Step, Step, Step Back in Time

All we knew is we were visiting my Son and his girlfriend “at a cabin in the woods”. We live in Central Pennsylvania. Some call this mountainous region Pennsyltucky. Truly, you never know what “cabin” means. We were planning to spend at least one night. We spent two, but hubby wanted to stay until Christmas. (Darn, when you’re having such a nice time why do we have to be responsible and go home to work?)

The cabin was lovely and although quite private, it was in a planned community and since it was a holiday weekend, there were many activities. Old fashioned games for the kids were offered that required being outside, running, playing with balls, slip & slides and, you know, FUN STUFF. (How scandalous!) I got to shoot a rifle and actually hit in the target five of ten shots! (Not bad, eh?) Smiles were everywhere and a wonderful sense of community abounded. humans smiling, enjoying themselves and getting along with each other.

Dogs were unleashed everywhere. From pups to old hounds, they were a welcome part of the fun. These two were having the time of their lives.

You could participate in pancake breakfasts, a church service, sail boat races. One of my favorite activities was the saw mill demonstration, and even better yet, being given a gift of the most beautiful piece of poplar wood with a grain that cries out to be shown off!

I know! What would you make from this lovely?

My second favorite was square-dancing. For my readers around the world a square dance is done with a group of people doing specific moves together as the steps are “called out”. They say things like, “swing your partner”, “do-si-do”, and “box the Gnat” whatever the hell that means! I think it means step on the big toe of the guy to your left. The problem is no one knows what they are doing, and you end up stepping on everybody’s toes . . . a lot. The result is a lot of laughing, and smiling, and laughing, then laughing some more.

During one of the square dances, I was next to Emily, she tried so hard and smiled a lot. She slowed down the whole process as we danced. However, no one cared that we were so out of tune. Emily was 88! When I asked her age, she said, “Right now, One hundred and eleven!” What a joy she was. I want to be her when I grow up.

Another highlight for me was the dancing dogs ! Imagine this, we are watching a group square dancing and a German Shepherd joined in. It was wonderful!