BONUS POST

As a New Year's Eve BONUS...

I am including an extra post that shows a simple video of the photographs

I have on display at CCMH in Coudersport, PA.

(sort of an Ultimate Sneak Peak!)

This is the solo photography show I worked on and submitted earlier this month.

All of the photographs were taken this year, in and around Coudersport, PA... my hometown.

All proceeds from the sales of any photographs will be directly donated to

the Patterson Cancer Care Center in Coudersport

... in loving memory of my sister and my father... who have both passed away due to cancer...

May CANCER someday be a disease of the past...

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I think I am finally back on the way to getting a few things done... and this will be the final "push" for this trip. I have been really sick for almost 2 weeks now... with my Lupus being exacerbated by who knows what... and it's been very frustrating. I'm still not "up to par"... but it will have to do for now.

In other "news"... There will be an exhibition of my photography at CCMH starting the beginning of November, and going thru the holiday season. All works will be priced affordably... and ALL proceeds will be going to the local Patterson Cancer Care Center here in Coudersport, PA. Hopefully, they will get a sizable donation from this show to benefit all the folks that go to the Cancer Center... and make what is a rough situation somewhat more tolerable.

And so... I need to get busy picking out photos and getting them printed and matted for this show. I hope to pick between 20-25 prints... and it has been requested that most of the shots have been taken here in Potter County.

So... if you have suggestions...or any favorites... let me know :)

*photos by Elaine A. Russell

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(photos by Elaine A. Russell)

One of the most prominent buildings in town is the Courthouse. Coudersport happens to be the county seat for Potter County, and so lots of proceedings take place inside it's fine walls. It was built in 1851-53 by contractor William Bell of Warren and carpenter Eli Rees, at a cost of about $17,000. And it was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in the 1970's.

"Alterations were made in 1888-89, including relocation of the courtroom from the first floor to the second. Contractor was Home Hall of Olean, N.Y., who also built the Coudersport Consistory.
During the winter of 1933-45, through the Civil Works Administration, Potter County was able to renovate the courthouse. The basement was excavated for establishment of additional office space. Concrete footing was placed under the old walls. The entire interior and exterior were repainted and modern conveniences were added.
A cupola clock keeps time for the town. It was a gift of Henry Hatch Dent.

A courthouse bell was donated by the Hon. Timothy Ives.
Atop the clock tower is a statue of justice."

The original statue is one of only 5 statues of Lady Justice where she is depicted with her eyes wide open. The statue was ordered from Humphrey and Jones of Jamestown, NY; and was placed atop the courthouse on October 25, 1888. She stands 12 feet tall, and is carved in a Greco-Roman neoclassical style. "The statue was carved from a block of wood and overlaid with handcrafted zinc panels by a process of 'tin knocking', which the hammering of the metal into the carved sections of a tree trunk." She is overlaid with gold plating ... and is adorned with an olive branch crown.

The original statue now takes an honored position inside; and a few years ago a replica was cast and placed atop of the building where she once stood. This new replica will withstand the weather much better than the original, who had a grand restoration about 10yrs ago.

Amongst the relics found during her restoration, was an antique pin... which was later reproduced and sold to help fund the restoration of the statue. The photos here, depict the original statue and the general architecture of the building.

For more info look at these links:

Living Places info...
Visit Potter County website
Coudersport Info on Wiki
and more quotes and info from this site here

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One of the assets of living here is that we have a pretty good library system. The library here has always been really good about trying to get new and sought-after books and media... and often have to rely on annual sales to supplement funding. I am not sure how they do what they do.

My family has always been full of readers. I remember being quite young, and taking my weekly walk to the library to get a paper bag full of paperbacks for my grandmother to read. My father often times would read at least one book a day... even after working long hours at the factory. My sister and my brother both loved to read; and passed on that love to their kids. I am a big reader myself... and try to read at least 10-20 books a month. I actually prefer magazines alot of the time... and usually on the weekly dates with my hubby, we go thru the magazines for the month over a cup of coffee or two.

I believe that the library here is having a book sale tomorrow... and I wish them the very best... and hope to get up there myself at some point. For it is partially thru reading... that we continue to learn and grow as a people.... something I think we all tend to take for granted at times.

