Tuesday, October 28, 2014
October 28, 2014
A friend Joan sent us a link to a map that will help us keep track of where we have been.
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
October 11, 2014
Hello everyone. In case you are wondering where Grammie is, she is home. We arrived back in Newport about 10 pm only after some local visits.
Since the last visit post from Pittsburgh, we slowed down the pace a bit and enjoyed the fall colors. Knowing that at home, the leaves were going to be on the ground and not the trees, it was wonderful driving through New England. Thursday Night we stayed in Tobyhanna, PA and Friday in New Bedford, MA before arriving in York Maine to see Tom's sister and family. Even though she really lives in Massachusetts, at least she remembers where her roots are and comes back to visit.
It is so nice to get a warm welcome when you return home.
While in York we went down to the Wiggly Bridge. It is a footpath from here to there. I think if you are from Maine, you would understand that last sentence.
Later in the afternoon, we visited our daughter Caroline and family in Norway before making it back home.
Home.....after a 4 week, 5800 mile road trip to Cheyenne, Wyoming... Some sites along the way... Rock n Roll Hall of Fame, Rocky Mountain National Park, American Pickers Antique Archaeology Shop, Denver Museum of Nature and Science, O'Dell Brewery tour, visiting Aunt Helen in Golden, quilt shops, golf, and much, much more....Favorite....our visit with our son and daughter-in-law, Doug and Robin! Maine is still our favorite place to be!
Thanks for following us along our trip.
Now back to reality, the lawn needs to be mowed, wood brought in, visiting grandchildren....etc.
Alice and Tom
Since the last visit post from Pittsburgh, we slowed down the pace a bit and enjoyed the fall colors. Knowing that at home, the leaves were going to be on the ground and not the trees, it was wonderful driving through New England. Thursday Night we stayed in Tobyhanna, PA and Friday in New Bedford, MA before arriving in York Maine to see Tom's sister and family. Even though she really lives in Massachusetts, at least she remembers where her roots are and comes back to visit.
It is so nice to get a warm welcome when you return home.
While in York we went down to the Wiggly Bridge. It is a footpath from here to there. I think if you are from Maine, you would understand that last sentence.
It was nice to be back home where a lot of color is still left on the trees.
Later in the afternoon, we visited our daughter Caroline and family in Norway before making it back home.
Home.....after a 4 week, 5800 mile road trip to Cheyenne, Wyoming... Some sites along the way... Rock n Roll Hall of Fame, Rocky Mountain National Park, American Pickers Antique Archaeology Shop, Denver Museum of Nature and Science, O'Dell Brewery tour, visiting Aunt Helen in Golden, quilt shops, golf, and much, much more....Favorite....our visit with our son and daughter-in-law, Doug and Robin! Maine is still our favorite place to be!
Thanks for following us along our trip.
Now back to reality, the lawn needs to be mowed, wood brought in, visiting grandchildren....etc.
Alice and Tom
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
October 8, 2014
A relaxing day in Pittsburg, the home of the Steelers. The city is not easy to drive through so if you have to, wait until 10 am to try to get through. That way, everyone who is going to work will already be there, or at their favorite place to have lunch. With the inbound traffic people have to leave home early to get to work on time so by 10, they are probably hungry again.
The city is known as the Steel city because of its many steel structured buildings and also the City of Bridges with over 400 bridges. It is also known as the City of Champions. The Steelers have 6 Super Bowl Championships and have sold out every home game since 1972.
Today, the Heinz field replaces the former Three Rivers Stadium that was destroyed by implosion in 2001. For the video, go to this link. Goodbye Three Rivers Stadium
We stopped at the Station Square area down by one of Pittsburg's 3 rivers. Below is a Refractory Press used to compress bricks that will line steel and iron furnaces so they will be able to contain the 3200 degrees to melt iron ore.
The piston looking device is a super large bellows that pumps air into the blast furnace. It weight 600 tons.
