Col. R. Bruce Ricketts Monument in Gettysburg National Park

Col. Robert Bruce Ricketts is a Hometown Hero.

No he wasn't a sport's figure, movie or rock star, or politician. He was a an ordinary citizen like you and I that answered his country's call to duty.

During the Civil War he enlisted as a Private, by the time the war was over he was discharged as a Colonel.

He was in many battles during the war and served admirably. Perhaps the greatest battle he was in was the Battle of Gettysburg. He led his artillery unit in successfully holding off the Confederates on Cemetery Ridge where his monument sits in his honor.

He was known as the "Shrimp" because of his small stature, but he stood head and shoulders tall as a an honorable leader known as a man of great integrity.

After the war he, his father and uncle bought up thousands of acres of timber land in Columbia, Luzerne, and Sullivan counties. He ran a successful lumber business and built a home at Ganoga Lake.

Most of his land today is known as Rickett's Glen State Park and the Lake Jean area in Red Rock.

There is much written about this fine man, a lot by local authors. The books can be found in local libraries, bookstores and at Gettysburg.

When you see all the corruption that is rampant, not only in Luzerne County but the state and Washington, take some time and learn about this man who answered his country's call and served proudly with honor and dignity.

This is one of the men responsible for the great country we have and are losing by inches everyday.

Stand tall and brave, teach your children about men like this. This is a hero they need to honor. Someone who has done something worthwhile.

Look back in history and remember what was sacrificed to have the freedom and liberty we enjoy. Then stand up and shout it to the rooftops.

You don't have much time, it is being taken away from right under your nose.

Be a Patriot. Save our great nation for our children.

VISITORS' CENTER AT GETTYSBURG

If you haven't been to Gettysburg recently or never been there, it is something to think about putting on your list to see.

From NEPA it is a day trip. If you want a weekend away or a few days it is a great place.

There are many hotels, bed and breakfasts, and campgrounds for lodging.

There are many restaurants from fast food to fine dining many of which are circa Civil War.

The best part if Gettysburg is the new Visitors' Center. The Cyclorama is now at the top of the new building.

Inside is a spacious restaurant, wide hallways, a large bookstore and many displays.

There is a computer room where you can look up a relative or family friend that served in the Civil War. There are friendly volunteers to help you navigate the computers.

The rest rooms are spacious and inside, not like the old center where they were damp, cold and under the building that you accessed from outside.

There is plenty of parking, handicapped accessible, with more parking planned in the future.

The Park Rangers are always available to answer any questions you might have. They also give field discussions on the battle.

It is a fantastic place to learn all about the battle of Gettysburg; information you never learned in school.

Do yourself a favor and watch the movie produced by Ted Turner, "Gettysburg", before you go. You'll have much more insight and be aware of what you are looking at.

You can buy an audio tour of the battlefield or hire a Park ranger guide to go in your personal vehicle. There are also bus tours around the area.

President Eisenhower's Gettysburg farm which was the summer White House is nearby. You can get the tickets, and the bus at the Visitors' Center.

With the economy still in a free fall and gas prices on the rise again, a day trip to Gettysburg might be a treat for the whole family.

Red Magnolia Tree

This past Thursday, hubby and I, his sister and husband, his cousin and husband, all headed to Pennsylvania Dutch country.

The three guys, who are all railroad fanatics went to the TCA train show at York while we three gals headed to the Rockvale Outlets in Lancaster.

It was a beautiful day. Sunshine, 70', tulips blooming en masse, lots of stores. A woman couldn't ask for a more perfect day.

We all had our favorites. My sister-in-law had never been in a QVC outlet. She loves bargains and had a great time rummaging through that store.

I love Vanity Fair and found what I was looking for.

After stops in a few more clothing stores we headed to Lenox and I was thrilled to find a Kirkland store near by. I shop in Kirklands in Florida and love their unique reasonably priced decor items.

Yup, I found a couple more.

We met up with the guys for dinner at a wonderful restaurant in Mount Joy. They serve homemade crab cakes which were delicious and have an on-site bakery . . . need I say more.

After dinner we all headed in separate directions. Cousin and her husband went back to Hershey where they live, sister and husband went to their hotel in York, from where they headed back to Michigan the next day.

Hubby and I headed to our hotel in Ephrata. I've never been in Ephrata before. I had heard of it as where they made Dutchmaid clothing. My mother used to buy it all the time. Apparently they have since gone out of business.

Our hotel room was on the third floor overlooking the city lights. What a spectacular view.

