BLUE LINE FARM & APIARY

Ready, set. . . Skate!

2012-01-27T12:22:00.002-05:00

As the superbowl approaches, I am again reminded of just how disinterested in football I really am. I get all the hype and commercialism surrounding it-if the Superbowl could be extended into a season, like Christmas, they would. Oh wait, they have. An entire season! Ugh. I can only say that football has given my movie viewing new life. Each time there is a big game, I am compelled to get myself to the movies and see something really worth watching. I used to be able to tolerate these games, before I was gluton-free. But now, even the snacks are boring. If you can't get your hands into a gooey and hot h'ors d'ouevre (sp?) than what really is the point? I think football was initially created by the makers of beer. I mean really, when was the last time a "cosmopolitan" was served at a ball game? It just doesn't fit. And so, I will most likely take myself to the movies for the big game, and leave the cheering/eating/drinking to the guys (and those girls who love it as well). I am so inspired by my sister-in-law who really LIKES these games. I've tried, truly. But I just can't help thinking that I would rather watch last season's reruns than this week's game. Sad but true. I actually do prefer watching golf on TV (I am not being facetious here) I really do. Watching g)olf is a lovely way to spend the afternoon. Usually, the weather is fine (which is always a nice way to spend the day, on the warm and breezy links of Augusta GA), the fans are civilized and sometimes even whisper. You could have a cosmopolitan, or even just a nice lemonade or iced tea. Everyone is on their very best behavior, unlike the half-naked team-color painted lunatics who have spent the past five hours in the parking lot getting fired up and ready for the game. Anything that requires me to stay outside in sub-zero weather, eating sub-standard super-priced food is not on my bucket list. If I was given superbowl tickets-I would pass them on to those I know would enjoy the game. It's just not worth the effort of packing to get myself to Indiana. I'd rather be going to FLA if I'm going to be getting on a plane. Anything done in sub-zero temperatures should involve blades and rich hot chocolate. Skating perhaps? We tried it last weekend, and it was a raging success for the five minutes we spent on the ice. It was a cloudy and cold day, and it seemed like a great idea to get out our skates and head on down to the park at Littauer Field. They have resurrected this ice skating venue the past two winters, and from the looks of the crowds on the ice (NOT!) it's a raging success. Actually, I do believe there is a rabid ice hockey following, just not figure skaters. We managed to get our skates on, which is more and more difficult as we get a little older. There are no warm benches to sit on-just snow covered football bleachers. We did our skates on the back of Jerry's pick-up, and without those lace tools that the rink guards at Christopher Morley Ice Rink had, I was unable to get mine sufficiently tight. And so, with weak ankles, off I went. When your ankes don't have support (i.e. TIGHT!) it is nearly impossible to skate with any authority. I managed a few spins and photo ops, but then I was done. Sometimes, the bucket list just involves having done it-not the quality of the experience. Jerry had backed his serius radio up to the rink, and I was wistfully thinking how I would have loved to skate around the rink to the 70s station that I so love, but alas, it was not to be. The rink was still in need of a zamboni, and the divotted, snow-covered rink was in pretty bad shape. It needed a parent or someone to sweep/shovel away the 2.5 inches of partly cloudy that had accumulated on the ice. Not a smooth surface for a age-challenged skater. So, we got our shots (both photographic and verbal) and packed it in. The hot cocoa was indeed comforting, and we drove home laughing at our mutual limitations. Anyone for golf?

Jerry having some fun. . .

. . . before the trip, and near miss.

This is what weak ankles look like!

What a beautiful rink! If only it were ice-ready!

Extra Strength

2012-01-19T12:12:00.000-05:00

I had the opportunity to shop for Peptol-Bismol the other day, as Allison had a stomach thing going on on Monday Morning. I realized that the last time I had purchased Peptol Bismol was sometime when Allison was in kindergarten. It has, in her world, lasted a lifetime. We didn't give Peptol before Kindergarten (if I remember correctly), and so she has been working off the same bottle for 12 years. I imagine that the expiration date was passed long before we finished it, but who checks these things? Once I've purchased something, unless it is in the refrigerator, it lasts till it's gone. At any rate, we were out of the pink stuff and I wanted to be a better mother than I had been at 6 AM, when I just said "NO, we don't have any", and went back to sleep. At some point during the day, I remembered that she had asked me a question, but for the life of me I couldn't remember what it was. I asked her after she arrived home from school, and after I got the answer, I vowed to remember to pick some up at the store, even though her stomach ache was gone. At least in the future I'd be more prepared. I stopped off at the dollar general store, which is different from a dollar store. We have a number of dollar stores here in Fulton County, and it does require some translation for the uninitiated. A YANKEE dollar store, is a dollar store that actually charges a dollar for everything in the store. Yes, everything is $1. No exceptions unless they are for lesser amounts (such as 2 for $1). It gets tricky for those who don't know the lingo. A DOLLAR GENERAL store means that everything is GENERALLY a dollar. Sometimes items can be many dollars, but GENERALLY they are less than $10. If an item's value is more than $10, it doesn't really belong in any kind of dollar store, does it? But I digress.

The Good Old Days-No Strength choices!

I made a quick trip around the Dollar General store because I was also looking for Bachman's Sweet Potato Chips (anyone know where to get these? They're unbelievably delicious!) but I wasn't having any luck there, so this also happened to be my third stop on the quest for these. After the sweet potato chip disappointment I immediately went to the medicine aisle, which is the world's biggest bargain. You can usually find whatever medicine you are looking for in the store brand. It is a big value for your dollar and doesn't have any difference that I have ever found, and I am quite knowledgeable about medications, believe me. This I know to be true-I have checked the labels ingredient for ingredient. But I was stopped in my tracks when I saw the store brand of Peptol Bismol in REGULAR and EXTRA STRENGTH. What is this? I was confused. I ask you, if you are experiencing stomach pains, do you classify them as regular or extra strength? I do not. When I am experiencing stomach pain, I want the national guard called out to relieve my pain. I'm not taking anything less than the most to relieve that particular ailment. And if you are buying medication for TODAY'S stomach ache, who's to say that TOMORROW'S stomach ache will not be extra strength? This seems like the cruelist form of marketing. Are they saying we need two strengths of PB in our medicine closet? That is ridiculous. That is like taking only regular strength ibuprofin because your pain is less than raging? I think not. When I go in with pain meds, I want the biggest strength on my side. I don't want to find that midway through the dosage time it was the wrong strength, and I am now in raging pain. What do you do then? You wish you had taken Extra Strength and suck it up? This is why you should take that in the first place. Then you have no regrets. And so, I headed off to the register only to be told upon ringing me up that the store brand of extra strength peptol bismol had been recalled. I walked back to the section on stomach remedies and picked up the regular strength peptol bismol which was, upon registering it with the cashier, perfectly fine and under no recall. I left the store with my pink bottle and headed home, wondering if I would have buyers remorse in the middle of a raging stomach flu. Oh well, live dangerous I always say. Isn't that the point of dollar store medications anyway? I now have a raging headache. I wonder why?

Tubby Time

2012-01-07T15:03:00.002-05:00

Today was bath day at Blue Line Farm. The human inhabitants shower every day. Hopefully, that would go without saying. Not so the animal population. It is hard to get Jake from one room to another, no less carry him into the tub. But he was long overdue. Bailey has other issues. He could jump into the tub if he wanted to, but the truth is, he doesn't want to. Anything other than walking or running is, in Bailey's mind, a scary and unnecessary activity. He is simply not interested. Daphne had a bath yesterday, and that is a whole different ballgame. She loves her tubby. She revels in it. It is, just as any woman knows, almost a religious experience. Sinking down into the warm, soapy water. Just closing your eyes and enjoying the healing heat on your tired, achy muscles. That was yesterday. Today we chose Bailey first, hoping to jump on the element of surprise. Once we got him into the bathroom, he began to shiver. Not from temperature, but from fear. We had prepared the tub with a mat on the bottom, so as not to scratch the surface permanently. The water was running with a nice warm and gentle spritz. Jerry lifted him into the tub, and he settled down quite nicely. Not scrambling to get out, as I suspected he would. He stood quietly whhile we hosed him down and lathered him up. We use a nice "tear-free" shampoo made specifically for dogs. The lather and massage was something that he was enjoying, and we were able to get him done rather quickly. The drying was also a lovely rub-down that he completely enjoyed. One down-one to go. Jake was coaxed into the bathroom but wasn't quite feeling the experience. Jerry lifted him too-not an easy task, but he went quietly. As soon as the warm water hit, you could almost see him sigh. As a fellow arthritis sufferer, I could feel his relief. He was loving every minute of this bath. The lather and massage were glorious-I could tell he was in his finest moment. We kept him in an extra few minutes-it was worth it to see him enjoy himself so much. I think we need to be bathing him more often. We dried him off and again, that rubdown with a plush thick towel was perfect-he clearly enjoyed himself. I laid a fresh towel down on his bed so he wouldn't get that all wet and have to lay on it all night, but he chose instead to lay down on the rug. I guess he didn't want to mess up his bed AT ALL. I know how all of them feel-there is nothing like a tubby. Here are a few pictures of our CLEAN dogs. They are ready for their closeups! Now that the tub has been cleaned and bleached, I may just take that on tonight. A warm and lathered tubby with a beautiful view out the back window. Sounds like a plan!

The thrills of January

2012-01-03T18:51:00.000-05:00

Ah January, that time of year when we clean up our acts, our houses and our calendars. A clean page with a clean year followed behind it is motivation to use a nice new pen. Print carefully and legibly those dates that you want to remember, and vow to keep it up throughout the year. Inevitably, by the time I get to June it is a scribbled mess of appointments, names, numbers and travel plans. But each year, I try. I do this house cleaning because of taxes. It is impossible to prepare for taxes when you haven't got your house in order. Because the scamble for receipts, Dr's statements and all the other things that are needed cannot be accomplished if the Christmas tree hasn't been removed and stored efficiently. It's an overlap of events, and it doesn't work. But in January, there is a sort of two minute warning (in football terms) where you really have to hustle to get it together. I go over the last year's calendar and carefully write in birthdays and anniversaries, graduations and road trips. It is a history of our lives, those calendars from 2011. If only I could make out the notes I have made along the way. There are numbers written in the margins that must have been important at that moment. But in my rush to get things done I neglected to write a name next to that number, and now I have no idea who that person is, or how to get in touch with them. If you haven't heard from me in a while, it might have been you. Sorry! I am also inclined to clean my wallet and my pocketbook in January. This is a large task which coincides with tax time. I know my wallet is holding important receipts that we will definitely be needing soon. I transfer all receipts to the newly emptied wallet, and hope that they will make sense when I am actually handing them over. And wallets and bags can be filled with incredible junk that I am not sure how it gets in there. I believe there are people out there who, like pickpockets, are agile at placing their garbage in my bag. It's the only way I can explain alot of trash-someone must have walked up behind me while I was otherwise occupied, and dropped in post-it notes with cryptic messages written in unfamiliar handwriting. "Gina 7 PM on Thursday". Who is Gina and which Thursday were they referencing, because the post-it is absolutely ancient and crumbled. Never wrote it, I swear. Now my family is convinced that these are my idiosyncracies and I should own them, because I do have a bit of a memory problem, probably due to medication. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. Recently while organizing my tax-list of medications, I was picking through my medical file and found an EOB (Explanation of Benefits for the un-initiated). I was reading the list of diagnoses printed on this insurance sheet and was surprised to find that "giddy" was one of the diagnoses the Doctor had listed. Now, the insurance code next to it also referenced another condition "dizzy". This I will own. On occasion I will be walking along and simply list to the right or left. It's usually something I can catch, and am always happy when I am with someone who would be able to identify me if I keep over. And I have certainly been referred to as a "flake" sometimes, because I can have a serious conversation with someone, and five minutes later forget that we had just run into them. I don't think that's the kind of dizzy my Doctor meant though. But Giddy? I have not been giddy since the 10th grade when I found out I made the Cheerleading Squad. Really. I would not have been surprised if I had read "sarcastic" or even "cynical". But I was completely taken back by this new diagnosis event. I'm not sure how I feel about it. Being giddy is not necessarily a bad thing. Look at Richard Simmons. He is giddy on a regular basis, and has actually made a career out of it. (He and I are meeting in the morning for about one hour-strictly voluntary-not a diagnosis) Tom Cruise was giddy about Katie Holmes when he met up with Oprah, but just such a scene is what I'm afraid of. I wasn't a big fan of Tom after that. I just kind of felt like he made himself look like an idiot. I don't want to look like an idiot, and so I will make the extra effort to contain my giddiness. However, this piece of paper is in the tax file, and I'm not sure I want the accountant to know that I have been professionally diagnosed as giddy. Would he think me foolish? Thankfully, I do have Jerry kind of running this show, and he always has my back. I simply have to stop cracking myself up all the time, which is something else I do, but has never been professionally diagnosed. In the insurance codebook that might read Crack-up/Crazy. I'd better be careful.

darn!

2011-12-27T15:13:00.000-05:00

The build up to the holidays is very stressful for everyone. The gifts must be purchased, wrapped, sorted, tagged, packed, loaded and in my case, forgotten. I worked a full year on an afghan for my son and his significant other (there's got to be a better term than THAT!) With jut a few finishing touches required, I didn't wrap this beautiful work of art, instead planning to finish it up in the four hour ride to Long Island. With that in mind, I'm sure you know what I'm going to say-that's right, I forgot it. We left at 6:00 a.m., and without a full coffee-inspired reaction, I was unable to remember this one handmade gift. We packed for ten or eleven family members, and I must say that I did that (with my daughter's assistance) very well. Each family was sorted and packed into one single and large gift bag, marked with the location. We made a few stops over the holidays, and each one was well planned. Except for the afghan. I didn't even remember it until my son walked into the house and I looked at him to say hello. At that moment, it came crashing down around me. I didn't have their afghan. Damn, damn and double damn!
And so, with this year's faux pas fresh in my mind, I am planning and looking to next year with high hopes and great expectaations. I will be buying early, wrapping early, sorting early, and FINISHING early. I will take on nothing larger than a scarf or hat, and it will be manageable enough to be completed by November, at the very latest. I have the wool, I love to knit, and this should not be a problem. As soon as the tree i removed, I will be bringing my spinning wheel upstairs from the studio. I will finish! As far as resolutions go, I am not making any except for my annual resolution. I fully intend to monitor the language that comes out of my mouth and to fully eliminate any words that would offend. I tend to have the mouth of a sailor sometime, and I hate it! I make this resolution each year, and every year it is followed a little longer into the calendar. I won't say how long it goes, but I will admit that I usually have to re-remind myself around Lent. Quit the cursing! I try. I think it is a valued resolution, and I give it my best shot. Anyone with an interesting resolution? Quite possibly there is a cursing support group I could become a member of.

2011-12-19T02:31:00.001-05:00

Yesterday we had "The greening of the church" which is when "many hands truly do make light work" (another Amish saying that is very true! Right after the 10:00 service, everyone dives into the "decoration boxes" and gets started. The aisles get the tall pillar candles, the wreaths go up on the walls and each staihned glass window gets a candle-lit window sconce-the tree (from our property) always looks so majestic in church - in about 20 minutes or so, the church is deand tree is decorated for the Christmas eve services, and looks magnificent. This is my favorite time of year. There is something for everyone! Just like at home, all of a sudden things look very Christmassy-I don't usually get "in the mood" until then. Seeing the church all decorated and realizing there are only 7 days until christmas is enough to get even the laziest shopper started! And luckily-I did alot of shlpping yesterday with Jerry-we went with a list and just chipped away at it! Not once did I get sidetracked. I'm quite proud of myself! Last weekend friends came and picked out a tree:

and on this past Saturday, the gentlemen from the church came up to pick out the tree for the sanctuary: The interesting thing is, Jerry and I had picked out a candidate for the church, looking at it from all angles and thinking this was a great tree. When the four gentlemen arrived, they went out into the pasture before us When we arrived slightly after them, and with no communicaation between us about location, we pulled up to the same location and found that where they were standing (in a choice of 8 acres or so) and found that they had picked the same tree. Coincidence? I don't think so. I think that there was a little devine intervention going on-I love when that happens!

Right about now is when I usually start to panic-but this year, I have it all under control-we were actually able to take in a Christmas Cantata that my friend Missy was performing in. All in all a lovely weekend! We were in Colonie Mall on Saturday, and low and behold there was Santa, looking exhausted and daunted by the line of children wrapping around the ChristmasLand venue. I guess he gets overwhelmed too! We have decided because we're going to be on L.I. for Christmas, we will do our christmas here before we leave-this means we don't have to organize yet another bag when we get on the road. A Brilliant plan if you ask me. We're really going along swimmngly with Christmas, and I think we might pull this off with little drama. I'm praying for that! Of course I too have been known to be a little delusional about this time of year, and maybe that's the case, but for right now I'm going to wallow in this feeling of accomplishment. By thursday I will probably be in a panic. We'll see!

