Why do I have to wake up before 6am on a Saturday? I don’t, no alarm set, but apparently my body thinks I do. Really?!
I was up between 530 and 6a, why? Oh well…I lounged, did some Duolingo, gotta practice my French, every day. I was practicing French, took a break and went to Spanish, we were going to Mexico and I needed to brush up, when I went to Germany in 2022 to meet PSM for the weekend, guess what I practiced. I added Yiddish, I really want to add to my limited knowledge, and now I’m adding Italian, I’ll tell you about it sometime! Wow, do I digress!
So…I practiced some French, brushed my teeth, I thought that was a good thing to do, got dressed, all about the time PSM had let the dogs out. Do not tell me you didn’t see that coming! HA HA. We decided to go to a different park, well, different from the one near us that we usually take them to, today we went to the park in Annville, Quittie Creek Nature Park, we were there on January 20th, fresh snow covered the path and the trees, oh my! Just look at the pics! Today, there was very little snow on the ground and it was damp and a bit muddy, but the girls still had a good time and we walked on and off the beaten path. Most of the people at the park were fisher persons, we chatted with some of them, they were fishing for or hoping to fish for trout. I used to love trout, rainbow trout more than the others.
After the park, we wanted to get some breakfast, something to go, so…we went back to Swatara Coffee, we like that place. I was actually there yesterday, I think I forgot to tell you, sorry! Turns out, Ancester Coffeehouse & Creperie owns them, how cool is that! As we’re standing in line, we both said it felt funny being there without the passports or buying a specialty drink! That was ok, we got over it quickly!
It was a decaf coffee and a blueberry muffin for PSM and an egg and avocado bagel and chai latte for me. I enjoyed it, a little too much avocado spread, which is funny because it’s usually not enough! I realized I like avocado slices on a sandwich, but for breakfast, I prefer avocado toast. Go figure. While we waited for food, I did go over to the Whirling Dervish to get a t-shirt! I think I told you I wanted to go back and get one, score!
From Swatara, we drove to Hernley’s Indian Motorcycle Dealership, in Elizabethtown, PSM was picking up his bike, they installed Apple Car Play and it was ready to be picked up. It was only 38 out, but he got his one ride per month in! I’m not sure his extremeties warmed up yet! He took off and Ruby, Bee, and I headed home.
I started moving things into the kitchen, it’s finished, we need to start filling it up so we can feel complete. I grabbed post its and we identified what’s going where. After a while PSM was ready to go, dogs in the crate, and we headed out to Middle Creek because we were going to see the Snow Geese!!! Someone had told me about it and oh my word! This has to be seen to be believed! It is a lake with a huge white shape on it, but it’s not just a shape it’s the snow geese, o m g! As you’re walking from the parking lot, you can hear them, I don’t know if anyone could sleep to that, just think when you hear a few geese talking, imagine thousands! It was like nothing I’ve ever seen and I am so glad we went!
After a while, lots of pictures later, we went over to the museum, and there was a count as we walked in: Snow Geese 46,000 what?! Tundra Swans: 420, and Canada Geese: 620. Apparently these numbers can go up into the hundreds of thousands, apparently we were there on a slow day! SO worth it, just an amazing site to see. The museum was cool, very informational, not just about the snow geese, but nature and wildlife, those who protect it, hunt humanely, and bird watching, it was a lot of fun, definitely recommend it for an afternoon!
We were both freezing and hungry, so we found a place on my list and went to the Franklin House Tavern, it’s also an inn. We sat in the bar and I’m glad we did, the dining room was c-c-c-cold! We sat at a high top table, the bartender took our drink and food orders, I love when I can get a cup of hot tea at a bar or restaurant! I had a grilled caesar salad, I really need to try to make this at home! and PSM had a reuben. What doesn’t have a Wikipedia page!?
After a great lunch with greater company, we headed home. We let the dogs out, yes, I know you already have the ear worm! First thing…book a trip, hopefully the family will be joining us, can’t wait to tell you about it! Then, we got to work moving things into the cabinets and breakfront, I promise I’ll share pics! We got all the bar glassware in one place, score! Also, we have a lot less mugs than we thought, they all went with our everyday glassware and we still have a shelf left over! We made decisions!
Then it was off to the movies, what you thought we were done? You’re adorable! We headed to the theater to see Madam Web. Um…yeah. Good cast, interesting storyline, mediocre dialog, it’s not part of the MCU, Marvel Cinematic Universe, but it’s part of it’s own Marvel MCU, inluding Venom, Morbius, now Madam Web, and next up, Kraven the Hunter. Those movies aren’t really on my radar, I might watch Venom at some point, but Morbius, not for me. All good, not every movie is for everyone.
I really enjoy the idea of a female superhero, go girl power, but there were parts of this that were seriously lame. The fight/action sequence at the end, really enjoyed that, but it was a very loooonnnggg time coming! Maybe I have to watch it again to get more nuances, but I’m not sure, I’ll keep you posted.
