Views and thoughts of a casual traveller

To remember all I did today will be a challenge, but here goes!I left reading my free hotel copy of the Washington Post till evening. I set off exploring at what the clock in my room said was 8.45am – but realised after a short while it was an hour out and it was actually an hour later! But was just as well, as I walked to the Kennedy Centre and went in, and it would not have been open earlier!Discovered my hotel is next to lovely little old houses. The hotel itself is more recent, an ugly block! I negotiated (on foot) the largish roundabout at end of road, walked past the Watergate building (hoped there was nothing untoward going on there!) and found the huge Kennedy Centre building. It has various concert halls, theatres etc of differing sizes. I enquired to see what was on. Was more than miffed to discover there is an evening of Jerome Kern music -including Showboat - the day I leave! Ol' man river etc. Nearly decided to stay an extra day! But have something booked in Strasburg on the Saturday morning so couldn't. Picked up a leaflet giving details of their free daily concerts at 6pm in the little mini stage areas at the end of the building. So sweet! A Scottish group tonight called Back of the moon. Went in gift shop, then meandered on...Walked beside Potomac River to Washington 'harbour' and Georgetown. An overcast, grey, murky day, which was a shame. Good view of planes taking off, but would have been better if fine! Walked the riverside path at Georgetown for quite a while then cut up to the shopping area. The old historic area of Washington. Explored a bit then tried to find where the Old Town Trolley bus tour stop was that I'd booked. The nearest stop to my hotel. Eventually found it by the canal which also runs through there.The buildings in the main part of Washington are so huge! Quite magnificent. Passed a young people's marching band en route. Uniforms said NAPS. Must look it up. (The only thing I have been able to find online since it that they may have been part of a group called National Association for the Prevention of Starvation, which has a marching band.)Got off the trolley (a hop on, hop off one with different circular routes) at the route-connecting stop and tried to find the main visitor centre. The Old Post Office building looked interesting, so went inside - past a security check. It is huge and now has dining area and some small shops inside. Very nice, and the little food counters cover food from the whole world. Had lunch sat listening to a flautist and pianist playing a mix of classical and contemporary. Actually the flute player described himself as flutologist! Very pleasant. Such a high building inside and you can go up in a lift to see the inside from the top.I ended up walking past the visitor centre as the signs seemed to disappear! Ended up at the White House and seeing I was there I walked around the outside of the White house grounds and took pictures. Will be unique - there was a yellow digger in front of it! And a blue tractor drove in front as well! There was a group of tourists on segway machines outside the grounds. Looked so much fun! But the tours are so expensive. The Treasury building next to it is huge!I eventually found where the visitor centre was - in the massive circular Ronald Reagan building. Security checks at all the main buildings. Even had to show photo ID in this one. Wandered around inside and at last found it. Was unimpressed! Just a few leaflets - not many - some computer screens and a lady at a desk. She was very nice though. Music-wise I am just missing everything! They seem to have a break until the day after Thanksgiving - when I leave. Rats again!Walking back to the trolley stop I noticed a Barnes and Noble bookstore, but decided to leave it for another day and take advantage of the trolley to get to the further areas of interest. The one for the cathedral route wasn't at the stop, so took the one that was towards the memorials instead. Passed the various famous buildings - Capitol, Union Station, all the museums and galleries, etc. Really like the city. Trees everywhere and a nice feeling of space.Rode it to the Roosevelt memorial.

DAY SIXTY – 19th NOVEMBER

They certainly know how to do monuments and memorials here! Wonderful area. Slabs of rock with his writings, waterfalls, bronze statues. Really liked it. And large area! By waterside with good views of city and Washington monument. Walked along the tidal basin back across the little bridge to the Thomas Jefferson memorial. Then followed the river back again past the Roosevelt one and on out to the Lincoln Memorial. A whole host of memorials in that area, including WWII, Vietnam... Particularly liked the Korean one. Life-sized bronze soldiers - lots of them - among miniature conifer plants with a black long wall behind with images etched into it somehow. As I said - they know how to do them here! A long reflecting pool between the Lincoln Memorial and the WWII one - all in a line with the Mall open area.When I went to catch trolley back, the one I wanted wasn't there at that moment, but the Arlington Cemetery shuttle one was, so caught that and had just a brief taste of that - only 25 minutes there so not much! But had to catch the trolley back then as they were due to stop soon.Back at the main trolley bus centre I got on the last one to take me back to Georgetown. The driver said it wasn't supposed to go all the way around, but he'd take me there! Then a couple of other folk got on wanting to go there as well. Bus followed its proper route out to the zoo area - some nice houses out that way! Then skirted past the cathedral (will do another day) and headed back to Georgetown. Another couple of English ladies wanted to get off there to do some shopping (really nice shopping area) but they didn't know how they were going to get back to their hotel!The driver then did detour and took me back to the end of my road, about 25 yards from hotel! Had been going to take me to door, but I said I could walk that far! I went to the little shop one block away for milk, bread etc. Only a small store but it had a security chap there! Heck! Hardly room for him! Reminded me of programme on TV the previous night about the number of murders in DC!!Returned to my room, had a slice of bread and cup of milk to keep me going! Then set of straight away to the Kennedy Centre. The Scottish group was excellent. Could have done with more than an hour. Mostly more recent Scottish songs rather in traditional style. Good reels etc and one did step dancing which was really good. Fiddle, flute, pipes, fife, guitar, bodhran, keyboard... And only four of them! They had been touring the States and this was their last concert - literally! The line-up is changing.Went up to the terrace café there and had grilled mahi-mahi while overlooking some of the lights of Washington. Then went to the evening concert in the main concert hall. Certainly had a wide selection of music today! This was a singer from Senegal (Youssou N'dour) with large group including talking drums, various other drums, guitars, keyboard... Cuban rhythms with jazz and soul influence... Was rather loud at times, but enjoyed most of it. Had everyone up dancing. Felt sure I'd seen the couple in front of me before somewhere at a similar event. Very strange feeling! The only one with a similar kind of music I've been to before was in London! Didn't dare ask! Would have been too much of a coincidence!Survived the ten minute or less walk back to hotel without getting mugged! Actually it was quite a safe area, despite my qualms at being in Washington!Saw a whole load of buildings etc in passing during day but can't remember them all!

DAY SIXTY – 19th NOVEMBER

The Kennedy Centre in Washington. Not an ideal shot! So conveniently near my hotel

A close-up of the sculpture outside it

The River Potomac, looking towards Georgetown and Washington Harbour

Nice to be able to walk by the water’s edge. Looking back towards the Kennedy Centre

The canal at Georgetown

The Old Post Office building

Inside the Old Post Office building. Below, the flautist and pianist I enjoyed

Views of Washington

Tourists on Segways in front of the White

House. Would love to have a go!

The White House… and JCB!

The White House, JCB… and tractor!

Statue of Andrew Jackson in front of the White House

Name of this place self evident!

At the Roosevelt Memorial

Their memorials are really special

A wonderful

tree

The Jefferson Memorial

Washington Memorial and passing interloper!

