tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62849794986948283262024-02-06T18:20:31.196-08:00Living A Travelers LifeAfter spending the majority of my life working for the "other guy", I've finally made the move to expand my horizons and do what I've always wanted to do .... become a Travel Writer.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02985740027431442065noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6284979498694828326.post-66136014972972992017-09-09T21:45:00.000-07:002017-09-09T21:45:59.367-07:00Different Kind Of Fishbowl<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Pymatuning Spillway offers quick trip for a carp-load of fun</h2>
<div>
<br />
<nav style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background: rgb(42, 42, 42); border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 5px 0px; text-align: center; text-size-adjust: 100%; text-transform: uppercase;"><a href="http://www.tribtoday.com/life/lifecovers/" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: white; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; text-size-adjust: 100%; transition: color 0.4s;" title="View all posts in Lifestyles">LIFESTYLES</a></nav><time style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: #f7f7f7; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: center; text-size-adjust: 100%;"><div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border-bottom-color: rgb(219, 219, 219); border-bottom-style: solid; border-image: initial; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: initial; border-width: 0px 0px 1px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #999999; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 0.9em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 20px; outline: none; padding: 10px 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; text-transform: uppercase; width: 157.203px;">
JUL 9, 2017</div>
</time><span style="background-color: #f7f7f7; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: center;"></span><br />
<div class="half_article_details" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: #f7f7f7; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: center; text-size-adjust: 100%;">
<h4 style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 300; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; text-transform: uppercase;">
JENNIFER MARTINEK</h4>
<h5 style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #888888; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 0.85em; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 300; line-height: inherit; margin: 5px 0px 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%;">
Tribune Chronicle correspondent</h5>
</div>
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioHnb2AfcLjbsyQFC41j6t2MXbxa5KB_Ihagerxn97WGlPxxOAi_PwWFucfhoHKgUUOY_GZR0H8UTmQirlqGfSrrZSU0nZWLHahhcazl8bMDIfJfEX05H1M1cYEGun3y1zmemk-TSY9kd2/s1600/S0111251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioHnb2AfcLjbsyQFC41j6t2MXbxa5KB_Ihagerxn97WGlPxxOAi_PwWFucfhoHKgUUOY_GZR0H8UTmQirlqGfSrrZSU0nZWLHahhcazl8bMDIfJfEX05H1M1cYEGun3y1zmemk-TSY9kd2/s400/S0111251.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Visitors to the Spillway in Pymatuning State Park sit on benches and watch waterfowl on the reservoir. <span style="background-color: #f7f7f7; color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 13.5px;">Tribune Chronicle photos / Jennifer Martinek</span><br />
<br />
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: #f7f7f7; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #2e2e2e; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 1.26em; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.45em; margin-bottom: 18px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%;">
LINESVILLE, Pa. — Driving down U.S. Route 322 toward Andover, the scent of freshly cut grass suddenly fills the car. Breathing in deeply, I take in as much of the country air as possible.</div>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: #f7f7f7; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #2e2e2e; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 1.26em; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.45em; margin-bottom: 18px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%;">
The moving scenery is speckled with farm houses and large, newly plowed fields. Every once in awhile, there will be a small mom-and-pop restaurant or gas station that interrupts the rhythm.</div>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: #f7f7f7; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #2e2e2e; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 1.26em; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.45em; margin-bottom: 18px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%;">
Continuing along at a decent speed, occasionally slowing down for an Amish buggy pulled by a single horse, I reach my destination — the Pymatuning Spillway.</div>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: #f7f7f7; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #2e2e2e; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 1.26em; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.45em; margin-bottom: 18px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%;">
