Saturday, April 27

Up at 7 a.m. to get ready to go to a mountain town for the day. Daughter arrived around 9 a.m., and we began packing picnic lunches. Sis accompanied Mother to our house shortly afterward, and Sis packed lunches for herself and Mother.

We were on the road around 10 a.m. What a dismal day for an outing. After a stormy night, we had hoped the rain would stop, and we'd get some sunshine by afternoon, as predicted by the meteorologists. No such luck...it rained all day.

Low-lying clouds on the spring-green hills created a sort of mystical beauty, but we would have much preferred sunshine. Still, it was an enjoyable scenic ride up the winding road to the other town.

Our first stop was at an Amish store, where we bought spices, jellies,  and natural snack items. From there, we went on a short scenic drive, and then stopped at a country store to have our picnic lunches. It was pouring rain a this time, so we were ready for hot cups of coffee from the pump pots we brought along.

When the rain slacked just a little, we got Mother into her wheelchair, and we all helped push her across the rough, gravelly yard to a barely adequate wooden ramp up to the store's porch and into the store.

This store features all sorts of old-fashioned toys and other items. One item that caught our eye was a whirl-a-squirrel feeder. It's a board with an ear of corn nailed to one end. Squirrels mount the board from a shelf nailed to a tree. When the squirrel crawls on the board to reach the corn, the board moves around from the squirrel's weight, and then the animal dismounts onto the shelf. It's really fun to watch. Sis decided to buy one as a Mother's Day gift for Mother.

There is a small music theater at this store, too, and today we were entertained by a few folks, one of whom decided to seranade Mother with the songs, "Corrine, Corrina," and "Nobody's Darlin' But Mine."

Went to the dulcimer shop next, where Mother, Sis, and Daughter all enjoyed trying their hands at the instruments. Music sheets were under the strings, which showed participants where to strum the instrument. In no time, Daughter and Sis played recognizable music. As a sign at the store says, "Anyone who can count to ten can play a dulcimer."

From here, we toured the courthouse square, where we visited the tourist information center/gift shop, a flea market, and a crafts mall.

After that, we were ready to head home.  Arrived mid-afternoon, and later, I put baked beans and barbecue in the oven to heat. Mother fixed a recipe of coleslaw. Served these with potato salad around 5 p.m.

We were all pooped from the day's activities, so we vegged for the evening and watched TV, including the animated features, "Despicable Me," and "Gnomeo and Juliet."