Moonlight Walks

2011-12-15T17:39:00.000-05:00

Because neither Jerry or I is compelled to stop tasting the Christmas goodies, we have begun a walking regine after dinner. We were going real strong in the summertime, putting on running shoes and giving ourselves a couple of brisk laps around the cemetery, which is next to our house. We could work up a good sweat, and negate the calories of getting into the car and driving to Granny's Ice Cream stand for a nightcap. The lines were long but the girls behind the counter are quick. After a time waiting on the line and chatting with all the other patrons we would step up to the window and place our order. Because we live in an area where dairy is readily available, ice cream happens to be world-class delicious, expensive and abundant. If you order a Baby size, it is the equivalent to a medium on Long Island. And they just grow bigger from there. Granny's has soft-serve and they have to tip the cones on their side to get them out of the ice cream stand. It's pretty wild. When someone orders a "Large" everyone starts to laught and comment, because clearly this customer is new, and has no idea what he's in for. So now we are walking because with the onset of autumn and winter, we lapsed a little bit in our walking schedulee. Here it is December and we have been eating Stewart's delicious ice cream (half gallons)without regard to the need for exercise or restraint. There are certain things that you basically never run out of. Eggs, milk, peanut butter. Ice cream has now joined the list of items that we will ride into town to replenish. If we have foolishly allowed a half gallon to get to the point where someone is getting shorted, it's a trip to Stewarts. We live approximately six miles from Stewarts, in Meco. Now, six miles on a straight road is nothing, but on North Bush Road where we live, it's quite a trip. At least a half hour round trip. We've done it. Which brings me back to my original explanation of why we're taking evening walks. But the benefit of this leisurely stroll through the black and stillness of the cemetery is that we are able to chat about the days events, our opinions of certain television shows or books, or just holding on and navigating the dirt road. And every once in awhile, you get to observe a moon like this:

It's not a bad trade-off.

The Classifieds

2011-12-13T16:51:00.000-05:00

You can tell alot about the economy by reading the Classified section of your local newspaper. I actually read ours from cover to cover most days, either the paper version or the online version. I read it before we purchased our upstate vacation home (it is a home now, it was a glorified tent back then). When we became interested in the area, we both were online alot reading the local paper, finding out people's ideas and gripes through the editorial section (you can weed out the wackos pretty quickly when you see their letters, week after week). Sometimes you can see who is front page news in the community (they also show up frequently). There is alot of information to be had in the newspaper that you won't hear from the Realtor. Mostly though, you can read the Classifieds and see what is happening right around you. I love to see the pleas from St. Jude. I always say a prayer for that person as well, just for extra. It can never hurt. You will read about the obvious things, snowmobiles and cars for sale. But lately, I've been reading of lesser items, that would only be considered for sale if things were not going well for the seller. And the prices are usually a clue. "Christening Gown-$10 or best offer" This particular ad broke my heart. Is ten dollars all that that gown represents to them?; and are things that bad that they would let it go for that? Where is that child? Don't they want that gown? Or am I a sentimental old fool?How about $5 for a recliner? I've seen that kind of ad, and I know that anyone who would spend the time to place a classified ad for $5 is in dire need of that money. I am not judging these folks-not at all. What I am doing is considering, every day because of the newspaper, how incredibly blessed we are in the choices we have made, and the success we enjoy. I wonder about these people, and wonder especially if they are also being helped by the various churches and agencies that offer assistance. It's almost like a peek into someone's life; one that is not always available. , or honest. And we get to see how decisions are sometimes made out of necessity. And I wonder why the Classified column is now spilling over onto another page, with people selling things that may have mattered to them, for less than their real value, because they need it. That's the part that I wonder about. And that's why I read the Classifieds in the newspaper-front to back. Sometimes I need a little reality check, and a halt to the consumerism that starts to seep into our psyche. It's not about the gifts, it's about the giving to those in need, and making sure that the love of all our holidays are meshedtogether at this time of year. Of not being offended when someone says "Happy Holidays" or "Happy Chanukah", and looking instead to the fact that someone was wishing you anything good. Letting it all be good, and sharing the goodness with anyone you can. You just never know who really needs it. But if you look carefully, you may find it in the Classifieds.

The Black Hole

2011-12-12T10:58:00.000-05:00

I'll bet you thought I meant the black hole in space. Oh no,I'm talking about the blogger's black hole. It has just taken me 30 minutes to sign onto Blueline Farm and Apiary. I want to blog, but it is getting increasingly difficult to manuever the world wide web. Is it the equipment? Or is it ME who is not getting it? I have to assume at this point that it is my age which is causing me all kinds of problems. I can look at the "Lilac Bliss" on the Windex bottle and spend a few seconds wondering what "Lilac Buss" is? My eyes are going, my mind is going, and my body has been gone for quite some time. I woke up one morning and I had a tire tube of flesh around my middle that was not there the day before. Truly, it was overnight that my physique went from athletic and lean to overweight and tired. I was a dancer for heaven's sake-I should be aging like Rita Moreno, not Stevie Nicks. I will also admit that it took me a few minutes to remember her name. I could picture her clear as a bell, but her name escaped me. It's funny sometimes, because all I can really do is laugh. Otherwise, I'd be sobbing all the time. When I was in my 40's, I looked around and was very comfortable with the way I was aging. I felt good about myself. It was a trick. Just when I was confident I was going to have a relatively comfortable retirement and my golden years would be like the viagra commercials, that features a woman who looked like maybe she would be worth all the side effects for the man (if you are experiencing kidney failure, immediately contact the nearest health facility). Ya think? I'm taking so many medications and vitamin supplements that I should look like Jane Fonda. Strong and lean. I am now Dancing With the Stars - an exercise video for cardiac strengthening. It's working out quite well. I do the video in the morning for about 45 minutes including the cool-down, and then I spend the rest of the day trying not to eat so much because I'm STARVING from all the exercise. Fortunately , I live very far from town, because with Stewart's ice cream being at the bottom of our road, it could get ugly. It's a dilemma for sure. I'm being very stoic, and I hope to have an "after" picture sometime in the spring. But today, I'm baking Christmas cookies.

I'm not Donna Reed

2011-12-08T14:10:00.001-05:00

It does get a little muddy out there!

It's been a longer while than I would like, since I've written in the blog. I do try to make it relevant if possible, and as you can see, not much has been going on. We've had trips back and forth to Long Island and had the opportunity to see family and friends over the Thanksgiving holiday. It's all good, but it's all busy. I'm was wondering how I was able to manage the house in Glen Cove, before we moved. It has occurred to me that we had cleaners come in once every few weeks, and they were essentially like a SWAT Team, the bathroom and kitchen floors were gleaming, and I was able to sit down in a dusted and vacuumed living room, all at the same time! I am doing these jobs, make no mistake about it! I'm exhausted. But by the time I get to the vacuuming after having dusted the day before, it needs to be dusted again! I have made some headway with organizing and cleaning. The spice shelf by the stove was cleaned and is now beautifully organized with shelf papers. Quite a job. But I can't keep up. The dogs seem to be on a mission to bring in mud, even though the driveway has been completed and we are mud free on the people who traverse in and out of the house. They do run out in the field every other day or so, and of course Bailey has to run past the pond, which is really just more than his dog-will can stand. He's got to get both from paws in the water as far as he can, so he can peruse for bull-frogs. It's a little late in the year for bull-frogs, but he looks anyway. Daphne just runs through any wet area she can find out there, and Jake, due to his weight, will squish through anything that was just damp. Somehow, they all get muddy. By April, I've stopped worrying about the floors, but it's still a little early in the winter to have thrown in the towel. I worry about that. I happened to park behind a cleaning service today, while I was running some errands in town. I did jot down their number, on the off chance that I win the lottery and will be hiring staff. Because I also remembered that I was working full-time when we had the cleaning service. GLITCH! Working full-time is justification for not getting to every corner of the house. Weekends were saved for trips upstate and family. Not cleaning. But now I am home, with no excuse. It's shameful. I am working on a few knit projects for Christmas, and that does cut into my day. The beautiful thing about knitting is that you can also watch HGTV with one eye. I do love those international house hunting programs. But I digress. The real problem is the floors. If I could just get that off my list, I could probably do a bang up job of keeping the rest of the place clean (omitting Allison's room, which I haven't seen since 2008). I'm sure I could. Now where did I put that number? . . .

aaaaahhhhhh. the great outdoors.

2011-11-15T11:44:00.000-05:00

I've often thought that I would have enjoyed being a type of pioneer woman. I love the outdoors and am so inspired by vistas of undeveloped land. I was going to say vistas of wilderness, but really, I'm not exactly sure what a wilderness is. Unknown territory? Or simply uncrowded territory? For me, I love being in an area that is undeveloped and has few people. Just the wind and the birds and the howling snow. However, let me first clarify that howling snow is only fun if you are sitting inside a toasty cabin with a roaring fire. Howling snow when I'm sitting outside without shelter or warmth is not what I meant. So, maybe pioneer woman is not exactly what I was meant to be. Maybe I was meant to be right where I am, with a little bit of civilization right here in my house. Warmth, food, beautiful vistas out the window and minimal population. I may achieve that today, because Jerry is working a double shift, and I was foolish enough to lend my car to Allison to take to school. And so, I will be here at home until 7 PM without anyone but the dogs to keep me company. I did send Allison to the grocery last night (I'm really working this new license thing) because we were in need of a few staples, and she was willing. And so, the cupboard is full and I will be here in my own little wilderness until they all wander in tonight at 7-ish. She has a job after school taking someone's Senior picture, and will be going directly to a fall sports program. As I said, just me and the dogs until 7 PM. I cannot leave. There is much for me to do here at the old homestead, because I did not do much yesterday, a result of my arthritis issues. I just sat here. I had no desire to leave and was so happy when Allison said she would do the shopping for me. But now, when I can't leave, it's a little bit different. If truth be told, I'm starting to get a little freaked, and it's only 11:30. I may take Bailey down the road to visit the cows and the pigs, just because I don't like to walk alone. He is good company, when he's on a leash. The other two couldn't be bothered. So, just me and Bailey and the great outdoors. I could put my garden to bed. People do that here. They pull all the old stems and weeds and clear the garden for spring planting. I prefer to put off til spring what I could have done today. By springtime the garden has mulched most of its weeds and needs to be turned anyway. That's out. Plus, it's kind of cold out there. I guess I'll sit here by the fire. Just me and the dogs, alone.

Happy Birthday Baby

2011-11-11T10:41:00.000-05:00

Although my "baby" is 28 today, what adult children never realize until they are parents is that they will be forever "babies" in our minds. As soon as you become a parent, that little face and those little cries are forever in our hearts. It becomes a film (rather lengthy at this point) of faces and emotions and heart-bursts that goes on and on. There are few moments that we don't remember in detail, even if those moments have been long forgotten by our children. We remember every cry, every giggle and every beautiful smile that has existed in our childs lives, and feel that pride more and more with each recurring memory. We still look at pictures drawn in play school and it triggers a love so strong that it hurts. And even while it's hurting we can remember the little chubby fingers that worked so hard to make a present for "Mommy", and there is no feeling like it in the world. I don't know about anyone else, but there is no gift on this earth that could hold as much value to me as those first drawings and fruit loop necklaces that were presented with unconditional love. The same unconditional love that was there the minute they were born. In one moment, I met someone whom I would give my life for, and that feeling has never gone away. Just try and hurt that child, and you will experience "the wrath of Mom". And just as quick, my own children will experience that same wrath if they choose to do something that hurts someone else. It was and is our job to teachh them right from wrong, and if you take that seriously, it is a lifelong job. Because yes, children do learn by what you do, not by what you say. Sometimes that makes things so uncomfortable for us as adults. Because sometimes it would just be nice to put your feet up and say "not my problem". However, the heart that loves also knows that it is a job that lasts forever. And for me, that is OK. Because I signed on 28 years ago, and I've never been sorry. Happy Birthday Sweetheart. Thank you for all your smiles. You have made me a better person, and I am so proud of every thing you do. I'm still hanging your creations on frig. You amaze me every day. Now, would you please call home? I've been trying to reach you for three days. :)

Free at last! Free at last!

2011-11-08T08:08:00.000-05:00

I was able to sleep in this morning. The reason for that you ask? Allison has passed her road test!!!!! We have a new attitude in the morning. Jerry waved the bus by, because he slowed at our house on the off chance that Allison would be late and running out the door. Why would he have that idea? Anyway, of course it does include the fact that I am now sharing my car, but that in actuality isn't so bad. It keeps me home during the day, and suddenly our house is cleaner and dinner's are being artfully planned. I think this might work. If I DO need to run into town for some reason, Allie is home at 2:30 and I can take care of any errands then, or even better, I can give her cash and let HER run the errands for me after school. I think I will parlay this new situation into something great! It has also worked wonders on her attitude. I can't really say that she had a bad attitude, but she has been a bit distanced from us for awhile-not really interested in our activities or conversations-just kind of keeping to herself and staying holed up in her room-normal teenage stuff that just kind of grates on your nerves-without actually being something that you can complain about. When asked why she is holed up in her room, the answer is "I'm studying". Can't really be annoyed about that can you? But now, we have a lovely participant who is setting the table, making salads and joining into our conversations about trivial things, with a smile no less-all because keeping Mom happy will result in possibly being able to use the car. All of a sudden I have power. POWER! I have not had power since I was in charge of the TV and computers. I could pull the plug on those pretty quick when she was in middle school. High School punishments are reserved for some really serious stuff-thankfully, we have had few of those. But now, I hold the keys to the kingdom. I do realize that it is only for the next year until she goes to college, but I shall revel in it. I actually asked her to get me a soda yesterday. It felt kind of like "peel me a grape" because I was simply lounging in my chair and had no good reason to not get up and get it myself. Maybe I went a little overboard, but it's still new to us both. I know it will wear off, the driving thing. But for now, It's working for me. Champagne anyone?

RIP Steve Jobs

2011-10-06T13:00:00.000-04:00

I know it's been awhile since I last blogged, because Google changed my password and all the security information. Sheesh, can't a girl take a few weeks off? I guess not. The last time I wrote, we were wrapping up a lovely summer. This morning the pellet stove came on quite early, because it was 31 degrees out. 31 DEGREES! Along with Jake, the 13 year old Lab/Great Dane, I am feeling the weather change in my bones. I told Jerry this morning he may be able to get a two-fer euthanasia at the vet, and he didn't contradict me. Some days I think that I may be more trouble than the dog, and not as charming about it. He doesn't contradict that either. It is supposed to be a beautiful weekend though, and I plan on getting as much sun as I possibly can. Is it possible to store up Vitamin D? I have a sinking feeling I'm going to need it.

We're already past peak in terms of leaf peeping, and 31 degrees in early October is a little frightening for me. Warm weather helps the arthritis and joints. Unfortunately, I do love the winter landscape. And the change of seasons. I think it just needs to change a little faster than it has been. As everyone else is commenting today, I am feeling so sorry for the loss of Steve Jobs in our world. He was, as so many have said, the Thomas Edison of our generation. No one could have predicted the "gadgets" that he envisoned, and was able to create. What a world it would be if we didn't have the communication we have now. Incredible vision. RIP. Try and use your gadgets consciously today, and appreciate their value, not just their convenience. I know I do.

2011-09-07T06:40:00.000-04:00

It has been quite awhile since I've sat at the desk and written a blog. What a summer it has been! Physically, I'm feeling alot better, or should I say was. The weather has taken a turn her, in usual form. The day after Labor Day it is fall in the truest sense. Damp, cold and miserable. The weather change has affected my arthritic hands, and again I am feeling a little bit undone. I will fight it again. In terms of milestones, it is the first day of school for my youngest child. It is the last time I will wake up with anticipation for a new school year and all the excitement and drama that it brings. I am reminded of her first day at Gribbin School in Glen Cove, and how small and innocent she was. In a sense, she hasn't changed all that much. Except now she doesn't need me to hold her hand and lead the way. Next year will bring a different change, when she is off to college sometime in August. That will be different I'm sure, and it certainly won't involve the school bus drama that goes with living in a rural community. Being a senior and getting on a school bus is not the visual presentation she was looking to achieve, and so the scramble last night didn't stop until she had scored a ride. I'm sure you're thinking "why can't Mom just drive her?", but with three separate activities going on in town today, another 12 mile loop into Johnstown wasn't happening. The gas is just too precious. And also, a sobbing Mother outside of the high school is not the visual presentation I was looking to achieve. It's just so damn hard to let go. Good luck Allison. Enjoy your senior year. I wish for you all that you wish for yourself, and then some.

Greetings from Caroga Lake

2011-07-23T11:03:00.009-04:00

It's been almost a full month since I last posted. Apologies to the faithful. We have been so busy this summer, and it's hard to sit down and write a worthy blog. I will try to be worthy today. The garden is spitting out zucchini faster than I can use them, and so today I will bake zucchini bread. It is a wonderful recipe that I have had for many years, and I will be using the new gluton-free baking flour (made from rice and corn). I used this same flour in March when I made Irish Soda-bread from scratch. It was a screaming success, and I hope it will be today. The tomatoes are not yet red, but boy are they bursting. We did some cherry tomatoes this year, which was new, and I am very happy with them. I am also planning on canning tomatoes this year, so the garden should keep me busy. We started out in the spring walking each night after dinner, putting in a few laps over at the cemetery, which probably equaled a full mile all total. Lately, we've been too tired to even attempt that. Evening comes and I am a sack on the chair. Just too tired to move. I do know that exercise brings you more energy, but it's a real tough call when it's almost bedtime and you are comfortable and exhausted in your club chair. Not moving. A friend of Allison's as well as my cousin Carrie were here for a week, and we did the tourist thing for a solid seven days. Carrie and I did. The girls rarely came out of the loft which is Allison's room, and when they did they were off taking pictures or hanging with other folks their own age. We were clearly not the main attraction. We did manage to get up to Nine-Corner Lake, which is a popular hike (9/10th of a mile) up to a pristeen mountain lake. All the kids hang out there, as well as us oldies who want to see a bit of nature. As you can see, we had quite a great time. I was covered head to toe for the hike up the mountain, and of course when we got to the top, I began to peel off the layers of clothes to reveal my bathing suit top and shorts. And what should my wondering eyes reveal? A TICK! Just laying on my chest waiting to infiltrate. We brushed him off and there was no apparent connection, thank God, but for a moment I had a little private freak-out. All I need now is a relapse and we are back in trouble again. My latest blood tests have revealed a lyme disease remission (is that what they call it?) and so I am vigilant (hence the ugly scarf over my hair). But all trauma aside, we had a great day. We stayed at the base of the lake by the dam, and watched the strange teenagers across the way swinging and diving from the rocks. I call them strange, not because they were weird, but because none of them were mine. Allison made HER treck to Nine-Corner Lake later in the week. It's all good. Stay safe, stay cool, and stay connected!

