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Valley Forge

While being a proud American, you should appreciate the history of this relatively young country.  As an American who loves to learn about our history, one of the must-see historical sites is Valley Forge, in York Pennsylvania.  This was the winter encampment from 1776 to 1777, where the fledging American army hunkered down for the winter.  It can also be argued this was a turning point for our independence and ultimate separation from the British empire of the day.  

The newly formed country was struggling to support the army which was fighting the British all across the colonies.  It is fair to say, we were holding our own, but not winning.  The Americans were suffering from poor logistics, untrained troops and a plethora of communications issues.  Thinking about how many different nationalities were involved in the American Revolution just boggles my mind.  

Valley Forge Visitors Center

Valley Forge:

Why Valley Forge?

Washington decided on this location because it was a days march from Philadelphia where the early government was being housed.  It gave then General Washington a place to winter, train and recoup from the year’s fighting.  Thus allowing the general some time to address short coming he saw in the army.  

Why did I visit?

This was a historic moment in our history.  I always like learning about the past.  It can answer questions about the present.  Knowing the past can also prevent someone from repeating mistakes that may have been made, thus improving the future. 

What did I learn on my visit.

The two lessons I learned on this particular trip were that General Washington knew our army needed better logistics and the ability to work as a cohesive unit.   To address these two potentially devastating shortcomings, General Washington recruited senior officers (from other countries) to train and worked with the Continental Congress to improve logistics.  

Where is Valley Forge?

Valley Forge National Historic Oark

1400 Norther Outer Line Drive

King of Prussia PA 19406

What to do at the park?

Picnic: You can picnic in designated areas

Bike:  If you stay on the mark trails.  We drove around the park.

Hiking:  There are 35 miles of trials.

Drive:  There is a 5 mile road loop, with designated pull offs

Trolley Tours are available

Link: Valley Forge National Park

Philadelphia Magic Gardens

What can one do in Philadelphia which is not rooted in the deep history of the forming of the country?  Not related to sports? The rich history of Philadelphia includes many of the the early activities in forming this great country.  However for something a little different, there is also come great art.

One of the places, for the art lover, and the curious is the Philadelphia Magic Garden. It is an immersive mixed-media environment completely covered with mosaics.  A different experience to say the least.  The Creator, Isiah Zagar, used recycled materials, handmade tiles, bottles, and other materials to produce this site.  

A little History

In the 1991, Mr. Zagar began his work on the garden in a vacant lot neat his studio.  He first started with mosaics on the buildings of either side.  Then slowly started building multi-layer walls and mosaics out of materials he found around the city/area of his studio.  Apparently this was done without the knowledge of the lot owner.  In 2004 the owner began to investigate selling the land.  (Calling for the mosaics to be dismantled). The community came together and saved the work, and titled the land as the Philadelphia Magic Gardens.  Becoming a non-profit organization striving to preserve the work. 

Our Visit

With a scheduled trip to the Philadelphia area, my smoking-hot wife and I had booked a hotel in the King of Prussia (in the Philadelphia outskirts).  We were there to celebrate the marriage of dear friends.  We book all of our travel the least expensive way.  (No refunds or cancelations).  Some unfortunate circumstances delayed the wedding and we were bound to get our money’s worth.  We took advantage of the long weekend and headed to the Philly area; we needed something to do.  We discovered the PMG online and made a day trip to the city.  

Location:  

1020 South St, Philadelphia PA

Tickets:  

Order your tickets online for a time slot.  The only allow a specific number of visitors in the garden.  (This allows you to enjoy the scene, and keep safe).

Link: Philadelphia Magic Gardens Art Gallery

Parking:

We used a garage across the street.  There was some street parking with time limits.  Which because we were early, could not use.

Hours:

11:00 AM to 6:00 PM.  (Except on Wednesdays)

Cost:

About $15 a person.

Friends with connections!!

On occasion, my smoking hot wife and I are invited to join friends for special events. We consider our friends to be blessings. One of our friends is connected to the local major league team. This connection has provided us the opportunity to attend events at the stadium, in one of the suites. The Bible tells us:

“No one has greater love than this: to lay down his life for his friends.”
‭‭John‬ ‭15‬:‭13‬ ‭CSB‬‬

When you share your blessings with your friends, even if you are unable to repay in kind, its important to be thankful.


On this day, we were invited to a concert. My previously mentioned smoking hot wife really wanted to attend. The concert consisted of some alternative rock bands. These bands are not known for praising God. However, a happy wife always contributes to a happy life.


This experience taught me few things. You can effectively use a baseball stadium for a concert. As I age, I find I am good with watching the concert on the big screens, and I have no desire to be in front. If you are going to watch a concert at the stadium, from one of the suites is a great experience.

