As if the window candles didn't spark enough debate on local house-decorating customs, what about this one?

I'm referring, of course, to the idea of putting a huge metal star on your house.

My roommate (for another few days at least - an early goodbye to you, Tina!) mentioned these to me. It's funny; this is another thing that I didn't realize was special to this region. Tina's from California, and she says the metal stars are definitely an area concept here.

Hubby, for what it's worth, hates these. In an almost irrational way. I don't mind them, but we're not much for the rustic style of decor, so I probably wouldn't use one. Anyone have one? Is it really something out of a rural Northeast tradition?

Posted in County customs Joan's randomness

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If you can't tell, it's "Joan's cleaning out her inbox" week on the ol' blog, and I want to keep sharing some of the best comments I've received.

I had gotten some good responses to my post on window candles.

From my sister Louise (Hi, Weez!), who just knows a ton about almost any subject you can imagine:

I would guess that the candle in the window is only popular where there is a heavy concentration of colonial and Victorian style homes. It would not suit modern styles as much due to lack of period authenticity. They make those candles with batteries too...I want you to stay safe...just sayin'

If you couldn't guess, I have a family reputation as a klutz...

From my good high school friend Phil, who just bought his first house, with his wife, Carrie:

I've heard that we are the only area that keeps them in year round... other areas only during the holidays.

I threatened to get him a set of window-candles as a housewarming gift!

Then there was some more helpful advice from Jo:

The look pretty at most homes, but they can be a real pain depending on window treatment. Also, not all window ledges are wide enough to support the base of the candles. I have roll-up cellular blinds at my windows which I roll up and down everyday. No way could I fiddle with the candles everyday. I think they are especially nice at windows with curtains left tied to the side and without blinds.

So there you have it. I'm just glad other people know more than me! My decorating skills... not so much.

Posted in County customs

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So when my brother came out from Tucson, he noticed how green it is in Pennsylvania. That I knew would be very different than where he came from.

But he also noticed something else that I've recently come to find out is a "northeastern U.S." thing, and which is very big in York County.

It's the idea of putting those little electric candles in the front windows of your house.

I guess I thought everyone did that, but my out-of-region family members assure me that it's much more popular around here.

Who knew? For my part, I'd love to have them, but I'm too lazy to go around and turn them on every night. Someone suggested timers, but I'm pretty sure I'm too lazy to even set them all up on timers. Isn't that sad?

Posted in County customs Only in York County

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It's spring, ladies and gentlemen, and that means it's time for York Countians to start making their weekly or more-than-weekly pilgrimages to their favorite local ice-cream parlors, right?

One of my favorite's, Mack's on Route 74 in Dover Township, is open all year, but somehow I just can't get in the mood for ice cream till it gets warm. So Wednesday night, the husband and I took advantage of the amazing weather to head out and get him some dinner and me some Oreo-cookie-and-milk-in-a-cone.

That's hubby Chris at right, holding my small Oreo cookie cone. Small! For $2.50, I got what must have been three full scoops. It was amazing.

He was more in a dinner mood. And while I recommended the famous Mack's chicken strips, he had another idea.

Posted in Around town County customs Dover/West York Joan's randomness Things to do Things we eat

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So last week, for the Fourth of July, you might remember it poured, at least in many parts of the county.

Despite this, I stood in my driveway (about a mile from the Expo Center, uphill from it) and watched the fireworks. Further, I drug out my husband in his sock feet* so he wouldn't miss any. (He took off the socks before going out the door, wisely.)

Posted in County customs Northern/West Shore Things we say York City/Suburban

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I'm sure you're familiar with the York County habit of calling places by "what they used to be," often with no regard for the fact that it hasn't been that in decades.

Like the Yorkisms, I'm going to try to collect these, and I'm open to suggestions, so post comments below!

My favorite is Zimmie's (Zimmy's? I'm not even sure how you spell it.) That's what the Green Valley swim club on Poplars Road in West Manchester Township used to be. As far as I can tell, it's been Green Valley at least since I was in elementary school, possibly longer. But I call it Zimmie's. My friends all call it Zimmie's. Because that's what our parents called it. My daughter, who took swimming lessons there last summer, even called it that.

Indoctrinating a third generation. I love it.

Posted in County customs Dover/West York It used to be...

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So today included three picnic-type events for our family. All with good food and fun stuff to do. All included hot dogs; two included cats. What more can you ask for?

Posted in Central/Eastern County customs Dover/West York Things we eat

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