Playing in the rain

2011-06-24T08:59:00.004-04:00

I'm glad I was taught the skill of playing in the rain. When we were kids growing up on Long Island, and summers up at Candlewood Lake, there were always rainy days during summer vacation, and houses not big enough to contain the energy of three kids and their friends. I can distinctly remember being sent outside to play, even if it was raining. It didn't happen very often, but it did happen. And that is something that we don't do with our kids any more. I fondly look back at those times with wet sneakers and soaked t-shirts and shorts, having a ball in someone's backyard. The license to run out in the rain and stay out for as long as we wanted was radical, but it was the thought was that the temperature was the same as the lake or the pool that we were so desperately trying to get permission to get into-that rain couldn't possibly hurt us-and it didn't. I hope I gave my own kids that sense of freedom and fun. There is nothing like it. We went for our evening walk a few days ago and it was lightly raining. I brought me right back to those summer days when I was younger. We only did one lap because I wasn't THAT nostalgic, but it was enough to jar my memories and make me smile. Sometimes I have to stop myself from being so rigid-I have to try and have that same sense of WOW that I had when I was young. I'm not that terribly old, after all. But it is a slippery slope and I don't want to find myself at the botton, already rigid and unbending. Getting out in the rain and just letting go-doing whatever it was you planned on for a sunny day, and acting as though the rain were not a deterrent. Just do it. It is a beautiful chance to get outside and see what the rain brings out in nature-it's a different bunch of singing birds that hang out when its raining!

It could have gone either way

2011-06-24T08:37:00.002-04:00

It never seems so long between blogs until I sit down and look at the LAST blog I wrote-and then I realize how long it's been. It's been dreary here, after a few glorious days over the past weekend. The bullfrogs are getting louder and louder-they sound like men now-deep throated and bullish. We're expecting company over the weekend and our house is spit and polished. I was shopping in town last week at a little shop on Main Street, and as I was browsing I heard the little old lady behind me say "do you know what you're having?" I was afraid to turn around because then I would KNOW that she was speaking to me. There were a few other people in the shop. I turned around and again was asked "do you know what you're having?" I should have been outraged that she was considering me to be pregnant due to the baggy shirt that I had on. I twas a totally reasonable assumption considering the outfit I had thrown on to get into town for certain errands. Just a baggy shirt over a pair of shorts and sandles. But really! I was mulling this over as I quickly worked out in my brain how I was going to respond to this horrific insult. I do know that even if I see someone about to drop a 10 pound baby inn the next hour, I make no mention of it until she FIRST says something about her pregnancy/imminent blessing, because I would be mortified if I was ever wrong. But this woman had no fear. She had gone where no man had gone before, the horrific social gaffe of assuming someone is pregnant. But in that split second of decision, I decided to be flattered that she thought I was YOUNG ENOUGH to be pregnant! Because at my age, that is quite a stretch after all! I just smiled and said "oh no, not me, it's just the shirt" with a laugh. She has no idea how lucky she was! It could have gone either way. I could have been outraged! As I got into my car I just had to laugh and thought "me? Pregnant?" Wow! Do I look that young? I guess it's just how you look at things. I walked with a certain spring in my step after that compliment! Have a great day!

Pick, Pick, Pick, talk a lot, talk a little more!

2011-06-17T08:34:00.005-04:00

It's definitely going to take a little time to get the chickens here on the farm. Jerry doesn't say much about it, which translates into "I don't want to get involved". We have been crazy busy, to say the least, and I know that he's feeling a bit overwhelmed, but I am ready to take this on, and hopeful that our variance request will be accepted, just as soon as we write it and send it in! I've been reading up on chicken care, and basically, they raise themselves. Once you provide a safe coop and a fairly safe predator-free yard, they can be pretty darn easy to care for. Aside from cleaning and feeding, which I would imagine becomes second nature after a few tries, the chicken yard should be a moveable and easy access wood structure, which is strong enough to withstand at least a few snowfalls. I know that raking the roof on our OWN stucture becomes an issue in the wintertime, but I am confident that I could tackle at least that much. I like having some responsibility that is tied into the weather because of course the house is too much for me to get involved with, but the chicken coop should be more manageable! For an environment that has the potential for snow seven months out of the year, snow roof-removal is something you have to consider. Although I would like to free-range the chickens during the spring-summmer months, I know that keeping their yard near to the house eliminates the need for a distant walkway to the coop. We want it as close as possible during those bitter cold winter months-who wants to tread through the snow on a freezing November morning to get to the hen-house? NOT ME! And so, I have picked the corner of of the pasture that is closest to our house. I am scoping out chicken coops, and the slope roofed A-frame seems like the best sort of house to me, for a starter chicken farmer: It's compact, it can be easily wheeled around the property, and the hens can hang on on the grassy area below when they are confined. When they are NOT confined, a simple door on the side will allow their grazing and nit-picking to be done whereever they like. Now these are plans to be purchased, and I think with a materials list I might be able to pull this off. Right now I am observing Caroga Carl (our own personal ground hog) making his way around the pasture, so there is plenty of nature's gifts available for the chickens to find on their property. I'm not investing any money into the coop until we are given permission by the town of Caroga, but I'm getting all my chicks in a row, so to speak. I'll keep you posted!

Awesome.

2011-06-14T23:12:00.003-04:00

It was a magical day last Friday. We were honored to watch our son Brian be sworn in as a Suffolk County Sheriff after six months at the police academy. It was a grueling time for Brian, and the following poem shares the sentiments of his Father Jerry, retired Detective from the Port Washington Police Department: When I earned my shield, thirty years ago I didn’t yet know what life would throw Like you, I wanted to be in the law As long as I’d known that was all that I saw. My Father was in a much different field It wasn’t his footsteps that sought out the shield. It was something in me that was mine alone. As it should be with you, as your footsteps are sown. I love nothing more when I hear it said, “A chip off the old block, he’s just like his Dad” And I couldn’t be happier to hand off my gun As you finally graduate, and I mean finally! My son. You are well-trained and confident! Of this I am sure. As were years of recruits who have gone-on before. You don’t need my assurance, you know what to do I don’t want to re-live my career through you. Make it your own, start with pride on your journey Understand that my job now is praying and worry. A moment, a second, will never go by that you aren’t in my thoughts, in my prayers, on my mind I love understanding - we’ll be able to chat About your experiences - this thing or that. And I’ll know when you’re suffering, so you won’t cry alone, when you speak of a loss, when we talk on the phone. I couldn’t be more honored, as this moment comes to pass My pride is even brighter than your uniform and brass Emotions aren’t likely when a cop is on the job When you asked me to pin your badge, I had to squelch a sob. To go through what you went through once, and take it on again! The studying, the endless tests, the sacrifice and pain. You are the greatest son, a Father ever had. God Bless you in your long career, from a proud and loving Dad.

Which came first? The Chicken, the egg, or the variance?

2011-06-08T09:45:00.002-04:00

As spring winds down here in the northeast, summer is barreling in with heat and humidity. Today I will water the garden, water the porch plants, and water myself. I am grateful that I am not dressing for work these days, as shorts and a tank top is the way to go. I was glad when I was working to be in an environment where dressing "down" was OK during the summer months. For the civilian staff anyway. I pitied the cops with their wool uniforms and bullet-proof vests. It's hot out there. We've been experiencing a wildlife boost here, with all kinds of stuff appearing and making themselves heard. Yesterday I heard a "woofle, woofle" kind of cry from the woods. It sounded as close to a Jabberwocky would, in my mind, then I had ever heard before. When I went to the window to try and get a direction on this wild sound, it stopped. That led me to believe that this incredible creature was watching ME! As much as the woods have become more benign to me since we live here full time, there are still moments when I realize we are living in a wild environment and to watch my step. I haven't heard the jabberwocky since, but I am listening carefully! I am always amazed at the ability of the flower and fauna to grow up in such a short period of time. Nature is constantly amazing me. Just weeks ago, we were surround by grey and dead looking trees and branches, and pow! It was spring! The plants make up in strength what they were lacking in time! Healthy and brilliant plants surround us now, and I'm loving every minute of it. We finally got our full vegetable garden planted, and yesterday I made the trip to the local town hall to "inquire" as to whether or not chickens would be possible here on our property. It's a stretch, and we're still in the discussion phase of this possibility, but first step is getting a variance to allow "livestock" on the property. If you've been following our blog for any length of time, you remember our trip to town hall to request permission to raise Alpaca. We are in a very different place now, and due to health restrictions, I think chickens would be as large a livestock as I could take on right now. But I am inclined to raise our own chicken for eggs, and possibly meat, which I know is abhorrent to some, but ever since reading the book "Animal, Vegetable, Miracle" (which I highly recommend) I am inclined to take on chickens for our own consumption. I'm not yet ready to become a vegetarian because the truth is, I love chicken. Beef has appeared less and less on our table, and we always discuss the pros and cons as we're eating it. More cons than pros by the way. But now, with me faced with a long summer ahead of us, I am really in the mode to produce SOMETHING besides bees on this farm. I'd love to give the chickens free range, and a humane end. I have a farmer in me somewhere and she's just screaming to get out. Now, if we were given permission to raise our own chickens that would entail some type of coop for egg hatching (another great chicken product that I happen to love) and winter protection. The plot thickens. So this is step one. We'll see!

Grass

2011-06-03T12:57:00.004-04:00

Not that kind silly! I'm talking about lawns. I'm not sure I understand why we spend a fortune tilling and planting and rolling and all that, only to cut that which we have been nursing through growth. It becomes this war - growth against mowing. We spend a ridiculous amount of time and money cutting our well fertilized plots of land, be it a postage stamp on Long Island, or acres here in the north country. To me, there is nothing more lovely than a field of wildflowers. I know that our field does have them, but they have never been given the opportunity to grow. They are cut down in their prime, and the gently waving wildflowers of summer are not to be seen out my window. Instead, I see a manicured field of dreams. We have no baseball team here (at least none that I can see) but the field is beautifully manicured by Jerry, my personal landscaper. He is good enough to do the grunt work for the flowers and shrubs that I am requesting, and so I feel somewhat bad about commenting on the field/lawn. But truthfully, I would rather see the unmanicured wildflowers blowin in the wind. I wonder if we would see MORE wildlife, or if the animals like the landing field look. We had a turkey land here last week, and he hung around most of the day. At one point, he was sniffing and exploring the campfire, which hasen't been hot in a few days. I don't know what he thought of the whole area, but he was checking it all out. After quite a bit of time, he waddled under the deck and behind the house, heading towards Rogers next door. We haven't seen him since. We thought of inviting him to Thanksgiving dinner, but alas, he was a little young. Speaking of fields, we have been power walking after dinner each night, and last night we decided to bring Bailey with us. He is the only one of the three dogs who could possibly keep up with a brisk walk, and the only one who is interested in doing that. He was like a ball of fire! In and out of the cemetary headstones, he was running 3 miles to our one! I know he had a ball, because when we got home, he went to bed! And so, we do keep busy here, waiting for spring and summer, and just getting a little more cold weather than we were hoping for. 42 degrees this morning on the porch! We'll keep you posted! Anyone a member of the Caroga Lake Book Club? Our first meeting will be held this saturdaya at 7 PM at the clubhouse. The chosen book was "Water for Elephants". Get reading! Keep in touch-I love your feedback! Jen

Facing my Fears

2011-05-29T09:50:00.004-04:00

Well folks, I've done the unthinkable! Last Thursday I went INTO the Bee yard with Dan the Bee guy. He was stepping up for Jerry, who has not had time for the bees since he's working full time. And so, with Dan's tutelage I faced my fears, donned the bee suit and went in. I was dressed in Jerry's bee outfit (which by the way does not win any awards for fashion) and felt confident that NOTHING could penetrate it. Truthfully, the bee suit is made up of camo pants (quite thick) and a white hooded number along with the hat, veil and leather gloves. I did think at one point that if this is something I'm going to make a habit of, we've got to work on the fashion aspect of it. But anyway, once I was suited up with all of it (including the gloves which were quite big) and with Dan's help tying off the veil, I stepped through the now opened electric fence, again thanking Dan for his expertise. There is lots to learn if I am ever going to take this on myself, without assistance. Getting INTO the yard is the first thing. I wouldn't know how to declassify the electric fence, and never felt the need to pay attention, even though Jerry tried to explain it every step of the way. "Go into the Bee Yard? NEVER!" I thought. Bees being my nemesis (what is plural for nemesis? Nemesises?) But with the bee yard languishing and all that honey going to well, the bees, I figured I better get with the program. And so Dan agreed to help me out and show me the ropes so to speak. Inside the bee yard, the drone of the bees got quite loud, surprisingly. I didn't think that bees could make that much noise. Having run from the drone of one single bee, I never gave the multitudes a chance to make any noise, and noise they make. It is truly a sound unlike any other I've ever heard. Dad loaded the smoker and gave that to me, to handle while he uncovered the top box. There are technical names for all of this but forgive me, I was terrified and not really paying attention to the small details. Mostly, I was looking for my point of egress in the event of a swarm. Dan was pleased to see that our hive was very active with apparently docile bees. A little smoke will do that. To us all. But I digress. The bees came out of the hive, interested in this intruder, but not really too concerned. As I said, I was smoking the hive to make them more concerned about the smoke than the intruder, as is the purpose of the smoker. Dan had to warn me a few times that we were interested in "gently" smoking the hive, not frying the bees, gently being the key word. But as I was learning, the smoke was effective and became my "go to" tool whenever fear got the best of me. This was a very foreign place for me, standing still while bees swarmed about me. Normally, you would be seeing my dust, but I was determined to do this. I stood still and let them check me out, praying that every point of closure was indeed, closed. I don't know how I would have reacted if a bee had gotten INSIDE the bees suit, as they have been known to do on occasion. I like to think I would have professionally ignored it, as these are the makers of the honey, the holy grail. But something tells me I would have squashed it pretty readily. I guess we won't know until it happens. I was at first breathing a little heavily, with the smell of fear in every breath, but I eventually got a little calmer and began to really watch what Dan was doing. The inside of an active beehive is an unbelievable sight. You cannot be prepared by watching it on the TV screen, as I have done many times, because the drone is of stacked beehives, not only the one you're peering into. There are virtually thousands of bees, working at their jobs. Most are uninterested in the large persons standing over their hive, and continue on their way. You can view all types of bees at work. Drones and workers are readily visible throughout their metamorphosos. We were searching for the Queen, who I would not have recognized without some more instruction, but we looked unsuccessfully throughout the entire hive. We were cleaning up the hive for splitting, moving some of the trays of honeycomb into a new box (again, I will know these names eventually) for splitting into a new hive. So taking a full beehive of bees and moving half into a new hive, hopefully bringing the Queen over with them, was our job. Somehow, the old hive will produce a new queen and continue their labors. That is how it works. I felt quite productive by the end, scraping the sides of old honeycomb and making room for the new bees. It seemed at this point in time that our bees are doing beautifully without our help. That makes me happy. It means we have provided our bees with a good environment to do what they do naturally, produce honey. I hope to have a nice harvest at the end of the summer, with enough for us, and enough to sustain our bees through the winter. See how I have changed my terms in to "Us" instead of "Me" and "Them". It happens quite naturally, and although I don't know what I would do without a bee suit, as Dan seems perfectly happy without (he's a little nuts that Dan) I was not as fearful coming out as I was going in. Mission Accomplished! As we speak I am observing a Turkey walking around our campfire and enjoying the seed that I have planted around the pond. I am a lover of nature, and this just beats all. We've never seen a turkey this close on our property. We assumed the scent of three dogs was enough to keep them away-apparently not! It has been a great week. Next week, we're back into the bee yard to make sure our changes have been well received. I hope so. I kinda like those bees. Who knew? (Pictures of these adventures will follow-as soon as Allison wakes up and shows me how to upload the new camera!)

