Pulling out of the drive we turned left and headed for Route 10, and south to I-95. Not being the foolish type we exited the notorious BoWash Corridor as quickly as possible, sliding over to I-287 and crossing the Hudson on the Tappan Zee. From there it was a quick hop down into the wilds of western New Jersey as we searched high and low for Anna-Maria and Guy's new home.
Well, it didn't really take too long before we were pulling off the highway and down a country lane and soon found ourselves the objects of the warmest of hospitality. After being given a tour around their campus -- for indeed that's what it appeared to me, with several studios, offices and a living space filled with light and warmth, of both senses and spirit, we sat down to a gracious lunch.
We spent a leisurely afternoon, sipping wine, eating homemade pizza and chatting about all the news, both that which is fit for print and everything else.
Before long we took our leave, after firm hugs and hesitant goodbyes -- hoping to see them in Europe, perhaps -- we turned the Mini around and headed back to the highway. Our next stop, New Garden, PA and Dick and Kathy.
The day continued sunny and radiant as we sped down the highway, racing to catch up with time, and before we could say "Ben Franklin slept here," we were pulling into their drive.
We spent a wonderful evening, soaking up yet more hospitality, catching up on the news of the moment and feasted on steaks on the grill while we continued warming our spirits amidst friends not seen for far too long.
But, as they tell us in school, time stands still for no one and, after a leisurely Sunday morning of coffee and breakfast, we were back on the road. Still heading south we soon crossed into Maryland. We had a firm date with the past and while time doesn't stand still, sometimes it does come back around.
Next up, Antietam!
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