September 20

September 20
This was a travel day. All the way across Maine into New Hampshire.
9/21
Headed out early down interesting roads, through small towns, up and down hills, and rarely saw a straight road. All was lovely although not quite as squared away looking as Prince Edward Island. They must have the neatnik gene there.
We’re a bit early for the colors, but we are seeing some. The sun is out and the colors range rom burgandy to red, orange, gold and several shades of green in the evergreen trees. Driving through one stretch on a narrow two lane road with color on both sides was like being bathed in a golden light. So moving.
We stopped at a tourist mall, Vermont style, sampled all the cheeses, dips, and syrups. We bought cheese, sweets, and the raspberry maple syrup which we fell in love with. Had to have it!
The Calvin Coolidge Museum is the original building with the family’s furniture, etc all intact. The family housekeeper lived 30 years after their deaths and kept everything together until the son gave it to the State of Vermont.
It’s in the original village called Plymouth Notch. This is still a village people live in today.
The store Coolidge’s father bought had living quarters in the back and is where Calvin was born. There is also the home they moved to when he was four years old, the barn and shops, the one room schoolhouse. Church, and cheese factory his Dad started. It is one of the oldest continuous and still operating cheese factories in the U.S. Even Coolidge’s mother’s garden is still there and tended by the park people. Tom got some hollyhock seed . We will see if we can grow them.
It was a fun day. I have been taking many pictures of houses. They are so
interesting and different from what we have in Washington. They are huge, many three stories with added on wings. First the saltbox house with a shop/garage attached and attached to that is the barn. They call this New England Continuous Architecture.
9/22
This was only a half a days drive because I suddenly remembered we were
going to visit the Old Sturbridge Village. We settled in Brimfield at an old RV resort in a pretty setting by a lake.
We decided to stay long enough to get the generator Tom had purchased
sent here so we can have use of it the rest of the trip. Means we will be here for
at least four days.
9/23
Today was to be our day at the Old Sturbridge Village. We did spend all day there, but will have to go back as we didn’t see half of it. They let you come back one more day free. Gives us something more to do in our four day stay here.
We went on the rides today, the Stagecoach and wagon which were both drawn by beautiful Belgium Draft horses and the riverboat ride. Now we have all the walking through the rest of the village to see the restored farms, shops, etc.
In the church there was an organ concert at 2:00. We attended and were so glad we had. The organist was a delightful gentleman dressed in eighteen century clothing and played beautifully, gave a wonderful history lesson and some really fun facts in an exceptionally interesting way. We were so glad we took the time
for this.
By the way, most of the people here are dressed in costume and act their parts as, bankers, blacksmiths, farmers, etc. Makes it interesting and fun.
We ate at the Bullard Tavern and had wonderful macaroni and cheese. This
was a long day but good.
On our way back to camp we discovered we can find churches on the Garmin. Halleluia! We located our church for Sunday.
September 24, 2001
Go to Boston day. Everyone says, "Don’t drive in Boston". Well we are going to. We have our trusty Garmin to help us. She took us right to the Kennedy Museum and Library. It is a beautiful, impressive building overlooking the water
which is filled with boats, lots of them sailing on this beautiful sunny day.
It’s hot today, as high as 88 degrees, but it is comfortable in the museum.
We spent all day here and could have spent longer. There were two movies and four or five sections of exhibits with videos here and there. The only thing I thought was missing was more of Jackie’s clothes. They only had a couple outfits exhibited.
They covered his family and life before politics, his bid for the senate and campaigning for president, his years as president, and his legacy. It was wonderfully done and so interesting. He was a right wing Democrat. How we could use him now.
We left the museum and drove into downtown Boston to eat at a restaurant listed in the book "Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives" called Mike’s Place. Getting there was a nightmare, but the Garmin did it again only to find it closed at 3:00.
We arrived at 4:20. To say we were disappointed was an understatement.
Getting back home was unreal. It was right in the middle of commuter
going home traffic. I know everyone thinks our traffic is bad, but we only see something like this when there has been a major accident. Going into Boston was a literal parking lot, we moved out of Boston at a snails pace, sometimes only
5 mph.
Back in our town of Sturbridge we stopped at a Chinese buffet. It was quite good and saved trying to figure out something to make at home.
We really are enjoying our time here in Brimfield. We are kept busy with things to do every day. Tomorrow we go back to Old Sturbridge Village and Sunday it’s church, of course. I’ll let you know how all that goes next time.

