Monthly Archives: July 2021

Divine Mercy Shrine

If Joy is in the JOURNEY;  Then Reward is in the destination.

07.28.21-Divine Mercy Shrine
What a beautiful day to take a ride.  This field trip is not exactly next door. We will travel almost two-hours to reach this destination; but the ride will be worth it. 

 

This blog on the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy will be mostly pictorial. 

 

This area is so serene you can hear a pin drop. Below left is our destination. The chapel/Shrine is on the left side no idea on what the building attached to it is. Most likely administrative.

Above and below are pictures of the Chapel Shrine outside and inside.

This all began, in a nutshell, when the Blessed Virgin appeared to Simon Stock in 1247. After this he became a Carmelite Monk. Carmelites are devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Virgin Mary gave Simon the Brown Scapular way back then and the story only gets better from then on. At the bottom of this blog is a link to that text. The Chapel is beautifully simple, ornate is not part of this venue. 

As we walked around the buildings and monuments you easily see many Priests and Brothers walking as well. These buildings are a Monastery for the Priests and there’s even a convent for Carmelite Nuns.

Below is the Carmelite Gift Shop. The picture does not do it justice. I, personally, would like to return again, both for the Chapel but also for the Gift Shop, it contains an awesome selection of merchandise from trinkets to Bibles, nobody walks out empty handed. 

 

I’ve written on Divine Mercy in previous blogs but for those wanting to learn more click on:

Link to Divine Mercy text and Brown Scapular

I could get on my digital pulpit and describe the text above but your reading it first hand with prove to be much more accurate. This link gives a very easy to read description of Divine Mercy, Simon Stock and miracles involved with the Brown Scapular.

Traveler’s Woods RV Park


If Joy is in the JOURNEY, then
 Reward is in the destination.

07.26.21-Arrive in Travelers Woods
In order to get here I had to address the : “hill from hell’ at Prouty Beach. Needless to say I was extremely concerned about the departure. For our entire stay I had this exercise on my mind. This roadway is in the shape of the letter “Z.”

 

In desperation I was even invoking St. Jude to watch over me so I did not screw up in any way. Sunday morning did come, as I knew it would, and Carla drove the HHR to the top of the hill awaiting my arrival. I had some advice from Tom, a Tour owner, and released the air pressure to the “tag axle” the rear axle of the coach; this would allow easier turning. After pulling out of our site I sat and waited for a minute looking up at the hill. Suddenly I had a renewed awareness of much needed self confidence. I proceeded slowly, climbing the hill gradually and approached the first ninety-degree turn, reminding myself of the awesome “hip rule.” Carefully, once passing the edge of the corner with my hip, I began to turn aggressively since this was  a barely single lane dirt road. The coach did well and now for the final turn at the top of the hill. Reaching the top Carla was there, on foot, and signaled me to move forward a few more feet than I had planned. She was there to see better what I was not able to see that well and I always due as told, and once up and slightly level she signaled for me to turn left, and I did. Once again an aggressive left turning the 90-degree corner as required to clear the poles on my left, and we did clear without any problem. 

We now had a 3-hour drive to Traveler’s Woods RVP in Bernardston, Mass. A good portion of the trip was under heavy clouds and rain showers but in time the sun finally broke through.

 

Traveler’s Woods is one of those parks you cannot use your GPS to get you right into the park. Local knowledge is important here. GPS will take you to a bridge with a 9-foot clearance. We knew this from a previous stay here a long time ago. It too is under new management. We plan to walk the park and take pictures later this week.

Carla remembering family past

The joy is the JOURNEY,

the reward is the destination.

07.25.21-Going down memory lane with Carla
This would not be the first time we’ve travelled this route, but each time enlightens me on her early years. Below is her sister Mary Ann Ozdarski with Mary Ann’s new family addition “Frenchie.”

Mary Ann, like many seniors fortunate enough to afford the lifestyle, spends winters in Florida and summers at her lakeside home in Derby, VT with Frenchie. Below we visit her parents grave site.

Of course I never had a chance to meet her parents, Chester and Mary. I don’t believe my being French would have made much of a difference since the family already had a little French blood sprinkled in it thanks to Uncle Harold.


The cemetery is just as quiet and peaceful as the pictures denote. We were not alone. Amazingly there were at least 2-3 cars with visitors here to visit grave sites as well. It’s a nice work of mercy to visit  and pay homage to those responsible for us being here. We will be doing the same in a few weeks as we will revisit my fathers grave site in Brockton, MA.

