tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34510164343290065622024-03-13T12:46:06.611-04:00Shaak's WorldKaren & Harry Shaakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07488307048082442643noreply@blogger.comBlogger99125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3451016434329006562.post-53132830491199536522011-04-02T18:39:00.001-04:002011-04-02T18:39:08.044-04:00Spring Is Here<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TZeldad0wQI/AAAAAAAACZs/M6VpocSPVyc/s1600-h/P4020052%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P4020052" border="0" alt="P4020052" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TZelegUuDMI/AAAAAAAACZw/iyes8FrZMyk/P4020052_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="419" height="289" /></a> <p></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TZelhJcwuWI/AAAAAAAACZ0/AcQD45ZB1lY/s1600-h/P4020054%5B8%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P4020054" border="0" alt="P4020054" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TZeliuPOPOI/AAAAAAAACZ4/J_-tSYcvU4M/P4020054_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="419" height="315" /></a> </p> <p>Our roses are in full bloom---so pretty.  Spring has sprung here in The Villages!</p> Karen & Harry Shaakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07488307048082442643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3451016434329006562.post-46983169593536992372011-03-20T22:07:00.000-04:002011-03-20T22:08:29.001-04:00Celebrating the Big 60!Sixty years ago on this day spring arrived and so did I.  <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TYazDxtm0VI/AAAAAAAACZY/zLI-11kK0No/s1600-h/P3200018%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P3200018" border="0" alt="P3200018" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TYazEz27AxI/AAAAAAAACZc/jc1St-TjDJo/P3200018_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="387" height="381" /></a></p> <p>Sixty years later I am enjoying spring in The Villages, Florida. I had a great birthday. Celebrated on several days with several cakes!  Right now 60 doesn't feel so bad. After all it is just a number---right?</p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TYazFx858qI/AAAAAAAACZg/Ys-jbwHhlt0/s1600-h/P1040071%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1040071" border="0" alt="P1040071" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TYazG9dFq1I/AAAAAAAACZk/ra1DKKaXA8A/P1040071_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="232" height="293" /></a> <p>The best birthday present I got was to spend the day with my wonderful, loving husband. I got flowers, and was taken out to dinner. All our daughters, many family and friends called with birthday wishes. The Lord blessed me with a wonderful day.</p> Karen & Harry Shaakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07488307048082442643noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3451016434329006562.post-45720078127655244482011-01-05T18:49:00.000-05:002011-02-01T18:50:48.435-05:00Our New VillaWhen we were in The Villages, Florida in Oct. and Nov. we purchased a villa. Now we have some place sunny and warm to go to in the winter.<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TUicSW69TlI/AAAAAAAACZE/AyjO3QujJ8w/s1600-h/25%2092%20Dartford%20Terrace%20Villa%20028%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="25 92 Dartford Terrace Villa 028" border="0" alt="25 92 Dartford Terrace Villa 028" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TUicTLmjahI/AAAAAAAACZI/OkiC28YKn2s/25%2092%20Dartford%20Terrace%20Villa%20028_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="410" height="308" /></a> <p>Since The Villages is a golf cart community we bought a golf cart to use as our means of transportation around the community.<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TUicT2PRmrI/AAAAAAAACZM/8sTBEpoyLbc/s1600-h/PB280070%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="PB280070" border="0" alt="PB280070" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TUicUzUF4yI/AAAAAAAACZQ/5mWS5Vfm1dU/PB280070_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" height="305" /></a> </p> <p>Not as roomy as the motorhome but a lot easier to park!</p> Karen & Harry Shaakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07488307048082442643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3451016434329006562.post-33984240262564736662010-11-17T22:06:00.001-05:002010-11-17T22:06:51.740-05:00Ladies Day GolfingHarry and I were so blessed to have rented a villa in the Grovewood Villas in the village of Hadley. The neighbors are such a wonderful bunch of people. They are a very close and active group. They have invited us to join in any of their activities and we have taken them up on several gatherings. What a good way to get to know people—join in their fun!<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TOSYQkVK1uI/AAAAAAAACY0/75zmGJXh8CU/s1600-h/PB170045%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="PB170045" border="0" alt="PB170045" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TOSYSuu2KOI/AAAAAAAACY4/2AEev9FAV8o/PB170045_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="371" height="256" /></a> <p>Today I joined them in a round of golf. Wednesday is ladies day at the golf courses and every week there is a group that golf's and then goes to lunch. I had such a fun time even though I had a lousy golf game. In this group it is more about socializing and having a good time rather than doing good golfing. Now that is my kind of group! Harry and I will be leaving here soon and we are really going to miss all the great people. Fortunately they have “adopted us” and we can return to join their fun gatherings at any time.</p> Karen & Harry Shaakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07488307048082442643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3451016434329006562.post-17682244727730249552010-11-15T21:47:00.000-05:002010-11-17T21:49:24.331-05:00Amy Visits The Villages<p>Last week our daughter Amy visited with us in The Villages. Amy’s birthday is November 2nd and we are always away on her birthday so this year she decided to come to visit us as a birthday present. We had a great time and she was able to see what the lifestyle is all about. She enjoyed several of the activities.<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TOST7Yg25VI/AAAAAAAACX4/bpM2S-OqEQI/s1600-h/25%2092%20Dartford%20Terrace%20Villa%20032%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="25 92 Dartford Terrace Villa 032" border="0" alt="25 92 Dartford Terrace Villa 032" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TOST8nVDzCI/AAAAAAAACX8/7sj_ZnxUhVc/25%2092%20Dartford%20Terrace%20Villa%20032_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="363" height="273" /></a> </p> <p>We went to a polo match. That is Amy on the left, Janet & Tom, my sister and Brother-in-law who live here at The Villages, and Harry. <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TOST94sFJNI/AAAAAAAACYA/EoMVIXXIkms/s1600-h/25%2092%20Dartford%20Terrace%20Villa%20037%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="25 92 Dartford Terrace Villa 037" border="0" alt="25 92 Dartford Terrace Villa 037" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TOST-zjFgPI/AAAAAAAACYI/cIBsfgJWnPM/25%2092%20Dartford%20Terrace%20Villa%20037_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="408" height="307" /></a> </p> <p> <p>It is amazing that they can hit a 3” ball from on top of a horse. It was a high scoring game—9 to 8.<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TOSUAb9PmII/AAAAAAAACYM/RTCvYcTKtGg/s1600-h/25%2092%20Dartford%20Terrace%20Villa%20048%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="25 92 Dartford Terrace Villa 048" border="0" alt="25 92 Dartford Terrace Villa 048" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TOSUBCD0DvI/AAAAAAAACYQ/pd3UDvePgDE/25%2092%20Dartford%20Terrace%20Villa%20048_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="398" height="300" /></a> After the match we went for a great dinner at Gator’s Dockside. A very enjoyable and fun evening.</p> <p>One evening we went to a dinner show with the entertainment being impersonator’s of famous singers. Very entertaining and wonderful singers.  </p> On Thursday it was a warm and sunny afternoon so we decided to take an air boat ride on the Withlacoochee River.<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TOSUDNfMfVI/AAAAAAAACYU/_8AHyIZauTY/s1600-h/PB110039%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="PB110039" border="0" alt="PB110039" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TOSUEJwsSRI/AAAAAAAACYY/db5PiRSN9ww/PB110039_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="354" height="266" /></a>   </p>   <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TOSUF54v4aI/AAAAAAAACYc/nFClpD5nO4Q/s1600-h/PB110025%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="PB110025" border="0" alt="PB110025" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TOSUG_6Ee3I/AAAAAAAACYg/kdbmyZeqPPU/PB110025_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="357" height="269" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TOSUI7l7isI/AAAAAAAACYk/96G4GFYRfx0/s1600-h/PB110015%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="PB110015" border="0" alt="PB110015" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TOSUJ9rFzeI/AAAAAAAACYo/AnAvUOUoaQw/PB110015_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="363" height="273" /></a> </p> <p>This is one of the three alligators we saw along the way. The guide would stop for a closer look at the many turtles, birds, and alligators and he would turn off the engine so we could hear him talk.  