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(all photos by Elaine A. Russell)

When I was a little girl growing up in Coudersport; I lived just up the street from this house. I would pass it every day on my way to Elementary School... and coming home every day I would see this older woman working in her gardens.

She was not an overly friendly woman... and when I asked about her I heard stories of her chasing people off her property... and scaring some of the local kids away. But I was curious. Eventually... one day I walked up to her and casually started weeding the flower beds with her. At first we never spoke... just worked silently together... pulling weeds and gazing at the birds. As the days went by... she started chatting with me... telling me about the flowers... telling me about the trees. Telling me the latin names of everything we could see and touch.

One day... she allowed me into her house. She made me tea and brought out cookies. She told me of her previous years teaching music at the famed Juilliard School in NYC. She played her violin for me. We began a friendship... and I treasured my moments with her in the gardens. She eventually showed me the entire house... including a secret passage that was once used in the Underground Railroad times. I only saw her sporadically over the winter... shoveled her sidewalk a couple of times... but she was a bit of a hermit... and I didn't see her much in the wintertime.

She died one winter...I think it was the winter of 76... her frozen body not found for weeks... because few ever came to her house to call....I was devastated.

Ironically... the only "brawl" I was ever in; was when a local bully was ranting about how glad he was she had died... and I clocked him one... the force sending him clean over the teacher's desk and knocking him out when he then hit his head against a cinder block wall.

Her estate was quickly settled... her sister lived in New York. She had no children... no extended family. Her house was bought and sold several times over the years... and then lay empty... literally rotting into the land.

Recently, another fabulous soul... Mr. John Peet... bought the property and is trying to restore it.

Mr. Peet has a profound love for antiques, history and music... and was also acquainted with my dear lady friend in the red house. He is working hard to restore it in a manner becoming to the era of the house.

Yesterday I was driving by the house, and noticed that Mr. Peet was there; and he graciously gave me a tour. We talked about "dear Helen"... and room by room... we wandered. He told story after story... detailing the history of the town... of the county... of the furniture... and the families that owned them/ made them/ cherished them. It was fabulous... and happy... and a bit sad too. So many memories ....

And here are some photos from my tour....

an antique spinet piano made by the B. Shoninger Co of New Haven, Ct with an Italian wedding tapestry hanging above it....

and old spinning wheel

and old brass gas light -- once used on the streets of this town... now an electic beauty...

even a gorgeous antique 4 poster with a trundle... and antique handmade quilts....

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Even in little towns... there are hidden little gems. Places most of the people don't know about ... or see on a daily basis. These photos I took behind the main street's buildings. I just love the old bricks... the decay... the feeling of being in an "Olde World" setting....



Today was a very busy day... but at least I did get all my paperwork done and in for the grant I am trying for. And as a friend suggested... it was kissed and sent on it's way around midnight...


-----------> photos by Elaine A. Russell

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I feel almost as if this were some sort of time warp. I know I have done things... but I seem to have lost the weekend completely. It has been a blur...trips to the hospital... trips to the store... trips to the house... long hours sitting at the bedside. Very little sleep. Rushed meals. Endless support.... endless phone calls. Visits from friends and family.

It's an odd thing. On one hand, my father's health has plummeted ever so rapidly. And yet, he has been better these past few days than he has been in a week... it is confusing.... and hard to not be puzzled by things...

I know that I was only back home in ABQ for 2 weeks... and yet so very much has changed. The hills are green and lush. The town is "buzzing" with last week's Maple Festival activities... (which I sadly missed). And my parent's lives have changed so dramatically.


This "hurry up and wait" time has been it's own special hell.... but we are all resigned to the inevitable, and dealing with it the best we can. ... and I am grateful; in spite of the strangeness;
for this slowness of time to spend with my parents...

photos by Elaine A. Russell

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I feel as if I am closing the door on something. I can't explain it. ... nor do I really want to think about it. All day I have been depressed. I am sure it has alot ot do with my back really really hurting, and the knowledge that I am leaving in the am. It is physical, and emotional ... all tied up into one big ball of string.... endlessly rolling about on the floor and tangling me up.

