Our Washington DC Trip

One of the requirements for students at my children's high school is that they job shadow someone in an occupation they are interested in their junior and senior years. Most kids pick an easy local person or family friend and rush through it. My kids are a little different, thanks to my job. Arielle job shadowed with the State Governor's office her first year and with the local sheriff the second year. Trevor wanted to job shadow the President, but I have no contacts at the White House, so he had to pick someone else. In the end, he decided to be with Congressman Glenn Thompson, the representative for the 5th Congressional District of Penna.

We left for Washington DC on Tuesday morning and he was scheduled to spend Wednesday with the Congressman, then we drove home yesterday. The six-hour drive is too much for me to do in one day, so staying was mandatory. We found a nice hotel in Georgetown. It wasn't near the MetroRail line, but the hotel provided a van to drive us there.

We went to Hard Rock Cafe for dinner on Tuesday night. I love to collect their pins and charms, so I couldn't miss the opportunity to add to my collection. Of course, my charm bracelet was stolen at Holiday Valley, so I had to buy a new one and now try to replace all the charms that were on it. Anyone who lives near a HRC or travels by one, I'll gladly pay all costs for a guitar pick charm to add to the bracelet.

I spoke with his staff several times before we arrived. They put together a full day of meetings, tours and an interview with the Congressman. They suggested we use the MetroRail rather than try to drive. It was a first for Trevor to ever use a system like that. He looked so handsome in his new suit and newspaper. Like the young gentleman he is, he stood and let me have the seat. The trip took about 15 minutes and let us out right below the House of Representatives' office building. After going through security, we found the right off and were greeted by everyone. The Congressman was in a private meeting for members only, so they sent us down to get breakfast in the cafeteria. When we got back, Trevor was given a brief history of the Capital and House.

Randy and I were ready to go off to tour the City while Trevor worked when Glenn walked in. He smiled and said he never put the name together to realize Trevor was my son, but he was happy to have him there. He then asked if we'd like to tour the Capital with them. He had a meeting that would take about an hour, so Trevor was going in there and Randy and I went to the gift shop to spend some time. We got a call that the tour had just started, but they were going to escort us to meet Trevor and Glenn.

The tour was wonderful. We were in the private gallery to hear debate on healthcare. Glenn gave his thoughts on the issue and then left the floor and continued the tour. Being with the Congressman allowed us to go places the rest of the public couldn't go. We went out on the Speaker of the House's balcony. What a gorgeous view! It's the best in the City, we were told and it sure was true. After that, he took us for lunch in the private members only resteraunt. The food was excellent!

Trevor was given a half hour to interview Glenn and ask anything he wanted. Randy and I sat in with that session and also added our questions. As a reporter, how could I not take advantage of that opportunity and Randy also had some questions for one of the most powerful men in our State. After that, he had one more meeting that Trevor sat in while Randy and I spoke to the press liasons. That was a great way to spend time.

After the meeting, Glenn gave Trevor a few little mementos of his visit and off we went. There was a protestor outside the Capital harassing Congressmen as they went into the building. A police officer with a riot shotgun was present to make sure the protestor only used words. Coming from a small town, it's not something we're use to seeing, but brings home exactly how dangerous their jobs could be.

We got on the MetroRail and decided to see the White House and get a few photos. The front was comletely blocked off. It took us a few minutes to walk to the back and there were riot police there as well. The Chinese President was in town and there were dozens of protestors there. They were shouting and holding signs urging President Hu to let Taiwan be a free country. There were snipers on the roof of the White House. Another very scary sight for small town residents.

International press were all over the area taking photos and interviewing the protestors. I took a bunch of photos as well, but didn't have time for interviews. My Mandarin Chinese isn't very good to begin with, so I stuck with images only. Some of the protestors covered their faces, Randy explained to Trevor that they were doing that to protect their families back in China and Taiwan. Living in America, we don't have to worry about our families being punished or killed if we protest against anything. That's what living in a free country is all about. There are too many countries where people don't have that right. They can't do something as simple as log onto the internet and read the latest Hollywood gossip on Perez Hilton's blog. Our country might not be perfect and there are a lot of things that need changed, but at least we have a basic sense of freedom. We have the right to protest and not worry about being beaten to death. I'm a reporter and can write what I want and not worry about ending up in prison when I offend someone in power.

