John and I at Ledo’s                                University of Maryland’s Memorial Chapel

Day 46

Thursday, May 21, 2015

University of Maryland-College Park

It rained like cats and dogs all day long.  I stayed in my hotel most of the day and worked on receipts and my blog.  I was meeting my friend, John Wilkerson, for dinner.  We were going to our favorite spot, Ledo’s Pizza in College Park.  To get to Ledo’s I usually take Campus Drive which runs right through the University.  I always enjoy seeing my Alma Mater.  But on this day there was no getting near the campus.  Today was graduation day for the Class of 2015.

Our waiter was Mark.  I commented to him about the busy streets and busy restaurant.  He told us that he was graduating this day but had chosen not to walk.  John and I enjoyed our salad and pizza.   Mark went out his way to be helpful and kind.

I remember my graduation day in 1982.  Believe it or not, I took the bus to College Park with my cap in gown in hand.  Mom and Sallie met me after the ceremony and took me to Mrs. K’s for lunch.  We had a  larger celebration later.

Congratulations to the University of Maryland Class of 2015!  Welcome to our alumni family.

I count it all joy,

Pastor Vallerie

Day 45

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Before leaving on my trip, several family members and friends gave me a little spending money.  I head back to Westview Mall where I spent the afternoon window shopping.  It was delightful to meander through the mall with no worries about where I needed to be next or what deadline was looming large.

While I was in the neighborhood, I visited AAA and secured our Britrail passes.  I also discovered that AAA would order British currency and Euros at the current exchange rate at no additional cost to me.  That was a deal I could not pass up.

I count it all joy,

Pastor Vallerie

Day 44

Tuesday, May 19, 2015

Cameron is a member of Costco and whenever I talk with him he is always telling me about some great bargain he has received at Costco.  Since I am a Sam’s Club member,  I wanted expereince his Costco.  Cameron came by the hotel and we headed to Wheaton to what use to be Wheaton Plaza but is now Westview Mall.  At 10 a.m. the big steel door opened.  Cameron introduced me to everyone in the store.  The manager came up to him and asked him how he was doing.  He is real celebrity at the store. I was impressed.  Most of all, it really felt good that my brother was proud of his older sister.

From Wheaton, I headed to Damascus to meet Dean for lunch.  I have always loved the drive to Damascus.  Damascus is the place my parents called home until their death.  Tears always come to my eyes as I travel  these familar roads.  Dean andI I had a great lunch .  It is rare for me to have quality time with all five of my brothers within a 48 hour period.  This has been one of the many blessings of my sabbatical.

After Dean left, I decided to get a lip wax.  I noticed a Hair Cuttury in the same shapping complex as the restaurant.  So I went in.  My beautician was Sue and immediately I detected a British accent.  I ask her about it and sure enough she was from OXFORD, England.  I told her my story and she was thrilled.  She gave me wonderful advise and she even took time to write down the name of two places Mary and I should visit.  My friend Jerry says these encounters are not coincidence but God-Incidence.  I truly felt the Lord smiling on me.

I count it all joy,

Pastor Vallerie

Day  43

Monday, May 18, 2015

Pittsburgh, PA to Silver Spring, MD

I checked out of my hotel around 7:30 a.m. and headed to Bellevue to meet Greg and Tim at Eat n Park for breakfast.  We had a good time enjoying our last time together.  A little before 10 a.m.,  I got on the road and headed for Silver Spring, MD.  The weather was just right and I had a very pleasant and uneventful drive.

I arrived at the Hampton Inn a little affer 3:30 p.m.  Before I could settle in, calls from my Maryland brothers started coming in.  Warren invited me to join him for dinner.  It started to rain just about the time he picked me up.  As we were getting out of his van, the sun shined and a rainbow appeared in the sky.  Rainbow number 4!

Warren took me to his favorite Chinese resturant, Full Key, in Wheaton, MD.  My fortune was a bit unusal.  It said: Alas! The onion you are eating is someone else’s water lilly.  According to the Google, the translation is: One man’s trash is another’s man’s treasure.  It was nice to be “home.”

