It seems more and more that grandparents play essential roles in the lives of their grandchildren. Kids need the stability, calmness and a place to escape from the pressures of the busyness of this world. Even in the 1960’s and 1970’s when our family would drive to Olean to visit my mother’s parents there was a special box of paper dolls and farm animals neatly stored for me to play with. They were kept there for me to play with at their house only. I was forbidden to take them home. Crazy how much in turn I valued them.

I remember my grandpa telling me that the Jolly Green Giant lived in the Enchanted Mountains of Olean and I still remember with such sweetness eating dinner at 3pm at carefully prepared table with delicious homemade food mostly from their victory garden.

  It has been too long since I have visited Olean to pay respect and pray for them. I went back last week and made a little movie about it.

  You should visit Olean, see the squirrels, be inspired by the beauty of the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels and eat at the Union Tea Cafe. You’ll enjoy it.

  All so lovely. Keep looking up.

  Sincerely,

  Trish

Tags : Basilica of the St Mary of the Angels, cemetery, grandparents, New York, Olean, SBU, squirrels, Travel, Union Tea Cafe