September 19, 2010

Hi;



Tom can't believe I forgot to tell you about our visit to the Chocolate Museum yesterday. I guess I am not as into chocolate as He and others are.

It was a wonderful experience though. They had the typical video to start and then great pictures, objects, machinery and explanations of everything as you moved along. The big and delightful difference though was the chocolates. Every so often there would be dishes of this delectible substance of different kinds labeled so you knew what you would encounter. A person could go out of there really sick. We almost were.

At the usual and "required" gift shop we bought a couple of bars that we had not ever heard of before. The chocolates didn't look that good anymore and we were beginning to run short of Canadian money.

Off to find a church which took awhile and some miles. First a church with no one in attendance at the stated time, then a Presbeterian and finally the Community church out in the middle of nowhere. We were 15 minutes late as it started at 9:30 instead of 10:00.
The pastor was a teacher/preacher going through the book of Romans. Today was on faith not works. Interestingly, the devotion in Gems from the Greek was also on faith today.
Because people come such a long way they have the 9:30 service, a break for treats and then go into a second service instead of coming back in the evening.
We left after the first service to continue on to Campabollo Island where Franklin Roosevelt had his summer home.
It had bedrooms for 6 servants, 6 for the family along with guest bedrooms.
The kitchen and laundry were fascinating with the antique fixtures and appliances.
Most of the furniture, rugs, pictures are all the originals. The wallpaper was reproduced according to what was in each room. Lots of fancy flowered paper.
We really enjoyed our time touring this presidents home.

We continued to the northern tip of the island where there is a place you can walk to another small island with a light house on it. Only certain hours though, when the tide is out. We were within the time frame, but the stairs down and then up again looked too daunting.
Instead we watched some whales playing in the Bay of Fundy. They would surface and blow water high into the air. It was a long ways away, but not too far to see and appreciate.
Stopped for lunch and were able to try the French Canadian specialty
french fries smothered in cheese and gravy. Sounds terrible to me, but it is quite good.
Back at the ranch we are resting up before beginning to move again.
So long!

September 18,2010

Hello!!!

Wasn't sure I could get in to the internet. They have wifi here, but the connection is low strength. Can't get my mail, but could get in to the blog.
Yesterday we drove to Nova Scotia. It also had rolling hills and farmland, but not as nice as Prince Edward Island. It rained off and on all day too. We did have a picnic lunch in a little park by a nature preseve lake. One seagull adopted us. We would throw him something which he would quickly gobble up. When any other gulls tried to come around he angrily sqwaked them away. It was fun to watch.
Other than that it was an uneventful day, but we did see a bit of Nova Scotia so we accomplished that goal.
We left this morning for Maine. Wanted to see Fundy Bay which is famous for huge tides. We knew we wouldn't see the high tide unless we stayed for several hours. We didn't want to give that kind of time up. We did stop at a Provincial Park on the Bay and had our lunch. Lot's of seagulls for company here. It was beautiful the sun was warm and the scenery spectacular. We just soaked it up for quite awhile before taking a walk on the beach acquiring a few more rocks.
An RV park in Robinston, Maine is our home for a couple of days. Tommorrow we leave early in the truck and look for a church as we couldn't do it today. Then after worship and fellowship with believers we will be going back into Canada to see Campobello, International Park where Franklin Roosevelt's summer home was. It's on an island that is part of Canada that stretches down alongside Maine. I'll let you know all about it tomorrow.

September 16

Hi;

Today was a super day. We drove to Prince Edward Island, known here as PEI.
First we crossed an eight mile long bridge which cost us $42.50. Thank goodness
we didn't have the fifth wheel with us.
Our drive along the island was absolutely beautiul. It reminded us of England
except the roads were wider and you didn't drive on the left side. Where England has
rock walls and hedgerows PEI had shrubs and small trees to form their fences. It's
rolling hills and the roads go up and down with lots of curves. We loved it.
Then the Green Gables Historic site was amazing. The house had been owned by the
author's grandparents cousin and she spent a lot of time there as a child. It is the
home and community she based the books story on. It has been beautiully restored with furniture carpeting, and wallpaper of the time. L.M. Montgomery, the author, was
raised by her grandparents as her mother died and her father was unable to care for a
baby.
We want to watch the movie once again after being able to read excerpts from her
diary and see the area she was writing about.
It was way after lunch and we'd only had a small breakast so food was next on our
agenda. We found a little mom & pop type restaurant and I was able to have a lobster
roll. That was on my list to accomplish before leaving the east coast. I liked it
better than the lobster dinner. Certainly a lot easier to eat. No work for me, just
the cook's labor. Delicious!! So much so in fact, I may have another in Maine.
Tomorrow we do laundry and take a quick drive into Nova Scotia. Not sure how much
we'll see or how much fun it will be as the weather is turning. Lots of rain expected.