Above is Carla’s childhood home. I think she said her room was on the second floor over the front porch area in the picture. My home was a 3-decker that required my father’s attention literally every weekend. I did not mind that much, at least we had a chance to work together when I got a little older and was not in the way any more. I could have taken another thirty pictures as Carla reminisced on who lived where and which businesses were operating back then, that are now mere monuments to age gone by.

As witnessed by the monuments made of stone in the cemetery and wooden homes and buildings in town, all we can ever hope for is a witness like Carla to reincarnate, at least verbally, the lives, loves, parents and friends who once walked the grounds and worked and played in the homes that still remain as testimony to their presents once upon a time. Unfortunately for most of us, there’s only a memory factor of about fifty-years. After that time, your existence will cease.

If you would permit me to go to my digital pulpit for just a minute, but since it’s my blog I will do it anyway. For a long time, since my father’s death, I’ve always felt there was a link, mental or spiritual (whatever you please), that those who leave us have, with this world and us in general. It’s an accepted fact the HE knows all, those who will be remembered and all the others. In this respect my personal feeling is that if even one person remembers another, personally, the person who passed is forever tethered to this world until that last person having a personal memory of the person departed passes himself or herself. The stuff of man might live on in many ways, but the ones who are remembered, even one-hundred years from today even ever so faintly, live on here spiritually until that last person passes on as well. Remembering the dead, the departed, is a verbal memorialization of their existence and a badge of honor for the departed that someone still remembers their presence here on earth no matter how insignificant their history here might have been.  Thank you for indulging me.

More on this possibly when we revisit my father’s grave site.

 

St. Jude-At my virtual Pulpit

07.18.21-St Jude-

It goes without  question that St. Jude has been by my side since my early high school years. I attended a private high school where it was expected that virtually all its graduates would go on to further education. With no exaggeration I wasn’t the brightest bulb on the tree, far from it; still not! But I was desperate and someone told me about St Jude. The St. Jude novena was much more difficult way back then. Those seeking his assistance would make a “nine-week” novena with promise to publish. Remembering for me to do anything for nine full weeks would almost require a novena in itself. Now the rules, like so many other issues, have been relaxed. Now the requirement is for a “nine-day” novena. Almost as easy as remembering to brush your teeth before bed. I did it and he not only got me into an exceptional college, he watched over me until the day I graduated. I will admit I did not excel there either, but I lasted whereas one-third of my original class did not.

I could easily go on for another two-hours on all that he has achieved for me but I’ll leave that for another day at the virtual pulpit. It’s simple; Ask, believe and pray the novena prayer below and you will see results. This novena is not to be trifled with, with prayers for lottery numbers or help in finding a new girlfriend, that won’t work. At one time I did not get my prayers answered as I was hoping for, in fact, no answer at all, but about 2-weeks later my novena was answered appropriately; but I will leave that for another time.  

Personally, I’m at it again. Being so much older now my request for help is of a more altruistic nature. I have faith, and even though I believe I’ll have a favorable answer, sadly, the situation will be that I, most likely, will never be made privy to his assistance.

O Holy St. Jude!
Apostle and Martyr,
great in virtue and rich in miracles,
near kinsman of Jesus Christ,
faithful intercessor for all who invoke you,
special patron in time of need;
to you I have recourse from the depth of my heart,
and humbly beg you,
to whom God has given such great power,
to come to my assistance;
help me now in my urgent need and grant my earnest petition.
I will never forget thy graces and favors you obtain for me
and I will do my utmost to spread devotion to you.
Amen.

St. Jude, pray for us and all who honor thee and invoke thy aid.

Recite 3 Our Fathers, 3 Hail Mary’s, and 3 Glory Be’s

 

Dinner with Mary Ann & Randy

If Joy is in the JOURNEY;  Then Reward is in the destination.

07.18.21-Dinner at Mary Ann’s.

We will begin our final week here in Derby, VT visiting Mary Anne, with dinner at her cottage with guest Randy, a neighbor of hers. Carla’s cooking up pork-chops in her crockpot. As it turned out, Randy did not show up. I’ve mentioned it before and I’ll say it again;  the best spot at the cottage is the back porch.