Blogging. right. I forgot

2011-05-24T11:23:00.008-04:00

Let me say this about aging. My memory is taking quite a beating. Whether it is age related, medication related, or early alzheimers, I'm not sure. But I actually have a problem remembering things that should come quite easily to me, and remembering things (like the first day of kindergarden) that should be well outside of my memory. As a result, blogging was one of those things that got thrown under the bus. I changed my e-mail from Rufflestuff@aol.com to CarogaQueenBee@aol.com. due to a hacker. Now I hope those "HeyTryViagra!" e-mails to my friends, family (and clergy-how fun) will stop. Please note if you're trying to reach me with no response. Anyway, because I haven't been blogging, I have a multitude of blogging topics that I have yet to delve into. Fist and foremost is PROM! Johnstown H.S. Prom was last weekend and I was lucky enough to have a hand in my beautiful daughter's choices and preparation. This is an honor that I do not take lightly! Prom girls are a difficult bunch to please, and I am happy to report that I did the job with pride, honor and a bit of trepidation. No one wants to be responsible for a prom disaster, least of all a Mother who is already treading on thin ice just by virtue of her existence. I came out on the other side happy and with my self-esteem intact. We were a team to be recognized that Allison and I! She provided me with the hair and instruction tutorials and I paid attention and got it right! The makeup was my own creation, because no one knows more about makeup and its bonuses than an aging prom-queen herself. And so, off she went happy with her hair and makeup, looking beautiful and way more worthy of the title "Most Beautiful Girl in the World" than she realises. Thank you Allison, I loved every minute and I'm already planning for next year. That being said, I realised that the mystery of shopping for women's clothes is much more different than picking up your tux in which they just took your measurement, sent you home. Oh no my friend, this is big business. Prom dresses can run up to $500 for the "budget conscious" and even more if you are out of your mind, and many girls (and Mother's with checkbooks) are out of their minds. This Mother was as practical as would be allowed, both by budget and the knowledge that this is one of the more important dresses in a girl's life, notwithstanding her bridal gown. They are in close competition. I will give you a brief tutorial on women's sizing and how women really perceive it: Size 0 to 4: These are not real sizes. They can never be found in a store, other than the big tag that hangs on the rack. This rack tag exists just to mess with your head. No one could possibly fit into these sizes. It's just not humanly possible. Size 5/6: This is the smallest of the real sizes. I was a size six for an hour and a half back in 1965 when I was in the second grade. I have been trying to re-achieve that size ever since, to no avail. It causes me to feel bad about myself. That's what they want. Women's sizes are doubled up (5/6, 7/8) because even the companies that manufacture the stuff can't decide what size it should REALLY be. So, they go with the generalization. Size 7/8: We're getting into the area of "Possible". Real girls can fit into these sizes, although they are girls who stopped eating. They may have an occasional salad or yogurt, but essentially, they are not eating anything worth eating. There is not a macaroni and cheese to be found on the menus of these 7/8 champions. I bow to them, they are incredibly well-disciplined and beautiful. Size 9/10: This is the cusp of the dark side. If you are a 9/10, you are dabbling in real food and maybe even dessert. And yet, against all odds, you are "carrying your weight" beautifully. No one calls a 9/10 "tiny", they say you carry your weight, implying that they are the same size, but have the misfortune of being "big boned, or short", none of which is in their control. It is a ridiculous comparison and should be erased from our vernacular, but these are sizes, not wishes. I am merely stating what is fact, that women are harder on each other than anyone else will ever be, except of course, herself. Size 11/12: You are now in the dark side. This is not a good size to be. You will feel bad about yourself the minute you realize that this is your true size. You will suck yourself into a size 9/10 to the point where it cuts off your circulation, as long as you can stay out off an 11/12. Better stores like Talbots and LL Bean simply re-do their clothes so that most women who are willing to spend on their clothes will find themselves in a size 6. It's not really a size 6, but just the fact that a tag will say 6 is enough of an incentive to spend more on the better brands. The more expensive the clothes, the smaller the sizes. It's a fact. Size 13/14: You are now entering the area of elastic waistbands and no style whatsoever. Polyester is a big design element in the 13/14 sizes and above. Polyester and cheesy florals. I don't know why this is, but sizing in these areas seems to be leaning towards nursing gear. Everyone looks like a nurse when you are size 13/14. If you're going to work as a nurse, that is fine. But when I'm dressing for weddings and coctail parties, scrubs is not my first thought. Maybe it's me. Size 15/16: This is the size where you march out the door and join weight watchers, where you pay for the privilege of getting on THEIR scale and being humiliated. Losing ten pounds seems to be the answer for all life's ills, and you are paying for that motivation and deprivation. You will PAY TO EAT LESS AND BE PUBLICALLY HUMILIATED. I have never understood this route, and yet a multi-billion dollar business is succeeding all on the backs of women who are feeling bad about themselves. I can do that with just a 7.99 mirror, but I digress. Size 18: This is never a 17/18. Just an 18. This is because they want to cut right to your heart. There is no shortening anything to 17, just go right to the worst number in the wardrobe field. This is the number that will cause you acute pain and possibly even tears in the dressing room. I have been there, and it does produce tears. This is not a goal number for anyone. This is the number where friends stop saying "you look fine" and just remain silent when you begin your self-bashing. No one, including Pollyanna (who was a size six-of course she was cheerful) can put a good spin on this. It is no-man's land. So, there you go, better educated for clothes shopping with women, which if you listen to your heart you will know that it is not a good idea for the faint of heart. There is not a women in the world who will remain rational when faced with a size they are not comfortable with. Be advised, there are exceptions to every rule, but it is a fact that women are harder on themselves than they need to be, and should be told from the time they are five years old that WHATEVER size they are is the right size. We need to start spending more time on IQ numbers than rack-size numbers. Women are beautiful, no matter what their size. I've seen lots of girls at this past prom weekend, and they seem poised and fun and wonderful at every turn. I was blessed with a few of my own, and I hope that humor and reality is something they have learned about their sizes. No size is the right size, obviously, and so I am hopefully going to take some of my own advice and lay off the self-criticism. But that doesn't mean I don't enjoy shopping at Talbots or LL Bean.

Urgh. Just urgh.

2011-05-04T12:23:00.003-04:00

After writing a very clever blog this morning, and really giving it a determined and creative effort, I hit some button that wiped the entire thing from my screen, leaving me with the letters "ppe". If you need me, I will be at home today, drinking large quantities of herbal tea and sobbing into my delicately embroidered pillow. I will try again at another time, but not today. Along with the rain and the cold temperature outside, it is just too much.

A kinder, gentler Daphne

2011-04-27T09:58:00.004-04:00

Due to Daphne's health issues, our trip to Long Island this past weekend included our little friend. She is diabetic, and as such, she is a tough sell in the dogsitter community. Not everyone is interested in giving her the required two shots per day. My sister-in-law Joanne was gracious enough to include Daphne in our invitation, and so, off we went at 4:30 AM on Saturday morning. My dental appointment was at 9:00 AM, and we were perfectly on time. It's a quiet world at 4:30 AM, and we made good time. Gassing up and loading up on travel accoutrements takes some time. I have become a tea drinker in the past year, and if I have the choice, tea it is. The problem with being gluton-free is that there are not alot of choices in travel-fare. Most often I pick Rice-Krispie treats. Not a great choice for a diabetic, but I'm trying to balance a number of health issues and having SOMETHING to eat in the car for a four hour trip is my goal. Of course, I also had packed some gluton-free corn bread that I had baked, but having eaten this same corn bread for a full day I was growing tired of it. Variety, being the spice of life, is not finding a balance in my world. So, I did the rice krispy treat, and I was satisfied. Sometimes Jerry will get an egg sandwich with "meat", but the only part of THAT that I covet is his bread. I can't imagine eating a "meat" that is only identifiable by that name. If you can't tell me what the name of the meat you are serving, I don't think I need to sample it. But my point was this, sometimes in the car the odor of said "Meat" becomes a little overpowering and I have a sensitive stomach (among other things) so I am just concentrating on breathing IN and OUT. Trying not to hurl requires alot of concentration. Then Jerry will say "what's wrong?" and I will have to stop my concentrated breathing to answer "nothing, nothing!" It's a real challenge. But, I was talking about Daphne wasn't I? She was placed on my lap for the trip down the mountain, because she was fully awake and quite honestly, probably a little stunned that she had picked the short straw and was travelling with us, while the other two dogs stayed at home. A one-dog trip amounts to a lottery win in their world. Spoiled! When we made our stop at Stewart's, she was placed in the back seat, and after a few turns, she found her comfortable spot on my coat, and proceeded to sleep for the rest of the trip. She's a good traveller. She was also quite comfortable on a seat that she usually has to share with Allison. Did I say spoiled? We made our trip down and arrived at Dr. Lee's at 8:50 AM, with enough time to catch up and then set to work. It's always good to see the folks that we miss, and Dr. Lee and his staff are among them. Daphne was given a quick introduction and whisked out, lest OSHA get wind of a visiting dog in the dental office. Once we arrived at Clint and Joanne's Daphne was happy to meet up with her cousin TEDDY, a malty-poo who is quite friendly and happy to greet ANYONE! I don't think I've ever heard Teddy with a bark that says anything other than COME IN! So off they went to scamper all over the fenced in yard (new to Daphne's world) without a human in attendance. This was a big deal. Here we are always shadowing our dogs when they are outside. No such thing as a fence, just eagle eyes. So for Daphne it was a new experience. Running across the pool cover was also a new activity, demonstrated ably by Teddy, who lounged in the center getting soaked. Daphne was a little more reticent, just dipping her feet. The rest of the day went along like that, with bits of dog activity throughout. The the real love-fest was on Sunday, when two other canine cousins arrived for the Easter celebration. Cody who was from Connecticut, a pug terrier mix, and Blue who is really Daphne's canine-nephew, but in the dog world we don't quibble about relationships, we just sniff! This roving pack of small dogs (the largest being 16 lbs) was all over the house, happily traveling together and checking out the whole house. Lots of scrambling and tail wagging ensued, but never a growl! They all got along beautifully! We managed to get on the road at 6 PM, and Daphne slept the whole way home. That's a four-hour trip for those who haven't been paying attention. When we got home, at 11 PM (gotta love that Easter traffic!) Daphne entered the house like a visiting dignitary. Again, the tails were wagging and everyone was glad to see us. We often wonder what is going through the dogs minds, and Daphne's disappearance must have caused a few questions among the boys we left behind. But she was home, and all was well. It was a great weekend all in all, and our family visits were even better than Daphne's. Having an eighty degree day on Long Island was like a gift. It brought the onset of spring here as well. Today, we'll have another day where we break 70, and for us, that is extraordinary! The new Daphne has been much sweeter since we arrived home, I guess she knows she was given a gift-a private weekend with Mom and Dad. It kind of takes the sting out of giving those shots! Kinda.

Winter Redux

2011-04-22T11:08:00.003-04:00

I am saying a hopeful "welcome spring" although the thermometer this morning said 28 degrees. It does burn off quickly and makes way for a warmer afternoon, but still, at the end of April I would like to report that spring things are moving along. The crocus' that I saw while laying in the pond with Jake have not made any more progress since I was there. The only growth I have seen are the weeds in the pond, and they are growing thicker each day. Why is that? Why is it that the weeds seem to be growing while none of the beauty flowers are getting any larger? Isn't that always the case? In the happy department, what I am seeing more of are birds! Birds of all feathers are flocking to our sanctuary and enjoying the new feeders are suet containers we hung last week. The finches are flitting here and there, and making their presence know all over the fields. The old saying "birds of a feather flock together" is never more obvious than with finches! Yes they do! It is remarkable to me how an abrupt turn left or right is made by birds in a flock on a split second of time! Left! And left they all turn, continuing their urgent flight to whichever tree or branch they decided on. It is a tightly choreographed flight that is remarkable in its abilities. If you asked me which of God's creatures had the precision of a marching band, I would not have said birds. And yet, they are the only ones that move with that kind of forethought and arranged movement. I don't tire of their show out my back window. No matter how bad the weather appears each day, I never tire of the view I am blessed to own. The wind was howling yesterday, strong enough to send a heavy metal deck chair across the yard. Strong enough to force Bailey to find safety behind the wood stove in the kitchen. If we remember back to the first Days of March, how beautiful and warm and lovely they were, I am also reminded of the old saying "March, in like a lamb, out like a lion." I think maybe that here in the northeast that saying can be extended into April. Perhaps the writer lived south of here? Because spring here in the Northeast saves itself until the first part of May. I don't think we'll see the warmth of spring until the beginning of May. I am learning the ways of upstate NY. We are more closely related to Canada than to Long Island when it comes to weather patterns. And the weather pattern here means that the winter doesn't end until May. So I continue to watch the birds and keep myself close to the pellet stove for warmth. Lounging on the back deck will not happen until the warmth of the sun reaches our chairs. I wish all of you a Happy Passover and a Blessed Easter. Wherever you are, I hope you find the sun!

No Thank You

2011-04-11T10:20:00.003-04:00

Why do we have such a hard time saying NO? I think for people like me, who are inherently polite, saying NO amounts to a rejection that we are unable to vocalize. Of course I don't want what they're selling, otherwise I would have taken it upon myself to purchase it from a reliable, less expensive source. And yet, I still find myself unable to say those words to a stranger on the telephone - No Thank You. I don't take offense when it is told to me, at least if it is said politely, but telling the unknown voice at the other end that I am not interested in their product is one ofis the most difficult things I'm ever asked to do. And I'm asked to say it alot. We seem to get alot of telemarketer calls in the morning hours when Jerry is away from home. When I tell the party that he is not available, they sometimes will move right to me. Other times, like when the NRA calls, they only want Jerry, and will call 10 or 15 times until they get him. That happens to be a rejection I don't have much problem with. Oooops, political commentary, sorry. I try to stay away from that. Anyway, the marketing calls which we're usually subjected to are from people for products that we don't really want. You don't see alot of telemarketing for UGGS, or Canoes. These products tend to sell themselves, and people looking to purchase them do the footwork themselves, finding out where there desired product is and getting it/them. So I guess telemarketing is a bit indicative of whether your product is selling well, or not. If you are in the place where you have to hire a telemarketer in order to move your inventory, start looking for a different career path. I don't think the product is taking off in the manner which they desired. I hesitate to use the word failure, but that's the road it's taking. I don't have much faith in the telemarketing system. In fact, I believe any sales made through telemarketing methods should be immediately voided, since they couldn't possibly have been made through acceptable methods. As a former telemarketer myself, I can tell you that you will not find a less invested employee than a telemarketer. Working for publisher's clearinghouse, as many homeworkers in Port Washington, Long Island were, my only interest was in getting through my hours and picking up my paycheck. Calling to try and re-up subscriptions for all the magazines that Publisher's carried was not an interesting job, much less inspiring. I was an uncomfortable telemarketer and it showed in my sales. I tended to agree with those customers who "went off" on telemarketers, and now that I am on the other end, I find it very difficult to turn down a telemarketer. I feel sorry for them. I know that this is not the job they would have picked, it is the job which they are stuck in. And so, saying No Thank You to that poor bastard on the other end of the line would be the final rejection that I don't want to have to say. And so, sometimes hanging up without any comment is the best I can do. I know that if we get into dialogue, I will become a mushy mess who just purchased something I don't really want. Subscription renewals, insurance packages and other such unsaleable items are what they're selling. Now, with telephone numbers identifying themselves on the television screen, at least we have a heads up. I can compose my most staunch mindset before I pick up the phone. Then, when I hear the first words of the sales pitch, I can simply hang up. No Thank You only leads them to another page in their script and we can get into dialogue that goes on for hours. No thank you.

Aaaah. Snow. How delightful.

2011-04-06T08:48:00.002-04:00

Not. Although I have chosen to take the road marked high (what better road to take?) I'm having a tough time with this. I don't mind blustery big flakes that don't seem to matter, but waking up to a healthy dusting of white this morning was just a bit more than my cheerful nature could take. We're up one dog-to four, and I felt like kicking every one of them. Not that kicking dogs is ever an option. Ever. But that doesn't mean you don't feel like it sometimes. Thankfully, none of the people were home. Allison had blazed a bright and cheerful way out the door this morning (good bye to THAT!) and Jerry was working an early shift today. So I was managing dog chores in the a.m. Following Jake on his morning constitutional, I could see how much he appreciated my shadowy presence written all over his face. He has no idea that I would rather be inside by the pellet stove enjoying my first cup of tea. He's not as interested in reading my face as I am in reading his. Jerry is anticipating working the early shift on Wednesdays until October, and this allows him to take part in the Wednesday night riding group at the stable. Wednesdays have been the shining spot in my week for awhile, and now adding Jerry to our group makes it perfect. All in all, things here at Blue Line Farm are settling in. Spring never comes easy here, and each breakthrough is celebrated by anyone who witnesses it. Yesterday I spoke to a gentlemen who stated that seeing the robins through the snow was his favorite thing. Mine? Seeing the robins by the side of the birdbath, swimming in 90 degree weather. We've a ways to go before that takes hold, but I did see some crocus-type blooms on the side of the pond last Sunday, when I was laying in the water with Jake. It wasn't first and foremost in my mind at that moment, but it has come back to me now that I have the time to ponder it all. Our riding instructor Ron keeps telling us that as soon as the weather breaks we can ride outside. Week after week we are still in the arena, riding around. I am not complaining at all. Inside the arena you can smell the earth and other barn smells, and to my mind, it all smells like spring. I'm ready. Have been for quite some time. Now that I am more able to see the garden area, I can assess what we will need to get started this year. We're going to need a roto-tiller. I can't take it on myself. I am thinking of planting tomatoes in two locations-so as to avoid the blight again. I know that last year was blight-free-but like all gardeners-once burned twice shy. I'm starting to sound like an old soul aren't I? What's up with that?

Mixed Emotions

2011-04-05T10:11:00.004-04:00

That's how you describe snow falling on the newly revealed green grass. Calling it grass is a bit of a stretch, but it is somewhat green compared to the snow. But now some big white flakes are falling from the sky. What's that about? That's what I'm feeling about the weather-thrilled that we're seeing some green, and annoyed that more snow is falling. My mixed emotions at home are this-I'm thrilled that Jake is feeling better and that his foray into the pond left no long-term effects, but so aware that we are coming to the end. He is not safe enough anymore to be left alone, but we're still aware that he is enjoying his life and adding so much to ours. When and where do you draw the line? We said that it would be when he lets us know, but will he let us know? Is falling into the pond and being unable to get out a sign? I don't want Jake to feel one minute of pain, not one second. And yet, I know the humiliation he feels when these things happen is terrible, and I feel for him. Is that the sign? Our hearts break everytime he fails at something. The stairs, lying down, walking around the property. He will cover himself with bluff sometimes. "RUFF, RUFF" that deep and bellowous bark that he has. But this is a dog who needs assistance coming from the bedroom, where his bed is, to the living room, because the floors are waxed to a shine. His feet have come out from under him, and his embarassment is palpable. We cry for him alot these days. And yet, when he comes and puts his head in your lap, groaning with the pleasure of having his ears rubbed, it is hard not to feel that his life is good and he is happy. Because the happiness he gives is tremendous. Is it that "old blue eyes" is getting old, and that is a sign of our aging? I think it is bigger than that. We are more than a reflection of each other. We are friends. I know that there is nothing that Jake wouldn't do for us, if he could. I don't feel that connection with the other dogs. I love them, they love us, but with Jake it has always been different. He seems to want to cover our backs, so to speak. Is that possible with a dog? I think so. He is always waiting for our signal, looking for a sign, and turns inside out with happiness when he knows he has pleased us. Our tenderness is equal. We want what is best for him, and yet we want him to be happy. The leash is an indignity that he is not happy with. He has been roaming our property for a number of years now. I have taken to shadowing him on his walks. He knows I'm behind him, and has even tried to lose me on occasion, but I am diligent. My fear for him is that he will encounter something that he cannot handle, and we won't know where he is to help him. And so, I make sure I'm with him, whether he likes it or not (regardless of my attire too-pajamas,boots and a raincoat) Is this where the end begins? Will he become less inclined to enjoy his walks because I'm with him? Will he begin to miss those early morning exploration walks through the brush, sniffing all the smells there are to find. I would like to think that he and I could enjoy a companionable walke with each other, but my ability to climb up steep hills and over ditches is greatly limited. I'm not the best walking partner you could hope for if you like to go climbing. For now, we'll just muddle along. But as I said-mixed emotions.

and how was YOUR weekend?