All for now. Dolly PS. I just viewed the post and don't know why it publishes with the
lines all screwed up. They aren't when I write it. Sorry
about that.

September 14, 2010

9/11
Yesterday was another travel day. We got away earlier than usual so it became a longer day than normal. We drove out of Canada into Maine. What a nice change. Most of the roads are better. Unfortunately I finally succumbed to the cold that had been trying to get me. I’m not feeling too bad, just a bit crummy. When it was nearing time to settle in somewhere. An intriguing sign "Wilderness Camp 3 ½ miles" drew us in. After those 3 and ½ miles of gravel, up, down, washboard, curves we arrived. I was greeted by two women as I sat in the truck while Tom went with the bearded owner to see about a sight or us.
We are sitting on the edge of the lake in the woods of Maine. A beautiful
spot. They weren’t kidding about the wilderness part. There is no power here. They use a generator which he turns on at 7:00 to 9:00 am and again at 6:00 to 10:00 pm.
So I am writing this at 8:00 Sunday morning. No church today. We will have our own worship and bible reading by the lake after the power goes off. The sun is coming out so it should be really special.
Last night we blew a fuse while I was brewing coffee and Tom was micro-
waving popcorn or the movie.. We thought it was all over, but the ever ingenious Tom got out his extension cords and hooked us up to the next site.
We finished just before 10:00, lights out, and off to bed.

9/12
Here at Wilderness Campground I have been waiting for the generator to start again this evening so I can fix dinner. Today has been really relaxing and nice. After breakfast we had our own church service, reading the devotionals and praying. It was a sweet time with the Lord.
Tom has been hard at work trying to fix things that go wrong. The whole half of the trailer’s electricity is off. He’s taken the GFI switch apart and put it back together, but no luck. Maybe we will have to find an electrician.
It makes brewing coffee and making toast interesting as I have to carry appliances into the living room. Oh well, at least I can make it.
We took a long walk along the lake. Grace, we picked up a bunch of interesting rocks again. Before heading back we sat on the beach listening to the lap of the water as the wind blew in little ripples. It was so peaceful I could eel my whole body relaxing.
This definitely a special place. They have a party boat, canoe’s and kiaks, but all is put up or the season. That is the only drawback of traveling this time o year. Many sights and things close for the winter.

9/13
Praise the Lord, our electricity is working again. Somehow, what Tom did
made it work. Another day of driving was the plan. Then one of the RV tires blew apart.
It ripped off part of the RV and wrapped itself around the axel three times. What a
mess. I prayed right away for the Lord's help. Within minutes an angel named Billy Grass
drove up in his pickup and between him and Tom they got the old tire off and the questionable
spare tire put on.
We drove carefully across the border into Canada and set up in a nice resort
near Fredrickton. Tom drove in and found a place that carried the correct tire. I stayed
behind and took a nap. Still trying to get over this cold.

9/14
This morning we drove into Fredrickton and had the tire fixed and also purchased
a new spare. Then drove on to Shediac where we settled in another nice RV resort on the
water. The Atlantic, a bay, I think. We are not right on the water,but can see it from
our spot.
The big need for today was cash. Unfortunately, I didn't bring an extra book of
checks so we are out. Getting cash with our Visa has required a pin number which we have
not had for years since we don't use it. Tom did call Visa about this and they mailed our
pin number to our home. We just hadn't gotten it from Luci who was getting it for us.
All because we have been out of range. Remember that wilderness?? Three banks and none
could help us, although they were kind and tried. Will try to reach Luci again later.
We are now four hours ahead of home timewise.
Still the first order of business MONEY. It seemed we would have to drive back to Moncton to a particular bank that maybe could help. In the meantime I was able to track down the crochet hook I needed. We finally reached Luci, got our number and that wonderul
cash machine spit out bucks. Halleluia!
We went to the recommended restaurant for lobster. Tom had fish and chippies
(that's what the waitress called them here) but I had the lobster. Now I am happy.
Lobster in the Maritime Provinces. It doesn't get better than this.
More traveling and blogging tomorrow. Good night.

Quebec

September 8,9,&10

We are in a wonderul RV park in Levi, Quebec accross the St Lawrence
waterway from Quebec City. This after a harrowing drive from a bug
infested night in St Boniface. The traffic was heavy and driving through it
with this huge house following us is very stressful. We found ourselves in
the wrong lane for turning and our Garmin announced "recalculating,
recalculating. Three times across the long bridge and we were back on
track. Praise God for Garmins.

