Looking back we all have our most memorable Christmas. Whether it was a favorite gift, happening, person present, or place you were it just keeps coming up as a special time. Mine was the year I was 7; for some reason my Mother went over-board with gifts for me, I got a doll, a baking set and a doll carriage. Now for some people that would not seem like much, but for our family that was a BIG Christmas. My parents weren’t wealthy and I know that something was sacrificed for me to have all that. I think it had to do with my age and the fact that Mother thought I needed that stuff then. As I watch the grands get bigger I realize they are out-growing certain toys (and it breaks my heart) so if you don’t grasp the moment the fun will be gone. That doesn’t necessarily have only to do with material stuff but with making memories in things you do with them. Recently I had the privilege to keep to Great-grands that live in Maine, we took them to Chocolate World and had a good time but I know that in 2 or 3 years that just won’t do it. So grasp the moment.
Christmas Shopping Then and Now
When I was a little girl I had a Christmas Savings Account that each week I would go to the bank and give them 10 cents and they would stamp my book and tear out the page. Then about December 15th I would get a check in the mail for $5, that was my shopping money. I lived in the country but we went to town every Friday and that is when I shopped. In those days I would go to stores all by myself, it was quite safe in Mount Joy, and off I would go to the few stores that were there. I got gifts for my parents, brothers and most of all my dolls (they were very real to me). The $5 covered that, looking back it seems unreal, but there was a five and dime in town and it really was a place to buy things for a nickle and dime, so the money stretched.
Now I shop online and only go to the mall if I must. The shoppes in Mount Joy have changed completely but we do have some that offer nice gifts that aren’t costly. A few years ago I bought most of my gifts in town at those neat shoppes. This year I made something for everyone so the shopping is minimal. I can’t tell what it is just in case my kids or grands actually read this 
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Civil War in PA 150 year
2013 will be the 150th year since the battle of Gettysburg. Before the troops got to Gettysburg they tried to cross the Susquehanna River at Wrightsville. The goal was to reach Philadelphia, Harrisburg and other key locations. The residents of Columbia (just a little river town) stopped the advancement by burning the bridge that connected Wrightsville with Columbia. Columbia will be celebrating this event on the actual date of the burning. June 28, 2013. Civil War buffs can come and experience this event before going on to Gettysburg for the celebration there. Plan now.
Farm Fair Season
It’s that time of year, I can already feel it as I sit outside in the evening; the humidity is lower, the evenings are cooler and the crickets are chirping, it must be time for the fairs to begin. All of this is right on schedule because next week the 20th – 25th it is the first farm fair, Elizabethttown, a lovely town just 6 miles from us. You can get up close and personal with farm animals, taste food till you think you will burst, view arts and crafts done by locals, and observe people ( I find this very interesting).
In Lancaster County we are unique in that instead of a County Fair we have 8 local fairs with the first being Aug. 20-25 (mentioned above) and the last one October 8-12. Pick a time and come we have a fair almost every week somewhere. If this is the reason for coming be sure to ask.
This weekend in Lancaster County
You need time away to just have fun.
If you are the busy person that can’t sit still why not try Civil War Days at Landis Valley. Are you the person that wants to sit back and watch the world go by? How about a balcony overlooking the farm lands? Do you need a bottle of wine to go with that? Ahhh, dinner to finish it off. We have many suggestions if these don’t do it
Masonic Village- Elizabethtown, PA – Lancaster County
Masonic Village is a retirement community located about 6 miles from us. It has gorgeous grounds and wonderful care given to its residents. My brother lived there for about 4 years and I was always delighted to visit because with each season the grounds were highlighted with flowers, and the interior was decorated beautifully. If your coming this way to visit friend or family at Masonic Village give us a call.
Memorial Day Activities
The first big holiday of the summer and you can come early and enjoy it all. You want to take a few lessons from the Amish way of cooking? Well, go to Good Cooking Store and learn how they make such good food. You might have to rearrange how you feel about butter and sugar . Then for more food go to The Great Pennsylvania FlavorFest to taste, watch and enjoy a great day. I think by Sunday you just deserve a day to kick back and do nothing except maybe watch the river flow by, and I have just the places to send to enjoy that.
Katie’s Kitchen
Lancaster County has a very unique dining option called Katie’s Kitchen. About 5 years ago an Old Order Amish family bought a Freeze and Frizz and made it into a small restaurant which has homemade food that is really simple and delicious. Most of the girls who wait tables are Amish. The food is fresh and wonderful.
Spring is here
Okay, maybe not officially but my crocous (sp) are peeping out of the ground so the blooms will not be far behind. The weather has been phenomenal. Come to Lancaster County and play in the sunshine.
Happy Valentine’s Day
You might think of Valentines just for couple, but I see it as a time for telling people close to us we love them. Think of the neighbor that is all alone, why not drop off a card (no need to buy it, have the kids do something or even use the leftovers from school) and put a piece of candy with it. Another thing all people need is a hug, its free and you will receive a hug back. People who have lost a mate yearn for the hug, they feel very alone. Take the reaching step and you will be amazed at what it does for you.