It’s been unseasonably cold here in Montrose, Pennsylvania this week. As in it’s going down into the twenties tonight cold. But all that being said, the last couple of days have at least been sunny and bright and while we’ve had our jackets close at hand, we’ve had a lovely weekend. I hope you have also! Instead of doing an update that includes words like ductboard and returns and supplies, I thought I’d share just a bit about the town of Montrose, the little corner of PA that we’re calling “home” for the next couple of months.
So. Montrose.

Montrose is located between Scranton and Binghampton, NY in what is considered the Endless Mountains. I love the way this town, which has stayed at roughly at the same population from when it was “laid out” in 1812 to today (between 1500 and 2000), has kept its charm while moving into the the 21st century.

A little of the 1860’s and a little of the 1960’s!
I just love the downtown, with its blend of architecture as it climbs the hill to the town square.


There are lots of interesting shops and businesses along Main Street and it even boasts a movie theater that is playing current movies! And – it’s only $5.00 on Thursdays! (Plus a refillable popcorn for $5.00 which makes Gary pretty happy!)

See the building with the big pillars – that the county courthouse. You see, Montrose is the county seat of Susquehanna County. Pretty impressive, eh?

There is the Civil War Memorial on the village square

and it also has its very own traffic light. (The town, not the monument!)

Only one though. Let’s not get crazy here!

I love the details on those old store fronts, but even more, I love the houses in this town!

Since it was such a pretty day today, we took a little drive to see if we could locate the OTHER thing that this area is becoming known for – Fraking. Or, in more technical term, Marcellus shale drilling. We weren’t terribly successful in finding an actual drilling operation, but we did see a staging area –

and the evidence of a pipeline being put in-

We ventured back one dirt road that looked like it might lead to a drilling operation, but when we came to this

it seemed pretty obvious that they didn’t want any visitors.
Oh well.
Mostly we enjoyed the beautiful countryside, dotted with farms

and occasionally alpaca!

Yes, Montrose is a sweet little town. We might have to drive to Binghamton for a Lowes or a Wal*Mart fix, but I’m happy to report that not 2 miles outside of town is this –

The Ice Cream Stand.
With a $5 movie house (with refillable popcorn) and a nearby Ice Cream Stand, this is a summer that holds great promise!

Side Note:
Saturday was Gary’s 62nd birthday – let’s hear it for the Golden Age Pass for the National Parks ($10/lifetime) and the first SS check that will arrive by the end of June! Happy Birthday, honey!

Yes, this IS how he spent his birthday. What’s a girl to do!

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