And so. I forced myself to take some motrin... take a hot shower... and go and take some photos. I didn't go far... I didn't really need to. There are so many things in this part of the country that I would love to be able to take photos of. Today was a strange day weather-wise... raining... snowing... and the sun trying to peak through the clouds very briefly... it was odd. Many would consider this bad weather to try and take photos in... but it was still alot of fun for me.

Kristin and I are leaving in the am. We have put it off as long as possible... knowing that my parents really need help. But the reality is, is that my son is getting married on friday... and if I have any hope of showing up on time ... I need to go.

This has been a bizarre few weeks.... full of happiness, trauma, illness, joy AND pain... it has been a wild ride. I am hoping that things will begin to settle down soon...

And so... I am off to work on some laundry, and to try to go to sleep before 1am so that we can begin the journey tomorrow....






---------------------------------> all photos by Elaine A. Russell

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-----------------------------the Labyrinth at the Patterson Cancer Care Center

My back is not getting much better. I hate to admit it... but I don't think a trip to NYC is very feasible at this point... and I cried when I had to tell my daughter that we would not be going. I feel like I have let her down. I so desperately wanted to take her... it is something she would really like to do... and she has been such an amazing help and such a joy to be around... and I wanted to do something nice for her before we head home.

On the other hand... I am in no shape to be driving/ or riding ...and we should have left already if we were going to spend a day or two in NYC. Add to that the fact that last night my dad had some sort of weird episode that lasted until about 6am... and we were definately needed ... I feel like we can't leave just yet.

Today dad had his 2nd radiation appointment, and it seemed to go well. He is in significant pain... and his meds were adjusted again today to help with that. Coudersport is very fortunate to have the Patterson Cancer Care Center here. It is a huge blessing to so very many people here... and I can't imagine where my parents would be without it. For one, they would be forced to travel several hours to the next nearest cancer treatment facility... and I don't think that either of them would be able to do that.

Additionally... the staff there is amazing. They are extremely caring and knowledgable .... and go more than the extra effort to help people out. Today one of dad's doctors spent quite awhile chatting with my parents... making sure he was getting the care and the medications he needed... it is so very welcome and appreciated.

---->Link to online info on the Patterson Cancer Care Center: here

-----------------------all photos by Elaine A. Russell, taken at the Patterson Cancer Center in Coudersport, PA

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On main street here in Coudersport, is the Potter County Historical Society. I believe the building itself was one of the few to survive the massive fire of 1880... when most of the town's buildings were completely burned down. Later, I am told it was a school.... and when I was a kid... it was the library.
Now... it is the Historical Society... and it houses a wonderful collection of books, dishes, war memorabilia, local made furniture and glass, and so much more. There is a significant library in the one section of the building... that is available to the public for genealogical research. The volunteers that work there are incredibly knowledgeable... it is amazing, really. The curator is Mr. Robert Currin, who, when I went to school... was my 7th grade history teacher. He later became the principal of the high school. Since "retiring"... he has devoted his extensive talents and time to the betterment of the town and county by organizing and expanding all that is the Historical Society today. (link to the Potter County Historical Society website: here)

Last summer.... through the efforts of several townsfolk ( including Robert Leete -- who graduated a year before me in school)... discovered and restored the Mann Fountain.
The Mann Memorial fountain was originally erected in 1903, in front of the Mann House, at the site of what is now the Post Office. After restoration, it was installed and dedicated in front of the Historical Society.

When I was a kid... I really didn't like studying history all that much. However, I started visiting older people in town at a young age... and did some cleaning, errands and such for them on a weekly basis. Because alot of the people I visited were quite elderly, they would recount to me many stories of what life was like when they were younger. Through them... history became a living and interesting thing... not something in dusty books where I had to memorize meaningless dates and places.

Over the years.... I have continued to study various subjects on my own... and I have tried to pass on a thirst for learning to my kids.

~~~

Tonight... much to my amazement... my dad was discharged from the hospital. I do not think he is ready to be home. I was more than a little frustrated by several personnel at the hospital... who called the house no less than 5 times today... saying he was discharged... no he wasn't .... well... maybe he would be.... if the doctor comes in... etc. It was insane.

He was discharged at 8:30pm.

Just last night, he was still taking IV morphine for pain control... and I don't see how he is going to be OK without it. After all... it's not like the cause of pain.. or the extent of the pain has miraculously changed or gone away.

But home he is. And I know that he is very glad to be home....so that is fine...and we will figure it all out.

