Archive for » May, 2010 «

Amish Country – Lancaster Pennsylvania – Part 1
Monday, May 24th, 2010 / Island Chick

I’m finally home.  I just had a wonderful semi-girly weekend in Lancaster, Pennysylvania.  It started out as a 3 girl girlie weekend and ended up with 8 head – 4 women, 4 men – but it worked out fine.

Lancaster PA 1

Lancaster, Pennsylvania, is beautiful.  It’s not until you get outside of town do you really see the true beauty of it.  Hills and hills of beautiful grassy pastures.  It threatened rain the whole time we were there but finally held out until the day we had to leave.  How’s that for timing?

This was my first trip to Lancaster and if you don’t count the views from a bridge we had to cross from New Jersey, it was also my first real trip to Pennsylvania.

I love mountains and wasn’t sure I’d see any.  I didn’t, but what I did see were miles and miles of hilly farmland which was just as good (the car’s engine took a little beating…I don’t know how it would have held up if it were any hillier).

Lancaster PA 2

On the way to our room, this is what you saw quite often.  This is a big no no according to non-Amish people, but to the Amish, they’re used to it.  They say, “I don’t know why you’d want to take our picture.”  It’s not that they hated (hate isn’t in their vocabulary) you for doing it, they just didn’t see the reasoning.

All of the buggies were the same color.  Their main message to each other is that no one is more important than the other. I learned so much about the Amish.  It’s really quite interesting to find out why they lead such simple lives and there’s quite a few lessons they could teach us if you paid close attention.

The picture thing for example.  They did not take pictures of themselves – not even their children as they were growing up – and you’d never see any pictures of people on their walls.  They had other things on their walls but no people whatsoever.  They believed that everyone was equal and no more important than the next person.

Lancaster PA 3

Before we hit the room, we decided to stop off at what they call the Green Dragon Farmer’s Market.  This place was HUGE.  I was so excited, I didn’t take but a couple of pictures and this was one of them.  This is actually in the humungous parking lot.  There are places for cars to park and places for buggies to park.  See if you can find the buggie. ;o)

Lancaster PA 4

This is two of our 8 head party heading back after spotting a buggie.  You do that a lot here.  In time, you get used to them but if you’ve never seen one before, they’re really neat to catch a glimpse of as they fly by (and I do mean fly…these buggies can boogie!).

So this is on our way back from the Green Dragon Farmer’s Market.  We had loaded up on fresh breads, pies, canned this, canned that, you name it, it was there, and went to find our room.  Let me tell you something while I’m thinking about it.  If you’ve never owned a navigator (I hadn’t but the friend whose car we rode in did), you have really missed out on an experience.

Lancaster PA 5

And so this is our home away from home.  Picture taken on Sunday when it did rain, but the skies remained rain-free until then.

Lancaster PA 6

So we’re checking the room out…it’s very very clean, smelled great, so we’re happy with our decision to stay here instead of the ritzy hotel in town (might have to do that one next) and I look out one of the windows to see what’s out there and I say, “Kim, come quick!  Look out the window!”

Another buggie parked at a convenience store across the yard there.  It took all of five seconds before we were grabbing a camera and ran out to get a close up.

Kids.  What can you do with them.  Show us a buggie and we’ll show you a picture we snapped of it no matter what lengths it takes to get it.  No matter what people might think of you.  No matter if you look like a tourist.  You gotta have that picture.

One thing that annoys me about living here on the island is that when the tourists come, it’s like you’ve lost your home to them but this experience did give me a better understanding – when you’re vacationing, it’s time to have fun.

More tomorrow…

Until next time, wavinghand

Island Chick

  • Share/Bookmark
Category: Pennsylvania  Tags: , , , , , , , , ,  3 Comments
Top Five Things To Do on Whidbey Island, Washington
Wednesday, May 19th, 2010 / Island Chick

I have a special guest today!  Marilyn Randall from Whidbey Island, Washington, is here to give us the low down on the top five things to do on Whidbey Island!  If you would like to be a guest on my blog to talk about your traveling experiences, we’d love to have you!  Click on my contact page for email instructions.

……………………………………..

The Top Five Things To Do on Whidbey Island, Washington

Whidbey Island is a magnificent island in the glorious waters of the Puget Sound, near Seattle Washington. Reached only by the ferries that travel their routes on a regular schedule or driving across two islands and bridges from the mainland at the north end, the island is a little known jewel of the many pacific northwest islands including the San Juan Islands that are another ferry trip away from Whidbey. Traveling the length of the island and taking time to visit the many wonderful scenic sites is something everyone should experience once in their lifetime. Surrounded completely by the waters of the inner sound, the shipping lanes connecting Seattle to the world pass the length of Whidbey Island’s west coast, where the views from the shore of this island, as one overlooks the spectacular Olympic Mountains across the water, are magnificent.

