Somewhere near the end of our planning for this trip, we discovered that the drive from East Brunswick, NJ to Winona Lake, IN was going to be just too long for our 144 year-old bones. So, we set about finding a good half-way spot to stop. We looked at Pittsburgh, PA and Wheeling, WV –and chose the latter just because it was easier to get to, and neither one of us had ever been there (who has?!!?). We made a good choice. After a lunch stop in Hershey, PA (are the streets really paved with chocolate?) we drove on to Wheeling. The Hampton Inn there was fine as usual and –as luck would have it- one of the country’s finest sports bars is located just across the street. Now, I’ve been in a lot of sports bars (although Jossy has not) in my travels across this country, and in my estimation TJ’s is the best ever. A few things of note: the “ticket window” at the entrance, the door marked with huge block letters “GATE A,” a turnstile as you enter –just before the big popcorn machine, and being greeted and served by pretty, shapely referees in shorts & zebra shirts, and widescreens everywhere. Cute, but none if that would be important if it were not for the good food, drink, and service.
Next day, the drive to Winona Lake was easy and non-eventful (no toll roads!!!). We arrived at the B&B (great planning, Shelly!) early enough to be able to relax and walk to the lake before the wedding rehearsal and the rehearsal dinner. Everyone was in a great mood and now it was johnclark’s turn to meet the kinfolks. ‘sure met a lot of nice people in the game of Who’s Who.
As I mentioned there so many times, it was pretty gutsy for Leah (the bride) to choose an outdoor wedding in the middle of September in a part of the country where the weather can be very unpredictable (and even nasty sometimes). Were Tom and Leah just lucky or blessed that the weather was absolutely perfect? ‘wall-to-wall sunshine and moderate temps shrouded this happy occasion. It was a very upbeat and cheery wedding. Praise must go to the outstanding performances of the Flower Girl (Sami Kono) and Ring Rearer (Easton Grable). After the most comprehensive (and fun) photo session I have ever seen, everyone proceeded to the reception at the Lake Tippecanoe Country Club. ‘nice reception and congratulations to Tom and Leah and all involved!
The trip to Midway airport on Sunday (9/20/9) should have been a piece of cake, and it would have been were it not for the highway construction which prevented us from exiting to our destination street. PD (Garmin) was still able to get us to the hotel in spite of the nearly 10-mile detour. Our nerves were soothed by a very friendly desk clerk at the Holiday Inn and we relaxed with a good dinner and glass of wine.
Southwest Air delivered us to SMF on time late Monday morning. Rick (Jossy’s neighbor) picked us up and deposited us at 7533 Loco where we have already plotted out our next adventure. Stay tuned…
Next day, the drive to Winona Lake was easy and non-eventful (no toll roads!!!). We arrived at the B&B (great planning, Shelly!) early enough to be able to relax and walk to the lake before the wedding rehearsal and the rehearsal dinner. Everyone was in a great mood and now it was johnclark’s turn to meet the kinfolks. ‘sure met a lot of nice people in the game of Who’s Who.
As I mentioned there so many times, it was pretty gutsy for Leah (the bride) to choose an outdoor wedding in the middle of September in a part of the country where the weather can be very unpredictable (and even nasty sometimes). Were Tom and Leah just lucky or blessed that the weather was absolutely perfect? ‘wall-to-wall sunshine and moderate temps shrouded this happy occasion. It was a very upbeat and cheery wedding. Praise must go to the outstanding performances of the Flower Girl (Sami Kono) and Ring Rearer (Easton Grable). After the most comprehensive (and fun) photo session I have ever seen, everyone proceeded to the reception at the Lake Tippecanoe Country Club. ‘nice reception and congratulations to Tom and Leah and all involved!
The trip to Midway airport on Sunday (9/20/9) should have been a piece of cake, and it would have been were it not for the highway construction which prevented us from exiting to our destination street. PD (Garmin) was still able to get us to the hotel in spite of the nearly 10-mile detour. Our nerves were soothed by a very friendly desk clerk at the Holiday Inn and we relaxed with a good dinner and glass of wine.
Southwest Air delivered us to SMF on time late Monday morning. Rick (Jossy’s neighbor) picked us up and deposited us at 7533 Loco where we have already plotted out our next adventure. Stay tuned…
;-)
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