Here’s another weird thing…the coming attractions, all of them were for horror movies, except for Despicable Me 4 and Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, and then…The First Omen? Twisters? Are there no original ideas left? But back to my original point, this was not a horror movie, why show horror movie trailers? This was bizarre.
Overall, a movie date with my husband was just what the doctor ordered! Back home, let the dogs out, I know, I know! Chill out for a bit, catch up with my friend about her dad, then it was time to talk to you. Oh, in the middle of telling you about my day, it was time to put the dogs up, not let them out, ha ha. I said “Ok, time for night-night” that means get up from where you are and walk to the crate, and I’ll be right behind you with a treat. I took the collars off both dogs, Ruby headed for the crate and Bee…well, she rolled over and snuggled in tighter. I said it again, I scratched her head, she stretched the beagle belly, I gave her some belly rubs and what did she do? Roll back over, snuggle deeper, and go back to sleep?! If it wasn’t so funny, I might be mad! I actually had to grab her by the collar to get her up and moving! I know I said I took their collars off, that was for the invisible fence, this was her every day collar. Are you kidding right now dog?! Nope! The sass! Oh my dogs!
Ok, was that enough!? Time to sign off and like I say to the dogs “Let’s go night-night!”
We went to all 12 locations and tried what they had to offer, well, sort of. PSM tried some of the specialty drinks, I had a chai latte at each place, and we both tried the food offerings, well, PSM didn’t at the last one, but for the most part, we did the Java Journey proud!
We were at the last place and PSM said, we could do this again! But…we would have to buy the mugs again and do we need 2 more of the same mug? Um…if we invite friends over, maybe, but no, we have more than enough mugs! I’ll show you sometime! Yea, I can definitely show you, we just finished a kitchen renovation, I’ll share pics and that might include or mugs. Or…I can take you on mug travel journey with us! So many possibilities! I recently sold my Starbucks mug collection, I can share that too. Ok, wow do I digress! Back to the journey!
Let’s talk about each coffee house, the specialty drink, what we had, what we thought, and would we go again! I know I told you most of this, but this is my opportunity to go back, relive and put it all in one place! I have to give credit where credit is due, for some of the locations, PSM helped me craft the wording for the atmosphere, suweet! Ready…set…drink!
We started at Swatara Coffee Company on 1.13.24. We were on our way to Lowe’s in Palmyra and we were both thirsty. We had had a very busy morning and just needed a refreshment, I saw the sign and it said coffee, sold! We walked in and there were the mugs! I had seen them somewhere a few months ago and then I got an text about it, and I thought, yes! Let’s do this! We asked what it was all about and they told us, why not! When I first told PSM about it, his response was ‘I only drink decaf’ well…maybe they’ll have decaf and maybe they’ll make the special drink with decaf…only one way to find out! Hello… can I get the specialty drink with decaf? Why, yes, yes you can! Sold!
We bought the mugs, PSM tried their specialty drink, Cinnamon Bun Latte w/Caramel Cold Foam, um… that actually sounded pretty good, but I knew there was coffee involved so…no thanks for me! I ordered a chai latte with mac milk, that’s macadamia nut milk for those not in the know…It was rich, creamy, and tasty! We shared a french toast muffin. It was all loverly, let’s just say a lot of sweetness happening here!
The atmosphere was nice. PSM walked in and immediately decompressed, we found it quaint and relaxing, his words, which i loved and couldn’t agree more! It was not a large or small place, it was open, had artwork on the walls, a few tables, and the staff was friendly, what more could you ask for?! Would we go back, you bet! If you’re up for it, and want a bit more to read, check out the post for that day!
The next day, 1.14.24, we started at Ancestor Coffeehouse & Creperie in Campbelltown, definitely want to check out the town. The specialty drink was an Italian Cookie Latte, way too sweet for PSM, but he was a good sport. I had a..wait for it…wait for it…a chai latte with oat milk, it was yummy! PSM had a bagel sandwich, me…savory crepe all the way and boy was it good! I couldn’t wait to try their other location to try their crepes, maybe a sweet one this time!
We thought it was interesting that it was attached to Snitz Creek Brewery [I accidentally spelled it wrong the last time, sorry Snitz Creek!] It was a great atmosphere, very farmhouse chic, wooden tables and chairs, barn doors, yeah, there was a vibe, please come in and hang out.
Next stop…Sydney Roasting Company in Lebanon. We walked in, not knowing what to expect, as always, but we liked it. It had an industrial feel, but it made you want to hang out and chill, so we did. Their signature drink [S/D] was Cinnamon Honey Freddo w/Cinnamon Cold Foam, what do you think PSM said? Decaf, please! I had a…I won’t keep you in suspense! A chai latte with almond milk. It was good, and we only got drinks, we were still full from breakfast. When we left, PSM teased…do you want something else to drink, maybe Starbucks, not..on…your…life! No more chai today, please! Would we go again? You bet! And PSM went for lunch one day, that should tell you something! Want to read more about it, and see the puppies? Check out the post for the day!
