Road Trip

This morning I woke up with a plan to get out of the house and let the wind blow me wherever it wanted.

I grabbed my purse and the camera and headed down the road.

First, breakfast!

I am a bagel lover. Today, I stopped at Bob's Bagels in Lemoyne.

I ordered a cheddar bagel with veggie cream cheese.

It was ok. Resslers Bagels near our house in

my favorite. But, Bob's was...ok.

I also ordered a medium coffee, how

ever each of the 3 coffee choices were at the bottom. So, I had to mix French Roast, Costa Rican and Decaf to get a full cup. A bit rich and I had to add alot of cream. Needless to say, I drank 1/3 of it. It wasn't Dunkin Donuts, that's for sure. That's Right! I think Dunkin Donuts has the best coffee. I am not a Starbucks fan. I like Panera

Bread Chai Tea Latte. That is my yummy favorite!

Anyway, I ate in the car.

As I pulled out of the narrow parking lot, I realized that I was just 1 block away from the West Shore Farmers Market. I have only visited this local market once before, probably 6 or 7 years ago. I decided to brave the crowded parking lot and head into the market.

What a glorious adventure! From a beautiful jewelry store, baby store, to fresh local produce and meats. There was everything that my eye could imagine...and I wasn't the slightest bit hungry.

The most beautiful pies and cookies and delicacies lined the aisles. I called Jim to see if he wanted to meet me there for a lunch date, but he was too busy to indulge me. I would definately

do some serious produce shopping and special meal items at the market. It was just so fun to walk around and take it all in.

I called my mom from the market and let her know I had found a new wonderful place that I thought that she would also enjoy! We made a plan right then and there for my mom to come down next weekend before the baby arrives and we can make a morning of the market and then the Hershey Butterfly Gardens. What a lovely day! I can't wait. ( Dear Baby Salter: If you decide to come before then and change our plans, that would be even better.)

I found alot of beautiful baby clothes at the shop upstairs in the market. I can't wait to go in and pick out a special Boy or Girl outfit for baby's first formal pictures in a few weeks!

After the market, I headed to Harrisburg.

They were setting up for American Music Fest n

ear the river. This weekend is filled with various bands and local musicians and festival food. I hope to make a stop sometime during the long 4th of July weekend. But, I drove past and hopped on Rt. 81 and headed toward Hershey.

I decided to take my chances at the Hollywood Casino/Penn National Raceway. I decided to walk in with $50 and leave with $0 or $100. I walked out 1 hr later with $0, but I had an hour's worth of fun in the meantime.

It was nearing lunch-time, so I decided to choose a place that I have never been, but always wanted to go. What I really wanted was a hot dog and greasy fries and a milkshake.

So, I headed to The Summit, home of the Hot Dog King.

I found a nice little booth and pondered the diner style menu items. I, of course, went with the hot dog with chili sauce, onions, and mustard, the fries and a vanilla shake.

As I sat there thoroughly enjoying my heart attack in a bun lunch, I watched a husband and wife with a 3 year old son sitting just a few tables away, obviously involved in an arguement.

I tried my best to ignore the conversation, but due to the volume, I could not.

Needless to say, about 5 minutes into the arguement and 50 F Bombs and a strong hand squeeze by the husband later, I decided to alert my waitress to what was going on. I was just ready to get up and ask the woman if I could help her, when the man stood up and paid for their drinks and ushered his wife and son out the door.

I was very disturbed by what I had watched. Never in my life had I ever heard a human being berate another human being in such a way. The little boy sat there as his mom cried and his dad cussed and threatened.

After a brief discussion with my waitress about the situation, I made my way outside. In the parking lot, the couple had continued their arguement. This time, mom and son were sitting on a bench in front of the adjacent tattoo shop and the dad was pulled in front of them in a mini van.

The owner of the shop was outside offering the wife assistance, of which the wife told the well-meaning tattoo shop owner to mind her own business and not speak to her husband "that way". I was astounded. I walked over to see if I could help in some way, but the wife did not want any help.

She scooted across the parking lot, pushing her son in his stroller, as her husband sped the van after them and eventually made them get in. The tattoo shop owner headed into her shop to call the police, just as they pulled away.

My heart hurt so much for that little boy who had to endure the harsh words and behavior of his parents, it hurt for the woman who didn't seem to have the courage to walk away from what I can only guess is "normal" for her.

It made me thank God for giving me a partner that loves me and respects me.

It was a drama-filled end to my road-trip.

I needed to come home and perk up with something positive.

I threw a load of laundry in, after 5 full minutes of stain fighting. Jim's attire for the races include white pants. ???? Why in the heck would a flagger/announcer at a dirt track wear white pants you may ask? I know the answer. So that the drivers can see him. Yep, that's why.

BUT, I have to wash these pants twice a week. Thank goodness for Shout Advanced in the blue bottle. It works wonders.

The laundry wasn't a positive lifter for me, so I decided to get a head start on my dessert assignment for my brother in law John's picnic tomorrow.

I pulled out an Apple Pie Kit ( Little Ceasars fund-raiser) and made 2 crumble top Apple Pies.

They turned out wonderful! The house smells delightful!

And it is only 4 pm....Now what????