The Spillway is located at 12318 Hartstown Road, in Pymatuning State Park in Linesville, Pa., only about 55 minutes away from the the Warren / Niles area.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr3ujxXtE466Hmh7cCcIYYqBAvAszfofw62nhpBQe-qmUMwiT1J21ZZaFRgs59ouNutejTrDNpRpLZcQ4gPoR_JPBZaf772ciW2ryBrYz_3p13Sdf66VlDOEVla1TMy1J8zytM1F4DzV7V/s1600/S0011003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr3ujxXtE466Hmh7cCcIYYqBAvAszfofw62nhpBQe-qmUMwiT1J21ZZaFRgs59ouNutejTrDNpRpLZcQ4gPoR_JPBZaf772ciW2ryBrYz_3p13Sdf66VlDOEVla1TMy1J8zytM1F4DzV7V/s320/S0011003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: #f7f7f7; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #2e2e2e; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 1.26em; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.45em; margin-bottom: 18px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%;">
The main attraction is feeding bread to the carp, ducks and any other waterfowl. The fish will physically jump on top of one another just to get a taste of the tiny morsels that are thrown to them. Sometimes, the ducks appear to run across the backs of the fish to beat them to the bread, giving the site its unofficial motto, <span class="quotations" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #0d0d0d; font-style: italic;">“Where the ducks walk on the fish.”</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: #f7f7f7; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #2e2e2e; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 1.26em; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.45em; margin-bottom: 18px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%;">
After just a few minutes, I came upon a mother and her three children. They were leaning over the railing watching the ducks waddle over to try to snatch small pieces of bread before the thick carpet of frenzied fish could get to them. I had brought a loaf of bread myself and offered some to the kids.</div>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: #f7f7f7; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #2e2e2e; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 1.26em; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.45em; margin-bottom: 18px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%;">
As they took turns throwing the bread to the carp, I engaged in some small talk with their mother. She said that they had come in from Pittsburgh to feed the fish.</div>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: #f7f7f7; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #2e2e2e; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 1.26em; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.45em; margin-bottom: 18px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%;">
We reminisced about how it was before the park added the parking lots and concession stand with bathrooms. I added the part about the restrooms because when I had visited the Spillway with my mother over 30 years ago (now I’m showing my true age), there were none. We would have to go into the neighboring town and use one at a gas station or restaurant.</div>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: #f7f7f7; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #2e2e2e; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 1.26em; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.45em; margin-bottom: 18px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%;">
The Spillway attracted visitors well before its completion in 1934. Originally, carp, geese, ducks, and other wildlife gathered to feast on the smorgasbord of crayfish, insect larvae and plant material that would flow over the spillway.</div>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: #f7f7f7; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #2e2e2e; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 1.26em; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.45em; margin-bottom: 18px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%;">
As the number of tourist increased, roadside vendors started providing bread to feed the fish. Today, more than 300,000 yearly visitors make this one of their vacation stops.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWkSX0TUmRlgTStoMF07gdOgD3WSlQ8NqINTMBzwNVjoiMLARr5xiGL3wB7GBh9UD5LLSaUnMG-_2e0DA2mg3-Pu97w-3sh6piqo1xYkDl1w-Sm2JvTZQRXgCnOadl3KDME_EnTdxzxe5d/s1600/S0241521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWkSX0TUmRlgTStoMF07gdOgD3WSlQ8NqINTMBzwNVjoiMLARr5xiGL3wB7GBh9UD5LLSaUnMG-_2e0DA2mg3-Pu97w-3sh6piqo1xYkDl1w-Sm2JvTZQRXgCnOadl3KDME_EnTdxzxe5d/s320/S0241521.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: #f7f7f7; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #2e2e2e; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 1.26em; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.45em; margin-bottom: 18px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%;">
