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Wednesday, September 16, 2009

The Word of the Day: Pennsylvania

Of all the places I've been in my life, I can honestly say that there's no place I'd rather live than here in the beautiful state of Pennsylvania. And I suppose it's good that I feel this way because I have lived nowhere else but Pennsylvania all my life. I've moved from one western Pennsylvania town to the next and I can say that I never tire of the magnificent beauty of our State.

We have the honor of being represented by the second star on our nation's flag - the second state to join the Union - beat out by Delaware - by only a day or two, I believe. (I never was very good at remembering historical facts!) And we've got Philadelphia where the Declaration of Independence was signed in Independence Hall. And of course, there's the Liberty Bell and the Betsy Ross House and many other great places to visit. If you haven't been and you ever have the chance - I recommend a visit to Philly. It's a beautiful city - filled with history and lots of ART! One of the most well-known sculptures, the original "LOVE" sculpture by Robert Indiana, makes its home in Love Park.



In the southwestern corner of the state is Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh has been my home on more than one occasion. I lived in the suburbs there from a very young age through First Grade when my Father took a teaching job in New Castle. It was there that I lived the remainder of my growing up years in the house where my Mother still lives today. After college I got my first job in Pittsburgh - and it was then that I fell in love with that great city. There is so much to see and do there and it's a city with such diverse neighborhoods and culture that there is something sure to please everyone!

In northwestern PA, sits Erie - right on the shores of the great lake. I did my clinical internship in Medical Technology at Hamot Medical Center - its parking lot literally dipping into the bay of Lake Erie. It too, is a beautiful city and Presque Isle State Park is a great summertime destination for anyone who enjoys the beach.

Now I'm in Greenville - halfway between Pittsburgh and Erie. One of three 'Greenvilles' in the state. Why there are three towns in the same state with the same name is beyond me. The problem was that they didn't consult me before they named the town! At any rate, I wouldn't want to live anywhere besides where I am now living. We are blessed with a beautiful home which sits on a five-acre pond. The Great Blue Herons fish outside our backdoor each morning and the tree frogs, bullfrogs and crickets sing us to sleep each night. No matter where I travel - there's nothing that feels quite as nice as returning to our home in Pennsylvania. Dorothy said it best in The Wizard of Oz, "There's no place like home!"


Even the sparrow has found a home,
and the swallow a nest for herself,
where she may have her young— a place near your altar,
O LORD Almighty, my King and my God.
-Psalm 84:3



Tune in next time for Word #3

4 comments:

Pat said...

And one more reason to love Philly...it's was the home of American Bandstand...the favorite tv show of my youth. I always wanted to visited Philly just to see where it was shot. I think it may be too late! Ha!
Pennsylvania is a very beautiful state, but living in a State Park, I'm sure you already know that!

Jada's Gigi said...

I loved living in PA. We lived just outside of Philly for 9 yrs when my kids were young. We did all the historical stuff, lots of sporting events and shoveled lots of snow. The snow caused my hubby to never want to live up north again and the long wet cool springs about did me in but I must say I really did learn to love it there. The flowers are spectacular and the summer and fall months are gorgeous. I go back every chance I get!

Constance said...

As an American History-crazed-fanatic, Philadelphia is on my "MUST-SEE" list! So much History, so little time! Just the other day I was watching, "That Thing You Do" and I actually thought of you!
Hugs,
Connie

Unknown said...

very nice, Deb...like the love photo