Monday morning came and we did something we don’t normally do, the demo was about to begin on our kitchen and we were in the mood, so we went to get coffee/breakfast, definitely not the norm on a Monday! And I just realized… it’s 1.15.24, MLK Day! That makes more sense than we were completely playing hookey! PSM had the day off and I decided to start a little later and enjoy this treat with my husband! We started at Baked Sweet Coffehouse and Bakery, this was not just a Monday, it was day 3 of our Java Journey! The address says Frystown Road in Myerstown, but it was actually in Frystown, odd.
This was the first place we went without the mugs and we definitely liked that! Didn’t have to remember or worry about anything happening to them! The street, well, you can tell they’re working on making it better. We walked in and the place was absolutely charming! Little touches everywhere, places to sit, relax, work, meet friends, which it seemed like it was the neighborhood place to go, we definitely liked that.
Their signature drink was Caramel Apple Crunch Latte…guess what PSM had…decaf coffee. I had a chai, of course. Neither of us enjoyed our drinks, PSM’s wasn’t great and mine was mostly water, the pastries were pretty good, blueberry and coffee cake muffins. Oh! I got one of their specialty frosted sugar cookies, and oh my, I understand why it’s called Baked Sweet!!! Let’s just say, we’re glad we tried it, but for us we wouldn’t recommend it, not saying someone else wouldn’t love it, but it wasn’t a place we’d go back. We are definitely glad we tried it, for the warmth, but when the atmosphere is better than the food and drink, not a ringing endoresement for us.
Next, I really wanted something to drink, and maybe eat, PSM was feeling the same, we headed to City Watch Coffee, we had been there before, it wasn’t our first go-to for coffee, tea, and food, but it’s nice that it’s close to home. I got a Hot City Vik Chai with coconut milk, love a chai with coconut milk. Their signature drink was rum cake cappuccino, PSM decided to go for a hot chocolate, that guy always keeping me on my toes. We had egg sandwiches which were pretty good.
The staff is nice, the atmosphere has an industrial/warehouse feel, different than the Sydney Roasting Co industrial feel. Even though we sat to eat and drink, I wouldn’t say it’s a charming place that I would make a destination of, but I can definitely see going to get food and drink to go, it’s definitely good in a pinch. We’ve been there three times, that has to tell you something. And now…enjoy an insight into our full day!
It’s Saturday again, that seems to happen every week, doesn’t it?! 1.20.24 and we are at Whirling Dervish Bakery & Coffefe Shop. Did I mention, go, just go! I know, I absolutely loved this place! Their signature drink was a Cozy Cinnamon Mocha, decaf it is! Chai latte for me. The pastries were good, better than the drinks, when we go back, and we will go back, I will get a straight up cup of tea, no milks! I say we will go back because it was such a charming and eclectic place! It was tiny, no place to sit, there was so much to look at and gnomes for days! I want to go back and get one of their shirts, it was just such a great place to be, as I said in my original post…be a lookie-loo! Just remember…their hours are not conducive to a leisurely visit…what I mean is Thursday and Friday 7a-11a and Saturday 8a-12p. Go, go now! ha ha
After the Whirling dervish, we took the dogs to a new park, just a few minutes from the coffee shop, so much fun! Can’t wait to go back! Then, after a few things happening, we went to Mill 72 Bake Shop & Cafe. Another winner! Their signature drink…Loaded Hot Chocolate! I SO wanted PSM to order it, but he may have gone into sugar shock! I wish I had taken a picture! It was hot chocloate with whipped creme, of course! Chocolate fudge on the rim of the glass and a few mini donuts on a stick. Oh my word! I was happy with a chai latte and we had egg sandwiches on waffles, very clever! We both agreed, the waffles could have been crisper and if there was syrup in them, even better! That’s not to say we did not enjoy them, oh we did. And the orange slice with it, very nice!
It was a pretty good sized space, enough to have a two tables of merchandise for sale in the front and shelves on the side with more items for sale, including proprietary items, just like almost all the coffee shops, more power to ’em! If any of the places had stickers or a magnet, you know I got one! Oh, I have to share my magnet collection! I can’t wait for that one!
It was welcoming and kitchy, they had places you could relax, take photos, photos to post online, a fire place, a place where you know people like to congregate and you can see yourself hanging out. Will we come back? Oh yeah! There are actually a few locations, I’m looking forward to seeing how they compare!
