My back is feeling much better. It still gives me fits every now and again. Rest seems to help along with using a cane for long walks. I also purchased a pair of walking poles to use for greater stability when walking on uneven ground. They are probably one of my better acquisitions as far as price and use. People are touting them (walking poles) for their great exercise benefits. They seem to give you a better workout when walking because they use the upper body and strengthen the back muscles.

My father had a hip replacement in July. He is still using a walker for balance and seems to be coming along slowly. He and Eileen are planning on going to Zephyrhills Florida again this winter. I don't think he will be able to drive but we will see. If they do go, I will probably fly down in January for a short break. Hopefully, I will be able to see my old friend Jeff while I am there. I missed him this summer when he was here.

It has been a glorious summer in Western PA.....Lots of unusual sunshine and lack of rain has made for many warm and sunny days to spend out on the porch or patio. Joe's garden was (and still is) full and green. The tomatoes are at their peek, so lunch today was tomato sandwiches!
We have had several batches of fresh salsa and I hope for more.

Next weekend, my friend Janet is having a weekend party at her campground. I will be taking the usual jug of margaritas and salsa. Oh, and Margaret wants some mint julips! I turned her on the them back in May for the Kentucky Derby. It just happened to fall on May 5th, the same as
Cinco De Mayo, which commemorates the defeat of the French army by the Mexicans at The Battle Of Puebla in 1862. We drank both margaritas and mint julips that night. And, as word spread around the campground, out little party turned into a 20 person bash!

Yesterday, Joe and I went to the Crawford County Fair. We had not been there in years. It was okay, but not great. The food didn't look interesting at all and I love fair food. I did buy a caramel apple and candied apple to bring home for later.

On the way to the fair, we stopped at the Marketplace in downtown Meadville. There, we bought honey, incense and wine. Noel (used to work at the Herald) was there and he told us we should go next door the the old bank building that is now a coffee shop/internet hot spot. I walked over ahead of Joe and looked around and decided that we should have some coffee. I saw these two women sitting at the bar when I walked in and when I turned around, I looked again and one of them was Joe's sister, Maryann. We had a good laugh and decided we would see how long it took Joe to discover her when he came along. He looked around, ordered coffee and was walking away when I pointed her out to him. How funny to run into her in Meadville, of all places. A friend of hers was in town for a weekend wedding, so she drove up to meet her in the afternoon. We had a good chat over coffee and continued on to the fair.

Last month, I drove up to New York City for the day. I left early on Saturday morning and went to Chinatown and bought tea and ate. Found a great parking lot in the basement of a city building on a side street that charges only $20.00 dollars a day! A bargain for NYC. I had to go to Essa Bagels and buy the usual garlic and cinnamon raisin bagels. In the evening, I drove up to Times Square and hung out for awhile. After dark, I drove up Riverside Drive to the George Washington Bridge and bid my favorite city farewell. Every once in awhile, I just have to have my NYC fix!

Tricia, Merv, Jacob and Luke are vacationing in Hilton Head SC this week. Jake was looking forward to laying on the beach and golfing. Luke couldn't wait to get there to go play tennis at Van der Meer Tennis Academy. http://www.vandermeertennis.com/ The kid is relentless!!!