~~~

And in other news... I have managed to hurt my back. I have herniated discs in my lower back about 4 times in the past... and it feels as if I have done it again. I was trying to clean and organize some things around the house... including moving a desk to my parent's bedroom so that my father wouldn't have to navigate going to the basement to work on things.

It is very painful... but it was more than worth it to see how happy my dad was when he got home and saw that he now has a little office area in the bedroom...

*all photos by Elaine A. Russell

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It's saturday. I am overwhelmed. I am behind on my blog posts; and hope to fill in the gaps here as I am able to get a reliable connection. Dad is doing a little bit better today... although he is not horribly happy about being in the hospital again... but that is the way it goes. Mom has been visiting him as much as she is able; and so are my daughter and I. We are trying to "hold the fort" ... and help with tasks around the house. I also have to sort thru alot of misc paperwork/ bills/ taxes etc and try to get them organized and caught up for my mother. Needless to say; I have a list.. that I may or may not be able to do everything on before I have to head back to Albuquerque. I had planned on leaving Coudersport on the 12th... and going to my niece's house in Lancaster for a day. Then.... I had hoped to take my daughter on a road-trip to New York City as a treat before we head back to NM. We'll see how it pans out... but for now; that is the plan.

Currently, I am sitting in Olga's Cafe and Gallery here in Coudersport, right on main street. It is a fabulous place... and I can log on to the internet while I am here. I have mentioned Olga's on my blog before. Olga is from the Ukraine, having moved to PA after getting married years ago. Once she came to Coudersport, she opened a shop, and has been a major source for the arts here. In December, she and her husband opened up a Cafe/Bar and Gallery in one of the restored buildings on main street. It is simply gorgeous inside. Olga's artwork covers a wide variety of techniques and materials.... original paintings, prints, handmade jewelry, knitted garments and accessories, glass painting on dishware and stemware, Pysanky egg art, felted toys and lovies... and so much more. It's hard to fathom it all.

The cafe features good home cooking... goat cheese pizza, panini bread sandwiches, home-made soups, and endless desserts. And the bar area features domestic and imported beer, wine and mixed drinks.

Upstairs is the gallery... featuring more of Olga's artwork, as well as providing space for classes and such. Plus... free internet... all in a warm and inviting space. You really couldn't ask for more.

Here are some photos from Olga's.....

(all photos by Elaine A. Russell)

Link to Olga's: Here

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-----------------------------------horses grazing in the fields of Gold, PA

So... today; we had alot of company at the house... which is good, but can also be very tiring.

I loaded the car full of recycle-able goods... and headed over to Gold where there is a recycle plant. Unfortunately, by the time I got there.. it was closed. Apparently, it closes daily at 3pm; instead of the 5pm that I was told. Ah well. No bother. It was a very nice ride; and I can do it again tomorrow.

For dinner, my daughter and I stopped at the Sweden Valley Inn again. She has never been there; so we sat and ordered some food. She got the "double baked" potato soup... which was absolutely fabulous... loaded with yummy melted cheese on top. Then she had a salad with shrimp on it. I had a cheeseburger with bacon and blue cheese, and an order or mozzarella sticks and some fries. As a special treat... I had another one of those butterscotch schnapps hot cocoa drinks I mentioned a couple of days ago. It was still just as good as it was the other night.
As a bonus.... we sat more in the dining area this time ... and there are lots of vintage photos on the walls of places around town... but circa 1900 through the 1950's. I was able to take photos of a couple of them... and will post them on my flickR account as soon as I can.

------------------------ "double baked" potato soup at the Sweden Valley Inn


My dad managed to fall in the shower today... banging his hip that he had the surgery on. Fortunately... he didn't seem to do any damage.... I think he hurt his pride more. Problem is... my mom tried to pull him up... and hurt herself as well. Sort of a comedy of errors I suppose.... but not funny at the time.

