The Retirement of Majors Hostetler

What a wonderful time the lovely Robin and I enjoyed last weekend at The Salvation Army's Long Point Camp on Seneca Lake near Penn Yan, New York.

The occasion was the afternoon service marking the entry of my brother and sister-in-law, Majors Don and Arvilla Hostetler, into honored retirement from a combined ninety years of service to God and the ministry of The Salvation Army. It was such a joy and honor to be there for the celebration, which included (above) a Scripture reading by five of Don and Arvilla's grandkids (which altogether number somewhere around three or four thousand, I think).

Don and Arvilla were insistent that the service honor God and celebrate his faithfulness (rather than eulogizing them), which it did. In fact, a highlight for me was the singing of "Great Is Thy Faithfulness," first by Don and Arvilla, joined on the next verse by their children, then their daughters-in-law and son-in-law, and finally by all the grandchildren for the final verse. Throat constricted, tears flowed, for me, anyway.

The Unbearable Adorableness of Being Grandchildren made the grandkids presentation of "It's a Miracle" (above), which their parents used to sing together on repeated occasions, whether they wanted to or not, another high point among many.

Finally the fun stopped (just kidding--why you gotta be so sensitive?) and the official retirement portion of the program, conducted by Commissioner Phil Swires (R), took place (flagbearers from left to right: Envoy Philip Hostetler, Chaplain Lt. (USN) David Hostetler, Lt. Col. Tim Raines (R), and Major John Cranford (R)). I was surprised that Don and Arvilla could hold it together, but they did. And that they weren't blinded, even temporarily, by their son's dazzling white uniform. Sheesh. 

In all seriousness, it was a great moment. I am so proud of my big brother and sister. They have worked so hard and faithfully, always giving, never taking, never shirking, never failing in love, duty, obedience, integrity, and servanthood. The standard phrase, "honored retirement" doesn't even begin to do them justice. 

Hilton Garden Inn, Erie, PA

Last Friday the lovely Robin and I took to the road with our daughter, Aubrey, and her three children, Calleigh, Ryder, and Avery. We were on our way to a retirement celebration, family reunion, and memorial service to take place in the Finger Lakes region of New York (more on that in the next few days). 

Since half of our party put in a workday on Friday (the other half were total slouches), we had to make the trip up in two parts. So we stayed on Friday night at the Hilton Garden Inn in Erie, Pennsylvania. 

It is a classy joint, as I like to say. The lobby was impressive and expansive, the service was quick and efficient, and our room was all that we had hoped. My only reservation--get it?--about our stay is that, like so many high-falutin'  hotels of the upper-class variety, there was no complimentary breakfast offered. It woulda cost us $10.95 a head for the eats in the hotel restaurant, so we passed. Turned out okay, as we had to hurry to make it to our destination, grabbing only the free coffee offered in the lobby (don't worry, nobody went hungry). But it would've been nice to grab a few dozen bagels or oranges on the way out, ya know? 

The Hilton Garden Inn in Erie is located at 2225 Downs Drive, just off I-90. And right next door to Cracker Barrel, which is a win/win.  

Animal Kingdom at Disney World

Our family vacation at Disney World in May included a visit to "Animal Kingdom," a varied section of the park divided mainly into an Africa and Asia section and a distant petting zoo. We got to see some ginormous bats, a family of an endangered species of deer (above), and more.

Calleigh and Ryder enjoyed climbing on a statue of elephants (above) in one of the train stations.

We got to ride an actual train to and from the petting zoo area of the park.

And Calleigh and Ryder got to brush a couple of the goats in one of the enclosures. Unfortunately and disappointingly, those were the only animals we got to interact with, and just in time, too, as they put the goats away a few minutes after we arrived.

We caught the last train back to civilization. Turns out Animal Kingdom closes at 6 p.m. Guess the animals have an earlier bedtime than us.

Epcot

I'm pretty sure the hottest day of our recent family (well, half-family) day at Disney World was the day we visited the Epcot Center. We were sticky and dehyrdated by the time we paused just inside Epcot for a family picture (above). But we still had fun. 

Our whirlwind trek through Epcot included a Finding Nemo ride (from which Aubrey and Calleigh abstained; Calleigh was still traumatized by the "Lili and Stitch" and "Pirates of the Caribbean" ride a day or two earlier). But the aquarium was a joy for Avery (above), and for the whole family. So much to see.

The rest of our family experience in Epcot went so fast I could hardly snap a picture. But a day or two later, the lovely Robin and I returned, just the two of us, and took time to enjoy each of the countries on the world tour the park presents. In England, we met two of our oldest and dearest friends (below). 

We also got to hear a "British invasion" band, watched three big screen films featuring the wonders of Canada, France, and China, had a delicious lunch of fish 'n' chips (which a local couple who shared our table said was the best in Orlando), and more. I was even tempted to buy a gift pack of assorted soaps in the Canada gift shop (below). But I refrained.

Breakfast with the Characters

Our family visit to Disney World last week included "Breakfast with the Characters" at the Hollywood & Vine restaurant in Disney's Hollywood Studios. 

Jake (of Jake and the Neverland Pirates) was the first to stop by our table (above), and the only character Ryder would--briefly--have anything to do with.

But Calleigh got into it. She got a hug from Sophia the First....

And allowed Mimi and Avery to get in on the act for a photo with Handy Manny....

But I think her favorite visitor was Doc McStuffins, who she already knew well from T.V.

The event was expensive, but at least it was a high quality breakfast buffet of eggs, bacon, fresh fruit, sausage, pastries, and more (for which I broke my new eating regimen a little. After all, my get-my-money's-worth gene is stronger than my gotta-lose-weight gene).

Pool Day at the Westgate Town Center

Last week during our family vacation in Florida, Mimi and Crappaw enjoyed a day with our three youngest grandkids all to ourselves while their Mom and Dad went to Universal Studios.
We had a blast. Calleigh is a fearless swimmer, and Ryder was thrilled when another family let him borrow one of their shooting water toys.
Avery took a more serene approach, napping and floating throughout her time at the pool.

And thanks to Crappaw's diligence, we mostly avoided sunburns. Calleigh got a little red on her cheeks but otherwise we stayed as white as a Mormon missionary's shirt.

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Black Angus Steakhouse, Kissimmee, FL

Last week during our visit to Kissimmee and Orlando, Florida, with the eastern half of our family, the lovely Robin and I had Monday evening all to ourselves while Aubrey, Kevin, Calleigh, Ryder, and Avery were at Disney World. So we made our way just around the corner from our resort to Black Angus Steakhouse at 7516 W Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway in Kissimmee.

Black Angus is a chain of three restaurants in the area that boasts "the best steaks in Orlando." We were seated immediately and served attentively. 

Robin enjoyed her filet medallions, which were cooked just right. 

I thought my prime rib should have been tastier, and the vegetables were blah. But then maybe the head chef has Mondays off. Or something like that. 

In any case, the company couldn't have been better, and we had a great time. Black Angus might not be my top choice when I'm in the area, but I wouldn't hesitate to give it another go.