Philomena's SOL Tour

There's No Place Like Home...

2009-06-04T06:04:00.000-07:00

Dorothy's ruby slipper's as seen in the Smithsonian Museum.

June 1, 2009: Arriving in Shellburne, Vermont - our home town - feels surreal. Hugs from Margaret Ottinger, welcome us to her home, which is our home for the week. Almost immediately, the kids are off: Will shooting hoop with (now taller) Harvey Ottinger and Kim hugging Lila Ottinger and friend Allie Kloeckner. Shortly, Dave and I depart for Wake Robin to see our friend Ellin London. Not finding her home, we leave a note along with a jar of homemade Rhubarb Chutney. Half way back to Shelburne, the phone rings: "Where are you? Can I come to you?" Its Ellin. We turn around (nothing new for us!) and by the time we get to her house the kettle is boiling. We enjoy a warm spot of tea on her patio, chatting and watching an epic storm blow in across the lake.

Next stop: Shelburne Beach to witness the strong wind, crashing waves and violent weather whipping the shore. There we find Mike Fornier and his sons, doing the same thing. We invite them to huddle into Philomena. With excitement and ease young Mike recounts with 100% accuracy many blog-facts about our trip. Landing back home just maybe our 15 minutes of fame. Heading back to Davis Park, we are tickled to over hear a family pointing at the van and saying "Is that her? Yes, its Philomena!" At All Souls that evening, pastor Mary Abele greets us with loving hugs; as do other friends at the Gathering. We bask in the warmth of this welcome reunion, enjoying the music, mediation and sunset service within this blessed space. It feels good to be home reconnecting gradually with the community that we left a year ago.

As Dave and I make our rounds, both kids remain within the informal care of "the village." This, too, feels good. Will moves from shooting hoop to playing catch with friends, warming up his arm for the up coming Babe Ruth baseball season that starts this week. Kim, who headed off to the school to watch girl's softball, soon pulls into the Ottinger's with Cindy Gagnon, who anticipating the pending storm, has brought her to collect water-proof, warm clothes. Later,like clock-work but with no advance planning, Kim and Lila are delivered home by Andy Kloeckner. Thank you villagers: there's no place like home!

That's a brief summary of our first hours home. More reflections to follow.

Jonah Reunion (without Philomena!)

2009-05-28T14:08:00.000-07:00

Philomena sprung a leak (actually a water pump) in my brother Gordon's driveway. So, we left Philomena in Stowe, Vermont on Memorial Day and traveled to New Hampshire and then on to Maine for a big Jonah reunion. Thankfully, Gordon loaned us his car (how many people can fit in a FIT?) and then he took Philomena to Willie's Gargage (the local mechanic in Stowe). Meanwhile, we drove to New Hampshire where we picked up Nana (Dave's mom) and all five of us squeezed into the FIT for the 4 hour drive to Maine. Now we are enjoying visits with Ellen & Bill (Dave's sister & her hubby) and Robert & Trudy Jonah (Dave's brother & his bride); their kids (Alicia & Brian) and Alicia's boys (Tyler & Bryson). One big huge Jonah reunion and, wouldn't you know it, my camera battery failed! So, this blog entry spares you the photos but, suffice to say: Good Times are being had by ALL!

Re-Connecting with Cousins!

2009-05-23T14:08:00.000-07:00

Yippie: finally the cousins are together again (well, some of them!) The kids had fun seeing some of their Stowe cousins and all of their Essex Junction cousins. Tomorrow we head to Stowe and then we are off to New Hampshire to see Nana Jonah. We look forward to getting up to Maine later in the week to see the rest of the Jonah clan! Packing in a lot of family visits before June 1 when we head back to Shelburne and the journey's end. Its been wonderful: thanks for following along with us. XOXO S

Nice Seeing Steve's Familiar Smiling Face!

2009-05-23T14:03:00.000-07:00

Heading up the New York State thruway on our way to the Adirondacks, we gave Steve and Deenie Galipeau and call... the next thing you know, we find ourselves deep in the North Woods heading towards their lovely, secluded camp for the night. Despite the thick black flies, it was a great visit. We now know why Steve loves it so in at their camp!

2009-05-23T13:56:00.000-07:00

Hearing nothing but the loons, we enjoyed a peaceful night's rest sleeping in the "kid's camp" at Bettner Lodge in the Adirondacks - kindness of Stephen, Christopher and Leigh Galipeau.

Let the Reunions Begin!

2009-05-18T05:59:00.000-07:00

Kim and her friend Lila doing a little bed-time reading at (Kim's) Grandma's house in New Jersey. Lila (and Mom, Margaret) traveled down from Vermont for the weekend, surprising Kim in celebration of her 10th Birthday!

2009-05-18T05:56:00.000-07:00

A Day in NYC

2009-05-18T05:52:00.000-07:00

From Time Square to Broadway, the girls (and their mothers) enjoyed a fun-filled day in the Big Apple in celebration of Kim's 10th Birthday. Special thanks to Margaret and Lila Ottinger for making the trip down for the weekend and surprising Kim.

The Birthday Girl

2009-05-18T05:49:00.000-07:00

Enjoying a moment's pause in the Gershwin before the curtain rises for WICKED!

2009-05-12T09:32:00.000-07:00

No rust, no leaks, never seen a Vermont winter: we love this van and hope you will, too! Excellent condition inside and out, a 1984 automatic transmission VW Westfalia camper (water-cooled) that has successfully transported us from Alaska to Mexico; is now looking for a new owner in search of adventure! Asking price: $12,500.