Those airboats are sure LOUD!<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TOSULoYqKqI/AAAAAAAACYs/_l1RQz8sVN4/s1600-h/PB110004%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="PB110004" border="0" alt="PB110004" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TOSUMrbzQRI/AAAAAAAACYw/iS4_EK28PgI/PB110004_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="355" height="267" /></a> </p> <p>We had a good time and for Harry and I it was our first time on an airboat. It was a fun week with Amy visiting and showing her around The Villages.</p> Karen & Harry Shaakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07488307048082442643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3451016434329006562.post-50648053244496871092010-11-11T22:28:00.001-05:002010-11-11T22:28:03.710-05:00The Villages---OctoberHarry and I decided to rent a villa in The Villages, Florida to see what it was really like to be here for longer than a few days.  We left in the RV late September and spent a few days at TT Chesapeake on the way to Florida. On October 1st we put the RV in storage and checked into a villa, complete with everything we needed, including a golf car. <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TNy0OzkiE0I/AAAAAAAACXo/NJxLLUhlpDo/s1600-h/Florida%20Home%20007%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Florida Home 007" border="0" alt="Florida Home 007" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TNy0Py4VoAI/AAAAAAAACXs/VGbGQ-InvAc/Florida%20Home%20007_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="416" height="313" /></a> <p> <p> We got involved in several activities, pickle ball, golfing, neighborhood dinners, etc.  We decided that we liked it so much that we sold the motor home and started looking to buy a villa to travel to in the winter months.<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TNy0QAAbuHI/AAAAAAAACXw/-WHfxZL_wIQ/s1600-h/P8090002%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P8090002" border="0" alt="P8090002" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TNy0Qmi5VMI/AAAAAAAACX0/tN9SvkhTm8s/P8090002_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="359" height="270" /></a> <p>This is the last you will see of our motor home. It was a very bitter sweet parting. We have had some wonderful times, and have met such great people and made many good friends over the past 21 years that we were RVing. For now---we plan to keep our TT membership and join our friends by staying in the Getaways. We are hoping that we will not be forgotten just because we are not around as much as we were in the past.  Since we sold the motor home and were not ready to return to chilly Pa, we extended our rental till the end of November.</p></p></p> Karen & Harry Shaakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07488307048082442643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3451016434329006562.post-14423992787127294122010-09-04T21:32:00.001-04:002010-09-04T21:32:17.664-04:00Mackenzie’s BirthdayOur youngest granddaughter,  Mackenzie, is celebrating her 5th birthday on September 25th. Since she requested a pool party her parents decided to have the party earlier in the month so it would be warm and the pool would still be open. Surprise, surprise, the weather was very cool, about 73 degrees and no humidity. In addition to the cool temperature the wind was blowing at 15 to 20 MPH. That makes for pretty cold swimming.<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TILy_AfR4AI/AAAAAAAACXA/2cZ9kJj5SB0/s1600-h/P9040013%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P9040013" border="0" alt="P9040013" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TILy_4-uCnI/AAAAAAAACXE/7GTXeZJBLkU/P9040013_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="381" height="287" /></a> <p>Can you tell how COLD she looks? And her lips are blue!<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TILzBP7LaSI/AAAAAAAACXI/HN-UFqw2SUE/s1600-h/P9040016%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P9040016" border="0" alt="P9040016" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TILzCFkEyOI/AAAAAAAACXM/9Eirgb8aQRE/P9040016_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="414" height="311" /></a> </p> <p>A few of the kids were the only brave ones to get in the water.<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TILzDP1GOOI/AAAAAAAACXQ/tJRyIUXf4ns/s1600-h/P9040006%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P9040006" border="0" alt="P9040006" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TILzEFFimKI/AAAAAAAACXU/Etpoxn9_55g/P9040006_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="410" height="300" /></a> </p> <p>After the swimming it was time to come inside for some cake. She just loves to make silly faces.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TILzFKYh_NI/AAAAAAAACXY/NTNC5heKOa4/s1600-h/P9040022%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P9040022" border="0" alt="P9040022" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TILzF-RxGWI/AAAAAAAACXc/uc1nuD2J2l0/P9040022_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="321" /></a></p> <p>Here she is opening one of her presents. Looking on is her big sister, Haley, in the middle, and another friend.<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TILzGhqkQNI/AAAAAAAACXg/iSwZg3Wjpeo/s1600-h/P9040021%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P9040021" border="0" alt="P9040021" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TILzIMUprBI/AAAAAAAACXk/TwTwwkClRQA/P9040021_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="384" height="457" /></a> </p> <p>She really liked this card from Aunt Amy that played music. ICarly is one of her favorites.</p> <p>                HAPPY BIRTHDAY MACKENZIE!</p> Karen & Harry Shaakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07488307048082442643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3451016434329006562.post-68210376581016509362010-08-31T21:05:00.000-04:002010-09-04T21:07:46.176-04:00Golf DayTwo weeks ago my sister Janet and her husband Tom visited for several days from Florida. One day Janet, Tom, Harry, and my cousin’s husband Glen went to play golf. My cousin Cindy and myself decided that we wanted to join the fun so we went along and drove the golf carts.  <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TILtQTX126I/AAAAAAAACWY/FsYtOx0SigI/s1600-h/DSC00034%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC00034" border="0" alt="DSC00034" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TILtRPQDMeI/AAAAAAAACWc/Wh9rEWyUckA/DSC00034_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="385" height="290" /></a></p> <p>Tom and my sister Janet in their cart.<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TILtSLRZWmI/AAAAAAAACWg/VzmIWr_kuB8/s1600-h/DSC00036%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC00036" border="0" alt="DSC00036" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TILtTNRuVlI/AAAAAAAACWk/QPndVG0aWGQ/DSC00036_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="386" height="290" /></a> </p> <p>My cousin Cindy and her husband Glen.<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TILtUCn-6OI/AAAAAAAACWo/U3FifXNnmZE/s1600-h/P8270015%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P8270015" border="0" alt="P8270015" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TILtU6-rBHI/AAAAAAAACWs/a9vohFHkRSw/P8270015_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="390" height="294" /></a> </p> <p>Harry and I at our cart.<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TILtV6tDX2I/AAAAAAAACWw/IJ8CICcgTiQ/s1600-h/DSC00058%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC00058" border="0" alt="DSC00058" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TILtWvBNmqI/AAAAAAAACW0/3NkoI4d4w4Q/DSC00058_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="390" height="293" /></a> </p> <p>This is a beautiful course at a Country Club called Golden Oaks. <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TILtXb9b49I/AAAAAAAACW4/xIEHTsgTKdU/s1600-h/P8270005%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P8270005" border="0" alt="P8270005" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TILtYDXkjvI/AAAAAAAACW8/Tlwya3QUelY/P8270005_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="391" height="294" /></a> </p> <p>It was a picture perfect day. Temperature was about 80 degrees with low humidity. Just look at that wonderful blue sky!