The weekend went to fast, but…luckily, we’re back at Saturday and time for two more coffee shops! It’s 1.27.24 and we are on our way to the Tattoo Expo, but first…Timber Creek Coffee! They are located in Myerstown, not far from the house and on the way to Philly, sort of! Their signature drink is a Winter Gingerbread Wonder. It was very sweet and had a gingerbread cookie on it. Oh my word! Did you know there was a kids song called The Gingerbread Cookie Dance? Well…now you do! You’re welcome! I have the ear worm and now I’m sharing it with you! muwahaha
I learned that my husband loves gingerbread cookies! I had no idea! I had a chai latte, of course! and we ordered a few pastries, cinnamon roll, a blueberry muffin, a coffee cake muffin, and a gingerbread cookie for later. Everything was delicious!
It is a charming, welcoming, and kind, and that is just the space, the people who work there are just as chaming, welcoming, and nice. Will we go back? You bet we will! I’m looking forward to trying some of their other baked goods. Just be aware they are not open on Sunday or Monday. Check out our adventure for the day!
Ok, it’s Sunday, 1.28.24, where to?! Let’s start at Timeless Cafe in downtown Lebanon. The signature drink is a Chocolate Almond Dalgona, let’s just say…two sips and it was let me get you a coffee from their coffee station! I had a chai latte with oat milk, it was good. I had a breakfast wrap and PSM had a bagel with cream cheese, he was going to have an egg sandwich/wrap, but went for the bagel, then I think he was a little jealous of my sandwich, not to worry, where are we going next?!
Timeless Cafe really is timeless, and not just because there are clocks everywhere, ha ha. It’s charming, the atmosphere is welcoming, that’s also where the timeless comes in, and a very nice staff, what more could you want for a carefree brunch with friends or a coffee date with your husband!
After Timeless Cafe we headed out to the other Swatara Coffee Company in Jonestown. This location was smaller than the one in Annville, but equally as nice. It was definitely more cozy, it was fun, in the back there was a crochet circle going, you know that just screams neighborhood and welcoming! The signature drink was a Chocolate Chip Cookie Latte, PSM had decaf, ha ha, and I had a chai latte with mac milk, yum!
The staff was nice, the other patrons were nice, and even though we had eaten at Timeless Cafe, there was a chocolate chip cookie block that I could not resist! And for someone who doesn’t like chocolate, this was sooo worth it! Another neighborhood place, people hanging out, doing work, sharing some time together, what more could you want? Would we come back? You bet your bippie! And for pics, check out the full post. Wait, we only have two stops left!
Another week done, and now we are down two coffee shops! How is that possible?! We are so close! What will we do with our weekends now?! We started on Saturday, 2.17.24, at The Caffeination Station in Palmyra, their signature drink is a Mocha Valencia, PSM was game, and I got…I know, shocker! A chai latte with oat milk, it was pretty good. We each got an egg sandwich, food and drink were good.
You got a train feel right from the start, there was a train on the lawn, imagine that! Inside, you definitely got a train station feel, trains on the walls, trains running the edge of the shop, trains, trains, and more trains! You definitely knew you were in a local place, very family atmosphere and run by a family. There was an open feel, not just in the layout, but open and welcoming, and good bad dad jokes, what more could you want?! Another visit, I’m sure!
Last stop, what?! Ancester Coffeehouse & Creperie in Lebanon. It was a bigger space, their signature drink is a Red Velvet Latte w/Vanilla Cold Foam, you can guess what PSM had. One sweet drink per day is good for him! I had a macron, I wanted something sweet, but we were not hungry in the least! The macron was better than my chai latte with mac milk. I liked it so much at the other location, I was excited to try it here, but it was not to be. They made me a new one and it just wasn’t right, it happens, could have been me that day. I’m glad we were at the other one first, if this was the first one, I don’t know if we’d venture again.
This location was bigger than the other, but equally as welcoming, different types of walls and coffee sacs under the glass on each table. Despite being in a strip mall, I could see going there for brunch or lunch, meeting friends, working, or just hanging out. One thing it did was open us up to some of the other businesses in the plaza, especially two pubs and breweries we’re going to have to check out. Will we go back to this Ancestor Coffeehouse & Creperie, I would say yes, I want another crepe and it’s close to the house. Which one would I prefer, the other one was a little more charming/kitch, but this is a definite yes! Check out our day.
Wow, we did it! We completed our Lebanon Valley Java Journey! What will we do with our weekends, and occasional weekdays now? PSM said we could do it all over again, I already told you that, I had to double check that! We could still do it, we just won’t get stamps in the passport. Speaking of which, aren’t the stamps cute!? The organizers gave each location their own stamps, so cool! We got our last stamp, wrote our contact info on the back and turned them in. Fingers crossed for us, maybe we’ll win!
Even if we don’t, this was a win-win! Being new to the area, it opened us up to a new experience and trying new things together. We met people along the way, talked about the journey, got other people to try it, and we went to new places we might not have gone otherwise, and now, we have some new hangouts.
I can’t wait to see what the next java-journey type experience we have! We actually had a small one on the Lebanon Valley Libations Trail. That would be breweries, just in case you weren’t sure! I’m on the lookout for our next journey/trail, if you know of one, don’t keep it a secret, might have to make one of our own!
