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June 4, 2007
Stormed all day with a lot of lightening. Stayed real dry with the new Frogg Toggs rain gear that John Stone got for me. But I still sissied out and took a motel room at a little spot in the road called, Howe's Cave. The motel was the Holiday Motel. I asked the lady at the desk how much? She said, "fifty dollars." She took one look at my face and said, "how much can you pay?" I offered $40.00. She said, How about $35.00?" "That'll work!" I answered. While she was ringing it up she said, "I made it an even $30.00, if it were my motel I wouldn't charge you at all." I thanked her very much! I asked what time the restaurant opened? She informed me that it was the only place to eat and unfortunately it was closed on Mondays. She seemed really bothered by it and so I assured her it would be fine as I had eaten a large lunch.
Later that evening she knocked on my door and handed me a Burger King bag with a whopper, fries, and a large soda! I tried to pay her for it but she refused. She really touched my heart and truth is... when you walk all day with a forty pound pack on your back, you are always hungry! I inhaled it!
June 6, 2007
Wednesday. Walking in downtown Schenectady, N.Y. about 4:30 pm a lady passing by me looked up at my sign and said, Thanks, I needed to see that, it's been a rough day!" I said, "thanks, I needed to hear that, it's been a rough day!" We both laughed.
June 7, 2007
Thursday. In Brunswick, N.Y. on State Rt. 7 two very sweet teenage girls asked permission to take each others pictures with me. They were quite pretty and several cars full of teenage boys were whistling as they drove pass. I said, "gee, I've never been whistled at this much before!" They giggled.... and giggled.
Two guys, Trevor and Pat stopped on their way home from work and took pictures with me. They expressed much interest in what I was doing. These little encounters do much to keep me encouraged and energized.
June 8, 2007
Friday. Just about a mile from the Vermont state line I went into Carmodi's West, a bar and grille, to ask for fresh water. As soon as I entered I was met with large smiles from the patrons and the bartender. They all wanted to know about my walk. I asked the bartender for water and as he handed me the filled up bottles he said, "Hey, you want a cold beer?" I never stuttered a bit when I said, "Oh yeah!" I answered their questions while I enjoyed my ice cold dark beer, it tasted great! I entered Vermont today! Those mountains are beautiful!
June 9, 2007
Saturday. I am in Bennington, Vermont. I stayed here for two days in 2000 waiting out a fierce storm while hiking the Appalachian Trail.
June 15, 2007
Friday. I am in Henniker, N.H., the only one on earth the sign says. One of the towns fine police officers, Ryan H. Murdough stopped me on the way into town to check on me and see if I needed anything. I told him no thanks and that all was well.
On the 13th it rained all day and as I was passing a big tent at the side of the road I saw a HUGE sign... FREE FOOD for bikers. And it was under a tent... out of the rain!! I knew it was meant for the many bikers on their way to the annual Laconia, N.H. motorcycle races. I looked over and saw a tall biker with a long white beard and braided long hair. We just stared at each other for a moment. I knew I wanted some of that FREE food, I knew I was not a biker.... how do I get the food? I spoke first, "I'm not a biker (as if it were not obvious) but I would be willing to pay for some of that food (I could get $1.35 worth anyway.) "Come on over here." he said. "I'll charge you the same thing I charge all the other people (the many bikers that were already eating... FREE food!) I ate hot dogs and shepherds pie till I could eat no more. They called their oasis by the road, "The Tent" It is sponsored by a Christian motorcycle club called, Fourcorners Motorcycle Ministries. The fine gentleman that invited me in was Dick Mason, a member of another Christian Motorcycle club, the "Sons of Abraham" I was thinking that after I ate I would have to endure listening to them trying to convert me and the others. This was not the case at all! Dick Mason told me that if God is truly love, then love is what they are supposed to show. He told me they never push anything on anyone, all they request is that you don't go away hungry. They also gave out kits containing toiletry items. There was some Christian literature on the tables, but not once did I even hear anyone try to start a discussion of their beliefs with anyone. It truly was wonderful. This was their 29th year of offering their services. The man in charge was Paul. Paul told me that if I wished I could spend the night under their tent and out of the rain. I took him up on it and I joined in and helped to feed the numerous bikers who stopped and indulged.
The next day, the 14th, I was up at 5:30 and helping Dicks wife Carol and Paul and another Carol prepare breakfast for the bikers who stopped by. I spoke to one professional motorcycle racer and his wife who had stopped at The Tent for the last three years. They said they were not Christians and they had much respect for their hosts and that they had never been approached about anything other than making sure they needed nothing else. What a testimony!
I helped until about 10:30 am and when I told my new friends I was leaving, Paul made me a huge breakfast and asked the ladies to please prepare me some food for the road. As I was leaving they all gathered around me prayed and asked God to bless the rest of my journey. I walked away from there crying.... and with some more new friends!
June 18, 2007
Monday. Two Burlington, N.H. police officers stopped me, they said someone called and said I looked suspicious and needed to be checked. They were very courteous and allowed me to go my way after checking my Florida drivers license. About the only thing I can figure..... there must have been a rash of robberies in the area by an old white male on foot with a forty pound pack on his back and a large red and white "LOVE LIFE" sign over his head. He has obviously terrorized other states as well as New Hampshire. I hope they catch him soon.
June 20, 2007
Wednesday. I'm in E. Waterboro, Maine. The 17th was my birthday and Fathers day, it was a little rough but the next day made up for it! I was walking in Lebanon, Maine and a wonderful lady named Lois Lang (seriously) stopped and said, "would you mind if I bought you a sandwich at the convenience store just up the street?" I said that would be great! She then said, "Good, because I've already called the local paper and a reporter is meeting us there." I'm liking this lady! While in the store a young lady, Megan, was painting a beautiful mural on the wall. She stopped painting and joined us at our table. And occasionally someone else would walk by and Lois would say, "Hey, you won't believe what this guy is doing!" She would proceed to explain to them and then they too would sit down. I enjoyed it all very much. Lois told me where she lived nearby and invited me over to take a shower and do laundry!! Now your talkin' lady!! I hadn't done laundry or had a shower in about two weeks!!! Scary, huh? I stayed behind and spoke with Megan, who wanted to talk about loving life! She was so very refreshing! She certainly made me feel better and she said that I helped her a great deal.... Good!
