Another day of Blog Adventures

Today started slowly, but ended up to be a most wonderful day of adventure.

I didn't crawl out of bed until almost 9; I was quite comfy and cozy. I stumbled down the stairs and was most happy I did when I was greeted with a cup of coffee and a puff pancake baked in a cast iron skillet in the over. We added lemon and powdered sugar and it was melt in your mouth good. After breakfast, I had a wonderful conversation with Cameron. He told me all that they have done and all that they plan to do to update their 100 year old house and make it truly theirs. It's a charming house. They have already done a lot of work that reflects them and enhances the house. Their future plans will make for exciting changes to the house and more comfortable living for them.

While we waited for everyone to get ready for a day of adventure, Earla and I played a game of Scrabble. I was way ahead and LOST!!! I learned never to be complacent... It was a very painful lesson.

As we walked out of the front door, the first thing we saw was the yellow orange tree in the picture. What a wonderful sight in one's front yard!

We loaded the kids in the car, then ourselves and the five of us started out. Before we left Marion, we went by the Harding Memorial where President and Mrs. Harding are buried. We headed out of town into the most spectacular panorama of color. Over each hill and around each curve it seemed nothing could catch our breath again and each time we were awed by the incredible beauty. Even in the mist that we started in, the colors were spectacular. Then, the sun came out and all was painted brighter yet. Photos can not capture what we saw adequately.

On our way, we stopped at McDonald's, for the kids of course! OK, it was good.

As we were driving, we saw a sign that said, "covered bridge," so we made a quick turn and found it as you can see.

The next sign that caught our eye said, "church garage sale." Well, we couldn't pass that up. We were hoping for some homemade items. We drove up and up a hill and at the beginning of the driveway to the church we found the garage sale sign again and another sign that said "Eternal Rose Church of Old Regular Baptist." Who could resist such a sign? /We found a very pretty little church and the sale was in the basement. There were not homemade items and not much to brag about, but Maria found some toys for the kids. While she paid for them, Earla and Ruby played in the leaves.

From the church, we headed towards Charm. On the way we found the pumpkin stand. There was, also, a store with baked goods, mixes, jans, etc., and a very long line. The kids rode in the blue wagon here. This was a good place for them to get out again and run a little, too. What caught our eye was the man making kettle corn in a large cast iron barrel over an open fire. We bought two bags.

On our way to Charm, we saw a sign for pottery and, again, we went up and up a hill. On the way, we saw a lot of horse drawn buggies. We found the pottery shop and there were many nice things. Amongst the bowls and plates and other dishes was one lonely elephant. I had to take him home with me.

We left the pottery shop and headed back to Maria's. She showed us a number of very nice houses. Marion has a lot of older houses that are well kept . It's a pretty town to drive through.

At Maria's house, there was a pork roast cooking in the crock pot. Maria put sweet potatoes in the oven and Earla and I played a game of "aggravation" with Owen. It was aggravation all right. Thank goodness, Owen won! But, that took us until dinner time. Along with the pork and sweet potatoes, we had rice and gravy and wine. When my plate was clean, I leaned back and sighed. It was that kind of meal --- one that lead to pure contentment. Another game of Scrabble was begun and midway through we were served chai cake --- yummy. I finally won another game. Then, Ruby and I shared a sliver of pie. If I were smart, I'd share all of my meals with an 18 month old who likes to eat.

Earla had the maps out, and has zeroed in on a route out of Ohio.

We will go to church with Maria's family and, then, be on our way.