2011-04-04T10:20:00.002-04:00

We did fine. Had a lovely weekend right up until Sunday afternoon when Jake, the 120 pound lab/great dane mix when out for a walk and fell in the pond. Now, we don't let our dogs "roam" in the true sense of the word. But with nine acres we do give them a larger sense of freedom than they are used to. When we lived on Long Island, it was leashes all the time. That was what they were used to. Since we've lived here full time, they have gradually been given a little more rope to go out, do their business, explore a little, and come back. We are aware of their proximity all the time, and they are with us in the house most of the time, except for Bailey, who lays in the sun on the porch. He is a dog who is used to roaming within a close promixity and coming back quicky. When Jake hadn't come right back (ten minutes or so?) Allison went out to see where he was. Looking left from the porch she saw Jake, laying by the side of the pond, with his hind quarters in the pond. He was stuck. Screaming to me, she and I ran outside to the far side of the pond where Jake was laying. Jake's arthritis is so bad that on occasion his back legs will give out, and he has to be lifted up. On solid ground, this is a task that only Jerry can really do. He's just too heavy. With half his body in freezing cold water, it was near impossible for Allison and I. But we tried. Pushing and pulling it took us about five minutes to get Jake up the side a little, but he was still dragging into the pond. He was no help at all. At that point, Allison called Jerry who was in town and told him he had to come and help us. Allison got a quilt and a towel from inside the house, and I had laid Jake alongside my legs and body so I could give him a little warmth. He was in what looked like shock. Allie and I were sobbing and crying as we pushed and pulled and tried to get him fully out of the water. The pond has a bottom of mud and muck, and trying to get a good footing is impossible. Everytime I stepped onto the bottom at the shoreline, I would sink further in. He was just laying there and looking at me with his sad blue eyes, which were glazed over like I had never seen before. We finally both grabbed under his front legs, at the elbow, and we were able to get him fully out of the water. We all laid and sat at the shoreline of the pond, catching our breath, talking to Jake and each other, and waiting for Jerry. All the while this had been going on, a good twenty minutes, Bailey had been circling around us at a distance. Now, Bailey and Jake go outside together sometimes, and that has always proven to be a bad idea. Bailey is in his prime. He can jump and hop over the snowbanks as though he is a nymph, and Jake tries to follow. We have to carry Jake and assist him up the front porch stairs, but sometimes when you look off into the distance you can see Jake trying to follow Bailey up the mountain. It's never been a good plan. Now I'm not blaming Bailey for Jake falling into the pond. I didn't see it happen and I don't like to place blame. But as far as passing the Lassie test, Bailey had failed miserably. Timmy fell in the well, and Bailey went right along on his merry way. He didn't try and alert us, he wasn't any help, and he was now laying in the sun on the porch as though nothing had happened. I had thought he would be a better emergency type dog. Wrong. Jerry came home, he lifted Jake up and set him on his feet squarely, and with a couple of shakes and wobbles, Jake went across the driveway and continued to "Mark his territory" if you know what I mean. He didn't appear any worse for wear, and he came inside with us when we went in. We had a lovely dinner together and spent what was, all in all, a beautiful Sunday. Except for the pond incident. Except for that.

Damn!

2011-04-02T11:58:00.002-04:00

Although happiness for a lottery winner is what I always feel, especially when they turn out to be hard working "regular" guys like you and I, the last group of winners, commonly known as "The Lucky Seven" have completely destroyed any hope I have of winning any type of lottery. Why you ask? Because one of those lucky seven is from Johnstown, New York. Damn! My home town. My disappointment stems from the fact that the odds of winning the lottery are already quite large, like one in 100 million. What are the odds of two winners from the same home town winning 19 million dollars? That is the amount that each of the lucky seven brought home from their win of the 319 million dollar New York State Lottery. And so, as I said, "Damn". Congratulations Mr. Leon Peck of Whitemore Ave., Johnstown, New York. You've effectively ruined any chance that I might have of winning the big one. the one that we all hope of winning someday. We talk often about what we would do with a win that large, and even of a smaller win, say one million. Nowadays, one million is no big deal. I remember growing up and driving by the home of Perry Como, in Sands Point, the village next to Port Washington, where I grew up. I remember vividly my father telling us that the home cost "over $100,000.00". Nowadays in Sands Point, that might be your tax obligation. Not a home. So a win of one million, well, let's just say it won't be sneezed at, but it has a different thrill level than 19 million, which was Mr. Peck's take home after sharing the $319 million seven ways, and agreeing to take the payout rather than the long-term payout. I would do that too. This way you can share more, and in the event you kick the bucket before the full amount is paid out, at least your wishes have been taken care of. Because sharing is the first thing we think of. Family, organizations, charities. If I won 19 million, I'd be sharing it alot. AFTER, of course, making sure that we were set up nicely. Not extravagantly, but nicely. I would add a southern location, for sure. Someplace closer to our older kids. I would keep this home, because we love it and love living here. It has healed me in more ways than I can count. But a place south, maybe a condo with little maintenance, so Jerry can put away the plow and let someone else handle it. We would finish up the cottage so that we can accomodate all the family all the time. Other than that it would be sharing. And now, Mr. Peck has taken those dreams and effectively removed them. I will still buy the ticket, of course, but without the same sense of excitement and possibility that the winner will be me. So as I said, Damn Mr. Peck, Damn!

Updates From Caroga Lake!

2011-04-02T08:33:00.003-04:00

Hello Gang, Its Been a while since you have seen anything from me here on this blog , so here are some updates from Caroga Lake. This photo is from Feb.2010, was looking for some photos to post for this blog, came across this one I had taken of Jen and said " why not?" Best photo I have seen so far.

Not sure where to start so I will Just jump in some place and most likely jump around.

We are just starting to see some Spring here, then it snows again. This morning,April 2nd we had white out snow storm and now the sun is out and it looks like we are going to get a lot of sun and loose some of the ground snow. ( Jumping) As you know we have a new Grandson eight months ago, Mike Jr., he is growing fast, we miss not seeing him everyday. We can't wait to have him up here running around. Rumor has it that he is starting to talk and his 1st words are Pop-Pop Jerry and then MoM-Mom Jen........I'm Just saying , That's what I heard!!!

Jen and Allie have been on the college hunt for last few winter months as that time is getting near for Allie, she is a junior here in Johnstown HS. Reports are that Allie is doing very well in school and she is going to go far in what ever she decides that she wants to do.

Walter is all over with his job on the Tug Boat.... last I heard he was down south with the boat and enjoying a break from the weather of NY Harbor, On the other hand Jackie was home keeping all warm and ready for Walters return. Brian, one of these days is going to get out of the Police Academy and on the Prowl out in Suffolk, Ash would like to have him around more. Jackie,Jessie , Mike & Nicole all seem to be thriving.

Jake ( our oldest dog) has seemed to have made it through the winter, Bad hips. Been giving him doggie aspirin and Glucosamine Sulfate which has seemed to help. Daphne is getting 2 shots a day of Insulin because she is Diabetic , seems better and has lost weight.

Bailey is having the time of his life, running and jumping and guarding the front porch and running and.........

Jen's been Wall Papering and bathroom painting over the winter. Jen's been horse back riding in the evenings, learning proper care and grooming of the horses. I stopped by the horse farm last week to watch Jen & her horse, Smokey ride around but was too early and only got to see grooming as that seems is a large part of this new horse thing...reports are that they are going to learn some new grooming stuff next week......I'll let her fill you in on that one.

Jen seems to love it and reports are that soon she will be out on a trail ride, maybe up in these parts.

Maple Syrup sap is running hard and Dave down the road is boiling as fast as he can, taking in 100 gals a day, boiling 80 gals a day.... Fred needs to come up with a means to boil faster, maybe a pressure cooker would work!

We have also been tinkering around the house and cabin down by the lake. Lake house before the snow came hard here we got one of the 3 bedrooms almost finished, paneling , Sheetrock and insulation. Trim will be next then we move on to the other rooms and a septic holding tank after the weather breaks a little more. Jen's been guiding the gravel guys when ever we get a break in the weather and she has seemed to have solved the MUD problem for now, so far six dump trucks of gravel have been spread as a base in front of the house.

I have been working in Albany 5 days a week doing security work and burning $500-$600 a month in Gasoline.....Whats up with That? Gas has been going through the roof, I'm afraid to pass a gas station and not fill up as in a blink of an eye the price jumps up.

I miss being home with my Bride everyday.

Summer is just around the corner and I suspect that we are going to be spending much more time down at the lake, enjoying our self's and getting it ready for visitors to spend some vacation time.

Well that's about it for me........I see Jen's got some new Blog Followers, I'm sorry to those new followers...I'm not as good as Jen . Just like a Chicken Pecking away at a key board.

"Having the Times of Our Lives!" Til Next Time Gang.........Jerry

Silly Dog

2011-03-28T15:59:00.002-04:00

The picture at the top of the blog is about right. We still have plenty of snow and plenty of freezing temperatures. In a nutshell, spring has not sprung here. We enjoy our trips to town because most of the snow has melted there, just eight miles away. It's still plenty cold, but at least we're not looking at the white stuff. Our driveway is a pleasure now that the rocks have been placed, and we no longer have mud season in the living room. This has made me incredibly happy. So happy, that I was compelled to wash and wash the floors this past weekend. What happened? Well, the floors were spotless with a beautiful sheen that had been allowed to dry uninterupted for five hours while I drove Allison to Newburgh on Friday night. When I came in, all the dogs were let out for some fresh air, and it became clear that Jake could not walk on the newly waxed floors. Even I was cautious as a quick turn could cause you to wrench your back. The floors were polished to a sheen, and he couldn't walk down the hallway. We have strategically placed throw rugs throughout the house, and Jerry laid them down artfully in the hall so that Jake could go from one to the other without injury. I guess this frees me from all floor waxing respnsibilities in the future? We'll see. He's been quite careful though, but I have caught him trying to get into the woods across the street, following Bailey up the mountain, blindly I might add. If he should fall in the woods, and I can't find him, I would say he's up a creek without a paddle. He's had to be helped up many times when his hind legs just give out. It's a terrible thing to see, but the fact that he is still interested in mountain climbing does intrigue me. It is a case of mind over matter. The desire to have a good time outweighs the risk of injury. Have I mentioned that I have been horseback riding? I go to an hour class on Wednesday nights, and to say that it has revived me is an understatement. I am living for that hour, once per week. For that one hours I feel weightless, fearless and empowered. I'm climbing obstacles, running, galloping and just being free. So I totally understand Jake and his mountain climbing persuits. We're both trying to squeeze a little bit more out of our limits. I dont' know how Jake feels, but I do know that I am feeling happier for that pursuit. Now if this damn snow would just go away, we'd be great.

Got Mud?

2011-03-18T12:08:00.003-04:00

Yes we do. It's been a long, cold winter, and the melting process is taking some time. It has it's own season, that which we call "Mud season" here in the Adirondacks. No one is safe from it, because we ALL have the same harsh winter to melt away. Those with paved driveways (the debate continues) are much happier than those of us with "rustic" driveways, which means essentially that you have paved a driveway into the landscape by simple continuous use. We have a circular driveway, which in my Long Island Mind is a step above those with a straight driveway. I love it. It's not the same circular driveway that existed in my youth, bicycling through Sands Point and dreaming of "someday. . . ", but I love it just the same. However, our driveway has taken quite a beating this winter, and the melt is becoming dangerous. I have to use the 4-wheel drive just to back up, and the north corner is sinking towards the pond. Drastic measures are needed, and that's where Dave comes in. Dave lives down the road and is busy boiling sap at this point in the season, but not too busy to come to our rescue. Solution? Rocks. Dave, who was the landscaper in our Rock project around the house, delivering huge boulders to give our front porch "the look" we were looking for, as well as designing the system for drainage, is delivering the rocks that will save us from mud oblivion. Poor Allison has been reduced to waiting for her bus at the road, on time, because the mud avoidance route is too timely and messy to take on while the bus is parked, with flashing lights, waiting for you. That is another blog for another day, but you get my point. The garbage bags get loaded onto the front porch, knotted up and waiting for the brave soul who will don their mud-boots and take them out to the pails that are at the "curb". We have no "curbs" per se, but again, I've made my point. Mud season takes on huge planning and avoidance times. Nothing outside of the house is spontaneous, because you have to figure out where it is you are going, and what you will need when you get to the other side? This is how people start wearing workboots to church. It's a slippery slope (no pun intended) when you are in the middle of mud season and have somewhere to go. April brides have been known to don workboots under their dresses. I don't know that I would take that extreme. My wedding day? I think packing an extra pair of shoes would not be a huge inconvenience but, hey, that's me. How far would YOU go to have the right shoes for your visit to town? They are delivering the rocks as we speak, and the dogs, who at first were barking maniacly when the truck arrived and dumped its load, have now adjusted to the sound and are sleeping through it. Very little inconveniences them. All they know is that it is spring, and as soon as I open the door, EVERYONE wants out. Yesterday, I was climbing underneath the porch to retrieve Daphne, who had decided that rolling around in the mud was a beautiful experience, and she wasn't quite ready to come in from the sunny day. Sweet dog. I now have a pile of towels by the front door, for use by anyone who comes in and hasn't made a good maneuver out there. I just keep thinking "May." By then, it will all be grass and stones. One can only hope. Got Boots?

Northerly migration

2011-03-15T10:14:00.003-04:00

They're coming back. I have been witness to the northerly migration of the birds that cut out last fall. It is as exciting to me as a trip south was to them in the first chilly temperatures of September. Welcome! We've missed you! The southerly migration is a bit like rush hour in that the skies are full and quite predictable. But now, on the cusp of spring, only the heartiest of the birds are venturing back into the north country, and we have set out a feast for the eyes and bellys. We want them to know that there is food here, even though the tops of the adirondack chairs are just peeking through. I have watched a couple of "V" formations pass by heading north, and I have cheered them on vocally. Lucky for me, I live in the woods! "Welcome, come on down" shouted to the rooftops might cause me some stares if I lived in town, but here in the backwoods, I'm me and myself. We can shout anything we want, and no one will come to get us. I have shouted a few times in the dead of winter, more along the lines of "aaaaggggghhhh". Now that we're closer to spring, the shouts are more the expressive exhultation kind-Thankfully, for any distant neighbors who may wonder what it is they're hearing far off in the distance. We have heard recently that a mountain lion is prowling in the vicinity of our property. This is a little disconcerting, especially when you take a wander out to the mailbox, which happens quite often when I forget to take in the mail. Around dinner time I will look around with a practiced eye, determining what needs to be done before Jerry gets home. I can get a days worth of puttering done in twenty minutes or so, so that the truth of my lounging isn't as prominent when he walks in the door. At least the table will be set, dinner simmering on the stove (you can bring a simmer up pretty quickly if you have to) and the mail set out for perusal. At this time, I may realize that I had forgotten to bring in the mail and the newspaper and head out to the mailbox. Now that daylight savings time makes it light at six PM, it's not such a big issue. But walking the 25 feet to the mailbox at dusk after hearing a mountain lion is around doesn't bring me alot of peace. If I were to choose an escort, I would make it Daphne. She would take on anything that moves. In her mind, she would win. But the reality scares me a little. I hope it is rumor, and Jerry's call to the DEC brought us no new information. Now THAT is a yell that would get someone's attention. In the meantime, I will practice welcoming the birds that fly overhead, and sometimes stop at our little sanctuary by the driveway. Suet, seed and water are available for any northerly headed feathered friends. It's nice to see them back. I have big plans for the pond this year, and hope to expand the sanctuary to that. I'm often asked how we survive the winters here, and why. Spring, Summer and Fall, that's why.

