Nostalgia

I took a quick trip out to Erie yesterday to see Amy.  Initially the trip was taking up some time in an empty weekend that Jim was away and Ryan was spending at work.  But it quickly turned very nostalgic for me, something I wasn't expecting and didn't really nourish--the feeling just kept overcoming my more practical side. 

On the way out, I decided to stop at St. Bonaventure to see Nanny and Weenie along with some of the other Flynns and Nevins.  It's been a while since I stopped by and it just felt right.  When I pulled into the cemetery, there were so many cars lined up I thought there was a funeral.  But then I was quickly reminded that it was Memorial Day weekend.  The dozens and dozens of little flags were patiently being planted by volunteers in the cemetery in honor of our military history.  I'd kind of forgotten that those flags have to be planted by someone and I'm very grateful to those volunteers for doing so.  I found Nanny and Weenie, cleared the dried cut grass off their marker and had a little moment with them.  I choked up and it took me by great surprise since I'd prepared myself to stop by but those emotions snuck up on me as I was brushing grass aside.  I still miss them.

It was lunchtime so I decided to have lunch in the area.  I ended up at the Burton Hotel in Allegany--the building is on the corner and the exterior still has that dated look.  They should use it for a movie exterior, it's so perfect.  I remember that Dad worked there back in the day and I imagine many misspent hours disappeared within.  It's a small room that you step into and the bar is within arm's reach of the door.  There's a larger room behind this front room and the kitchen is straight back.  I mention this because the new owners told me the interior hasn't changed much over the years.  The bar is the same bar Dad worked at. 
I tried to chat up the owner but they weren't too interested in sharing the history of the place with me.  It was about 12:30 and there was one older guy already at the bar when I got there.  I sat at the bar and had a hamburger--very yummy on this limited menu. 

You can see some of the Art Deco kind of style behind the bar:

They have those little bar glasses I always associate with "the good ole days".  I think this is a particularly pretty piece and wonder if she saw Mom or Dad--I even think I remember Weenie talking about this place.

Off I went to Erie to have some precious one-on-one time with Amy.  It's been a very long time since we've had that opportunity.  Princess likes to sleep in on Sundays (can you imagine such a thing?)  so I had some time to kill.  I decided to take a little road trip westward on Route 5---the same Route 5 we used along Lake Erie.  I was seeking Erie Bluff State Park (sounds intriguing, right?  Don't bother) but found beautiful reminders of our childhood:

 That's Lake Erie in the background.  I find I really miss the sight of vineyards.

 
While it is a fairly flat landscape near the Lake, I did take note of the rolling hills in the Olean area.  Made me wonder how Dad adjusted to this new geography when he came to St. Bonaventure from Gloucester.  Landlocked and hilly.  Refined, not rough and tumble like Gloucester.  I still wonder what led him to even think about St. Bonaventure for college, don't you?  Perhaps because it was exactly opposite--like so many high school grads go for?

Each and every cemetery was busy with activity meant to honor our soldiers.  The most moving thing I saw in one of them was an older man on one knee in front of a grave.  My imagination made up a story that he was missing his father, uncle, son or daughter soldier--he looked very pensive.  It seemed a very private moment and I felt like an intruder.

So many flags--so many volunteers--so many soldiers and sailors!  It was hard not to be moved by it all.

Couldn't leave town without seeing Lake Erie herself.  What memories!  Amy talks about how dirty it can be and I cannot begin to explain to her the difference 50 (!) years has made.

All of these stops put together plus the time with Amy made it an emotional 24 hours that took me by surprise.  But it was very satisfying and I hope the same for your weekend plans, whatever they are.