June 4-9 The Po Kee Nos

I forgot just how beautiful Pennsylvania is. The drive from Cathy's to Gemma's (Sue's) was mile after mile of greenery; grass, trees, spring and summer flowers. Even the major highways were scenic to me. Gemma and her husband, Boomer (Eric) live among trees and more greenery in Paradise, PA .(not to be confused with the actual town named Paradise) Even though the weather was unseasonably hot(for me, anyway), it was cool under the trees on their property. We had a really nice visit. Other than the brief mini-reunion the Friday after Thanksgiving 2007, we hadn't visited since high school, or maybe a high school reunion or two. So it was fun for me to finally meet Boomer and to hear about their now grown children and grandchildren. I also enjoyed Tess, their aging and sweet black doggie who I kept calling "him". One thing she likes to do is stare down the local toads, or frogs,I know not which

I saw some great birds at the feeders there, plus some other wildlife such as deer, raccoons, squirrels and rabbits. They also have robins and 4 babies nesting in the flower wreath at their front door. All guests use the back door until they fledge.




In addition to 5-star accommodations, Gemma has taken up gourmet cooking. I was able to enjoy wonderful happy-hours along with scrumptious dinners of shrimp with pasta and a fantastic grilled, melt-in-your-mouth London broil with veggies, including from-the-garden asparagus each time.

Gemma knows I love birds, so she took me to Hawk Mt. where thousands and thousands of raptors pass over during Spring and Fall migration. We did a little hiking, but I conked out early, as it was hot and, of course, up hill. At one overlook I almost got up-close-and personal with a black snake. But he was more interested in sunning himself than being aggressive.

Next day we went to Jim Thorpe and walked around the quaint, hilly town. It's quite an interesting attraction.
All in all, I had a wonderful time. I recommend chez Gemma and Boomer to all of her friends. Thanks so much for a memorable visit. I'll be back. . .

Actually, Boomer and Gemma live in New Ringgold, PA. And to prove this is a small world, I also have a cousin who lives there too, not more than 3 miles from Gemma.
So from Friday afternoon to Saturday night, the 7th, I visited with my cousin Peggy and her husband, George. They too, live in Paradise and have lots of interesting birds at their house. Their gardens are alive with flowers of every color, thanks to Peggy's landscaping skills. I got to meet my 'first cousins once removed', Lori and Mike, and their spouses and children. It seems I have lots of relatives I have never met.

Cousin Peggy is a mean cook too. I think I need to visit more folks who are great cooks. Then I can continue my habit of not cooking anything unless absolutely necessary. I really enjoyed our visit too, though it was too short. Next time I'll stay longer and bring my bathing suit. Thanks again, Peggy for a great visit!


Posting on blogs is problematic when visiting friends, especially when they live in the mountains where cell phones are mostly useless, thus internet is the same on my computer. I would rather spend the time visiting and catch up on the blog later.

Next is the account of my ongoing trip from Paradise, PA to Bloomfield, IN via Cincinnati, OH.