I went to Lois Langs (I like sayin' it) house and met her husband Gary. I also met several of their friends who had come over for Lois to help them learn how to show their miniature horses. Lois had several of the beautiful little horses. The horses were Roxie, Velvet Moon, Lacy, Flame, and the baby, Rusty. It was an absolute blast playing with those little horses and watching them be put through their paces for showing. Rusty kept snuggling up to me. You haven't lived until you've been been kissed by a baby miniature horse!
Lois fed me again and I spent the night in a large tent they had on their beautiful property. What a wonderful giving lady Lois is. While she was taking care of me and helping her friends learn about the miniatures she had some people she had just met come over and fish in her pond. She kept going over and giving advice to them as to how to best catch them. The next day on the 19th, another newspaper found me and interviewed me, Lois had called them too!! Another very special person encountered.... my birthday present!
June 21, 2007
Thursday. I'm at Gorham, Maine. This morning, walking on Rt. 202 in Buxton Maine I walked by a home belonging to the Buchanan family that had two large gates barring their driveway. The gates were made of steel wheels of assorted sizes and styles welded together. Each wheel was painted a different color. A large sign over the wheels said, "Big wheels, little wheels...we are all significant! We can all make a difference!" Made my day.
June 25, 2007
Monday. Winthrop, Maine ten miles from Augusta, Maine. So cool! A young lady, Jessica Mahalik stopped this morning and asked if my name was Steve. She and her father had stopped and talked to me in the same area when I was walking through on my my walk around America. I recognized her, it was like meeting family. It felt really good.
And I want to thank Fred for that ice cold bottle of water!
July 5, 2007
NOTE: If any of you have tried to contact me by phone, I do apologize as my phone stopped working about two weeks ago. Verizon is sending me a new one and I should have it soon. Again, it was my good friend John Stone who acquired the new phone for me. I am really going to miss having him being a part of my "Shelly Walk". John has his own programs going, "Photography For Therapy", "HeArts Coming Together", and various other programs for the less fortunate and for children. He is very involved with various children's programs in the Canton, Ohio area. He is a wonderful giver with a heart full of love!! He is human though and it was just too many irons in the fire for him. THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING JOHN STONE!!!
July 8, 2007
Sunday. On June 25, 2007 my good friend Susan from Surry Maine picked me up from Maine Route 3 just past Augusta, Maine. She explained that she would be dropping me off at a place where my good friend Mark Baldwin would pick me up later. In the mean time she took me to a great restaurant called 99 where I tasted the best calamari I ever had! She and I had great conversation and then she took me to J.S. McCarthy Printing to meet Mark. The folks at J.S McCarthy treated me wonderful! Peter Keniston came out of his office after looking at my web site and shared a list of very enlightening quotes from various authors. Mark showed up a few hours later on a new BMW motorcycle. Along with him on their bike were his friends Sergei and Ketya Breus.
The four of us rode to Susan's cabin on Little North Pond at Rome, Maine. The cabin was wonderful as it is located deep in a pine forest on the water. That night after taking a dip in the lake we had a great meal of fish caught that morning from the bay where Marks house is. Ketya prepared and served up the meal. It was perfect. We had a great time just talking and getting to know one another. Sergei and Ketya are fantastic people with a great outlook on life. It was also very nice watching the newlyweds dote on each other.
July 12, 2007
Wednesday. Mark had to go back to J.S. McCarthy in Augusta to take care of business concerning his own business in Surry, Maine. They all three left me there to wait for Susan and her niece's and nephews from Maryland to show up. I really enjoyed taking the canoe out and just laying around the cabin relaxing. Susan has a great family and I thoroughly enjoyed the children. Mark came back that afternoon and we had a great cookout.
Mark and I left the next morning, July 13. I enjoyed the bike ride to Marks home in Surry. He has a beautiful home on the water. It is such a relaxing place.... he has a happy home. Since I came here Mark has helped me to get some work detailing cars for some extra money. He is helping me to organize my writings for my book. Now we are working on taping an interview for a possible show on public radio. I am so blessed to have Mark and Susan for friends. I actually met Mark on the road in Maine when I was walking around the U.S. His son Rob with wife Betty and their two children, Ella and Julian are visiting now. I also met his other son, Chris and his wife. What a great family he has.
I am thoroughly enjoying my stay at Marks wonderful home, I am staying in my own private cabin with a wonderful view of the water. It is particularly beautiful when the tide is in. I will hate to leave here but I will be going as soon as we finish doing the taping for public radio. Because of the length of the stay here in Surry I have decided to start my walk from Surry instead of going on to the top of the state. I want to make sure I get out of the northern states before winter sets in. I still have to stop back in Cincinnati and visit with my mother for a week or so. I LOVE MAINE.
July 16, 2007
Monday. Still in Surry, Maine. I still have to get my new phone activated, get a new pair of boots or new soles, and new business cards. I should be on the road again by the weekend or beginning of next week. On Saturday a good friend and I climbed Blue Hill and looked down on Blue Hill Bay...WOW!
I received an email from a mother whose young son took his own life only a few months ago. She said my story has given her hope...I do believe I'll keep on walking.
July 20, 2007
Friday. I now have my phone working again, I apologize to all who tried to reach me. Also, my phone does not have good reception in Surry, Maine so it could be a few days before I can answer all my voicemail messages. I had to have my Danner boots resoled by The Yankee Cobbler in Bangor, Maine. He did a fantastic job! I've put over 1000 miles on them. Also, because of a severe leg injury from a motorcycle wreck the right boot heel to wears down much faster than normal. The top part of the boots are still in great shape and are still waterproof, I'll probably get at least another 1000 miles out of them.
While Mark and I were looking around an outdoor outfitter store in Bangor, we met a gentleman, Troy "Cold Wind" Wiley of the Abenaki tribe. Troy has walked over 20,000 miles of the U.S. including retracing the Trail of Tears and the Appalachian Trail in 1965 when he was only 15! I thoroughly enjoyed conversing with him.
July 24, 2007
Wednesday. I'm at Fryeburg, Me. in the Christian Science reading room. Only moments ago a gentleman named Mike stopped and handed me a large amount of bison jerky and some delicious home made fudge and a $5.00 Dunkin Donuts gift card. This morning the Little Mountain Country Store would not let me pay for my breakfast.
I left Surry, Me. Sunday, July 22 with the Badwin family and friends walking with me for nearly two miles. Seven year old Ella Balwin had four of her little girlfriends tagging along also. her ten month old brother Julian had the luxury of being pushed in a stroller. It was a great sendoff, I thoroughly enjoyed the children and their questions.
