Latest Notes from Geoff

Geoff sent more info for the blog (and again my comments are in parentheses).


The weather isn't looking like what we would hope for. Mackintoshes and galoshes, everybody.

I received the stone bench at my office, will have Shannon help me tomorrow to try to get it in the truck. Then plenty of help on Fri.


The ham arrived today!  Liz and Vicki sent a special cake, which came with dry ice and a fancy catalog. I haven't opened it yet, hoping to save some for the rest of the family. (YOU'D BETTER SAVE IT ALL!)


(See you soon!)

The Legacy

Coleman Green Huggins greatly favors his great grandfather James Denton Green.

A Few Photos

Telephone Numbers

The time is near!  Here are some phone numbers so we can keep in touch.

(note: 6/11/11 - I removed the phone numbers.  If you need any, email me.)

If anyone else wants me to post your cell, I will.  I will not do so without your permission.

Notes from Geoff

Geoff sent me an email yesterday.  (My notes are in parentheses.)  

For the weather-checkers, our zip code is 26710 (that's Burlington, Keyser is 26726 and they should have the exact same forecast!). The forecasts are mostly useless. Looks cool, 50's, through then. (I just saw SNOW predicted for Fri. and Sat.)

We've had 70 degree days this spring. We had snow on the ground this morning. Make like a boy scout and be prepared. If you want to swim in the creek, bring a wet-suit.

For people driving, bring a cooler if you can, and then take it home. Don't buy one.  Betsy and I have survived so far on just one refrigerator, so some temporary cool storage for the weekend would be helpful. 

Jon and David can bring the ice we need from Houston. I mean the Houston ice is to die for.

We have good-tasting low-flow spring water serving our farm and house. If anybody has a tendency for "Montezuma's Revenge" like one of our friends does, bring your own drinking water.  (Mom is bringing some bottled water.) And 20 or so people flushing everytime they pee will deplete the spring. We do not want that. So "Don't flush until it's yellower, and everything will be a whole lot mellower".

Can't wait to see everybody.  Don't forget the ice, Jon! (hardy har har)

Restaurants in Keyser

For those of you arriving in time for an evening meal on Friday, Betsy and I (okay, mostly Betsy) put together a list of restaurants we like in Keyser.  If you need directions, please call or I assume the motel manager will know where all these places are.

The Candlewick is the most upscale establishment, though casual dress is perfectly acceptable, including jeans.  We’ve eaten there many times and I’ve always had a good meal.  65 S. Mineral Street (Hwy 220).

Clancy’s Irish Pub was recommended by Geoff.  I don’t think we’ve eaten there.  Betsy says their best food is sandwiches and soup, and they specialize in a wide variety of wings. They have a fish and chips that's pretty good. They have a full bar, and a pretty good selection of beer.  It's on Armstrong St "extended," on the other side of the street from Wayne's. You can't see Clancy's building from the street, but there's a nice big sign.

Castiglia’s is a truly Italian restaurant. Betsy says the owner, a native Italian himself, does all the cooking, and people who are familiar with true Italian home cooking love it - as do many other people. The portions are huge and the prices are low. They have wine and beer.  I (Cindy) first became aware of Castiglia's (pronounced Cas-tee-yas for Mr./Ms. Unnamed) many years ago when reading Fortune magazine.  What a surprise that was!  We went there with Dad and all the Greens the next time we were in Keyser.  Here's a link that describes the restaurant -  401 S. Mineral St. www.mountaindiscoveries.com/images/ss2009/castiglias.pdf

El Jinete is a mexican restaurant of the variety that are set up by Mexican families everywhere. Geoff doesn't care for it, but many people like it alot. It is on Rt 220 South of Keyser on the left. It's several miles out of town.

The Wing Shack is right downtown at the corner of Piedmont and Mineral Streets. It is the current incarnation of the Stray Cat Cafe. There's a bar, and a menu of sanwiches, wraps, wings and some entrees like enchiladas and chimichangas. They have some really interesting and delicious items like a wrap with eggplant and red peppers. They don't have full meals with sides... Prices are very reasonable.

Of course there's always Denny's.  It's on Hwy 220 next to a pet shop.  Dad always joked about what kind of mystery meat Denny's served, but he did love their breakfasts.

Betsy also added:
"We have someone delivering a meat and cheese tray, tuna and chicken salad, rolls, and a couple of sides at about noon on Saturday.  We will get pies from Flying W Farms in Burlington.  I'll get sodas and beer. If we want tea, maybe someone can make that. Since I don't drink tea, I am not too good at making it."

Thanks, Betsy!  Mom is bringing all the paper goods (plates, napkins, plastic cups and utensils).

"Keyser" sounds like...

I had a note a while back from someone who shall remain nameless unless he/she dares to expose him/herself ... who indicated Keyser could be mistaken for "geezer."  From looking at the spelling, you might thinks so.  Made me laugh!  But no, Keyser rhymes with geyser, miser, Phizer, riser, visor, wiser and incisor.

There's a little bit of history on KeyserWV.com and Geoff can add details about the search for an old fort on his property when we tour on Saturday.  Dave and I stopped in Keyser last summer on our way home from Dave's hike on the AT, and we're looking forward to seeing Keyser and the Green Family Farm again.  And all the Greens.

Weather

You might want to check weather.com for the forecast.  Keyser's zipcode is 26726.  Yesterday the 10-day forecast had rain on Wednesday but sunny Thurs - Fri.  Today it has showers predicted for Wed-Sat.  ugh  Maybe I should scratch this blog entry and not worry about the weather ???  Let's all hope for the best.  Bring your raincoats!  Those of us driving should take extra umbrellas.  There's nothing like an abundance of umbrellas to help the sun come out.

Dan & Ann

I was thrilled to get a note from Dan that he and Ann will be joining us, too.  Hooray.

The "Picnic"

A bit of clarification.  I tend to refer to Saturday afternoon's meal as a "picnic" but it may not be in the traditional sense, an outdoor blankets-on-the-ground type of meal.  Betsy and Geoff have reminded me the weather may be beautiful or cold and/or rainy and we're making sure we have a Plan B, which will be to go indoors.  Betsy said everyone can fit in their house, but there's not room around the table for 20 people. (Does anyone have a room that big?  Not us!)  If we go indoors, people will be scattered in different rooms, and we think that's great, as we can move around and mingle without being stuck in one chair for the duration of the meal.  I would rather do that than go to a restaurant -- wouldn't you?  It will be our time to catch up and visit with our closest Green family.  When is the last time we were able to do that?  I am so looking forward to it.

Betsy and Geoff also made suggestions about where to get great sandwiches and sides.  I like their ideas, especially because they are locally owned establishments.  Does anyone have food allergies?  I am aware of Uncle Jack's inability to eat spicy food.  Any other issues?

The time is getting close, and even though I am not updating the blog on a daily basis, please keep checking.  This is the easiest way to share information with everyone.  Thanks, and see you soon!

Motel Update

Deni said in her most recent email that Jack, Chip, Deni, Alex and Sandy are staying at the Microtel.  Betsy said Shelly and Ralph have not yet decided but may stay at The Candlewick.