A Day At the Lake

Lake Anna, VA

July has been full of hot days. Especially recently here in the northern Virginia. This past weekend was a little different. The weather gave us a break, only reaching the high 80s. When Sunshine (A.K.A. Smoking-Hot Wife) informed me we had been invited to the lake, I jumped at the chance.

Lake Anna is a freshwater inland reservoir covering and area of 13,000 acres. People say it is one of the most popular recreational lakes in the state. After this weekend, I can understand why. The land was purchased in 1968 to cool nuclear power plants in the area. Sometime in 1972 the lake bottom had been cleared of timber, while the dam of the North Anna River was nearing completion. All the smart people said it would take three years to completely fill the lake. However, Hurricanes Agnes filled the lake in just 18 months. Old time residents say there was some heavy equipment and structures that were covered in water before they could be removed. I have found no evidence to prove this true, but i have found no evidence to prove it false either.

Kayak the Lake for excessive and fish.

Adventures at the Lake

Tronster likes to fish. I understand the difference between fishing and catching. We arrived at the lake a little late in the morning. The fish had pretty much settled in for the day. Before they took their siesta, I was able to catch this nice hybrid. It is sad to say, it was July before i caught my first fish of the year. I do plan on increasing the number of fishing trips in the coming week, so keep an eye out for additional details.

Closing Thoughts

Whenever God gives you the opportunity to be outside, take in what he has created. The awe of Lake Anna is one place you can see some of God’s creations. In addition, there is the chance to fish. Although this was a catch and release day, other days, we catch and cook.

Keeping up with Tronster

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Happy Fourth of July

On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress ratified the Declaration of Independence, effectively establishing the United States of America. If you have read my profile, you may have noticed I am a veteran of the US Navy. The only ship I served on has been decommissioned and placed in the reserve fleet. American families celebrate the 4th of July in different ways. Most include some variation of a fireworks display. Some families host cookouts, attend parties, have reunions, or go to the local parade. My family has participated in the last two Dale City, Virginia Independence Day Parades.

My smoking-hot wife and her friends, all dressed up in their Filipiniana Dress. We always have a great time, regardless of the heat. The ladies will ride in the back of the truck and wave at all the spectators.

Thanks for reading.

Keeping up with Tronster

You can watch some of my videos here: Tronster.net You Tube

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Grand Turk

Cruising is such a great way to take a vacation. You have it all on a cruise. Lots of food, entertainment, and a place to sleep. Most cruise line crews are super friendly and take care of everything while on a cruise. Recently I was blessed with an opportunity to spend time with my family on a cruise to the Caribbean. One of the stops, better yet the last stop, was at Grand Turk.

Grand Turk is an island, part of the Turks and Caicos Islands. They are considered a “British Overseas Territory”. The island is the administrative, cultural and center, which is home to the capital of the territory, Cockburn Town. In 1962, John Glenn’s Friendship 7 Mercury spacecraft landed in the vicinity. The island has a little historical display, right off the cruise terminal. I recommend you stop there if you are in the vicinity.

There are many activities centered at the cruise terminal, and if you don’t want to take any of the offered excursions on the small island, you will be fine. There is entertainment, access to the beach, shopping, and a bunch of restaurants. The famous “Jack’s Shack” is a very short walk up the beach. This bar and restaurant offer a casual beachfront setting, with highly rated food offerings.

Although there are many things to do at the terminal or cruise port as it is called, there are a few things to see other than the port. The beaches get crowded right next to the port.

Sunshine and I elected to go horseback riding. It seemed a little high-priced, but I think that is due to cost escalation everywhere. Not to mention, the island must import everything.

Our adventure started on these fine animals, as we road across the island from the coral to the beach. The guide, John, was great. Although we were not impressed by his photography skills, he was friendly and knowledgeable. This picture was captured by my smoking hot wife. (Thank you Sunshine)

Keeping up with Tronster

You can watch some of my videos here: Tronster.net You Tube

You can follow me on Facebook here: Tronster.Net

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Colmar France

A few years back, my smoking-hot wife and I were able to take a little trip to Europe. We visited friends and shared a lot of great memories. One of the places we were able to visit was Comlar Franc

Colmar

Apparently, it is the third largest commune in the Alsace Region of northeastern France. We had no idea, we just had the opportunity to take a tour. We jumped on it, and I was certainly glad. The town boasts it is “the capital of Alsatian Wine”. As for me, I don’t drink. The city is renowned for the well preserved old town, architectural landmarks, and museums. Our time there did not allow us to take in many of the museums, however, we did walk around the old town.

I want to thank you all for stopping by, and if you have had a chance to visit Colmar, and try the wine. Let everyone know if it is good, bad, average, or the best Alsatian Wine you have ever had.