I met a gentleman who had hiked the Appalachian Trail in '94 with his daughter. His name was Keith Heavrin and he told me his daughter had planned for months to thru-hike the "AT" with a friend. The friend came down with an illness and could not go. Keith said he knew how important the hike was to his daughter so...he went. He said it was the best decision he ever made and is so glad he spent that wonderful six months with his daughter.
Geoffery Smith and Camille Armstrong from San Diego stopped on their tandem bike. While we were chatting Donna stopped with a big bowl full of pasta salad, an apple, cold water and some fresh flowers. She was a friend of Keith's and he called and told her of me.
A lady got out of her car and told me her daughter was in the car and wanted to meet me but she was very shy. She said her daughter had seen my story in the Ellworth, Me. newspaper. I walked up to the car with mom and she introduced me to her 19 year old daughter. The daughter said she related to my daughter as she too had just recently overdosed on drugs. She explained that hers was most definitely intentional! We talked for a long time as her mother stood there crying. I explained to her how devastated I was from the loss of my babies and she didn't have the right to take herself out of the lives of those who loved her. She made a solemn vow to me and her mother that she knew how wrong she had been and that she would never do that again! Her mother has since emailed me and thanked me.
A guy named Mark stopped his motorcycle and asked me what my "LOVE LIFE" sign meant. He must have been satisfied with my answer for he gave me a brand new Gregory backpack! It was just like the one I had seen in L.L. Bean. Ella Baldwin laid claim to my old backpack saying she wanted it to remember me by. Imagine a little seven year old princess saying something like that...certainly touched this old mans heart.
Met "Doc" after I asked if he was the owner of the beautiful custom Harley I was admiring. After hearing why I was walking "Doc" revealed that he had lost two children also. His two boys 17 and 15 were killed in a fire in Manchester, N.H. in 2000. The older son ran back in the house to try to save his little brother. A fireman by the name of David Anderson was killed trying to save the two boys. And "Doc" was there and could do nothing. The stories I hear folks...there is always someone who has been through more.
A beautiful woman jogging on the highway coming toward me with her hand out reached. When she got closer we shook hands and she said, "Thank you, I was meant to see you today." And then the pretty lady jogged on down the road.
Nancy Tyndall stopped and reminded me that when I came through that area in 2004 she and a friend treated me to a roadside picnic. I remembered their kind act.
Met Tony who was riding his bike from Boston to New Brunswick. We had great conversation he was very interesting. Tony has a blog on Yahoo groups: bicyclerider. Stopped at Perry's Citgo and Takeout and had 25 cent cup of coffee. A guy named Mark told me about the place.
Ran into a guy named Mike Ryan who said he and his friends stopped and talked to me in Yorktown, N.Y. in 2004 while he was still in high school. He had been working locally harvesting seaweed. He was riding his bicycle down to Waldoboro, Me. to check on a farming job.
Mark Baldwins son Charlie and his wife Martha stopped and gave me a cup of coffee. Because it looked like rain they offered me a ride. We talked for a short while and after making sure I was okay and needed nothing they left and headed for their home near Portland, Me. It's a nice security having great friends.
A lady with two pre-teen girls stopped to inquire as to what I was up to. She had lost her 22 year old son in a job accident. She said, "once you lose a child you really realize what is important in life." Stopped and asked for water at Steve's Welding. Steve Peckham is the owner and he and I talked quite awhile. While enjoying a cone at a road side ice cream stand a lady started a conversation with me by saying, "I don't know if he'll admit to it or not, but your sign made my husband turn the car around yesterday to get a better look at it." Well the husband did admit it, he said my sign had helped him a great deal as they were experiencing family problems. As we talked longer they told me of having lost their 16 year old son because of a drunk driver. They both told me they were so very sorry for my loss and I told them the same. Walked by a house where the whole family was sitting on the front porch. They invited me over for ice water. It was Bill and Fran and children Kurstin, Daniel, Darrel, and Desi White. Lynne stopped and said, "Hi!"
Stopped at Steve's Diner and was waiting on a spaghetti dinner when a guy I met earlier walked in and invited me to his house. His name was Rick Sawyer. I went to his home where I met his girlfriend, Denise Miner and her two wonderful children Zoie and Noah. They fed me the best fish sandwich I ever had...on top of the spaghetti. What wonderful people with such love for life and the others in it! We had such wonderful conversation. The next day, 7/25/07 after a great breakfast of fresh eggs prepared by 14 year old Zoe I headed out. Denise, Zoe, Noah, and their friend Rachel walked me back to the highway. Zoe had prepared a large sack of food for me. Later in the day a mother and daughter who said they had seen me when walking through before had bought me a huge ham and cheese sandwich and an ice cold water. I really am spoiled.
July 26, 2007
I was offered a ride by Dawn Marie and Cassandra. I turned down the ride but we did chat some. Christa and Heather stopped and gave me water. Said they had seen my story in the Kennebec Journal. A young lady named Toni also stopped and wished me well.
Asked permission to pitch my tent behind the Christian Advent Church at Chelsea, Maine. the pastor, David was very nice and he and his son later brought me some soup and a sandwich. Two young men, Bryan Grady and Evan Gagnon saw my sign and came over to the church property to see what I was about. I told them they should hike the Appalachian Trail. They both said they were interested. I think all young adults should hike the "AT". The next morning David brought me some breakfast his wife had made me.
I went in David's Place The Barber Shop at Gardiner, Me. for a haircut. As David Oxton the owner was unfastening the cape from around my neck, he said, Now you can tell folks that you got a free haircut in Gardiner, Maine." I said, "But sir, I have the money to pay." He said, "I don't care if you are a multi-millionaire, this haircut is free!" These wonderful acts of kindness you can just never prepare yourself for. No matter how many times it happens it never ceases to amaze me and touch my heart Thank you David , Thank You to the state of Maine and Thank You all!!
As I stepped out of the woods from just relieving myself I heard, "Good morning sir!" I looked up and there was a man with a big smile on his face with an ice cold fruit flavored water reached out to me. He said, My name is John and this is for you, you just let some out and now you have to put some back in!" He wished me well on my journey and then walked back across the street to his home.
July 29, 2007
Met a fellow Floridian while doing my laundry. It was nice talking about Florida. His name is John Spikes from the Palm Beach area. He was in Maine on business and said he loves Maine.