</p> <p>We had a fun time on the course and after playing we sat outside at the club house and enjoyed a good drink and dinner.                                                         We always have a great time when the six of us are together.</p> Karen & Harry Shaakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07488307048082442643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3451016434329006562.post-61156141586794057592010-08-22T20:08:00.001-04:002010-08-22T20:08:20.895-04:00Granddaughters CampingEarly in August we took our granddaughters---Haley & Mackenzie---to TT Hershey with us for four days.<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/THG7g1VybwI/AAAAAAAACSU/rdZ1iFlifKc/s1600-h/P8030018%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P8030018" border="0" alt="P8030018" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/THG7h3RSulI/AAAAAAAACSY/eC4fYmIZAbc/P8030018_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="379" height="348" /></a> <p>It was hot and humid so we spent afternoons at the pool. Mackenzie (left) will be 5 years old in September. Haley (right) is 7 years old and will start 2nd grade this year.<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/THG7jHyJq_I/AAAAAAAACSc/-kKbrUyilFo/s1600-h/P8030028%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P8030028" border="0" alt="P8030028" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/THG7kkW6z-I/AAAAAAAACSg/faHEm2NnOOE/P8030028_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="379" height="285" /></a> </p> <p>They had lots of fun playing with Pop-Pop and dunking him in the water.<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/THG7l76-jeI/AAAAAAAACSk/1Cl4W6czn1c/s1600-h/P8030053%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P8030053" border="0" alt="P8030053" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/THG7mwtYWtI/AAAAAAAACSo/JMHVQ_8FCws/P8030053_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="350" height="297" /></a> </p> <p>Even though it was hot we had to have a fire…….<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/THG7oj6c5QI/AAAAAAAACSs/YUv3Gla46Uo/s1600-h/P8030055%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P8030055" border="0" alt="P8030055" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/THG7pjXlHAI/AAAAAAAACSw/QtjUBZZCYCk/P8030055_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="375" height="282" /></a> </p> <p>……for toasting marshmallows………….<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/THG7qu1PkdI/AAAAAAAACS0/qkxpkEnfd5A/s1600-h/P8030066%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P8030066" border="0" alt="P8030066" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/THG7rqj9t3I/AAAAAAAACS4/FN6ONO6gZv4/P8030066_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="379" height="286" /></a> </p> <p>…….for Smores!<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/THG7vLAC7hI/AAAAAAAACS8/ywI_Acda5-Y/s1600-h/P8040071%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P8040071" border="0" alt="P8040071" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/THG70YCRdMI/AAAAAAAACTA/Ty9LBGT2rcM/P8040071_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="394" height="296" /></a> </p> <p>Wednesday we drove to Penn’s Cave. We had never bin there ourselves and always wanted to see what it was like.<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/THG71f62PBI/AAAAAAAACTE/onTkD3FcVws/s1600-h/P8040107%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P8040107" border="0" alt="P8040107" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/THG72cq51JI/AAAAAAAACTI/S09kLqQNxGo/P8040107_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="382" height="288" /></a> </p> <p>First we took the Wildlife Safari on a school bus with the windows cut out. The bus makes a loop through the property viewing lots of different animals. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/THG73u3PKaI/AAAAAAAACTM/XrvZDfJfNlo/s1600-h/P8040114%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P8040114" border="0" alt="P8040114" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/THG7452NwlI/AAAAAAAACTQ/Z3riJbPrGis/P8040114_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="381" height="288" /></a></p> <p>Next it was the Cave Tour. This is the entrance where you board the boats that go through the cave. The cave is a year round temperature of 52 degrees---which felt really good since the outside was 95 degrees that day. We did wear a sweat shirt on the tour that lasts about one hour.<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/THG75-EqcdI/AAAAAAAACTU/H9ptAJnz6Vg/s1600-h/P8040132%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P8040132" border="0" alt="P8040132" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/THG763QeImI/AAAAAAAACTY/BIF1Jd3g85A/P8040132_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="379" height="285" /></a> </p> <p>The boat comes out the other side of the cave, turns around, and goes back through.<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/THG7715I0jI/AAAAAAAACTc/3W5lWi4ijbU/s1600-h/P8050150%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P8050150" border="0" alt="P8050150" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/THG782nEdFI/AAAAAAAACTg/qCZxIbcsnOk/P8050150_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="385" height="290" /></a> </p> <p>Of course you can’t go to Hershey without making a trip to Chocolate World.  So one morning we drove over and took the “ride” through the factory—2 times.  I think they like the free candy after getting off the ride the best!</p> <p>We had a great time with Haley and Mackenzie. We returned them home on the fourth day----went back to the camper----and rested.</p> Karen & Harry Shaakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07488307048082442643noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3451016434329006562.post-63288862926084862382010-08-02T19:58:00.001-04:002010-08-02T19:58:05.459-04:00Harry’s New ToyLast week while Harry was mowing, the lawnmower broke. It was used pretty hard over the past 10 years on our steep grade and rough terrain so he decided it was time for a new mower. After much deliberation he decided on an upgrade from a lawn tractor to a heavier zero-turn machine.<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TFdbfdggINI/AAAAAAAACNs/J9juGPpkzmg/s1600-h/New%20Mower%207-30-2010%20002%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="New Mower 7-30-2010 002" border="0" alt="New Mower 7-30-2010 002" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TFdbgSoalzI/AAAAAAAACNw/0QoEbjBglqY/New%20Mower%207-30-2010%20002_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a> <p>Here is Harry getting a lesson on how to use the mower. He had never used a zero-turn and was hesitant at first. They handle very different than a regular tractor. Nate was so patient with him.<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TFdbiBtSp4I/AAAAAAAACN0/NxPPDvd5Epc/s1600-h/New%20Mower%207-30-2010%20003%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="New Mower 7-30-2010 003" border="0" alt="New Mower 7-30-2010 003" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TFdbjKG5J7I/AAAAAAAACN4/UMdlz_FhXDM/New%20Mower%207-30-2010%20003_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="408" height="304" /></a> </p> <p>After several times around the yard he was feeling much more comfortable. Now—if we ever get rain so the grass grows again—he can cut his mowing time to much less than before.</p> Karen & Harry Shaakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07488307048082442643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3451016434329006562.post-35113548722823079672010-07-26T19:39:00.000-04:002010-08-02T19:40:40.738-04:00Dad’s 89th BirthdayOn July 24th we had a family dinner to celebrate my father’s 89th birthday.<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TFdXdOJU1JI/AAAAAAAACNk/foxSjsHHp4Y/s1600-h/Poppy%27s%2089th%20birthday%20%282%29%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Poppy's 89th birthday (2)" border="0" alt="Poppy's 89th birthday (2)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TFdXdxBw8lI/AAAAAAAACNo/r2d_o0PUjgM/Poppy%27s%2089th%20birthday%20%282%29_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="385" height="290" /></a>   <p>One of his favorite deserts is cream puffs.  Do to lack of time I cheated and made a cream puff cake. It turned out really good, very easy, and tastes just like cream puffs. He was a good sport wearing the birthday hat! He says his goal is to get to 90 and after that he doesn't care. He is the only brother out of 6 to live this long. I consider myself very blessed to still have both my parents and they are pretty healthy.</p> Karen & Harry Shaakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07488307048082442643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3451016434329006562.post-2492216472890203712010-07-25T20:18:00.001-04:002010-07-25T20:18:16.943-04:00Chesapeake Thousand TrailsFrom July 6th to July 20th we spent some time in Chesapeake with a group of friends we met there several years ago. We had a great time despite the HOT & HUMID conditions. This was our schedule:  8:00 AM to 10:00 AM was Pickle-ball.                         10:00 AM to 11:00 AM the girls did water aerobics and the men stayed on the courts.                                   