January 3, 2011

• A Pennsylvanian Christmas 2010
  

   Despite missing my Grandma terribly, I had a better-than-expected visit to my hometown for Christmas this year.  I would even go as far as to say that I actually enjoyed myself.
  
  To give you'all out there a little Western Pennsylvania flavor, I took photos of the scenery.  Above, my church in the village I was born in, baptized in, etc. 

  
  newborn justgotspaid's first home

  

  toddler justgotspaid's 2nd home.  Its huge because it is in the country and everything is bigger out there.

  

  the other traffic on the road

  

  

  
  French creek

  
  Downtown

  
  Of the probably reasons I was satisfied with my vacation is that I didn't get sick.  I always seem to catch a cold going up to PA.  I attribute this to a daily gym regiment I adopted.  Wake up, drive downtown to the gym, take pictures of the snow, work out for an hour, buy coffee, drive home and shower.  A superb way to begin each day!  Perhaps I would like to be a housewife ha ha ha.  At any rate, see how I was already working on my #1 New Year's resolution--stay out of the hospital!

  
  Another goal I have is to enter the cemetery's photo contest.  I already mentioned this in October.  I thought I would try to get some winter shots as well.

  

  

  

  
  I am the creeper in the graveyard with a camera.  For some reason, I really like doing this. Therapeutic?  Meditative? Perhaps I will return in the Spring and Summer to complete the set.

  
  more sights of PA, trains and bridges

  

  One of the best things I did while I was home was make a point to go and visit my 2nd cousin one afternoon.  Despite having very different lives, we are so alike.  I love her!  I wish we lived next door and were best friends. 

  Also, my former roommate and best friend from college, Bitcherina drove from Cleveland to hang out for the day! 

  Good times.  Why did I not get a photo of either of these afternoons?   

  
  Another exciting time was going to the Elks Holiday Basketball tournament.  Another biological 2nd cousin and my cousin from my "adopted family" ended up playing each other for the trophy.    Look!  Here they are even in the same shot #22 and the girl in blue behind her.

  
  go cousins!

  
  as a result of the Elk's Lodge being involved AND my cousin playing, a bunch of family turned up for the game.  It's a rarity for me to have so many blood relatives all gathered together.  I'm usually the distant cousin in Florida.  I feel a little left out sometimes.  I was very happy.
  [This photo from top: brother, self, wife of 1st cousin, 1st cousin, 2nd cousin, 2nd cousin
  bottom: 2nd cousin, cousin, dad]

  
  The last night I was there, my aunt organized a potluck at her house.  The whole village showed up.  It was great time.  Here is me with some cake and my dad's hat.  Yes, I am wearing 4 layers of shirts.  It was great.

  • 3:16 pm
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