The next morning we enjoyed a delicious breakfast which was included in our room rate. They served everything from omelets and bacon to Belgian waffles, cereal, fruit, yogurt, bagels, etc.

After eating we headed for home taking the scenic route.

I must say that everywhere we went the people were exceptionally warm and friendly.

Makes me want to go back.

Grape Hyacinths Among the Stones

Today hubby and I are celebrating our 47th wedding anniversary.

How about that, and they said it wouldn't last.

We met on a blind date arranged by his sister.

There have been hills and valleys throughout the years. The hilltops far out number the lowlands.

Two of the best hilltops are our two sons. They have brought us much joy over the years. They are grown up and out on their own. The family dinners for holidays and special occasions that we are together are priceless treasures.

Someone once told me opposites attract but should never marry. I disagree. My husband and I are opposites but complement each other.

When the Pastor said these words at the end of the ceremony, "What God hath joined together let no man put asunder", were words we took literally. God has been the head of our household.

Compromise is the glue that holds the fabric of our marriage together.

Love is the common denominator.

Hopefully we will be allowed to have many more happy years together.

KWASAN CHERRY TREE

Hubby's sister and husband are visiting from Michigan.

His sister, brother and he love clams.

It's become a ritual when sister comes in there is a clam fest at our house.

It's amazing to watch the three of them eating clams as though they have been deprived of food for several weeks.

It reminds me of a time growing up when my parents had clambakes in the backyard.

Dad steamed the clams in a big, big pot on the outside fireplace. He also steamed corn on the cob in their husks between burlap which was kept wet.

It was always a contest to see who could eat the most clams. The winner was either my Dad or Aunt Ethel.

A side note, clams cost around $5.00 to $10.00 a bushel in those days.

After the clams, corn and other goodies were eaten there was always a card game of Penny Pitch. This is where my mother excelled. She usually relieved everyone else of their pennies. You see she could remember what cards were played by whom.

I am the black sheep of the family. I don't like clams or playing cards . . . but I do like corn on the cob dripping in melted butter. Are you hungry yet?

Springtime in My Backyard

There is a man running for Governor of Pennsylvania who has been leading the way for property tax abolishment. His name is SAM ROHRER.

He doesn't have big money behind him so you probably haven't heard much about him.

Anyone who owns property has been aware how much property taxes continue to escalate especially in Luzerne County since the re-assessment went into effect.

Sam needs to win the primary election in order to have a chance in November. It will take a grassroots word of mouth to let your family, friends, and neighbors know about him.

If you are a registered Independent you can't vote in the primary. I'm sure there are many Independents who are sick and tired of the rising taxes.

If you register as either a Republican or Democrat you can at least vote in the primary and then in November you can vote for anyone on either ticket or write one in.

If we are ever going to change the "do nothing for the American people" Congress into "do something for the people that hire us, the American people, not the lobbyists" Congress then you need to be registered and above all get out and VOTE . . . while you still have the right to.

Check out Sam's web page http://www.samrohrer.org/index.php?nosplash=1 or find him on Facebook.

Daffodils by the Water Pond

My "daffies" had to endure sub-freezing temps the other night and look kind of frazzled, poor things.

Yesterday I was listening to a local talk radio show when a gentleman called in with a suggestion.

He suggested Ethics be taught in school. He said we could avoid many of the problems we have today.

In our local area we constantly hear of corruption of those who serve the taxpayers. Some are judges, who lives should be above reproach, some are in county government, others in school districts.

We hear of employees embezzling from their employers and on and on it goes.

I agree with the gentleman but would go one step further. I think Problem Solving should be taught in school, from first grade on up through college.

I find young people do not know how to handle situations they find themselves in.

Instead of solving the problems they're faced with or getting help to do it, they turn to bullying, fighting, joining gangs, or using drugs and alcohol.

Then it escalates to robbery, rape and possibly murder.

On our local news this week was a story of a young man in his late teens that set the restaurant he worked in on fire. Why? He said he was being harrassed by others he worked with. He had only worked there for one month. He was also a volunteer fireman and helped fight the fire. Now many people are out of work, a family has lost a business they spent a lifetime building, and a community is without a favorite place to eat at and socialize with their neighbors.

If this young man had been taught how to talk to someone and ask for help to solve a problem, just perhaps all of that would not have happened.

Yes, Problem Solving is a subject every child should be taught in school.

Pink Weeping Cherry Tree

Yesterday was a beautiful spring day.

I took this picture in the late afternoon.

The sky was azure blue, the air crisp and the temperature around 58'.

