Erie, PA - Visit with Aunt Marilyn

July 22nd Thursday - Foggy and 64 degrees at 7:00 A.M.

Lou and I were up early and ready to leave the house before 7:00 this morning. Our destination was Erie, PA to visit my one and only remaining aunt on my mother's side of the family and one of my very favorite people in the world. I had not seen her in 15 years, but she has been so faithful to me over the years, with cards, letters and phone calls. She probably is the lady that is responsible for me agreeing to marry Lou when he asked me. She was the first person I called and talked to, as her husband had died very unexpectedly and she married a childhood sweetheart and just recently lost him. She told me to follow my heart, that God had laid the path and it was up to me to follow that path and thank God, I listened to her. She immediately fell in love with Lou also and what a wonderful day we had chatting together.

We traveled up route 86, allowing our GPS in the car guide us. We stoppeed in Salamanca for breakfast near the Seneca-Allegheny Casino and we noted a sign stating they had Senecas for sale and Lou and I didn't know what they were talking about, but soon found out they were a brand of cigarettes and they were $23.30 per carton compared to a brand name at $46.00. Both of agreed we were glad that we didn't smoke.

We passed by a beautiful resort lake names Chartauqua Lake near Bemus Point. Reminded me of Eagles Mere, beautiful home with this beautiful crystal clear lake. Neither of us had traveled this route and enjoyed the drive; however, it would not be a way to travel after dark and we decided quickly, we would return home another way.

We arrived at Aunt Marilyn's house about 11:00 am and I was ever so glad to see her, for a lady of nearly 90 years of age, she is one remarkable lady. She gets up and down as easily as I do and steady on her feet and she can tell more family history that I could be reading the family tree. She also is a world traveler, so she and Lou had much to chat about and chat we did until about 2:30, when we decided we would drive the mile over to Presque Isle. Lou drove and Aunt Marilyn was the navigator. So many things were new since Lou and I had been there. I was impressed by the number of house-boats that were on the lake, and of course, Lou delights in any type of sail boat. We got out and walked to the lighthouse; however, the trees obscured our view and picture taking. We witnessed the damage done by the recent tornado to the Isle, sad to see the damage where one would not expect tornado damage.

After our sightseeing, we drove to one of Aunt Marilyn's favorite restaurants and had a late lunch of a delightful crusted Pecan chicken salad and lava cake and ice cream for desert. After lunch we went back to the house, that is exactly the way I remember their home. How this lady has kept it in such wonderful repair and it was spotless inside and out. Like I said, she is a remarkable lady. We viewed her recent pictures of her cruise to Alaska, and beautiful they were. She and Lou had much to discuss about their respective trips to Alaska.

All too soon, it was time to be back on the road, so after thank yous, hugs and kisses we were back on the road for home; however, this time we took Peach Street (route 19) out of the city and on to route 6. We did take route 59 so we could stop at Kinzua Dam for a bit. It brought tears to my eyes to stop there again, as the last time I was there I was with my Daddy and he so loved watching the progress of the dam and finally the completion of the spillway and dam.

After one other stop at McDonald's for coffee and a sweet roll in Port Allegheny, we arrived home before 10:00 this evening, with a sense of satisfaction and wonderful memories of a special day.

Special note to family: Aunt Marilyn sends her love to all of you, she asked about each of you and we shared your pictures with her. You can see I have added pictures of the house and the part of the large living room where you kids always liked to sit. The only thing missing in the yard is the huge Weeping Willow, it is gone, but in its place is a beautiful maple.

I think this concludes our travelling for a few days, must get caught up on yard work and laundry.