The dark weather made the colour of the trees even more intense. The notice to the right says: Caution, low tree limbs ahead! Really? I

hadn’t noticed!!!!

Korean War Memorial. So impressive and moving

The words are: Freedom is not free

The view to the Washington Memorial

The Lincoln Memorial

Another view in that area

with the inevitable squirrel!

Inside the Kennedy Centre, in the area where free concerts are held each night

Good grief! Rapidly running out of time here!Rang the couple in Alexandria I'd met in Santa Fe before I set off, as they'd instructed. Tried to find a time to get together. Decided it would have to be tomorrow. They will collect me and go to Mount Vernon, then probably the old town of Alexandria. I have to be back to go to the Kennedy centre in evening -spending the whole evening there! Free concert followed by play.Having been given two free trip tickets on the Circulator bus, I used one to take me to Union Station. A nice free tour of more of Washington at the same time! Bus left from just over two blocks away. Wish I'd realised that when I arrived!Explored the shops and station building. Had timed it right, intentionally, as the Christmas train layout etc were in action for the first time. TV crews there recording - nearly ended up on TV! Christmas music, police group and little kids. Building really is lovely. New York station the only bigger one in the US but just not as nice!I then went in the Postal Museum, seeing it was next door. Interesting; one of the smaller museums. You can print off postcards for friends - limit of two. Liked the mail car with wheels at the back and skis at the front! Even had mail planes there. The early pilots were called the suicide squad as so many got killed!Walked to Capitol Hill and walked round the outside of building. No tours imminent so decided not to bother hanging around for one. Decided to walk to 10th Street to pick up trolley to the cathedral - was a long walk! Distances can be further than you think here! Just before it I came across an auction house with an auction on so popped inside. Much like our British auctions, both in the type of goods and the way it was run. Nothing tempted me!When I went to get on the trolley the elderly driver (who later said he had been a Professor of Archaeology) said I had to redeem my ticket at the main trolley centre there. I pointed out it was an e-ticket and had two parts: one said it was to be handed to the driver, the other to be kept as a boarding pass, but he wouldn't budge. Thought unpleasant things about him and his attitude! Went to the lady inside centre and she sighed and stared out to see who it was and just kept the bit he should have and wrote the date on the boarding bit like the driver had done the previous day! Goodness knows what would have happened if I hadn't tried to get on at their centre! The ticket says board anywhere. But presumably he wouldn't have let me on. Weird chap. Only four of us on the bus and he kept burbling away with info and asking us silly questions like kids. Got a bit wearing! The others weren't impressed either! I like hearing info about places but there are ways of doing it…Got out at the cathedral - arrived just as a service was finishing, which was a shame. Impressive building, big, but my favourite bit was the many stained glass windows. On the bus I had started squinting and suddenly realised the sun had come out! Had forgotten it existed and it had been really murky first thing. But it made the windows look lovely. A lot of really colourful ones. Lovely. But the rest of the main building I found pretty unremarkable - the bit I did really enjoy was the crypt - so big! A shop in part of it, but various little chapels etc as well. Nice exhibition called The First Noel with nativity figures from around the world. Just missed an organist practising on an organ down there. Fiddlesticks! Trolley driver had said be sure to go up the tower for view, but not an option at this time of year. He got that wrong as well!Picked up a sandwich there (well, didn’t pick it up… bought it! Hadn’t quite reduced to that state of poverty!) and ate it in grounds in the sun - a nearly black squirrel dashed out of the bushes and sat at my feet looking at me! When I went to look for it when I'd finished, I saw a rat in the bushes beside me!Went in St Aubyn's Church next to the cathedral. A nice small church. Stained glass windows good a well, but small. Dark inside. Quite simple.

DAY SIXTY-ONE – 20th NOVEMBER

Caught trolley back to their centre again. Went past Embassy row - the driver of this bus was fun and kept us entertained. Had us looking left and right as he rattled off the embassies at break-neck speed, like a tennis match! British embassy the second biggest. Russian one bigger.Went through Georgetown again. Really is a nice place, so different to main Washington. Discovered the little houses are so narrow because they were taxed on their width. Traffic very busy there today.Once back at 10th street I walked to the Smithsonian 'Castle' - the main information centre for the museums. Nice building. Carousel (roundabout with horses) outside. Saw the founder's tomb - more properly where his ashes are - in the building.Then walked on past the sculpture garden (strange sculptures!) to the Air and Space museum. Wonderful! Marvelous! But did feel an overload of info after a while! But a great museum. How on earth did those things get into space - or the aircraft fly?! Lots of hands-on things. Quite a lot of kids there, but not too bad. Was great fun. The American History museum wass closed for renovation, but they had put some of the things from it in a corner of the Air and Space museum. Great things! Abraham Lincoln's top hat, Edison's light bulb, the Scarecrow costume from the Wizard of Oz, Kermit the Frog...!!! Great varied selection. But toward the end of the museum I was flagging! Had walked miles today. To catch the trolley back to the hotel would have taken ages, like yesterday, as it goes around the long route first (not a good way to get around once you've seen the whole tours) so caught the Metro train for the first time. Only one block from the museum and went straight to Foggy Bottom station (do love that name!). Excellent! Different ticket system - you have to look up the station you're going to, read off the fare, then punch it in. Any change is given in quarters, so if you put a large bill in you end up with a lot of coins!The train seemed clean and pleasant. Got quite crowded. At least you're told which side the doors will open and the next stop - but this was intelligible, unlike some other subway systems over here!On riding the escalator out of the station I was amazed that it went straight up into the open - totally exposed to the elements. What on earth happens when it rains? What about the electrics? And doesn't it flood? Would never work in London!The station is right in the middle of George Washington University, so it was busy when I came out. Took a little while to get bearings and decide which way the hotel was! Only two blocks away - such good planning! Passed the little shop en route and picked up spaghetti bolognese to microwave later.Had a croissant and drink in my room before setting off for the Kennedy Centre. Found a slightly quicker route this time, cutting off a large corner. The announced group for the free concert couldn't make it - were stuck in traffic in Baltimore on the 95! So at very short notice a young jazz pianist and young jazz guitarist had been called in. They had never played together before, but you would never have known! They were so good. Both in their 20s. Wish I could play jazz like that. Was stood in line waiting to take seats next to the chap I was sat next to last night! Realised tonight who he reminded me of - my old driving instructor!Retired to hotel and ate in room. Read the next free copy of the Washington Post. Not very inspiring! Noticed no-one had been on door of hotel lately, opening it etc. The lobby is very small. The restaurant takes up most of the space.My temporary tooth filling was separating from tooth. A bit TOO temporary that! Hoped it would last till home. Had been sneezing on and off and sometimes feeling a bit flu-ey, but didn’t come to anything.

DAY SIXTY-ONE – 20th NOVEMBER

The police and children’s choir at Union Station

Some of the stalls in the station. Such lovely things!

The outside of Union Station

Exhibits in the Postal Museum

Views of the Capitol building

Views of the Capitol building

And the view from it

Street views. A nice feeling of space

Sundry buildings

The wooded area near the zoo

The cathedral

Inside the cathedral

Another view of the White House

The museum area in front of Capitol Hill

Views of if to prove it!