Thanks for going on this journey with us, it was like you were right there with us! Love that!
I know, I know, it’s another one bites the dust, but I couldn’t resist, give me a little creative license! Can you blame me? Is there anything better than Queen? Don’t answer that, I know you all have your own opinions. Queen isn’t my all-time favorite band, but it’s one of them. I have so many. But…we are not here to discuss my musical tastes, maybe one day.
No, what I’m here to tell you is we went to two new coffee places as a part of the Lebanon Valley Java Journey! Caffenation Station and Ancestor Coffeehouse & Creperie.
We decided to start at Caffenation Station. I love the tagline…Train your Coffee Craving! Muwahaha, too funny! We started here because it was further away from the next location, it was a nice drive and we made it in no time. There is a green play train on the front lawn/walkway, then you walk in and it’s trains, trains, and more trains. There are quilts, and pictures, and posters, oh my! There is a loft and around the outside were model trains and at one point, they moved down the tracks, fun!
PSM got the specialty drink, I got a chai latte, I know, shocking! with oat milk, then we each got egg sandwiches, I got mine on “a real NYC bagel, straight from the Bronx!” And PSM got his on some home made thick sourdough bread.
Drinks were good, food was good, atmosphere was good, staff was great! We got there at a good time, there was one other family in at that time, but by the time we left… it was crowded, perfect timing! You could tell it was a neighborhood place. We did see a few of the passports, but people seemed to know each other. That tells you a lot about a place.
When we went to the first Lebanon Valley Motorcycle Club meeting, the president’s wife and I were talking and I was telling her about the Java Journey, she was very excited about Caffenation Station, she spoke very highly of it! And she was right!
Would we go back again? I would!
Caffenation Station
Our next stop was Ancestor Coffeehouse & Creperie. This might sound familiar because we went to the other location a few weeks ago. This location is closer to us, hence going to Caffenation Station first. Easy to get to, not much bigger than the other site, menu is the same, welcoming environment. We each ordered a drink, decaf coffee for PSM and a chai latte made with macadamia nut milk. I also bought a strawberry something macron, it was good. I’m not a macron expert by any means, but I liked it.
This location is a little bigger than the other location, it’s open, charming, welcoming. I loved the walls, brick on one wall, the brick fed into another wall and it was painted blue, then the opposite wall was all stone, I liked it! PSM had a decaf coffee and I had a chai latte with macadamia nut milk, I was excited, because I love macmilk and chai, I know you’re shocked by that, ha ha, and I really liked it at the other location, this one, not so much. Maybe it was an off day for me and mac milk chai lattes, but it didn’t hit the spot.
Would I come back and try again, absolutely! I want to try their crepes, give them another chance, if it was the first time, I would say no, but I liked the other one, so why not! And it’s closer! Of course, the other one is attached to Schnitz Brewery…imagine…have breakfast/brunch at the Coffeehouse & Creperie, hang out and move right into the brewery when it’s beer:30! Sounds perfect to me!
Ancestor Coffeehouse & Creperie
So… all in all a success! Two more stamps and we are at the end! That’s tomorrow, I’ll tell you about our entire journey, right now…zzzzzz nothing keeps me awake when I’m that tired, which is funny coming from someone who deals with insomnia!
I think I told you I was thinking about skiing today, but Mother Nature had other ideas, gee thanks…
PSM had to go into work to meet some folks, so I figured since we would be gone/occupied for a few hours, I’d go and hit the slopes for a few, and then we’d meet somewhere new, you know, somewhere off my list!
Since we have four places left to go on our Lebanon Valley Java Journey, let’s get up early, take the dogs for a walk, go to a new place for brunch or at least a drink and a pastry, then he would go off to work, I’d go skiing, etc, but as you know, that didn’t happen! I got up, Bee decided when we got to the end of the driveway, she would not be joining us on our jaunt this morning, grrr…fine…back to the house, collar back on, PSM was still home getting some things prepped to go into work and Ruby and I went for a rainy walk.
We came back and then by the time we got out of the house, we didn’t have enough time to grab anything, so he went off, I went back into the house to take care of things, feed the dogs, laundry, talking to you, you know, stuff. When we was done, he called and then came to pick me up and we went into downtown Lebanon for our first stop at Timeless Cafe. The last time we went, or the first time we tried, it was not a successful venture. The restaurant was crowded and we waited, and waited, and waited for someone to at least look at us and say hello. At that point we were hungry and not interested in waiting so we went somewhere else.
This time, I am happy to say, was a much different and better experience. If it wasn’t on the Java Journey passport, because of that last experience, we might not have gone back. I’m glad we took another chance! Inside, it’s charming, quaint, welcoming, and timeless. Could be all the clocks on the walls set to different times, and the clock hands aren’t moving, so definitely timeless! I just remembered that the first time we went, that was the first time I saw the mugs for the Java Journey and I was intrigued!
