Another great day!  After some necessary housekeeping we left the camper around 10 o’clock and started our day of more exploring.

Our first stop of the day was a quaint little town called Lititz, also known as Lancaster County’s Sweet Spot.  Its streets are literally “hugging” homes and small businesses, each separated by scarcely 2-3 feet.  The tiny, well-manicured yards had lush greenery, stunning ground covers, and climbing vines and their porches often had exquisite hanging baskets, in full bloom and bursting with variety of colors.  I could not help but notice that many of the homes also had a decorative metal star displayed near the front door, or in some other noticeable place, maybe on a brick wall or even hanging inside their windows.  At first I thought they were Moravian stars, but when I inquired about them I was told they were barn stars.  A brochure said that the barn star originated within the German farming community and that the farmers would often mount a large star-shaped decoration onto their barns.  Its significance varied.  Some farmers considered the stars good luck; others viewed it simply aesthetic and pleasing to the eye.  The tradition of the barn star in America can be traced back to the 1700’s and to at least the 1870’s in Pennsylvania.  (Source: Tin’N’ Treasures, Kitchen Kettle Village, Intercourse, PA.)  As an aside, while in Texas recently, I saw many of these same stars gracing homes and other structures!  But that’s another whole story!  I must get them started here!  We thoroughly enjoyed our slow drive through this sweet little town and admired its cleanliness and small shops and residences that were very well-maintained.  While cruising, we saw a cute sign in one yard:

In case you can't read the wording, it says: To the person who took my A.C.... it was not free for the taking!  I would greatly appreciate it if you would return it! 

Later we had lots of fun in Intercourse, PA, where we enjoyed a nice lunch and browsed in several shops, most of which had locally made wares, but also offered many other items found in similar “touristy” towns and villages.  All of them were set right next to a rolling farm land being tilled by an Amish farmer guiding his team of big, strong horses!  What a pastoral view we had!  Farm land is abundant in Lancaster County and enjoys prime spaces right in the towns and villages.  In fact, a large percentage of farm land must be dedicated to farming, rather than to commercial or industrial use.

Perhaps you might be wondering (nosey?) about the unusual name of Intercourse?  It’s an eyebrow-raising name, for sure! Well, I will tell you what I found out:

Formerly known as "Cross Keys", this village was founded in 1754. The name was changed to Intercourse in 1814.

There are several explanations concerning the origin of the name of Intercourse, but none can really be substantiated. The first centers around an old race track which existed just east of town along the Old Philadelphia Pike. The entrance to the race course was known as "Entercourse". Some suggest that "Entercourse" gradually evolved into "Intercourse".

Another theory concerns two major roads that crossed here: the Old King's Highway, which ran from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh (now called the Old Philadelphia Pike), and the road from Wilmington, Delaware to Erie, Pennsylvania. The intersection of these two roads was thought to be the basis for the town of "Cross Keys" or, eventually, "Intercourse".

A final idea comes from the "old english" language which was is use in the early 1800's. It refers to the "fellowship" or social interaction and friendship which was so much a part of an agricultural village and culture at that time. These roots mark the community of faith to this day, and the many evidences of it are experienced by those who care to dig a bit more deeply while visiting this area.

Intercourse is a town full of delightful treasures and friendly shopkeepers, nestled among the scenic Amish farmland. For visitors of any age, there's plenty to do in Intercourse.

So, take your pick about the name.  I agree: there’s plenty to do in Intercourse!  It is teeming with fun shops, tasty, local cuisine, all in a lovely setting where you can sit on a bench and watch the team of horses do their thing.  A wonderful respite!

Couldn't resist this photo op while in Intercourse!  This wonderful shop had celebrated 50 years of cannin' & jammin' a few years back and still sported its sign ... and we were doing the same thing - celebratin'!  We've had lots of "we can do it!" times in our lives and we've been in and out of a lot of jams!

After more exploring we arrived at the Sight and Sound Theatre to see the performance of “Joseph”.  Words fail me to adequately describe this incredibly moving re-enactment of the Biblical account of Joseph.  The power of forgiveness was so gripping my eyes welled-up with tears.  We were captivated from beginning to end.  We would encourage everyone to see this dramatic presentation if at all possible, either at the Lancaster, PA or Branson, MO Sight and Sound Theatres.  I won’t even attempt to describe the majesty and excellence of this event.  Currently, the cast is working on Jonah.  I can only imagine how moving this will be.  I'm sure many of you are familiar with this type of presentation, but the scenery and drama literally surrounds you, in front and on the sides of the massive auditorium.  The narrator will tell you upfront that certain liberties have been taken for purposes of the drama, but the thrust and overall story line of the presentation is true to the Biblical account.  http://www.sight-sound.com/.

We topped off another special day by feasting at Hershey’s Restaurant’s marvelous buffet, and by far the best cuisine we had enjoyed thus far. 

Once back home at the camper, we found the surprise package that Merritt had sent by UPS.  It contained a very unique and intriguing jigsaw puzzle that had been hinted at earlier in my Mother’s Day gift!  I was told then that on “our day” I would receive more clues about the plans they were putting together to celebrate our 50^th wedding anniversary!  The puzzle, when assembled, contained photos of Art and Merritt, Max and Sara, Andy and Karen, Luke and Hannah, and Anna and Justin, all holding different signs with various messages.  We stayed up until midnight working the puzzle and had a ball!  Here is the message when each saying was deciphered:  “Happy 50^th Anniversary!  You and Daddy Bill and we will spend a week in the mountains of North Carolina.  We have rented a house!  We’ll go fishing and shopping and enjoy the cool mountain evenings.  The trip will be from August 6 – August 13.  It is going to be awesome!  We love you and can’t wait until we’re all together in Franklin, NC.  Hope you’re happy!” Isn’t that the neatest thing you’ve ever heard or seen? 

Before calling it a night Bill and I exchanged anniversary cards and affirmed our love, hopes and dreams for many more years of togetherness.  God is good and we are blessed with wonderful children and grandchildren, and an abundance of friends.  Tomorrow is the REAL anniversary day!