We didn't have the chance to visit all the fun places we wanted to, but it was still a wonderful trip. We were given the chance to tour the House of Representatives and the Capital building in ways most visitors never will. Something as simple as buying a parking ticket was new for us.

Gettysburg Vacation

As anyone who reads here regularly knows, I have a deep love of the town of Gettysburg in the Southern portion of Pennsylvania. Randy and I have spent our anniversary there every year for the past several years. I just can't get enough. It's one of those things I'll never be able to explain fully, but when I get there, it feels like I'm "home." We arrived there Wednesday, August 11 and left after breakfast on Saturday, the 14th. It's never long enough for me. We visited our favorite spots, including: Sachs Bridge, the Pennsylvania Memorial, Devil's Den and the Virginia Memorial featuring Gen. Robert E. Lee and his horse Traveller, as well as trying new things during our stay. We toured the Jenny Wade house, did a ghost hunt and took a battlefield bus tour with a professional guide, all for the first time.

We tried a new bed and breakfast - The Dobbin House at 89 Steinwehr Avenue - this year. We love the food and the rooms looked gorgeous, so we stayed our three nights, had our lunch in their downstairs tavern one day and had dinner in the library for our anniversary night. The food was incredible! I'm sure I had to have gained at least a couple pounds. To show you how friendly the people are in the area, the couple seated beside us at dinner wanted to buy us a glass of champagne in honor of our 22nd anniversary. I can't drink alcohol, so we had to decline, but it meant a lot to be asked. We're complete strangers and had just made small talk with them. I'm sorry I didn't get their names.

After dinner, we walked to our room and saw a horse-drawn carriage in the parking lot. We have always wanted to take one of those trips, so we asked the driver to wait until we changed. I really enjoyed that ride. When it was over, we went out to Devil's Den to sit and reflect until the park closed at 10 p.m.

We went on two ghost walks and a ghost hunt at a near-by abandoned house. The group had all sorts of neat toys to play with. Even though we didn't get so much as a photo of an orb (or dust mite), it was still a fun way to spend an hour. The ghost hunt was scheduled to be from 12-2 a.m. on Friday the 13th. The group was late starting it and it took too long to hand out the toys and drive there. By the time we got to the house, it was already 1 a.m. and we had to be out by 2. The other major problem with the hunt was they had way too many people. There were 32 of us. With four "lead investigators", we were split into two groups of 16 each, with two pros. There was the house and barn to check out. The only remotely eekk filled moment for me was when the bat buzzed me in the barn. The group didn't really help the newbie hunters, so most of the time, we looked like a mob. I want to give the pros the benefit of the doubt and say they didn't realize how hard it would be to investigate with that may people and not just the money (most expensive in Gettysburg) they were receiving from each person.

The house hadn't been lived in for seven years, after the last two family members died in the home, so it was in bad shape. The floors and ceiling were in horrid shape and I'm not sure how safe it was for that many people to be walking around in it. One of the pros told Randy and me to make sure not to be in the attic with more than 5 people for that very reason. Bad part, they forgot to let everyone else know the same info. The steps to the basement were in bad shape. The equipment I had measured electrical charges. In one room, it went crazy. OK, the pro came running. I explained why it was going off - the wall was where the power came into the house. The woman in charge was also excited, until I explained that, too.

When the hunt was over, they did a quick debriefing and gave us each a nice printed certificate for participating. That was a nice touch. One of the other women on the hunt was excited because she had the same reaction from her equipment and was sure it was paranormal. The woman in charge explained what had happened. That was something some groups would never had done, they debunked. The hunter didn't want to believe it and left sure she had found something paranormal.

We were up and ready to leave early Saturday morning. After breakfast, we headed off to Ohio to see my best friend and finish up our trip. I'll be back in Gettysburg over the Labor Day weekend for the HorrorFind Convention. Of course, I'll be on the battlefields as much as possible. My daughter is a high school senior this year and I'm taking her senior photos while we're visiting. I can't imagine a better backdrop than Devil's Den or Big Round top at sunrise or sunset.

Visiting the Real Silent Hill

My brother had been talking about taking a quick trip to Centralia, the real Silent Hill, so my family decided to go, too. We loaded up the car and went to spend the weekend with him.



The population of the town has dwindled from over 1,000 residents in 1981 to 9 in 2007,[30] as a result of a 47-year-old mine fire burning beneath the borough.

In 1962, an exposed vein of coal ignited, possibly due to the burning of garbage at the borough landfill. Attempts to extinguish the fire were unsuccessful; the fire is still burning and will continue to do so for the indefinite future. Adverse health effects were reported by several people due to the carbon monoxide produced.