Kelly Bardsley of New Glouchester, Me. stopped me in Lewiston, Me. I recognized her, I met her walking through her town on the 22nd of June. Since we met she took it upon herself to write a story about me and submit it to her local paper and they did publish it. Is that wonderful stuff or what? What a lady!! July 30, 2007. Stopped in Harvest Hills Farm store to eat and employee's Kathy and Val insisted on paying for my sandwich. The next day on August 1 just outside of Bridgport, Me. on Rt. 302 the young lady at Little Mountain Country Store would not let me pay for my breakfast!
August 2, 2007
am in Conway, N.H. and am truly loving life! And after having answered all my mail I now have no time left to make an update...so says the librarian. Will try again tomorrow.
August 3, 2007
Friday. Denise Rodney of Conway, N.H. stopped and said she loved my sign!! She was so excited about life! She pointed out her licence plate which read, NOWRRYS... ain't that neat! She was one happy individual.
Steve Grant from Quebec stopped on his bike to see what I was about and share one of his energy gels. I was walking on the Kankamagus Hwy. and it is truly beautiful!
Frank and Traci and their children Gianna and Frankie were on vacation from Charlton, Ma. They gave me 2 banannas, a big bag of fresh blueberries, a peach, a plum, a big dill pickle, a package of hot dogs, an orange juice and 2 ice cold waters! Wow! And they said, "God bless and good luck!" I consumed it all as soon as I stopped. I love people.
August 4, 2007
Saturday. Lew Wescott from Webster, N. H. was sitting at the C.L.Graham Wanger Grounds scenic overlook and just taking in the beauty in front of him and thoroughly enjoying life. I walked upon him quietly so as not to disturb his peace. He spoke first and said, "Hey you should have been here a half hour ago..you would have seen a moose!" I expressed my regret. he said he had seen hundreds of the animals in his life but never tired of seeing them. We talked for quite awhile.
Dianne and 11 year old Kodiea stopped and gave me water. Dianne had seen my story in a N.H. paper.
Some guy named Mark and his beautiful girlfriend, Susan stopped by on his motorcycle and treated me to dinner in Lincoln. N.H. He brought me this poem he had been wanting to share with me:
Pied Beauty
Glory be to God for dappled things..
For skies of couple-colour as a brindled cow;
For rose moles all in stripple upon trout they swim;
Fresh-firecoal chestnut-falls, finches wings;
Landscape plotted and pieced - fold, fallow, and plough;
And all trades, their gear tackle and trim;
And all things counter, original, spare, strange;
Whatever is fickle, freckled, (who knows how?)
With swift, slow; sweet, sour; adazzle dim;
He fathers - forth whose beauty is past change:
Praise Him. ~ Gerard Manly Hopkins
This poem makes me happy, reading it is a delight! They drove over two hundred miles to deliver that poem to me and they laughed, giggled, and sang all the way...we all recieved... "LOVE LIFE"!
August 5, 2007
Sunday. A really big guy stopped and asked if I would like to go to the hostel he was caretaker of that was just off the Appalachian Trail. His name was "Fat Chap" and I had heard of him in the "AT" community. I heard of his kindness to fellow hikers. He told me that "Baltimore Jack" was at the hostel for a few days. "Baltimore Jack" is an absolute legend on the "AT", he has hiked it about seven times and is noted for the bottle of Jim Beam Bourbon he keeps with him. I have ran into "Baltimore Jack" a few times over the years and I'm sure I would have enjoyed the talk of old times. I was all set to go on with "Fat Chap" for free food and lodging for the night and then all of a sudden I just didn't feel good about going??? I apologized and asked him to say hi to "Baltimore Jack" for me. He was upset with me and told me he wouldn't say hi for me that I should do it myself! At any rate...he dropped me off at Annies restaurant there in Warren, N.H. I was sitting in Annies having breakfast and thinking how stupid I had been for turning down free food and lodging when a lady came in and sat down at the counter next to me. We started up a conversation and as soon as I told her why I was walking, she commenced to explain about her thirty year old son. He was depressed and suicidal. Every day she said she lived in fear that he would do it. We talked for over two hours. She insisted that I had helped her and that our conversation had been a breath of fresh air for her and she said she had renewed hope! She insisted on paying for my breakfast went out the door with a bounce in her step! She just needed to talk to someone...someone who could relate. So..."Fat Chap", "I do apologize and to you also, "Baltimore Jack"...but I am glad I made the choice I made. And anyway I remembered that "Baltimore Jack" usually drinks a bit more on Sundays, likes to be alone and can even get a bit obnoxious when bothered. He's a nice guy though, helped me out at Hot Springs, N.C. when my young hiking partner lost his tent. Both "Fat Chap" and "Baltimore Jack" are part of the charm of the Appalachian Trail community. Be sure and look them up when you hike the "AT".
A lady at a store called the Warren Mall turned me down when I asked for water but said she would sell me a bottle for a dollar. I'm a low budget operation, I am not going to pay for water. Like I have said before, every time someone is not so nice to me something else really good happens to me. As a car pulled up beside me I heard a loud whoop and turned to see a very well endowed young lady thrust her front half out the window, pulled up her top and revealed all...New Hampshire certainly is lovely this time of year!!
August 6, 2007
Tuesday. As I was sitting on the curb in front of a c-store eating a sandwich in the town of Hanover, N.H. a "AT" hiker sit down beside me. He introduced himself as Jeb from Harrisburg, Pa. and said he was doing a thousand miles of the "AT" and had started in Pennsylvania. He asked about my "LOVE LIFE" sign and I explained. For the next 15 minutes or so he remained silent. As he rose to put his heavy pack back on and continue his quest toward Mt. Katahdin he handed me a five dollar bill and said, "This isn't much...but maybe it can help you save some more lives." I said, "Yes it is much, it is a great amount coming from someone who has to watch their money the way you do...thank you!" I've done the hike he was doing, I knew how frugal you have to be to stretch the money for that long journey. Jeb is typical of the type of person you will find hiking that beautiful 2,175 mile footpath to healing. He's the reason I encourage young people to hike the "AT"!
August 7, 2007
Wednesday. I am at Woodstock, Vt. First thing this morning a lady stopped and insisted I take the two huge slices of cold pizza she handed me, probably intended for her lunch. She told me my sign touched her very much and she started crying as she told me she had lost her sister only two weeks ago. She drove off and then came back again to offer me a rain poncho because it was raining. I thanked her but declined because it was heavy.