Salmon Run

Sunshine and I were able to take a nice vacation to Alaska.  More details later, first I wanted to share the site and the amazement I felt when learning about the Salmon.

The Pacific Northwest is known for salmon.  This year I am sure was no different than previous years.  The Salmon Run was almost over while we were visiting.  Sitka Alaska allowed us to see a large number of Salmon.  As a fisherman, I found the hustle and bustle of the run to be very exciting.  As someone who eats what he catches and not a fan of Salmon, I was still impressed. 

Salmon, which are born and spawn in freshwater, live most of their lives in saltwater.  Apparently, this is not true for all species of Salmon.  (I did not know there was some freshwater Salmon). The life in the open ocean lasts between 3 and 5 years for the salmon we observed.  They have been tracked to travel thousands of miles to return to fresh water. It has been studied and determined they also have a homing-type sense.  They generally return to the same waters they were born to spawn and lay eggs.  Who knew? 

I also learned that salmon will rapidly age and deteriorate after spawning.  So if the bears, eagles, hawks, or humans don’t get’em, they just die.  While walking around the different towns in Alaska, I witnessed several salmon just dying.  I was told we were there towards the beginning, so several were still active, but in a couple of weeks, the smell may be a touch more prevalent. 

Thanks for checking out my little blog, please come back, and check out some more. 

Throwback Tuesday

The Republic of Zambia is a land locked nation in southern Africa.  The capital city  is Lusaka.  I know what your thinking, I can’t believe I am learning something new during the A to Z challenge of 2013.  Regardless, my travels to Lusaka included a trip to a near by lodge to have a day at the Safari.

It is about an hours drive outside of the city of Lusaka.  My host was kind enough to drive, considering I do not know my way around the country side.  The cost includes a full day of activities, food and drinks.  I do not drink alcoholic beverages myself.  Its a lifestyle choice I made when I was very young.  My host and friends however, do enjoy and occasional cocktail.  While sitting on the porch of the lodge we place our order.  I receive the same drink as everyone else.  A rum and diet Pepsi.  It was very weak so I had no problem with the drink.  I guess that is what you get with open bar.


This particular lodge kept the dangerous animals in fenced 2 or 3 acre areas.  It was a wildlife preserve.  The lion you see here was waiting for the rest of the pride to bring him lunch as we walked up to the fence.  One of the workers had just thrown a piece of an antelope over the fence.  you not only hear the growls, you can fell them in your bones.

It was an amazing trip.  I was able to go horseback riding through the park and on a jeep safari.  The staff was extremely friendly and hospitable.  We took advantage of the one day option, however, there are cabins to rent and places to sleep.  I think this area is a little less expensive than the big safaris in South Africa.

Other fun facts about the country, the population is about 80% literate.  With all my travels in Africa, this is a high number.  Education is free until the 7th grade.

Well, this is the end of another A to Z Challenge.  I want to thank everyone who stopped by and left comments.  The frequency of the posts will decline, however, Sunshine and I love to explore, so I will continue to make suggestions and other comments.  I have found several new pages for myself to follow.

This post was originally posted on April 30, 2023.

Adventures at Home

Tronster is happily married to a beautiful and sociable partner. With the pandemic restrictions easing up, their family is now able to visit and host parties again. Parties and gatherings are a great way to stay connected with loved ones. Sunshine and I also enjoy hosting a few parties every year, but planning and coordinating with friends and other social events can be challenging. One of the best things about parties is the opportunity to decorate and transform the house in creative ways. We always try to be thrifty while doing so. Below are five things we use during our celebrations, to make the event extra special.

    Backdrop Stand

    This backdrop stand is reasonably priced and has held up for me. I have used it indoors and outdoors. It works better indoors because it is lightweight.

    Backdrops

    Having the right backdrop for the event is also important. Make sure you get one that will fit on your stand. Here is a birthday backdrop.

    Take Away Trays

    I am not sure about your typical party, but at ours, we ask our guests to take the leftovers home. A doggie bag. Having a few recycled containers from your local restaurant will come in handy. These are the ones we like to share with our friends.

    Photo Props

    To create a fun activity at home, you can set up a small photo booth using a backdrop and stand. Keep some props for people to enjoy. This can bring people together. You can also choose a theme for your photo booth. For example, we used this pack to create a welcome home party for one of our friends. nearby and see a great way to

    Balloons

    Balloons with and without a stand are always a hit. They are fun for the little ones that may show up, and adults like them too. We never spend a lot, and they will add to any decorative theme you have going.

    Here is a video of our humble home decorated for our last Halloween party. We had so much fun. Much of the decorations were bought online from Amazon

    As an Amazon Associate, I can earn a commission on eligible purchases at no cost to you. Thank you for supporting me.