In 1984, Congress allocated more than $42 million for relocation efforts. Most of the residents accepted buyout offers and moved. Today a handful of occupied homes remain in Centralia. Most of the buildings have been razed, and at casual glance the area now appears to be a meadow with several paved streets through it, and some areas are being filled with new-growth forest.

Route 61 had to be moved after the underground fires ruined the road. It's been taken over by teens who have re-named it Graphity Highway. The road is now host to lots of naughty drawings. If you know anything about the movie or video game, then you understand the significance of the sirens. While we were walking on the road, the sirens went off! It was too surreal because we had been talking and joking about the monsters all day. We were a half a mile or so from the entrance, so there was no running to the car.



The local cemeteries are still maintained as well as they can, but the rolling of the land has knocked down many of the stones. The town had a large population of Russians and the headstones clearly show their influence.





In researching the different elements of Silent Hill, screen writer Roger Avary was inspired when he heard of Centralia, Pennsylvania, and decided to base the film on it.

First hike of the season

We went on our first hike today of the season. Hubby got me a Eddie Bauer pack with a bladder. It's a small pack, not a full sized one. I can't carry that much weight. Also had a small fanny pack with our first aid and hard candy in it. I decided that carrying the bladder half-full would be enough for me when he and both our teenagers have packs with bladders, too. Less weight and I could have gone a little further.


We went on a four-mile hike and it took us about two hours and that included stopping for lunch and taking our time. We went out to an old abandoned stone quarry and took our dog. She had a blast just running all over. We had the whole trail to ourselves. Not another person in sight. We did see wild turkey and deer though.

It was a good learning experience on what we need to add to our packs. When I wasn't able to go out last year for any real hikes, I forgot what all was really necessary. I've already added a small pair of gloves and a bandanna to my pack and will add a few more things before our next trip.

Photo Hunt: Blue

Here's my addition for this week's photo hunt: blue. The blue on the sign showing me I was almost home. After the time in Cleveland, it was so good to see that sign! I have to go back on the 17th and spend a week getting daily 5-hour intensive IV therapy, but the thought of seeing that blue sign on the 21st will keep me going. The neurologist thinks I need to stop all my current meds and get on a totally new regiment of meds, so he'll infuse me with the new stuff. He warned me it will be very painful the first few days, but I promised to give anything a try if it could help, so....



If you want to participate in this week's Photo Hunt stop over at PhotoHunt to get all the details.

Virginia Beach

Spent the past two days at Virginia Beach, VA. It's so beautiful, we hate to leave, but we'll be heading north tomorrow afternoon. We have to get the kids to their grandparents' houses, so Randy and I can get to Gettysburg to celebrate our 20th anniversary and do some ghosthunting early Monday morning. I'm beyond excited about that! Hopefully, I'll be able to impress everyone with my ghost photos next week.



While we were here T and Randy learned to use boogie boards and after being slammed around by the surf the first couple hours, they seemed to master it and did great today. A learned how to use one when we were here three years ago on a band trip. She did better this year.

We spent the days just walking around the area, doing a lot of shopping, sending out dozens of postcards and soaked up the sun. I'm finally a shade other than pale. Much better. Poor Randy looks like a boiled lobster. Being a man, he didn't think he needed sunscreen the first day. BIG MISTAKE!

We rented a bicycle built for four people and rode all over the boardwalk. It was a lot of fun. Of course, I didn't peddle it, that's what husbands and strong young teenagers are for. :) I spent the two hours just taking photos and seeing the sights.

After this week and a half vacation, I'll need a vacation to recuperate!

Busch Gardens, VA

The park is massive, so I recommend at least two days to see and do everything. We spent three days there. The last one, we just did the things we liked the best. A and I spent the morning seeing the shows and shopping. What else would we do? :) Randy and T ran and hit all the rollercoasters. No trip is complete without a visit to the world-famous Budweiser Clydesdale horses. They are HUGE and beautiful animals. They allow you to get photos taken with them.

We spent most of our time in Ireland. I love fairies and fantasy, so all the stores and rides were related to that. We rode one called Corkscrew Hill. It's a 4-D ride where you just sit in a chair and the floor tilts and the show plays on the screen. My favorite show of the day was called Emerald Beat. They are incredible Celtic dancers. WOW! Another thing that everyone who loves dancing should see. Flash photography was prohibited, but luckily, my Nikon D200 doesn't need a flash to get decent photos.