When all of the bread had been thrown, I headed up towards the concession stand. There I met Becca. Becca is the daughter of Barb Hogan, who is the owner / manager of the establishment. She told me that she works with her mom in the concession stand, and also does a variety of other jobs.</div>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: #f7f7f7; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #2e2e2e; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 1.26em; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.45em; margin-bottom: 18px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%;">
When asked if there was anything specific that she was saving her money for, she responded, <span class="quotations" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #0d0d0d; font-style: italic;">“I want an Apple computer, and after that a car.”</span> Becca also told me that she loves the big cities. As she puts it so eloquently, <span class="quotations" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #0d0d0d; font-style: italic;">“I live in the boonies. There is nothing around.”</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: #f7f7f7; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #2e2e2e; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 1.26em; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.45em; margin-bottom: 18px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%;">
Becca told me that on any given day, there were five to six people working at a time.</div>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: #f7f7f7; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #2e2e2e; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 1.26em; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.45em; margin-bottom: 18px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%;">
<span class="quotations" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #0d0d0d; font-style: italic;">“Usually there’s two working in the concession stand, two gathering the garbage, and one or two doing general maintenance,”</span> she explained.</div>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: #f7f7f7; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #2e2e2e; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 1.26em; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.45em; margin-bottom: 18px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%;">
I asked her how long they had been working there and she said they had been there for three years, but have a lease for 10 years.</div>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: #f7f7f7; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #2e2e2e; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 1.26em; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.45em; margin-bottom: 18px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%;">
After thanking Becca for the talk, I walked back to the car to get ready for the trip home.</div>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: #f7f7f7; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #2e2e2e; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 1.26em; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.45em; margin-bottom: 18px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%;">
It’s amazing how your memories come flooding back even after being away for so many years, remembering how the area looked before the addition of the concession stand, parking lot and even areas that families can sit down and have a quick bite to eat.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibDtTDk74CoRH3Pfpdpxo9KqMCbF7oemev9xkFtnfS3rM-nhkNZiS_RMzi9ZGgv_sCo34akz83z-kh7Zpc8aHUwvTN3BsRVFZ4qYjUQtwYPdiq0YGvbrwDg_Ll8N9ubIhwnimd9M8_A_ik/s1600/S0231493.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibDtTDk74CoRH3Pfpdpxo9KqMCbF7oemev9xkFtnfS3rM-nhkNZiS_RMzi9ZGgv_sCo34akz83z-kh7Zpc8aHUwvTN3BsRVFZ4qYjUQtwYPdiq0YGvbrwDg_Ll8N9ubIhwnimd9M8_A_ik/s320/S0231493.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: #f7f7f7; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #2e2e2e; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 1.26em; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.45em; margin-bottom: 18px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%;">
So if you are looking to add another place onto your vacation list, don’t forget to add the Spillway in Pymatuning State Park.</div>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: #f7f7f7; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #2e2e2e; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 1.26em; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.45em; margin-bottom: 18px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%;">
There are also other activities to do at Pymatuning, such as watch for eagles at Wilson Launch, take a kayak or canoe trip on the Shenango River, explore the history of the swamp reservoir and dam at the Gatehouse, choose from seven trails to explore, or spend a weekend at the Jamestown or Linesville campground.</div>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: #f7f7f7; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #2e2e2e; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 1.26em; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.45em; margin-bottom: 18px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%;">
