July Ends in Lancaster County

I thought I had better post this week’s happenings. Not that they’re much to speak of, but family and friends are wondering if all is OK once again as my daily posts have diminished to weekly. It’s  just the idea that staying put in one arena for much of the summer hasn’t allowed for enough excitement to stir you, the reader. For instance, mornings until Friday are composed of bicycling, a bit of weight-lifting, walking to the post office, and commiserating with other friends and workers here at the campground. Afternoons are spent either on the golf course or watching Xavier sleep, eat, and smile. I have to admit I never thought I would be the commonplace grandfather, doting on his every move. And I don’t think that point has come, yet, when I see that little lad smile, my heart melts and he could have the world if it were in my power. As of late, I’ve been playing golf with Erin, and with a few shared ideas and pointers she’s now outdriving me off the tee. This week she will hit from the men’s tees at my insistance. As always, she’s a natural athlete and I wonder where those genes come from. The second half of the week has us back at the cafe, although it’s still enjoyable enough that it’s almost not work, more of a social experience. If it weren’t for the terrazzo floors wearing on my aging hips and knees, it’s a duty that I could easily do daily. We’ve mastered the knack of preparation and now the daily routine is done almost instinctively. It must still be fun, for I have no idea where June and July have gone. And the growing number of new acquaintances and friendships make this life rich beyond accounting.

 

 

 

 

 

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Visitors Welcome

After Robin went to babysit the remainder of my week was typical. Ken and I played golf as we have a standing date every Tuesday. Ken  works the pool while his wife Pat does her workamper stint in the office. I repeated the adventure again on Wednesday and had the best round of my life. This was short-lived as the weekend proved this to be a once in a blue moon score. In between, the pool has provided much needed relief from the hot spell we’re experiencing once again this July. Back to work on Thursday and a phone call from sister Lisa that she will be visiting us this weekend. An additional call came unexpected as Judy and Stoney Neal from Florida were headed this way to spend some time with us as they trek through to northwest PA. Judy tried to get into Lake In Wood for the weekend but we’re all booked up, so they had to find an alternative campground. It was great to spend time with my sister this weekend. Dining at the Gnome Cafe, canvassing the Amish countryside, and shopping the little out-of-the-way stores, made her visit pleasant while we worked and couldn’t spend time with her. I did however, get to chauffeur her and Robin around the countryside in search of even more purchasing venues after work. Upon our return, Judy had mentioned that her and Stoney would be over for a Saturday night festive occasion. After pleasantries and stories filling us in on the months since leaving Florida, Judy pulled out the electric accordion. Now this is not your father’s accordion. It’s a one man band machine that resonates sounds only a master could produce. Judy serenaded us for a while as the Simonson’s showed up as well for the evening entertainment. Soon it was the Neubauer’s and then the Noyle’s, Bill and Camille from across the street, passersby, and Kim and Jeff Wert drove down from up the hill and Jeff accompanied Judy with his acoustic guitar. In short time, a concert was being held impromptu at our site, and the crowd of about 20 meant that they was standing room only. The performance lasted until 10 as Judy performed request after request, crooning to many as her striking voice continued to pique our interest. Quiet hours began and the crowd dispersed, with hugs, and smiles and pats on the back. Judy and Robin attended services on Sunday morning as she was mesmerized by the pipe organ that I had showed her earlier and wanted to hear Michelle, daughter of Klaas and Judy, parlay her talents into the massive organ. Lisa and I sneaked off for one final round prior to work. After lunch, she returned West, noting that the visit was far greater than any expectations could have held. This was all I needed to hear as providing a good host is tantamount to my days.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Categories: Campgrounds, Full Time RVing, Fun Things To Do, People, Workamping | 2 Comments

Monday Bachelorhood

Today begins first Monday bachelorhood. More on that later in the post. By now, we’re in full swing manning the Gnome Cafe during our stay at Lake In Wood Camping Resort. We ‘re working the Thursday 2 to 9 shift and then we roll right back in on Friday morning at 7 until 2 pm. Those back to backs take some getting used to. The knees and hips just don’t seem to be performing as they did a few years ago. On Saturday and Sunday we alternate weekends. One finds us working the 7 to 2 pm. shift and the alternate weekend we’re summoned for the 2 to 9 pm. stint. The work days go fast. There are always new campers to feed and meeting new people on a daily basis makes hovering over the grill more of a hobby than a chore. When we’re not behind the counter, we spend time on the links, playing golf on an average of 2 times a week. Hawk Valley Golf Course is under new management and they’ve done considerable improvements this year. Mowing more often allows me to find my ball much easier as I don’t always locate the fairways with each tee shot. I’m still walking my daily five however, I’ve discovered that I burn far more calories riding a bicycle than the walking in much less time. I’m giving the wheels a chance to prove their command over my waistline as opposed to the walking. We may just have found a way to save the knees and hips a bit longer. Robin’s bone on bone in the left knee is ready for another injection but the orthopedic group can’t get her in until the first week in August. So I don’t push her to get out there as Yellow Hill Road is just too steep and without a miniscus, it just adds to her discomfort. We’re finding we spend less time running around and sightseeing than we did last year. Perhaps it’s because we’ve made several more friends and much of the down time is spent cruising the park in our golf cart and espousing my bullshit to whomever will listen. I’ve done some portraits here in the resort and next week I’ve been commissioned to shoot some newlyweds. The word of mouth has given rise to my budding photographic career.


Oh, by the way we traded the Enclave this past week for a Chevy Avalanche. It feels good to be back in a truck once again. I must quit this fascination I have with purchasing vehicles. I counted them. This is the sixth one since we retired three years ago. Can I blame it on my arrested adolescence? I think not. Perhaps its my attention deficit disorder manifesting itself into high gear as I approach my seventh decade? Naw, I believe it’s because I’m never satisfied unless I have some quest to meet. Nevertheless, it’s damn fun, albeit an expensive penchant. And now to my bachelorhood. Robin began her second job today. That as baby-sitter grandmother. Carolyn had to go back to the office. There was no way “Momma G” was going to let her grandson go to day care. So she’s agreed to cover the duties a few days at the beginning of each week.  Maternal grandma Pat, wil commandeer the other two days for the new mother as she reluctantly trudges off to work. I’ll retrieve Robin on Wednesday evening from Jersey in time to ‘nest’, prior to stationing ourselves at the cafe on Thursdays. This experiment will be good for all of us. A bonding will form with Robin and Xavier that shall be priceless. Her eyes light up and I can see her burst with pride when he smiles at her.  It will also give her a chance to spend more time with both children across the Delaware. As for me, bachelorhood will give rise to mastering my mid irons, riding my bike, and spewing more bull amongst the campers.

 

 

 

 

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