Philomena Could be YOURS...

2009-05-12T09:25:00.000-07:00

Here's your chance to go on that road trip of a lifetime! We posted Philomena "for sale" as we begin the transition from the nomadic life and back to home-sweet-home. We will plant ourselves back at 80 WES Road in Shelburne, Vermont on June 6th. Until then, we continue enjoying the end of this great adventure - especially the welcoming, homey, loving comfort of Mom's! Thanks Mom - you are the greatest!

UN Visited Today

2009-05-11T16:29:00.000-07:00

But sadly the camera was forgotten...

It was a perfectly crisp, clear, gorgeous day in the Big Apple. My sister Annie, bless her heart, loaned us her fancy hybrid SUV to drive into the city in luxury and comfort. After some Monday morning quick home study, we piled in to the car and headed for Midtown East and a tour of the United Nations. "Boring," notes Kim, never one to screen her true feelings. The rest of us, however, were more inspired. Even though parking ran $30 for 2 1/2 hours (hey... its New York City), it was fun to be surrounded by the international community that dominates the UN neighborhood and we enjoyed learning about the organization's current efforts to promote peace and wellbeing for people throughout the world. While clearly not perfect, it does seem essential that we have a body for communicating about global issues with the 192 member nations. Climate change and food security are key topics.

We Made it to Grandma's House...

2009-05-06T13:45:00.000-07:00

After a heroic drive in pounding rain (thanks be to Dave!) through the rush hour traffic of Washington DC; Baltimore; and Wilmington, DE... Several potty stops... we finally made it to my Mom's doorstep last night alittle after 10 PM and COLLAPSED! Today we are refreshed and rejuivated and looking forward to taking the next couple of weeks in Boonton, NJ to wrap up some homestudy projects and prepare for reentry in the "real world." See you there! In the meantime, we are savoring these moments. Cheers!

Good Things Happening at the Capital

2009-05-05T06:03:00.000-07:00

The economy: recoverying; The markets: rallying; Swine flue: abating; Draught: ending... this is the talk of the town in Washington DC during our Monday sojourne around the nation's capital. While we can't claim credit for any of this good news that perminates soggy DC, we certainly are pleased to stand witness to the effects of the first 105 days of the new Obama adminstration!

A Mid-Afternoon Lift

2009-05-05T05:58:00.000-07:00

Who do you call when you need a lift? Your brother, of course! For the most part, Kim and Will are tackling (pretty well) the challenges of siblings living 24-7-365 in extremely close proximity. After a tired day of hoofing all over Washington DC in the rain, big brother came to the rescue offering a much appreciated lift to the kid sister back toward the hotel.

Thinking of (and Reading about) Home...

2009-05-05T05:52:00.000-07:00

Despite all the fun, adventure, travel and experiences we have shared this year; we look forward to returning home to Vermont soon (in time for summer!). Yesterday, we took a moment to read headlines from papers across the country that posted outside of the Newseum on Pennsylvania Avenue. Our longest pause, at the Burlington Free Press helped us catch up a bit with things on the home front. After another full day of Washington sightseeing today, including a visit to the Supreme Court, we will take the metro to our van (parked in New Carlton station) and drive to GRANDMA's in New Jersey. Hip-hip horray!

We Didn't See the Obamas...

2009-05-03T07:01:00.000-07:00

But we saw our old friend Lori Oleson from Minnasota! Actually, she had emailed us that she'd be in DC at the same time as us. By chance, Lori saw Philomena parked on the street near her hotel as she was walking down to the White House to try and meet us before our tour. "I though, that's got to be their van," she recalled upon seeing the vintage westy with tell-tale green Vermont plates. Shortly there after, she stopped in for a quick breakfast drink and ran into us at a DC coffee shop an hour before our tour. We had a fun visit catching up a bit :-) and walked together to the White House.

Next Stop...The White House

2009-04-30T18:01:00.000-07:00

We are staying with friends from Hands-to-Honduras, Tug & Beth, in Annapolis, MD. Such gracious hosts, after helping Tug fetching crab pots we went on a brief tour of the Naval Academy (Tug is a 1960 graduate) and then enjoyed a fabulous meal in their comfortable home. Tomorrow we are up bright and early, joining the morning commute to Washington DC where Senator Patrick Leahy's office has arranged for us to tour the White House. Hopefully, we'll have a chance to let the first family know how proud and grateful we are for their leadership, integrity, style and grace.

Thomas Jefferson's Monticello

2009-04-29T05:43:00.000-07:00

"...all my wishes end, where I hope my days will end, at Monticello."
- Thomas Jefferson, 1787.

A World Heritage site, built on a mountaintop outside of Charlottesville, Virginia, the home of Thomas our 3rd President offers a commanding view. Jefferson designed every aspect of Monticello, constructed over a 40-year period. Touring it and the associated education center, we gained first-hand understanding of TJ (that's what we call him!) the man who drafted (among many things) the Declaration of Independence. Here's to: "Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness..."