I count it all joy,

Pastor Vallerie

Day 42

Sunday, May 17, 2015

Pittsburgh, PA

As I have mentioned in my blog, part of my sabbatical plan was to spend time with each of my nephews and neices.  I asked Owen and Brendan what they wanted to do and they choose horsebacking riding.  We invited Evan to come along.  Chrsitine found a wondeful place for us to go riding so with Even behind the wheel of my car, the guys and I headed to Rolling Hills Ranch.

This was the first itme I had ever been on a horse.  I asked the woman in charge for the mildest horse they had.  She gave me Alex.  Evan was given Red Dragon; Owen was given Pepper and Brendan was given Lumpy.  I confess that I was very nervous.

As soon as we started down the trail, Alex took off like a race horse and rode passed all of the other horses. The instructor was yelling: “Pull the reins, pull the reins!” I was screaming: “I want off, I want off!” After my wild ride, she guided me and Alex back to the barn while the guys headed down the trail and into the woods. I am glad I had the expereince but horse riding is just not for me. (Sorry, Melanie!)

We ended our adventure with dinner at the Spaghetti Warehouse in downtown Pittsburgh. This is Owen and Brendan’s favorite restaurant. We enjoyed a wonderful meal while laughing and talking. I have to say that Brendan really enjoyed the fresh bread and herb butter! It was a joy to be together. Thanks, Evan, Owen and Brendan for stretching my comfort zone. You’re the best!

I count it all joy,

Pastor Vallerie

Owen at Northgate High School Award Ceremony on Thursday

Owen receiving his award at Duquesne University

Day 41

Saturday, May 16, 2015

Pittsburgh, PA

Today I spent the entire day with Greg, Christine, Owen and Brendan.  It was a very special day for Owen  We loaded up the car and headed to Duquesne University to attend a unique award ceremony.  Along with about 30 other exceptional students from all over PA, Owen received High Honors from the John Hopkins Univeristy Talent Search.  The picture above shows him receiving his metal.  He will attending a specail camp this summer and the “Grand Ceremony” will take place on the campus of John Hopkins In October.  Needless to say, I am one proud aunt!

Owen is an excellent reader and he has real aptitude for math.  Although he is in middle schol, he is already taking advance math courses.  He is quiet and enjoys video games.  He is senstive.  For example, I learned that recently that he gave generously of his own money to help with the Wounded Warrior Project.

After the ceremony and reception, the family and I headed to Lu Lu’s (Owen’s choice) to celebrate.  Lu Lu ‘s is a Asian noodle restaurant and we all enjoyed their tasty fare.  After lunch,  Chrsitine and I did a little shopping in Macy’s while the guys hung out.  Chrsitine is an excellent shopper and has a wonderful sense of fashion.  She helped me pick out a blouse to wear in Paris.

Then it was off to the Incline.  I had always wanted to take the 15 minute steep ride up to Mt. Washington.  My brother, Greg and I did it.  The rest of the family met us at the top of the hill where we had a magnificent view of the city.  After I treated everyone to ice cream, we headed home.  My brother and I enjoyed  one more event together.  We watched the Preakness.  W2G American Pharaoh!  It was especially meaningful to Greg because he had just been at the Kentucky Derby. Thank you Greg, Christine, Owen and Brendan for a day I will always remember.

I count it all joy,

Pastor Vallerie

Owen and Brendan

Day 40

Friday, May 15, 2015

Belluvue, PA

Christine invited me to join the family for a movie and pizza.  My nephews wanted to see Perfect Pitch before they went to the moives to see the sequel.  Owen and Brendan greeted me when I arrive at their Belluvue home.  They had taken time to go to the store and purchase Swedish Fish, Junior Mints and a bag of very spicy Doritos.  We all had a delightful time watching the Barton Bellas win the national collegian  accapella championship.

Brendan is a fifth grader at Lincoln Elemantary School.  He is an outstanding reader, one of the top in his grade.  He is very outgoing.  He is always on the move and enjoys physical activity.  Like most fifth graders, Brendan loves video games,   Greg and Christine have a rule that there are no video games allowed on a school night.  I appalled their wise parenting.   Brendan is very close to his older brother and when they are together, it is as if they have a secret language that only they can understand.