I love this pink weeping cherry tree. It is so graceful and lacy-like. The blossoms are waning but it is still lovely.

The grass is green and growing fast. I suppose I'll have to bring out my trusty mower this week.

Spring is my favorite season. I love to watch all the flowers and blossom appear.

My daffodils are awesome this year. I'm sure I have the very cold winter to thank for that.

I can't wait until the lily of the valley pop up. The smell from them is like a rare perfume, to me anyway.

Wow, another 80' day and it's only the first week of April.

Alas, it will end tomorrow. Tonight we are expecting severe thunderstorms that will escort a cold front in to lower temps.

I checked the humming bird web-site and saw the hummingbirds have returned all the way into Canada.

Tomorrow I will try to remember to fill the hummingbird feeder and hang it outside.

Our Kwasan cherry tree is starting to bloom and usually the hummingbirds are here for that treat.

Our red magnolia is in full bloom next to the pink weeping cherry, what a beautiful sight.

This morning I saw a large, black "something" by our water pond. It was hard to know what it was from the sun room. So I open and closed the door in the sun room. The black creature picked its head up and I thought I heard it say "what do you want, you're bothering me". It was a black an white cat, a real one, not a skunk. He was either getting a drink or harassing our resident frogs. I suspect a little of both. He finally picked himself up and headed toward our neighbor's barn. Probably looking for a mouse for dessert.

Enjoy the rest of your week.

What a beautiful day, today turned out to be.

It started out with a small thunderstorm. I believe it was the first of the season.

It only rained a little bit. Much to the dismay of the firefighters who are struggling to put out the forest fires in our area.

Hubby and I went shopping. It was almost 80', so I went without a jacket for the first time this season. It felt so good. For a moment I thought I was in Florida. I didn't see any palm trees so I knew it was only wishful thinking.

People seemed to be in a good mood, not all cranked up and grouchy. Nice weather will do that to you.

I'll enjoy it while it's here. In a day or two we'll be back to seasonal temps in the 60's. Which when I think about it is okay too. After all it won't be sub-freezing with snow.

Maybe tomorrow I'll venture outside to clean out some winter debris from my flower beds.

I'll do some writing in the evening. That way I'll have the best of both worlds.

Another holiday is put to rest.

This one was beautiful here in the Northeast.

Having an Easter this early in April has been known to bring snow or ice.

Not this year. It was sunny, temps in the 70's.

The daffodils and early tulips are blooming. So are some of the trees, such as the white Bradford pear and pink weeping cherry.

The lavender of the PGM rhododendron alongside the yellow forsythia is magnificent.

We're thankful to God for creating the beauty for us to enjoy on the day we celebrate the Resurrection of His Son.

Monday it's back to normal schedules for many.

Some will be brave enough to get on the scale, some not so brave.

Either way, wasn't the food delicious? We still get to eat it for another day or two, at least in my house.

I already informed my husband I'm not cooking for two days. I cooked enough the last several days.

Oh, but it was so good.

Hope you have a good week.

We look forward to the joy of celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus on Easter.

We attend church services and are soothed by the aroma of beautiful white Easter lilies.
The congregation sings the beautiful Easter hymns with more gusto than usual.

The children are especially happy. They proudly show off their new Easter finery and gladly tell anyone who will listen what the Easter Bunny left for them.

After church, families will return home or visit a relative or a restaurant to share a dinner of favorites.

To all who are able to do this, enjoy and savor those precious moments.

There are many who are suffering this Easter or Passover holiday season.

People are displaced from their homes because of earthquakes, floods, or war.
Economic downturn has caused many more to lose their jobs and or homes.
Many others are hurting for other assorted reasons.

Take a minute this holiday and pray for all those in need.

We see much corruption in government from Washington to our local officials.
Drugs and alcohol use is rampant; people's lives and families destroyed.

Our country is in dire need of strong, moral, ethical, God-fearing leaders.

We must remember through these tough times that God is on His throne and is still in control.

In the Old Testament He gave us a promise.

II Chronicles 7:14 "If my people, who are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray,and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will
forgive their sin, and heal their land."

God was talking to Solomon in answer to his prayer.
If we take the same step as Solomon and pray He will hear it.

Every night at 9 PM many people around the country stop and pray for one minute. Please join us.

Pray for our country to return to a godly nation. A country that was founded on Judeo-Christian principles by godly men and women.

Pray that our leaders would once again follow the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, the bedrock of our nation.

Pray that our troops would be protected and return safely.

And pray that God will keep our country safe from those who want to destroy it from the outside and from within.

God bless you and Happy Easter.