2009-04-29T05:30:00.000-07:00

Thomas Jefferson was quite a gardener (of course, his 200 slaves had quite a hand in the success of things on the plantation in the late 1700's). Apparently there were more than 330 varieties and 70 different species of vegetables in the garden at Monticello in his day. Today, two full-time gardeners tend the show-gardens and the produce is given to employees of the Jefferson Foundation. Visiting on a crystal clear day, we enjoyed a leisurely stroll through the mountain top vegetable garden and surrounding vineyards and orchard, taking the opportunity to gaze out across the rolling Virginia landscape from the observatory where TJ himself often stood overlooking his beloved Monticelo.

2009-04-29T05:28:00.000-07:00

A Refreshing Splash at Dismal Falls

2009-04-28T04:27:00.000-07:00

With a twinge of sadness, we realize this will probably be our last night "wild" camping for this trip. Once the beer-drinking, music-blarring, kissy-couple left, we were the only ones camped at the rustic`campground near the Appalachian Trial in the Jefferson National Forest of southwestern Virgina. Birdsong, spring peepers and the occassional squirrel were the only forest sounds. In the morning, after hitting the books some, we enjoyed a refreshing splash-bath in the Dismal River before "saddling up" for the more civilized territory of Charlottesville, VA (which included a walking tour of the University of Viginia's historic campus).

Redbud: Ahha Spring!

2009-04-28T04:07:00.000-07:00

Dirtbikes, roosters, redbud and dogdood: Its spring in the coal mining counties of Appalachia. Winding up, down and around the twisty country Road #421 from Hazard, Kentucky to Carr Creek, Virginia; there is not a straight or flat section for miles. Sprigs of pink, barns, log cabins, and modular units dot the hillsides. Some sloping yards are filled with roosters, each with its own tiny shelter. "Little Jerries," reflects Dave, remembering the Seinfeld episode when Kramer had a rooster that he rescued from cockfighting.Roadcuts expose jet black coal and we pass many mines tucked into the hills, and many mountain tops raw and exposed, or reclaimed in telltail green. At the US Army Corps campsite along the damned Carr River, guys at the picnic shelter are plucking a base, guitars, and banjo: the air fills with mountain music and a roadside banners reads, "Coal Keeps the Lights on."

Onward to Appalachia...

2009-04-25T08:12:00.000-07:00

After a wonderful, relaxing week in Burgin, Kentucky on my Aunt Mary and Uncle Jim's farm; we said our farewells to all. Packing freshly laundered clothes into the well stocked van; we force ourselves into Philomena and head-out refreshed and well-rested... ready (almost) to tackle the last few weeks on-the-road. Today we'll take in the Appalachian Museum and poke around Borea, Kentucky before heading east into the Daniel Boone National Forest to find a camp spot for the night. It sure was nice sleeping in beds this last week on the Baxter Farm! How blessed we are to have family who will put us up (and put up with us) for our extended visits.

A Day at the Races!

2009-04-23T10:28:00.000-07:00

Fun times in Kentucky:Now that's an education!

Kentucky: We've Come Full Circle

2009-04-21T10:28:00.000-07:00

"Oh, the cousins; we'll soon see the cousins..." Kim's voice fills with contagious excitement as we approach the Baxter Farm in Burgin, Kentucky. Six second cousins live within a five mile radius of the farm. "And Grandma, I can't wait to see Grandma!" she goes on. My mom will be here, too, visiting with her sister - my Aunt Mary & Uncle Jim. Recognizing familiar landmarks adds to the infectious joy as we approach the farm. It feels so good to be enfolded by family again; to be kinfolk in familiar territory. Family connections are important to me, something learned - no doubt - from my mother who made sure as kids that we visited her sister each year in Kentucky or they visited us in New Jersey. As we pull into the long driveway, I delight in our children's anticipation of the reunion soon to take place up the hill in the white porch-wrapped farmhouse. We were here last summer at the beginning of our journey and now have come full circle.

2009-04-17T10:37:00.000-07:00

The pathway to this week's Shelburne News with a recent update about our travels
http://www.shelburnenews.com/main.asp?SectionID=29&TM=48957.86

The Beautiful Biltmore

2009-04-14T04:32:00.000-07:00

On a rainy afternoon, we toured the historic Biltmore mansion buily by George Washington Vanderbilt (younger brother of Lila Vanderbilt Webb, who - with her husband William Seward Webb - built Shelburne Farms in Vermont a few years before the Biltmore was constructed in Ashbille, NC). The Biltmore (tm) is still privately owned by descendants of George & Edith Vanderbilt, and is run as a for-profit business with tours (a main source of revenue - basic adult admission=$50), an Inn, several restaraunts, gift shops and a winery. We throroughly enjoyed our day on the estate, and are glad to be going home to re-join the team at the equally beautiful, albeit slightly understated, Shelburne Farms (a nonprofit, educational organization)!

Taken Shelter in Ashville

2009-04-13T17:33:00.000-07:00

This is the nighttime view from our window at the Mountaineer Inn, a landmark lodging establishment in Ashville, NC where we[ve taken shelter from the storm. The 84 year old owner (a.k.a. the mountaineer) has been running this classic old motor inn for 45years, since he arrived from his homeland of Greece years ago. It's got hill billy themed art and they give you real room keys! Well, gotta go: Dave and Will just returned with take-out pizza. Life is good!

Fun & Games in Sumter National Forest

2009-04-12T12:58:00.000-07:00

National Forests seem to be the quietest camping spots around. Easter morning, after a brief jelly-bean hunt in the van (I did say brief!), the kids created a three-segment path to roll marbles from the campfire into a reconstructed "fairy house." (You never know what innovations might be sparked when out of reach of electricity, TV and the internet.)

