Pennsylvania

 It has been a long six weeks since I had my foot surgery.  It was both better and worse than I thought.  I don’t know when I will be able to wear real shoes again or drive or walk normal.  I am a little old lady but it is not nice to actually walk like a little old lady.  I’m sorry it has been such a long time that I have not posted anything.   My husband has also had health issues contributing to the delay.  Hopefully I can get back on schedule and post about once every week to ten days.

Multi view card from 1980s

Pennsylvania is one of the larger states in the eastern part of the United States.   Harrisburg is the Capitol city and other large cities include Allentown, Erie, Pittsburgh and Philadelphia.  The state has a border of about 50 miles of coast on Lake Erie and about 50 miles on the Delaware Estuary.   Although there are several large cities, the majority of the state is farmland and smaller towns. 

I remember Pennsylvania as green – lots of fields of green crops, green trees lining the residential streets in the cities and green forests in the mountainous areas. The Appalachian Mountains run through the middle of the state and provide hikers and outdoor lovers with a wonderful experience. The Pennsylvania Turnpike is one of the oldest toll roads in the US streamlining travel across the state. It was originally opened in the 1930s, featured seven tunnels, and is a part of the Interstate Transit System now with only four remaining tunnels. 

1960s card from "The Pennsylvania Dutch Country"

One of the largest areas of Amish settlements is found in the southern part of the state.   Lancaster is a town where you can explore this alternate culture.  In Lancaster County,  the Pennsylvania Dutch Convention and Visitors Bureau provides information and arranges tours of the Amish farmlands nearby.

Independence Hall

Philadelphia is the largest Pennsylvania city with a history going back to colonial times.  Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell are just two of the many interesting sites there.  If you are a “Rocky” fan, you will want to view the famous statue and the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.  The Reading Terminal Market is the oldest farmers market in the United States.  In Philadelphia your lunch should be an authentic Philly Cheese Steak sandwich which consists of thinly sliced roasted beef, topped with melted cheese on a long crusty roll.

Lincoln Gettysburg Address Memorial

Gettysburg and the Underground Railway were important during our Civil War and their history provides more interesting places to visit.  The Johnstown Flood Museum chronicles the famous devastating flood of 1899.  These and many other attractions are just waiting for you to discover.   Websites for Pennsylvania and Philadelphia are found at http://www.visitpa.com/ and http://www.visitphilly.com/