This vacation was the first time I had visited the 6 states of New England. I flew into Hartford, Connecticut and drove to my conference in Albany, NY. After the conference, I took the northern route through Vermont and New Hampshire. Unfortunately, the weather was misty and overcast, so not very picturesque for photos, however the Green Mountains in Vermont in bright, yellow foliage was indeed very impressive. Then, on over to the more gentle, rolling hills of New Hampshire and through Concord the state capital. I wound up staying in Portsmouth, NH and drove over to York Harbor, Maine for dinner. Giving me a total of three new states that I can say I've been to. Maine is very green, and more mountainous and fir covered the further north you go. The next morning, traveled south to Boston, Massachusetts. Went through the famed "Big Dig" tunnel system. Lost Google Maps, but was found once I traveled through! Went to JFK Library on the banks of Massachusetts Bay. Always enjoy history, particularly recent events. Very impressive. Continued on to the very small, but beautiful state of Rhode Island. Completing my circle, back to Hartford, CT to fly home. It was a very enjoyable drive, most of the time not on the interstate highway, so there was always something new to see. God sure made this country diverse and beautiful. A little weary from my travels, was glad to get home to good old Ohio.
Made my first trip to New England this week and my annual pilgrimage to see Joyce Meyer. Although I was only able to attend two out of the four sessions, it was still a blessing! Joyce spoke on Psalm 23. Going into great detail about what it means to be a sheep, none of which is very flattering, and continuing on to explain the need for a Shepherd. It was very enlightening, and of course, Joyce was very relatable as she taught the Word of God. Music was by Passion, a youthful worship band from the Atlanta, Georgia area. Albany is a small city in upstate New York, nestled in the lushness of forests and hills and was at peak fall foliage, so quite beautiful to see.
Last night, I caught up with country music icon Don Williams at the beautiful Ohio Theater in Cleveland, Ohio. Williams' hit making days were primarily mid 70s through the late 80s. Though nursing a bit of a cold, the "gentle giant" gently rolled through 75 minutes worth of wonderfully nostalgic music! Since Don is not noted for talking, it allowed the music to take center stage all evening. Running through such classics as, "Tulsa Time", "Good Ole Boys Like Me" and "Some Broken Hearts Never Mend" the biggest applause came after "I Believe in You", "Lord, I Hope This Day is Good" and "You're My Best Friend", the latter in which he invited the audience to take the lead on the chorus. Backed by a very tight and talented 6 piece band, Williams' magic charmed the crowd and left me very, very pleased!