Birthday Surprise in Reading, PA

It was the time to celebrate our friend John's 60th Birthday.  His wife planned a surprise trip to his hometown of Reading.  We made reservations at the historic Abraham Lincoln hotel for Saturday night. Bob and I and Deb and Todd headed to John and Suzanne's house on Saturday morning. All John knew was his wife had made plans for him and he was to take the dog to the kennel.  We pulled into the driveway just as he was getting back.

Toasting John on his 60th birthday weekend.

He was surprised, especially when we said we were there for one of his home cooked breakfasts! Instead we toasted his birthday with a mimosa.  After some time we hit the road.  It was slow-go until we hit York, then freezing rain turned to rain. The weather was not going to dampen our spirits!

We got to as far as Shillington in time for lunch. We went to one of John's favorite watering holes, California Bar and Grill.  There were 18 TVs for some serious sports watching.  They had great salads and sandwiches.  My hubby had a pulled pork that looked yummy.  The beer drinkers said the craft beers were tasty.

Bob in front of 4 of the 18 TVs in the Calfornia Bar and Grill

Next, John took us on a tour of his hometown.  He showed us all the houses he lived in while growing up, the park he used to play in and his favorite sled riding spot.  Then we headed to the Abraham Lincoln Hotel.  This is a 1930s era hotel that is restored to it's original glory.  The lobby was still decorated for Christmas and looked fabulous.  There was a small bar with wood accents, a restaurant for Sunday breakfast and a ballroom where it looked like they were setting up for a wedding reception.

Lobby of the Abraham Lincoln Hotel

We checked in to our rooms.  They were big and beautiful in a way that a modern motel could not come close to. John and Suzanne had a suite, so we hung out there and had cocktail hour. It would have been nice to walk around and explore the city, but the weather was not co-operating.  I want to go back on a warm, sunny day and see the city in a different light...so to speak.

Our big, comfy bed for the night.

The plan for dinner was unique.  We were going to the Victor Emmanuel II club.  This is not a restaurant, it's an Italian club.  You have to buy a membership to be able to go there, or be with a member to eat there. It's all Italian food.  Suzanne prepped us about what to expect.  "This is like eating in a gym. They want you in and out, no sitting and talking.  Don't waffle with the waitress, she'll yell at you.  If you want pizza, you have to order it all together." Ok so I wasn't really sure what to expect!

Patrons eating at the Victor Emmanuel II Club

The surprises continued.  John was not aware, but his mom and three kids (who live in Harrisburg, PA, Baltimore, MD and Kennet Square, PA) were going to meet us at the club.  It was necessary for us to stall.  By about 6, John was ready to go and our reservations were for 7.  We did it, and John was totally floored when they showed up while we were waiting for a table.

Suzanne at Viva

Ok, our waitress was gruff, but it's all an act to entertain.  We had a late reservation, so they didn't care if we sat and talked.  The food was to die for and it was so, so cheap.  I had chicken Parmesan and spaghetti.  Bob had rigatoni with meatballs.  And of course many at our table had spaghetti.  We had pizza and we followed directions, ordering it all together as an appetizer. If you live near Reading and know someone who is a member of this place, get them to recommend you for membership.  It's a little pricey, $10.00 per year. (That's a joke). To cap off the evening, we headed to Viva for drinks and watched the Steelers get trounced by the Ravens.  Bummer. At least John's kids from Baltimore were happy.

This place has everything kitchen!

Back to our hotel where we had a great night's sleep. The beds were big and so comfy. The next morning, we had a tasty breakfast in the hotel restaurant.  I had a veggie fritata. Then it was time to head home, but not before we stopped at the famous Reading China and Glass outlet.  If you want something kitchen related, you are bound to find it here.  They have everything.
So John, anytime you want us to help you celebrate a birthday, we are ready to go!

Holiday Fun Small Town Style

The day after Christmas, hubby Bob and I went small town and enjoyed, "Shining Light Through The Darkness" at Kish Park in Burnham, PA. This is a truly home grown event in my hometown.  It began as a project by a student and has grown every year to become a welcome holiday event in our area.

Kish Park is a local park complete with picnic tables, a campground, duck pond, a stream, a community theater and a walking path.  From early December to early January, this park becomes a lighted holiday wonderland.The event is hosted by Freedom Avenue United Methodist Church. Different businesses and non-profit organizations sponsor and set up lighted holiday displays throughout the park. Visitors use the walking trail to enjoy all the displays. If you are not able to walk, a golf cart ride is offered.  If you go on certain nights, you can get a horse drawn carriage ride around the park.

Santa welcomes you to the park!

Just a few years ago, this was the extent of this event.  This year, there was some sort of activity or entertainment planned for every evening except Christmas eve, Christmas night, New Year's eve and New Year's night. There have been a dog walk and dog picture day, kid's make it/take it crafts, children's story time, a Christmas service, Karaoke and lighting of luminaries along the walking path.

New LED display on the duck pond

Many different local entertainers have performed including Saints and Singers barbershop quartet, Tim and Duane show, Cassie Campbell with Carla Traxler, Unusual Suspects, Free for All, Chris Ruble, Country Gospel Revival, Brush Mountain Band, Grace Fala with Rhonda Sweigart, Miranda Shoop, Drew Zimmerman, Blue Grass Country Express, Dylan Crosson and Mike Bair.  The night we were there, we listened to Drew Zimmerman while sipping our hot chocolate.  He was good!

Penguins getting warm by the fire

This was a totally free event.  Volunteers do welcome any donations you can make when you are at the park. The donations are used for expansion and maintenance of this delightful little piece of hometown fun. They also welcome any volunteer help. Check out the Kish Park Shining Light website for more information.

Planning The Trip is Half The Fun

Going on a trip is fun, but planning a trip can be almost as much fun.  Trip planning is even more fun since you can search the Internet and use mobile apps to find fun things to do and good deals on hotels, restaurants, car rentals etc.

I am working on planning three trips right now.  This weekend, I am going to visit my daughter in Pittsburgh.  Just for fun, I am going to see how much fun we can have on the cheap. I am going to travel by Megabus.  They go nonstop from my hometown twice a day.  A round trip Megabus ride to Pittsburgh is only $30.00.  I can't drive that cheaply. I am working on things to do and places to eat that won't break the bank. Stay tuned to see how I did.

Hubby and I are planning a winter trip to Key West.  I am really excited about this one!  We decided to fly to Miami and drive Highway One.  We hear that everyone should drive into Key West via Highway One at least once.  We are flying back directly from Key West.  We will be taking part in a Food and Wine Festival held there each winter.  Our winery owning friends are reserving room at the Southernmost Hotel.  We will be going to lots of activities; a beach party, a Key West Stroll and maybe a sunset catamaran cruise.  Can't Wait!

The third trip is to Washington, PA for the Color Me Rad 5K.  This is a fun event to raise money for Ronald McDonald House. Participants wear white.  While they run or walk the course, the Bomb Squad throws colored paint powder made from corn starch.  When you are done, you look like a rainbow.  A big colorful finale is planned at the finish line.  My sister and I have decided to participate and my daughter plans to be a bomb squad member.

These trips are going to keep us busy planning! Looking forward to them is just as much fun as taking them. I'll keep you posted on all the fun.  If you have been on any of these trips before, let me know what you did.  Maybe I can add that to my list of things to do.