Pymatuning State Park covers 16,892 acres around the 17,088-acre Pymatuning Reservoir, and features boating, fishing, swimming, camping, hiking and hunting among other recreational opportunities, and the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission operate a fish hatchery and visitor center, and the Pennsylvania Game Commission has wildlife viewing areas at the park.</div>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: #f7f7f7; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #2e2e2e; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 1.26em; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.45em; margin-bottom: 18px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%;">
If you happen to stop by the Spillway make sure to say <span class="quotations" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #0d0d0d; font-style: italic;">“hi”</span> to Becca and her mother, Barb. Tell them Jen sent you.</div>
#pymatuning #spillway #carp #fish #travel #writing #jenstravelsAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02985740027431442065noreply@blogger.com0Pymatuning State Park Pennsylvania, 2660 Williamsfield Rd, Jamestown, PA 16134, USA41.516515 -80.5060117.289930499999997 -121.814604 65.7430995 -39.197416000000004tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6284979498694828326.post-18577080615600430932017-09-02T15:11:00.002-07:002017-09-02T15:17:16.844-07:00It's Not The Distance - It's What You Learn On Your Way!!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgszf2XlOPc0enDy20DQ0HBLq68CmUoKmglDPLTIVFuxs_oTVff6yQgVbdQ1YdfSgHJEsK2evbp7UiQyZi80XfQwEZDyH2f0vjB_2DfLLJy3fVc5wbQx6qSxrsJZKeh-VA-Xn0iMGvL85hG/s1600/sasabojapan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="557" data-original-width="867" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgszf2XlOPc0enDy20DQ0HBLq68CmUoKmglDPLTIVFuxs_oTVff6yQgVbdQ1YdfSgHJEsK2evbp7UiQyZi80XfQwEZDyH2f0vjB_2DfLLJy3fVc5wbQx6qSxrsJZKeh-VA-Xn0iMGvL85hG/s400/sasabojapan.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: magenta;"><b>99 Islands - Sasabo, Japan</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Since I can remember, writing has always been something that I have liked to do. It was a way to express myself when I couldn't find the right words to verbally communicate. I never wrote about just one thing. It was many things, and yet once I was done writing, the pages would end up being put away to gather dust. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Reading was one of my favorite things to do (besides writing of course). One of my favorite was mysteries. I loved to read Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys. I thought about how the words always drew me in like I was actually apart of the story itself. Feeling myself walking down those dark alleys or into an old, abandoned house. Even finding a hidden door under a staircase or in a closet up in one of the bedrooms. Once I was done with a book I couldn't wait to start another one.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Another one of my favorite books was "It". Yes, I know it's horror, not mystery, but I absolutely am addicted to scary things. The question at the beginning of what happened to Georgy, and so many of the other kids in the town that were disappearing. Then how the author went through and introduced each of the kids and their confrontation with the "clown" aka "It". Finally, years later after each of the kids grew up into very successful adults, and was "called back" to the town they ran away from.</span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY69XNKKLLKbRAZzBACoYZ4MGaesGo7DsFDQzz8sQkcd29uczYNdZshJU6_VjEMZQ5D903dIxH6DVXNrA2Q3SPrkoggnlPy_mPAmpeg6tX3U3v23hXaF4rO3aC2_KtYCCEPwLBjIZ45gMm/s1600/IMG_1211.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY69XNKKLLKbRAZzBACoYZ4MGaesGo7DsFDQzz8sQkcd29uczYNdZshJU6_VjEMZQ5D903dIxH6DVXNrA2Q3SPrkoggnlPy_mPAmpeg6tX3U3v23hXaF4rO3aC2_KtYCCEPwLBjIZ45gMm/s320/IMG_1211.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: magenta;"><b>The Road Is Ahead Of You</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Growing up I continued to write whether it was a short story, poetry, or ebooks (once computers came onto the scene). But, as before, I would put all my writings into a folder and there they would stay. I actually wrote a book as well when I was in my 20's, but when I met my boyfriend (who is now my husband) read it he told my to stop writing it and throw it away. The topic of it was about the Ouija board and that it is not just a board game. He was against anything dealing with the occult, demonology, spirits, etc. So, not wanting to ruin our relationship, I put it away.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> For many years I have been working in either the medical field, call centers, law offices, construction companies, but have never been truly happy with any of them. But like everyone else I have bills and responsibilities which require me to actually have money coming in to take care of them.