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Jenny

An Orchid for Your Thoughts (Just Another Day in Paradise)

by Jenny 5 February 2012 Travel

Our annual membership to Phipps Conservatory is one of our best bargains ever. Jonathan purchased our first membership several years ago when he bought a new camera and wanted to try it out at the Spring Flower Show. When Jon still worked in Oakland, I would sometimes meet him after work so that we could [...]

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This Old Haunted House (A Look Back at My Halloween Adventures: Part II)

by Jenny 27 January 2012 History

One October, my sister Elizabeth and I took a candlelit ghost tour in Gettysburg.  Our guide started by passing around several black-and-white photos that included clusters of light spots – orbs. The orbs were somehow supposed to “prove” that otherworldly spirits were in the pictures. The large group of us tourists were then marched along [...]

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Brains! (A Look Back at My Halloween Adventures: Part 1)

by Jenny 20 January 2012 History

As much as I hate January and February, I concede that these months are slightly useful. The “deep mid-winter” is when I make most of my jewelry, attempt to finish all of the partially-read books in my house, and take a closer look my photos from trips taken in warmer months. Tonight’s forecast of a [...]

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Review: Adirondacks Region – Lake George and Fort Ticonderoga

by Jenny 9 August 2009 History

I admit that I was a little bit spoiled by living in Pennsylvania my entire life. I take for granted the availability of inexpensive, non-commerical, family-friendly places to visit where I can picnic, look at some water, spend time in a clean, quiet forest, and even learn a little bit about history. I have been able to do all of these things in the many parks that surround the places where I have lived. I was able to do all of these things during the three summers that I vacationed in Northern Michigan as well.

Tagged as: American Studies, History, New York, Pennsylvania, Saving Money

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A Lot of Work For One Stupid Coupon

by Jenny 31 July 2009 House and Home

I recently went for almost two years without paying money for shampoo or toothpaste. In the fall of 2007, before the word “recession” was an excuse for almost all behavior, I went on a kick to save money on groceries and toiletries. I quickly found a list of websites that told me which local stores had the lowest promotional prices on specific items, and also which circulars contained coupons on those some items, so that I could combine coupons with specials.

Tagged as: Economy, Saving Money

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The Ex-Husband from Eat, Pray, Love Tells His Side of the Story

by Jenny 22 July 2009 House and Home

I have to admit that I am having a really hard time getting into Elizabeth Gilbert’s memoir “Eat, Pray, Love.” I bought this book several months ago. I can tell you exactly where I am in the book without giving away any spoilers. My bookmark is stuck after the author’s divorce and shortly after her arrival in Italy. She is planning to take Italian lessons in Rome. After she leaves Rome, she will travel to India and Bali. I can’t tell you what will happen after that.

Tagged as: Books

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The Grey Suit (Professionalism and How to Treat People)

by Jenny 21 July 2009 House and Home

I entered the Johnstown business world wearing a grey, pinstriped, unlined Wal-Mart suit that cost me about $35.

Tagged as: Career Moves, How to Treat People, Insurance, Johnstown, Photography, Wal-Mart

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Two Money-Saving Ideas

by Jenny 20 July 2009 Travel

Tonight I thought of two random money-saving ideas that I would like to pass along.

Tagged as: Economy, Erin, Saving Money, Travel

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Revisiting Somerset and Bedord Counties: The Whiskey Rebellion

by Jenny 20 July 2009 History

Back in 1994 when I was still in high school, my hometown of Berlin, PA decided to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Whiskey Rebellion. Plans were made for a big festival. The event was to include, among other things, an essay contest for the school kids, a race, and of course a parade. I was in the Berlin Brothersvalley High School Marching Band at that time, so I would march in it. This was to be a very big deal.

Tagged as: American Studies, History, Pennsylvania, Western Pennsylvania

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Revisiting Bedford County: Shawnee State Park and the Ship Hotel

by Jenny 20 July 2009 History

Bedford County, PA still looks pretty much the way I see it in old pictures and in my mind. At Shawnee State Park, the little swing still sits in its secluded picnic area at the top of the hill overlooking Shawnee’s lake and beach. I have a 30-year-old picture of that same swing set, with me and my sister and my dad posing in front.

Tagged as: American History, American Studies, family, History, Pennsylvania, Summer, Western Pennsylvania

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