Hey Friends

2011-03-07T11:27:00.009-05:00

I'm guilty of laziness. Sometimes it is so hard to sit down at the computer and eek out something worthy of your time. Sometimes I accomplish that, sometimes I fail miserably. It has been such a bleak and dreary time here-mud season. We still have the snow, but its continual melting combined with the dirting that we do during snowfalls turns the whole thing into a big muddy mess. And today, miraculously, all that is gone! We once again have a spectacular winter wonderland! As much as I loathe and despise snow this time of year, you can't deny its beauty. These views are mine from our living room and from the road, where Jerry is once again tirelessly plowing the driveways. He is weary of the snow, and I certainly can understand that, as I do not plow. But for me, it is a gift every time it happens. I am concerned for our beautiful birch trees, which take the hit of an ice storm more so than the other trees. They are the bowed limbs blocking the driveway, and when all the snow is gone, they will continue to lean. As Jerry says, "They were here long before we were, they will be fine." I'm going with that thought. The sap is running these days and down the road I understand the men are working on the syrup. My mouth waters just thinking about it. Schools were closed today, which was a nice bonus for Allison, having attended Glen Cove's Junior Prom until the wee hours of Sunday morning, she is catching up on some zzzzzz's. Well deserved. She is a beauty. All of the girls at the prom just take my breath away. I remember when they were Brownies and Girl Scouts. And now they are beautiful young women clubbing the night away. Yikes. I'm glad she's home safe. I may not let her leave again. That's my first thought whenever I see the pictures from a good time. As a worried parent, I always think that anything that is that much fun shouldn't be allowed. Sorry Allie, I was born that way. I wonder this time of year about our Irish roots, and I am always compelled to make March 17th a Holiday, with a capital H. It's the holiday I miss our kids when they're not around, because it was always the most fun. We're together in spirit, if not around the table. Corned beef, cabbage, and potatoes. It's an acquired taste, for sure. We discovered an auction house in Gloversville, and were there at the stroke of six on saturday night, just in time to bid and win these treasures: Two pair of snow shoes, beautiful birchwood tables and a boars head. The jury is still out on the boars head. The fact that Jerry was the only bidder should have been an indication of something, but we proudly brought him home. I'm still not sure, but his provinence gives him a position of interest in the living room. We'll see. The auction was a good time. We were packed and out of there by 8:30, so for couple of hours on a Saturday night it was a good time. I highly recommend it just for the people watching opportunities. It brings out quite a crowd, and quite alot of items to be auctioned. Mixed with the odd stuff is a beautiful hutch or dining set. It's definitely one of those moments where "you have to be there". We were. The good thing about snow storms in March is that no matter how much damage they do, you know they will be gone soon. Enjoy this last spurt of winter. I know I will.

Horseback Riding-the new Tap Class

2011-02-24T13:10:00.006-05:00

When I was in the throes of my tap dancing fetish (An object of unreasoning devotion or concern, Webster's Dictionary)I was happy, I was exercising and I had a great time. Since my neuropathy and other health issues have caused me no lack of pain and frustration, I have not been tapping for a good long while. I miss it every day. I have experienced all those things again, and to my surprise, it involves a 1000 lb. animal. I am thrilled to report that I actually DID something I have been thinking about for a long time, and it turned out to be better than my imagination could have prepared me for. My good friend Melissa and I have been discussing all the ways to get out of our winter doldrums, and horseback riding has appeared on our collective list for awhile. We were set to get out for lunch on Wednesday, and as I was a bit early for our established time of 12:00 noon, I decided to swing into the stable I was passing by and get the particulars. Wednesdays at 7:00 PM, there was an adult beginners class. One hour for $20. Not bad. I can blow $20 very quickly and without even batting an eye at the expense-most of us can. So this price seemed fair and worth our while. When I reported this information to Melissa, we were in a quandry because she was already committed to her Wednesday night Bible Study, and so it seemed that I might have to go it alone. As the day progressed, and my powers of persuasion (of COURSE God is in the stables with the horses, it's just a different place of worship) took over, (all of which I do believe in truth), it became apparent that we would be taking our first horseback riding lessons as adult beginners. We arrived at exactly 7 PM, because although we are both timely adults, I was involved with Allison and was her ride to her friends house. We would have been early enough to witness the class before ours, and perhaps get a few pointers, but instead, pulled up to the farm at precisely the stroke of seven. Going inside the barn, which is not heated, we were greeted by our instructor Ron. He is the epitomy of a cowboy, in my eyes. I'm sure he was wearing wrangler from head to toe, but not in a fashionable way. It was strictly business. His clothes were dusty and dirty and clearly his job is in a barn. No doubt that he has a "hands on" type of job. I have been acquainted with Ron since 2008, when Allison took riding lessons in a young people's group. He was a character then, he is a character now. Inside the arena were two people on horses, riding and working with their own horses. I guessed that they board them there. Sitting on a chair right outside the arena was the cutest Jack Russel Terrier, watching all the proceedings with an acute eye, but not a sound. Melissa and I were joking with each other, because we both have that same sense of humor, which is to use jokes to cover fear. We were awash with humor. I have ridden before, but always in a very controlled and pre-planned environment. I've done trailriding on horses that were so sick of their trail they were doing it with their eyes closed. The rider could have been screamiing "WHOA, WHOA" and the horse would only have followed the lead rider, because that was the plan. This was a different environment. We would be learning to communicate with horses in order to have them (and us) understand what it was that we wanted them to do, and in turn, they would do it. This, for me, was new. For Melissa, this was REALLY new, because she had never before been on a horse. Not even at a fair where the horse rides in a circle the way you do as children. This was her first time. Scary. I admire her for stepping out and taking it on. That's a big deal. Anyway, we followed Ron, who had saddled up two horses, into the ring. He led the horses over to a double sided stairway, which I followed up to the top, three stairs, at his direction. We got me onto the horse, where I saw while he helped Missy onto hers. My horse, Smokey, was gentle and docile, and stood waiting for my direction. I had none. Once Missy was up and saddled on Jordon, we were ready for instruction. The first instruction was all about holding the reins and being "In charge". We learned to get the horses to walk, stop, circle, reverse, faster and slower. It was the first half hour where all the instruction went on. The next half hour, we put it into practice and circled the arena over and over with our charges. The other two people on their horses in the area would make some joke, and we would laugh, and it was all pretty special. Ron got on a horse and joined us circling the ring. We spent the rest of the class just riding, talking, relaxing and conversing. The beautiful and powerful horses would just move at our direction, quietly, while we held our conversations and took it all in. This is where the magic hit. It was the best time I have experienced in a long time. I am excited to report that these rides can turn into trail rides through the Adirondacks and upstate New York. Ron rides with a group who will trail into the woods and spend full weekends riding. Learning to be comfortable on the horse and hearing about all the possibilities, once we learn to really ride, was an exciting and heady thing. Being in the barn, which was a cool 15 degrees, with the lights, and the other riders, and the barn animals (yes, there were barn cats here and there, sitting on stable walls and watching us) and of course, the little jack russel who eventually came into the ring and quietly joined his master up in the saddle. It was all a beautiful experience. We finished up and carefully got OFF our horses, on the same steps, and finished up a very exciting and powerful hour. Walking after sitting on a horse for an hour requires as much effort as getting ON the horse did an hour before. We did it. High fiving each other in the parking lot was just the first of many congratulations to ourselves for actually doing something we had talked about for a long time. We were proud, thrilled and exhausted. At that point, I started to feel the cold, but it was managable. I hadn't even thought about it in the arena. When I got home, I was so happy, sharing my experience with Jerry and Allison, I felt wonderful having a new experience to share. It was just that great feeling that you have when you spend a really wonderful time in a productive and enjoyable activity. I had done something quite physical, and my legs weren't even hurting. Actually, it was probably healthy for me to get up on that horse an do something really physical. It was a thrill. I know now where you will find my on Wednesday evenings. And yes, God was there. Can you tell?

War of the Roses-or, Bailey vs. Angel

2011-02-21T12:35:00.006-05:00

It's been a long weekend. Our dear friends Dan and Jennie had dropped off their dog Angel, while they went away for the weekend to dance their little feet off. Angel, if you've read past blogs, has been a guest at our house many times. In fact, we don't think of her as a guest, she is just one of the pack. Her personality is very much like Bailey. In fact, she and Bailey spent the weekend playing one-up. When it comes to food, Bailey is still Alpha. Angel is too well mannered to even mess with him over his food. We established early on that Bailey had food issues, and have allowed him to work it out on his own, as long as he plays nice with the other dogs. No chomping allowed. But Angel is very well mannered about food. That's not the issue. The issue is the couch. Since we have a leather couch, I have now loosened the law about no dogs on the furniture. If no one is sitting on the couch, it's fair game. This has caused problems when someone DOES want to sit on the couch, because Bailey feels that they might be sitting in his seat, and a little correction is necessary. Dogs intimidating people about seats is not OK. When Angel comes over, the couch is the first place she heads for. I think it is a security thing, she likes to lay there and hide her face. This makes Bailey crazy, because if he isn't sitting on the couch when Angel arrives, he loses that spot. Score: Angel 1, Bailey 0. Now Bailey will spend the rest of the hour monitoring Angel's activity, so that as soon as she steps off the couch, he can jump up and claim ownership. Score: Bailey 1, Angel 1. It went on like this all weekend. The chewies, after-dinner scraps, bowls of water. You'd be amazed at how many bonuses can be counted and weighed. By the end of the weekend, Angel was up by about 15. Bailey was losing sleep over this calculation. He was staying awake just waiting for Angel to make a move, and then he could make a move a bit further. Quite comical, but it wasn't my beans being counted. By the time Angel was picked up on Monday morning, Bailey was exhausted. When Angel left, he immediately placed himself upon the sofa, without challenge. It just wasn't any fun, because he REALLY likes to sleep in my chair, because MY chair is quite comfortable. I worked it out that way. After being thrown off MY chair three times, he finally settled onto the dog bed and took a much needed nap. Counting beans is exhausting. I came into the living room a while later, and found that Bailey had settled himself back on my chair-he just couldn't help it. But the difference this time? He was facing the back of the chair, purposefully not moving. I know what he was thinking. If he couldn't see ME, then I couldn't see him. Good plan, except it doesn't work that way. I told him again, to get off the chair. He seemed a bit surprised, but got down immediately. This morning there was a bit of a scuffle in the bedroom. I believe that someone had a bit of food or something, that's usually the cause for scuffles. Jake went to bed immediately, because that is how he handles conflict (not a bad policy) and Bailey came into the living room as if nothing had happened, although he wasn't looking anyone in the eye. Spring anyone? I think it's getting to all of us.

Stay on the road

2011-02-17T11:25:00.003-05:00

Dear Newport News. If you'd like to sell me a bathing suit, please don't put it on the size four "I haven't eaten in months" model named Bambii. It doesn't make me happy, nor will it sell the suit. I've gone in search of bathing suits at Cabelas, in hopes that they will have more to offer me. signed, Jen I'm doing the catalog surfing these days, and I'm having a lovely time. I've set up orders for bulbs in the garden, seeds for the vegetable patch, a new spring wardrobe and cruise wear. I'm having a ball. Thank God I don't use credit cards, or this could be dangerous. I prefer to pay on time, which means that I'll be able to wear this years spring wardrobe in 2021. Our television watching has changed as well. I now tend to watch a certain channel right through their evenings programming. Is it that I am enjoying the programming or is it that its simply easier than changing the channel to search for something else that I like. After all, if I liked the first program, chances are that the second or third that follows it will be in the same type of humor "family". It's a long shot, but it boils down to the devil you know vs. the devil you don't know. In other words, my standards for watching TV have gotten pretty low. My other choice is going outside, which these days is treacherous. The snow is melting off the roof, which could come crashing down on you when you least expect it, and the snow on the ground is twice as dangerous. Never has a surface been so smooth. Zamboni would be jealous. yesterday when I was returning from a meeting in town, I pulled into the driveway from the north side, turned the wheel to follow the circle and land in front of the house. My wheel was turned, but I was going forward, and then the whole car just slid to the right towards the pond, which now was blocked with a wall of plowed snow. We gently bumped into this plowed safety, and the car came to a stop. I waited until dusk, when the temperature had dropped, and moved the car easily to where I was originally planning on parking. These things don't phase me much any more. I guess I'm used to winter here. That's good, because it lasts until May.

good bye winter!

2011-02-16T09:14:00.003-05:00

I haven't written in quite some time. It's been a difficult time of year for me, and writing it down seemed doubly offensive. You d know the old saying, "if you haven't got something nice to say, don't say anything". Well, generally I change it to "if you haven't got something nice to say, come sit by me". When you're trying to take the high road, either way won't work. We have just come off Valentine's Day, a double holiday for us-our wedding anniversary too! Valentine's Day was always special for me-giving and sharing valentine's with your children is so sweet. Seeing the new loves and sweeties as they get older, from Kindergarten on. it's a loving holiday, and I love it. We married on Valentine's Day because it was symbolic for us to be Valentine's forever. Nine years. We are still each other's valentine. And so, the darkness of winter seems to have broken, and anticipation for spring is rampant. People's Christmas decorations are coming down (only to the level that can be reached due to the snow) and St. Patrick's decorations are going up! The year is moving along, and most people will say of the winter of 10/11, "don't let the door hit you in the arse as you leave". We're all ready for spring. I have been planning my garden, and also planning the landscaping for the pond. I plan on taking it on this year. Last year it was overgrown and ignored. I am feeling stronger day by day and will win the pond wars, I'm sure of it. Pick your spring battles an take them on. Let the games begin!

Spring thoughts

2011-02-10T21:18:00.002-05:00

Hey friends! The blogging has been hard due to the arthritis in my hands. Sometimes typing is not the most favorite activity to choose. And so, I choose to read. Lately I've been tearing through books very fast. Some good, some great, some I don't get past the first chapter. I can usually tell by the first chapter whether or not a book will hold my attention. Either its the style of writing or the content. Some books I choose thinking it will be the best read ever, and after just a few pages I'm gone. It's hard to tell. But the truth is, I can usually tell a book by its cover. I know that is not the way its supposed to go, but I can look at a book's cover, read the back summary and usually know whether or not I'm interested to read any further. The great books I have read lately are "Water for Elephants". I recommend this book highly. It was hugely entertaining. The story of a young man who loses his parents and decides to head out with a circus. It's a wonderful story and is in the process of being made into a movie with Reese Witherspoon and Rober Pattison. I saw the coming attractions when I went to see another movie. It looks promising. I am now reading "the girl with the dragon tatoo". I have had this book recommended to me for months, but just started it yesterday. It's great. The beauty of winter, for me, is that I can settle into my comfortable chair and decide what it is I want to do today. The day is mine. I have been crocheting as well, because it doesn't require the nimble fingers that knitting does. I'm hoping that the warm weather that comes with spring will bring the relief for my hands and legs, but for now, it's one book after another. On another note, Daphne is thriving with her insulin shots. She seems much better. The other dogs are sleeping alot too. I guess winter has that effect on all of us. Hang in there. Today I planted some herbs for the kitchen, in little glass containers. Getting my hands in the potting soil was very therapeutic, and I recommend it. Plant something in your window. Soon it will be blooming with the rest of the stuff outdoors. I'm sure of that. It happens every year, just when I think I cannot stand another moment of dirty snow. Something will smell fresh and soily, and it is spring. I'm counting on it.

Ahhh. February.

2011-01-31T08:37:00.008-05:00

Is there anything more beautiful than glistening snow in the sunrise? Yes...... Grass. I have reached my limit for snow, as much as I love it. I think that the physical stuff I have been going through is making it difficult for me to get out there and "love it". That's a shame, because it has always been one of my most favorite things. It's not to say my love affair with snow and winter is over, but only to say that yes, a break would be nice. I feel particularly bad for the friends and family on Long Island and points south. The reality is, we signed on for winter. For us, we knew we would be living this. For the southerly friends, not so much. An occasional snow storm is fun. Snow days are great. But the lingering mounds of dirty and icy snow taking up parking spaces and making life difficult is not what a typical long islander is looking for. We used to head down for a visit to get away from it all. Now, it is a trip into the fray. The thing that I DO appreciate about our snow is that it stays pristine for way longer than Long Island. That part I love. We (I use that term loosely) have been plowing every day for a week, and it keeps coming. Yesterday for the first time it occurred to me that using my snow shoes to get to the mailbox might not be a bad idea. That's a new thought. Allison drove yesterday, because practicing driving in the snow is something she needs to do. It was a bit of a change, but altogether not bad. I'm proud of her. I do know that getting out (however distasteful that may be) is the antidoes to depression. I was wallowing in it last week, and found even speaking to be a difficult task. Getting out and getting some Vitamin D, however small a dose, does help the soul. Sometimes though seeing the forest for the trees is beyond our control. And so, wallowing in it for a few days is the only solution. Boy am I glad that part is over! I do feel the days getting brighter for longer, and planning my garden (wherever it is out there) is helping me cope with this never-ending winter. That, and the thought of getting down to L.I. to see some family and friends. I think that has given me a new lease on things. That, and alot of meds. Lyme disease can really rob you of your feeling of ability. I'm working on that. I had a Dr's appointment on Tuesday, and this is the travel conditions I pushed myself out to. For those who like browsing, here is a picture of the camp next to ours, up at Caroga lake. for sale-$54,000. Word has it they purchased it for $19,000 just a few years ago. Quite a price escalation, eh? I imagine this cabin, which is one block from the Association Beach (dues $70 per year) could be had for MUCH less. Just saying! It's a beautiful place to be when the sun is shining, which I'm hoping is sometime soon! Happy Chinese New Year!

I'm not a betting man, but. . .