I mention this only in the context of .... I never really thought about this time in my life. When I was younger, I dreamed of being in love... perhaps having children... traveling.. that sort of thing. And after I got married... I would daydream about growing old with my hubby... always in a "rose-colored glasses" kind of way.

I don't recall however, dreaming of being middle-aged. I don't like to think of myself as middle-aged. I am not sure what that even entails. But I don't like it much. It is very strange to have my kids on the cusp of getting married/ leaving home... and at the same time... being in a position of taking care of my parents and helping them out as much as I am able. It is a very strange in-between time. I am sure I will get used to it.... but for now, it is almost freakish.


------------------------------------the pond beside the Sweden Valley Inn

**all photos by Elaine A. Russell

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The wife called and tells me she has no connection tonight. So stay tuned for an update tomorrow!

-- posted by the hubby
____________________________________________________________________

UPDATE:
I am sitting at Mitchell Park here in town... where I have miraculously gotten a connection. I had gone to McD's for one... but they have closed for the night, and thus shut off the Internet capabilities.

So... We came to the park to let Sabrina run around... and low and behold TA-DA!

So... on Monday (yesterday now)... I did alot of errands for my parents. Mom went to the Chiropractor again.. which is good. Things have sort of settled into a routine of sorts. Dad continues to have severe leg/buttock cramps.. and I can't get a hold of his doctor to potentially get a prescription or to get his blood checked. It is frustrating.



The photos for today's post are of the Old Hickory. It was once an Inn and a bar/restaurant... that unfortunately fell into severe disrepair. At one point.. I heard the the Rigas Family had bought it with the intent to turn it into a bed and breakfast... which would have been really cool. Work was started... basically, the interior was gutted and the roof was fixed. However, I think that was as far as things got when the whole Adelphia fiasco happened. Since then, the place was in limbo. It was unclear who owned it... then I heard that some people from the southern part of the state bought it... but didn't do anything. Then I was told that last year it was up for sale along with alot of other properties as a "tax sale." Not sure if that is true.... but it would be awesome if someone would buy it and fix it up.

The Old Hickory has been around forever. It is definitely one of the oldest buildings in town.. and certainly one of the most interesting looking. PLUS... there is the ghost story..... tales of a young man who was "worse for the drink" and got into a bar-room fight over a woman. The young man got shot in the stomach... and as the story goes... because he was "under-age", his body was carried to an upstairs room and draped over a piano. I am not sure if the people thought that he would recover up there... but he passed away. Legend tells that he still haunts the place and can be seen in the upstairs cupola at night... wandering ... and looking for his lost love...

(all photos by Elaine A. Russell)

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Yesterday I featured photos of houses here in Coudersport to showcase some of the interesting architecture in this town. I am continuing that theme today... and have several more houses to show you.

An interesting link about architecture: HERE

(*all photos by Elaine A. Russell)

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** all photos by Elaine A. Russell


I had a friend ask me about the architecture here in Coudersport.
Alot of it is victorian in style; having been built in the 1880's after a big fire wiped alot of the town out.
I don't know much at all about architecture in general; so I can't elaborate on specifics at all. I know what I like... but that's about it. In any case... I thought that I would focus today's and tomorrow's posts on some of the houses around town. Let me know what you think ...

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*all photos by Elaine A. Russell


Yesterday I had intended to do a blog post on Mitchell Park here in Coudersport. So many things were going on yesterday though... that by the time I sat down to post... I was too tired to think.

And so, today... I am trying to catch up a little.

There are 2 main parks in Coudersport. One is CARP (Coudersport Area Recreational Park)... where there is a track field, football field, picnic tables, swings, etc. It is a very nice area... and it is used alot by various organizations and such in town... as well as the general public.

The other park, is Mitchell Park. I believe it was named after Robert Mitchell and his wife Dorothy who used to live right across the street from the park. Mr. Mitchell was Mayor in Coudersport for several years... and they were an older couple when I was little... So I am assuming that it was either named for them, or for someone in their family. Unfortunately... I couldn't find any information to confirm or deny this on-line.... so... I am guessing.

At any rate... Mitchell Park is a nice smaller sized park right in town next to the town library. It has a covered pavilion with several picnic tables, and lots of vintage style rides and swings for little kids. Additionally, there are now 2 metal benches towards the back of the lot that overlook Mill Creek as it tumbles and wanders into town.