Then it was back to the camper for some lunch.       At 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM play pool volleyball and then float around in the pool till 4:00 PM talking.     Then it was back to the camper to shower and eat dinner.                                                                                            Meet at 7:00 PM in the game room for several hours of Pegs and Jokers or other games.                                   Each day repeat the same schedule and repeat each day for two weeks. <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TEzT4HroOuI/AAAAAAAACIc/qhGagHh_Czk/s1600-h/P7090002%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P7090002" border="0" alt="P7090002" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TEzT5LphDfI/AAAAAAAACIg/zt5ag47J7n0/P7090002_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="403" height="303" /></a></p> <p>Bob, George, Ralph, Mary, and Harry repairing the net that was wrecked by some kids the day before. Bob’s ingenuity was to use a fishing role to pull the broken rope through the top of the net. IT WORKED! After about 30 minutes of repair time we were out playing.<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TEzT6fjx-cI/AAAAAAAACIk/O7NZnxTb_j8/s1600-h/P7090005%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P7090005" border="0" alt="P7090005" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TEzT7AyfkPI/AAAAAAAACIo/J3fI2rEg3cI/P7090005_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="409" height="308" /></a> </p> <p>George goes for a ball while Ralph, Bob, and Mary look on. <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TEzT8kHv-NI/AAAAAAAACIs/1gLH2oGMX0Y/s1600-h/P7090010%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P7090010" border="0" alt="P7090010" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TEzT9rxIJYI/AAAAAAAACIw/teHSCcO4v9g/P7090010_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="414" height="311" /></a></p> <p>Jack and Daphne take on Harry and Jeff.<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TEzT_GUClTI/AAAAAAAACI0/Nwz4YPlMEYA/s1600-h/P7090011%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P7090011" border="0" alt="P7090011" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TEzT_wYBmAI/AAAAAAAACI4/mswZGWXd298/P7090011_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="420" height="316" /></a> </p> <p>Mike goes for the shot while Linda is ready to back him up.  Amy and Harry are ready for the return.  We really missed Ken and Faye being there! Mike pretended to be “Ken Jr” in his father’s absence.<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TEzUBb1GO-I/AAAAAAAACI8/dic3FjnIpFg/s1600-h/P7130029%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P7130029" border="0" alt="P7130029" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TEzUCf3nHmI/AAAAAAAACJA/ejDaItWtdtc/P7130029_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="424" height="319" /></a> </p> <p>On the left is a new couple to Pickle-ball, Jeff and Daphne. Watching them play you would not have known that they are new players, they are both so athletic. They are a wonderful couple and we had a great time with them, they joined us several nights for Pegs and Jokers. On the right of Harry is George. This is the first we met George and his wife Sally. She does not play Pickle-ball but she did join us for pool aerobics almost everyday.<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TEzUDiHdRhI/AAAAAAAACJE/06jkgf-SZtQ/s1600-h/P7090013%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P7090013" border="0" alt="P7090013" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TEzUEhb1TrI/AAAAAAAACJI/XlUOS7yhL0I/P7090013_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="426" height="320" /></a> </p> <p>Then it was into the pool for water aerobics. Faye it is not the same without you!<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TEzUFiKL2xI/AAAAAAAACJM/f_gngs296D8/s1600-h/P7090017%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P7090017" border="0" alt="P7090017" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TEzUGuTTXoI/AAAAAAAACJQ/Orro70g8OlM/P7090017_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="422" height="318" /></a> </p> <p>Mary, Denise, and myself  doing the wall exercises. Behind me are three new ladies that participated two days.<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TEzUHm2cQ2I/AAAAAAAACJU/jMW_Gj1E86Y/s1600-h/P7150034%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P7150034" border="0" alt="P7150034" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TEzUIcOyHjI/AAAAAAAACJY/zXSCvVxc0PE/P7150034_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="431" height="324" /></a> </p> <p>Then at night it was into the game room for Pegs & Jokers---and lots of laughs!                                               Starting at left front: Melvin, Mary, Smitty, Jeams, Harry, Annwyn, Ralph, “Mama”, Bob, and Karen (me).<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TEzUJzxLkfI/AAAAAAAACJc/czn_IAe1heo/s1600-h/P7110023%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P7110023" border="0" alt="P7110023" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TEzUK2icgSI/AAAAAAAACJk/DFLdQaijo9Q/P7110023_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="412" height="309" /></a> </p> <p>Bill and Denise were only able to stay for the first week, and here they are unhooking to go home. Sure did miss you two after you were gone.<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TEzUMlKqmyI/AAAAAAAACJo/MpaQo-U_C5I/s1600-h/P7180035%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P7180035" border="0" alt="P7180035" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TEzUNVE2UgI/AAAAAAAACJs/mTY6AhKDEnU/P7180035_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="410" height="308" /></a> </p> <p>Calvin and Colleen could not get away this year to join us due to work schedules and camper problems but they drove up to the campground for a day and we had a delicious cook-out. Harry and Calvin “swing” together as Colleen takes a nap. Bob make a wonderful pork loin on the open fire and everyone brought sides to share.  Boy did we eat good---and a lot.<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TEzUOz-eibI/AAAAAAAACJw/GgbqdA2rocE/s1600-h/P7090020%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P7090020" border="0" alt="P7090020" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TEzUP_hezFI/AAAAAAAACJ0/szCDLd19hzE/P7090020_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="426" height="320" /></a>  </p> <p>One evening we had a fish fry. Bob caught Croakers and he and Bill fried them up and we had fresh corn and lots of good things to go with it.                    Left around the table: Bill, Denise, Deb, Bob, Ralph, and Mary. Harry stands in the back.<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TEzUREr2CWI/AAAAAAAACJ4/1Se3HknshD0/s1600-h/P7190046%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P7190046" border="0" alt="P7190046" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TEzUR75zvPI/AAAAAAAACJ8/jAsECU6qDm4/P7190046_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="439" height="330" /></a> </p> <p>The last night before we left to come home several of us went to Jinny’s for the senior buffet night. $6.49 for all you can eat. The meal was great but as usual we ate too much. After the meal it was back to the game room for one last night of games.  It sure was a HOT but fun two weeks.</p> Karen & Harry Shaakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07488307048082442643noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3451016434329006562.post-68617770663303519002010-07-04T22:40:00.001-04:002010-07-04T22:40:36.850-04:00Day of GolfingSeveral weeks ago we had scheduled a golf day with my cousin, Cindy, and her husband Glen. Harry and Glen go golfing together and always have a good time so this time Cindy and I decided that we would go along with them and be their cart chauffeurs and ball spotters. We had a beautiful weather day with temperature about 85, very low humidity, and a light breeze. The guys choose a golf course that is out in the farm country with beautiful country views. <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TDFF_Kb_q3I/AAAAAAAACFA/eTLIFRqBWaI/s1600-h/P6180027%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P6180027" border="0" alt="P6180027" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TDFGALG9JUI/AAAAAAAACFE/uPWt8OVHUvk/P6180027_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="333" height="251" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TDFGBPNl2aI/AAAAAAAACFI/xMp2V3C6EOU/s1600-h/P6180002%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P6180002" border="0" alt="P6180002" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TDFGCFq4eiI/AAAAAAAACFM/7KdCf-SAXyQ/P6180002_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="337" height="254" /></a> </p> <p>Our carts are parked at the 1st tee and ready to go.