2009-04-12T12:56:00.000-07:00

Twas’ the Day before Easter...

2009-04-11T12:33:00.001-07:00

For lunch today, we dined at the Fancy Gourmet restaurant in Columbia, SC; packed with white folk chowing on the freshest tasty delicacies. Our next stop was SUDS, a mostly-black laundrymat a few blocks way, to clean-up after an earlier grape juice spillage incident. Quite a juxitpisition these two pre-Easter outings in South Caroline’s capital city of Columbia. The laundry is playing rhythmic soulful music and there is a bar at one end warning “Only food and beverages purchased at SUDS can be consumed at SUDS.” A fellow patron pops a tall boy and kicks back to watch his laundry spin. It appears to be mostly men in the laundrymat (I think the bar a woman's idea to get the guys to do the washing.) FYI - Some other signs say: “No Loafing” (I loved that! Out with "Loitering" in with "Loafing!") and "Any Violence will Result in Arrest – No Questions Asked” (a little un-nerving, grant it, but Kim noticed there were a couple cop cars around the corner "chatting" and perhaps waiting to pounch on a loafer!) Within an hour grape-stains are cleaned and we're on the road all the wiser!

Exploring Charleston, SC

2009-04-11T05:57:00.000-07:00

What a lovely strolling town: historic Charleston! We spent a few hours wondering through the streets looking at the old homes, graveyards, huge mansions; dining on yummy southern cuisine; playing in the park and peering out into the harbor at Fort Sumter where the civil war was triggered. Afterwards we headed to the state park to camp, only to find it completely full. It is school vacation week in South Carolina and the ranger informed us that all the State Parks are full. Drats! Since the short-term weather forcast indicated that bands of heavy showers with possible tornados (they do know how to pack a storm down here in the south!) where heading our way, we decided to duck into the Southern Lodge Inn outside of Columbia. And rain it did, in the middle of the night we were safe and dry! Now we are off to discover what we can about Columbia (the capital of SC - Kim's learning her capitals!), making our way toward Asheville, NC for a tour of the Biltmore on Monday (kindess of Alec Webb, thank you, Alec!)

2009-04-11T05:56:00.000-07:00

Sweetgrass Baskets: A Local Tradition

2009-04-11T05:51:00.000-07:00

Decendants of slaves brought to Charleston in the 1700 & 1800's to tend rice crops, are keeping alive the tradition of weaving baskets from the sweetgrass that grows in wet marshlands along the South Carolina shores. These beautiful handcrafted baskets are for sale throughout the city directly from the craftspeople who make them.

2009-04-11T05:49:00.000-07:00

A Good Friday

2009-04-11T05:46:00.001-07:00

Clear the sideways, make way for priets and the public moving through Charleston's historic district in a Good Friday procession. Happy Easter and Joyous Spring to all!

Crafting with Beth...

2009-04-09T14:22:00.000-07:00

In additon to food, shelter, company and libations the Mentes Family of Richmond Hill generously provided crafting instruction, too. Beth orchestrated a fun pocketbook making session for the girls: Jackie and Leigh (photed below) and their temporary house guest, Kimberly. We've enjoyed a restful and lovely stay here with Tom, Beth, Leigh and Jackle and can't wait to see them in Vermont this summer!

2009-04-09T14:20:00.000-07:00

Georgia!

2009-04-06T15:24:00.000-07:00

After enjoying the incredible hospitality and wonderful company of Gary & Noel Nelson in Jacksonville, FL (which included comfortable beds, delicious food, interesting conversation, swimming, art, and so much more...) we are on the road again. Today we crossed into Georgia and are camping under the spanish moss drapped trees in the Crooked River State Park, just over the border from Florida. It seems we have dodged the rain and tornados that moved through the area ahead of us. It is sunny, windy and a cold front is moving through. Rumor has it, it is snowing in Ashville, NC - where we plan to be by the weekend (hoping it will have melted by then!).

We're Back on EST

2009-04-01T12:38:00.001-07:00

For the first time since last July, we are back on Eastern Standard Time - so call us: 802-299-5893 anytime! XOXO Sue, Dave, Will and/or Kim.

Manatees: Missed 'em by that Much...

2009-04-01T12:35:00.000-07:00

We have been exploring the rivers and clear springs of north-central Florida, staying in several lovely (albeit wet) state parks. Yesterday Kim and I enjoyed an incredible swim in Manatee Springs near the Suwanee River, but unfortunately the amazing 1,300 lb. water beasts have already headed for the warmer Gulf waters. We are working our way over to the Atlantic Coast were we plan to tour the Kennedy Space Center before turning northerward for the final leg of our journey home to Vermont by June. Cheers!

The BEST Free Camping - Ever!

2009-03-30T10:31:00.000-07:00

We were turned away from Florida Caverns State Park because the river was flooding all the campground and then we divered to the coast and found the State Park full because of spring break, so we ended up camping at a beach access with another couple who were turned away. It had showers, flush toilest, picnic shelter and play ground - the BEST FREE CAMPING Ever!

2009-03-30T10:29:00.000-07:00

On the Florida Panhandle we have found some beautiful beaches that are wonderful for finding seashells and starfish! There are tons of "For Sale" signs on nearly 60-75% of the properties.