I ordered a chai latte, of course, with oat milk, it was pretty good. PSM ordered their signature drink, it definitely wasn’t for him, I think I told you, he’s not a fancy, sweet, or inventive coffee kind of guy, and that’s ok. Someone else probably had it and loved it. I went to the counter and got him a straight up decaf with a little cream, the guy behind the counter didn’t charge me, even when I said I would pay. Score one more for the cafe. PSM was going to have one of their breakfast sandwiches, then a bagel with cream cheese called to him and he answered! They have breakfast sandwiches or wraps that start at 7 o’clock, 8 o’clock, through 12 o’clock, which is what I had: egg, provolone, spinache, and tomato, skip the mushrooms, all on spinache tortilla wrap! I took a chance with the provolone, it wasn’t the best idea, but it was tasty!
We sat, ate, enjoyed, and chatted with the women at the table next to us, they were having baked french toast made with croissants, oh my! We may have to go back! They were also on the Java Journey, we chatted about that, then we asked for some recommendations for things to do, see, eat. Anything that wasn’t on my list already went on it! Thank you ladies!
We tiptoed through the raindrops, got in the jeep and headed on the road, where to? Well, we need to go grocery shopping, soon, not right now. We motored down the road to Jonestown to go to Swatara Coffee, [not sure what happened but their site is under construction, the link is to Google Maps to find them.] another stamp on the passport. I wasn’t expecting to go to another one so soon, but hey, you only live once! Wait, isn’t that what YOLO means? Yes, I am that goofy geek! Thank you very much!
We were wondering why the main drag looked so familiar, did we look at a house out this way? Not sure, but we’ve been through here! We went to Swatara Coffee, it’s a little smaller than the other location in Annville, but it was equally charming. One thing I noticed is that a bunch of these coffee houses sell not only their wares, like t-shirts and hats, some have vendor areas set up, others, like Swatar Coffee, have a specific artist’s earrings for sale, hmm…
The other thing, I’m not used to drinking more than one chai latte in a day! I usually have one in the morning, then it would be a ‘regular’ cup of tea or two, maybe more, but just a teabag, water, and sugar. The days we go to multiple new coffee houses, I’m getting chai, I know, I could get something else, but I want to try their chai latte, so sue me! ha ha
PSM had ordered an egg sandwich, I was not that hungry, but I was thinking a pastry would be nice, and I got their chocolate chip cookie thing! I don’t like chocolate, which you may or may not know, but…I love the cookie part of the thing! It was a thick cookie, some sort of frosting, then cookie chunks on top, let’s just say… O M G! YAASSS! PSM got their french toast muffin, tasty! I enjoyed it at the other location, and now here!
We got there at just the right moment, there was one other person in there, so we got to chat with the girl working behind the counter for a while, we spoke about the Java Journey and she works at the other location and really wants to go to the Whirling Dervish and hasn’t, I showed her pics and really encouraged her to go, but their hours…not easy to get there!
Just as we got to our seats, the place started to fill up! It’s not a very big space, maybe 2 2-person tables, then 2 6-person tables that could be broken up, if needed. In the middle is the coffee bar area, in the back was a room with a few tables. Today the back room had a crochet circle happening, some people were new to it, others experienced, a group of folks crafting and helping each other out. What could be more loverly?!
We got our drinks, I got my chai with mac milk, or macadamia nut milk, I remembered they had it from the other location. Another yum drink! We will definitely be going back, not sure to which location, maybe both, why not?!
After enjoying, laughing, talking with other patrons, we headed out, back towards the house and as we were driving, I suddently realized why it was so familiar! We were right near where the dogs were boarded when we took our 3-week motorcycle trip over the summer! I know I haven’t told you about it yet, I will, it was AH MAZING! I love when things click!
We went to Grocery Outlet, they have a decent selection of vegan stuff for me, score! We were there to pick up salad fixings for the week and see if they had any other goodies! Their prices are really good! The thing about Grocery Outlets, they have the staples, but they don’t always have the same things each time you’re there, and when I talk about goodies, they had Christmas mugs left over with chocolate in them for $1 each! I bought what they had and next year, someone[s] is getting one of these mugs personalized! With fresh chocolate, of course! ha ha
After the grocery store, we were trying to figure out what to do next. It was a chilly, rainy, blech day, we didn’t want to be outside, but we weren’t quite ready to go home. In the same parking lot is Michael’s, the craft superstore, which can sometimes be like kryptonite! I realized I haven’t been in almost 2 months, so PSM pulled into a spot and I went in, just to look, ha ha! I ended up finding some Cricut supplies, normally $18-$20 for $5! You cannot beat it, so I bought a bunch! And I will be using it, some great colors and patterns! Oh, the Cricut, that’s a whole other post!