<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TDFGDdBG2WI/AAAAAAAACFQ/SkLGjlEZi9Q/s1600-h/P6180015%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P6180015" border="0" alt="P6180015" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TDFGENU3HTI/AAAAAAAACFU/Ii6r3tNxb7I/P6180015_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="326" height="246" /></a> </p> <p>Glen takes a putt while Harry watches. Notice the open country views in the background.<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TDFGFsnRSdI/AAAAAAAACFY/-Ub9n-GFKmA/s1600-h/P6180011%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P6180011" border="0" alt="P6180011" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TDFGGtDePnI/AAAAAAAACFc/wov9p_zixk0/P6180011_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="354" height="266" /></a> </p> <p>Glen chooses a club while Cindy waits.<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TDFGIAkeROI/AAAAAAAACFg/mYy8H872chs/s1600-h/P6180026%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P6180026" border="0" alt="P6180026" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TDFGI-WxQYI/AAAAAAAACFk/XBOt3qtwqfg/P6180026_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="355" height="267" /></a> </p> <p>Harry and I in our cart.</p> <p style="width: 436px; height: 1%">Cindy and I had a great time talking and driving the guys around the course.                                         After golfing we went to Golden Oaks Restaurant for a nice dinner. It was such a beautiful warm evening that we were able to eat on the outside terrace. Then we returned to Glen and Cindy’s house and had desert---fresh homemade blueberry/blackberry pie---wonderful! It was a fun filled day.</p> Karen & Harry Shaakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07488307048082442643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3451016434329006562.post-38107774198337765572010-07-04T21:56:00.001-04:002010-07-04T21:56:23.066-04:00Shane’s BirthdayOur son-in-law had a birthday June 24th. Seems that the past several years we were always away at his birthday time so this year we had a small dinner get together to celebrate. His request was shrimp cocktail, steamed clams, and an ice cream cake. There were also several sides to go along with the entrees and the food disappeared before I could get a picture. I did manage to get the family together with his cake for a picture. <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TDE7w0wG0mI/AAAAAAAACEs/ZQQYMgFejPk/s1600-h/P6190043%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P6190043" border="0" alt="P6190043" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TDE7xnK69II/AAAAAAAACEw/oq7Vfh2i0fA/P6190043_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="416" height="313" /></a> </p> <p>Mackenzie, Kristy, Shane & Haley.</p> Karen & Harry Shaakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07488307048082442643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3451016434329006562.post-17617957651846551632010-07-03T21:55:00.001-04:002010-07-03T21:55:09.268-04:00Visiting FloridaFrom June 3rd to June 12th,  Harry and I took my parents by car to visit with my sisters in Florida. Both my sisters have moved to new homes and my parents had not seen them. The first day we drove to Orangeburg, S. C. and stopped overnight. The next day we drove to St. Augustine and made a stop at a friend of my mother’s. They have remained friends since they met in 2nd grade but in recent years they have not been able to see much of each other due to aging and health problems.<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TC_pqJM-a0I/AAAAAAAACCo/2FNAgcKEMqM/s1600-h/P6040002%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P6040002" border="0" alt="P6040002" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TC_prTlz9XI/AAAAAAAACCs/j27-xPAT4v4/P6040002_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="322" /></a>   <p>My mother is on the right and her friend, Kathryn, is on the left. We had a nice visit for several hours but had to get on the road to my sister in Melbourne where we were expected for dinner. As we made the drive the Florida skies opened and we had torrential rain almost the entire way for two hours.<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TC_pstCnzNI/AAAAAAAACCw/GI1ufCpFswU/s1600-h/P6060014%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P6060014" border="0" alt="P6060014" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TC_ptY_2iKI/AAAAAAAACC0/U09K4gHo9O0/P6060014_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="402" height="303" /></a> Here are my parents at my sister’s house in Melbourne. It is in a very nice adult community with wonderful facilities and activities.<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TC_pueVKviI/AAAAAAAACC4/wxojcvfUZHw/s1600-h/P6070030%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P6070030" border="0" alt="P6070030" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TC_pvGDTmRI/AAAAAAAACC8/rOnS-c_W_Vw/P6070030_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="403" height="303" /></a> </p> <p> <p>Starting at left: Harry, Dorothy (my sister), Margaret (my mother), Sugar (the dog),  Marty (I call him my brother-in-law), and Ed (my father) sitting in the living room. We stayed with my sister and Marty for 3 days and had a great time. Unfortunately the weather was so hot we didn’t get to spend much time on their new patio/birdcage area.  <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TC_pweDpKeI/AAAAAAAACDA/DrqIVsIgeUM/s1600-h/P6060023%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P6060023" border="0" alt="P6060023" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TC_pxWJJViI/AAAAAAAACDE/XIBiUsuZjf8/P6060023_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="393" height="296" /></a>           One evening for dinner I got to go to one of my favorite  restaurants—Carraba’s. We do not have any locally in Pa. so I always request to go there when I am close to one.                                                                                              On Monday we drove from Melbourne to The Villages where my other sister and her husband have bought a house and retired to. Along the way we detoured and showed my parents the Thousand Trails park near Orlando where we spend time in the winter. We arrived at The Villages in time for happy-hour! <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TC_pynl3ZhI/AAAAAAAACDI/sxgjPkOBOM8/s1600-h/Folks%20visit%206-2010%20032%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Folks visit 6-2010 032" border="0" alt="Folks visit 6-2010 032" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TC_pzYezT_I/AAAAAAAACDM/ZfTQBSRpLrE/Folks%20visit%206-2010%20032_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="353" height="266" /></a> </p> <p>My sister’s daughter April and her husband Tim were also visiting at the same time. They have a beautiful daughter, Emma, and a cute little dog, Molly. This was the first time my parents got to meet their great-granddaughter.<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TC_p0RIcj8I/AAAAAAAACDQ/Rkr1x3VgM74/s1600-h/Folks%20visit%206-2010%20017%20%282%29%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Folks visit 6-2010 017 (2)" border="0" alt="Folks visit 6-2010 017 (2)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TC_p1IYvQHI/AAAAAAAACDU/tQ9mqMGT_f0/Folks%20visit%206-2010%20017%20%282%29_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="373" height="281" /></a> </p> Just “the girls” went to the Tea Plantation to enjoy a nice lunch and some fun conversation.<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TC_p2gyyG0I/AAAAAAAACDY/CDY4WMe5SSA/s1600-h/P6080110%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P6080110" border="0" alt="P6080110" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TC_p3Xm8L-I/AAAAAAAACDc/4Y0mfj8lWfg/P6080110_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="378" height="294" /></a> </p> <p>My father will be 89 in July and can no longer play golf, but he still enjoys a ride in the cart with my brother-in-law, Tom.<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TC_p4kEHYBI/AAAAAAAACDg/fpp2agCbJlg/s1600-h/P6080111%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P6080111" border="0" alt="P6080111" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TC_p5XTPjuI/AAAAAAAACDk/X2tTogUcvuI/P6080111_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="407" /></a> </p> <p>My mother is 87 and this was her very first ride ever in a golf cart! Her driver is my sister, Janet. Tom and Janet took advantage of a beautiful warm evening to take them on a tour of  The Villages.