The Station Square has been improved over the last several years from the rail yard but there are freight trains that pass through. Inside the main building it looks like a railroad yard with boxcars being used as part of the stores. In the last 2 years, an office building has been completed.
The Duquesne Incline provides a ride up to one of the higher points of the city for really good views.
The city is known as the Steel city because of its many steel structured buildings and also the City of Bridges with over 400 bridges. It is also known as the City of Champions. The Steelers have 6 Super Bowl Championships and have sold out every home game since 1972.
Today, the Heinz field replaces the former Three Rivers Stadium that was destroyed by implosion in 2001. For the video, go to this link. Goodbye Three Rivers Stadium
We stopped at the Station Square area down by one of Pittsburg's 3 rivers. Below is a Refractory Press used to compress bricks that will line steel and iron furnaces so they will be able to contain the 3200 degrees to melt iron ore.
The piston looking device is a super large bellows that pumps air into the blast furnace. It weight 600 tons.
The Station Square has been improved over the last several years from the rail yard but there are freight trains that pass through. Inside the main building it looks like a railroad yard with boxcars being used as part of the stores. In the last 2 years, an office building has been completed.
Tom thinks Grammie really enjoys this blog. She is always smiling when he goes to take her picture.
The Duquesne Incline provides a ride up to one of the higher points of the city for really good views.
There are however better views of the city from the other hill top.
Unfortunately there are no rides on this train.
We finished the day with great company and a relaxing meal at Chelsea's Grill, our usual spot when in Oakmont. And if you are ever in town, there is a tremendous selection of Pastry at the Oakmont Bakery. A treasure not to miss.
Tuesday, October 7, 2014
October 7, 2014
We had planned to be in Millersburg, OH today to learn more about the Amish and Mennonite people that settled there. Actually the center of the people settling in the area is in Berlin, OH. The state of Ohio has about 56000 Amish residents and Berlin is the heart of the largest Amish community.
Our first stop was the Amish and Mennonite Heritage Center. The featured item there is a 10 foot by 265 foot Cyclorama that was painted on canvas by Heinz Gaugel, who after being frustrated that there was no media available to tell the Amish story decided in 1978 to paint the story on canvas. It took him 14 years to complete it, finally finish it in 1992. Although no pictures were allowed you can see more info at
Heritage Center
The Cyclorama features many people who were instrumental in the development of the Amish life.
Our tour guide Lester Beachy spoke for 30 minutes on the Cyclorama and has written a book titled Our Amish Values. His purpose of writing the book was to dispel inaccurate information and to be an accurate source on the Amish people.
Later on we went into the town where Alice spent time looking at traditional Amish quilts that were hand quilted. In the Helping Hands Quilt Shop there were a dozed Amish women working on hand quilting a quilt that featured Rose of Sharon and Lilies of the Valley in the central portion of the quilt. The picture below is from etsy.com. This picture although accurate on the quilt they were working on was not photographed while the women were working on the quilt.
Below is the Oldest house in Berlin, built in 1816 around the time that the area started to develop.
Transportation for the Amish people is predominantly by horse and buggy. Several younger ones were seen riding bikes.
Another store that seemed to have a lot going for it was Zinck's Fabric Store. Alice described it as a Marden's for fabric only a lot better.
Tonight we are spending the evening in Pittsburgh and plan to roam around town for a while.
Our first stop was the Amish and Mennonite Heritage Center. The featured item there is a 10 foot by 265 foot Cyclorama that was painted on canvas by Heinz Gaugel, who after being frustrated that there was no media available to tell the Amish story decided in 1978 to paint the story on canvas. It took him 14 years to complete it, finally finish it in 1992. Although no pictures were allowed you can see more info at
Heritage Center
The Cyclorama features many people who were instrumental in the development of the Amish life.