Brendan has an infectious smile.  He is also very creative.  He enjoys playing pranks on Owen and Evan as well as others.  I always enjoy his company.  The time we spent together was pure gift!

I count it all joy,

Pastor Vallerie

Evan and I at Ruth Chris Steakhouse in downtown Pittsburgh, PA

Day 39

Thursday, May  14, 2015

Pittsburgh, PA

Today was Nephew’s Day!  I spent the afternoon at Northgate High School attending the Middle School Awards Ceremony. Owen received four awards including best reader in the eighth grade.  ( I will say more about Owen’s accomplishments in a later post.)  After the ceremony, Owen, Brendan and I walked their dog, Annie around Belluvue.  We stopped by the Linclon Bakery and purchased a dozen mouth watering treats which we enjoyed as soon as we got home.

At 6:30 p.m. Evan picked me up for a evening in downtown Pittsburgh.  His 32nd birthday was just around the corner so we celebrated early with a steak dinner.   He was the perfect gentleman, opening the door of his aunt and making sure I had whatever I needed.  We had a pleasant conversation while enjoying good food.

Evan is a teacher at the Sunshine School.  He excells in math and is loved by his students. He is beloved because he cares for them and is very creative in his approach to teaching.  He is also the tallest King standing at 6’4″.

After dinner, he took me on a walking tour of the city.  We walked by Heinz Hall, the theater district, several well known restaurants and hot spots.  We also walked along the river where we had a magnificent view of PNC Park.  I enjoyed seeing the city through his eyes and getting a sense of his day to day routine.  Thanks, Evan for a night I will always remember!

I count it all joy,

Pastor Vallerie

Tim and I at the Olive Garden
Day 38

Wednesday, May 13, 2015

Pittsburgh, PA

I spent this entire day with my brother, Tim. After a late breakfast, Tim took me to see the vacant lot where his old apartment building once stood. I have a vivid memory of Friday, June 13, 2014. I remember Tim calling to say his apartment building was on fire. He was in the building when the lighting struck. Thankfully, all the tenants made it out safely. However, Tim lost everything. Most signficantly, he lost many family pictures. Things can be replaced, but people cannot be. The community, the Allegheny Country Club members, his family and members of Emmaus Baptist stepped up to the plate and responded to the crisis. We are grateful to everyone who helped him in anyway.

After the tour of Sweckley which included his new studio apartment, we headed to Cranberry Township to the Walmart. I cannot pass up a chance to shop at a Walmart! From there we headed to Cranberry Cimena where we saw Paul Blart Mall Cop II. I saw Mall Cop I with Tim so it seemed fitting. We enjoyed a late lunch at Olive Garden and topped off our day with ice cream at the DQ in Rose Park Mall.

Tim has a heart of pure gold. He would give anyone in need the shirt off his back. If there was a family award for genrosity, Tim would win hands down. I was so grateful to spend a full eight hour day witrh my brother. I am thankful that because of the Lilly Endowment Grant, this day was on me!

i count it all joy,

Pastor Vallerie

Day 37

Tuesday, May 13, 2015

Pittsburgh, PA

The first time I visited New York City was in the 1981.  My brother, Greg, had just graduated from the Culinary Institute of America.  His first job as a chef was at the Waldorf Astoria,   At the time, he and his first wife, Mary, were living in Queens.  During my stay with them, Mary and I met her Dad in front of the NYC Library and he took us both to lunch.  It was my first experience dining in an Indian restaurant.  We ordered and ate falafel and I loved it!

Mary is Rebecca and Evan’s mother and my friend.  She is a teacher in Pittsburgh and plans to retire this year.  Like my brother, she has since remarried.  Jim, her husband, is a retired college professor and they are very happy together.  They are both very active in their church.

Mary picked me up at my hotel and wisked me off to a restaurant called Aladdin.  We order falafel.  We sat and talked and had a delightful time reminiscing.  We talked about Rebecca and Evan and our love and pride in each of them.  It was such a joy to see her and catch up on old times.  Whenever I taste falafel, I will always think of Mary.

I count it all joy,

Pastor Vallerie