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The Vintage Surf Auction is held every other year. If you want to see Legends and talk with them, buy surf memorabilia, watch surf artists in action, tune into the surfing buzz, listen to the passion, then make sure you join us next time. Go to: www.hawaiiansurfauction.com and keep yourself posted! These are events of a lifetime!

Ready for Waves on Lake Erie

Yes, there is surf on a Great Lake, and windsurfing too! This young surfer, Mario, just graduated from high school and was celebrating at a beachside barbeque. He told me, "There was no way I was having a graduation party in the backyard; I knew there would be waves!" And there they were. He told me the best season for surf is in the fall, so if you are ever in northwestern Pennysylvania where the leaves are turning golden red and orange bring your wetsuit.

"We Have Met the Enemy and They are Ours", Oliver Hazard Perry

Admiral Perry was a famous U.S. Naval Officer during the War of 1812. Perry's Monument is a 101 foot structure on Presque Isle built to honor him for contributing to the defeat of the British. This hero also built 6 of the 9 boats in his fleet on this lake at Misery Bay (named by his sailors). It's a great place to visit, but be sure to bring a sweatshirt, even in the summer. It's cool there!!

Vroom, Vroom, Vroom

Soap Box Derbies are a big deal in Erie, Pennsylvania, and in the surrounding states. It's an expensive hobby---these cars cost about $1,000 each. Yikes!!

Ready, Get Set, Go!!!!!

The kids that participate in the Soap Box Derby races become part of the car. They hunker down real, real low and zoom down the street going as fast as they can. (There is no engine.) The race last about 2 minutes! They trade sides of the street and race all over again just to make sure one driver doesn't have an advantage over the other driver. Whoever has the best time, moves up.

Ready to Roll......

I picked this car out just for me!!
I think we match perfectly!
Do you?

It's a Family Affair

Mom Angie and her son, John, were at the Soap Box Derby in Erie. Angie was once a racer and John is following in her footsteps.
If John wins his division today, he's on to the Nationals in Akron, Ohio. Good luck!!

WICU Channel 12--Erie, PA

Yes, Mom and I made our local t.v. news debut in Erie, Pennsylvania. Vince Slomsky of Channel 12 (CBS and NBC are affiliates) interviewed us and we were on Saturday night at 6 and 11. We were spotted later at Hank's Frozen Custard Stand---someone saw us and said, "Didn't I just see you on t.v."? It was funny!! We're becoming celebrities!

Spotted in the Parking Lot

So......while we were buying a frozen custard, a lady recognized Mom me from our t.v. appearance earlier in the evening. That's Mom's college buddy, Peggy, holding me.
Hank's is world famous....in business since 1952 and making tasty, tasty soft ice cream cones. The stand is located in Conneaut Lake, PA. You can Facebook them and make a new friend. I did!!

Yes, Stop In!!

If every you are up in northwestern Pennsylvania near Lake Erie, make a special trip to Hank's Frozen Custard at Conneaut Lake. You may be greeted by this fine gentelmen, Ryan, the grandson of the original owner!! And, please, let the him know Rex the Surf Dog sent you!!

Step Back into the Past

I'm in northwestern Pennsylvania near Lake Erie in a town called Meadville. I just had breakfast at the oldest continuously running farmer's market in the state. While visiting the gift shop (mom always drags me there), I came across this poster advertising a l00 year-old amuesment park--Conneaut Lake and an art fair there. Looks like fun, maybe I'll head on over after I shop.

A Bumper Crop of Tomatoes

Jared and Abby are at Spring Harvest Farm and are two of the many farmers who live in this fertile area of northwestern Pennsylvania. The soil is great for growing, although the summer isn't too long, unlike Hawaii, which is year round. They have local tomatoes early in the season because their operaton is hydroponic---these beauties were grown in water!

The Shy Farmer

Well, Nathan, who has been farming since he was eight, didn't quite know what to make of me. He kept smiling and looking very curious as he told me about his farm called Tender Acres. I asked him what he likes best about farming. His response, "I never go hungry"!

It's a Family Affair

Sharna and her 4-year old daughter, Lydia, were selling beautiful bouquets of herbs at the Meadville Farmer's Market. They grow over 100 different kinds on their farm, Abundant Hillside Gardens. Mom bought some sweet-smelling lavender.
Sharna's sister makes soap from the milk of goats. She has a herd of 20!! Now that's sourcing locally!

And Look What I Found at the Park

Conneaut Lake Park was in its heyday in the early 1900's and well into the 60's. Built on the largest natural lake in Pennsylvania, it was a summer destination for residents of Pittsburgh, 2 hours south. Now it's pretty quiet, but the local townsfolk are trying to revive the Park.
This carousel horse was hand carved using no electric tools and it was also hand painted.
At the art opening/benefit, I made friends with this fiery red steed which will travel to numerous cities in U.S. promoting the Park. I hope it comes to Hawaii!! I hope the Conneaut Lake Park is revived!!

Happy Independence Day USA!!

New England is where the the American Revolution began!! I'm in a small fishing village called Rockport on Cape Ann in Massachusetts (north of Boston). The folks here celebrate the 4th of July very seriously. These "Colonists" are gathering to hear the "Declaration of Independence" read aloud at Dock Square.

Supporting the Cause

Jonas is an exchange student from Germany who attends Rockport High. He came out in full colonial garb to participate in reading of the Declaration of Independence!!
So.....there were men living in the 13 Original Colonies who only had pitchforks to defend themselves from the British soldiers in the 1770's. You know the story......many new residents of America wanted to start a new country and not be citizens of England because the king wasn't treating them fairly. Thus, a war ensued, we won, and now we have picnics and fireworks every 4th of July to celebrate our freedom.

Hear Ye, Hear Ye!

In Colonial Times, the Towncrier, went street to street ringing his bell and announcing the news! This gentleman Patriot read the Declaration of Independence to the visitors and residents of Rockport, Massachusetts, at 10:00 am on the 4th of July. I was touched! It's the first time I have ever heard it read aloud and it has very powerful words. The American Colonists were brave to make such a declaration! Of course the English King got mad and sent soldiers to change their minds, but the Americans prevailed.

Can You Find Dock Square?

Click on this photo, look at the map closely, and see where the "Colonists" gathered to read the Declaration of Independence. I'll give you a hint--
it's kind of in the center, but slightly northeast!! Rockport, Massachusetts, is a great little New England seaport/fishing village/tourist destination because it's so beautiful and filled with history. Visit it sometime!

The Star Spangled Banner

There were American flags flying everywere in Rockport and in every other town across the United States. This is one of the most special holidays for us and it's just for us.
Sniff, sniff, sniff there's something cookin' on the barbeque, so I'll see you at the fireworks!
Happy 4th of July!!