We Have Arrived!

We started off in Texas and went through all these states: Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and finally New York!!! Traveling through all those states we didn’t have to pay any tolls. To enter the wonderful state of NY we had to pay two – total, $13.00. Ah, tolls, it’s coming back to me now. It was New York State’s way of saying: Welcome home.

I have to tell you as much fun as we have had on our very long trip; it’s great to be home. I look forward to getting the PODS unloaded and sleeping in my own bed. I can’t wait to cook a meal in my own kitchen and to no longer live out of a suitcase.

Tom and I stopped at my sister’s house to see my mom. She lives in Pennsylvania with her. It was good to see my sister, my niece and my brother-in-law also. My mom is 83 and is the sweetest person ever. I loved seeing her and spending time with her. We talk often on the phone (every week) but it’s not the same. I loved all the kisses and hugs I got when I got there and throughout. This is a picture of my mom.
I want to thank all of you who have come along this long journey with Tom and I. I want to thank all of you that we stayed with along the way. Tom and I had a great time together traveling in the car. We look forward to settling in and getting to know the people at the new church. This is an exciting time for us.

© Nadine Zawacki 2009

Chocolate Factory

Tom and I stopped in Hershey, PA and got to see Chocolate World. It was fun. It’s part of the whole chocolate town of Hershey, PA. Check out the lamp post kisses.
There is a free tour that was very cute – complete with a ride, singing cows and how chocolate is made in a factory. Most of my pictures came out dark because there was not enough light, but here are a few.After the tour we got asked to give our opinion on their orange crème kisses. We were taken to a room, given a sample and we had to fill out a form. We got free chocolate at the end for participating. Yum. Results: I liked it but Tom didn’t. I thought it taste like a Creamsicle and Tom taught it had an aftertaste like baby aspirin. Funny, huh – two totally different opinions.
The store part of Chocolate World had everything chocolate – even a chocolate Barbie Doll. Here are some pictures from inside.
Look Tina - they had palm trees in Chocolate World.
Tom posing for me. He's so cute.
Tom knew this would end up on the blog. He's a good sport.
We had lots of fun and then headed out to see my mom in Stroudsburg, PA. She lives with my sister and her family. Next stop – New York! Yeah. No more living out of suitcases.

© Nadine Zawacki 2009

BBQ in Clarksburg, WV

Tom and I have had a great time reconnecting with old friends (not necessarily friends that are old) in WV. We drove by our former house. This was the view going uphill to our house, which by the way is located on top.
The view from on the top of the hill we lived on.Our old house.
Then we headed out for a BBQ at the McColls who opened their home as a place to meet. Check out this spread.
Our gracious host, Dave and Lynette.
Dave made his famous venison bacon wraps. Normally I’m not a big fan of deer meat but Dave has a special talent. He also made some great chicken with his own BBQ sauce – King David’s Sauce. Even the mild had a bit of a kick to it.
We had a great time telling stories about old times and catching up on what’s going on in people’s lives now. The kids I left eight years ago are so grown up now. One just got engaged!

Monday the plan is to go to Hershey, Pennsylvania.

Now some pictures of folks at the BBQ.
© Nadine Zawacki 2009

Bridgeport, WV

We are now back in Bridgeport, WV. We lived here for a year before moved to Nutter Fort, WV for seven years. That’s right a Zawacki lived in Nutter Fort. Funny huh?
A very popular item in WV is pepperoni rolls. When we made a stop we had to have one.
We are visiting a dear friend we have know over 30 years, Jim and his family. His two eldest kids (now with kids of their own) came by to see us. I’ve know them since before they were born. Here’s a picture of Grandpa Jim with his daughter youngest girl (6 months old).
This is the oldest sister. She drew that picture and did I mention she is only 6 ½. She draws so well.
This is the middle daughter (3 years old). What a great smile she has.
Jim made a wonderful meal of salad, steak, green beans and corn on the cob. He’s a great cook.

His youngest son is now fifteen and much taller than me. It makes me feel old, but then again I am old.

We are having a great visit and will get to see some of our old church members at a BBQ tomorrow.

© Nadine Zawacki 2009

Forest, VA

Tom and I have enjoyed visiting with one of our dearest and oldest friend, Carmela. She is a professor at Liberty University. She took us on a tour of the campus - it was big and impressive. This is Carmela and her two pups; Patches and Sammy.
Liberty University Emblem.
We have enjoyed staying with her and catching up. The two dogs have been very loving and cute to watch. Here are some of my favorite pictures of them.
She took us around Forest, VA. We had fun driving around. These houses are so nice.
I love these trees.
Carmela took us to this restaurant (Twin Oaks) that is located in this large house. It has this beautiful tree in front. The food was very good.
I love the view from the front porch.
Saturday, we head out to West Virginia to visit with another old friend, Jimmy. We will also get to see some of the people from our church plant in Clarksburg. Thanks for continuing to follow me on this journey. This time next week we will be in New York.

© Nadine Zawacki 2009

Dance Class, Soccer Practice and Cheesecake Factory

I had a great time going to ballet class with Danielle for daughter #2. Check it out for yourself.
Also the two older children had soccer practice. Their little brother was hamming up the side lines.
Then Danielle and I met up with Beth (who was a member of our church in WA) and Lauren – my favorite editor of all time (who edited my book). It was great to see Beth again – she’s such a sweetheart. I got to meet Lauren in person for the first time. We laughed and I teased her about being mean to me when editing my book. Below are Danielle, Beth, and Lauren.
This is what I ate – a snicker’s cheesecake. Everyone say – Yummy!
This photo is of Lauren and me.
Tom and I hit the road and will be visiting with a dear friend Carmella, who we know over 30 years, near Lynchburg, VA.

© Nadine Zawacki 2009