The Good Times

Isn't it always wonderful to gather as family for the "good times?" And while there was a mental health crisis and complete break down involved with our day on Saturday, it was all for a truly good and love filled day.

We set out at about 11:30 AM for what should have been a 2 1/2 hour or so drive. Our beautiful niece and her new husband had invited our family to share their happiness in an outdoor reception in Nanticoke PA at 3:00 PM.

I set up the GPS, went to Google and printed out those directions, and had a map handy in the glove box.

It was a gorgeous day to travel, and as we neared my "mother-mountains" I was purring with contentment. Even after all these years, those mountains seem to embrace me and tell me I am "home." Things moved along beautifully, and we were pleased with our time and distance travelled. It was all good. Then, before exit (I think 95) GPS woman urged us to take an exit that did not exist. Well, it once existed...you can see old barriers now blocking it, but we simply could not use it. So we continued on, assuming that GPS lady would adjust. We get to the exit and she begins complicated but detailed directions, and we are suddenly going SOUTH once more, with no way to turn around. We realize that in her "adjusting" she has "decided" to take us back to the blocked exit and "make" us take it again! So we lose almost 1/2 hour driving back and we get off at the next exit. I go into a snack shop to see if the workers there can help me. Yes, they can. Get back on the TPK and go back the way we came. Aw Gee! At this point the GPS lady begins to froth at the mouth, roll on the floor and then she dies. We were taking directions from a mad woman! A dying mad woman!
Out comes the map - the Google directions, and I begin to attempt to combine the two and off we go again. By now, Lar could make the drive with his eyes shut...been there and done that oh my!

Finally within a couple of miles of the Holy Child Grove, we begin to meet the people. First, we ask a driver stuck at a red light beside us. Where is the grove? Oh, that's in a whole other town, you have to go another way. Umm, no, I decide not to listen to another "helpful" mad woman. On we go. We see a nice gentleman on the porch...rocking, peaceful....I decide to step in and stop the peacefulness....after all, if we ain't peaceful ain't nobody gonna be peaceful! He is so sweet, calls "mama" outside from dinner preparations to assist. She does, she's deaf, but she knows her way around. They were darling. I think I'll go back and see them sometime.....but I won't use the GPS! A bit further on, we've missed a turn somewhere and a young man getting gas for his truck really gets into it! He is thrilled something fun is going on at the grove. Can't believe we are now almost an hour late, and gives precise (well, almost precise) directions and finally at just about 4:00 we arrive.
Mel and Robert had apparently had a Cinderella sort of wedding in St. Thomas, on the beach the week before. She was a stunning, breathtaking bride...she still is. The contentment and happiness on her face tells the story. She's waited a long time in her short life to find her Prince, and it looks like she may have done so. The food was fabulous. The music and the temperatures were hot. The family so enjoyed this opportunity to be together....for a truly happy occasion.....there are to be a number of opportunities in the next couple of months, we discovered...and we are so happy about that. The blessings of family....the love....it's all good.

Gotta bury the GPS today....but that's another story!