Friends and Fines

Have you ever thought much about Utica, New York?  How about Herkimer?  Probably not.  But these places are dear to us now, and there really are many interesting things to do. Our connection with the area began in 2006 when we moved our son into the dorm at Herkimer County Community College in the middle of winter.  Quite a change for the Southern California boy who was raised on the beaches of the Pacific Ocean.  But he thrived here, found out that he loved the area and the change of seasons, and best of all, he met the woman he will marry next summer.  So, yes, the area is now precious to Frank and Linda, too, and we're getting to know it better and better.

We have visited local sights and renewed friendships with people we met during our son's time at HCCC - fellow parents whose sons also played baseball for the Generals.  One day we took an interesting trip on the Erie Canal, complete with going through a lock.  One day we hunkered down in the motor home during a long thunderstorm.  One day we went to see one of Matt's friends play softball.  One day we met up with Coach Razz.  We thank God for His blessings of good friends, especially the Allens who have let us stay in the parking lot of their business.

It's been a fine time here, except for that little matter of the NY State Trooper pulling us over on that treacherous stretch of 5s.  No way Frank was driving 70 in a 55 zone.  The trooper ended up being a kind-hearted soul and only gave Frank a ticket for "ignoring a traffic indicator" and not for speeding -- yet one more indication that God is really looking out for us on this trip.  At least there will be no speeding points on Frank's license, but we still don't know the amount of the fine.  We pray that the Magistrate will be lenient.

In our window to the outside world, we are relieved that Hurricane Irene will not be going over our house, and that there was not much damage from the earthquake in Virginia.  Personally, we are used to 5.8 quakes; in fact we generally sleep through them.

Now on to Vermont and Maine.  Yummmmm.  Maple sugar and lobster.