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Up until a month ago I have been working two jobs steadily for the past 2 years. I got to the point where I was only sleeping 3 hours every night, not being able to focus on my jobs, and in a nut shell - Stressed Out!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> So, I have been off for the past month and have been able to sit down and review my life and where I want to go from here. I know that I don't want to work 2 jobs, or do the crummy 9-5 Mon-Fri thing anymore. I realized I wanted more for my life. I want to travel, and see the world. Be able to stay at nice hotels and eat and awesome out-of-the-way restaurants.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> One day actually a few months ago I was going thru my emails and saw an email about travel writing. I've never heard of travel writing before, but it sounded just up my alley. So I began to read everything I could find to see how it worked, what all was involved, and what I needed to do to get started. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> This is the epiphany that I was searching for. I could finally start writing again and get published. If I could get good enough, and start writing articles steadily then I could quit my job and finally be able to do what I love - travel and write. Then I could have the best of both worlds.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgang95dLD8_LcA_v6aizLav0DsOzhy_NpGrWQUIwOseWuPugKYhQKYDxwrU6xcflt9VcUsojYcKuDOy5hrWLiB94aRDnk6REOT0i0IUAGAwAhyf7YlIFhvpp7-LIWFBfjh9nezBsMqYBmO/s1600/JENSCOMPUTER+-+16640897_10158302657620158_1498531296539566810_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgang95dLD8_LcA_v6aizLav0DsOzhy_NpGrWQUIwOseWuPugKYhQKYDxwrU6xcflt9VcUsojYcKuDOy5hrWLiB94aRDnk6REOT0i0IUAGAwAhyf7YlIFhvpp7-LIWFBfjh9nezBsMqYBmO/s200/JENSCOMPUTER+-+16640897_10158302657620158_1498531296539566810_n.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: magenta;">Me and Erika</span></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Of course miracles don't happen overnight, and I would have to start at the bottom and work up. Meaning, I would have to start writing about what and where I knew the best. My hometown.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> As of now I have 3 published articles. One, of which, I have on my blog already, and will be adding my second one soon. I also have a Special Interest story that I am going to be starting on. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My daughter, actually, found the idea for it. It is about a real <b><i>"hippy"</i></b> shop here in my hometown which I didn't even know existed until my daughter wanted to go and see what it was about. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Anyway, that is pretty much the reason I got involved in travel writing. Of course, I still have a long way to go, but to me <i>it's not about the distance - it's about what you learn on your way!</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Peace, Love, and Light to everyone,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Jenn</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02985740027431442065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6284979498694828326.post-37040371274166532952017-07-01T22:15:00.000-07:002017-07-01T22:15:53.062-07:00Travel - Oregon . . .<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/4E8CcOo2QZc/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4E8CcOo2QZc?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i> I am planning my next getaway at Crater Lake in Oregon from 8/19 to 8/27. The main reason for the trip is to view the Solar eclipse on 8/21/17. If anyone would like to get a group together, please email your contact information to me or leave a comment below.</i></span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i><i>For now, sit back and enjoy the short video.</i><i><br /></i><i><br /></i></span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Best Regards,</i><i><br /></i><i><br /></i></span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Jennifer</i></span></h3>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02985740027431442065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6284979498694828326.post-61888686081114014692017-06-25T10:09:00.001-07:002017-06-25T10:09:45.741-07:00New Beginnings!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi794lwwkoNrrTqsqmNPHfmInMdIq5kyJJqgGLOH2nDl8MoBUt3tWhjuwXBqgun_z0EkhrN5BBUtSWysvxQ1VOqY6xuAO-p1UxajVfHKNtKSQ5350V7rJtsxMG4yNqJZ0gb9YhFNQH4MCbs/s1600/DSC_5447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi794lwwkoNrrTqsqmNPHfmInMdIq5kyJJqgGLOH2nDl8MoBUt3tWhjuwXBqgun_z0EkhrN5BBUtSWysvxQ1VOqY6xuAO-p1UxajVfHKNtKSQ5350V7rJtsxMG4yNqJZ0gb9YhFNQH4MCbs/s200/DSC_5447.JPG" width="131" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9fgGSHyol_vToS8_3-IOkNErZoGF6g6SU54rd2T_sJqW10A9FzJtR4dsMOdgCRA7K-IHh-_NPXmeLEa4Vr262aCr3_ffvc-v7vq5Bv3ntbWwimlSv-qIWdRTyxTT3Qnud0b9rkY0LIMET/s1600/JENSCOMPUTER+-+72098_10150299921825158_1480250_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="720" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9fgGSHyol_vToS8_3-IOkNErZoGF6g6SU54rd2T_sJqW10A9FzJtR4dsMOdgCRA7K-IHh-_NPXmeLEa4Vr262aCr3_ffvc-v7vq5Bv3ntbWwimlSv-qIWdRTyxTT3Qnud0b9rkY0LIMET/s320/JENSCOMPUTER+-+72098_10150299921825158_1480250_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<h4 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">GRADUATION 2017</span></h4>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We celebrated our youngest daughter's graduation just a few weeks ago. It is still hard to believe that after all these years Erika is the last of our 4 children to graduate from high school. No more waking up at 6 am to get ready and head out to the bus stop. No more band concerts or football games or even the long drives to get her to cheerleading practice.