SMALL TOWN

I got back to the Casa du Borghese last night from being home the last 10 days and I'm glad to say I'm finally out of my stretchy pants from my aunt's delicious dinner. I embarrassed to say I had thirds. The skinny jeans were a bit more snug the next day. The dinner was actually nice, and can say it was almost even more calm since many of her children weren't there, and a good family friend also didn't come. So it was five of us with my aunt's one son who is currently living with them. After dinner he even treated us to a piece on his voila. Since being back up this way , and leaving the Chattanooga Symphony, he is hoping to get either in the Philly Orchestra, where he once was years ago before moving, or even Harrisburg Symphony. It will be tough, as one, many members stay for considerable time and two,  symphonies aren't either performing or are doing virtual performances. In the meantime he has been doing private music lessons for students. It was just glorious to hear him play.

The mother and I did the very small bit of shopping we had to do. Both of us leery as neither of us had been in any type of store since March with exception to grocery stores or markets. After some anxiety, I even double masked it, like double wrapping my sausage at times...to much tmi? But must say, it was a relief to see the crowds were absent. Just a nice everyday crowd and everyone was adhering to guidelines. You heard a lot of people saying they were shopping local and small over online and big chains. It seems a uphill battle to think about, but online is going to kill the American dream of small business and it saddens me.  One place I like to go is Hummelstown when home. It's a busy little downtown area and small town atmosphere, with little shops and eateries, looks to be a pleasant place to live and is probably located about nine miles from Harrisburg as your on your way to Hershey. In these times more then any other, I vowed to shop local, and small business when-ever possible. They have a lovely place called Rhoades Pharmacy I just love. But it's basically a shop with cards and stationery,  homemade knit wear, bath products, candle, decorations and a kitchen shop. We got our very few gifts we needed and my cards. I also found this year ornament for my tree, as I add one new one every year. Never mind mother tripped in front of the store over something and went down. She was fine, thank goodness, and a policeman in a passing car asked if we needed help and if she was alright to which I replied, " I told her not to drink this much before 6pm, but yes, were fine."

I adore this fountain, and the wisecrack who put these on the ducks to promote wearing masks!!!! Pretty neat. And we caught two slices at the pizza parlor before the rain. The best crust!

I love seeing the old town light post decorations. Remember when most towns and cities did this, or am I dating myself?

This guy had set up a table and was playing Christmas tunes for the whole town to hear. Pretty fun, and this year seemed to be helping people cope with getting some kind of cheer. The guy in the pizza place said he is a veteran of  the Vietnam war, and does this at the holidays and the fourth. And the community in return looks out for him. We need to treat veterans better and do more. It appalls me to hear stories of what they went through for the country and then either tossed out when back and forgotten, or have to jump hurdles for benefits and such. I don't get it.

Couple of after pizza shots of the town.

LOVED this old roadster!!!!! And yes, it was an actual car we saw someone get out of. While I was home I got my mothers place decorated inside and out. Some of the outdoor touches were made of all pines and berries from her garden trees and bushes.

This one was made with pines and a artificial piece and hangs on the shed door.

A small pine tree by the back door I added lights to. While I was doing decorating, my mother started her cookies. These were some sort of chocolate cocoa cookie trees. 

Here's Lilith covering her eyes, when I almost tipped over the Christmas tree. And even when outside, Lilith and Buster always seem to know when dinner is being served.

And while we were in Hummelstown, we saw this....a situation of huge proportions....

I know I said I like to ride big wieners, but this is ridiculous!