Jodie with Carla and Mary Ann enjoy talking about the lake and Mary Ann’s neighbors. Frenchie (dog) and Jodie with husband Mark, below.

   

Needless to say Frenchie and Mary Ann are inseparable. Below; Mark and me then Carla and me then Mark, Jodie and Mary Ann (with Frenchie, of course).

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As always, at Mary Ann’s, the company is enjoyable, atmosphere can’t be matched and the food is always finger licken good.

East Side Restaurant for dinner

07.14.21- 31st Anniversary at the East Side Restaurant

The  East Side Restaurant, unlike the campground were staying at, had no objections to my taking pictures. It’s located just a short walk from the Prouty Beach RVP in Newport, VT, just a few miles south of Derby, VT. Hard to imagine a more pleasing view for first timers than to be greeted with an old fashioned porch as you enter this beautiful facility.

This venue merchandises even more than the usual Cracker Barrel Restaurant. Above is a room full of very-nice specialty clothing, mostly for women. And in the next room you’ll find a very informal bakery loaded with all kinds of chewy treats. After we ate we could not leave without picking up a few of their delicacies. Below is one of the two outside dining areas. A very big indoor dining hall is also available.  

Upper left is the second, more intimate outside venue and, of course, our group. Mary Anne, (Ozzie), Jodi and Mark Ozdarski and, of course, us. Below is a picture of their casual bar with its own mini-menu to enjoy the evening with a drink or two in a very relaxed atmosphere. Needless to say that’s us again in front of the canoe. All and all an excellent evening with loving family and great eating.

 

Prouty Beach-Newport, VT

07.14.21-Anniversary, 31st, in Prouty Beach
Just don’t let them catch you taking pictures. I was stopped and questioned
what I was doing? 
My name and site?
Why are you taking picture?
What are you taking pictures of?
Felt a little bit like something that might happen in China. Except for an  old couple and their day sailboat, I was alone on the grounds at this time; perfect for taking pictures. 

Just some pictures of the campground in general. These are all the pictures I took today. I took over 100 pictures in Littleton NH and nobody pulled me over to question what I was doing.

Above and below is the curve from hell. They should spend their time fixing this curve in the road instead of questioning what someone is doing with a camera.

I would normally spend time narrating about this campground but I  have little to say about this place.

We don’t even recognize it as being ours yet but the black coach in above left is us. I would normally walk around the rest of the campground and highlight its features, but this is all the time I’m going to spend on this place.

7.23.21-Swim meet:

Surprise visit by Michael & Chandra.

07.08.2021-Surprise visit from Mike and Chandra
Just as we arrived home this morning from doing a little shopping we got a surprise call from my son, Michael, asking if we were good for a short visit from them since they were in the area. Needless to say this was a red-letter-day for me. As I’ve mentioned in the past I fell short in many areas especially fatherhood. It was such a delightful visit. It’s been about 2-years since I’d seen Michael last and we’ve never met Chandra in person. The visit just wasn’t long enough. It was so great meeting up with both of them especially with my son. I often think back on  those early years in my mariage (like every night) but reflect more on the what-ifs; not a ritual I would wish on any father.  I’ve been told by many to forget the past and concentrate on the future. Every time I brush up to a young father I find it hard to just walk by without imparting a few words of wisdom, like “these are your happy days or concentrate on family first, work will take care of itself.” Sadly these tidbits of wisdom won’t help me at my age. I pray Abby and Michael will  listen to me and my words of wisdom and not dimiss me as some old dutch uncle – Time will tell.

 

Crazy Horse RVP Littleton, NH 2

6.30.21

Crazy Horse-feels like back home. Today is actually the first of July but I thought I’d include pictures of a walk we took around the campground. Below is the campground office and a far-view of where we are parked.

The owners have morning coffee on their porch above. Not sure if we’re still in our PJs at about that time. Below are pictures of  the inside of the office and camp-store. Below right, difficult to see, is one of the owners, Pattie (wife.)

Not much to say about a walk in the woods so I’ll let the pictures do the talking. Play equipment can always be found in an RV park and the “gathering building” for special camp and personal events.

Many of the sites here are “Seasonal,” meaning they or their camper remains here for 12-months at a time. Almost everyone here has a stack of wood at their sites. Can you believe the height of these trees; Not as tall as in Oregon but still pretty tall.