They did convince me to ride a log water ride twice. I was drenched by the time we finished the second ride. We rode it and then DarKastle right before we had to leave to drive to Virginia Beach, so it wasn't a fun hour plus ride.

We got to our hotel in Virginia Beach a little after 10 p.m. It's literally right across the street from the beach. It takes us about three minutes to walk over there. More on our time here later.

Jamestown Jammers

We had a free day on Monday, so of course, we load up the car and head off for the day. We ended up in Jamestown, NY, and decided to go to a baseball game there. We had been there one other time and before the game, two players are available to sign autographs and the rest of the team will sign while warming up on the field and after the game on their way to the locker room. They are the most fan friendly team I've even met and we go to a lot of games. They will sign anything and everything.



I have an 8x8 travel scrapbook I carry around everywhere we go and one page is devoted to each sporting team, politician, singer, actor, etc... that I meet.

My Jammers' page is now full. I have almost the entire team's signatures on the page in addition to the pocket schedule and some baseball themed stickers. I also had some photos from the last game that the players signed for me.

The rest of the week, I have to catch up on some features the newspaper has assigned me since we're going away next week on our family vacation. We're heading off to Busch Gardens and VA Beach. Really looking forward to that. We'll be gone Monday til Sunday, come home and do some laundry, the Randy and I are going to Gettysburg to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary (Yes, I was a child bride!) We're staying at the Farnsworth Inn which is called one of the most haunted places in the world and we have their most haunted room - The Sarah Black room. I'm beyond excited about that. We'll take many photos, video and even try our hand at EVPs. If we're ever going to capture a ghost on film, it will be there. :)

Altoona Curve Double Header

Since the kids are off at camp all this week, Randy and I decided to take a drive and wound up in Altoona for a double header last night. We had a great time! The weather cooperated and the Curve won both games.

We had planned to get to another game tonight, but it's been pouring all day. Not a fun idea to drive 1 1/2 hours to have the game rained out. Maybe we'll go see a movie instead.

Hope everyone is having a good day!

Getting ready for the long weekend

Just trying to get caught up posting and wanted to say hello to everyone. Being out of town for a couple days really puts me behind, but we sure needed the break.

Anyone have plans for the Fourth? We're going to have a BBQ here. Then on Saturday, we're going to my dad's family reunion. We rarely see any of his brothers and sisters (they are a family of 18!), so we try to go most years. I enjoy working on our family tree, so this gives me a chance to get new photos and catch up on what's going on in everyone's lives.

We were at a baseball game on Tuesday down in State College. It was a minor league game between the State College Spikes (Pittsburgh Pirate farm team) and the Williamsport Crosscutters (Philadelphia Phillies). Only took about 450 photos.

My daughter and I got quite a few autographs from each team in our scrapbooks. They'll look really nice once I add the tickets, programs and some photos. We can look at them and always remember that night. I love scrapbooking and collecting autographs.

Of course, we had to go to the mall while we were there. I have no clothes that fit since I've lost so much weight. My daughter is addicted to Aeropostale, so we went there first. I was able to find a pair of jeans and they fit! I wanted to cry. It's been so long since I was able to go into a store and find cute clothes. Quite a feeling. Then we went to Hot Topic, my favorite store. Found a new fairy shirt. Their shirts are slim fit, so I never could wear the nice ones. It feels like a whole new life is being opened up for me! If you've lost weight, you know what I mean.

Hope everyone has a wonderful holiday weekend!

Elk Watching

I was out working near the elk herd's land and had to stop at several spots to photograph the magnificent animals. Have to love a job that allows these side trips.



It was early, around 8 a.m. when I went through the first time and they were out having breakfast. After working, it was around 10 and there was a herd of dozens and dozens at the Winslow Hill viewing area. I have never seen that before. Guess they knew there were no other tourists around. They seem to hide from them. It was lightly raining or I probably would have stood around longer, but the thought of ruining a very expensive Nikon D200 forced me back to the car.

On the way home, there were tons of turkey buzzards around. More than I have ever seen in one place. Guess there's lots of fresh road kill this morning because they were out feasting.

Washington D.C.

WOW! Yesterday was a very long day, but I got to see a lot of our nation's capital. Not everything, but quite a bit. My mother, her sister and I went on a bus trip to see the cherry blossoms, hoping there would be an opportunity to get out and see more. (It was pretty inexpensive and gave me a chance to get there) We left the house at 5 a.m. and got home around midnight.

