Blogs from Pennsylvania, United States, North America - page 113

Its finally time to take-off- It was an early morning for mom and i, getting last minute things, making sure i had all of my medications for my diabetes and such, and finally driving to Baltimore to catch the plane. I guess i was a little nervous, barely ate anything, although my mom bought me a delicious lunch. So mom gave me gold fishes to munch on while i was on the plane. I think i was more excited than anything, but upset that i was leaving zach and home for the next 2 months.. here are a few pics of my bags being packed, the group of us before take-off, the first plane ride where jen almost ripped my hand off(first flyer!!) and my oh-so delicious meal i ate, NOT. Oh yea and my first ... read more

Only 15 more days until me and the girls leave for Ireland, London, Scotland, and Paris. I guess it just really has not hit me yet. I will definately miss everyone back at home, especially Zach =(.. At least i get to spend my last few days with him. So far i have torn my room at college apart, I am going home tomorrow to drop off some belongings due to the fact we cant keep our stuff at campus until January 2006. Grr.. O well. I got my passport, my national trust pass and all that good stuff i need. not takin as much money as i would like but i guess it will have to do. I finally conned my mother and her fiance to taking me to the Baltimore/Washington Airport. That really made ... read more

(I FINALLY got the pics from my friend 4 years after this trip, so pardon me for the delay) "Damn bro, how would you feel about going to Philly for two days?" my friend David said. "Pssshhh... are you even asking me this question?" I replied. Anyone that knows me, knows that I'm always down for traveling. Especially if it is one of the most historically pertinent cities in the country. In case you didn't read the accompanying blog..... my friend David was doing an internship for the National Science Foundation. He spent a summer working/interning in DC while living with a roommate in East Falls Church, Virginia. He was starting to get a little homesick and I was itching to get out and explore the country, so I decided to visit him for 10 days. ... read more

We've been catching up with Diane's large extended family and re-visiting her childhood stomping grounds in the Greensburg/Latrobe area of Western PA. Took a day trip to Ligonier yesterday - gateway to the Laurel Mountains. Ligonier dates back to the time of the French and Indian Wars, with Fort Ligonier playing a key role. Lots of cute shops in the area, the picturesque gazebo, even caught a Red Hat Ladies outing, a pretty Victorian house, and of course, we couldn’t drive past the Pie Shoppe without buying something to take home. Also couldn't resist the roadside stand with handmade signs - another local tradition. Had lunch at Ruthie's Diner where the most expensive sandwich on the menu was $4 - most were under $3. A slice of coconut creme pie (heavenly, and we did split it) ... read more

Finally left Virginia July 27. Had two torrential rainstorms while there, a tornado hit within 8 miles of us, and lightning stripped the bark off a tree within 100 feet of our bus! Thankfully, no problems in the bus. Alan's eye is improving daily, and we were able to leave for Pennsylvania. Attended Diane's D'Angelo family reunion; Alan said he had never seen so much Italian food in one place. Bought chipped ham (a Pgh. tradition) and many Italian favorites at DeLallo's Market. Visited Fallingwater, 1930's Frank Lloyd Wright designed summer home for the Kaufmann family of Pittsburgh, and picnicked at Ohiopyle State Park. Diane's parents arrived from Florida and we attended a 4-generation birthday party for 2-year old great niece Angela. Heading for points west in a few days. ... read more