2011-01-20T17:21:00.008-05:00

It's twilight now, my favorite of the day. The trees look like black lace against the violet sky. We are snuggled in Allison and I, and the day was perfectly relaxing. Allison resting with a stomach bug, me resting with all of it, and Daphne resting while absorbing her new insulin program. Daphne, it was discovered on Monday, is diabetic. In addition to losing six pounds, she has also been sleeping alot, peeing alot and drinking alot. You would have thought with these symptoms that I would be the one who diagnosed it. But it was a blood test. I feel kind of bad. Actually, let me correct that and say I feel quite bad about it. For Daphne to lose six pounds requires alot-she was only twenty pounds to begin with. You would think I would have noticed sooner. But, I didn't. I wondered what was wrong with her, but I didn't come right out and say "diabetes, that's it". She deserves better from me, her diabetic Mother. My first concern when I heard they were calling in her prescriptions (what pharmacy do you use?) was whether or not the pharmacist would think I had thrown in the towel with my regular physicians and decided to seek treatment from the local veterinarian. What would you suspect if a regular customer who had been treated for everything over the past few months (sheesh, what does this broad have? she's taking all kinds of medications and now this? a new insulin and syringes? what happened to the pump?) I would be thinking these questions if I were the pharmacist, and yet they just efficiently filled Daphne's prescriptions and then I also picked up a few of mine that were waiting. So all in one bag goes the dogs prescriptions and my prescriptions. I am having some trouble with this. It seems sort of off to my sensibilities that the dog and I are getting our medications from the same source. I am trying to be more loving about this, Daphne is of course my baby, but something feels not quite right. Should I now be making my hair appointments at Shampoodles? Although, feeling dog tired has been a complaint of mine for some time. And I know when I go out and don't really put my best foot forward, the sentiment that "she's a dog" would not be terribly far off. I have my moments for sure. We got home and nto the fridge went Daphne's insulin, right next to MY insulin and again the thought occurred to me that possible cross-medication could occur, especially when I'm not feeling myself and have to set-up my pump meds. Sometimes when my blood sugar gets low I get a little "off-center" as we like to say around here. For example, last Sunday when we picked Allison up in Newburgh and brought her home, we made a side trip to Albany and the chrismas tree shop. While there, I started to feel a little low and took some glucose tabs. By the time we got to Petco to pick up some dog supplies, I was hovering around 50. That is a dangerous number for me because I begin to make decisions that have no basis in reality. I purchased a life preserver for Bailey that I am quite sure will never be worn. First of all, the dog knows how to swim. Secondly, this is not the face of a dog who will be wearing the life-jacket. Ever. The rationale for purchasing a life jacket in the middle of January escapes me at the moment, but I'm sure at the time it felt right. I am always so grateful to my family for going along with things and not pointing out my diabetic delusions to the cashier. But we managed to get home with all our purchases. My point is that when my blood sugar is low, I get confused. And now that we have syringes and insulin in the refrigerator right alongside mine, I am trying to be extra diligent in my blood sugar testing. Getting low blood sugars could be disastrous. In the meantime, I will make sure that Daphne will get her injections on time, and hopefully, all will go smoothly. What are those odds?

Digging Out

2011-01-10T18:33:00.005-05:00

We were hit with quite a bit of snow, as you well know. Ours came a little later than downstate, and thankfully, is only remotely impacted by the plows. We live in a winter wonderland, and it stays that way for a long time. The temperature tonight is going down to about zero, and we are loving every minute of it. Me and the dogs do not have to go out, but briefly, and that is the way winter should be experienced. We dress up for the weather, not for the fashion, do our business (well the dogs do, I just accompany them for ha ha's) and go back into the toasty warm house. The reason the house is toasty is not because we're running up our gas forced hot air heat, but because we're running up our pellet stove. This has a nice and toasty gas run fire flame in the center of the living room. This fire flame is incredibly warm, and also centered directely below our large screen TV. Which is placed directly in front of mine and Jerry's chairs. Also strategically placed in from of the sofa, which is Allison's place of business. We're quite comfortable. The high point of our day is when Jerry comes home and places himself in HIS chair. Unfortunately, he doesn't get home until late evening, and so he misses most of the beauty of this winter wonderland that we live in, except to drive to his job, and return at night. The mornings he is home, long enough to plow the driveway so he can get out. For us, it's like living in a snow globe, and I am blessed every day. In the meantime, Bailey keeps it warm. We're due for another big one on Wednesday. I hope you find YOUR fire and enjoy it all. Even if it's just for a moment.

R.I.P. Honey West

2011-01-04T12:08:00.007-05:00

It has come to my attention that Anne Francis passed away on the 3rd of January. She probably doesn't know this, since I never wrote to her, but Anne Francis was my childhood idol. She ranked way above Barbie and Skipper, first of all because she was real, but mostly because she wasn't a Bimbo. Up till Anne Francis, all the women in TV were quite stupid. If Honey West were on Gilligan's Island, they would have found a way off the island. Instead Ginger and Marianne stood around looking beautiful but whining about their situation, and so they are still there, or at least until the sequel twenty years later, when they were found, no thanks to their brains. Honey West was the first Charlie's Angel, only she did it on her own. The first TV Female Detective who was something to look at, and a force to contend with. She was a hot number who wasn't an idiot. THIS was something I wanted to emulate! We spent hours upon hours in my cousin's basement playing Honey West and switching rolls repeatedly so everyone got a chance to be Honey West. The rest of us waited patiently for our turn to be the heroine who gets to wipe out everyone else in the basement, hiding behind laundry baskets and under beds, we held shootouts and choreographed wrestling matches that were played out over and over again, until it was played out right. There were dramatized deaths and staircase falls while holding our chest and gagging with blood, ending with Honey getting to stand over her conquest with the gun in her hand. In charge. Honey West. All it took was a swirl of an eyebrow pencil, and honey had that little birthmark on her face. It needed no cape, no elaborate costumes like the boys needed. No green make up or massive muscles on their arms or hands for recognition. a little swirl of an eyebrow pencil gently placed on your lower cheek, and immediately you were Honey West. As one of the older cousins and in charge enough to direct this busy activity, looking back I now realize I was only eight years old. I felt old enough to actually BE Honey West, or at least a reasonable facsimile, I can't believe I had that kind of self-confidence back then. Keep in mind that these games went on for hours. The cocktail hour going on upstairs allowed us kids to really get into some serious play-acting, without supervision. It was outstanding! Kids nowadays don't really know how to play,not through any fault of their own, but because we are so diligent about our supervision of them. Perhaps because we know what can happen unsupervised? I hate to analyse these things because I fear that I will unearth some terrible truth that will label me a bad parent. And so, I just fondly remember those years of unsupervised play, and thankfully look back with such happiness at what was probably my first real role - Honey West. I believed I was her, and I may just dab a little eyebrow pencil in her honor. There is no one home to really judge me. And when Jerry gets here, I can swiftly open the door, holding my hands together as if they are a gun, point it at him and say "Hold it! I'm Honey West" He probably won't know what the hell I'm talking about. Which is probably a good thing. The fact that he is carrying a gun when he gets home may make this more realistic than I am into. And Allison gets home before Jerry, so I don't want her to think I'm a lunatic anymore than she already does. The kids are all aware of my acting aspirations - just ask any one of them what I can't do, and they 'll tell you while rolling their eyes. the Christmas monologue will go down in history. But my first real role was Honey West. Believe me, I was in the moment back then. Rest In Peace Anne Francis, and thanks for the memories. you really should link to our blog page: www.bluelinefarm.blogspot.com It's worth the hassle just to see her picture. :)

2011 - Nothing's Changed

2011-01-03T17:10:00.005-05:00

In an effort to follow my resolution, which I am smart enough to say "I hope to" instead of "going to", today I went for a brisk walk in the pasture, which "I hope to to every day". I made this resolution because it will be a good goal for me, and it won't kill the dogs either. It is a small enough goal in that Jake can do it without hurting himself, and Daphne SHOULD do it because she is so fat her belly hangs over her feet when she sits down. My weight is stable, which is good, but I think I need to get out there more every day, and if I have a problem, walking in the pasture keeps me within eyesight of the house, and in case I have trouble, they will find me eventually. See how optimistic I am? Anyway, the walk went something like this. . . "Come on kids, good boys, what a good girl, that's it, you're doing great, stay together now, Don't go over there Daphne, stay here sweetie, Daphne come with me honey, Daphne stay out of there, come here baby, that's a good girl, come on, come on Daphne, Daphne honey, Come here honey bunch, get out of there. Daphne, Get Over Here Daphne, Come Here Daphne, GET OVER HERE YOU LITTLE SHIT! GIT! GIT! YOU BETTER RUN! DAPHNE!!!!!!" I end up RUNNING in the pasture, which was not my intention. A nice brisk walk was what I was going for! She gets her cookie anyway, but I make her wait until the other two have had theirs, and she works herself into a fat little snit, thinking she won't get a cookie. And the tragedy is, she doesn't even LIKE these cookies, but she likes to guard them from the other dogs. She sits next to the cookie in the living room and torments Bailey, not eating it, just staring at it, then at him. Just watching it and barking if anyone comes near her cookie. He eventually gets it because she will get bored and walk away. He then sneaks over and grabs her cookie. Jake doesn't play this game. He takes his cookie and goes directly into his room (which is our room too but that is a small detail) and lays down. He is smart. That is what I WOULD LIKE TO DO! Walking in the pasture makes me tired, and as soon as I get Bailey off my seat, I will lay down. I must be out of my mind! Happy New Year.

Lyme Disease

2010-12-29T12:56:00.002-05:00

That's right. Lyme Disease. Although this blog did not start out as a follow Jen's ailments blog, it has become such a blog, and I am horrified. The fact is, my ailments have become the focus of ALOT of things in my life, and hard as I try to get around that, it keeps poking me in the head to get my attention. Ouch! Well, today I went to my primary care physician, to follow up some bloodwork tests that were done, and sure enough, I tested positive for Lyme Disease. All I know about Lyme (or knew I should say, I've been on the computer for hours) was that it was a tick bite disease. The side effects, as written, read as a commentary of everything that is wrong with me. So, this is good news in that we will now be treating the culprit of all these symptoms. With a course of appropriate antibiotics, and adequate pain meds. I am reading all the sides that come with the meds, and to say that I am overwhelmed would be putting a positive spin on this. I have read some blogs about lyme disease, and I can promise you that this will not become a dedicated blog. It is a boring litany of ailments, all of which I agree with, but shall keep to myself as much as possible. My New Year's resolution (I'm breaking the resolution of 2006 that said I would not make New Year's resolutions - not a total failure - four years) that I will write much more than I have been, and I will find more interesting topics. This was decided yesterday, before this news of Lyme. And so, I am allowing a 24 wallowing period, and this is part of it. Poor Jerry-he's in for a long night. I keep singing the Celebrex song. All of these meds warn against suicidal thoughts. I don't think it's the meds that cause suicidal thoughts, I think it is only the fact that you are taking so many meds . . . That's a joke. I realize it is no laughing matter, but as I pointed out to Jerry long ago - "If I wanted to commit suicide-I'd STOP taking all my meds. I'd probably be dead in an hour". Maybe not, but I thought it was an astute observation. Our snow is melting as fast as Long Island's is piling up. For those who are shoveling, my condolences. To those who are waiting for the slopes to unmush-my condolences. The grass is always greener they say.

Merry Christmas

2010-12-27T12:24:00.003-05:00

Merry Christmas. Because we managed to stay awake until (and through!) the Christmas Eve church service, it truly does feel like Christmas. For me, the Christmas Eve service transcends all the nonsense that we go through in order to gift each other, and although that is such a wonderful time when we're all together and having fun and sharing our gifts with each other, making sure sizes are right and wishes are answered, it still makes it all have meaning at 12:00 when the lights are extinguished and everyone lights each other's candle and sings "silent night". Yup, that's the good stuff. Sometimes, when circumstances beyond my control, or even just plain laziness, get between me and the Christmas Eve service, I miss it. And without fail, I am always sorry. It is the service where the message breaks through to my cynical heart, and I am moved. And to miss it means a whole year must go by before that opportunity comes again. and although in that year I may be moved for other reasons, and my cynical heart may be spoken to through another voice, that Christmas Eve service is the one that really matters, because so many other forces are vying for my attention. And sometimes those are the ones we're hearing. This year, I'm happy to say, we made it. A lovely dinner out with Jerry and Allison at the Fireside Restaurant, sitting fireside, and then a trip through the neighborhoods to see the lighted decorations and of course, the spectacular moon that we all shared. This was done specifically so that we would not eat at home, sit down in the living room to wait for 10:00, and then to crash and burn, saying "I can't". Well, yes you can, but you choose not to. And so, knowing my weaknesses (sitting in the living room after a nice meal and crashing and burning) we decided to eat out and STAY out until it is time for church. This way, we managed to eliminate that crash and burn opportunity and we made it! Jackie and Jesse and Walter and Jackie made it up Christmas Day, and like the rest of the northeast jumped back on the thruway on the 26th in hopes of making it home before the snow hit. It was a disappointingly short visit, but I feel lucky that we had one at all. This year was particularly busy, I believe because I completely had Christmas denial right up until the 20th or so. . . You live your consequences. That is what I always tell my kids when they ask my opinion on their decision. You live your consequences. Not me, you. So how will this affect your future? Well, let's just say the week before Christmas didn't leave alot of time for spiritual reflection. I was constantly behind the 8-ball. And so, I lived my consequences. Thankfully, we can sit in a pew at 10 PM on Christmas eve and realize "if it isn't done by now, it isn't getting done". That is peace. I love it. I can sit down and hear the message, without interruption, without going over lists in my head, without putting incredible pressure on myself to get things done. None of it matters. It's Christ's birthday. That's the message. It needs to last longer this year. I need to hold that message in my heart, longer than before. I need to act on it, more. Merry Christmas. Happy New Year. Peace.

Winding down.

2010-12-19T08:35:00.002-05:00

We're off to the mall. aaaarrrrgh. I am hoping that the spirit will take me to a better place. I'm not a mall shopper under the best of conditions, and the Saturday before Christmas is not the best of conditions. We're also bringing Allison with us, as she has some shopping to do as well. The dogs have enjoyed a lovely morning, taking their walks outside in the 4 degree weather, coming right back in to the toasty warm house, and being served cookies and treats. I do feel the spirit when it comes to the dogs. I am accutely aware that this is most likely our last winter with Jake, and unless something miraculous appears in our option pool, it's a sad time for me. We can't even really talk about it to each other, it's just too painful. And so, we enjoy each moment with our friends and hope that tomorrow is a better day for him. Bailey is confused in his buddy's inability to run and frolic in the snow, which is what he is doing every chance he gets. For a southern dog, he doesn't appear to be too fazed by the temperature. He's mostly a black and white flash passing quickly by the door. He bounds up the steps when he's ready to come in, the same six steps that take Jake a few tries before he's able to make it up. We've discussed the possibility of a ramp, because Jerry is carrying the 120 lb. dog down. (Go Jerry) He's able to make it up (Jake, not Jerry, I assumed you knew Jerry was making it up) but the incline would probably be just as daunting for him. It takes a few passes before he gets his nerve up. Then with a fast start, he propels himself up to the porch. I am always there with a treat, hopefully to make it more palatable to him to even be outside. He doesn't seem to be so interested in the pasture these days, he's content to just keep himself close to the house. I see the single set of prints in the snow, heading out to what used to be Jake's favorite place, and it makes me sad. Bailey is running alone. Daphne, who is also in her senior years, is only a fan of the pasture when she can run out there, turn on her back and rub and wiggle in the grass. She's a summer dog. So, the holidays are barreling down on us, and I'm as unprepared as ever. I believe, I believe! Santa, where are you when I REALLY need you!

Marathon Shopping

2010-12-14T20:14:00.004-05:00

Tis the season. I am seeing all around me people doing extraordinary things, in the name of the holidays. I have been witness to random acts of kindness, and perfectly wonderful gifts given to strangers. This is the best part of the holidays. I love that people are giving, even when they have little to themselves. It's a miracle for sure. We are in the last weeks of Christmas preparation and it seems as if half our family of kids will be joining us Christmas day. They will get on the road after breakfast on Christmas morning and get to us sometime in the afternoon. The group that is coming does not know the meaning of slogging through. We make that upstate to Long Island trip without benefit of rest stops, usually. Even the dogs have learned to hold it in and make good time. We're funny that way. I've taken to traveling with audio books these days. It is a good a proper way to really get into a book, and still do important things like keep your eyes on the road, or knit. I tend to be the passenger on those road trips, and I get alot of knitting done. It is the perfect way to pass the time and be able to ignore the roadside view, which has become quite ordinary. I've seen it alot. Jerry tends to tune out the audio books, unless it is something that he is really into, like a murder mystery or something. I myself prefer the introspective historical novels. Since I'm the one with an active library card, I usually win. It's hard to believe that it is December 14th, and we have not begun to Christmas shop yet. I'm still pondering the best way to attack this situation, and with Jerry in tow, I am thinking that the mall this weekend should be a great way to start. I know there are people out there who are done. They started shopping in September and have finished long ago. I prefer to wait until the last minute and really go in for the desperate shopping experience, where vendors are marking down left and right and you feel as if you've really worked at your purchase. A shopping warrior. I remember back to one year when I decided that I would get my shopping done early. I started in July. By the time Christmas came around I had forgotten what I had purchased and who it was for. I ended up doing the last minute run around because I realized that what seemed perfect in July was no longer right. Things change in six months. And I've also been guilty of finding Christmas goodies packed away in March-never delivered to their intended recipient. Hidden so well even I didn't find them. I am guilty of Christmas overload. Hence, the last minute shopping marathon. It's all fresh in my mind at Christmas. I can remember who I bought it for, and where I put it. See you at the mall!

Screaming is fun!

