Uncle Doug’s gift of a journey

Catherine’s Uncle Doug died suddenly last week at his home in central Pennsylvania. His nephew, Phil, was with him when he died. As we’re the nearest (geographical) family, Phil asked us to come down to help out with tidying up Doug’s house.

We drove down Saturday, and what an remarkable journey it was. The US immigration folks friendly and helpful at Buffalo; sure beats the grouchfest at YYZ. Once into Pennsylvania, the scenery was beautiful. Hills, valleys and forests running down to the Alleghenies. Didn’t think there could be such crinkly countryside so close to the flat plains around Lake Erie.

Doug’s house was entirely self-designed and built. It sits very well in the green countryside. The nearby town of Huntingdon is as nice a town as you could hope for, with a working main street that looks like it has escaped the ravages of Wal-Mart.

So, we’ll miss you very much, Doug, but thanks for the journey.