An hour later we finally get back to the camp office/store. Above is the owner Doug and not sure if Mattie is family or not. Pattie, Doug’s wife not seen yet. To the side is our “new” coach with our 4th-of-July flag. It still does not feel like this coach belongs to us. Right now we’re contemplating if  this might be something for us.

 

07.07.2012-Time for another walk.

One week has gone by since my first entry on this RV Park. we’re actually beginning to discover where all our stuff is hiding and finding more appropriate places for them. Still haven’t found my coach washing brush, so we bought a new one; it will turn up someday!

Just a quick picture of the “new” coach (Journey) sitting on our site and another picture of the RVP office/store just opposite our site. It’s been raining the last four of seven days so we’re having a little cabin fever; so time for another walk. We’re heading out to the right of the office, which is the entry and exit road to the park. The trees are still awesome to look at. Our first stop will be “snob” hill. We don’t know why they call it that, possibly because they might feel they’re not part of the park since they’re on the exit road. Only annual residents here and it looks like no one is thinking of leaving any time soon.

No lakes or streams located on this property but the Moore Damn is just a very short drive from here. The above picture right are just a couple of residents stay stay here for the season. The work they put into their sites tells you they too are not planning on vacating either. Below right is an entire section of the park reserved for tent campers. We’ve had 52-degrees for evening temps and average low 60’s for daytime highs; only the young can tent-camp and enjoy it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

This walk will turn out to be not as long as the first walk but just as enjoyable. As anticipated we ended up in the “Young Families” section; the pool and play areas for the youngsters. These people, once-again, are not leaving-seasonal campers all of them. The final picture is the exit road out from our site. It has a tight curve to the office road but people have been driving it for decades and I do not see any damaged RVs along the side of the road, so I feel pretty confident that we’ll make it as well.

Littleton, NH revisited

07.04.21 Visiting Littleton, NH
Now where is Littleton, NH. First you have to find yourself in New Hampshire. Then locate I-93 and then proceed north, then go further north until you reach Franconia; but you’re not there yet. It’s still another 15 or so miles north and you’ll be there. It’s really not famous for anything.  Before the Old Man In The Mountain fell apart, many visitors to the Old Man would plan to stay in Littleton, a very small town of 6000 for a very long time. In 2018, as big as it has grown it was still at 5885. It’s been relatively that size for decades.

 

Our first stop, on our way to Littleton, was the Visitors Center, since we were coming in from Northern Vermont. Nothing to brag about here, it’s very simple and uncluttered, typical for New Hampshire. It did have a very nice view of the Moore Dam. Back when I used to live in Littleton, about fifty-years ago, the Moore Dam would extend to all the residents of Littleton the month of December at no charge for their utility bill that month, not sure if that goes for the present day.

 The Center housed some very unique pictures of Littleton in the early 1920’s. Above, as I’ve mentioned before in previous blogs, is a picture of the Thayer’s Hotel. It was on the balcony of this hotel, third floor porch, that I proposed to Carla. Below is a picture of the Littleton Diner, famous for its good menu at reasonable prices.

I had to blow up this image above so it would be possibly readable to the reader. On this map are all the major ski slopes, towns, roadways and other places of interest. Below is Chutters’ candy store.

This store (Chutters’) used to house the Parker Drug Store. My first job as a pharmacist was at Parkers. Chutters brags that this location has the longest and biggest candy selection in the country, so I guess Littleton finally has something unique to boast about. In the picture (above-right) far wall is where the RX dept. used to be, it no longer serves up drugs, but rather, fudge. Outside is something else Littleton is famous for; pianos are to be found at many locations on the sidewalk of Littleton’s main street.

If you go down one of Littleton’s alleys, heading south (just a short walk from anywhere), you will end up on Ammonoosuc River Road. Back in my day nothing was there, just the river, today it is populated everywhere with tiny shops, pubs, wineries and eateries.  We even have a wall-mosaic that is very nicely painted. Above-right you will see the Ammonoosuc Covered Bridge. That was there in my day but never looked that nice. Below Carla looks out over the River Road from an elevated parking area.

More pictures above of the delightful area of Littleton. Below is an alleyway which abuts the Thayer’s Hotel, that’s decorated with brightly colored umbrellas.

Iconic and historic homes cane be found on almost every street in Littleton. Many of the have been meticulously restored. They probably look better today, restored, than they did in their heyday.