You ain't gonna' believe what else happened this morning! I was on the bridge over the beautiful Quechee Gorge in Quechee, Vt. and stopped in the middle to take a picture. As I was leaving the bridge, a police cruiser pulled up and the lady officer asked if I was okay. Across the street, another police cruiser pulls up as a backup! She asked again if I was okay. I asked her what was up. She told me that someone had called in and said I had put my leg over the rail of the bridge and was preparing to jump! I told her that I did not at any time put my foot near the rail and I was simply taking pictures. I then told her about losing my son to suicide and why I carry "LOVE LIFE" over my head. She apologized for the inconvenience but said that a lot of people had chosen that exact same spot to take their life. I didn't ask her how many had "LOVE LIFE" over their head...I guess there's always that first time.
August 8, 2007
Friday. Spent the night in a motel last night!! Stephen and Robin Prentiss of the Sherburne . Killington Motel in Killington, Vt. let me have a room for $30.00! They also gave me something to eat and let me use their computer! This morning I had a wonderful continental breakfast!
Got an email from a lady who said she and her husband had seen my sign and that her husband had a terrible fight with their son that morning and that "LOVE LIFE" made him reflect and he went back to his son to talk things over.
A couple months or so ago just after crossing into Pennsylvania, a big truck pulled off the road in front of me. A gentleman of about 45 got out and told me that he did not love life! He said that he was going to take his life! I said, "No you are not going to take your life!!" He told me that his wife had left him and already had a new boyfriend and he no longer wanted to live. I then went on to explain that noone meets me by accident and then I explained why I do what I do. he was astounded when he found out suicide was the reason I was out there in front of him. He continued to try to justify his suicide and then he said the thing that set me off! He said, "Yeah, I'll miss my 19 year old son and my 22 year old daughter." I fimly said, "How dare you do that to your babies!! who do you think you are? You don't have the right to do that to those kids!! You do not have the right to hinder their chances of loving life! How dare you leave them with that kind of guilt!" He was shocked to say the least. I continued chewing him out, "Listen, my son went out ignorant of the devastation he was leaving behind, he wasn't aware of the horrible, horrible pain he was inflicting on those he was leaving behind! He, like you had become blinded by his own inner pain and didn't realize what he was doing to others. My son went out ignorant, but you would not be going out ignorant because you have been informed!!" All he could muster up was, "But..I..uh..thought..I" I would not let up, "Don't you love your children? "Yes!" He said. "Then act like it and start condidering their feelings over your own!" We talked for quite awile longer and he had stopped talking about taking his life and were talking about his getting on with living.
I recently recieved a phone call from this gentleman telling me he had taken to heart my words and realized I was right and he had taken new direction in his life.
I have found that a great majority of those who take their life are very soft hearted and tender beings...the very ones who never intentionally hurt anyone. But they become so blinded be the agony in their hearts thay cannot see the forest for the trees. We can do anything we want in this life...as long as it does no harm to others. Plainly stated, "you do not have the right to take your own life...it does not belong to you only!"
August 9, 2007
I met Bill and son Johnny from New Jersey in front of Bridgewaters Corners Country Store in Bridgewater Corner, Vt. White Cottage Snack Bar gave me a huge ice cream sundae!!
I would sincerely appreciate your thoughts, prayers, meditations, toward a dear friend of mine, Susan, over the next few days. She is a giver. We must take care of the givers. Thank you.
August 10, 2007
Friday. Feel great after a night in a motel and a SHOWER! As I was walking down Killington Mountain a young lady cyclist who had just climbed two grueling miles with four more to go put out her hand for a high five. Felt good! The way to start the day.
August 11, 2007
Saturday. While eating at a Friendly's Restaurant I met John and Deborah Ruggeri of Ruggeri & Co. "the Ultimate in Leather Handbags" in Gloversville, N.Y. They design and hand make their own products. They were great people and and gave me a ride back to where I had taken a wrong turn. They also offered me a place to stay the night if I went near Gloversville.
Three cars of people stopped to talk to me. A father and son recognized me from having met me in Times Square and wanted their friends to meet
Met John Leigh and Eydie Pines and with them was Brook Leigh, age seven who had just rode his bike 43 miles for the M.S. Foundation! He said he had rode 56 miles in one day in another charity bike ride! Teach 'em to give.
August 12, 2007
Sunday. Entered New York today...I love New York!
August 13, 2007
Monday. Met a lady at a convenience store whose brother had been murdered and that and other issues in her life were taken a huge toll on her she explained. She said our talk was by design and that she had really needed to talk with someone.
NOTE: I received an email from this precious lady saying that she had been so overwhelmed with her problems that she was even thinking that taking her own life was the only answer! She said our conversation had made her think positive and seek other answers! I helped her look inside herself and find her own answers. I am so very blessed to be able to help others in this way. I thank God/Life.
In Kingsbury, N.Y. as I was walking by an open garage, a repair shop I think, A guy about my age with a beer in his hand stepped out and yelled, "Who in the f--- hired you to carry that f----n' sign around? I immediately crossed the road and entered the garage where five other men about my age were standing around drinking beer. Just before I entered I heard, "Damn he's coming over here!" The original speaker had taken a seat in the back and I fixed my eyes on him to answer his question. I said, "no one hired me to carry this sign, I do it all on my own. I lost my little boy to suicide and my little girl to an accidental drug overdose. I carry this sign so maybe I can remind your children or grandchildren to never stop loving life long enough to do what my two did." The guy in the chair gulped hard and was squirming in his seat. I continued, "We know for sure that ten young people have not taken their life as a result of meeting me and this sign. One side of this sign represents my little girl, the other side represents my little boy...I will tolerate no disrespect!" A voice to my right said, "And I don't blame you." I handed the gentleman next to me my card and said, Gentlemen, I thank you so very much for listening...have a good day." After I had stepped out of the garage, from behind me I heard, "Damn!"
About an hour later a guy pulled up beside me and in a strong Hispanic accent said, "Hey man, I love your sign man. "That's what it's all about man, thank you so much my good man...I needed to hear that." See how easy I am to get along with.
Stopped in Manley's Rt. 4 Restaurant in Hudson Falls, N.Y. Nicole was my awesome waitress. She was so curious about my walk and just kept asking me questions, she and a guy next to me in an orange shirt. They both insisted that I order food even though I only stopped for a cold drink. As I was ready to leave Nicole told me that it was the gentleman in the orange shirt who had paid for my meal. She said she didn't know his name, and he had already left so I couldn't really thank him.
