Across The Miles

Mt. Rainier in WA State, flanked by Mt. Adams and Mt. St. Helens (on right)

Last Thursday evening, 

Ramblin' Man took me for a little ramble

across the continent. 

We left our home near Mt. Rainier

and flew nearly 3000 miles

to New England to visit family,
including his 86 year old Mom, 

and to celebrate my niece's recent marriage

with family and friends. 

We arrive in the beautiful city of Boston
in the wee hours
under a bright, nearly full moon
peeking through the clouds.

Ramblin' Man and I grew up in small towns
south of Boston and were high school sweethearts.

We leave the busy airport
in our rented Jeep,
taking the Callahan Tunnel on
our way north to New Hampshire.

We cross the Leonard P. Zakim Bunker Hill Memorial Bridge,
and settle in for the long drive north.

A gracious and generous sister-in-law
kindly leaves out a key to stay at her
charming apartment.

A sweet welcome.

We wake up to a beautiful day.
You can see the cozy apartment at the far end
of this large family home.

A pair of Cardinals fly by,
and there are Birch trees everywhere!

The forecast calls for temperatures
in the 90's with high humidity
for the 5 days of our stay.

Even so, everything is lush and green
with beautiful wildflowers lining the roads.

Goldenrod, Black Eyed Susan,
Purple Larkspur, Daisies.

We have a busy schedule of visiting and gatherings,
and first on the list is stopping by
to visit Ramblin' Man's sweet Mom.

She is renowned for her cooking,
and owned a very popular local
restaurant here for many years.

Her spaghetti sauce is the absolute best,
and she surprised us
with a lovely meal.

Every moment with her is a treasure.

Later, we stop by sister Donna and husband, Ron's
sweet cottage by the lake.

This is where the happy gathering will take place
the next day.

The newlyweds.
Aren't they sweet?

They were married in West Virginia in June
at Jon's family cabin
in a romantic country wedding
with sunflowers. <3

The beautiful bride is from New Hampshire
and this celebration is for those
family and friends
who could not attend the wedding.

My youngest son, Dustin and wife, Jen,
also made the long flight cross-country
to attend.

Dustin and Amanda are cousins.

They all had fun together in this rented
convertible, cruising to nearby Hampton Beach for
some seaside fun.

Ramblin' Man knocks on sister Donna's door.

A charming vignette
with the bride's favorite flowers.

More front porch charm.

Ramblin' Man's sisters relax on the porch.

Let's walk around and take a peek......

One of many beautiful gardens.

The screen house and guest house.

A view of the greenhouse.

The path to the lake.

The celebration takes place among the beautiful gardens,
and next time I will give you a tour.

I hope you will join me, Dear Friends!

xoxo