart and left it an empty shell of what it once was. Here, Storer College became a symbol of freedom. Yes, Harpers Ferry is so much more than just another town.

More to come tomorrow.

Another day on The Road of Retirement has come to an end. Yes, it was a beautiful day from start to finish. I was able to reorganize and catalogue everything on my underneath sliding tool tray. Ms. Barbara made another delicious midday meal. We enjoyed some Hallmark Movies together. Life is good.

Thanks for taking the time to read our blog.  We always appreciate your company, your comments, and your suggestions. Keep safe, keep healthy, live to the fullest the days that God gives you.

These are the voyages of  Elvira and her two intrepid travelers.  Our continuing mission: to explore as many new states as possible, to seek out new acquaintances and make new friends, to boldly go where we have never been before.

See you on down the road!

Wednesday, May 12, 2021

Temperature Low, 50 Degrees; High, 71 Degrees

Overview of Harpers Ferry National Historical Park

A New T-Shirt

A New Puppy

Oh what a beautiful morning we awoke to. The first time in a long time the sun was shining bright, the sky was a clear, deep blue; and, there wasn’t a hint of rain in the forecast.

So what to do on such a gorgeous day? Sightseeing of course! Several days ago Ms. Barbara suggested we go to Harpers Ferry Historical Park. Well, at first I wasn’t too keen on the idea since we had been there several years ago. Or so I thought. I mean, what more could there be to see? But I was game. And I soon found out that the last time we were there we had only scratched the surface. In essence, we had gone to the town of Harpers Ferry but not to the Historical Park. I soon found out there is a big difference between the two. There was also a lot more to see and discover. So, tonight we’ll start with an overview of

We began our tour with the new version of the Park’s Visitor Center which is

an open air booth staffed by Park Rangers. There are maps here, lots of informational brochures, and the Rangers are more than willing to answer all of one’s questions about the park. We quickly found from them that that the actual park is not here but is a five minute ride away in Historic Harpers Ferry.

To get to the actual Historical Park a shuttle bus is provided by the park service. A quick five minute ride and we were in Lower Town on Shenandoah Street.

These are the shops/museums along Shenandoah Street which we’ll visit in future blogs. Oh boy, is there a lot to see and discover. We spent over three hours here in the Park and still missed a number of things.

Ms. Barbara was able to add a few more stamps to her National Park Passport Book. We keep adding stamps to this book as we travel the country and visit various National Parks. We hope someday to completely fill its pages.

Yes, a new T-Shirt. The closet is getting full!

Now, for the really big news. We got a new puppy!

The best thing is he is already house trained, is real quiet, and can be left alone when we go sight seeing without worrying about what he’ll get into. The perfect kind of pet for the two of us. Now, I just need to think of a name for him. Maybe LP, short for Lap Pup? I have to give this some more thought.

One more thing

It says, the Bus Boards here. Well, I want to know what does the bus board? A bigger bus? A flat bed truck? I asked the bus driver and she just looked at me like I had two heads!

Oh, another one more thing.

Can anyone remember when you last saw one of these? That actually worked?

That was our absolutely fantastic day on The Road of Retirement. It was great to get out and about without having to worry about a drop of rain. We also got to meet some really interesting people. But the really best part of the day was we were together traveling along, hand in hand, singing our song. Life is good.

Thanks for taking the time to read our blog.  We always appreciate your company, your comments, and your suggestions. Keep safe, keep healthy, live to the fullest the days that God gives you.

These are the voyages of  Elvira and her two intrepid travelers.  Our continuing mission: to explore as many new states as possible, to seek out new acquaintances and make new friends, to boldly go where we have never been before.

See you on down the road!

Sunday, May 9, 2021

Temperature, Low 42 Degrees; High 59 Degrees

Worship With Old Friends

Treating Her Right

In a departure from our normal routine, this Sunday morning we were actually going to a worship service. Not virtually, but live, in person. We were going to a church I had served at for a brief time about five years ago. We were looking forward to both the worship service but even better being able to worship with some really great friends from the past.

