Friday, August 19thMost of the NJ family thought I was a bit crazy for driving all the way to central NY and back to Mullica Hill in one day. Most of the West Coast family did too, but they're used to these sort of endeavors from me. 4:30am came and when the day dawned I was greeted with a BEAUTIFUL drive. Central PA and NY are beautiful areas of the country. I heard from more than one NY native that so few people realize how beautiful Central NY is, and they prefer it that way. I would love to drive up I-476 and I-81 again in the fall when the leaf colors are exploding.
On the way back from Baldwinsville, NY, I stopped at the Steamtown National Historic site in Scranton, PA (also the home of Arlen Specter, whose office I saw) to see the steam engines used in Pennsylvania's coal and passenger industry. Frankly, it rated nowhere near as high as a battlefield would have, but I took the opportunity to work on my photography. Scranton-Wilkes Barre are two neat cities nestled in the deciduous mountains of PA.
A wrong turn near Philadelphia took me near the Brandywine Battlefield. Dad mentioned that Revolutionary battlefields are somewhat forgotten in comparison to Civil War fields due to the length of conflict, size of battlefields, and the encroachment of modernity. I agree.
Friday night's dinner was Uncle Butch's WONDERFUL sausage and marinara dish. We have
a similar item native to Chicago, prepared a bit differently. But I thoroughly enjoyed his creation. Also, the Weilands and Edelmans came over to visit. I was struck by the similarity of the Butch Kingett and Janet Campbell families as we sat around the table laughing, looking at old pictures, telling jokes (especially Jack).It felt like "home".
Saturday August, 20th
Saturday morning Uncle Butch was kind enough to drive me to the old haunts: Clementon, Lindenwold, etc. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing Albert's Condo, Grandma and Uncle Butch's HS and home, the site of the family slaughter house. As a matter of fact, the view of Philadelphia in the picture in the previous post was from the ground that my great-grandfather owned. He had plans to build a house on this site, with THAT view. Imagine that with a sunset mixed in.
Next we got to see cousin Jessica's horsevaulting practice. She's a little pistol. A
sport like horsevaulting is perfect for a beautiful little girl of her disposition. I am quite convinced that although the animals upon which she "vaults" are so huge; they'd never be able to get the best of her. The Weilands were a blessing to meet. They're people you'd want to live closer to.
After a relaxing afternoon and a second round of stromboli and Uncle Butch's marinara sausage; we visited some more (mostly about Beagles and their strange habits) and
then it was off to Independence Mall. Now THIS was a beautiful part of Philadelphia. Although I didn't have time to go through 9/11 security and see the Liberty Bell or walk on the same side of the street as Independence Hall; I got close enough to these things to almost see, touch, and hear the freedom our forefather's knew. Their time was not an easy or quick one, and they had much at stake. Yet here we all are. I also
enjoyed seeing Bookbinders. This restaurant has some family significance in that the Kingett family would attend UPenn football games on Saturdays and then go to
Bookbinders in suit and tie for the post-game meal. And I'm quite convinced now that we should reinstitute the tradition of wearing suits and ties to football games. It could qualify as church if the Cougars are winning.
All in all, the trip to Philadelphia, New York, and New Jersey was a great memory.
Saturday morning Uncle Butch was kind enough to drive me to the old haunts: Clementon, Lindenwold, etc. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing Albert's Condo, Grandma and Uncle Butch's HS and home, the site of the family slaughter house. As a matter of fact, the view of Philadelphia in the picture in the previous post was from the ground that my great-grandfather owned. He had plans to build a house on this site, with THAT view. Imagine that with a sunset mixed in. 
sport like horsevaulting is perfect for a beautiful little girl of her disposition. I am quite convinced that although the animals upon which she "vaults" are so huge; they'd never be able to get the best of her. The Weilands were a blessing to meet. They're people you'd want to live closer to. 
Bookbinders in suit and tie for the post-game meal. And I'm quite convinced now that we should reinstitute the tradition of wearing suits and ties to football games. It could qualify as church if the Cougars are winning. 
My initial impressions of Philadelphia were not good. The only redeeming edifice I saw between Philadelphia International and Mullica Hill, NJ was Citizen's Bank Park. Inspired to experience Americana, I flipped on the radio broadcast of Phils and the Nats. Alternatively, refineries do not make for spectacular scenery. Although I must admit that the refinery stacks amid the carpet of decidous green looked strangely sci-fi, however ugly. Once I entered the Garden State, the scenery improved drastically. The windows came down, the speed increased, and the prospect of cheese steaks got closer. Reaching Aunt Pat and Uncle Butch's was quite honestly, like coming home. It was a home filled with familiar laughter, overt shades of Grandma, and cheese steaks (although Uncle Butch certainly was not impressed with Jim's Pizza steaks for they were a bit dry). 
I was very pleased with the scenery on the way to BPC-East in E. Greenville, PA. The actual details of the visit to this potential client are quite boring in print. However, here in the middle of nowhere PA, right next to BPC-East was the Blommer Chocolate Company. The Blommer Chocolate Company [www.blommer.com] in PA is a subsidiary of the same company downtown Chicago (the factory is located just off the Metra on Canal). Interestingly enough they manufacture bulk chocolate, either shipped in tanker trucks or huge frozen blocks to companies like Hershey, Mars, etc. In any event, the remainder of my afternoon was 
spent in the shadow of the Revolutionary War. I was thoroughly pleased with the feel and history of Valley Forge, PA. I'm happy to send additional pictures if anyone would like to see them. The picture I've included here probably made the most impression on me during my visit. Enscribed with the purpose, "To the Mothers of The Nation", this statue's significance hit me in the sweet spot. In the cause of liberty, sons began giving their lives for our country at Valley Forge. In the cause of libery, sons continue giving their lives for our country in Iraq and elsewhere. Nuff said.