My daughter made me a beautiful backpack for her school project since I can't carry my normal one. It's sparkly moons, stars and clouds on a dark blue background. It held just enough of the things I needed.

Our first chance to get off the bus once we arrived in D.C. was at the Wall. I had seen the traveling version as well as the permanent one in Altoona, so we skipped that and ran to see the Washington monument instead. Then off we went to see the Lincoln Monument. We were the only ones on the bus who went to either. They are really close, but the rest didn't want to walk the extra few yards. Their loss. The Lincoln was something to experience. We've all seen it on TV and in countless films (including Planet of the Apes where he had an ape's head), but it has to be seen to really appreciate the size and scope.

Our next stop was at the WW2 monument. I had never seen it before and it is another one that needs to be experienced at least once in a life time. It's huge! We only had a half hour there, so I didn't take time to run over to the Jefferson Memorial, just photographed it from across the street. Glad I had a decent lens with that had some zoom.

From there, we went to Union Station. It's impressive to look at, but the shops were WAY overpriced and the one tourist kiosk where they sold pins, spoons, etc... the two girls working there refused to wait on me, so I didn't even get a pin. Not a happy camper at that.

There are statues and a replica of the Liberty Bell outside, so I had to be content taking photos of that. It was sad to see all the homeless people around there. One man was eating out of the garbage. Coming from a very rural area, we just don't have that here.

That was to be our last chance to get out in D.C. because the driver missed a turn and we didn't get a chance to go to Arlington. I have uncles buried there and wanted to see the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, but I guess that will have to wait for another time. Also didn't get to see the White House, except from a distance because the rest didn't want to walk. SIGH!

I did enjoy the trip and would do another bus tour, but think I'll make sure there's more chances to get out and move. My legs were so stiff by the time we got home, I could hardly stand.

Our Family Ski Trip

It was a complete surprise to us when cousin Val emailed on Thursday and invited us to join her family at Holiday Valley this weekend. Of course, we jumped at the chance. No, I wouldn't be caught dead with two skinny sticks strapped to my feet as I fly down a snow-covered mountain, but Randy and the kids loved it.

I never leave home without my camera, so I spent the day taking photos. It was cold, so I didn't stay outside a lot. I was in the ski lodge reading most of the day. The lodge we were staying at was gorgeous!


We got to Ellicottville, NY around 9 a.m. on Friday and they spent the rest of the day on the slopes. A had enough about 7 p.m. and came to the lodge to stay and we dropped off Val's two oldest boys and their snowboards to finish off the night. Around 10, the four of them came in. Randy's knees are still killing him, but he said he'd gladly do it again.

A had a great time getting to know cousins she rarely if ever gets to see. She stayed up til almost 3:30 a.m. making pizza and putting together puzzles with cousin Rhonda. After we got home, she went to bed at 4 pm and didn't get back up til this morning.

Randy had to get to work Saturday night, so we packed up and came home early that day. Hated to leave and can't wait for another weekend. Hopefully, Randy will be able to get the whole weekend off next time and we can stay longer. Thanks Val, Joe and boys!

Altoona Trip

We spent the past four days in Altoona visiting with a friend from Ohio. I had to be there on Thursday for a medical procedure and she decided to make the drive and spend the time with us. We've been friends for ages, we started writing as pen pals when we were both in high school and that wasn't yesterday.

The treatment was horrid. It involved 11 injections all around my head and back of neck to try and stop the migraines that rip apart my head and destroy my life. Not working so far. :( It was supposed to take effect within 3-5 days and tomorrow is the final day. At this point, I don't hold out much hope it will work. He wants me back in four weeks for a check up and to schedule more injections. Don' think I will be doing that. Being stabbed in the head repeatedly isn't enough fun enough to want to do it again when it doesn't help.

While we were there, we went to a couple Curve baseball games, went shopping and visited the world famous Horseshoe Curve and the railroaders' museum. The day we did our sightseeing was the hottest day of the entire summer - over 100 degrees. It was still a good day.

The weekend went by way too fast, but then fun always does. Why can't the bad times go by quickly and the fun last forever?

Now we're home and it's time to try and catch up with everything. We made the mistake of staying at the Econo Lodge and their promised wireless broadband service never materialized, so I haven't been on line since Wednesday night. I had hundreds of emails to go through so far. I was going through serious withdrawal symptoms by the time we got back and I was able to log on. I know, I know it's an addiction.