Another piano that sits just outside of Chutter’s Candy Store. 

The picture above is basically meaningless as it advertises “Cash Only” and below that states “we except credit cards;” even Littleton has an oxymoron it can brag about. Below, of course, is the former Parker Drug Store (big red brick building), now Chutter’s.

July 2021 Notes

7.3.21 Trip to Crazy Horse and more

We left John Prince Park in Lantana, FL on Jun 18th. We arrived at Lazy Days Dealership on the 20th of June. We checked in at Lazy Days on the 21st and, to our surprise, they began working on the Satellite  installation by noon. By noon on Tuesday all was done. We left LD on the 24th and travelled 1450 miles north to Crazy Horse RVP. It’s been very relaxing staying here. We’ve even entertained the possibility of longer stays in the future. This park does have about a dozen sites that are open through the winter. We even spent a couple of hours at the “Winn Real Estate” office asking about a small lot to purchase. Not sure if the Journey could handle days of below freezing temps. The last couple of days July 2 and 3 have been very cool and damp, actually it’s been raining most of the time. For ourselves we’ll forgo the fireworks that Littleton will provide and follow tradition by watching the movie “Independence Day.” We spent a few hours a couple of days ago revisiting Littleton. So many memories. So many souls no longer reside here. I really find it hard to talk about leaving day, but that will occur on July 12th, eight days from today. Prouty Beach in Newport, VT will be our next destination. Mary Ann, Carla’s sister, lives just down the road about 15-minutes away. When we arrive we should find members of the Ozdarski family visiting Mary Ann. Now off to a new blog on our revised itinerary.

07.04.21-Small break in the weather

As I mentioned above, we’ve been under a rain cloud for the past three days, today it’s heavy clouds only. We took a little time to fine the dentist I have to visit tomorrow. Then we did as all good tourist do, we walked the streets of Littleton. This time we ventured to the back street running parallel to the  Ammonoosuc River.

07.08.2021-Surprise visit from Mike and Chandra

Just as we arrived home this morning from doing a little shopping we got a surprise call from my son, Michael, asking if we were good for a should be a red-letter-day for me. Goto and read the 7.8.21 blog.

07.14.21-East Side Restaurant

The location we celebrated our 31st Anniversary

07.16.2021-Currently camping at Prouty Beach

It’s been a very relaxing stay, so far, excepting that the RVP does not appreciate their guests taking pictures-whatever! Prouty Beach is located in Newport, VT just south of Derby, VT. Go to the blog for more info.

07.18.21-Dinner at Mary Ann’s.

We will begin our final week here in Derby, VT visiting Mary Anne, with dinner at her cottage with guest Randy, a neighbor of hers. Carla’s cooking up pork-chops in her crockpot. for more read the blog on this occasion in a few days.

07.26.21-Arrive at Travelers Woods RVP in Bernardston, Mass.

In order to get here I had to address the : “hill from hell’ at Prouty Beach. Needless to say I was extremely concerned about the departure. For our entire stay I had this exercise on my mind. MORE IN THE 7.26 BLOG

07.27.21-Carla goes down Memory Lane

07.28.21-Divine Mercy Shrine

What a beautiful day to take a ride.  This field trip is not exactly next door. We will travel almost two-hours to reach this destination; but the ride will be worth it. MORE ON THIS TRIP IN THE 7.28 DIVINE MERCY BLOG

Wordfence 2

 

 

2021 Revised Itenerary

It’s going to be a very short Travel Season, mostly re-connecting with family for the first time in 15-months.

06.18 21-Leave John Prince Park in Lantana, FL
06.20.21-Arrive at Lazy Days Dealership in Wildwood, FL
06.24.21-Travel days for 1450 miles (Got to know the journey very well.)
06.28.21-Arrive at Crazy DAys RVP in Littleton, NH
07.12.21-Arrive Proudy Beach RVP in Newport, VT
07.25.21-Arrive at Travelers Woods in Bernardston, Mass.
08.16.21-Leave Travelers Woods and arrive Moody Beach in York, ME
08.30.21-Arrive at Thousand Trails RVP in Rochester, MA.
09.20.21-Leave Rochester and arrive in Oakdale, CT
09.27.21 or later , this is an open leaving date. At this  stage we must begin thinking of where to spend the colder months. One item left is to visit for a week with the wife of my life-long friend in the Alexandria, DC area.