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFzWr2mr7hqaR7q21sM9YHtO2wi0C0yd4ekwl7IgyTDM-BNuBoFIHIdXYFL3hZIzF6BO7qiDeTLR3EbH9YctwX7-iPbnjdTv-HO74SGiIQizzUjkACfcf8RUrCOBfxLCjQdRtCXcvrZe3_/s1600/JENSCOMPUTER+-+16640897_10158302657620158_1498531296539566810_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFzWr2mr7hqaR7q21sM9YHtO2wi0C0yd4ekwl7IgyTDM-BNuBoFIHIdXYFL3hZIzF6BO7qiDeTLR3EbH9YctwX7-iPbnjdTv-HO74SGiIQizzUjkACfcf8RUrCOBfxLCjQdRtCXcvrZe3_/s200/JENSCOMPUTER+-+16640897_10158302657620158_1498531296539566810_n.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now it's all about her finding her place in the world and what path she wants to take in life. What type of job does she want to apply for, or does she want to go to college. For her this is a new beginning and she has her whole life in front of her.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9HaM0zUEr0CxiITcFJa9NWAbKZjvVHCPeHfbPlKfQvGqhcF6IfS-sjiHWhYmFVdrE2YeuFlvsIna4U66GveqX1PensLPLWIwZRR_Gd-0dsSWlsi3fuEy2CBi7QEPhwpIJ5oapiBHVooew/s1600/DSCF0553.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9HaM0zUEr0CxiITcFJa9NWAbKZjvVHCPeHfbPlKfQvGqhcF6IfS-sjiHWhYmFVdrE2YeuFlvsIna4U66GveqX1PensLPLWIwZRR_Gd-0dsSWlsi3fuEy2CBi7QEPhwpIJ5oapiBHVooew/s200/DSCF0553.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That is how I feel at this time in my life. After years of working for someone else at a 9 to 5 job. Getting up early day in and day out to drive to a job that is making money for my boss, and not getting any recognition for the hard work that I do for them, only to bring home a measly paycheck that doesn't even pay for my bills.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Since I have become a Travel Writer, I finally am able to do what I want to do and on my terms. I can decide what I want to write about and where I want to go to enjoy new places and meet interesting people. I can set my alarm for a certain time, and if I accidentally sleep thru it and wake up an hour late, I don't have to worry about calling work or getting fired for not coming in on time. All I have to do is adjust my daily schedule around the time that I did wake up and plan accordingly.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2hbElsVOUQ03rqiNVl0XV0WZh2qiVI8WC6Rqba0RaUx8mV9vFsz71FWxDrAKE_2xnFOuM5LatE4erwN5wN7RodhWQErJqu3OpZeSezgfWofC42-_BDKqHn_bsYB8k2lCZNj5JDrdjOjh5/s1600/DSCF0539.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2hbElsVOUQ03rqiNVl0XV0WZh2qiVI8WC6Rqba0RaUx8mV9vFsz71FWxDrAKE_2xnFOuM5LatE4erwN5wN7RodhWQErJqu3OpZeSezgfWofC42-_BDKqHn_bsYB8k2lCZNj5JDrdjOjh5/s200/DSCF0539.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Becoming a Travel Writer allows me to finally see my articles in print whether in my local newspaper, or a magazine. I can finally be me! It also allows me to be able to spend more time with my family and do things together. If I find an interesting place that I want to go to and see if it's something I want to write about my daughters can come with me, and I don't have to ask anyone's permission.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Living the life of a Travel Writer finally gives me the freedom to live my life my way. It lets me spend time doing what I want and being with the people that are important to me - my family. Isn't that what really matters?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Till next time</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Jenn</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02985740027431442065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6284979498694828326.post-83207084423556436452017-06-24T16:38:00.002-07:002017-06-24T16:38:22.867-07:00Read, Write, Send, Repeat . . . . .<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipXA2dBW8G5eDT34vAtN8ec_NuKcBe7nAfDeTR1Mqhb6WXr9STILCtXzYM5Kznzfmn35Y5Mo78fugcSDDOBIQsff4Veyo8BJO_fXCTquIbt4GtOzEQa09xNut0WuppW2FxP2sxYIxf1Y_V/s1600/images+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipXA2dBW8G5eDT34vAtN8ec_NuKcBe7nAfDeTR1Mqhb6WXr9STILCtXzYM5Kznzfmn35Y5Mo78fugcSDDOBIQsff4Veyo8BJO_fXCTquIbt4GtOzEQa09xNut0WuppW2FxP2sxYIxf1Y_V/s400/images+%25282%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, this week I spent a good portion of my time looking for unique and interesting places to visit in Ohio and Pa. I had submitted a query letter to the editor of the local newspaper for a travel article. I didn't expect to receive a response for a few days, but in a matter of 2 hours received a response from the editor saying that he liked my idea but had to run it past his editor first. