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Always be joyful and never stop praying. 

1 Thessalonians 5:16-17 (Contemporary English Version)

The Utz Potato Chip factory in Hanover, Pennsylvania, was our next stop.

Unloading potatoes

We learned that Utz unloads eighteen to twenty-two trailerloads of potatoes per day, and ships about forty loads of the finished product each day.

Potatoes entering the factory

The potatoes are quickly washed and moved to bins – all by machine.

They are immediately sliced, fried, and placed in even larger bins. 

Photos were not forbidden, but we were asked to be careful in what we took, so I did not take a full factory photo of the chips traveling through various stages of being salted and seasoned.

A storage room.

Every product made by Utz was sold at this store – even the chocolate-coated pretzels we saw being processed at Wolfgang Candy earlier in the day.  Utz makes the pretzels and Wolfgang chocolate coats them.

We enjoyed a beautiful ride through the countryside to Brown’s Orchards, Loganville, Pennsylvania.

Like Harley-Davidson was generally of greater interest to the men, this stop was pleasing to the women.  Many of the men enjoyed coffee in the Snack Bar while the women browsed through the fabulous baked goods, gifts, deli, and products from the orchard.

I didn’t think it appropriate to take photos inside, but did take several outside.

Fall is in the air at this place.

 The beautiful view across the valley as I stood in front of the bus, with my back to the buildings.

 We boarded the coach for the last time, and headed to Lancaster where our cars were parked. 

It was great to be with friends and enjoy an interesting, relaxing day. 

~~~

We arrived home about 7:30 p.m. and prepared to leave again in the morning – for a trip to Maine to surprise our daughter Diane and son-in-law Mark.  Their six children have planned a twenty-fifth wedding anniversary celebration on Sunday afternoon.

Due to Cerwin’s fall in May, where he tore the rotator cuff in his right shoulder, we hadn’t taken a summer vacation – because he needed therapy every other day following surgery.  We usually dash through Connecticut on our way to Maine, and decided to spend Friday and Saturday traveling at a slower pace.

~~~

Tomorrow night:  Mystic Seaport, Mystic, Connecticut.

Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always.

1 Chronicles 16:11 (New International Version)

“Old Gang” Bus Trip

Thursday, September 17

 Wolfgang Candy

Bentley’s at the Barn

 Our second stop was Wolfgang Candy, York, PA. 

 Our guide told us about the early days of the candy factory, beginning in 1921.

 This truck was the first delivery vehicle used by the Wolfgangs.

 Each of us had to cover our hair before entering the factory.

 Doris

 Julie and Bob

 Men with mustaches or beards had to cover them.

All jewelery had to be removed, and the women who wore fingernail polish had to wear gloves.

 Those of us with sandals had to cover them with booties.  They were more comfortable than the boots we wore at Harley-Davidson.

 Photos were not allowed inside the factory.

 At the end of the tour, we each received a snack pack.

 We enjoyed a late (2:30 p.m.) lunch at Bentley’s at the Barn.  (The photo isn’t very sharp because I took it through a bus window – across the aisle – while the bus was moving.)

 Getting ready to board the coach and head to our next stop – Utz Potato Chips, then Brown’s Orchard.

Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow.

Matthew 6:34 (The Message)

Happy Birthday

To Our Favorite Jere

We Love You.

“Old Gang” Bus Trip

Thursday, September 17

Harley-Davidson

 Friends who have stayed in touch since our teenage and dating days, met at 9:00 on Thursday morning for a day-trip with Elite Coach.

 Our first stop was Harley-Davidson’s plant in York, Pennsylvania.

 Listening to directions before entering the plant.

 Those of us who wore sandals had to cover them with these “classy” boots.  That is my feet on the left.

 Wilmer, Lester, and Wilbur check out this cycle.

 We could take pictures in the display room, but not during our tour of the plant.

 Doris and Al tried out the cycle with a sidecar.

 Cerwin tried this one.

 We were able to observe the construction of parts that are made in York, and the line where the entire cycle was assembled.

 It was so interesting.

Just as we were returning to the coach, a group of riders arrived…

 …including this one. 

The dog (I think his name was Brody) has ridden all over the country – from Canada to Florida, and east coast to west coast.

~~~

Tomorrow night:  Wolfgang Candy

~~~

We can’t round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit!

Romans 5:5 (The Message)

Truckers’ Jamboree

Saturday, September 12

It was a rainy morning as we traveled to Calvary Monument Bible Church, Paradise, Pennsylvania.

 Despite a rainy day nineteen drivers brought their trucks, plus there were two fire trucks and the TFC chapel. 

 Children enjoyed the barrel train ride in the drizzle.

 Bunny did not qualify!

 Prayer before lunch

There was face and hand painting for the children

 Polishing chrome in a light rain

 Cerwin and Bunny were the judges

 This picture is for Grandma Leatherman!

 The program of gospel music began in the middle of the afternoon, with about one hundred people in attendance.

 Bunny and Cerwin went through the score sheets to find the seven highest scores.

 After Bunny shared a few TFC highlights, he asked Volunteer Chaplain Alan Graham to share a bit about his story.  He grew up in a neighboring childrens’ home.

 The seven winners received nice prizes from area businesses.

~~~

We were honored to be there representing TFC.  The organizers did a great job.

~~~

I pray that God, who gives hope, will bless you with complete happiness and peace because of your faith.

And may the power of the Holy Spirit fill you with hope.

Romans 15:13 (Contemporary English Version)