Friday, May 22, 2026

7 May 2026 Mantua: Gathering the Whole Family: Part Two

 


We headed off to Roxanne and Mikes where Jaxon, Bridgit and Alice were home from school.  We also played with moose the dog who loved chasing the ball all around the  back yard.  Mike was still out of town getting training.  We ordered several pizzas and once they arrived it got very quiet, apparently chewing and talking is a very difficult skill.



This is a flowerpot man that gets different costumes regularly 


We made it to Roxannes


A bear at the door


Moose!


Gifts!


Fancy gin drinks


Who has cake?


Alice's emotional support goose!




 It has been 3 years and 333 days since we began our Migration

7 May 2026 Mantua: Gathering the Whole Family: Part One

 


We started our day of family gathering at William Heritage Winery.  It was just after noon so drinking wine might have been in the cards but noon is still quite early for the old folks.  The food was spectacular and after lunch we headed over to the Amish market for old fashioned  treats.  We loaded up on pickled items, dried fruits, meats and some bread products.  We had a few hours open before heading over to Roxanne and Mikes



Wine is fine


Two of us


Four of us


The winery


It is set up nicely


Very artistic


OK maybe one flight of wine to taste


Off to see the historic Amish


Pickled stuff


Smoked meats


Chicken wings


Ribs


Lots of fresh meat


Four or five types of bacon


Loaded down


Back with time enough to set up the bird feeder



 It has been 3 years and 333 days since we began our Migration

6 May 2026 Mantua NJ: A Plilly Dilly We Do

 


We flew this cool looking 70's style jet to Philadelphia, a unique color scheme.  We enjoyed our time in the St Louis Airport, flew into Philadelphia and got a ride from Dave over to Jersey.  We stopped in a shop on  thew way to the house.  Let the madness begin.  


Lean into the flying part


Airport art!


A new sticker, St Louis MO.... 1764


Lots of ships in the docks in Philadelphia 


To New Jersey we go


Old New Jersey


Looking pretty 


Looking old


Shopped a bit


We have made it to Kristine and Dave's house



 It has been 3 years and 332 days since we began our Migration

Thursday, May 21, 2026

5 May 2026 St Louis: Roadtrip Back to St. Lou

 


After the fantastic sunny day yesterday, we woke up to a light rain and had rain most of the drive back.   Jerry and Norma must have been up very early as they were all percky at 7 AM when I emerged from the basement.  I chatted a bit but headed outside to catch the early birds. I picked up three new lifebirds. The drive was rainy sometimes hard but mostly light.  We took a different way back making use of the highways and got to our hotel around 2 PM.   Bob K swung by around 5:30 to take me to dinner.  Leslie opted to stay behind and let us have boys night.  Kries's Steakhouse is still going strong and my ribeye was fantastic.  We brought a apple strudel back for Leslie and that was our mid morning snack the next day, a delightful bit.  


The Peewee says hi


A Carolina Wren hopping about


A Yellow /throated Warbler lifebird #1 for the day


A Louisiana Water Thrush lifebird #2


Fun landscaping


The Tennessee Warbler stuck his  head  out just as we were leaving.  I got out of the car to take this picture of lifebird #3


Heading over the new highway 70 bridge


It bypasses the downtown area


Our room at the hotel!


18 oz ribeye


20 oz prime rib


The dessert menu





 It has been 3 years and 331 days since we began our Migration