Kite Flying "Honduran-Style"

2009-03-30T10:24:00.000-07:00

Having survived EPIC storms (violent winds, intense lightning, heavy rain for three nights) Kim takes to the skys to enjoy the returning sunshine. "This is kite flying Honduran-style," she notes, recalling the creative playthings kids in developing countries so easily fabricate from everyday things, in this case a plastic garage bag issued by the Gulf Shores, AL State Parks and a string! That is not to suggest that Alabama is a developing country.

Day of Destruction

2009-03-27T14:04:00.001-07:00

2009-03-27T14:02:00.000-07:00

Drivng through New Orlean's historic 9th Ward & St. Bernard parish yesterday we were witness to the total devastation that still remains 3 1/2 years after Hurricane Katrina, its unbelievable.

2009-03-27T14:01:00.000-07:00

Continuing east along the Gulf Coast of Mississippi, we drove along miles upon miles of formerly elegant ocean front homes with nothing left but foundations and stairs. We checked into a hotel in Mobile today for my birthday after surviving a wicked storm last night while camping in the De Sota National Forest – steady lightning, heavy rain....more forecasted for tonight!

Cajun Country: Down in the Bayou

2009-03-27T13:50:00.000-07:00

Living for a few days in Bayou Sengette State Park in south Louisiana (across the Mississippi not far from New Orleans), we found a delta dominated by shrimp boats, fishermen, swamps, levees, snakes and alligators

2009-03-27T13:49:00.000-07:00

2009-03-27T13:48:00.000-07:00

We enjoyed exploring the wet topography of the Jean Lefitte National Historical Park on miles of boardwalks and the nature trail boardwalk in the neighboring fishing village of Jean Lefitte.

2009-03-27T13:46:00.000-07:00

Our goal was to spot an alligator and, in the canal left by the oil companies who drilled throughout the estuary, we saw not one, but four gators! These amazing beasts are slowly emmerging from hibernation to think about breeding. We also had fun finding sunbathing snakes and watching colorful lizards puffing and prancing their territorial displays. Bird watching is pretty good in the Bayou, too!

2009-03-27T13:45:00.000-07:00

French Quarter, New Orleans

2009-03-24T14:49:00.000-07:00

In addition to the black cultural tour of Taylor Park, we did take in some of the more traditional tourist spots of New Orleans, most notably: The French Quarter, with its wrought iron porches (some drapped with beads), resturaunts, and tourists shops.

Feathers & Masks!

2009-03-24T14:42:00.000-07:00

What trip to the French Quarter in New Orleans is complete without them?

2009-03-24T14:37:00.001-07:00

A Day in the Park

2009-03-23T04:22:00.000-07:00

We asked the KOA campground host for directions to Taylor Park. "Oh," he said after searching for the location on Google Earth, "Its not a neighborhood tourist normally visit, but good for you," he continued, wishing us luck for our day. Driving slowly through the congested neighborhood, a man peered at our license plate, "VER-mont, you came all the way from VER-mont with your whole family for this?" he asked in astonishment. We parked Philomena at a "bombed out" appearing gas station and ventured into the park for a cultural experience. Here are some photos of our Day in the Park last Sunday!

2009-03-23T04:19:00.000-07:00

Picnics, dancing, drinking, socializing - basically: it was one big party in the park! The New Orleans super dome is in the background.

2009-03-23T04:16:00.001-07:00

We came to Taylor Park to see the Indian Parade, and listen to the accompanying music. Here is an example of the type of feathery costumes in the parade. Unfortunately for us, we were standing on the wrong street corner and, while we got to do a lot of amazing people-watching, the parade passed by on another street! Alas, we were able to see some of the maganificent costumes as they returned to the park after the parade.

2009-03-23T04:14:00.000-07:00

A shot of "the hood" as we stroll around Taylor Park on Sunday, the day of the Indian Parade.

2009-03-23T04:11:00.000-07:00

Still very much distroyed by Katrina, the many of buildings in this nieghborhood with the X marked on the fronts indicating the level of damage still await to be demolished. Note: the party on the pick-up! There was full bar service available from many such street-side venders.

2009-03-23T04:09:00.000-07:00

Jo Cool and his legendary band sooth the soul with deep gospel rhythm.

2009-03-23T04:08:00.000-07:00

It was a people watching feast, our day in the park! Everyone dresses with a very distinct style.

2009-03-23T04:07:00.001-07:00

Kim and Dave admire the dogs. Their owner is the sister of The Neville Brothers, famed New Orleans singers.

2009-03-23T04:03:00.000-07:00

This is the "cold cold beer" man selling an assortment of beverages from the back of his truck. There were several completing venders. New Orleans has no laws forbidding public consumption of booze. There was quite a party going on in the park by mid-afternoon.

2009-03-23T04:02:00.000-07:00

Waiting for the parade...

2009-03-23T04:00:00.000-07:00

Sampling much of the cuisine available at the Park, Will decided the ribs cooked street-side by this man were the "best ever."

2009-03-23T03:57:00.000-07:00

We finished the day with a delicious supper of New Orleans food including crawfish, fried pickles, blacken catfish and the like.

Magnolias, Sweet Tea, & Mama

2009-03-22T07:11:00.000-07:00

We are now east of the wide, fast-moving, muddy Mississippi River. Crossing by ferry, we unloaded and climbed the bluffs into the village of St. Francisville in Feliciana Parish, one of the most historic corriidors of Southern Louisiana. Long ago dominated by European settlers who became cotton planters on an enormous scale. Most received their plantation lands through land grants from the Spanish government. Our arrival couldn’t have been better timed. It’s the annual Audubon Pilgrammage weekend when more than 30 stately Antebellum homes, some public and many private, are open to the public – many with special programming.

