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Hello From Paradise, Pennsylvania!
It feels so good to be here! Although, we've had our challenges today. I brought one of my dearest friends with me - Rene. We landed in Philadelphia without incident. When the nice man at Enterprise Rental offered to give us a 'faster' way to get to Paradise than our 'Map Quest' instructions, we said, "Sure!"
The Enterprise man left out a few turns and to make a long story short, these two girls from Texas walked into a convenience store and asked what state we were in.
I know what you're thinking - is that blonde hair for real?? But, really..we followed the man's directions perfectly. Anyway - we were in Delaware. Seriously going the wrong way.
So, we lost a couple of hours, but once we arrived in Paradise, that familiar peacefulness began to settle over me. I felt like I was coming to visit Samuel and Lillian in Plain Perfect, and Noah and Carley in Plain Pursuit. When I passed Blackhorse Road, I could almost see Lillian walking toward her grandparents house, and the fictional places I created to mix with the real places here in Lancaster County came alive before my eyes. How blessed I am to be here.
Today the Amish celebrated Ascension Day. For the Amish, it is a day for gathering with friends and family, starting at around 10 a.m. The host provides the main dish and everyone else brings a covered dish for the noon meal. Families take turns hosting the festivities at their homes each year. A game of baseball usually follows in the afternoon, and the day wraps up around 4 p.m.
We have a big day planned tomorrow. Lots of sightseeing, eating, and research. Here are a few pics from our first day.
Most of today was spent traveling, often in areas we didn't intent to go....i.e. DELAWARE...lol, so tomorrow I should have lots to share!
Many blessings to you from Paradise, Pennsylvania!!
The Enterprise man left out a few turns and to make a long story short, these two girls from Texas walked into a convenience store and asked what state we were in.
I know what you're thinking - is that blonde hair for real?? But, really..we followed the man's directions perfectly. Anyway - we were in Delaware. Seriously going the wrong way.
So, we lost a couple of hours, but once we arrived in Paradise, that familiar peacefulness began to settle over me. I felt like I was coming to visit Samuel and Lillian in Plain Perfect, and Noah and Carley in Plain Pursuit. When I passed Blackhorse Road, I could almost see Lillian walking toward her grandparents house, and the fictional places I created to mix with the real places here in Lancaster County came alive before my eyes. How blessed I am to be here.
Today the Amish celebrated Ascension Day. For the Amish, it is a day for gathering with friends and family, starting at around 10 a.m. The host provides the main dish and everyone else brings a covered dish for the noon meal. Families take turns hosting the festivities at their homes each year. A game of baseball usually follows in the afternoon, and the day wraps up around 4 p.m.
We have a big day planned tomorrow. Lots of sightseeing, eating, and research. Here are a few pics from our first day.
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A typical sight in Paradise! |
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It is incredible the way the buggies share the roads with the cars. |
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Look at all the reflectors on this buggy. We saw several buggies on the road tonight, and they were all lit up really well with flashing lights and reflectors. |
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This is where we ate tonight - owned by an Amish family. The sweetest little Amish girl waited on us. I had meatloaf, mashed potatoes loaded with gravy, buttered noodles, and a roll with peanut butter spread. I was glad to have an opportunity to try the peanut butter spread since it will be a featured recipe in Plain Promise, book #3 in the Daughters of the Promise series. I |
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How cool to find Plain Perfect and Plain Pursuit in a bookstore in Paradise, Pennsylvania. I still pinch myself every day. And, of course, thank God for this tremendous blessing. |
Most of today was spent traveling, often in areas we didn't intent to go....i.e. DELAWARE...lol, so tomorrow I should have lots to share!
Many blessings to you from Paradise, Pennsylvania!!
Posted by Beth Wiseman at 5/21/2009 8:13 PM 
Categories: uncategorized
Tags: beth wiseman plain pursuit plain perfect
Categories: uncategorized
Tags: beth wiseman plain pursuit plain perfect
Beth, well it is refreshing to find there are other "directionally challenged" women out there! When people tell me "go north" or "go south," I have to tell them I only know "right" or "left!" All in all, it sounds like you had a good day, and it is good to know that you arrived safely, had delicious Amish food, got some wonderful photos, and even found your books in the store there! How interesting, too, that the Amish celebrate "Ascension Day," as today would be "Ascension Thursday" in the Catholic Church, though in many states the feast is now celebrated on the following Sunday. Please keep sending the interesting reports!
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Glad you made it there...finally! LOL Who knows - won of these days you might need to know about a detour to Delaware for a book!
Have a great time - the pics look awesome. Can't wait to hear more.
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Some of lifes best experiences are from wrong turns. Make the most of the mistake and meet new people. You never know why God sent you that way but be sure it was for a reason. Hope you have fun in Paradise and enjoy your vacation. But what I really want to say is just because it is a vacation doesn't mean you can't still write.
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Wish I could be there with you right now!
Enjoy!
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Hello, I'm just like you Beth, even if I follow directions I will get lost (I always get lost). Of course I am teased from everyone but I learned I have no sense of direction.
I never ate at Katie's, but the next time I go to Lancaster I know where I will try next!
Blessings,
CarolG
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My sister Babette forwarded your adventures today. I, too, have no sense of direction, but I do have a sense of humor, and that helps!!!
I was married at Ascension of Our Lord Catholic Church in Moravia in 1962. I, too, found it interesting that the Amish celebrate this holy day.
Looking forward to your adventures tomorrow and in the future.
Betty Brossmann (Bryan)
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