I met Cheyenne and Brooke, two 13 year old little girls who were excited about what I was doing and just kept asking me questions. Cheyenne said I was her new hero and that she was going to put my card up on her wall. Made my day complete.
August 14, 2007
Tuesday. A guy pulls up beside me and says, "Hey Steve get in and I'll take you to breakfast. It was the guy from the day before with the orange shirt. His name was Dan Conley and we had great conversation over breakfast. Dan had to take early retirement due to a very serious medical problem with his feet. He explained that he had to give up his passion for walking and that was the reason he was so keenly interested in my walks and wanted to be a part of it. He had called the Glen Falls, N.Y. Post Star newspaper and told them of my quest. (They did a wonderful story on me two days later.) HEY DAN, the rest of my walk through the state of New York is for you my friend.
A young man stopped his truck next to me with traffic behind him. He had a Yankee's cap on covering up his bald head. He leaned over his passenger and said, "I gotta' tell ya' buddy, I got cancer and I got up this morning feeling all bad and depressed and scared. And then I saw your sign and it gave me hope! By God I love life!" "That's right!" I said. "You have every right to love life! You don't have a damn thing that can't be beat, cancer gets beat all the time and by God you're going to beat it too!" "Yes I am!' He said. His friend was nodding his head in total agreement and pumping his fist in the air saying, "Yeah, yeah!" "Screw cancer!" I said. "You've got life and you can beat anything!" The cars started lining up behind him and a horn or two blew. We kept on cheering and all three of us were pumping our fist in the air and saying, "Yeah that's right!" As he started pulling his truck away he said, "Yeah, screw cancer, I'm going to live!" "Damn right you're going to live!"
I received an email from the boys father that read. "My boy was the young man in the silver truck you talked to today. He has cancer and he said you gave him hope. THANK YOU." I LOVE my sign..."LOVE LIFE"!!
August 16, 2007
Thursday. Two young men, Joe Kowalczyk and George Saide, stopped to cure their curiosity and asked me lots of questions. While we were talking another genleman who had stopped the day before to give me water and a Power Bar, walked up. His name was Chad Crandall and this time he had a water and an ice cold Gatorade.
August 17, 2007
Friday. Was having a real hard time finding a suitable place to pitch my tent on NY. Rt.67/New Turnpike Rd. between Johnstown, N.Y. and St. Johnsville, N.Y. That's Amish country and most all land is farmed and fenced. The Amish work long hours and they were still active and if they weren't out in the fields gathering hay with horse drawn wagons they were riding in their horse drawn buggies up and down the road. It was getting near dark and the sky was looking like a serious storm was approaching so I asked one Amish farmer if perhaps I could tent somewhere on his property. He turned me down, the Amish people are usually pretty wary of strangers and keep to themselves. I made it down the road out of sight of anyone for the moment and then ducked in behind a high hedge bordering a field of small stacks of hay. I had to wait for a few horse and buggies to go by before I could pitch my tent without being noticed.
I manged to get my tent pitched and just scrambled inside before the storm hit. It was one of the worse storms I've encountered during any of my walks. Just as I was zipping up the outer tent cover I saw the tops blowing off the neat little hay stacks. For over an hour I had to hold the top frame of the tent to keep it from collapsing from the wind and driving rain. Some rain came in from the bottom but I managed to stay dry. Only one tent stake came out of the ground. It continued to rain but the wind let up, had it continued blowing just a little longer the tent would not have held.
August 19, 2007
Sunday. I am currently at my good friend Rich Makepeace's home. He picked me up just east of St. Johnsville, N.Y. I will probably head out Tuesday morning, 8/21/07 and continue on my way trying to beat the worst of winter. It's already getting cold up here. It's August for God's sake...you northern people just don't seem to know how long summer is supposed to last.
Note: I have now walked approximately 18,500 miles total.
August 21, 2007
Tuesday. I am leaving my good friend Rich Makepeace's home this morning and headed for Cincinnati to visit my mother before I go on to San Diego. His wife Amanda is an awesome cook! I am certainly going to miss that and just being around good people. Their 14 year old son Finn is cool too. Their dog is nuts though. I was able to get my web site up to date and I am rested...and CLEAN!! I do appreciate showers.
I will be on NY.Rt.7 walking toward Binghamton, N.Y.
August 24, 2007
Friday. I'm in Binghamton, N.Y. I got here yesterday and I spent the night in a motel! Yesterday a lovely young lady walked toward me taking pictures and was giggling and acting really excited the whole time. Her name was Rebecca Towns and she is a photographer for the Press & Sun Bulletin, the local paper in Binghamton, N.Y. She said that her classmate durng photo journalist school at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio had followed me to several locations in Colorodo and Ohio in 2001. She said that upon graduation her friend had presented her with an enlarged picture of me and my "LOVE LIFE" sign as a gift. We had great conversation and she said she was going to contact her friend immediately. They ran the picture and a nice caption in todays paper.
The day I left, my friend Rich Makepeace picked me up and we went to dinner. Then he helped me pick out a suitable tent spot and we said our goodbyes...I will miss him.
Yesterday morning I was prepared to go without food and MY COFFEE for quite awhile as I was walking through a very rural, and affluent looking area. A lady pulled up beside me and said, "would you like a sandwich?" "Yes ma'am!" I answered. She handed me a big bag and a piping hot cup of coffee in a nice thermal cup! The coffee was perfect with just tthe right amount of cream and sugar. There was an egg sandwich, bananna nut bread, fresh grapes and a bottle of water. How do I endure the hardships out here?
Wednesday I stopped in a place called the Hitchin' Post for lunch and everyone at the bar wanted to know all about what I was doing. One gentleman envited me to a Rotary Club meeting that evening for a free meal and some good conversation. I passed, I wanted to keep going, I'm still trying to beat the cold. His son-in-law Marty, treated me to lunch.
August 25, 2007
Thursday. I am at Charlie and Phyllis Root's house near Wellsboro, Pa. Charlie rescued me from a fierce storm. They have fed me and I got to take a shower!!! And the conversation has been wonderful! Charley is in love with life and has uniquely simple words to describe the joys of being ALIVE!! He delights in being able to, "Wake up breathing!" Amen Charlie!
Earlier today, Jack and Barb stopped to see what my sign was about and gave me a bananna and an apple. I had something to eat while I watched the storm for over two hours. I managed to stay dry though by staying under the small overhang of an old vacated building.
