6.14.2010

Why I Love Pennsylvania

Though some people refer to Pennsylvania as "Pennsyl-tucky" (I'm not fond of this slur, especially since Kentucky seems like a fine place) because of its rural nature and perceived-backwoods-and-backwards attitude, I adore this state. I'm sure that many of you could name dozens of reasons why your state is wonderful too, but since I haven't lived anywhere outside of PA (travel aside), I'll stick to what I know.
At the risk of sounding like a travel agent, I must say that I love being surrounded by trees and creeks and mountains, and my one desire in this life is to live amongst them again, like right smack in the middle of the woods or at least near a creek, in Pennsylvania, of course.
I grew up next to a little creek and it was a defining landmark of my childhood. I think SoJo inherited my water-loving genes, since his father detests water the way a fish detests land. He would forgo washing in water if there was ever something invented that could get you clean without it. Soren, on the other hand, could throw rocks in water all the livelong day if I let him. It's his absolute favorite thing to do...
...well, other than watching the trains go by, a few miles away from our town.
I'm still amazed that trains still run around here--it feels like something out of the 30s and the movie Sweet and Lowdown (have you seen it? It's hilarious and one of our faves). This one is a cargo train, which goes by every few hours. Sometimes we run into it on our way to or from somewhere, and it's thrilling for SoJo, and by association, myself.
Back to my "Visit PA" advertisement: we spent the morning today in the lovely environs of our local area, picking strawberries and enjoying the early sunshine.
Another dream of mine is to have a proper strawberry patch, which hopefully will come with the house in the woods. But I digress.
Soren was mostly interested in picking rocks and stepping on the strawberry plants (accidentally), so I picked as quickly as I could and got enough to make some jam later today.
He may have added a few to the stash, albeit unripe or overripe ones. Surprisingly, only a few went into his mouth.
Me: "No, don't throw that into the box!"
I like the idea of a dirt road winding up to some adventurous location--in this case, the cherry orchard.
Maybe this weekend we'll go cherry picking. But for now, it's off to the kitchen to sterilize the canning jars and make way for an evening of jamming!
What's so great about your state? Truly, I want to know! Future travel plans may depend on your answers.


15 comments:

Braley Mama said...

Your state looks awesome. But I do love CA because we have everything.Mountains, streams, lakes, rivers, dessert and the ocean. And lA, and Big Sur, and The San Diesgo Zoo, and I could go on and on. And where i live is the central valley, surrounded by orchards and lakes:O) I love the water too!!!!I would love to visit Pennsylvania!!!

•´.¸¸.•¨¯`♥.Erin.♥´¯¨•.¸¸.´• said...

Ohhh we'll have to hit up the farms soon too. Just looking at your pictures alone is very inspiring Kathleen. *sigh*

JDaniel4's Mom said...

I love exploring PA. I have only really been on the eastern end. The quaint towns and village are really fun.

Rebecca is Thrilled by the Thought said...

My daughter loves the trains too, which, in turn, makes me love them! =)

I've only been to PA once, but I really loved it.

Let's see...Utah, where I currently reside, is home to some beautiful national parks. Southern Utah has gorgeous red rock formations. Northern Utah has beautiful mountains. And Salt Lake City is a cool town.

But I'm with Braley Mama. California, where I grew up, is pretty unbeatable.

Rebecca is Thrilled by the Thought said...

My daughter loves the trains too, which, in turn, makes me love them! =)

I've only been to PA once, but I really loved it.

Let's see...Utah, where I currently reside, is home to some beautiful national parks. Southern Utah has gorgeous red rock formations. Northern Utah has beautiful mountains. And Salt Lake City is a cool town.

But I'm with Braley Mama. California, where I grew up, is pretty unbeatable.

TheEclecticElement said...

I'm sold! He he.
Packin' the bags and movin' to PA ;)

It looks like a beautiful, beautiful state and I can't wait to visit one day...Maybe even live!

On an off note, I lived in Kentucky back in 98 and 99 and LOVED it there so if PA is like KY, I'm sure I would feel right at home!

Go Bronson! said...

I, too, live in PA and I think I recognize some of those places in your photos!

As much as PA is a LONG way from my original home in England, I do love the creeks, streams, land, trees, open-ness of it all when I have the time to drive down to it.

We live in the city so we don't get to see the nice parts very often but we spend time in Birdsboro and other places that have lots of hidden adventures to be found!

I like walking around the water out by Oley and the trail up in Exeter! I could sit and start at the water all day or sit happily under a tree with a book!

At 30 i'm still able to jump on the swing in the park with my children while being able to take them to the river and fish!!

I love that so much!!!

I'd love to know where you got those strawberries! I unfortunately don't have a car right now and so can't go anywhere - it is getting on my nerves seeing as the weather is SO GOOD right now!!

I love your enthusiasm!

Lisa

Go Bronson! said...

In fact, i have some pics here if you want to have a look?

http://www.redbubble.com/people/MrsScoops

You'll have to dig deep for them, but there are a few you might like!

carolpie said...

I was born in PA and we moved when I was 16. Boy, was that hard. I have lived all over since-MN, New Orleans, OK, Phoenix, and now CA, but still will always love PA!
I haven't been back for 31 years and don't know if I ever will get to.
We lived in a few areas-Beverly Hills, Quakertown, and last was Center Valley in Lehigh County.
I don't know where you are in PA, but your pictures bring back sweet memories.

tamdoll said...

Nice post! I love PA, visited a lot when I was little, and a few times since... my sister lives there and I remember being stuck in traffic waiting for trains to pass, too.

I've lived in NH for the past 15 years and it's really beautiful here. There isn't too much congestion, the mountains are pretty, lots of lakes and the ocean not too far away. Best of all, I like the small towns with little boutiques and mom-n-pop stores and friendly people. Sounds like PA!

Muthering Heights said...

Pennsylvania truly is a lovely place!!! My state is not so exciting...I prefer your neck of the woods. ;)

Naomi said...

I can't believe how grown up SoJo looks! I think PA is gorgeous, too. And Bob just picked up some canning jars so I hope you're getting a tutorial ready…

Natalie Jane said...

I grew up in Washington and the best thing is the lilacs. As for Tennessee, the honeysuckle!

Gem said...

Wow...I would love to visit one day! Well, Hawaii doesn't need much convincing to visit does it? =).

I think what really makes Hawaii special is the Aloha Spirit...

camelfam said...

I love PA, too! This is also the only state I've ever lived in. There are only a few things I dislike...high number of ticks, humidity in the summer, and PA roads...other than that, it is the best place to live!!!

We have a cargo train that runs right behind my house several times a day. My 3 year old still thinks it is great!

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