Travel

Echoes of My Neighborhood

/ Luanne Shernisky / Leave a comment

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Echoes of My Neighborhood

I wanted to join in Jackie’s Echoes of My Neighborhood, so I chose some photos of the beautiful Buhl Park back home in Pennsylvania. 

Frank and Julia Buhl, pictured above, were local philanthropists who donated their money and time for the betterment of the surrounding communities. Through their generosity they developed the 300 acre park, a social/fitness club, and a public library, among other things. Another proud accomplishment is the nine-hole Buhl Farm Golf Course. Fondly called the “Dum Dum” by locals, it is the only free golf course in America!

Anyone who enjoys history and would like to read further can click on this link:  Buhl Park legacy

When you grow up with easy access to things we tend to take them for granted. “The Park” was always there, for as far back as I have a memory. We enjoyed the swimming pool, ice-skating rink, sled riding, bicycling, kite field, fishing in Lake Julia, and so many other wonderful activities.

It wasn’t until I grew older that I realized many communities don’t have these wonderful opportunities. Decades later, the locals continue to enjoy the beneficence of Frank and Julia Buhl. Thanks to them I have many happy memories growing up in the Shenango Valley!

Blogging From A to Z Challenge – L

/ Luanne Shernisky / 7 Comments

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Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other. ~ Abraham Lincoln

Lincoln Memorial

“L” is for Lincoln, as in the Lincoln Memorial.

This breathtaking monument is a tribute to our sixteenth president and is located at the western end of the National Mall in Washington, D.C. 

The height of the memorial is 99 ft. and the marble used to build it came from Colorado. The sculpture of Lincoln himself is 19 ft. and the marble used came from Georgia. For some other interesting facts click this link.

I was in Washington in 2011 to visit my son who was doing an internship with the Dept. of Justice. My future daughter-in-law and my own daughter were on the trip as well. We took a day to sight see and the Lincoln Memorial was our last stop. 

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I’ve had the pleasure to visit Washington several times and I highly recommend a visit to this memorial. There are many beautiful monuments and areas in the nation’s capitol, but this is one of my favorites. I suppose it’s due to the fact that Lincoln was one of our greatest and most popular presidents. There’s something hauntingly beautiful about this structure and I always feel like I’m stepping onto hallowed ground when I enter the interior.

One of the earliest stories we learn as young schoolchildren is of Lincoln cutting down the cherry tree by the family home. When his angry father asked if he did it, he admits his guilt immediately. Another story is from the time when  Lincoln worked as a store clerk and mistakenly took six cents too much from a customer. Realizing his error he walked three miles, after the store closed, to return the money. These are the stories that earned him the nickname “Honest Abe.”

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He was well-known as a man of great integrity throughout his law practice, presidency, and life. Lincoln retained the humility of his simple roots and believed in equality for all people, regardless of skin color or their station in life. The politicians of today like to invoke his name and example, as it makes for great soundbites. But, sadly, most of them never follow that example. 

 

Blogging From A to Z Challenge – J

/ Luanne Shernisky / 7 Comments

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Like a shipwreck or a jetty, almost anything that forms a structure in the ocean, whether it is natural or artificial over time, collects life. ~ Sylvia Earle

Blogging From A to Z Challenge – J

“J” is for Jetty, as in Jetty Park at Port Canaveral, FL.

Jetty Park is a popular recreation destination located in Cape Canaveral, FL. There are 35 acres that include the beach, a fishing pier, rentable pavilions, and a playground. There is also a campground with sites for tents, RVs, and cabins. Because of the unique location, you will see wildlife, marine life, cruise ships, submarines, and the occasional rocket launch from Canaveral Air Force Station. Click the link for more details on Jetty Park and all that it offers.

I took the photo above on one of my many bike rides down the beach. You can see the rocks which make up the jetty, as well as the fishing pier. Once I get to the jetty I usually take a short “break” and sit on the large rocks, nicely warmed by the sun. It’s enjoyable to relax here and check out the view. During the busy season, one can do a lot of people watching. During the off-season, when the vacationers are gone, Mother Nature sticks around and I’m never at a loss for beautiful scenery!