After I came out, we decided we still weren’t ready to go home and he wasn’t that jazzed about the first playoff game, so we went to one of our favorite activities…mani-pedi! And what that is, a manicure, for the hands, and a pedicure, for the feet! We like Lebanon Nail & Spa of PA, they’re very nice and they do a good job. And PSM’s favorite part…the massage chair, nap time!
Oh, the joy! The bubbles, the jets, the massage chair, the foot massage, oh my! The thing I love about going is to get my cuticles trimmed, my fingernails shaped, and looking cleaner. I’ll be honest, the polish never lasts more than a few days at the most, but my hands look so good! The pedicure, same procedure, luckily, the polish lasts a lot longer on the toes! Just makes me feel purdy!
They finished my nails, I was dry, it’s time to go home! We loaded up, headed home, let the pups out, played with them, and PSM settled in to watch some ‘fusball’. I did something else! I don’t remember! Then about 615p, he headed to the 7th Street Bar & Grill, a neighborhood place we like to go, good staff, good food, and a good local hang out, some of PSM’s co-workers go there and we seem to run into them every once in a while. He was headed there for the game and I hung out with the pups, finished my pho from last night, and worked on the IMRG Chapter 2024 Calendar, I think I told you…I am now the Calendar Queen!
Is that enough for one day? I think I’ve had enough, it’s been fabulous talking with you, but I need to decompress and settle in. Have a fabulous night! See ya’ tomorrow!
Moss does not grow on a rolling stone! And who doesn’t love the Rolling Stones?! ha ha!
We started the morning with a dog walk, well, first it was a snuggle with the dogs, I let them sleep with me last night, I couldn’t resist, they’re so cute and cuddly! After we got out of bed, it was a walk around the blocks, Bee decided she wasn’t going, so I left her at the house and Ruby and I walked around the blocks. It’s a little easier with just one, doesn’t happen very often. And we think that Ruby would walk for days if we let her!
After taking a walk, PSM rode his bike to Hernley’s Indian Motorcycle dealership, PSM needed to get something done to his 2020 Indian Challenger, it was brrrr cold, but he is determined to ride at least once per month and he did it in December, and now January, he’s set for the month! The pups and I jumped in the VW Beetle Convertible, dropped the top, yes we did! I had on a scarf, heavy sweatshirt, among other layers, gloves, and we were off to meet and pick up PSM at the dealership. The dogs, well, Ruby la la la loves going for rides in the car, Bee doesn’t want to be left behind! ha ha
After picking him up, we headed home, dropped the girls off and got them settled in their crate, music on, and off we go! First stop…Timber Creek Coffee, ready for another stamp on our Lebanon Valley Java Journey passports! PSM tried the signature drink, it was very sweet and had a gingerbread cookie on top! He enjoyed it, he loves gingerbread! I wish I could remember what the signature drink was. I’ll do a wrap up post on the entire journey and let you know what they all were! I had a chai with oat milk, it was very good, a place I would go back for a hot beverage! We got a cinnamon roll, a blueberry muffin, a coffee cake muffin, and a gingerbread cookie, the pastries were terrific! Win-win!
The atmosphere was clean, and by that I mean, not cluttered, but welcoming, and warm, not just because of the fireplace. It wasn’t too crowded, we got there just after and before a rush, perfect timing! They also had one of those train station signs that changes messages, it was really cool!
Now, let’s hit the road, we have a 2 hour drive into Philadelphia, or as I used to call it as a kid, and still do ‘Phildadelphia’, no idea why, but it stuck! Bertha, my GPS, did fine until we got to Philly, then she took us off the highway through some very sketchy neighborhood. I told PSM I just want to take him to all the best places! ha ha. When we got out of that area, it got better! We found the Philadelphia Convention Center, then a parking deck about a block away and walked to get in line with everyone else for the Villain Arts Philadelphia Tattoo Festival. The last tattoo expo we went to was in Hawai’i, it was time.
The place was packed! I mean packed! We walked up and down almost every aisle looking, marveling, wondering, considering. Each artist had a sign that was either ‘I have availability today’ or ‘I am booked today’. Some people make appointments in advance with a particular artist they like while they are in town for the expo. We were both looking to see if someone struck our fancy to get some new ink.
PSM has a particular idea, but needs some help making the vision come to life. I know what I want, I just need to find someone to do it. The only artist who’s work ‘spoke to me’ wasn’t doing any original work. All of the artists had samples of their work and some had only what they were going to do this weekend, that’s fair, disappointing if you want something special, but that’s why you make an appointment. PSM found an artist he was drawn to, he was definitely a Pacific Islander. He had availability and idea for PSM, come back about 5p. Sounds good.
We walked around a bit more, by now, it was about 330p and we were running out of steam! We had both been up pretty early and been walking around for a few hours, so…we went outside and went in search of food and found Pho Street on Arch Street. I can’t give you the website, when I click it, it goes to a gaming site, sorry! They had vegan pho for me, wa to the hoo! We ordered big bowls of pho, it so hit the spot! And we did not finish either bowl, can’t wait to have my leftovers tomorrow!