A lovely feel to the area

The Air and Space Museum

The Air and Space Museum

The Air and Space Museum

Had a really lovely day. So very nice.Had breakfast as usual in my room using the kitchenette. Why is it so hard to find a cereal over here that doesn't have sugar in it? Diabetics of the USA unite! The amount of sugar in virtually all cereals here is criminal! But I digress.Today's copy of Washington Post had a few Thanksgiving service details so decided to try to find one of the churches tomorrow. Ron and Carolyn picked me up at the hotel about 9.30. Was lovely to see them again. Was a nice riverside drive to Alexandria old town (exciting passing Ronald Reagan airport, where it feels as though the planes are going to land on your car!), where Carolyn left us to do shopping for tomorrow - she was meeting her sister who was going to help her with preparations for their family Thanksgiving invasion!Ron and I went on to Mount Vernon. Passed loads of birds on mudflats including great egrets, herons, ducks, gulls etc. Hardly anyone at Mount Vernon. Got in free as Ron is a Friend. We saw introductory films first - a general one about the estate then one about George Washington, his life and rise through the ranks and time spent there. I have been here nearly nine weeks and at various times have had various war history coming out my ears! I have stood in historic places and tried to imagine soldiers from the time, etc, but somehow nothing has quite clicked. Watching the second film something just clicked alright! Not sure why. George Washington suddenly became very real to me. Interesting! But had strange sad feeling... Didn't know why. But at the end of the film detailing the Revolutionary war against the English and showing the latter in not too good a light we were highly amused to see that the lovely music had been played by... the London Symphony Orchestra! Something ironic there!We did the guided tour of the mansion. George inherited it from his elder half-brother. It was just a farmhouse then, but George designed and had extensions built. At least 60% of the building is original. The paint colours are the original ones. Liked the green in the dining room. Some interesting guest beds. They had so many visitors, including Thomas Jefferson, and the Marquis de Lafayette involved in the French Revolution, who sent George the key to the Bastille after the storming of it as a symbol. The key is displayed in the house. Upstairs, after the guest bedrooms, we went through to what was the Washingtons' private 'wing'. There were bannisters at on the landing and I caught hold of them while stood looking into their bedroom - and had an interesting experience! (Do I confess what, or will I be considered completely mad?!) Totally out of the blue it just felt as if a wave of something went over me - had that same feeling of complete sadness that I'd felt during the film as it did so. Not exactly an electric shock, just an interesting feeling. Felt as if I really was connecting to the past in some way. Yep, totally mad! Asked the guide chap there (there was a different person in each room) if the bannisters were original. They didn't look particularly old so thought perhaps they were reproductionss and I was imagining things! But they were original. Again, interesting! It had been such a really strong feeling, completely out of the blue. Learnt that George had died in that room I was looking into. Was very reluctant to let go of bannister rail and move on and lose that special moment. Realised George must have held on to them so many times. At last history was real! But why the feeling of sadness? Something did flash through my mind as it flooded over me, but probably imagination.Explored the other buildings on the estate, walked by the river (which is so wide there). A lovely place to have a house. Wouldn't want to leave it if it were me! Saw the reproduction of the 16-sided barn created by George for horses to tread wheat so the grains went down through cracks in floorboards. My immediate thought was how did they stop the horses doing what comes naturally and that going down through as well! Yuk!

DAY SIXTY-TWO – 21st NOVEMBER

Walked the forest trail. Saw a nuthatch. A few interesting cattle in the fields - big horns curving forward. Some sheep around and a horse and a mule. Nice gardens. Other buildings included slave quarters (Washington ordered all his slaves to be freed on his death) and 'necessaries' - privvies! Went in the well-done education centre about George, then in the museum with various artefacts - including his dentures!Browsed the big shop, then met up with Carolyn at the Vernon Inn there for lunch, which was delicious.The weather was glorious - blue sky and sun and temperature in 70s - and it was lovely walking around. We had such an enjoyable time. Last time Ron was there he apparently stayed for an hour and a half. We were there for four!Saw a mocking bird as we were leaving, but despite Ron whistling at it it wouldn't sing!We left Carolyn to return to her preparations again and drove back to Alexandria. We stopped at their house en route, which is just outside the main town in a lovely area overlooking the river. They have rocking chairs on their upstairs balcony overlooking the view. A lovely house. Learnt that they had worked in the Ronald Reagan building before their retirement. They have had postings in the Middle and Far East and have travelled so much.Stopped at a little marina - humble boats, not big expensive ones! The tide was in by then so no mud flats to see birds any more. But there was a huge raft of birds out on the water. We presumed it was ducks of some kind. Some nice fall colours around still.Did a driving tour of the old town. Lovely little houses. Mix of wooden ones and brick. (Reminds me, Mount Vernon was one of those with wood made to look like stone.) Nice waterfront area - once a busy port. Drove along the main shopping street, which looked nice. The impressive building I'd seen from the train previously was a Masonic temple. (George Washington was a mason, but very religious .)Was due at the Kennedy Centre in the evening so reluctantly we set off back to my hotel. Was sad to say goodbye. Do hope we meet up again. After a short rest I set off for the centre. The programme said it was a wind quartet at the free concert, but it was actually the International Wind Quintet! Nice selection of classical music. They were good but didn't think they were wonderful. Something missing: spirit, feeling, inspiration - not sure what to say it was. But still very enjoyable.Had a salad in the terrace café (not many people there). Discovered the café would be closed tomorrow. And the hotel's restaurant!Went to the play ‘Shear Madness’ in the little Theatre Lab there. So many different concert halls/theatre areas in the building, and an opera house.The play was great fun! Seats all around the stage with no gap. Actors involved the audience in the whodunnit. Nice humour! Really enjoyed it. Ending depended on the audience!On TV later saw part of Israeli Philharmonic's 70th birthday concert with Barenboim playing Brahm's piano concerto no 1. A fitting end to the day.Yesterday President Bush traditionally pardoned the turkey but apparently wouldn't pardon the pig - don't ask!

DAY SIXTY-TWO – 21st NOVEMBER

Mount Vernon, the former home of George Washington

The rear view

The lovely views of the River Potomac from the house

In the stables

Another view of the house

More riverside views from the property

And of the farm

George and Martha Washington’s tombs were in here

The slaves’ quarters

The Christmas tree in the shop area

Some of the boats on the little marina near Alexandria.