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiQwo6jG21cVaDBu5v1MbVKw1A5s3W8RYNdsDNkOwJFjKTHTifcJm6pouqOMOefiPGck0X89VdBYYMmS10ohUoKoSwnRCYcvHQwR1oWgtK4ydKtKr49XyKxgKhkf-vFDjOPS6Bj176qgR6/s1600/images+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="276" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiQwo6jG21cVaDBu5v1MbVKw1A5s3W8RYNdsDNkOwJFjKTHTifcJm6pouqOMOefiPGck0X89VdBYYMmS10ohUoKoSwnRCYcvHQwR1oWgtK4ydKtKr49XyKxgKhkf-vFDjOPS6Bj176qgR6/s200/images+%25281%2529.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> After a few days I received an email from the editor saying that unfortunately his editor did not have a need for the particular topic I had sent the query on. He; however, told me to try and find a few other ideas and send them to him and he will again run them past his editor. The soon as I responded to his email I immediately jumped into searching for new and fresh ideas that I could submit to him for approval. The next day I sent him an email with 5 new article ideas, and he liked them all. He told me to give him a few days and he would send me the ones that he chose for me to start on. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiQwo6jG21cVaDBu5v1MbVKw1A5s3W8RYNdsDNkOwJFjKTHTifcJm6pouqOMOefiPGck0X89VdBYYMmS10ohUoKoSwnRCYcvHQwR1oWgtK4ydKtKr49XyKxgKhkf-vFDjOPS6Bj176qgR6/s1600/images+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Read, Write, Send, Repeat . . . . . </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> So, the first thing you want to do is your research (<b><i>read</i></b>). Once you have an idea for your article then you begin to (<b><i>write</i></b>) your query letter. When you are sure that you have everything in your letter, and have spell checked everything, you then (<b><i>send</i></b>) your query to the editor. Then you (<b><i>repeat</i></b>) the process. Don't stop at just 1 or 2 publications. Send out at least 5 query letters </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTOR5P9UziFxd9pQJSu1W-3AACvW-twP3VX-pEE0r12I5xpCPTfkan1T6vtTSfR21V5qT7pDWoL4jFu_gDsodWcSqj34pHC9q9sJQy4ikFc3BxiAjDqv-jDcp-poUnsYqB9leyq_ypu6JX/s1600/download.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="188" data-original-width="268" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTOR5P9UziFxd9pQJSu1W-3AACvW-twP3VX-pEE0r12I5xpCPTfkan1T6vtTSfR21V5qT7pDWoL4jFu_gDsodWcSqj34pHC9q9sJQy4ikFc3BxiAjDqv-jDcp-poUnsYqB9leyq_ypu6JX/s200/download.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">so that you have 5 difference chances to get an approval from one of them. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Read, Write, Send, Repeat . . . . . </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> As long as you truly believe in something, and never give up even after receiving a negative response, another opportunity will open up for you with something even better. As long as you persevere and keep sending those query letters to the specific publications for your articles, you will have started on the road to living the life that you were meant to live.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Till next time</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Jenn</span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02985740027431442065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6284979498694828326.post-62874189191430881292017-06-18T21:18:00.000-07:002017-06-18T21:18:04.813-07:00The "Hidden" CafeThis weekend proved to be very pleasant and unexpected. I had been invited to a graduation party for my younger cousin. It's hard to believe that he has grown up into a very intelligent and handsome young man. Seemed like just yesterday he was running around playing in the backyard.<br />
<br />
Anyway, his parents were having it at the Hidden Cafe just up the street from me. I had never heard of it before, and figured it was a new restaurant. Once I had arrived I was surprised to find out that the Hidden Cafe was actually a banquet hall and catering business, and has been in business for 3 years.<br />
<br />
It was located behind a small plaza. It had a very spacious room that could hold a decent amount of people with an area that also held a bar that took up the one whole side of the wall. It also had a quaint little outside bar and several tables.<br />
<br />
After having a bite to eat and conversing with some of my family that I hadn't seen in quite awhile, I grabbed a glass of Zinfandel wine and headed outside to the patio.<br />
<br />
The atmosphere was full of laughter and conversation. There was a group of women who were talking about what types of shows and movies they watch during the weeknights while the guys were talking about; what else, sports.<br />
<br />
As it so happened this was also the weekend of the air show at the air force base and the Thunderbirds were practicing their passes for the show. So not only was everyone at Danny's graduation party celebrating, we also were able to watch the air show as part of the end of the day entertainment. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02985740027431442065noreply@blogger.com0Warren, OH, USA41.2375569 -80.81841659999997841.1420389 -80.979778099999976 41.3330749 -80.65705509999998