After eating, we headed back to the expo, PSM was going to talk to the artist and if they gelled on the idea, I would drive home to take care of the pups, then come back for him. Unfortunately for PSM they didn’t gel, the design was fabulous, but it was WAAAYYY bigger than he was looking for! We were both bummed, PSM because he has really wanted to finish this one tattoo, me because I was going to pay for it! But not too bummbed because we were both a little tired and thinking about driving 2 hours home and then 2 hours back to Philly, then 2 hours back home…well, you can imagine!
When I told the artist his work was fabulous, but not what PSM wanted he wished me a safe drive home and mahalo nui loa, thank you very much in Hawaiian. The literal translation of mahalo is “in breath” or “life essence.” It means to live in constant gratitude!!! LOVED it! I said a’ole pilikia and wished him well at the expo!
So…home we went. Dogs were happy we were home, there was joy and merriment, wagging tails, lots of kisses, was it for us or for the fact we were home and they were hungry? Who cares, they were happy and we were happy to be home!
Tomorrow, what’s in store? I was thinking about going skiing, but guess what Mother Nature thought, nope, I’m going to ‘rain on your parade’ literally! So… what to do? You know us, we’ll find something to do!
Apparently I got enough sleep last night because I was up about 6am, so I settled in to work, I had some playing to do too!
I think I told you I made some reservations at some resorts so I can ski while I’m here and today’s reservation is Breckenridge. I worked until about 1230p, got dressed, loaded up the car, and headed out the door. I have to thank AM and NM for letting me stay here, it’s been so great to be in a house, be able to keep my stuff in the house and just walk into the garage to load up, instead of having to gather everything and head out of the hotel. Being in the hotel isn’t that bad, honest, this is just really nice. There is a closet right inside the house from the garage, I don’t have to lug everything from the room, down the stairs, out the door, find the car in the parking lot, just nice.
It’s also nice staying about 30 minutes from the resort, and when you stay so close, you don’t worry about how long you’re going to be there, even when I stay in Golden, I don’t mind the 1.5 hour drive. And I think I told you, since I have the pass, I don’t feel like I have to stay all day, and I’m at that age as well, I can go for a few hours and I’m good.
The drive to the resort was nice, it was a crisp, clear day, good visibility and always fabulously scenic. So much better than my drive here Wednesday night/Thursday morning. I got to the resort, found a decent spot in the usual lot not far from the gondola, paid for parking, walked to the shuttle and away we went. I got on the gondola and headed up the mountain to the lifts.
All the Vail Resorts are doing their best to abide by social distancing, there are mandatory mask signs everywhere, the gondolas and chair lifts have seating suggestions, people even putting their own stickers on things and for the lifts, I didn’t realize, but if you stand with your skis touching someone else’s skis, that’s about 6 feet, I hadn’t thought about that, well, unless it’s a kid, then it’s a little shorter!
The lift lines were a little long, but they moved and when you talked to people on line, it moves faster. It’s fun to look at what people are wearing, the kids and their colorful and fun ski or snowboard outfits, the helmet covers, and then…the group of 8 in front of me, all wearing different furry ski/snowboard outfits. Let’s see, there was an elephant, crocodile, engaged couple, both unicorns, hers said ‘Future Mrs. Somebody’ and his said ‘Fiancé’, they were quite the gathering.
Up, up, up, and away we went. As I said, the day was clear and crisp, the slopes, as always, never crowded, and there was fresh powder from the Wednesday/Thursday snowstorm, it was wonderful! There was swishing, swooshing, and more swishing. I lost track of the number of runs I did, I just went until I was a bit peckish, I grabbed a chai latte and a fabulous piece of coffee cake, it was heavenly!
Swish…Swoosh…Swish…Swoosh
One more run for me. Up I went and swished and swooshed my way down and realized I was done, so I wrapped up my skis and headed for the gondola line and oh my word, the line for the gondola was ridiculous! They even came up to move us into a more formal line, helping up avoid getting hit by any skiers, happy for that! It didn’t wrap around like that when I headed up for my last run. It is what it is.
As I was waiting on the line, a woman and her daughter walked by and I asked if they wanted to stand in line with me, mom was ever so thankful, she was done, and she was carrying her skis, boots, and her daughter’s skis. Very nice people, mom and I got on really well, it turns out we had a lot in common, and her daughter was a five year old cutie! At one point, I offered to help her and carry something and her daughter told me I could carry her skis, thanks! Bottom line, it made the line move faster and that’s what matters.
I got to the bottom, headed for the shuttle, got to the car, took off my boots, ahhh, back to the house, shower, a little more work to round out the week, dinner, and chill. Sounds like a pretty good day to me! Looking forward to tomorrow!
Peaches Prattlings 