Curves in the road...

Sometimes the trips you end up on, aren't the ones you planned...anyone? Two thirds of the way into my journey to Lancaster, I received "one of those calls": you know the one that "stops time" so to speak. Eric (husband of April, who I was traveling to see) called and told me that April had had an accident and was in the hospital. She was having tests done and he would call me back with an update. I continue on toward my original destination, praying and thinking about driving on to meet her in the emergency room.

As it turns out, she was released and sent home. Through a series of phone calls (can you say "THANK GOD FOR CELL PHONES"?), we determined that it was best for her to return to Maine and rest and recover. SO, we didn't get to hang out, catch up and be together as planned. None of that matters, what matters is that crushed-car-and-all, April wasn't hurt. Boy, we were both bummed we didn't get to see each other, but that is SO NOTHING compared to her being OK, the real priority.

I spent a day in Lancaster county by myself before returning home. I had a great B & B and the innkeepers were angels. The country was beautiful, however it just wasn't the same without my buddy. I'm sure you know what I mean. However, here are some of the things I found interesting:
1. INTERCOURSE, PA really is a town...and you can snicker, I did: A LOT!
2. I have always detested smorgasbords and buffets...this is the land of the smorgasbords! And yet, in the middle of the county I found an Italian restaurant with real Italians cooking and serving (it was more than a little exciting!)
3. You can't beat driving the Pennsylvania Turnpike with the top down, the Dixie Chicks blaring and a diet coke in hand...
4. Cabela's is really amazing: I stopped at one in Wheeling, W VA, and spent an hour. Where else can you buy a canoe, shop for a couch, try out the latest flavor of fudge and see a wood carving all at the same time?
5. Arriving home after driving 1400 miles: PRICELESS

The best laid plans...are just that, laid out but not set in stone, and never all that predictable.
:-)