Marilyn 1

#1. Bridge the gap…walk across the bridge connecting two islands in the beautiful Puget Sound and feel your heart palpitate as the cars cause the bridge to sway just a little from the weight of the traffic as you are standing hundreds of feet above the waters beneath this spectacular bridge. Near Seattle Washington, but tucked away on the north end of the largest island of the continental United States you’ll find Deception Pass Bridge connecting world famous Whidbey Island to the lesser known, but equally beautiful, Fidalgo Island. The drive to reach this destination is scenic and easy, but the view of the water from the bridge span is spectacular and breathtaking. Visitors can enjoy the views while walking across the bridge or hiking on the trails under the span. The beaches near this location offer magnificent views of the bridge as well as the surrounding waters and islands. Wildlife abounds and it is not unusual to see sea lions, seals, the occasional whale or sea otters and other animals and birds somewhere near the area. While parking is at a premium, especially in the summertime, restroom facilities help to make this a favorite spot to spend many hours exploring and taking in the surrounding scenery. The name, Deception Pass is appropriate as when the tides change, the waters from the inner sound rush through this narrow pass to flow viciously through to the open seas, creating treacherous, swirling, whirlpools that have been known to cause disasters for unsuspecting boaters. The waters rushing under this bridge are extremely dangerous and everyone is required to use extreme caution when navigating these waters.

Marilyn 3

#2. If walking and hiking are important to you and you also love beautiful and serene surroundings while doing so, the South Whidbey state park, located on the West side of the island about halfway between the north end and south end might be just the place for you. The main walk is an adventure in itself, located amongst large, old trees and near the very large campground facility within the park, this hike is not for the faint of heart (or those that are not in good physical condition). The hike begins with a trail of switchbacks that eventually leads to the beach. Going down this half mile journey is a piece of cake, but returning might be a daunting task for some. As one leaves the beach and begins the climb up the bank, the wall of sixty-seven steps is a difficult task to do before beginning the switchback trail that climbs the rest of the hill. Upon completion the trip is a full mile, but worth the effort for those who enjoy a more difficult task. The beach is gorgeous and at low tide, nice, long walks along the nearly private beach is a wonderful way to enjoy the sights from the west side of the island. Caution must be taken here though to watch for the   incoming tides as getting caught too far down the shore when the tide returns might mean needing to be rescued at some point.

Marilyn 2

#3. A trip to the little village of Langley on Whidbey Island is a must do. The town is brimming with quaint shopping and delicious restaurants as well as wonderful bed and breakfast facilities. Nestled against the bank on Whidbey’s East shore, this little town is tourist friendly and provides visitors with a glimpse into the life and style experienced by residents of this unique island. A walk along the street in the heart of town shows off the wonderful views of Camano Island, the neighboring island to the east in the Puget Sound and the lights from this vantage point are spectacular at night. Antique shops, jewelry shops, trinket shops and truly unique clothing shops are a must see as is the old time grocer’s store, still located in the original building. There are banks, bakeries, and spas for everyone’s pleasure. I highly recommend a stop in this pretty little seashore village as you travel the length of the island. The people are friendly and the food is delicious.

Whale Watching

#4. Ebby’s Landing and Fortress are of historical significance on Whidbey Island. Protecting the Puget Sound and Seattle from invasion since the 1800’s, the fort sits at a strategic place along Whidbey’s western shoreline and boasts campgrounds, park like surroundings around the fort area, a wonderful lighthouse that is often open to the public and a mile long stretch of beach to rival any found on the this island. The old fortress and bunkers are open to visitors and children and adults alike enjoy climbing through the tunnels, taking in all the sights held within the walls of the bunkers and seeing the turret mounts for the cannons atop the fortress walls. The views again from this vantage point are well worth the stair climb to get to the top of the wall. The grounds surrounding the fort and lighthouse are spacious and many visitors enjoy bringing their picnic lunches and spending the day flying kites or playing softball with the family.

#5. A trip to Whidbey Island would not be complete without seeing the Greenbank Farm and all it has to offer visitors. The farm used to be a winery with acres and acres of boysenberries, which was the main ingredient in their specialty wine. Once the winery closed, the buildings were restored and remodeled to suit new tenants and today there are numerous businesses on site as well as a gourmet restaurant, a cheese and wine shop and an antique shop. During the summer the Highland Games are played here and many other organizations also use this facility for their events. It is always a fun place to go for unusual activities, especially during the busy tourist season. The grounds are well kept with lovely ponds that are home to numerous wild species of ducks and birds. The former berry field is now a busy dog (off leash) walking trail and both dogs and their human companions enjoy the romp across the meadows. The paths, and there are several, are busy in winter and summer, even when the weather is blustery and chilly.

Marilyn RandallMarilyn Randall has an extensive background in the graphic design industry. Her art background is varied, including business logo design, printing design, silk-screened shirt design and miscellaneous mediums for her paintings and illustrating.

She published her first book of poetry and prose in 2009 titled My Heart And Soul, following soon after she published six children’s books, which she has both written and illustrated.

Her newest book and first fiction novel is Quicksand. She is currently working on her seventh children’s book, which she plans to release in the summer of 2010. Originally from Medford, Oregon, she continues to write from the serene surroundings of her home on Whidbey Island in Washington State.

More information about Marilyn and the books she writes can be found at her web site www.marilynrandall.com.

