Chapter 2: Pennsylvania Memories and Time with Friends
Slowing Down at Last
After an early morning flight, a rental car adventure, and an evening spent catching up with lifelong friends, it felt wonderful to wake up without an alarm.
Well…almost.
By the time we adjusted to the three-hour time change, showered, and made ourselves presentable, it was nearly lunchtime.
Vacation officially had us on its schedule instead of ours.
Colleen and Kelly suggested lunch in nearby Newark, Delaware, and before long we found ourselves strolling along Main Street toward Café Gelato.
The weather was beautiful.
College students filled the sidewalks around the University of Delaware.
We found a table outside, enjoyed a delicious lunch, and settled into one of our favorite travel activities…
People watching.
Every town has its own personality, and sitting outside with good food and even better company is one of the best ways to experience it.
It’s Never Really About the Wine
After lunch, Kelly surprised us with a visit to Borderland Vineyard.
The setting couldn’t have been more peaceful.
Rolling vineyards.
Warm sunshine.
Gentle breezes.
We settled into Adirondack chairs overlooking the vines and enjoyed a wine tasting together.
The wines weren’t exactly our style.
But honestly…
That didn’t matter.
One thing we’ve learned over years of traveling is this:
It isn’t always about where you are.
It isn’t even about what you’re doing.
It’s about who you’re sharing it with.
The conversation, laughter, and time together made the afternoon unforgettable.
Dinner with Friends
Back at the house, we spent a relaxing afternoon visiting before heading to dinner at Twelves.
Kelly had arranged everything.
The restaurant allowed guests to bring their own wine, and Kelly proudly shared a Merlot he had made himself.
I have to say…
He did an outstanding job.
Dinner lasted for hours, not because service was slow, but because nobody wanted the evening to end.
Stories flowed as easily as the wine.
Afterward, we returned home where Kelly treated us to homemade ice cream.
Mine tasted just like an old-fashioned Dreamsicle.
Tracey’s choice?
Blueberry cheesecake.
Neither disappointed.
It was the perfect ending to a perfect day.
A Visit with Family
Saturday brought another opportunity I had been looking forward to.
Meeting my cousin, Desiree.
Originally, it looked like she would be away on a business trip during our visit.
Thankfully, she rearranged her travel plans so we could spend the day together.
We started with lunch at Bigfoot’s, enjoying authentic cheesesteaks while catching up on years of life.
Then Desiree asked if we’d like to visit another winery.
As if we were going to say no.
Dove Valley Winery
Unlike the previous day’s vineyard, Dove Valley Winery held a special connection for Desiree.
She had grown up with members of the family who owned it and even volunteered during grape harvest each year.
That instantly made the visit more personal.
The scenery was gorgeous.
The atmosphere was relaxed.
The wine was sweeter than what Tracey and I usually enjoy, but there were a couple that really surprised us.
In fact, we still joke that we should have bought a few bottles while we had the chance.
Looks like we’ll just have to make another trip someday.
Returning to Childhood
After leaving the winery, Desiree suggested one more stop.
My Aunt Dottie’s house.
As we pulled into the driveway, memories began flooding back.
I remembered spending summers there as a little girl.
Playing with my cousins.
Running through the yard.
And yes…
Being terrified of the old outhouse.
Thankfully, indoor plumbing eventually arrived.
My childhood courage…
Not so much.
As soon as Aunt Dottie realized who had walked through the front door, she wrapped me in a hug.
For just a moment, I found myself holding back tears.
Not only because it had been so long since we’d seen each other…
But because every time I looked at her, I saw pieces of my mom.
Some family resemblances go far beyond appearance.
They bring back feelings you didn’t expect.
Quilts, Ladybugs, and Memories
We spent the afternoon talking about everything from family history to health battles.
Aunt Dottie proudly showed me the beautiful quilts she had been making.
Then she shared photos of paintings she’d completed.
Just when I thought I’d seen all of her talents, she led me outside to show off two giant ladybugs she had created…
Out of bowling balls.
Only Aunt Dottie could make bowling balls adorable.
Meanwhile, Tracey and Steve were happily solving the world’s hunting, fishing, and firearm discussions from the backyard.
Everyone was exactly where they belonged.
Before leaving, we gathered for pictures, exchanged hugs, and promised it wouldn’t be so long before our next visit.
I cried.
Tracey would probably tell you he expected nothing less.
He knows me well.
One More Evening Together
Our day wasn’t quite over.
Desiree and Steve introduced us to one of their favorite smokehouses.
Despite promising ourselves we’d only order a snack…
We somehow managed to leave completely stuffed.
Again.
Good food.
Cold beer.
Wonderful conversation.
A perfect ending to another memorable day.
When we returned to Colleen and Kelly’s house that evening, they had finished every item on their wedding checklist.
Tomorrow was the big day.
Excitement filled the house.
The wedding was finally here.
Continue the Journey…
Tomorrow we’ll celebrate a beautiful wedding, reconnect with old friends, make new ones, and witness two people begin the next chapter of their lives.
Next Chapter: A Beautiful Wedding and the Journey Home.