Friday, February 26, 2010

A Day Away

No, it wasn't a day at the Spa. However, it was just as relaxing and fun. My cousin Barb and I decided to take a day trip back in time (sort of) to the town where we grew up--Archbold, Ohio. Our parents lived there all their lives, and now that they are gone we don't really have any real reason to go back. We do have some cousins who still live there. But it's kind of sad for us, because we really liked going to see our family there, and now it's different.

We stopped on main street at a little gift/floral shop and bought a cheery flower in a vase to take to our Aunt Mable. She is still in a nursing home in Archbold, and is 101 years old! In one month she will be 102. She's a little hard of hearing, but her mind has always been pretty good. She has a sweet smile, and likes to see us,though it sometimes takes a little time for her to remember what family we belong to. This time however, she didn't look as good to us physically, and she had a really hard time communicating her thoughts. We just sort of felt like maybe her time here is nearing to an end. (This picture was not taken yesterday--it was on a previous visit last fall). We prayed with her before we left, and she thanked us for the flower and for coming to see her.

Our next stop was at our cousin Carol's house. We picked her up to go out to lunch with us. We went to "Mom's Diner", which has sort of a 50-60's atmosphere, complete with a juke box. I had a delicious cheeseburger and chicken rivel soup. We sat and visited for a little while.



You may remember seeing previous posts about"Walt's House. It is the house where I grew up (at least from the time I was in grade school). It is now being used as a home for men who have been in trouble and need a fresh start. There are currently 4 men there which is about the maximum they can have). I hadn't seen the house since it had been re-furbished and furnished, etc.. so we were given permission by Cecily, the lady in charge of it, to go by and see it. They have done a wonderful job of fixing it up. I was very impressed. We also met 2 of the men who are staying there.

You have probably heard of Sauder's furniture. Their manufacturing factory is in Archbold, and there is an outlet store there. Barb was looking for a particular piece of furniture to go with her daughter's bedroom set, so we went to the outlet store, and had fun just browsing. They have some unique pictures , lamps, etc.

There is a meat store in Pettisville (just a short distance from Archbold) that has certain meats and foods that are sort of to die for. So we went to the Pettisville meat place. I got a ham loaf (which is one of their specialties) and potato salad (also totally delicious). The ham loaf was frozen, but I'm letting it thaw so that we can enjoy it tonight.

All of us are supposed to be on diets. (Carol has lost a lot of weight and looks great!). But there is a candy place in Archbold that has been there for years and years called "Al-Meda's Chocolates". Barb decided she would like a couple gift boxes of "local" candy to have on hand for gifts. There was a sample dish there, and between the 3 of us we nearly finished it off while we were there. We had to make sure we still liked it! Barb got her gift boxes (I wonder if she'll open one?) and I got a little bag of broken pieces. Just what I needed, right?!

I had to back by supper time, so we took Carol home and headed back home. It was just a fun day of visiting with each other and re-visiting some of the familiar places.

14 comments:

Cindy said...

It is a bittersweet thing to visit elderly relatives like that. We see the decline but still have the memories of better days. I enjoyed reading about your visits with relatives and having pictures to give a visual perspective is always nice.

Brenda said...

I'm jealous. It sounds like such fun. I am looking forward to the unofficial cousin gathering in July.

Rebecca said...

I felt like I was right along with you. (Except, you know, I don't think I've ever been inside the candy store. I know right where it is. It's probably just as well.)

We visited the outlet store over Christmas. I'm always amazed at the wide range of products they display there.

I'm glad you and Barb had an "excuse" to go. Let me know when you go again. Maybe I can tag along.

Have a blessed weekend, Donna.

Dee said...

I love day trips like this. It is interesting to see how things change over the years. How the home you once knew has said farewell to your family and hello to new a new purpose with your family's giving spirit still a part of it. I am sure the flower you brought to your lovely aunt Mabel brightened her day. The candy was a sweet way to end the day. :)

Bernie said...

It sounds like a wonderful day Donna, I am sure you had some good memories as well as sad but all in all it did sound like fun. You are blessed to live close to your sister and cousins ...... :-) Hugs

Wanda..... said...

Visiting your aunt and seeing her decline reminds me of my mother's last days. I'm sure she felt your love, although unable to convey her feelings.
Ham loaf, potato salad especially and chocolate would make me forget a diet as well!
Your visit to your home town seemed like a positive one, I still live in mine!

Diana said...

What a wonderful day Donna. A nice adventure. Your Aunt Mabel sounds very sweet and to think she has lived all those years, amazing. Thanks for sharing the fun!
Love Di

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

The broken pieces of chocolate don't count... didn't you know that?

Glad for your day of memories and fellowship. We'd all do well to follow your lead and enjoy some of the simple pleasures of family, friends, and cheeseburgers more often.

peace~elaine

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Annie said...

Sounds like a wonderful trip! I have been itching to take a day trip but am patiently waiting for the snow to melt so I can head up north and not get stuck :)

Rebecca said...

Are you there? I didn't realize how much time has passed since I heard from you! Now I can't find your email address. I'll keep on looking and maybe call. I'm worried. Hope your eye is OK.

Anonymous said...

The useful message

Anonymous said...

Making money on the internet is easy in the underground world of [URL=http://www.www.blackhatmoneymaker.com]blackhat software[/URL], It's not a big surprise if you have no clue about blackhat marketing. Blackhat marketing uses not-so-popular or little-understood ways to produce an income online.

Rebecca said...

OK, my friend, it's time to post again!

We were having dinner at H. Cafe with another couple last Sunday. We saw Lynn come in and look into the back room but didn't see you and don't know if he stayed....

Hope you're OK.