Tuesday, July 28, 2015

JEAN IS BACK

Seems we have finally worked out when who will post what.  Anna or I or Grandmother Olive will be on Tuesday.  We can't guarantee every week.  Elmer offered to give up Monday for us and take Tuesday or Friday, but we decided we would go back to the way it was.  It reminds me of the children.  When you ask a child: "Why did you do that ?" and get the reply "That's the way we always did it."

Grandmother Olive, Grandfather Albert, Bishop Eli's Mother Fannie, Step - Father Amos, Porter and his wife are on a trip out west.  They left a couple of weeks ago.  It all started when Grandmother Olive said she wanted to see the Pacific Ocean.  So she and Grandfather Albert starting making plans.  Fannie and Amos said that sounded interesting - they would be interested in going.  Of course they wanted to go Amtrak so they contacted Porter.  Porter gave them advice over the phone.  A couple hours after hanging up,  Porter called back and asked them how would they like some Englishers with them. So that 's how they all got together.

Bishop Eli, Bishop Joseph and our family wanted to meet Porter and his wife.  We had never met them and just wanted to get to know these people who were going on a trip with our parents and grandparents.  Grandmother Olive was not happy.  Said we were treating them like little children.  Bishop Joseph finally said that he would not let them go until he met Porter and his wife before they left.  So we picked Porter and his wife at Amtrak in Rochester and brought them to our homes for the evening.

Porter said that he had lots of vacation coming and thought this would be a great time to take some.  His wife had never met Amish or Old Order Mennonite.  So we all made her at ease.  He also wanted  her to see what the porter does on Amtrak.  Although he is not working on this trip, she will get to see what he does. She had never been out west or seen the Pacific Ocean either.  Also, he thought it would be better if he rented a car, when needed, and drove them to places they wanted to see rather than have them on buses or subway or trolley cars. It also helps that he has been out west several times before - with his children when they were little and later alone.  They stayed over night at Bishop Eli's house.  Next afternoon, we had them all on Amtrak on their way.  Yes, Grandmother Olive got the room she wanted.

They stopped here and there along the way for a day or two to see places.  Stayed in motels and Porter rented a car to take them where they wanted to go.  Grandmother Olive will have to tell you where they went when she gets back.  We know they went to Yellowstone National Park, Hoover Dam, the Grand Canyon and more.  When they got to California, I know they saw the Pacific Ocean, the San Diego Zoo and I don't know what all.

We are glad that there is someone with them who knows their way around.  Also know that someone is keeping an eye on them.  We all gave Porter phone numbers to call if something happens to one of them and he needs to contact us.  He hasn't had a need to use them yet.

Be With God,
Jean




16 comments:

Tom said...

Small world, isn't it! Tom The Backroads Traveller

New York State Of Mind said...

Good Morning Tom,
Sure is.
Marilyn

Angela Tucker said...

Good morning, Marilyn! What a wonderful story!!! I firmly believe that God puts people in our life when we need them. I can't wait for the full story.

New York State Of Mind said...

Good Morning Angela,
I thought it was nice, too. It's sort of celebration of Fannie and Amos 25th wedding anniversary and Grandmother Olive and Grandfather Albert's 65 th. God does put people in our path for a reason.

Marilyn

Vickie said...

What an amazing story. A real blessing.

New York State Of Mind said...

Good Morning Vickie,

Yes, it is. Hope Grandmother Olive tells us all about it when they get back.

Hugs to Mable and Henry,
Marilyn and Pierre

Anonymous said...

Oh! What a wonderful adventure they are all taking together! Looking forward to the many stories and insights to come from this trip of a life time! Safety and blessings to all, Carol

New York State Of Mind said...

Good Morning Carol,

I think we are looking forward to hearing about their adventure. Guess they are having a really good time.

Blessing to you and yours,
Marilyn

Anonymous said...

Wonderful that they can get out and go. Nothing seems to stop them. And to top it off, porter goes with them.
And to see so much of our wonderful country
I'm sure grandmother Olive will write a wonderful story.
joie

Anonymous said...

Bless them! A great, well deserved vacation in the works.
Carol in SC

New York State Of Mind said...

Hi Jodie,
I think it is wonderful that they got to go. Nothing does seem to stop them, but it is special as it is to celebrate their anniversaries. They wouldn't be making another one. Great that Porter and his wife went, too. Grandmother Olive better tell us about it when they get back home. Will see that jean gets your message.

Marilyn

New York State Of Mind said...

Hi Carol in SC,

I agree with you, it is a deserved vacation. Will see that Jean gets your message.

Blessings to you and yours,
Marilyn

Anonymous said...

Looking forward to hearing much more about their trip. I've never been on a train, gone out west, or to Florida. Grandma Olive has done all three!!

New York State Of Mind said...

Good Morning Anonymous,

I have never been on a train, either. I went out west when I was a little kid with my parents. Lived in Florida for almost 20 years and moved backed here. Grandmother Olive sure gets around.

Marilyn

Dynna said...

Hi Marilyn,
This was so interesting and fun to read. Got home to MI but not where I had WIFI, so getting caught up here. I am so happy for everyone on this special trip. So, thankful they have built in help with Porter and his wife. I also haven't been on Amtrak, or gone to these places they are visiting. We sure know that we need to do things while we are physically able and I am thankful for them, in that respect too. Look forward to the rest of the story! I love sauerkraut and will try Jean's recipe sometime. Blessings to all of them, you and Pierre.

New York State Of Mind said...

Hi Dynnamae n,
Glad you got home safe and sound. It is great that Porter and his wife are with them. I have never been on an Amtrak, either. Hope Grandmother Olive tells us all about it when they get back. Well, I am glad we got one person that loves sauerkraut. Will tell Jean you are going to try her recipes.

Blessing to you and yours,
Marilyn and Pierre