Although camping at the run-down Green Acres (green pool, too) RV park, we did feel the grandeur of the region across the street at the state-run Oakley Plantation. There for $6 admission for all 4 of us, we enjoyed an informative guided tour of the plantatin house by Karen dressed in period clothing. In the slaves quarters, a knowledgeable employee with a long ponytail helped us to imagine how it must have been for the 250+ slaves living on the plantation. Kim enjoyed meeting Gus, a showy turkey loved by all at Oakley. “I’d take him home,” notes Karen as he fans and drums his plumage. “He doesn’t know that he’s a turkey,” she winks. “He thinks he’s a dog.”

The tour was fabulous; very educational for us all. Afterwards, in the kitchen behind the house, they served up turnip root and greens soup, cooked over an open hearth using original plantation recipes. These dedicated State Park employees had all just received notice on Monday of this week that, effective July 2009, all state historic sites would be closed except for two days per week, and 51 of the 70 employees (they did not know which ones) would be laid off. So, despite the enthusiastic sharing of history, a gloom of pending doom hug in the air for all those state employees. “This maybe our last Pilgramage,” noted one sadly. I promised to write the state to let them know how beneficial our visit had been to our homeschooling program. But, trying to imagine keeping these plantations open to the public and running them like living museums, I could understand the state’s fiscal dilemna.

2009-03-22T07:05:00.000-07:00

In the morning, we toured Rosedown Plantation, purchased by the state of Louisiana for $5 million in 2000. Before the Civil War the original owners, Martha & Daniel Turnbull, had been one of the wealthiest families in the country. Today the main house, historic gardens, and 13 outbuildings, and 371 remaining acres (the original plantation was 3,455 acres) are preserved and open to the public by Louisiana Office of State Parks as an excellent illustration of 1800's southern plantation life.

2009-03-22T07:02:00.000-07:00

We watched the first half of “Gone with the Wind” the night before our plantation tour. Kim loved it and Will found himself critiquing the 1939 production and set designs, which all felt static by today’s cinamatic standards. On the porch at Rosedown, a young woman in elegant period clothing guessed right away what movie we had just watched. “Oh my favorite,” she swooned.“To do this job,” she continued, “You must love everything southern: Magnolias, Sweet Tea, and Mama!” (Mama being the most important, I remind Kim!)

It Is Spring!

2009-03-21T06:52:00.000-07:00

Cool mornings, warm days, birds singing, flowers blooming, crawfish crawling, you get the picture...

Will Checking Out a Bale of Cotton

2009-03-21T06:49:00.000-07:00

Touring the ancient cotton gin at a Louisiana plantation, we were impressed by the size and wieght of the main cash crop from the early-mid 1800's.

Do You Think They Saw Us Coming?

2009-03-21T06:45:00.000-07:00

This sign was posted in the restroom at one of the many libraries we stopped in recently during our homeschool (or as Will says, "playing school") breaks in Louisiana - where the libraries seem woe-fully under-funded, none having WI-FI!

Yes, We Stopped at Rudy's...

2009-03-21T06:40:00.000-07:00

...not for the cold beer and crawfish (or "mud bugs" as they are called down here), but so the guys could catch a glimpse at the annual NCAA tourament broadcast on the big screen TVs at this sports bar and local lunch hot-spot in Marksville, Louisiana (a slight diversion during another library stop!) Always eager to sample local seasonal cuisine, I would have ordered the MudBugs, but they are only available after 5 PM and in quanities of 4 lbs., so I settled for a delicious bowl of sausage gumbo.

Preparations for Hog Dog Trials!

2009-03-21T06:28:00.000-07:00

As luck would have it, we drove through the central Louisiana town of Winnifield, as they were preparing for their annual Hog Dog Trails. Billed as a "family event" (sort of a dog rodeo, if you will), in which trained hunting dogs are released into a pen with a hog. The owner of the dog that best handles the pig recieves a sizeable purse of prize money. In anticipation of this event, several 1,000 pound cement pigs are dropped off all over town for local businesses to decorate. These are some of the things we learn on library stops during our homeschooling adventure!

We Haven't Seen Any, Yet...

2009-03-21T06:25:00.000-07:00

But it is not for lack of desire. We hope to see an alligator or two before we inch our way out of Bayou country. I did catch a quick glimpse of a fast-scooting armidilla in Martin Dies, Jr. State Park - Texas; before we left the lone-star state! That was a thrill (the only other ones I saw were road kill!)

It's Spring in Louisiana and...

2009-03-21T06:20:00.000-07:00

we are on the Dogwood Trail! Enjoying camping in the National Forests where the Longleaf Pines and Dogwoods make a perfect blend of peace and quiet. Also blooming are azaleas, wisteria, and the birds are singing. Vermont: it is heading your way.