The massive raft of birds on the river

More glorious trees

More views of the inside of the Kennedy Centre

And outside

Thanksgiving Day! Took the Metro into town and walked to M Street in a part where I thought a church I was interested in going to was. Wandered round for a bit getting bearings! Found a ‘Christian Church’ (aren't they all?) and a Lutheran Church (the latter looking as though it was going to have a service. Impressive red stone building) but it took me quite a while to find the one I was looking for - the Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church - also known as the cathedral of Black Methodism! Not that big a building. A couple of chaps outside - I nearly lost my nerve, but went up to check they were having a Thanksgiving service and was welcomed with open arms! There were nibbles and drinks in the downstairs hall before the service. A nice number in the congregation but not a huge number for the size of church. Was the only white member of the congregation. They were all so welcoming it was great! Had a small choir. The lady organist was good - the console was above and back from the pulpit, facing the choir, so a mirror was needed to see what was going on! A bit exposed, I thought.The singing and music were great as was whole service. The only bit that I did feel a bit uncomfortable with was the volume when the preacher got animated! But a good sermon. Decided that I might have black in my soul as well as gypsy! Any visitors were asked to stand and introduce themselves and we were welcomed and clapped! I won the prize for the furthest distance travelled! Really nice feel to service. Included a time for everyone to greet everyone else, like the church in Lewisburg. No communion, but everyone filed up to the altar rail to pray and receive blessing/prayer. There were two collections, one normal and one for a house they want to build in South Africa. Once again, everyone filed up to the front to put their contributions in the basket and collection plate (one either side of altar) rather than passing them around. Interesting differences! Had two hymn books, one the Black Methodist Episcopal one and a Black African book. Left the service singing, and with folk still wishing me well etc. One of the members gave me a lift to a Metro station as I'd been intending catching it to the museums, but once I went down and looked at a map I decided to walk instead!Headed in what I thought was the right direction. Walked in front of the White House - no sign of anyone in there. And no digger outside today. Then popped into nearby hotel where Martin Luther King had been before his famous speech, plus various other famous guests like Abraham Lincoln before he was assassinated (could hardly be after!)Crossed the road and went in the Renwick Museum, seeing it was there! Impressive quilt exhibition. Looked around the rest of the American art and crafts then made for the Natural History museum. Quite another walk! Saw the main bits I was interested in - especially the dinosaurs. Every time I've been to the Natural History museum in London there's been a huge queue waiting to go into the special dinosaur section - which you have to pay for! This was free! And I would think more comprehensive. Really enjoyed it. Huge elephant ahead when you first go in.Afterwards walked towards the Native American Indian museum. Went in the sculpture garden that is part of the art museum and found a skating rink! Watched for a while but didn't have a go.Went in the Indian museum - a building designed completely with curves so there are no corners for evil spirits to hide in. Had lunch there - excellent choice. Five or six different counters, each one for a different native Indian area and providing typical food for them. The elk had all gone, so opted for buffalo shank stew with fry bread (latter reminded me of Arizona). Buffalo was lovely, so tender. Had little fresh raspberry tart after. Yummy! They did have a turkey option today especially for Thanksgiving, but thought buffalo too good to miss!The museum was interesting, although a lot duplicated what I'd seen in other museums like Santa Fe. Various guides in different sections from the various tribes. And films. Managed to use my phone there to sort out the shuttle to pick up my hire car at the airport tomorrow for 9am rather than the 6.30am they'd wanted! Apparently very busy tomorrow. Hope roads aren't too bad!

DAY SIXTY-THREE – 22nd NOVEMBER

When I left there the wind had really blown up and huge black clouds had appeared. It had been sunny and warm up till then and I had been carrying my jacket not wearing it. But the leaves were being blown off trees and were hitting me full force!Quickly walked to the Art museum as I thought it was going to pour with rain, and explored the bigger of the wings. Massive area! Had a special Turner exhibition - fancy coming all this way and seeing his paintings of Plymouth, Saltram, Teignmouth etc - all in Devon where I live! But the Crossing the Brook one, painted only 8 miles from us, wasn't there. Quite a few on loan from the Tate in London; one from Plymouth museum back home!Was flagging, so kept collapsing into seats for a rest! Fortunately lots of them around. Excellent selection of paintings, including so many old masters. Kept getting lost!On leaving the wind was even worse. Poor trees! Went to Metro station and caught it home. Called in at the little shop - where the chap now recognised me! - and picked up a frozen meal as was too exhausted to go to Georgetown to dine as I’d originally intended. Not that hungry after lunch anyway!Managed to summon just enough energy to walk to the Kennedy centre for the next free concert. Wind now such that it was difficult to stand upright! Nearly didn't go out because of it. Saw on news later there was wind damage in Washington. Had been right to be concerned!Almost wished I had stayed in. It was an Indian music group, which would normally be fine, but the lead chap was pretty weird! He had difficulty sitting cross-legged too as he was rather overweight! The first piece was just tabla drums, with him saying the sounds. Went on for ever. Found my head drooping and nodding off! Then the girl next to me and chap in front did same! Oh dear! The couple in front gave up and left!Next piece had sitar, guitars, piano etc. Much more interesting. Sitar player was excellent. But then came 'songs'! Chap was a good tabla player but sounded like a failed contestant in Pop Idol when he tried to sing! Didn't even seem to know what he SHOULD be singing! Then a female appeared and played the harmonium - and tried to sing! Even worse than him! Strangled cat; all over the place. Seemed totally unrehearsed and a mess. She looked like the mother from the Kumars TV programme! Had to stop myself laughing when I realised that! Even more so when she disappeared and someone looking like the granny in the programme appeared to take over the harmonium! There was some light relief in the last piece when a lady danced to the music - also went on for ever and got very frenetic and twirling - and she was no spring chicken!Reminds me, at the African/Cuban concert the other night I was horrified at the way folk arrive so late. Not just one or two; it was loads. Such bad manners to performers and not fair to disrupt those who arrived on time. End of lecture! Folk arrived late this evening as well, but at least this was a free concert and it was possible to get seats without disturbing others.When leaving the concert, a couple behind me said 'That was an experience, wasn't it!' The best way to describe it! But the awful 'singing' spoilt the sitar and other instrument music. Chap's grandfather was said to be top Indian singer - obviously not hereditary! Oh aren't I nasty! But was a strange concert to end my sessions at the centre. The best one was the Scottish band, who were wonderful!Back in room tried to pack - lack of space again!Discovered it had been a record 77 degrees over last 24 hours, but now due to fall to 30s! Good grief! Hope there's no ice or snow to drive on. Ski resorts now open...

DAY SIXTY-THREE – 22nd NOVEMBER

The inside of the Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church I went to for their Thanksgiving Service