  • Share/Bookmark
Category: Washington  Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,  2 Comments
Max’s Story
Tuesday, May 11th, 2010 / Island Chick

Max7

This is the reason why I haven’t posted lately.  Meet Max.  Max is our 8 year-old-cocker spaniel.  We used to call him demon dog, but now we call him miracle dog.

Here’s his story…

Max is one of those dogs who takes a lot of punching to get him down.  He’s resilient, he’s feisty and he’s the kind of dog who if he doesn’t want you to do something to him, he lets you know it.

For the last two years, he’s had a chronic ear infection.  We’d give him meds, it would go away for awhile, then come back.  We’ve had him to two doctors and the last one told us we’d eventually have to have his ear canals taken out and then that wouldn’t guarantee the infection would go away.

When I heard that diagnoses, I was determined I was going to do everything I could to save Max from never being able to hear again.  We had to  clean his ears constantly which involved putting a muzzle on him (that’s the feisty part) and then give him meds which he eventually developed an immunity to them.

Max 8

On Saturday morning, as I was getting ready to go to work, I noticed he had scratched his ear so bad, it was bleeding.  I had had enough.  With one dog on insulin and having to doctor up this dog and it not working, I decided to make an appointment with a Dr. Marti in Chesapeake.  He was a specialist who could tell us what to do.  Our last resort.

So we make the appointment and he examines Max.  Then they tell us to come into a little room.  He draws a picture of what’s going on inside Max’s ears.  It’s not good.  The ear canal has hardened and the infection has gone to the inner ear.  Max’s ear canals have to be taken out.

While I was somewhat prepared for the diagnoses (not for what it would cost – almost 4 grand), I couldn’t hold back tears all the way back from Chesapeake – a two hour ride.  I didn’t want him to lose his hearing.  He would never hear me tell him I loved him nor hear his squeeky ball and what if he accidentally got out?  How would he hear me calling him?

I wasn’t as prepared for all this as I should have been.  I wanted to be strong but it was hard.

IMAG1075

The next day, we drove back over to Chesapeake and picked him up.  He didn’t look too bad. He was wearing a cone shield like thing to prevent him from scratching his stitches.  I was still in shock over the fact he  couldn’t hear but hopefully he’d be out of pain.

On the way home, I knew it would do no good to talk to him so I had to pet him to let him know I was sorry he had to be put through all this.  He was panting kind of strange like take a breath, put his tongue back in his mouth, take a breath but I figured he was thirsty.

We pulled over to let him go pee and gave him some water which he drank up quickly.

We finally arrived home.  He was happy.  He was running all over the place like he was a free dog.  Skylar barked at him because of the funny looking lampshade he was wearing but he really looked good at that point.

It was at some point – I’m forgetting – that he acted like he could hear me.  It couldn’t medically be possible, but it did seem like it.  So, I did a few tests and sure enough he heard me.

I thought no this isn’t possible.  I decided to do another one.  He was upstairs asleep, I crept up and he made no move like he heard me.  I was standing in another room and I squeeked his ball.  His head shot up.

The dog could hear.

I knew no one would believe it.  They’d say vibrations or something like that, but no this dog could hear me.

I wanted to cry.  I did cry.  I thought my god this ordeal is over and my dog can still hear.  How fantastic is that???

Friday morning, 3 days after the operation, I noticed he had been bleeding on his right ear.  It wasn’t dripping but there was caked like blood clinging to the inside of the ear.  Then I noticed a stench.  Saturday morning, it was still bad and he was pawing at his cone like there was no tomorrow.

I called my vet and he said bring him in tomorrow.

IMAG1266

Yesterday, I packed him up in the car and we headed to Dr. Nickle in Onley, which is only about a 45 mile ride from here.

What he told me was something I never thought I’d hear.  “I’m not sure what’s going on with this ear,” he said.  “It shouldn’t look like this.  The ear appears to be rotting.  See it?”

I hadn’t been looking at this point because blood makes me squeamish, but I looked.  The inner part of his ear had darkened.  It appeared there was no blood going to it.  “They might have to cut it off,” he said.

I don’t know what else he said at that point because I had lost it by then.  I paid my bill and the whole trip home was a blur.

I pulled into the carport and called the emergency room over there at Chesapeake.  I didn’t make myself clear because she was absolutely no help.

So this morning, I called Dr. Marti and his receptionist told me he said it didn’t sound like the ear was rotting, that it sounded like an infection had set in.

So, I’m sitting here preparing myself.  As if this dog has not been through enough.  And the pocket book is starting to give out fumes.

I don’t care what anyone says about dogs being dogs because once you accept responsibility as a pet owner, something else takes over.  Unconditional love.  The same unconditional love they give you, you give right back to them.

I want to see Max happy again.  I want him to be out of pain.  I want my Mackiedoodle back.

I’ll let you know what the prognosis is but sometimes you get to the point when you say, “How much can this little boy take?”

Related Posts with Thumbnails
  • Share/Bookmark
Category: At Home with Island Chick  Tags: , , , ,  4 Comments