<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TC_p6aV5FBI/AAAAAAAACDo/alOjo0RN-Lg/s1600-h/P6080053%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P6080053" border="0" alt="P6080053" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TC_p7N_Jd8I/AAAAAAAACDs/r81kIZ0BOr8/P6080053_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="414" height="317" /></a> </p> <p>One morning we got up early to get in a few games of Pickle-ball. Janet and Tom have just started playing since living here and we were anxious to play together. <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TC_p8Hd51kI/AAAAAAAACDw/U9wl38QtP8U/s1600-h/P6080063%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P6080063" border="0" alt="P6080063" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TC_p8-GmVVI/AAAAAAAACD0/k3KdPBdKUUQ/P6080063_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="421" height="287" /></a> </p> <p>Tim, April, and Emma came along also. Tim and April got to see what the game was about and play for the first time.<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TC_p-PjXJwI/AAAAAAAACD4/SxIv9sAHPnI/s1600-h/P6080061%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P6080061" border="0" alt="P6080061" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/TC_p--T-AiI/AAAAAAAACD8/5dJZMOzcwE0/P6080061_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="401" height="300" /></a> </p> <p> <p>And Harry and I got to entertain Emma while they played! Doesn't she look so cute in Harry’s hat. Can you tell how much Harry enjoys having little ones around? </p> <p>It was so good to play Pickle-ball and now we got to see how nice the courts are here at The Villages. Remarkably there was no one else playing.</p> <p> <p>One afternoon we went to several open houses that are for sale. One was VERY  impressive and it sure would be fun to stay here. The activity list is endless—and then there is Pickle-ball! After 3 days it was time to return to Pa.. </p> <p style="width: 435px; height: 1%">We all had a great visit and I was happy that we were able to get my parents down to see the houses and my sisters.</p></p></p> Karen & Harry Shaakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07488307048082442643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3451016434329006562.post-88926364619219667482010-05-22T17:31:00.001-04:002010-05-22T17:31:33.487-04:00Haley’s 7th BirthdayOn May 21st our granddaughter Haley had her 7th birthday. She is the granddaughter who had been so sick last fall but has made a full recovery. In March she had her tonsils out and the doctor feels that by removing them she will not have the large amount of strep throats and other illnesses she had been getting---lets hope he is right. She wanted a bowling party for her celebration. I was having problems with my camera and was very disappointed with the pictures—not to mention that every time I went to take a picture the subject moved!<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/S_hNAKHlM9I/AAAAAAAABu4/aG8r8nTAJ7I/s1600-h/P5220012%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P5220012" border="0" alt="P5220012" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/S_hNBG0OKMI/AAAAAAAABu8/X_J7BwWdW_k/P5220012_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" height="306" /></a>   <p style="width: 439px; height: 1%">Here she is with her “flip-flop” birthday cake.</p> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/S_hNDJL1brI/AAAAAAAABvA/cuz1Gxce-vA/s1600-h/P5220008%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P5220008" border="0" alt="P5220008" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/S_hNEECb_GI/AAAAAAAABvE/Kqul7AhNJHk/P5220008_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="398" height="299" /></a> <p>Pizza time. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/S_hNFiqdhdI/AAAAAAAABvI/5tqf6FyFjPE/s1600-h/P5220026%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P5220026" border="0" alt="P5220026" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/S_hNGpxl-dI/AAAAAAAABvM/L5p-RhcaH7U/P5220026_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="300" /></a></p> <p>Some of her friends in the bowling alley.<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/S_hNI1sj2TI/AAAAAAAABvQ/naOzs0zbzdY/s1600-h/P5220039%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P5220039" border="0" alt="P5220039" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/S_hNKDXtIoI/AAAAAAAABvU/hQks8ByFC14/P5220039_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="394" height="354" /></a> </p> <p>She is growing up so fast.<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/S_hNLkIaGSI/AAAAAAAABvY/vIsshmMaYgY/s1600-h/P5220028%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P5220028" border="0" alt="P5220028" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/S_hNNGerWmI/AAAAAAAABvc/ISqkvPKqKN0/P5220028_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="391" height="295" /></a> </p> <p> <p>Her little sister Mackenzie bowls too. The kids had lots of fun.</p> <p>Happy Birthday Haley---and Many More!!!!!</p></p> Karen & Harry Shaakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07488307048082442643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3451016434329006562.post-10978770047916931232010-05-16T16:52:00.000-04:002010-05-22T16:53:39.516-04:00Spring Plant AuctionEvery May one of the local fire companies has an auction to raise money. There are some donated household items, garden equipment, swing sets, local made Amish quilts, tools, and many kinds of plants, scrubs, trees, and bedding plants. This auction is close to Shady Maple Smorgasbord—for any of you who have been to Hershey TT may have been there. We always try to attend to buy hanging baskets and other plants. It can get pretty full because there are some good prices—depending on who you are biding against. I also enjoy going to watch all the Amish and Mennonite people who come to buy. The little children are so cute in their flowered dresses and the little boys with their black hats and trousers. Most of them do not wear shoes but now you see more and more with flip flops or crocks! <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/S_hEIiTaF6I/AAAAAAAABuQ/rEG9oT--jQ8/s1600-h/0515000825%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="0515000825" border="0" alt="0515000825" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/S_hEK-B55qI/AAAAAAAABuU/zhmjdE6u-o0/0515000825_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="405" height="305" /></a> </p> <p>Lots come by horse and buggy.<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/S_hEM3-coaI/AAAAAAAABuY/0clBEZ6ElZk/s1600-h/0515001403%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="0515001403" border="0" alt="0515001403" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/S_hENwhrNZI/AAAAAAAABuc/HmTFLRBw41Q/0515001403_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="407" height="307" /></a> </p> <p>Many come by bike with boxes attached to carry items home.<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/S_hEQK7Uq-I/AAAAAAAABug/fgfgp_hM-q0/s1600-h/0515000829%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="0515000829" border="0" alt="0515000829" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/S_hERS7S8sI/AAAAAAAABuk/CVURph3hl0Q/0515000829_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="410" height="308" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/S_hETG1v83I/AAAAAAAABus/qmoLtkXgOMw/s1600-h/0515000829a%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="0515000829a" border="0" alt="0515000829a" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/S_hEUULkuyI/AAAAAAAABuw/2atStg43DQ4/0515000829a_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" height="312" /></a> </p> <p> <p>There was wagons and wagons of flowers. I was able to get 6 hanging baskets at a pretty good price of $9 a piece. Nice large baskets too. Now I just have to keep them alive!</p></p> Karen & Harry Shaakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07488307048082442643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3451016434329006562.post-88028182306818988342010-05-15T16:26:00.000-04:002010-05-22T16:27:13.673-04:00Taco Night—May 14thLast Friday we had plans to get together with friends, Cindy(also my cousin) & Glen. The guys had plans to golf and Cindy and I were going along to be the golf cart drivers. Then we would go to dinner after golfing but mother nature had other plans and she decided to have it rain. So they came to our house and Cindy brought along all the fixins for taco salads. We had a great visit. There was lots of catching up to do since we had not seen them since January before our trip.<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/S_g-Cas0I7I/AAAAAAAABuA/6Fz55QWrJT8/s1600-h/P5140001%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P5140001" border="0" alt="P5140001" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/S_g-FWEcBDI/AAAAAAAABuE/4_ZQCaC9wwk/P5140001_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="403" height="303" /></a> <p>Harry, Glen and Cindy already into their salads—notice my plate is still empty—I’ll have to make mine and eat fast to catch up to them.