This is the Monocacy Valley Church. It is a small church of about 20 to 30 parishioners.

We picked the perfect week, The band had just resumed playing at worship. For the past year they had been recording their music for use on Sunday. It was so great to hear them again. They are absolutely the best.

The theme for this week’s service.

Mark and Susan, two of our dear friends from our time at the church. Mark is a professional meteorologist and Susan is an ordained minister. Susan, in her late 60’s decided to seek her Master of Divinity. Three years of intense study led to graduating with that coveted degree and a year later she was ordained. She now serves as the Associated Pastor at the church.

We have so many wonderful memories of our time at this church. We also have so many precious memories of our time with Mark and Susan. We have been through thick and thin together. They will always occupy a special place in our hearts. We, hopefully, will be able to get together at least one more time before we move on.

I didn’t forget that it is Mother’s Day. So after worship . .

After church, my son Adam and I took Ms. Barbara out to lunch. I wanted to make my sweetheart breakfast in bed but I honestly believe given my cooking skills this was a much better choice. Hey, no mom should have to cook and clean up on their special day.

That was our special day on The Road of Retirement. It was a winner all the way around. From worship with dear friends. To a special lunch with one very special lady who is the love of my life. And I can’t begin to tell you how thrilled she was that both Adam and Amanda remembered to call and wish her a Happy Mother’s Day! Oh yea, life is good. We are indeed two of the most blessed and fortunate people in the world.

Thanks for taking the time to read our blog.  We always appreciate your company, your comments, and your suggestions. Keep safe, keep healthy, live to the fullest the days that God gives you.

These are the voyages of  Elvira and her two intrepid travelers.  Our continuing mission: to explore as many new states as possible, to seek out new acquaintances and make new friends, to boldly go where we have never been before.

See you on down the road!

Saturday, May 8, 2021

Temperature Low, 41 Degrees; High, 54 Degrees

Odds and Ends

Laying in bed this morning I heard a very familiar sound, the sound of rain upon the roof. We just can’t seem to get away from it. The weather report is for more of the same for the next two days. Thankfully, the skies did clear late in the afternoon. However, it remained cool and windy.

Sometimes I think of this place like a beach. Look and I believe you will understand.

Thursday, after the tide has rolled out on Sunday night. It will stay this way all week.

Friday night after the tide has again rolled in on Friday morning. It will stay this way for the weekend until Sunday evening when the tide goes out again.

I wish I had gotten a picture of this. The temperature is 54, there is a cold north wind blowing and would you believe the kids are in the pool today! Amazing.

Some more odds and ends.

The tour tractor is running this weekend. You can hear them before you see them since they are usually singing at the top of their lungs.

I believe my daughter is trying to tell me something. Funny thing is, I believe she is right on target!

Speaking of my daughter Amanda, her mother spoiled her this morning by treating her to breakfast in bed. Gee, I’ve never had breakfast in bed. In addition she sent the left over meatballs and sausage home with her. First, I loose the chicken cutlets and now the meatballs. Um, the next time we invite either Adam or Amanda over I believe we’ll stick to something simple, like sandwiches!

Finally from RV Hacks & Humor.

Another day is done on The Road of Retirement. Despite the weather we had a good day overall. We were together. We were warm and comfortable. We had another opportunity to spend some more time with our daughter, Amanda. Unfortunately, though we would like to, due to logistics we’ll not be able to spend time with my daughter Rachel, and my son Paul. Some day, hopefully, we will, Time to sign off now. Have a great evening.

Thanks for taking the time to read our blog.  We always appreciate your company, your comments, and your suggestions. Keep safe, keep healthy, live to the fullest the days that God gives you.

These are the voyages of  Elvira and her two intrepid travelers.  Our continuing mission: to explore as many new states as possible, to seek out new acquaintances and make new friends, to boldly go where we have never been before.

See you on down the road!