Our tour guide Lester Beachy spoke for 30 minutes on the Cyclorama and has written a book titled Our Amish Values. His purpose of writing the book was to dispel inaccurate information and to be an accurate source on the Amish people.
Later on we went into the town where Alice spent time looking at traditional Amish quilts that were hand quilted. In the Helping Hands Quilt Shop there were a dozed Amish women working on hand quilting a quilt that featured Rose of Sharon and Lilies of the Valley in the central portion of the quilt. The picture below is from etsy.com. This picture although accurate on the quilt they were working on was not photographed while the women were working on the quilt.
Below is the Oldest house in Berlin, built in 1816 around the time that the area started to develop.
Transportation for the Amish people is predominantly by horse and buggy. Several younger ones were seen riding bikes.
Another store that seemed to have a lot going for it was Zinck's Fabric Store. Alice described it as a Marden's for fabric only a lot better.
Tonight we are spending the evening in Pittsburgh and plan to roam around town for a while.
Monday, October 6, 2014
October 6, 2014
Heading on the upturn towards New England, we are hoping there are still a few leaves left on the trees by the time we get back. It's been 26 days so far and around 4400 miles and its good to see a few trees on the side of the interstate highways. The trees are starting to turn color here but nowhere near what Maine is at this time.
We left Sunday morning from Panora, IA and were really glad we (Alice) discovered Clover Ridge Resort. It was a great place to catch up on relaxing and not be thinking of to-do lists. We have put it on the list of places to stop on the way to Cheyenne in the future.
On the way out to Cheyenne, we were in LeClaire, IA and made a decision to stop at Rock Island on the way back. Our plans to visit the Lock and Dam visitor center were a little disappointing as the center was not open as the website indicated.
We did drive around the island and found the home of Colonel George Davenport who was a very important person in the development of the area. He became wealthy as a trapper and later a trader of animal furs. He arrived in 1816 and became the first white settler in the area. A lot of the materials to build the house were purchased from near and far.
Rock Island is a military installation and is the Headquarters of the 1st Army. Also located there is the Rock Island National Cemetery, one of 131 National Cemeteries. National Cemeteries list
There is also a Confederate Cemetery located on Rock Island.
On the to do list for next time at Rock Island Arsenal...
We spent last night in Peru Illinois and this morning we visited one of the canal locks at the Starved Rock State Park near Utica, IL. Grammie couldn't resist.
On the road through town, Tom saw this store and remembering that 2 of his daughters had cupcakes for a wedding cake, had to turn around to take the picture.
This evening we are in Fort Wayne Indiana and are planning to visit the Ohio Amish area in Millersburg.
We left Sunday morning from Panora, IA and were really glad we (Alice) discovered Clover Ridge Resort. It was a great place to catch up on relaxing and not be thinking of to-do lists. We have put it on the list of places to stop on the way to Cheyenne in the future.
On the way out to Cheyenne, we were in LeClaire, IA and made a decision to stop at Rock Island on the way back. Our plans to visit the Lock and Dam visitor center were a little disappointing as the center was not open as the website indicated.
We did drive around the island and found the home of Colonel George Davenport who was a very important person in the development of the area. He became wealthy as a trapper and later a trader of animal furs. He arrived in 1816 and became the first white settler in the area. A lot of the materials to build the house were purchased from near and far.
Below is a tea block that measures approximately 8x12 and is at least an inch thick.
More info on the tea brick
Rock Island is a military installation and is the Headquarters of the 1st Army. Also located there is the Rock Island National Cemetery, one of 131 National Cemeteries. National Cemeteries list
There is also a Confederate Cemetery located on Rock Island.
On the to do list for next time at Rock Island Arsenal...
We spent last night in Peru Illinois and this morning we visited one of the canal locks at the Starved Rock State Park near Utica, IL. Grammie couldn't resist.
There is currently no activity at the locks as it is closed for repairs.