There is also a really cool bridge that runs across the river here; and connects to the back end of the property where the town pool is. This was an often used shortcut for many people in town.. myself included.





The photos for this post were all taken at Mitchell Park here in Coudersport... I hope you enjoy them...

rest well my friends.. wherever you are

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(photos by Elaine A. Russell)


My dad was feeling much better today.... although I think he tried to do too much; and by afternoon he was wiped out. I am so grateful that he is feeling a bit better though.
You have no idea.

In other news: my son and his fiance are planning their wedding for April 24th... yes, it's coming up soon. It sounds like arrangements are moving along very well for them... which is awesome.

I wish I was there to help more... but perhaps this is the way it is meant to be.

And ... in spite of today's weather (rainy cold windy and then snow wannabe stuff)... I went out and took a bunch of photos of the A.A.S.R. buildings... also known locally as "The Consistory."

The original portion (on the farthermost left in the photo above)... I believe was originally the mansion belonging to Mr/Mrs Isaac Benson... early prominent citizens of Coudersport. The house was left to the Freemasons in 1913 (there is a stone with this date on the front corner of the middle portion). The original portion is quite Victorian looking to me.... while the rest of the building was built in 1928... and to me, seems more Gothic. Either way, it is a very impressive building. Inside are a billiards room, dance halls, a Cathedral with a massive pipe organ and a stage, a cafeteria, dining halls, meeting rooms... it is massive.

One article I saw said that the original "house" portion was built in 1899; and that the consistory itself "stands as the largest in the country and yet sits in one of the smallest cities to have such an establishment."

When I was a teenager, I used to waitress and such at Masonic events held there. I have never seen more than the dining halls... but I am told it is pretty fabulous.

Both sides of my family have a long history of membership with the Masons... but I really don't know much about it at all.

My favorite thing on the grounds is the old carriage house. I believe it is simply used for storage now, but I really love the architecture of it.

And so... I hope you like the photos... and I will include the links I found related to this building.

(the Carriage House)

(the Isaac Benson Home)

(middle portion... and main Entrance)

(the last addition)

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Links:
Coudersport Consistory Link

Wiki link: Coudersport

Wiki article on the Scottish Rite

History on the Consistory House

website for AASR

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**all photos by Elaine A. Russell

Today was a blur of: cleaning cars, burning trash, doing laundry, and such.

It was basically another really long day... but it ended with a fabulous dinner at Fezz's Diner. The original building was a diner in 1954; and it was bought several years ago and restored to it's former glory. The inside is all vintage... right down to the napkin holders, and the vinyl on the seats.

The menu can be seen here



We had a great meal (I had steak and eggs, hash browns and toast)... total cost for 4 people was just under $40.



One of the really cool things about the diner is the tons of memorabilia all over the restaurant. Records, model cars, vintage photos and postcards... all there to see. Original recordings are featured on the tabletop jukebox selectors, and there is a really cool jukebox in the larger dining room in the back.



Needless to say... it was alot of good food; and alot of fun!


Kristin is feeling slightly better; although she still has a terrible cough and stuffy head. Mom is still "under the weather"... ever so slightly better now that she has been taking antibiotics and steroids for a few days. Dad had a horrible day.

Hopefully... tomorrow will be better...

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(House of Care, Danville PA)
--all photos by Elaine A. Russell--

(Geisinger Medical Center, Danville PA)


It was an interesting night at the House of Care. The place is very, very nice... but I was sharing a room with my mom... and it just felt strange. Coupled with some alarming news from home... I just couldn't sleep. We got up early, and got to the hospital just in time to see my dad getting loaded and transferred via ambulance to go back to PA.

(Treats at Mom's Dutch Kitchen)

We then went to Mom's Dutch Kitchen for breakfast. This is a local (in Danville) restaurant with an attached gift shop that features alot of Amish related gifts. The food was a typical small town diner type experience... I had steak and eggs, hash browns and coffee. It was awesome. We then went back to the House of Care to do some of mom's laundry, and to wait for my aunt and uncle to arrive. They got there around 2pm, and then they all left for Philadelphia to attend my Uncle Ed's funeral.