More views of Washington

The view to Capitol Hill again

By the Native American Indian Museum

And inside it

The leaves were being blown completely off the trees and the sky was threatening

The Indian museum, with its curves, is behind the trees

The leaves blowing in the wind

Inside the Art museum

An interesting shot of Capitol Hill against the black sky

All the staff at the hotel were sneezing and full of colds this morning! Hope I've left before they passed it on! The sales started today. Discovered some shops had been open since 4am for them! Good grief! The best bargains only last for a few hours.The Supershuttle arrived 15 minutes early - just as I had gone down to book out. Nice youngish chap. Was the first to be picked up. Lovely sunny day, but the temperature was mighty chilly! Only one other lady to be picked up, on opposite side of town, so had another tour of Washington - parts I hadn't seen. Hardly any traffic on road. Dulles Airport not busy either. Picked up the Budget shuttle to collect my rental car – was the only one on that shuttle as well!The chap at rental place seemed new. I had a battle to point out I'd already paid for everything - insurances etc and free tank of gas - so must check he hasn't charged me again. Seemed horrified I wanted a 'small' car! Upgraded me for free to the next compact category - definitely not the helpful or generous type! Got a Ford Focus. More my size car, but do miss the luxury of the others! It wasn’t very happy at low speeds! But after the helpfulness of the last rental place this chap came as a shock! Not as if they were busy.Managed to find the second Air and Space museum near the airport. It's free admission - but you have to pay $12 to park! Ouch! But a wonderful place. So many planes - including the French Concorde that was the first and last one to fly. Such small windows. But was told why. But you wouldn't see much at that speed anyway! It was surrounded by loads of smaller planes, which detracted from it somehow. A Boeing 707 near it and far too many to describe, both commercial and military. The only down side was you don't get to go on board any!The Enterprise Space Shuttle were also there with more space rockets etc. But she was only a test one and didn't go into space - slightly disappointing! But still interesting.The only food available there was a Macdonalds! Groan! Eventually left just after noon for what turned out to be a lovely drive to Strasburg (Ronks, to be more precise). Such a lovely day and nice country scenery. Lots of nice farmsteads, all with their cylindrical, round-topped silos.Stopped to explore Frederick. A lovely little town. They call today Frosty Friday not Black Friday like most places! The streets were buzzing! Old historic town centre. Lovely shopping area. Special children's events on, free cocoa outside the library, free carriage rides, etc. Really nice feel. Nice walk alongside creek -obviously recently done, with varied bridges, eating places etc. Lots of churches. A good place to visit.Didn't seem to be in Maryland very long before I crossed the Mason-Dixon-Line and into Pennsylvania. Drove on past and along the edge of Gettysburg -didn't know the address so didn't stop, tee hee! But was around the battlefield area. Went past the visitor centre but didn't go in. Wanted to get to digs before dark so had to ration time.Passed through Old Oxford - not much there. Some of the usual older houses. A small place.Drove through Paradise - this must be a second one as it wasn't the one near where I was staying! Didn't know there were two! Nothing over-the-moon - not exactly heaven! Drove through Farmers as well - well, someone should! - and various other places with interesting names. Drove through 'historic' downtown York, but it was dead! Nobody around and nothing happening like Frederick. Buildings didn't impress me either. Did strike me as a bit rundown, so didn't stop. Noticed Dover was nearby!Crossed the wide Susquehanna River - had previously done that when I was over in Virginia! Such a long bridge with good views of river.Reaching Lancaster was a shock! Drove around the edges - so utterly commercialised with usual food outlets and stores etc, but not as I had imagined it! One big store called 'Amish Stuff etc'. Seemed so tacky! How awful! Wondered if I'd made the right decision to come to the area! There was me envisioning quiet little Amish farms and instead it was like Disneyland on drugs! Hoped it wasn't all like that!

DAY SIXTY-FOUR – 23rd NOVEMBER

Strasburg was close by. Not quite as bad, but still commercialised. Various Dutch and Christmas fairytale type places along the way.Was relieved as I neared my B&B to be back in farming countryside! My GPS took me right to the door for a change - some places it just takes me to the approximate area and then I have to search for the number!I had originally hoped to have the room with kitchen included (there are only two accommodation areas) but it had been booked. But I was delighted it had been! It was downstairs with no view over the 20 miles of Amish farmland that stretch out in front of the house, which is on a ridge! But my room - well rooms actually! - had a glorious view! And one Amish farm was just across the road. My bed had a beautiful Amish quilt - the downside was I was not allowed to sit or lie on top of it! So no collapsing on the bed! Had a private bathroom and a huge sitting room all to myself. Wow! Numerous Amish things there, although the owners are Mennonite (and very nice). The house was called Misty Meadows: hoped they weren’t - misty, that is! Very lovely and the cheapest of all the places I was staying! A bit of traffic noise from road, but not busy anyway. The Amish horse and carts don’t make any noise!Met the guests in the other room. Chatted with them and hosts. They were from near Niagara Falls/Toronto! Won't hold that against them! Very nice ladies.Dined with them at a place in Strasburg - touristy wooden chalet type place with gift shop etc. But the food was good, although I didn't have much. Was an 'all you can eat' Smorgsbord, but didn't take advantage! Drove next door to the Sound and Light theatre. Impressive building outside (in its own grounds with illuminated driveway to it) and inside is decorated like an old Biblical stone building. Houses the largest Christian production company in the States. Managed to get a last-minute returned ticket for The Miracle of Christmas that night - was sold out. Absolutely packed in foyer!It was an impressive, glitzy musical production like only the Americans could do! The story of the nativity complete with flying angels and live animals including camels, donkeys, mules, magnificent horses and sheep (didn't they know sheep wouldn't co-operate?!). Horses etc ride right up through the audience! The stage has wrap-around sections either side as well, which you don't know until the drapes suddenly go up for bits! Was at the side, so had a troublesome camel nearly above me when the kings arrived at the end! I notice they stuck with the kings version rather than wise men! Allowed them to have a really glitzy end! Sat there and laughed to myself that Bere Ferrers' little nativity would never be the same again!! But the scenes with the hosts of angels I found a bit over-the-top! Great big ones it seemed, although normal sized actors, but the flying ones had such long gowns! Just wished Gabriel hadn't been given a curly wig - at least, I presume it was a wig! Interesting bit where flying St Michael zapped satan!! Felt Mary was a bit American and lively - always thought of her as quiet! But the music was good and the production was really impressive, In the stable they had automaton animals - took a little while to realise it. Really lifelike and natural head movements. Guess they didn't want to risk live animals in that bit! (Animals have their own dressing room!) But the whole thing is to give a message and they had stewards at the end for anyone wanting help etc. Enjoyed the music before and during interval - included 'I will sing the wondrous story' and similar. But haven't a clue how they managed all the scene changes. Never seen such a big, wide, high stage! But I did want to giggle at bits! Not what they'd intended, I'm sure! The angels just got to me!! Moments akin to the Bere Ferrers one where the star suddenly zooms down from the church eaves on a wire! Only more so! The downside - it was quite expensive, which didn't seem to tie in with the Christian message!Missed the b&b on returning back as a driver was tailgating me (had another do that earlier despite me going faster than the speed limit. Such a pain! Didn't take a hint when I jammed on brakes, so I slowed down and annoyed her! Yes, sadly it was a female! But was right on my bumper. So dangerous!) ) so had to find somewhere to turn and return - not easy on a country road in the dark! But it had been a good day. Even the moon was big and impressive. Looked full, or very nearly. Reminded me the last time it had been I'd been in California!

DAY SIXTY-FOUR – 23rd NOVEMBER

Some of the exhibits at the second Air and Space Museum, near Dulles Airport

Some of the exhibits at the second Air and Space Museum, near Dulles Airport

Good old Snoopy!

