I was astounded to find a conservative talk radio station in New York City.

Something new - just started broadcasting this week: THE APPLE 970 AM

Who woulda thunk it?

When - not if - we move to the Wilds of Pennsylvania,  there's one thing I'll probably miss and that's an abundance of art exhibits...such as there are here in Jersey.  (Although the display of paintings at Cauldersport Chamber of Commerce was interesting....)

Today I visited a fabulous plein air exhibit at the Middletown Public Library. Three different artist (an oil painter, a watercolorist and a pastel artist) had a join show.  Most paintings were scenes of the Jersey shore area but some were from Italy and Scotland!

Each painting was done "on site" or "en plein air" - not in a studio,  so the color/light were wonderfully refreshing.  They were also exquisitely framed!

Prices ranged from $350 and up.  In today's economy,  that sounds extravagant.  After all,  you can't eat artwork, or fill a gas tank with it!

True - art is NOT a necessity of life.  But if you love art, it sure makes life more bearable!

Summer is winding down...July is almost over.  I'm done with travel and road trips.  Staying close to home for the rest of the season.

Anyone taking a big vacation trip out there?  Just curious; thanks for reading my blog!

Patricia (pbbucko)

(I'm a better artist than blogger!)

For the bloggers who've been reading previous accounts of a recent Pennsylvania Road Trip:

At a point west of Coudersport (PA Route 6) we pulled off road to make a U turn.  What looked like a narrow dirt road was actually a private driveway...leading to a rustic covered bridge, spanning a small stream (maybe a feeder tributary of the Allegheny River??)

Naturally, my DH has to stop and investigate the fishing potential.  As he wandered off toward the stream,  I got out of our vehicle to stretch my legs.  Within minutes, a pick-up truck pulled in behind us.

"Here we go," I thought.  "We're trespassing on private property and someone called the cops on us."  Now in New Jersey,  this would definitely lead to a citation, ticket or fine...at best,  an embarrassing warning by an irate officer of the law!

The driver of the pick-up was indeed a police officer.  But he was calm, polite and friendly.  "I see you folks are from New Jersey,"  he greeted me.  DH and the officer got into a lengthy discussion about fishing, the environment and would you believe - both are Viet Nam veterans.

While the guys were talking,  I spotted the biggest butterfly I've EVER seen in my life.  Talking "dinner plate" size - yellow with black borders.  Maybe a Swallowtail?

I also took my sketch book and watercolors down by the water and did a few small paintings of the covered bridge.  It was a perfect July afternoon; warm in the sunshine, cool and breezy in the shadows.  No oppressive humidity at all.  The kind of place where you would need to wear a jacket on an August evening.

Come to find out that our congenial policeman was from northern New Jersey originally!  He enthusiastically endorsed moving to the Wilds of Pennsylvania and emphasized the quiet life-style there.

Well,  I am convinced...and sold on the idea.  Lord willing,  within two years we hope to have this big old house (NJ)  on the market at a price that's attractive to buyers.  After that,  we're off to the Wilds!

Thanks for reading my blog.

Happy Wednesday!

Patricia (pbbucko) self-rep artist on eBay since 1998!

In case bloggers think that our Pennsyl-tucky Road Trip was just a lark (see previous post) the trip served a dual purpose:  1) Recon and scout area for camping and possible relocation  2) Attend annual Bucko Family Reunion,  held near Meadville, PA (practically in Ohio if you ask me!)

Had a great, fun time at the reunion.  Many new little Bucko's running about; we missed last years reunion because of work schedule.  Located at my in-laws place (10 acres on a country road in Crawford County) it was a little taste of heaven for this old Jersey girl.  No barking dogs, no police/fire sirens, no roaring airliners over head, no crowds of people pushing you off the road, no traffic congestion, no cursing in public, no cell phones, no video games and no screaming, spoiled out-of-control kids!

Like I said...lots of little ones there  but they all seemed to get along and none were pitching hissy fits or whining!  It was a relaxing, refreshing time with plenty down-home country cooking.  Spent the night at in-laws.  Their cool, comfy guest room was like a B&B

Served a full country breakfast (and two pots of coffee!) you feel like you can tackle the world - or an eight hour drive back to Jersey.

That was a trip from hell...more later.

Happy eBaying & blogging!

Patricia (pbbucko) self-rep artist & water-colorist

Just returned from a L-O-N-G weekend road trip.  Scenery along Pennsylvania's Route 6 is unspeakably beautiful and awesomely unspoiled.  If you are looking for Disney type attractions,  don't go Route 6!  But if you want quiet, uncrowded little towns where people are actually humble and nice...try Route 6.  Everything is green and peaceful...it's like the America of 75 years ago...not a bad concept!  BTW,  prepare to put away your cell phone. I was not able to get a signal up in those mountains.  But there are land line phones available (bring a prepaid phone card) and I even saw an old fashioned pay phone is a family restaurant!  Come to think of it,  why is it so darn important that we have to be in constant communication on these blasted cell phones anyway??

Well,  I'm still unpacking, doing laundry and catching up on my eBay auctions...but my mind and heart is still on Route 6...somewhere between Smethport,  Port Allegheny and Coudersport!  Will blog more about the great people, interesting sights and comfortable summer weather...later.

Thanks for reading this entry ~ have a good, productive week!

Patricia (pbbucko) self-representing artist