August 26, 2007
New York State Trooper Skinner got curious and stopped to see what I was about. On the 24th George and Louise stopped and told me the "LOVE LIFE" sign inspired them because they had lost their 16 year old daughter in a car wreck. They had to learn to "LOVE LIFE" in order to survive the horror. Jack & Jo Hoppes stopped by.
I saw an old t-shirt on the road declaring, "There's never a crowd along the extra mile." Maureen Mock and her son Brian stopped and gave me a big bag full of snacks and fruit drinks...they had seen my picture in the local paper.
August 27, 2007
Sunday. Had lunch at The Tank Reataurant and talked at length to my friendly and curious waitress, Mary Ann. Mary Ann had told two of her customers of my walk and they hunted me down after their meal, pulled up beside me in their convertible and insisted on paying for my meal at The Tank. They smiled broadly when I accepted.
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Early morning, an old Volvo wagon pulls up and the gentleman driving says, "Bet you could really use a cup of hot coffee this morning?" "Yes sir!" I answered. He handed me a large Mickey D's coffee and I sat on a big rock and savored every drop of it! I love coffee, Thank you sir! That occured about a mile or so before Owego, N.Y. In Owego I had lunch at the Parkview, compliments of Bill and the owner. In Nichols, N.Y. a gentleman by the name of Kerry Root stopped and asked would I like to go to his house and be part of a clam bake with a gathering of his friends at his house. He added that I could take a shower and pitch my tent on his property. Well, I was in his truck in record time! I had STEAK and clams and then more clams! I was very happy...and clean! I met Kerry's parents, Don and Gloria Root who had also lost a child...God bless them. I met Kerry's wonderful giving girlfriend, Kim Wood and their many friends, Corky and Ed Bostwick, Randy Cole, Tom Warner and his children Katlyn and Zack, Billie Cole, Brit Miller, Steve Demming, Mark Baker, Kylie Baker and their dog Lucy. We had a wonderful time. How very thoughtful for all of them to include me in their gathering of friends.
Dave pulled up and told me he and his friend Shorty had heard about me and were concerned as to where I would spend the night. So he came looking for me. They fed me tea and zuchini bread and Shorty let me sleep on the couch in his office at his car lot. And I keep acquiring new friends.
August 28, 2007
Tuesday. Day started out great, a guy came along side me and said, "I really like your sign." and handed me a fresh glazed donut. Andie Simons of Millerton, Pa. stopped and chatted as also did Jane from Millerton.
August 29, 2007
Wednesday. came upon a cross at the side of the road up against a guard rail, obviously the spot where someone had lost their life in a car wreck. It read, Tasha Marie Woodard - 1/31/92 - 1/19/07. On the guardrail were several hand written notes denoting visits from mommy, "You are still my angel," "I love you so much baby girl." and so on...there were many. I cried as I stood there knowing what mommy is going through. May Life/God bless you mommy and see you through the horror.
It was a delight to walk alongside the Tioga - Hammond Lakes surrounded by mountains on Pa. Rt. 287...beautiful! Chasity Szywanski and Shaun Kennedy stopped and gave me snacks and water. Chasity said she felt compeled to stop and help me as my sign hit a chord with her in that her 25 year old younger sister Heather and her 2 year old little boy, Benjamin Decker, had been killed in a car wreck less than two years before. Learning to love life helped her to hang on during this terrible time for her. My sign helps people to not forget that we must endure and..."LOVE LIFE!" Duane Stocum stopped by and gave me 2 big fat ham sandwiches, a bag of Fig Newtons, a bannana, and a large container of fresh spring water!! Duane also gave me his address which was along my route and offered me a place to spend the night. I might take him up on it, it all depends on what time I get there. Ken Boom from Wellsboro, Pa. stopped on his Harley and we had a really nice chat...aren't people great! Thank you to all the curious and caring people like the Ken Booms of the world...you keep me going!
September 11, 2007
Tuesday. I am at New Castle, Pa. in the public library, it is raining outside. I will walk into Ohio either late today or early tomorrow. I will miss Pennsylvania, people have treated me wonderful here.
Had a picnic with Dave Reynolds and his children, Brianna age 9, Haley age 7, and Cody age 5. We had pizza and lots of fresh fruit. The very well mannered children asked lots of questions and kept me informed of what was going on in their lives. Dave had met me in May when I walked through. The children were an absolute delight!! They were thrilled when I told them theirs was the first roadside picnic I had been given by children. Thank you for sharing your children with me Dave.
Steve Bauser had seen me walk through in May and he took my water bottles and filled them up for me with fresh spring water.
On Thursday, 9/6/07 A guy yelled at me from across the street and asked me if I could use a cup of coffee? "Yes!!" Says I and then ran to his front porch where we talked through three pots of delicious fresh ground Starbucks coffee. His name was Al and his wife is Laura. Al is a member of the Tuscarawa Tribe of Indians, a part of the Iroquois Nation. Al's Cocker Spaniel pup was named Anahmush-manito which means dog spirit. We talked about life and alot about the Native American peoples and about my proud connections with them as I have crossed their lands. Al has been sober for twenty six years now. He said he was referred to as the "Crazy Indian" when he was drinking and said, "I decided to get sober so I could enjoy my insanity." As I was leaving Al presented me with a beautiful tobacco pouch decorated with partridge feathers...my journey now begins.
After leaving the Sawmill Restaurant the waitress ran up behind me and handed me my money back and said the manager told her I was not supposed to pay. These are the kinds of acts of kindness that just stop me in my tracks. All I can say is, "Thank you from the bottom of my heart!" I really never do ask for anything and I am always prepared to pay for all that I recieve.
In Snydresville, Pa. Dennis and JoAnn Hartley stopped and gave me snacks and fresh water.
On very busy Rt.6 at Lucinda, Pa. I turned aroud to the sound of little feet clomping up behind me. There stood Jessie, maybe 8 years old and he was holding out a frozen bottle of water. I told him thanks and he said, "you are welcome sir." I said, "Jessie, would you do me a big favor and get on the other side of the guardrail away from the traffic when you run back to your driveway?" "Yes sir." he said, and leaped over the guardrail and ran back to his driveway. I watched until he had reached the driveway and being the well trained young man he was, he turned and waved.
At the Volwinckle Hotel while I was having a burger, Rory Summers of Marienville, Pa. introduced himself. He was very curious about my hiking gear as he was very interested in doing the Appalachian Trail. I love talking about the "AT" so that was pleasant. Rory insisted on paying for my burger.