<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/S_g-Gq5MNCI/AAAAAAAABuI/KGj8XLVEBso/s1600-h/P5140004%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P5140004" border="0" alt="P5140004" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/S_g-IMCIf8I/AAAAAAAABuM/WwOrCpH1hFI/P5140004_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="408" height="246" /></a> </p> <p> <p>Now that is a BIG salad. They were delicious.</p> <p>After we ate we played cards. Cindy and Glen are the only other couple that we know that play Housey.  It is always guys against the girls and guess who always wins---the guys. Cindy and I are always too busy gabbing to pay attention to the cards being played. But we always have a good time and lots of laughs. </p> And, we rescheduled the golf for another day.</p> Karen & Harry Shaakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07488307048082442643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3451016434329006562.post-72310372985705613772010-05-07T23:01:00.000-04:002010-05-08T23:02:11.023-04:00Home Again—May 6thOn Thursday it was time to pack up the camper and head home after almost four months on the road. It was hard to believe the last three weeks at Hershey just flew by. We had such a wonderful trip—despite some cold and gloomy weather. We are so blessed to have the lifestyle we do and can travel this beautiful world the Lord has created for us to enjoy. The time we got to spend with old and new friends along the way is priceless. In all total the miles we traveled were 5,136. That was just with the motor home. There were many more miles put on the car as we traveled around to all our sight seeing areas. <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/S-YlrS82gKI/AAAAAAAABbE/7Jqk1Bqrat8/s1600-h/Hershey%204-2010%20001%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Hershey 4-2010 001" border="0" alt="Hershey 4-2010 001" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/S-YlsclDxbI/AAAAAAAABbI/u0K02piH7Cs/Hershey%204-2010%20001_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="403" height="304" /></a> </p> <p> <p>It was good to be home to see all our family again. The house was still standing after four months and lots of snow while we were gone. Everything was in bloom and looked really pretty. Now it is back to house and yard work!</p></p> Karen & Harry Shaakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07488307048082442643noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3451016434329006562.post-17378334536232907722010-05-06T22:46:00.000-04:002010-05-08T22:47:13.463-04:00Friends VisitOn Sunday our friends, and neighbors around the corner at home, came to join us for a few days at Hershey. They were lucky enough to get a site next to us. <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/S-YiFzAv-aI/AAAAAAAABas/vxJaGG3XDNU/s1600-h/End%20Hershey%20015%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="End Hershey 015" border="0" alt="End Hershey 015" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/S-YiG6deHbI/AAAAAAAABaw/OsNcdgwFNOQ/End%20Hershey%20015_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="412" height="310" /></a> </p> <p>Grant is grilling dinner and Carol is bringing the rest of their meal to join us for dinner.<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/S-YiIEc-AVI/AAAAAAAABa0/SMpKxKaE7co/s1600-h/End%20Hershey%20012%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="End Hershey 012" border="0" alt="End Hershey 012" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/S-YiJfQXbCI/AAAAAAAABa4/Vy5Q2E_O2q4/End%20Hershey%20012_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="412" height="310" /></a> </p> <p>She doesn't look too interested but actually Kate likes “the boys”, Rusty and Indy their two very large labs.<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/S-YiK1wALII/AAAAAAAABa8/tamnRl4RK38/s1600-h/End%20Hershey%20020%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="End Hershey 020" border="0" alt="End Hershey 020" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/S-YiL-KD1fI/AAAAAAAABbA/TqReiPUwhXM/End%20Hershey%20020_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="418" height="314" /></a> </p> <p>On Wednesday we celebrated Cinco de Mayo together and invited Carlton and Dawn to join us. Our daughter Amy also came to celebrate as she has known Carol and Grant for several years before we did. I did not get a food picture but it was all very good. We had several Mexican themed dips and drinks followed by chicken enchiladas and seafood nachos. After dinner we had a fire and of course toasted marshmallows. It was a very filling and fun evening.</p> Karen & Harry Shaakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07488307048082442643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3451016434329006562.post-77862270312196703682010-05-04T22:22:00.000-04:002010-05-08T22:23:57.886-04:00Basket MakingLast summer while at Hershey TT I learned that Carlton had a wonderful talent for making pine needle baskets. I asked him if he would show me how to make them and he was happy to share his knowledge. Since we extended our stay till May 6th it turned out to be a good time for some lessons.<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/S-Ycnu0AUvI/AAAAAAAABaM/z9674zsrx80/s1600-h/End%20Hershey%20002%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="End Hershey 002" border="0" alt="End Hershey 002" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/S-Ycoph_RDI/AAAAAAAABaQ/GqGMRVSCHmE/End%20Hershey%20002_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="394" height="296" /></a> <p>Here we are at the 1st lesson. I thought it was going pretty well………………………………………but ….</p> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/S-Ycp3PMDUI/AAAAAAAABaU/Riam1tD_a60/s1600-h/End%20Hershey%20007%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="End Hershey 007" border="0" alt="End Hershey 007" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/S-Ycq3TwfSI/AAAAAAAABaY/M_SRdYkOc0c/End%20Hershey%20007_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="395" height="297" /></a> <p>I guess the teacher didn’t agree!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</p> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/S-YcsCtOlmI/AAAAAAAABac/SE6A_Nc4wAo/s1600-h/End%20Hershey%20008%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="End Hershey 008" border="0" alt="End Hershey 008" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/S-YctH26bAI/AAAAAAAABag/pC1cDDPWWuo/End%20Hershey%20008_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="366" height="276" /></a> <p>At least we kept Dawn entertained for the afternoon.<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/S-Ycucyva0I/AAAAAAAABak/I_4JFApkcRY/s1600-h/End%20Hershey%20019%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="End Hershey 019" border="0" alt="End Hershey 019" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/S-YcvIB6FDI/AAAAAAAABao/7XhmYks1ooE/End%20Hershey%20019_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="369" height="278" /></a> </p> <p style="width: 436px; height: 1%">After two weeks of lessons---and several between lesson questions and visits to Carlton’s RV---here is the finished product with student and teacher. Thanks Carlton (and Dawn too) for your patience and all the time you took to teach me this craft. I’m very proud of the basket and it will always remind me of the special friend who helped me do it.</p> Karen & Harry Shaakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07488307048082442643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3451016434329006562.post-28593480964308188032010-04-26T20:43:00.001-04:002010-04-26T20:43:08.421-04:00Still in Hershey—April 26thThe last weekend in April is always the fishing rodeo at Thousand Trails here in Hershey.  We had friends coming for the weekend so decided to stay longer. The weather Friday and Saturday was nice but the rain moved in during the night Saturday and Sunday was cold and damp.   <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/S9Yy5vHou5I/AAAAAAAABNc/1EO7j4bK6qw/s1600-h/Hershey%204-2010%20015%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Hershey 4-2010 015" border="0" alt="Hershey 4-2010 015" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/S9Yy8cZnllI/AAAAAAAABNg/RnGpPa7yOp8/Hershey%204-2010%20015_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="423" height="318" /></a> </p> <p>Here are Tom, Harry, Steve (sitting on log), Amber and Christy at the lake fishing. The lake is stocked with Trout before the weekend but this year the fishing wasn't good. However, the little Sunfish were biting and Amber, 6 years old, won the prize for the most fish caught in her age bracket. <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/S9Yy_J9pT0I/AAAAAAAABNk/tUPyvMyAG1c/s1600-h/Hershey%204-2010%20020%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Hershey 4-2010 020" border="0" alt="Hershey 4-2010 020" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/S9YzBOTn5bI/AAAAAAAABNo/Nn7H0XxEEkI/Hershey%204-2010%20020_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="410" height="309" /></a> </p> <p>Amber with one of total 13 fish! Way to go Amber.