the beach

We've returned from 3 days spent on the sacred space of Virginia Beach. We shared meals and conversation with friends we haven't seen much of since living on the road, and attended a wedding wherein Shannon was the matron of honor. The ceremony was on the beach in front of the Atlantic, and it was commented that a whale and dolphins were in attendance. This is indeed the year of the wedding, as this was our second of the year--the third happening in a few weeks. This next wedding will land us in Louisiana.

(The two that got married on Friday are good friends and we are humbled to have shared this moment so closely with them. We can't wait to hear about the honeymoon and their journey in real life. Cheers, friends!)

For once, we were non-residents of Virginia Beach and didn't waste any time choosing where we would stay: the historical Cavalier Hotel. The hotel looks like it did when built in 1927. Its charm is unmatched, and they say the place is haunted. Former presidents have lodged there, as well as the guy who wrote the "Dennis the Menace" comic strip. One of this guys' strips was inspired during his stay. And now they can add the "travelers" to their list of distinguished guests. We were the couple that kept coming and going a lot.

another goodbye

We've begun the moving process again. We are packing boxes, selling some stuff, cleaning, and telling new friends goodbye. Last evening, one of the campaign co-chairs took us out to dinner with another couple for a farewell gathering. This has been a great project, and we take long-lasting memories with us.

It is hard to believe that this project, coupled with our previous one in Harrisburg, made us into 9-month long Pennsylvania residents. On Thursday, we took a few final pictures of the beautiful, rolling Pennsylvania landscape. Like everywhere else we'be been so far, PA has its own unique image and traditions. We'll miss the friends we'we made, the close proximity to the chocolate capital of the world, our Jim Thorpe friends, our fireplace and garage, and Nissley wine.

So off we go again, across the hills of Pennsylvania, into more of the journey; a journey where the more of it we live, the more it feels like home.

Confirmed! We're headed here in August...

A day at Louie's

We took my parents to a great little restaurant called Louie's on the Lake for their 40th. It was a great day; one that allowed us to not only enjoy each other's company, but also to wallow a little bit in the past reminiscing about all of what has made the Howards what we are today. I'm so glad we were able to celebrate with them that day. Daddy and Momma, thank you for all you've given, all you've taught, all you've lived. Your 40 years together give me hope, joy, and anticipation for tomorrow. 143!