Bayou Country

2009-03-19T14:06:00.000-07:00

We've left Texas and are currently traveling in central Louisiana where streams are called "bayous" and counties are called "parrishes." Five months ago, while we were at the Grand Canyon, we met a ranger named Randy (a real dandy - sorry, just couldn't help myself!) who suggested, "If you are ever in Louisiana, stop by the Cane River National Historical Park and tell them Randy says 'Hello,' which is exactly what we did today. Sorry not to have photos of SPRING here - dogwoods and azaleas in bloom, but we're at the library and there is no wi-fi so I can't upload images. Take my word for it, it is beautiful! We are camping in the National Forest where birds are singing and otherwise it is most peaceful. Toured the Magnolia Plantation today, getting the flavor for the deep south. While in Houston, I purchased the DVD of "Gone with the Wind" which we'll watch once we have electricity (the kids are thrilled!). Sometime later this week we should make our way to New Orleans, where we had hoped do some service work. Unfortunately, none of the service organizations allow children under 16 years. Too bad.

Latest Postcard from Philomena...

2009-03-19T14:05:00.000-07:00

Here's a link to the latest article that we've submitted to the Shelburne News.

http://shelburnenews.com/main.asp?SectionID=29&TM=62404.64

Cool Dogs

2009-03-17T08:21:00.000-07:00

No photo of this so use your imagination...

Its 9 PM, we are negociating a busy throughfare in Houston having just enjoyed a fabulous multi-generational meal with ever-gracious Go-Go Herman, and her son Carl, and Carl's son Sam. A Harley motorcycle man (you know the type: full grey beard; head covered with a bandana - no helmet; leather hog jacket...) pulls up next to us, girlfriend perched snug behind him on the saddle. He is also pulling a trailer, a little flatbed attached to his bike, and on it two big shepard-like dogs are sitting bolt upright, each wearing its own pair of goggles! The Harley dude shouts, "Hey, cool van!" Dave returns an equally admiring comment about his handsome canines beofre bolting off in different directions.

We now are preparing to bolt off ourselves, eastward from Houston towards Lousiana. Our van is running well, our clothes clean, bellies full, and hearts full of gratitude for the kind friendship of the extended Herman Family: Paul, Julie, Anne, Gloria, Ed, Carl and Sam... It was a real gift to have met all and we look forward someday to extending hospitality in Vernmont!

Herman Hospitality

2009-03-15T12:13:00.000-07:00

Paul and Julie Herman did not know us when they opened their doors, inviting us stay at their lovely home northwest of Houston. Paul had simply received an email from his mother that a family from Vermont - friends of Ellin London - were camping their way across in Texas. Paul emailed some camping suggestions, adding "if you are tired of the rain and want a place to dry-off for a while..." The next thing you know, we are enjoying wonderful Herman Hospitality from a warm, dry, comfortable apartment above their garage. Let the rains pour down! We must get the van serviced and have found a suitable VW mechanic in the area. Philomena is going to see the mechanic tomorrow. We are so grateful to the Hermans for their incredible hospitality; we started as strangers and leave as friends hoping to see them again in Vermont someday soon!

A Peek Houston from Go-G0's Apartment

2009-03-15T12:02:00.000-07:00

Our good friend Ellin London kindly put us intouch with her long-time friend, Gloria Herman, who lives in Houston. After a soggy morning at the Zoo, we enjoyed the gracious hosiptality and wonderful company of Gloria (a.k.a. "Go-Go") in her warm and dry highrise apartment in Houston. Here the kids are peaking out the windows to see the city below.

Incaptivity...But They Are Flamingos!

2009-03-15T11:57:00.000-07:00

Knowing how much I wanted to see pink flamingos in the wild while we were near their Mexian habitat, the kids and Dave made sure I got to enjoy the next best thing while visiting the Houston Zoo yesterday (in the rain!)

Rain Hits Draught-stricken Texas

2009-03-13T08:45:00.001-07:00

We've been library hopping in small Texas town these last few rainy days in the Lone Star State. Its school vacation week and libraries are full of people of all ages. They are great places to learn and to gain a flavor of the local community. We are currently north of Houston in Huntsville, which is still ranching territory. The further east we've gone, the more spring-like it seems with roadside green and blossoming with Bluebonnets! (Sorry, the camera battery was dead yesterday when we stopped to take some roadside photos.) While in Texas we've been doing some "free" camping (Texas has the nicest rest areas we've encountered anywhere!) and we've even honkered-down in a Quality Inn, which had the warmest, fluffiest beds we've encountered! All is well, we are enjoying our slow, steady exploration of this region, which included a guided tour of the Texas capital in Austin, yesterday.

Keeping up with the Dixon Jonah's!

2009-03-10T14:19:00.000-07:00

When they engineered the campground at the municiple park in Fredericksburg, Texas people must have driven smaller campers! Now almost everyone stays inside their BIG RIG watching cable TV. Even we caught a bit of "Dancing with the Stars" by glancing through the picture window of the nieghbor's RV across the street. Now, this is camping! But, honestly, Fredericksburg is one of the nicest towns in America. Germans settled here in the early 1800's and it still holds much of that influence today with a very vital downtown, which includes a brewary where we dined to day after touring the WWII Pacific War Museum (trying to find out more about where Dave's Dad served on a Distroyer.) Here's Dave talking on the phone with Gordon!

Kim on Frontlines at the ALAMO!

2009-03-09T09:01:00.000-07:00

As luck would have it, we happened to arrive at the Alamo in San Antonio, Texas on the anniversary of the battle that ended the 13-day seige. A live renactment was part of the celebration marking this hallowed anniversary and Kim was right up there on the frontlines taking it all in. What a wonderful way to bring history to life!

