50 Days of Remembering 50 Years Day #7

The Honeymoon

Back in those days, the Poconos was known as the honeymoon capital of the world. There were several resorts to choose from that all catered to newlyweds. We chose, "Birchwood". After our wedding reception we drove part of the way there, spending the night at an inn in New York. The next day we arrived at our resort for a weeklong stay.

The grounds had everything included to make our stay enjoyable. There was a mini-golf course, bowling alley, indoor pool, dining room and lots of entertainment. The Red Baron Lounge had live music and on one night, they did their version of the popular TV show, "The Newlywed Game". They had different activities; one we remember was candle dipping. 

One night they had an art auction. We both fell in love with a painting and decided to bid on it. We were a little nervous about our first auction--would we get carried away and bid too much? I remember the anxiety as our painting came up for bid. I believe the bidding started at $50, which we bid. Amazingly no one else bid against us. What a relief! But then we wondered why no one else liked it. It doesn't really matter.  This painting has always been in our living rooms all these years. 

Picture taken at Birchwood 
and was used on a poster for them.

The package deal for the resort included a ride in small plane over the Delaware River Gap. I was petrified! George had been in the Air Force and was really looking forward to it. First it was supposed to Monday, but they said it was too windy. Then it was supposed to be Tuesday, but it was again too windy. Each day I was relieved, and George was disappointed. It went like that every day until Friday. They decided to try it that day. The first trip they took two couples. When they came back they said it was still a little windy and would be better with just one couple. 

We bravely boarded. As I held George's hand in the plane, it was sweating. He knew it was a rough ride. I, being clueless, just loved it. I was too ignorant to know any better. 

After that week of relaxing at one place, we decided to spend the second week at Gettysburg. George is a big Civil War fan. We explored that area for a few days. I do enjoy history, but I am not as much of a history buff as George. But it was interesting. 

Our last stop was to be Hershey, PA. Now I am more a chocoholic than a history lover. It was fun seeing the candy kiss streetlights, but...that was all we saw. George ended up sick and we had to skip going to Hershey. Sure, I spend almost a week at Gettysburg and I didn't get to go to chocolate-ville! Not fair! Many, many years later we went there with our kids. 

Pennsylvania has always been a special place for us. We love Lancaster, the markets, the Amish, the stores, the trains, the country. But likewise, we like Philadelphia and all the history--the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall--I got goose bumps being in the same room where our forefathers met. We have seen where Poe lived and Ben Franklin's gravesite. I remember being in awe of seeing the Ben Franklin bridge lit up in different colors at night from our motel room. Philadelphia cheesesteaks and it was there that I first went to a Dave & Buster's. This girl who grew up with games enjoyed that. But that was not our honeymoon visit but in later years.

I love Pennsylvania. I am sure I will say more about trips to Pennsylvania in other posts. The only thing it is missing, is our major love, the ocean.

"Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves."

Romans 12:10