We had another full day planned. First up, visit Angry Orchard! We got there maybe a half hour after they opened. Breakfast was an array of fruit and cheeses, cookies, scones, hotdogs… oh, and hard cider. It was a cool place and one that was high on Jenny’s list to visit. I wouldn’t have picked it out myself, but it really was a sweet place and because of that I’m glad we went. It was a relaxing (and delicious) way to start our day.
After Angry Orchard we went to the oldest winery in the country, Brotherhood. I would like to say they were handicap friendly, but they really were not. In fact, much of New York and the places we visited weren’t easily accessible for grandpa. I was disappointed and appalled. He made it without injury or too much exhaustion, that’s the most important thing I guess. I wasn’t overly impressed with the winery, but I’m still glad we got to visit it. The oldest winery in the country isn’t a status that will change, unless of course they go out of business.
After that we had about a forty minute drive back to town. We stopped for food at Chipotle. Right next to it was Walmart – our destination since we needed to resupply. Mom and Jenny walked through the store with us as we picked out protein bars, cheese, tortillas, etc. We went back to the room and started to breakdown the food. Jenny helped. I’m not sure if it was interesting to her or not seeing how we do things out here. I didn’t ask. But she offered to help, so I took it!
After our chores we played charades. I love games and Jenny knows that. She came prepared. We probably spent and hour and a half or more playing charades. We were all finally tired and decided to get some sleep if we were going to wake up early. For the last couple of hours I hid how I was choking back tears. Tomorrow I have to say goodbye again. It was a preemptive sadness that I was trying not to let take hold. Tomorrow I will be sad. Tonight, I just want to enjoy family. Be in the moment now. Don’t be sad for the future. That’s what I kept fighting for. I mostly won.
-ansel