2009-03-09T08:58:00.000-07:00

2009-03-09T08:55:00.001-07:00

2009-03-09T08:55:00.000-07:00

San Antonio Spurs Fan

2009-03-07T06:27:00.000-08:00

How fortunate for Will and Dave that the Spurs were playing last night in San Antonio and the stadium was only a mile from the campground where we are currently living! They were able to get a couple of last-minute tickets to the game; and Kim and I enjoyed a "girls night" at the pool and watching old Seinfelds on the computer! Life is good!

The Alamo: in Downtown San Antonio

2009-03-07T06:18:00.000-08:00

What are the chances that we'd arrive at the Alamo on the exact anniversary of the seige? Well, 1:365 right? Pretty impressive in and of itself, but we also arrived at Gettysburg last year on the exact anniversary of that battle (a four-day window there). I guess we have some historic battle karma working for us. The Alamo provided us with a great springboard for learning about the history of the Spanish American war.

2009-03-07T06:16:00.000-08:00

Davey Crockett & his pals: Did you know that DC died at the Alamo 173 (days to-the-day) before we arrived?

Eat Local...

2009-03-07T06:06:00.000-08:00

Craving a mid-afternoon pick-me-up; and spotting a Dairy Queen... I suggest "Does anyone want an ice cream?" (Does anyone ever not want an ice cream?) to which Will replys, "Can't we find something local?" Oh yeah, we did agree at the start of this trip that we would try to avoid chain-food-restaurants... So, in George West ("the story telling capital of Texas" according to their roadsign) we take a quick turn into "R&M Diner" promising "Homemade Food" on its tired old signage. Famous for fruitcups and snow cones, the sole propriator also offers two flavors (strawberry & vanilla). I take mine over some heavenly peach cobbler! Mismatched chairs, handwritten menu board, country music blarring on the radio - we definately aren't in DQ-anywhere-USA for this afternoon snack!

Kingsville, Texas - Our 1st Day Back in the USA...

2009-03-07T05:46:00.000-08:00

"What bring you to Kingsville?" asks the librarian politely as we move-in with computer in hand for some early morning reading, research and internet connectivity. Truthfully, after crossing the border we had no idea chich way to head... and happened upon Rt. 77 north because an attendant at the gas station suggested we might camp at the pull-off "there beyond Raymondville." So, we did (along with a couple of semi-tractor-trailers. Kingsville was the next town of any size sufficent enought to have a public library...

Once inside, we fanned out. I headed immediately to the Texas secition, picking up the latest copy of PEOPLE with Michele Obama on the cover as I passed the magazine racks (I had eyed it at the supermarket earlier; I've an Obama groupie for sure!) We emerged a couple hours later: Will's IPOD filled with the latest sports codcasts; Dave caught up on local and national news; Kim with a jump-start on schoolwork; and me armed with information on South Texas. I suggest touring the King Ranch (the largest ranch in the WORLD - bigger than Rhode Island - which happends to be right here!) and we snag the last 4 seats on the noon tour with "Dusk" as our guide. Impressed by the story of Richard King, the orphaned, 1st generation Irish immegrant founder, the sheer vastness of the place, and its interesting legacy (creating the first new breed of cattle in North America the GRETRUDIS; starting cattle drives to gain a better price for herds at further markets; to becoming a multi-national corporation... Here's Kim at the ranch, sharpening a pretend knife!)

Picnicing after the tour, we meet a couple on a motorcycle who are surprised to hear we've spent 4 months in Mexico. Security concerns keep the majority of sun-worshipping northerners at Texas' souther border, but no further. We tell them that our experiences in Mexico were 100% positive, but there is a lot of military present and we were very conscious of our surroundings at all times; never driving after dark and avoiding any potentially troublesome situations (something college students on Spring Break might not do; thus the STate Department warning for them all to stay home!)

2009-03-07T05:42:00.000-08:00

Texas Longhorn Cattle lounging at the King Ranch.

Coconut Harvesting...

2009-03-07T05:40:00.000-08:00

Lonely - Forgotten Coast

2009-03-07T05:38:00.000-08:00

We thought you might like to see some photos of the Forgotten Coast; internet was too slow at our last stop in Mexico to download these photos onto the blog.

Mexican Roadside

2009-03-07T05:33:00.000-08:00

We've been keeping a growing list of the similarities and differences between the USA and Mexico, while its all fresh in our minds. Mexican roadside commerce, generally fresh and local, (never a chain!) was a favorite diversion on our long drives. This drive-by photo snapped on the "forgotten coast" on one of our last days in Mexico, is pretty typical.

We're Back in the USA

2009-03-05T08:19:00.000-08:00

Deep in the heart of Texas... we crossed the Rio Grande yesterday around 4 pm and I was heard saying' "It that it?" being solely unimpressed by the muddy canal of a river bed, thinking it would/should be something much more impressive. The US border security, on the other hand, is rather impressive with miles upon miles of fencing and uniformed agents. They did search our van, finding in our cooler a plastic baggy filled with one apple for which we appearently could be fined $300. Thankfully, they were feeling benovelant and let us off with a stern warning. Later, at a border inspection about 20 miles into Texas the agent asked a trick question; "What year?" referring to Philomena... We are busy recording the similarities and differences between the USA and MExico while they are fresh in our heads. But, I'd better go... we are off next toward the Alamo... More later, just wanted to let you know we are safely back in the country.