I stayed around Danville briefly and took some photos... Danville seems very Colonial in style. They have some beautiful stone houses and churches.... and the flowers were starting to bloom a bit.


(Hellebore plants around the Presbyterian Church in Danville, PA)


(Historic "Montgomery House" in Danville, built in 1792 ... it was the home of William Montogomery [the founder of Danville PA]... now the Historical Museum)



I then headed out with all the stuff to drive back to Coudersport. The drive back was very scenic. The weather was nice... and I was able to get a few photos along the way. Just outside of Wellsboro, I stopped at an alpaca farm. The alpacas were very adorable ... and very friendly.


(the cutest little alpaca in the world)


I stopped at various area "landmarks".... Nine Mile Inn ( fabulous pond, creek, and cabins), the marshlands at Wolf Run (Canadian Geese hangout), Galeton (scenic downtown), Wellsboro Diner (converted train car/ now diner), Denton Hill Ski Resort, the old red schoolhouse (now an antique place), etc.


(Nine Mile Inn near Galeton, PA)



Once I got back to Coudersport, I went up to Charles Cole Memorial Hospital and visited with my dad in his new room. He is not horribly happy, as he is having to stay on the extended care ward... but he will be OK.

It was very late when I got to sleep... but I had a warm cup of fresh brewed coffee with my daughter, and a snuggle with Sabrina... so all is well ♥

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Woke up initially at 6am... just in time to see the sun rising over the woods near CARP park on the north end of Coudersport, PA. (see photo above)
Took Sabrina for a short walk, and went back to bed. It is amazing how much rest a person can need... and yet, still feel tired.

Did some household chores, and called my mom. My dad is tentatively being transferred from Geisinger Hospital back to the hospital in Coudersport tomorrow.. so he can have a few weeks of rehab before coming home. He still needs surgery to completely repair his should socket, and to remove the large tumor on his clavicle... as well as biopsy his lymph nodes... but that will happen down the road a bit. He has done well with his hip surgery... just had a bugger with complications afterwards. Being almost 77 yrs old... I think he is doing really well.

So... here is the plan. I am going to drive to Geisinger this afternoon; stay overnight.... and come back to Coudersport the next day with all the stuff that my parents have had at the hospital (clothing, etc). Dad is going to be transferred via ambulance. My aunt and uncle are going to be driving from Bradford, PA to Geisinger on Wednesday morning, and will pick up my mom and take her with them to Philadelphia.... where they will be going to my uncle's funeral on Thursday.... and then they will bring her back to Coudersport on Friday.

The Wellsboro Diner.............

UPDATE:
I got to Geisinger just fine. I only made one slightly wrong turn; but figured it out right away and was able to turn around. The highways in PA are actually quite nice... some of the best I have seen in the US.

It took me about 3 hours to get to Geisinger. I stopped in Wellsboro PA to have a cup of coffee and some cream of potato soup (and to take some Tylenol for a pounding headache and fever) at the Wellsboro Diner. It is an old train car, that was converted into a diner, and has been in business since 1939. It is right on Route6... and has a distinctly 1950's feel. There is an attached gift shop as well.

On highway 15 ............

From there... I traveled through several small towns. PA is like that. You get little town after little town... with lots of farm land in between. Rarely... will be a town/city of substantial size..... at least, not in the areas I am traveling in. I saw ice and snow on some rock cliffs, several rivers, a swamp area with tons of Canadian geese....and a few Amish carriages driven by horse.

I was able to visit with my dad, and then my mother and I stayed at the "House of Care" .... a guest house for patients and their families... right next to the hospital. The House of Care is a fabulous place. Really affordable rooms ($15 a night).. kitchens... bathrooms.. laundry area... living areas with a library, fireplace and big TV... all snuggled in a little part of the Geisinger campus surrounded by some nice woods. We had a room in the back... and had an excellent view of trees and grass.

Amish carriage near Muncy PA......

Sunset near Danville, PA

(**all photos by Elaine A. Russell)

Links to Wellsboro, PA: here and here
Link to Geisinger House of Care: here
Link to Geisinger Medical Center: here