Sadly this one never made it into space

The beautiful Amish quilt on my b&b bed with two Amish dolls, which don’t have any facial features, and a charming little Amish outfit on the door handle

Had a lovely rocking chair in my sitting room. Sat in it watching some of our UK programmes – Keeping up Appearances and Are you being Served - in the evening!Watched activity at the Amish farm opposite before breakfast. The kids were sweeping leaves, one horse and carriage set off on the road, a team of horses were pulling a liquid manure wagon across fields. Apparently they clean on a Saturday to prepare for Sunday as they meet in their farms. Reminds me, saw horses and buggies yesterday and loads today. Usually on a blind corner or hill so I couldn't overtake! Would love to take photos, but they don't like having their photos taken. Even their dolls have no faces.Chatted with hosts and the two Canadian ladies for well over an hour at breakfast! Had baked oatmeal mix as part of the meal - delicious! Discovered another difference between our nations - the two ladies thought the angel scenes had been wonderful at the event we went to last night! But I'd thought it very over-the-top and glitzy! Such big wings! Oh dear!I set off for the Living Waters theatre - the smaller cousin of the Millenium Sights and Sounds one I went to last night. The show was Voices of Christmas, with a mix of carols, religious and secular songs based around scenes from things like A Christmas Carol, the Toymaker's shop, the truce at Christmas in WWI,Noah, the story behind Handel and The Messiah etc, all with a religious message. It was wonderful, so energetic. Performers so talented - sang, danced, played instruments, acted. I so enjoyed it and preferred it to the bigger spectacle last night. Did bring a tear to my eye as I realised that at Christmas I would be back in the UK and so far from my new friends over here. Thank heavens for email! The audience got to sing as well. Did feel the audience was very staid though. A few more animals! Reminds me, they also do a production of Noah in the big theatre - just imagine the number of animals in that! The last scene was supposed to represent angels, but was so much better than last night - no silly wings! Waved banners of white and gold etc and made a fantastic end to the musical. Appeal put out at the end like last night. There was a memorable moment in the musical where a dove suddenly appeared and landed on St Francis' hand! (He was featured as starting the custom of the Nativity story representation. Learnt the other day it was the town of Bethlehem, PA that imported Nativity scenes to USA.) I had the biggest man in the theatre next to me and he was wiping his eyes at times! But made a change not to have the biggest person in front of me!Took the back roads to avoid the traffic hold-ups on main road, passing loads of farms etc. Very nice. The roads are so busy as it is the big shopping long weekend here (various outlets that everyone crowds to - which I have avoided!). Went instead to the Mennonite Information Centre. Saw a film about the Amish which was very interesting. Also did the little 'tour' of their replica of the Tabernacle - a lot of information on the history by the guide chap, who succeeded in giving us a sermon! A very cunning plan! But lots of detail I didn't know or remember. What I never established was why they had the replica there!Took some more back roads and explored. Ended up in Bird-in-Hand but didn't go as far as Intercourse a bit further on! (Who thought up these names?!) Went in some shops with Amish crafts etc. Such lovely quilts, but would one survive the cats?! Then went in the Farmers' Market - somewhat of a disappointment.Took another smallish road towards digs. Stopped at a covered bridge that was huge but in desperate need of renovation. It was closed as too ricketty.Lots of buggies and farm implements on road. Some old tractors as well - must be non-Amish. The Red Caboose motel looked interesting - guests stay in cabooses from various areas all in a row/semi-circle. Passed the railroad museum - no time to go in so would return tomorrow.

DAY SIXTY-FIVE – 24th NOVEMBER

Got back to digs in plenty of time: hosts were taking me to a meal at an Amish farm. They were staying to eat as well. About 30 expected - a Thanksgiving meal. Quite a long drive so had another tour of the surrounding countryside. Long tables set up in the farmhouse - a large space inside as about 180 meet there on Sundays! My hosts knew the family so we sat at end of table nearest to where they were serving/preparing meal from and we chatted. Mary, the mother, so lovely, as was her mother. An aunt was also helping, plus her daughter and niece. The husband was out milking the Holstein Friesians, helped by the three young sons. Apparently four children is not many - most have about 10 to 12! No wonder the Amish have doubled in number over the past twenty years!Had had a look at the cows in the barn before, and the horses and pony. Hit it off with the pony! A couple of dogs and several small cats also around.The meal was lovely. Had a peanut butter, molasses and marshmallow spread on bread - sinful but delicious! Various other spreads. The main course was turkey with mashed potatoes, candied sweet potatoes, noodles, cream celery, etc. Three sweets: chocolate cake, neck pumpkin pie and delicious ice cream. The freshly made lemonade was lovely as well.Afterwards the ladies sang some songs, then we all joined in Amazing Grace. They had 'silent' grace before the meal. Was sat opposite a Baptist pastor and his wife. They had been to a childrens' camp and were due at a revival meeting tomorrow. Nice couple. He had a lovely voice.We had passed through Paradise on the way to the meal - the proper one! So now I had been in West Virginia which, according to the song, is almost heaven,

and had finally made it to Paradise twice!As well as using horse-drawn buggies the Amish use scooters - like children's one, not motor ones - to get around. They are not allowed to use bicycles! But their scooters are two bicycle wheels with a scooter platform in between and the scooter handlebars. Can't see much difference between that and a bicycle myself, although b&b owner thinks they might think they might go too far from home on a bicycle!At the meal I saw the propane gas lamps they use for lighting. They are not allowed to use electricity, although they have generators to milk the cows. If they have a tractor it has steel front wheels and is only supposed to be used in the yard to power things! They aren't supposed to have pictures on their walls, but the home last night had an example of how they get around that - they had three calendars in the room with pictures! Calendars are a necessity!It had been a varied and interesting day and I had managed to avoid the hordes of shoppers! Should be quieter on Monday.Breakfast would be at 7.30 tomorrow as there was Sunday School for adults at my hosts' Mennonite church before the 10am service. Men and women in different classes.

DAY SIXTY-FIVE – 24th NOVEMBER

The views from my bedroom window

You could see for miles, and miles, and miles….

and miles, and miles….

