Retirement……LOVE IT!

I have often wondered how the people of Indiana got the nickname “Hoosiers.” There are MANY theories how it came about. Here is one of the more “colorful” stories: There was once a contractor named Hoosier employed on the Louisville and Portland Canal. He preferred to hire laborers from Indiana. They were called “Hoosier’s men” and eventually all Indianans were called Hoosiers. If you want to know more just Google “how people from Indiana got the nickname Hoosiers.” 😉

Since COVID, I haven’t seen my older sister much in the last 2 years. Jack and I decided to stop in Spencer, Indiana, on our way back from the northeast states and visit. Peggy, has lived there most of her married life. Peggy and her husband, Ed (whom she met when she attended Indiana University in Bloomington), have been married 47 years. Ed grew up in Indiana, so I guess that makes him an original Hoosier!

We stayed at The Retreat at Hickory Hills campground a little north of Spencer, IN. Peggy called and wanted us to experience their Apple Butter Festival. Also, she wanted us to see her twin granddaughters (Abi and Emma), who are seniors in high school, in the marching band, march in their final Apple Butter Festival parade. We were able to extend our stay for a few more days. 👏👏👏

We went to McCormick’s Creek State Park one day for their annual BBQ & Blues Music Festival. Both the BBQ and the music were great. Another day we went there and met up with the whole Hines crew for their monthly Family Game Day. They had rented a pavilion, and we had delicious food and a wonderful visit with all of Peg and Ed’s kids, grandkids, and extended families. If you’re in the area, McCormick’s Creek State Park is Indiana’s very first state park and a beautiful place to visit.

Another place we visited was Cataract Falls, the largest water fall by volume in the state. The falls were actually pretty close to our RV park, so Peg and Ed came up to visit us at the RV for most of the day. Cataract Falls was really a beautiful place with the added bonus of an old covered bridge over Mill Creek. It consists of two sets of waterfalls separated by about 1 mile. Both falls consist of a series of drops. The total height of the Upper Falls is approximately 45 feet. The Lower Falls is about 30 feet.

When we returned to the RV we played cards and visited. Later that afternoon we decided to build a fire even though it was a hot September day. We wanted to roast marshmallows and make S’mores. They were SO good!

Another thing we did that week was eat out a lot. Two of our favorite places were Hill Top Restaurant and Millgrove Country Mart and Cafe. Hill Top is closer to Spencer and is a really nice place. The food there is DELICIOUS and they serve all the sides “family style.” Millgrove is north of Spencer and north of our rv campground in a small community known as Quincy. We ate brunch there one morning. The food was fantastic and the service was superb! HOWEVER, Our favorite place was Owen County Winery.

We played more cards, laughed until our sides hurt, and truly had a wonderful time during our week in Indiana. It was SO good to reconnect with my wonderful sister!

From Indiana we headed back to Missouri for two months of visiting our parents, family, and deer season (of course!).

So for now ….. “On the Road Again!

Betty