John Whetley who had showed me how his hundred year old oil well worked stopped and spoke to me for awhile. On Saturday, 9/8/07 just outside of Emlenton, Pa. I checked into a motel room and watched college football. It rained all day, that was fun! The next day I stopped up the road at Fat Chaps restaurant and visited with my friend Sue. She and her husband, Don insisted on treating me to my meal. I'm getting fat out here.
I may be losing my mind out here as well. I have taken to picking up dead butterflys and placing them on top of tall flowering weeds, such as Goldenrod. When there is a breeze the wings move slightly and it looks as though the butterfly is alive. I figure something that beautiful which gives me such joy should have some dignity in death.
October 7, 2007
Sunday. Sorry about the delay in updating, I have been having big problems with this primitive computer. My friend Rich Makepeace just chewed me out for not having updated when I said I would. Soooo......
First, the most important update: Just recently the New York Times and U.S.A. Today ran stories about an increase in youth suicide. I could not believe the sector of our society that is causing the increase...pre-teen little girls!! Little girls are increasingly taking their own lives!! What the hell is going on out there!? There should never be even one such occurence in our society! How can that happen to a precious little girl? That thought should never even enter the head of such an angel!! I am appalled!! Let us all become appalled!! Please give me your thoughts on this grave matter...what do we do as a society to stop this madness?
October 13, 2007
hursday as I walked by the home of Jim and Terri Ossler in Augusta, Ohio, Jim asked if I was hungry. Guess what my answer was? I couldn't have said yes any faster even if I had been aware that Terri was actually Chef Terri. The food was incredible! They invited me to stay in their RV for the night. We talked and ate delicious rhubarb pie as Chef Terri prepared pies for the pie contest at a Carroll county fair. The next day after a delicious breakfast I started out for Carrollton, Ohio. My good friends John Stone and Holly "Holly of Canton" Sheridan drove down from Canton, O. to bring me an extra pair of boots and some wionter clothes I had left at John's house. Later in the day Jim and Chef Terri picked me up and took me to dinner and we attended a high school football game at Carrollton. I hadn't been to one since I lost my son. We had a wonderful time even if we did eventually chicken out because of the rain. The Osslers invited me to again use their RV for the night due to the rain. Their daughter who attends the University of Akron presented me with a tee shirt bearing the name of her school.
9/15/07, Saturday. Jim Ossler dropped me off at a popular diner in Carrollton. Before leaving he introduced me to a man sitting out front that looked just like a ZZ Top member. After a great breakfast I walked up to pay my bill and was informed that ZZ Top had paid for my breakfast.
Later in the day a man got out of his car and said some people at the restaurant in Carrollton had told him about me. He was crying as he told of having recently lost his son to suicide and his daughter had just been diagnosed with cancer. He thanked me for walking with "LOVE LIFE" over my head. He needed to talk to someone that he felt might possibly relate to the pain he is in. May Life/God bless him!
October 16, 2007
Sunday. In a little town called Stone Creek, Ohio I stopped for my evening meal at the Stone Creek Bar & Grill. I hd been informed that they had the best Buffalo wings in the state. As I entered a bunch of people at a table piled high with those famous chicken wings yelled for me to join them. Paul, Tiffany, and Bryan, bought me a Sam Adams and shared their wings with me. They were indeed some of the best I ever had. Called JimOssler to thank him for their hospitality and inform him of the kindness of his ZZ Top friend. He informed me that Chef Terri's apple pie took first place honors over numerous other entries.
9/17/07, Monday. Stopped at a place just east of Coshocton, Ohio called Unusual Junction and had the best and biggest club sandwich I ever had. The price was very reasonable and the atmosphere was just wonderful. The next morning on route U.S. 36, Coshocton County sheriff's deputy, Tom Couts, stopped me out of curiosity and asked me some questions. As we were parting he reached over and gave me a big hug...cop hugs are great! When I reached Coshocton I called my friend Mike Bryan whom I had met walking through the area in April. Mike came and picked me up and took me to his house. Mike had to leave for a few days on his truck driving job but he told me to help myself and just relax...NO PROBLEM!! After his wife Ruth came home from her job at Longaberger Baskets, she and I went to a local buffet style restaurant and I pigged out. I mentioned to Ruth that I would like to purchase a Longaberger basket for my sister and wondered if she could get me one at an employee's discount. She said they were quite expensive but she would see what she could do. I felt it would be a wonderful gift for my sister to show her how very much I appreciate her , particularly for taking such great care of our mother. On wednesday, 9.19/07 a guy named Jack stopped to discuss the beauty of my sign. He said he had been suicidal as a teenager but now he realized the gift that life is and worked hard at loving it.
October 21, 2007
Friday. Charlie called to me from his house and invited me up for a cold drink. He offered me something to eat but I had just eaten. He told me that approximatly one month earlier a man had walked by hhis home rolling a huge rubber ball. I was told this again later by another person who explained that it was a large globe he was rolling across the U.S. I believe he was doing it to raise money and awareness for some disease...have a ball. On Saturday Peggy and Shannon stopped and gave me a bag of food. Sunday evening Robin and her three little girls, Vanna, Loralei, and ?, (sorry) stopped and invited me to pitch my tent on their property. They also treated me to a big piece of birtday cake and a shower! The next morning I was treated to donuts and coffee.
October 25, 2007
Tuesday. I met Brandon walking toward me on U.S. route 22 just west of Washington Courthouse, Ohio. He had a small backpack and said he had walked there from Oregon and was headed to his native New York. He told me he had a job there where he worked for six months of the year and spent the other half walking the country. He was a very pleasant young man with a bright smile who seemed quite content and happy. He loved my sign! In Wilmington, Ohio the local paper interviewed me for a story.
9/27/07, Thursday. It was pouring rain as I reached my sisters home in Reading, Ohio. It felt good to know I could rest for a bit.
November 10, 2007
Sunday,I am really enjoying being at my sisters home. We visit my mother regularly. Just a few days ago I recieved a large package from Ruth and Mike Bryan, my friends I met walking through Coshocton, Ohio. It contained three beautiful Longaberger baskets and a beautiful Longaberger double dish server with matching salt and pepper shakers!! My sister was overjoyed!! She called Ruth to thank her and Ruth said, "Thank your brother, we love him and wanted to do something for him." I took the phone and before I could say anything Ruth said, "No, you owe nothing!" You can not buy the gift of giving. THANK YOU!!
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