Not many leaves left on the trees to enjoy

Bird-in -Hand

Bird-in -Hand

The ricketty closed covered bridge

The mill next to it

My rental car was getting me around but it wasn't the best of cars. Sounded and felt really rough at times at lower speeds and sluggish, and has been reluctant to get started sometimes. (I know that feeling!) One with gears might be better, but wouldn't recommend an automatic Ford Focus. Saw a hot air balloon landing late yesterday afternoon. Looked like a flying patchwork quilt! Wonderful!Was told yesterday that the famous shooting in an Amish school was just two miles from my B&B. A couple of books been written about it. Was advised it wasn’t an area you’d want to visit.The Amish take it in turns where they hold their Sunday services. At breakfast this morning we watched from the windows to see where the buggies were headed today! My hosts were surprised to see some scooters in use - not normally permitted on a Sunday apparently. About lunchtime the young people head off in their buggies (which tends to be a bit souped-up with more reflectors and lights and things hanging inside - and even with boom boxes!) to their various youth groups. Saw loads as I set off after lunch - but I get ahead of myself!I said farewells to the two ladies from Canada. The daughter worked for the tax people there, but was going to try to cross the border without declaring all their shopping! On Black Friday they shopped right through the night at the outlets here - from midnight to about 11am! Unbelievable! Yes, they were open all night! But the daughter, just younger than me, was more shattered afterwards than her mother! Reckoned they'd spent $1500 between them! Ouch! I decided just to go to the church service, not the Sunday School, so was given directions how to get to the Mennonite church. I went for an exploratory drive for an hour before the service seeing it was another lovely sunny day. Drove further than I planned and ended up in downtown Lancaster. Used GPS to get back to the church in Strasburg and just got there in time. A lady was playing the piano before the service, but disappeared when the service started and a chap led the first song (and all subsequent ones) unaccompanied! Knew the first one but not the others he led, so was glad the music was in the book so I could sight read it. They have some people who play there so I’m not sure why they didn't - Donna (host) said they chap who was leading’s wife didn't play. So why was no-one else asked?! Found it strange, and for anyone who didn‘t know the songs and couldn't sight read it would have been difficult! Someone else led prayers and did a reading. A visiting relative of a congregation member played the piano and led some choruses, which was good. Another older lady played 'I will sing..' on the organ during offertory - finished a bit abruptly and marched back to her seat! The pastor preached for ages - found it quite dry and felt eyes drooping! Noticed others had same problem and one man slept through the lot! Couldn't help contrasting it with the black pastor on Thanksgiving Day, who got it all said in just over ten minutes! And it stuck! Had difficulty remembering after today’s what it was about! I remember him talking about a planned increase of 900 odd new houses in Lampeter, the next town. Horrendous! Only about seven planned for little Strasburg. But can't remember the actual message!I had a go on the organ afterwards. More like a cinema organ! Felt strange, but got used to it. Was told I should have played in the service as well!The pastor gave a limp handshake after. One of two pastors apparently. The other one looked nice. Today's pastor was chosen as pastor by lot, as were the elders etc. Seems strange, although I know there is a precedent! Our Tavistock circuit was looking for a new minister - could try that!The church was very plain, although there were brass chandeliers in the foyer. There wasn't even a cross anywhere, which was surprising. But folk were very friendly. Songs were all ones with choruses!

DAY SIXTY-SIX – 25th NOVEMBER

Returned to digs and Donna invited me to have lunch with them, which I did. Afterwards I went to the Strasburg Railroad. Watched the steam train come in and go out but decided not to have a ride. Looked round the buildings and carriages there. The steam train had Great Western on it - thought one of our UK ones had been imported for a minute! But it was the American version. Decided to leave the railroad museum opposite for today as I wanted to take advantage of fine weather - supposed to rain tomorrow!Headed off to the Susquehanna River area. Didn't use GPS, just drove by instinct so ended up driving round in a circle once! But interesting scenery - a mix of farmland and wooded valleys with streams. Switchback roads made driving fun! Like rallying! Merle would have been sick within five minutes!Drove alongside Pequea creek and stopped on a bank where it met Susquehanna River. A little boat was being recovered onto a road trailer. The tattiest of bridges took the road over the creek, but I braved it! The road followed the main river for a bit, which was nice. Followed it to Pinnacle Point, which had a great view down over the river (which apparently I can't have crossed in Virginia as I said the other day as it doesn't go there!). Then took the bridge across the Susquehanna River and went to the Lock 12 historic area on the other side. They have part of the old canal walls there with a lock, but there is no water! So stood on the bottom of a canal! Due to a hydroelectric scheme and a dam on the river there was hardly any water on that part of the river - lots of rocks and gravel. Saw lots of Canada geese and ducks of some kind around the river area. I deduced a huge bird I saw soaring over the river was an eagle. Had seen black vultures and hawks of various sizes around as well, but not as many as elsewhere.Took the bridge back and took the road that followed a reservoir/lake area on other side. Very nice. Sun was setting so no time to go to Susquehanna State Park. But a nice drive around there anyway. Passed an Amish male youth group playing volleyball – a net was strung between two posts anchored to two buggies! The Amish have some things right - no young people lolling round saying they're bored! And I would have loved to have had a horse-drawn buggy to get around in when a teenager! Can just imagine driving through Plymouth to church or youth club in one! And if everyone wears a kind of uniform there's no decisions about what to wear and competition. Although they do have different colours! But not sure about them only being educated in their one-room schools to eighth grade. Used GPS to get me home - it took virtually the same route I'd come by, but had a blip when it sent me down a lane that became a dirt track with a little ford in it - virtually dry! So kept faith with it and the track soon became a proper lane again! Phew! Was dimpsey by then so had nice views of Christmas lights outside houses on the way back. Very pretty! Stopped off at the b&b briefly before setting off to dine at an eat-all-you-can Smorgasbord place - different one to the other night as that one was closed. Not easy finding food places on a Sunday. But the ham at Miller's was delicious! Ate too much! Went in their quilt shop while there - so expensive!Passed lots of buggies on the way home: they even had headlights! And flashing lights. Some last night hadn't had lights - very difficult to see in the dark!

DAY SIXTY-SIX – 25th NOVEMBER

Strasburg Railroad

They even had a miniature railroad

The arrival of the train

No, of course I’m not a train fan, ahem! Grew up beside a station at the time of steam, so brings back memories!

Pequea Creek and the dodgy bridge

Views of the Susquehanna River. Still some fall colour

This used to be a canal!

Now I know why it is called the ‘Fall’!

The inevitable sunset scene again!

Browsing the local map last night I came across lots more funny place names, like Fertility! There's an area called Irishtown but there appears to be nothing there! And there's a Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp Resort. Nope, didn't make a Booboo! Of course, seeing there's a Paradise there has to be an Eden as well. Even the Simpsons get a look-in with Bart. And if you're having an argument Truce would be a good place to go! Oh and the reservoir I drove around by the Susquehanna River yesterday was called Muddy Run Reservoir. Named after a creek/river, but don't know if it lives up to its name! Have noticed rivers around here called 'run' before. Not seen it anywhere else.I had acquired a new hobby. At the rear of the b&b I could bird watch as they had lots of bird feeders, but from the front and my room I could buggy watch! Had become an excellent buggy spotter! And scooters...I either got a slight bug yesterday or am allergic to something, not sure which. Started itching yesterday and felt off colour in the evening and during the night. Nothing major. And felt better today. Don't think I‘d touched poison oak or anything! Although I have been clambering about in undergrowth occasionally - did it yesterday afternoon to get sunset pics! Lovely red streaky sky with clouds and vapour trails.It poured with rain during the night. Apparently the Amish young people usually return home as late as 4am, but I only heard one buggy go by then. Some about midnight, one or two about 2! (Did sleep in between!)When I looked out the window when I got up I discovered why it's called Misty Meadows! A thick fog or mist was over everything. Could hardly make out the farm opposite!I was only guest today so at breakfast so my hosts dined with me and we chatted as usual. I'd circled some places to go on my map and they suggested some others. So many museums not open on Mondays.Having worked out how the car’s windscreen wipers worked (still not sure of the headlight alternatives! Why no manuals in hire cars? Such a pain!) I set off to a nearby quilt shop on an Amish farm. A lovely man in charge of the shop and we chatted. He said they'd be closed tomorrow as there is a local wedding. Got a quillow, but goodness knows how I would get it home! But decided it was useful.Negotiated my way to a covered bridge you drive through, as opposed to the disused one. Having successfully crossed that, I went to Paradise and explored. Found the Post Office to send postcards. Then drove to an Amish bookstore, again part of a farm. As well as books and stationery they sell all the books etc for the Amish schools. Was intrigued to see James Herriot's All Creatures Great and Small books among ones you would expect more! Nice girls there – had a short chat!Next I finally made it to Intercourse! Lots of interesting craft shops etc, but I prefer the ones on Amish farms! Explored a few and went in Kettle Shopping Village. Had a bite to eat in the café - Shepherd's Pie! They have corn in theirs and a cheese topping, and a side salad. Went in a few shops but didn't buy anything. Had a few animals there for kids (of all ages?!).Back in he main street, I went in a quilt and craft store. Was delighted to see the Passing the Quilt book by friend Lyn in Holland there for sale! Upstairs they have a quilt 'museum' of modern quilts. They were wonderful. So very beautiful. Loved the brightly coloured ones. Would love to make one.When I returned to car there was a fluffed up red finch under the front. Tried to shoo it to safety, but it wouldn't move. Put my hands down to it and it hopped on! Tried to encourage it to fly, but it only managed a short distance and flopped to the ground. Went to it and it tried to perch on my arm! Picked it up and moved it from unsafe car parking area to an adjacent garden, but I didn't hold out much hope for it. Wondered why it was so tame. If I'd been at home I would have taken it home to nurse it. Felt sad having to leave it. It was so trusting.