<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/S9YzErVRXcI/AAAAAAAABNs/bZberhFD5SI/s1600-h/Hershey%204-2010%20005%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Hershey 4-2010 005" border="0" alt="Hershey 4-2010 005" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/S9YzGrmkpkI/AAAAAAAABNw/RrdeIRfNnH4/Hershey%204-2010%20005_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="391" height="294" /></a> </p> <p>Tom is always the “fire master” when we are together. We have had some great times and laughs sitting around the fire. We also eat well—and a lot. Thanks Tom & Loraine for a good—and long overdue visit.</p> Karen & Harry Shaakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07488307048082442643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3451016434329006562.post-37342491569294155152010-04-18T11:31:00.001-04:002010-04-18T11:31:10.730-04:00Happy Birthday CarltonFriday we spent time doing some much needed work. After dinner we planned to spend time catching up and talking about our trip west with friends Carlton & Dawn. They have been a great inspiration to us and our travels. Many of the places we went and things we saw they have recommended. We learned it was Carlton’s birthday today so we bought a small cake to celebrate. Little did we know that Dawn had cake too! <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/S8slpoFk4iI/AAAAAAAABCs/iiz0Ya9dmvM/s1600-h/Into%20Pa%20028%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Into Pa 028" border="0" alt="Into Pa 028" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/S8slq7XDQGI/AAAAAAAABCw/TNMcLtbj46w/Into%20Pa%20028_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" height="312" /></a> <p>Two cakes are better than one—right?</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/S8slteN_5yI/AAAAAAAABC0/-x-W7Ty_aQo/s1600-h/Into%20Pa%20032%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Into Pa 032" border="0" alt="Into Pa 032" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/S8slu9zOJyI/AAAAAAAABC4/dGJXdH-sjBA/Into%20Pa%20032_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="375" height="324" /></a> </p> <p> <p>         Happy Birthday Carlton!</p> <p></p> Thanks for letting us help you celebrate---and thanks for all the great travel advise.</p> Karen & Harry Shaakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07488307048082442643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3451016434329006562.post-68215858369349304392010-04-18T11:17:00.001-04:002010-04-18T11:17:21.481-04:00Heading North—April 14th On Wednesday morning we took the tour at the Freightliner Chassis Factory and it was so interesting. What a production!  After the tour it was time to leave and drive north. It was a sunny warm day and a very nice drive with all the trees in bloom. <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/S8sh3mbUWrI/AAAAAAAABB0/kWdXDadmw88/s1600-h/Into%20Pa%20021%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Into Pa 021" border="0" alt="Into Pa 021" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/S8sh6KyF_KI/AAAAAAAABB8/HFL6l4mmaXs/Into%20Pa%20021_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="437" height="329" /></a> </p> <p>We stopped overnight at Natural Bridge, Va. <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/S8sh9nQgbDI/AAAAAAAABCA/kUvsqHoDWZw/s1600-h/Into%20Pa%20010%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Into Pa 010" border="0" alt="Into Pa 010" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/S8sh_khwpCI/AAAAAAAABCE/aJ48rzF3QwA/Into%20Pa%20010_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="438" height="330" /></a> </p> <p>Thursday  we drove the remainder of the way north and into Pa.<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/S8siBgrWFKI/AAAAAAAABCM/1hwk0BLyl_g/s1600-h/Into%20Pa%20023%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Into Pa 023" border="0" alt="Into Pa 023" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/S8siDJiyRDI/AAAAAAAABCQ/sbZBwL20HJk/Into%20Pa%20023_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="438" height="300" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/S8siEj_2s9I/AAAAAAAABCU/C8piNKP6oRc/s1600-h/Into%20Pa%20008%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Into Pa 008" border="0" alt="Into Pa 008" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/S8siF54-u5I/AAAAAAAABCY/Mnb-b6etYQA/Into%20Pa%20008_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="409" height="308" /></a></p> <p></p> <p>Kate always watches to see if we are going the right way!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/S8siU6IYFUI/AAAAAAAABCc/gmgWBsgGP5A/s1600-h/image%5B4%5D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/S8sibqxu9RI/AAAAAAAABCg/LZApgpeDdZk/image_thumb%5B2%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="406" height="305" /></a> </p> <p>These purple blooming trees were just so beautiful and they seemed to line both sides of the road from North Carolina to Pa.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/S8sieVXxikI/AAAAAAAABCk/B0QfDrGu55U/s1600-h/Into%20Pa%20027%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Into Pa 027" border="0" alt="Into Pa 027" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/S8sif6J_mGI/AAAAAAAABCo/32fZwGmlQBU/Into%20Pa%20027_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="417" height="313" /></a> </p> <p>Our plan was to stop in Hershey for a night or two to relax and flush our tanks well before going home. We were able to get a very nice free 50 amp site—and close to Carlton & Dawn.  We just may have to extend our visit!</p> Karen & Harry Shaakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07488307048082442643noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3451016434329006562.post-71558386971694074992010-04-13T19:10:00.001-04:002010-04-13T19:10:21.851-04:00Freightliner Chassis—April 11-14On Sunday we left Carolina landing and drove 90 miles north on I-85 to Gaffney, South Carolina home of the Freightliner Custom Chassis Service Center. While at the Freightliner Rally Harry learned that there is some maintenance needed on our chassis so we decided to make a stop and see if they could fit us in. There is also a class called Camp Freightliner that lasts two days and you learn all you ever need to know about Freightliner Chassis’. The classes were full so we planned to be here Monday and then head north. When we checked in early Monday morning the receptionist said they could fit us in and we would be second on the list. Then she told Harry that there was a no-show for the classes and if he wanted to he could do the two day class. Everything seemed to be falling into place! <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/S8T5qt0VXbI/AAAAAAAAA_c/_0hOm7KPddw/s1600-h/Freightliner%20003%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Freightliner 003" border="0" alt="Freightliner 003" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/S8T5rxY8uDI/AAAAAAAAA_g/sQT_cxgW8nQ/Freightliner%20003_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="325" height="301" /></a> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/S8T5t7xT4nI/AAAAAAAAA_k/iNsFmyeDRXg/s1600-h/Freightliner%20038%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Freightliner 038" border="0" alt="Freightliner 038" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/S8T5vK0_pmI/AAAAAAAAA_o/6aJ9sKkbcbs/Freightliner%20038_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="349" height="263" /></a> <p></p> <p>Here at the service center they have 20 RV hook-ups with 50 amp service. There is easy access to water and dump on the property. RVs can stay free when getting service or attending the class.</p> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/S8T5xXw66lI/AAAAAAAAA_s/KNAxGpJj4gY/s1600-h/Freightliner%20036%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Freightliner 036" border="0" alt="Freightliner 036" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/S8T5zG_gm0I/AAAAAAAAA_w/IqaaQZ_BZUM/Freightliner%20036_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="353" height="266" /></a> </p> <p>Here we are in our site.</p> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/S8T51hB7CoI/AAAAAAAAA_0/pNVRPtwux30/s1600-h/Freightliner%20033%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Freightliner 033" border="0" alt="Freightliner 033" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_z-023OTfolY/S8T522Kii-I/AAAAAAAAA_4/P_5yuqWqACI/Freightliner%20033_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="355" height="267" /></a> <p> <p>Monday afternoon the camper went in for service. All the mechanics are factory trained and certified. They are all so pleasant and take great care not to soil the couch. I would highly recommend this place to anyone needing service.  The class is all day Monday and Tuesday. On Wednesday morning there is a tour of the factory where we will get to see the Freightliner chassis’ being made. Then it will be time to head further north.  </p></p> Karen & Harry Shaakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07488307048082442643noreply@blogger.com0