WINTER BLUES

It's been a long, long week. I was overjoyed when Friday finally rolled around. The new showroom set up has been a stressful one. And if you guessed I was a bit happy then to do nothing all weekend, you'd be right. We had some of the coldest temperatures this winter yet, at least with the gales we had. My thermometer read 18 today at around 1pm. The only time I ventured out was to fill the bird feeders and put out new suet's. It has been a frenzy too with the birds. I was able to have dinner one night with a friend in Pine Grove Furnace... but other than that, I have kept my social schedule cleared for my own alone time. A selection of very obscure films were viewed this weekend, and just a few oink fest. But there is always time to catch a few snaps around town.

I have always been intrigued by the Frankenberger Tavern. Other than rumors of hauntings, I didn't know much about it till a few years ago. The tavern is recognized as the oldest building in the borough. It was built by George Frankenberger in the forest then, now Main Street, between Harrisburg and Carlisle, in 1801.The place offered passing cattle drovers and farmers a place to get a warm meal and a place to sleep. The guest would sit by the fireplace and share the news from where they had traveled.

I pass this church on the way to work. The Peace Church was built in 1798 by a reformed congregation. It's a historic structure of limestone in Georgian style. In 1806, the local Lutheran congregation was invited to share the building " in peace" for their services. The church's builder was Martin Rupp. The interior of the church is notable for its wine glass pulpit, a balcony that's wraps around three sides and a Conrad organ that was installed in 1807. It looks so charming in all seasons.

If one is familiar with Mechanicsburg; there seems to be a church on every corner! I have no idea how they all stay as active.

Pine Grove Furnace State Park

Our public library, the Joseph T Simpson Library, I'm a member there and the Camp Hill Library alike, but this locating is a pleasant day spent for a getaway to escape. The building was an amazing repurpose. The renovated stone grain warehouse dates back to the 1840's...and has found new life as a gorgeous library of three floors of books, resources DVD'S and music and other library services like story times poem readings and other events all free for residents.

I was a swell place to grow up in. And since being back, I have learned more about the history of the little hamlet, that I didn't take much time in my youth to learn about.