DAY SIXTY-SEVEN – 26th NOVEMBER

Went on to another quilt shop in a farm. Another nice girl there. And yes, had a short chat!Took the road to New Holland. A surprisingly big town. Explored the long main street by car but didn't stop. Found the huge headquarters of the New Holland agricultural machinery firm. Couldn't find the road to their visitors' centre I'd been told was there. Could only see a road for 'authorised persons'! Would try again before I move on to Philadelphia tomorrow perhaps. Fog had closed in even more by then.Endeavoured to find roads to Lilitz - a Moravian town. Had to use GPS after I took a wrong turning. I tried to find the Ephrata Cloisters on the way, but just missed them. They are where men and women lived frugally like monks and nuns.Eventually found Lilitz. As I got there it poured with rain and didn't stop! So I drove around the town in ever-decreasing circles to explore. A nice place. Was busy as school buses were taking the dear little kids home! Some nice parks.As the rain showed no signs of stopping, I headed back to Bird-in-Hand (went via outskirts of Lancaster and got stuck in traffic, so took detour), to the hardware store where I'd seen the lady making delightful little clay Amish figures the day before. Got the one I’d wanted. Felt like the condemned man getting things in before the end! The suitcase situation would be interesting!I somehow managed to find my way to the National Christmas Centre, out past Paradise. Saw the free bits in the lobby and browsed their shop (wasn't impressed!) but didn't pay to go into their museum. Had exhibits relating to Christmas over the years.Drove back though Paradise to see if I could find a place to eat. On impulse went in the Deinners Restaurant. Turned out to be Amish/Mennite staffed. Excellent service and another 'all you can eat' option. Very nice. And sweet included - they had three no-sugar puddings! I was impressed! So I sampled them! And all for under the equivalent of a fiver! Reminds me, had had to put some petrol in car earlier and as it wa so much cheaper here I put in more than I needed in error!Returned to b&b and tried to get everything in my case and bag. Failed! Had picked up a postal flat rate box so decided to send a few bits back by post, but the quillow wouldn't fit! Would have to put thinking cap on!I did find it difficult driving around here in the dark. Lines on the road are dingy yellow and are hard to see. No cat's eyes. GPS says turn, but there's no evidence of a road, it's so dark. Even difficult to see any markings on main roads.Heard on the TV that fog had stopped loads of flights from Philly today - folk trying to get home after holidays. (Reporter called Nefertiti! Never encountered that being used since the Egyptian one.) Hope my drive to Philly tomorrow is ok. If it's blowing a gale it will be interesting!Am hoping my credit cards and debit card are ok. Used two ok earlier today, but when I went to use th eEgg one at the hardware store it wouldn't scan. Tried my other standby one and ditto! Lady said machine said they'd been demagnitised! Heck! Hope not, or life could be difficult! The only thing they‘d been near were car keys. Not sure if they would affect them. Hoped it was the machine at fault!Passed Westview Road and Robin Road today. Echoes of home! Lights were flickering as was sat writing this.The wind had blown up (at least it would blow away the fog!) and was howling around the house. Donna warned me it might get extremely windy tomorrow - seems it's arrived early! Said the wind makes it cold in my upstairs rooms so they don't let them when it's winter. Ok at present though.

DAY SIXTY-SEVEN – 26th NOVEMBER

Tractors for sale at Intercourse

The tame red finch, which I feared was ill

Discovered that the neighbours here used to be Amish but left the sect, so are shunned by the Amish. An unpleasant side to the sect. Their previous friends aren't supposed to have anything to do with them. Sad. Donna and Norris know two other couples where both wives left but the husbands stayed. One husband lets the wife do what she wants, the other has shunned his.Heard buggies going past the house to the wedding from 6am. The service is in German. Didn't know exactly where it was, but came across it later by accident.Had breakfast with Norris and Donna again. Can certainly recommend the place as somewhere to stay. Saw a red tailed hawk from the window.Repacked case, having taken the quillow out to use hopefully on the plane, hence making room. Good suggestion from Joan in California by email! Managed to get everything else in case and bag. Filled a flat rate box to mail back home with books/booklets and some clothes as well. Weighed 11lbs!Said goodbyes and set off for the Strasburg Railroad Museum. Discovered the wedding was on the farm next to it - buggies everywhere, horses tied up under a marquee.The museum was really interesting. They started using diesels much earlier than us, but we were earlier than them with steam! Chap looking after one of the engines got talking to me for a long time. Interesting chat. But some of the trains are so big. Excellent model train layouts as well of all kinds. Good fun. Various exhibits. Can climb on just a few engines and carriages. I have been in a caboose!Next drove to the quilt museum and store again in Intercourse. Had had email from Avo in Holland after I sent a message to say I’d seen Lyn’s book there to say they knew the owners, who were the publishers of the book, Passing on the Comfort. (B&B folk had the book as well!) So I called in to pass on their best wishes – sadly the owners not there so I left a message. Had another browse of the quilts! Then posted my box at the Post Office. The lady was different from yesterday's. Was so gushing! A bit weird! But hoped the box wouldn’t get lost. Should take about two weeks.Went on to New Holland again. This time found the entrance for visitors, on a side road, to the machinery plant, but notice on door said there was no tour today due to winter holidays! Rats!! But perhaps just as well as would have ended up with more heavy booklets!

DAY SIXTY-EIGHT – 27th NOVEMBER Part One

Where the Amish wedding was held. See the group of buggies. The horses were under the marquee

The wide expanse of Amish farmland

Some of the exhibits in the Strasburg Railroad Museum

Take the controls?

A covered bridge in the distance