Decided to stay three days and recover. The second day we were here we
had planned to do Quebec City, but it was raining and we were still tired.
Age definitely takes a tole on traveling. Tomorrow we'll go.

The ferry across was only $2. What a deal. The other option was driving
back 20 miles and over the bridge, then 20 miles to the city.
Delightful city streets, shops, flowers, art and people. At least near the
ferry departure. We took a Funicular up the cliff into the older main part
of the city. Streets were blocked off, police were everywhere and helicopters
were flying overhead. We were in for another adventure it seemed.

While having lunch outdoors at a lovely restaurant (Tom had his favorite
French Onion soup and I had Quiche Lorraine with Mediterranean salad)
both yummy, we saw the bicyclers ride by. It was the Grand Pris Des Quebec.
What fun. In Europe with the grandchildren we also happened upon a bike
race. Like Tom says, "We always seem to run into fun, unusual things.
For those of you who know me well and long, I had sunshine today for our
foray into Quebec. Thank you Jesus.
One more relaxing evening here and we leave for Maine so we can drive on US roads
to New Brunswick. We are really tired of the Canadian ones.
Stay tuned!

September 3rd through 7th

September 3 & 4

Another travel day. First across the long beautiful bridge into Canada and through customs with no problems. They even let me take my tomato plant along. Then miles of lovely scenery past lakes and whistle stop towns. We landed in a
funky resort by a lake with beautiful trees. It is pretty rundown with lots of old rigs, and makeshift add ons. Makes me think of the word "trailer trash", but I guess that refers mainly to people. The people here are friendly and nice, lots of families. It’s near Sudbury which is a mining town. So they are down to earth
mine workers.
The park is owned by a couple who run it with their son’s, daughter and son-in-law. They do very special activities at certain times of the year like Christmas in July where they bring Santa in by boat on the lake, Thanksgiving
feast, and Labor Day corn, beef and pork roast. They invited us to join the celebration by bringing a dish for the potluck. We did and what great food.
The owners give out gifts to all the regulars, then they have a dance which lasts well into the night.
Tom was feeling really rotten so we skipped all that including an invitation to a campfire gathering, and a jam session at one of the camp sights. I was tempted, but once in our "home away from home" it is hard to go out again.

September 5

Went to church and no one was there. Turns out their summer schedule is
church at 7:00 in the evening. We did return. There was a small crowd due to Labor Day, but a missionary was the speaker. He works with the Afar people group in Ethiopia. Excellent presentation and miraculous work. So glad we went.

9/6 &7
Travel days. Overnight in PEMBROKE’S Walmart and then shaking, bouncing, jumping down these terrible Canadian roads to St Boniface in Quebec.
The little bugs (like fruit lies) were so bad we left the next day.

Sault Ste Marie

September 1 2010
We left Ishmiping today and headed up the peninsula. It was a nice drive through woods, along Lake Superior and small towns.
We are now staying in Sault Ste Marie at a camp resort on the Soo Canal. Very pretty.
We drove into town to buy the local specialty, pasties. The grocery store was out, but we will go to a recommended restaurant, Franks Place, and have them for lunch tomorrow.
We complain sometimes about our poor bumpy roads, but we will never complain again after driving on the roads in this town.
We had a gorgeous sunset this evening. First time we’ve had many clouds in the sky which always make the sunsets spectacular. We sat by the canal and watched huge commercial boats coming in and out of the locks.

September 2
Our first cold weather came today. Woke up to a chilly RV. But it warmed up during the day and we didn’t need the jackets we took along. Spent a few hours in town checking the shops and the locks museum and locks. The shops are all having sales, especially on their summer items. Tom and I both tried on Minnetonka sandals and I bought a pair. They hit Tom wrong on the ball of his
foot so he lost out.
We did go to Franks and had the pasties. Had to bring half of them home as
they were so big. They are delicious though. Franks food was so good we went back for dinner. Cups of meatball and orzo soup, scrumptious, and Carmel apple
surprise for dessert. Steve and Lani remember that humongous ice cream cone?
Well this dessert could almost dwarf it. However, there were two of us to eat it.
Still we couldn’t manage the whole thing.
Tomorrow morning we cross the bridge into Canada. I don’t know what the
Wifi situation and availability will be there. So I’m signing off for now and will connect with you all again when I can. Stay turned in from time to time.