That will be our last trip of the summer since the kids go back to school on Thursday. They aren't at all happy about it. I'm not ready either, I like having them around all the time.

Canoeing on the Clarion River

We went out for our first canoe trip of the season this afternoon. It was sunny and warm, but the water was way too low and we kept getting hung up on rocks sticking out of the water. We did a nine-mile trip and it usually takes us maybe three hours. Today it took us over four hours. Don't think we'll do that trip again unless the water is much higher.

We saw quite a few ducks and Canadian geese as well as snakes and bugs. I am not a fan of snakes or bugs, but the birds were nice to see. One did bomb the river a few yards ahead of us though. Glad we were going slower than usual. That would not have been fun.

I got a bit too much sun and have a nice red shading on my arms and face. Now it's really summer. I have my first burn. It's raining now, so we made it home just in time to keep from getting wet.

Tomorrow is the Memorial Day parade and A is marching in it with the band. Not sure what we'll do after that one. Probably have a BBQ.

Altoona Curve

Spent Sunday at an Altoona Curve game. The weather was perfect, not too hot with a cool breeze. A little overcast, so it was a great time for photography.

I had my new camera - a Nikon D200 - and took almost 900 photos. Yeah, I was a bit slow that day. :) The camera worked great and I'm pretty pleased with the results. There is a lot I need to learn about how it works, but that's part of the fun.

Before we got to the stadium, we ran to the mall for my Hot Topic fix. They're renovating and have moved into a tiny little place until July. Got a couple pairs of earrings and T got a new Halo 3 shirt. Was hoping to find a nice messanger bag, but they weren't out. Ah well, there's plenty of time.

The next Curve game we're going to is June 1. They're giving away a mini tote and I'm so addicted to purses!

Short Bike Trip

Just had to get out of the house yesterday, so when Randy got home from work, we loaded up the bikes and headed out to our favorite trail.

We only did an eight mile trip this time, I wasn't feeling real well. We had to stop quite a bit on this one, but that's the only way I could make it. The kids liked having the chance to explore more often, so it worked out ok.

On our way back, they were a couple yards ahead of us when we heard them yelling and saw they were stopped. When we get there, they said a bear had just run across the trail. It had been down by the river eating skunk cabbage and when it heard them ran up the other side of the hill. I missed seeing it! Maybe next time.

We did get to see a blue heron, so that was a good way to end the trip.

Tonight, we're heading off to the drive in. Shrek 3 and Blades of Glory are playing. Both look good.

Mothers' Day Trip

After a great rib BBQ at our house, we decided to grab the bikes and head out to a local trail for a ride. The trail is about 9 miles from our house and is gorgeous.
The weather was just perfect for a long ride, not real hot, just cool enough to make it nice.

We start riding and the trail is empty. We take it easy and stop quite a lot to get off the bikes and explore the ghost towns, side trails and just to rest. We ended up going 11 1/2 miles round trip. My legs were like jelly, but that's just a sign I need to get in shape.

While we were riding, we saw a HUGE bird flying around and when it got closer, we realized it was a bald eagle. I had seen them in zoos and aviaries, but never in the wild. It's quite a sight to see.

We stopped at a swinging bridge and crossed over. I do not do well on heights, so I was holding onto hubby in a death grip. The kids ran right across with no fear. Can't remember the last time I felt that free.

With the warm weather here, we'll be going on lots more day trips like this. Next weekend is the drive in and a baseball game. Hopefully, we'll get canoeing the following weekend and out camping.

Penn State Blue and White Game

My daughter and I just got back from State College where we were at the annual Blue and White game. It was an unbelievable day. There were tons of booths outside Beaver Stadium where you could get freebies or food and We got a little over a dozen autographs on cards, photos, yearbooks and my hat.
We went down last night to avoid the traffic jams this morning. Good choice. Of course, I stopped at the mall to hit Hot Topic. As anyone who has ever read my articles knows, I'm addicted to that store. She had to run into Aeropostal. It's all she wears these days.
The entire area was decked out in their school colors, but also were wearing their orange shirts as a way to honor VA Tech. They had a moment of silence for those killed and were taking donations all over to send to the school.
The sun was shining and I have beet red arms and face. After the horridly cold spring we've had, I don't mind at all.
Anyone else taking any trips?

G