Here she is...Starved Rock
On the road through town, Tom saw this store and remembering that 2 of his daughters had cupcakes for a wedding cake, had to turn around to take the picture.
This evening we are in Fort Wayne Indiana and are planning to visit the Ohio Amish area in Millersburg.
Thursday, October 2, 2014
October 2, 2014
After a couple of days without any entries I guess it's time for an update.
On Tuesday we decided to take a short trip down to Winterset to see the birthplace of John Wayne. It was sort of a disappointment. He was born there but when he was 3, his parents moved and when they did, they took everything with them.
Of all the artifacts and pictures, there were only 2 things there that John Wayne used. The eye patch used in the movie Rooster Cogburn and a satchell that supposedly he owned. Everything else there were either reproductions (guns, movie props) of the time when he was alive, things that were donated or letters from actors written for the 100th anniversary of his birth. Pictures were not allowed.
If you have ever seen Bridges of Madison County, this is a replica of the original Cedar Bridge that was destroyed by arson in 2002.
The roturnda, decorated with Gold Leaf is also decorated with the symbol of the Grand Army of the Republic.
The old Superior Court Chambers is still used for meetings today. Below is a piece of Mahogany that was carved by William Metzger who was only 20 years old when it was done. When the court went from 5 to 9 judges, 40 years later, he was still around to expand the project by 3 panels on each end.
Tom asked the tour guide if she knew why the picture of the current President appears to be a little bit lower than the other two. She didn't know. The picture in the house chamber is also low. Is Iowa a republican state?
The murals on the 2nd floor, measuring 15 by 6 are done in mosaic, and are located at the top of the Grand Staircase.
We were fortunate enough, being a tour group of 2, to have been allowed up near the top of the rotundra.
In the afternoon, we were able to wear down our energy at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines. There were about 1000 quilts displayed. Quilt Week
Many of the quilts were on display for their art work while some were wall quilts. There were different categories of judging but many were not entered for judging.
There were many vendors all around the hall floor. A good place to wear down the credit card. Tom was happy to get out with 12 bucks and change.
A first place winner in an amazing display of use of color. This one was from Japan. There were 3 quilts from the state of Maine that were entered.
On Tuesday we decided to take a short trip down to Winterset to see the birthplace of John Wayne. It was sort of a disappointment. He was born there but when he was 3, his parents moved and when they did, they took everything with them.
Of all the artifacts and pictures, there were only 2 things there that John Wayne used. The eye patch used in the movie Rooster Cogburn and a satchell that supposedly he owned. Everything else there were either reproductions (guns, movie props) of the time when he was alive, things that were donated or letters from actors written for the 100th anniversary of his birth. Pictures were not allowed.
If you have ever seen Bridges of Madison County, this is a replica of the original Cedar Bridge that was destroyed by arson in 2002.
On Wednesday we took a trip into Des Moines to see the State Capitol building and do a tour.
The roturnda, decorated with Gold Leaf is also decorated with the symbol of the Grand Army of the Republic.
The senate chambers.
Tom asked the tour guide if she knew why the picture of the current President appears to be a little bit lower than the other two. She didn't know. The picture in the house chamber is also low. Is Iowa a republican state?
The murals on the 2nd floor, measuring 15 by 6 are done in mosaic, and are located at the top of the Grand Staircase.
For more on the mosaics visit... Iowa mosaics
We were fortunate enough, being a tour group of 2, to have been allowed up near the top of the rotundra.
In the afternoon, we were able to wear down our energy at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines. There were about 1000 quilts displayed. Quilt Week
A unique theme for a quilt?
There were many vendors all around the hall floor. A good place to wear down the credit card. Tom was happy to get out with 12 bucks and change.
Yards and yards of fabric...and fat quarters by the boxfull.
Tom voted for this one as best in show.
Some of the winning displays in the hand quilted section.
A first place winner in an amazing display of use of color. This one was from Japan. There were 3 quilts from the state of Maine that were entered.
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