2010-12-10T10:00:00.005-05:00

It's been a while since we decorated our tree "fully", with all the ornaments collected over the years. Jacqueline reminded me that we were down on Long Island last year, and so we didn't do the whole house decorating. She's right. Last night, with help from both the girls, we put up our pre-lit Christmas tree (aren't they great?) and decided that it was too cold and dark to go retrieve all the ornaments from the second floor of the garage. Jerry brought the boxes in this morning and Jackie and I began to decorate the tree. The second box, which was cardboard, was a little disappointing because apparently it had been home to a mouse (mice?) and the shredded papers and mouse poo was clear on some of the ornaments. Some we were able to salvage, some not. Thankfully, the ornaments that were important were usually glass and thus not damaged by mice. It was a skeeve producing activity, not a glorious holiday memory in the making. Once, Jackie screamed and backed up fearfully, but it was only some shredded paper. We were reminded of the year we lived in Sea Cliff. At the time I was a single parent living in a two bedroom apartment with two girls and a boy. Hence, my sleeping arrangement was a foam roll-out sofa on the floor. Now, before you go feeling sorry for me, I can tell you that that particular apartment had a fireplace in the living room, where my bed was, and so every night I went to sleep with a beautiful fire at my feet. It was theurapeutic and soothing. But I digress. One night I awoke to feel something on my neck, and half asleep brushed it away. The edge of the blanket perhaps? I got up in the morning and ran into town (most likely to 7-11 for a french vanilla) and as I pulled into the driveway I could hear blood curdling screams coming from inside the house. As soon as I heard those screams, I knew what it was that had "fluttered" across my neck the night before. I ran into the house to find Jackie (15 at the time) standing on her bed in her baby doll pajamas, unlaced workboots on her feet (her brother's perhaps?) with a tennis racket in one hand, a fly fishing rod in the other. She was mouse hunting. I went back out to the hardware store and purchased as much mouse eradification paraphanalia I could find, and came home to join her. We placed traps carefully around the house, secured the mouse into one room, and within hours we had caught him. He was stuck to one of those paper glue traps that seem so humane when you're buying them, not so much when you're taking a half dead, partially stuck and terrified mouse, to the garbage. Good times. As we continued to decorate the tree, we were lulled into a peaceful and secure feeling when out of the box jumped a mouse. A live, FAST, mouse. Jacqueline (with her blood curdling scream that brought back so many happy memories) flew, her feet barely touching the ground, into the hallway. She had seen him go, and she had seen where he went. I, who have lived in the country for some time now, was picking up her vibes and was now sitting in the living room chair with my feet off the floor. We decided we needed to get him OUT of the house. Propping open the front door, we found Jerry on the porch with the offending box of ornaments, picking through to make sure this was not a family situation. We believed the mouse was under the hutch and went after him with a broom to push him out. And out he came. FAST. They are incredibly fast. And I PROCEEDED TO JUMP ONTO THE COUCH IN THE LIVING ROOM, KNOCKING DOWN A DINING ROOM CHAIR AND END TABLE IN THE PROCESS. The mouse went straight for the outdoors, as any sane animal would do when faced with two screaming lunatics. I was screaming as loud as Jackie ever had, me, who lives in the country and is faced with mini-mice quite often. We catch them, move them on, and forget about it. But this screaming Long Island mall-queen opened up that dormant but inherant mall-queen in me, and I was loud. It was incredibly exhilarating! I had fun. Knowing that the mouse is gone is making this a happy memory. Those glorious Christmas memories that we always remember. Merry Christmas Jackie and Jerry. That was fun.

Dog Antics

2010-12-09T10:13:00.005-05:00

We're just hanging by the fire, my Jackie and I. We're up to four dogs again, with the arrival of Blue, Jackie's four pound Chihuahua. The canine dynamics are amazing and go like this: Jake-the labrador/great dane mix. He is the king of the castle, and is allowed priveleges that no other dog has due to his age and first dog status. He uses this relentlessly and is quite vocal when things don't go his way. His bark is loud and moves the furniture when he lets loose. He is a pussycat. He tries to be the alpha dog, but point in fact is that he is just a big baby and is imtimidated by a four pound chihuahua named Blue. When Blue arrives, Jake comes to say hello, and then goes to bed. In the past, we have had instance to suspect that Jake might have had a stroke, and after crying and saying goodbye as Jackie and her canine companion left, we were quite surprised to see Jake standing at the doorway wagging his tail as if to say "bye bye". He was only taking to his bed because Blue was there. Now we know that it is all a drama and he is quite fine, just a little annoyed. He'll get over it. Bailey-the Hound/Pointer mix: Bailey and Blue are arch enemies. They are both the alpha dogs, and when they are together in this house, it is a constant battle for the top dog position. There are also alot of jealousies going on. This morning after a little "tussle" in the living room, because Jackie had given Bailey a little extra attention and loving, we were surprised to see that someone (?) had peeed in Bailey's water bowl. The bowl happened to be empty and so we were able to see that it clearly had something besides water in it. Now we don't like to place blame without being absolutely sure, but Jake's arthritis is so bad he can barely pee outside without being sloppy. Daphne would not have been able to place herself over the bowl as her stomach is dragging on the ground. The obvious culprit is Blue. Talk about a statement! Bailey is lurking everywhere making sure that Blue doesn't have access to his favorite spots. It's a game of "Can You Top This?" It's going to be an interesting couple of days. Daphne - Chihuahua/Jack Russel mix: Daphne is smitten with Blue, and he likes her too. We have established that this relationship is something like the Queen of England going after Ashton Kutcher. Picture that. It's hard to do isn't it? They just don't go together. Well, that's how it is with Daphne and Blue-they are not a match made in heaven, but they're giving it the old college try. It's pretty funny. Love is in the air, every where you turn. Dancing, cuddling, hopping around. They just can't help themselves those cute kids. The actual "match up" has not happened, much to Daphne's frustration and Blue's youth and inexperience. Kind of sad really. I wish they would just get it over with and we could all move on. I'll keep you posted! Jackie is enjoying the new guest bedroom digs and has reported that the queen size bed is wonderfully comfortable. Keep that in mind as you make your weekend getaway plans - come see us! We're off to the shops today, and will pick up Allison from school to add to the fun. It's promising to be a busy day.

Wal-Mart

2010-12-08T16:12:00.002-05:00

I'm convinced that we live in a snow globe. It has been snowing for four days and we have one inch accumulation. It's beautiful! All the hard work we have been doing over the past few months is finally coming together. It's nice to know that we can take somewhat of a break over the winter. It is my favorite time of year when you can cozy up to the pellet stove and read a good book. That's what we do here. I've realized that blogging requires you to get up and out there and interact with people! It gets harder to do when the snow is falling and I'm all cozied in. I try though. We are putting up an artificial tree this year. My neurosis about live trees and pellet stoves has overwhelmed Jerry, and I have made my point. So off we went to WalMart to purchase a beautiful pre-lit christmas tree. I am unable to enjoy the live tree in the living room because I am so fearful of fire. So that is how it goes. We have nine acres of beautiful christmas trees and in comes the wal-mart special. Oh well. I was at Wal-Mart today picking up my glasses - bifocals. What a revelation. I thought I couldn't see in the distance because things were far away. It turns out that glasses have corrected my distance vision, and I am able to see clearly. I have been using the reading glasses for years because I am truly unable to see up close. I need my glasses to eat dinner, otherwise it is just a plate of colors. Detail is lost to me. So these new glasses are must amazing to me. I also had the transition sunglasses added, and I no longer have to fumble for my glasses, changing from driving to reading directions. It's now all clear. I am boggled by this. What was wrong with me that it took this long to get this corrected? What was I thinking! So that's what we've been up to. Take care!

Updates from Caroga 12/06/10

2010-12-06T07:19:00.002-05:00

Well gang I have not been keeping you updated so here is the best I can recall( Age is a Bitch). It's not that we are getting older, it just seems like so much going on here that it all seems like too much.......or maybe we are just over whelmed because we are getting older. I'm am having my morning coffee and looking out of our new living room window watching the snow falling and typing. So now, for whats new..... You all have seen the pictures of the new grandchild, Michael. We love him and miss seeing him, thank god for the Internet as we do seem to get new pictures every day. He is growing very fast. Every time I speak to Nicole seems she has it all under control as a New Mother, we are very proud of you Nicole & Mike. Payton our Step Granddaughter seems to also just Growing so fast. Hurry up grandchildren and come visit....We got winter stuff to do with you. Thanksgiving came and went, Jen & I helped out serving/delivering meals in the morning at a local church. Cooked a turkey at home and had a couple over for dinner. We are so thankful for what we have! Seems all the all the grown children , Jackie, Walter, Brian , Ali doing well Brian had been in the NYC Police Academy for 5 months, Just a Short 30 days or so from Graduating from said Police Academy and he got called to the Suffolk County Sheriffs office to become a Sheriff. So off Brian went and now he is in the Suffolk County Police Academy for another 6 months or so. Deer hunting did not go so good this year for me...Only out one day( Again that so much going on thing). I work part time here (30 hrs) and just not fitting in to a hunting schedule. I heard a 10 to 12 Pointer seen just down the road and even shot at by Daves cousin. Jen's got the Guest Bedroom up and running, New Wallpaper, New rug, New trim, and last but not least, that futon is gone and a new queen size bed going in today.. All of our snow moving equipment , Main generator, Back up-back up generator in order and ready to go. I hear that it might be a light snow fall season. If you stand in our yard and listen I think you can hear the Snow making machines over at Royal Mountain humming along at night, wont be long now til they open. We purchased a Christmas Tree in a box and any day now it will be going up. Saved a living tree this year. That's about all I can recall for now, off to spend some time with my Bride before work.. Til Next time Gang.....Jerry

Give and you receive.

2010-11-29T08:46:00.004-05:00

Cyber Monday. I find myself not wanting to shop, simply because I'm so disgusted by images of shoppers plowing each other down in order to get into the store and be the first to grab a TV or Radio or something. Is it worth it? I don't think so. I am becoming a non-shopper. Our annual christmas show is a tough gig to book. We're a big family, and finding a Saturday where we're all available for a trek into the city to see a show, and dinner, is becoming more and more difficult. But we try. It is worth it to us, because getting us all together for one day is important, and sharing our love of theatre and the arts is important too. So this has become the gift we give each year. A day in the city with family. It eliminates the killer shopping. That I am grateful for. This year's show has not been picked yet, nor have we decided which date. Last year we ended up in the city in the spring, due to scheduling conflicts. It had its benefits. How this year pans out remains to be seen. Our mouse wars continue. So far, the peanut butter is not working. Has it found a new kitchen to terrorize? There's a church next door. Perhaps he has become a church-mouse? I'm a little afraid to look each morning when I get up. I'm just slightly less offended by a dead mouse than I am by a lurking mouse. The snow on the ground is still in patches. It should be warmer this week, and I'm sure it will melt. Today is carpet day. After that the reveal for the guest room (and hopefully bookings) will take place. Ta Da! I'm glad that's done. Another job to check off the list of things to do. We're in the home stretch. I hope. We had a lovely Thanksgiving although missing the family was tough. We delivered a bunch of meals for the needy through a local church program and it was certainly a gratitude producing activity. I was shocked and saddened by so much poverty and need, but also uplifted by the fact that there were more volunteers than necessary. They were rationing the number of meals you took to deliver so that everyone would have an opportunity to help. That was nice to see. Selfishly, giving to others does make you feel better about yourself and your situation. Coming home to dinner, we were particularly conscious of what we had. Our dinner was not in a styrofoam take-out box. All we wanted, for the asking. Count your blessings. They are many.

Happy thanksgiving!

2010-11-25T14:32:00.005-05:00

It's been awhile since I've posted. Happy thanksgiving to you all, and to your families and friends. I'll just share a photo of our latest elf. We've been busy this morning, cooking up the turkey and the sides. After delivering meals for the local church, we came back home to relax and cook. I feel incredibly grateful for that which we have, especially when you are faced with people who have so little. On a holiday like this, it is just wonderful to be so blessed, but more importantly, to realize it. I like to share our blessings when I can, but this week I have been faced with a creature who is not on my guest list. Ever. Our home has been infiltrated by a mouse. This is particularly offensive when we have worked so hard to make the place "tight". Jerry has broken his back to get all the little points of entry sealed up, and has really knocked himself out in this department. I'm sorry to say that somewhere, he has missed a spot. This mouse actually had the audacity to nibble a rather substantial piece off a rutabaga. Now if you know a rutabaga, you know that it is wax sealed and tough to peel. Trust me, I know this because each Thanksgiving when it comes time to peel the damn things I have to call in reinforcements. And the little mouse just ripped his way through the seal and like I said, helped himself. We started out with peanut butter because this is the failsafe way to catch a mouse, we're told. We've done this for two nights in a row, so apparently, we're not catching them, just serving them dinner. I hate to do this on this holiday of all holidays, because I feel I should be a little more giving than to rudely break a poor defenseless mouse's neck while he's trying to get some peanut butter. But really, had he knocked at the door I would have helped. coming into the house and brazenly taking a chunk out of the rutabaga is not allowed. If I wasn't such a faithful user of Tylenol PM I would have been a little afraid to go to sleep last night, lest I hear the telltale "snap!" that indicates a successful trapping endeavor. But I sleep like a baby. Carefully, I checked the trap this morning and alas, was filled with really mixed emotions. No body, no good. I do hope he left of his own accord. It would be much cleaner that way. You'd think with three dogs (small, medium and large) that ONE OF THEM would have noticed a rodent prowling about in the wee hours of the morning? If you didn't know better you'd think that we'd ALL taken Tylenol PM! Not so, but they slept well any way. Watchdogs. Hmmph. That's how we spend our days. Best to you and yours. Happy Thanksgiving.

Decorating Trauma

2010-11-16T16:58:00.006-05:00

We have finally gotten down to the floor in the living room redo, and I have to say that I love the rug. We shopped around quite a bit, because on rainy cold days, shopping is a great activity. Or should I say WINDOW shopping. We did alot of it, and finally ended up with a beautiful wool oriental rug that complements the living room and truly looks lovely. I only have one question. Why is it that as soon as you install some type of new flooring, someone barfs on it? The culprit this time was Bailey. He is not normally a hurler, but on the evening we brought home the carpet and laid it down, carefully measuring the placement in the living room and making sure that all furniture was carefully arranged for maximum beauty, he had eaten a new electronic blinking light. As I was sitting in the chair in the living room and peacefully looking around and taking in all the ambiance I had so carefully arranged, I heard a chewing sound that wasn't quite right. It was more of a cracking kind of sound, as if someone were opening walnuts with a metal nutcracker. But Jerry was directly in my sight, diligently typing away at the computer. The sound was coming from next to me - that's right, Bailey was lounging on the recliner chomping away at the new clip-on flashing light that Jerry had purchased for both dogs to protect them in the darkness. This way they could be seen in the dark. Except of course if you eat the blinking light. After I took away the small plastic pieces from Bailey's mouth and off the chair, I threw the whole thing out thinking "close call-he could have choked on that". When I returned to my seat, I looked down and saw that Bailey had barfed up the whole clot of plastic that he had eaten,and anything else that happened to be in his stomach. A big pile of barf on the new rug. It was on the floor for approximately 34 minutes. The rug I mean, not the barf. It nearly broke my heart, but Jerry was quick with a barf pick-up strategy that he had clearly used in the past. He was swiping it all into a plastic bag (thank God for Paper or Plastic? We always go for plastic) and removing it. Bailey didn't bat an eye and returned to his seat on the recliner. All in all, it was a lovely evening, but I wonder; how do they KNOW that this is new and should be broken in immediately? I almost feel a little grateful because now I don't have to worry about it. The Damage is already done. I don't think I've ever had a new carpet or rug that someone didn't let 'er rip shortly after the installation was complete. When Jackie was a baby, she hurled onto her bedroom carpet before the installer had left the room. Almost got him on the back with projectile vomiting. That time I was lucky enough to have a professional letting me know the best way to clean a carpet. When I got my van when Allison was a baby, we were driving home from the car dealer and I was hit in the back of the head with projectile vomiting. The scent of apple juice was forever lingering in that car-especially on a hot summer day when you opened the car. It kind of hit you in the face. Well, what can we say? The guest room is next in the flooring department. I think I'll keep the door closed unless we have a guest. And if you're a guest coming to stay? Don't feel bad if something happens. Apparently we're on a roll.

Bug Off

2010-11-16T11:17:00.000-05:00

This is a conifer bug, more commonly known here in upstate New York as a "Stink Bug". If you step on this bug, they emit some type of odor that is kind of like decaying garbage. So I'm told. I have the good fortune of possessing a very poor sense of smell, and it has served me well. It was beneficial while changing diapers. But that's a long way back. Sometimes this sense of smell will kick in at inopportune moments, but for the most part, I'm safe. Anyway, the conifer bugs hatch each time the weather changes. The warmth of the sun seens to re-energize these little fellas, and they come back in full force. Before our house was completely insulated they would find their way in. TERROR. The first time I saw one I was totally freaked out, being unfamiliar with the slow and gentle nature of these harmless bugs. Once I realized that they were easy to catch, I did not feel so threatened. Killing them was easy. I have friends (and some people I know intimately) that will take a bug and carry it gingerly to the outdoors. This is very nice, but not my style. If I had an oozie available I would use that to erradicate the stink bug population. Spiders would also be goners. Basically, any bugs. When it comes down to "them" or "Me" I use whatever tools are available to me to kill them dead. I am afraid of bugs. The only bug that has any merit in my world is a lady bug, and they too will hatch in the warm weather in multitudes. The first time Jerry and I went away for a weekend together, our hotel room had a hatch of lady bugs. Since then, I have held them in high favor. But any time we came north for a weekend or vacation, the first time we cranked up the heat the crawlys would hatch in the house causing me a weekend of rummaging and pillaging and mass destruction. If they were in the house I would find them. Lady bugs too. A single lady bug I will carry outside to live and breed in freedom with all my heartfelt best wishes. "Lady Bug Lady Bug Fly away home, your house is on fire and the children alone". What a lovely little ditty for the children. A hatch of lady bugs I will vacuum up without a backward glance. I do not want to live among the bugs. Camping is one thing, but tents have zippers for a purpose. Now that the house is well insulated and all points of egress have been plugged up, we are fairly safe. The conifer bug picture shows him OUTSIDE the window. Where he needs to stay. The worst feeling in the world is finding a spider, taking your eyes off him for a moment while you find the tool of destruction (be it a shoe or a book) and coming back to where he was and seeing. . . nothing. AAAAAAGGGGGGHHHHHH. Now I have to worry about where he is. All Night. And if it is in the bedroom, I will lay there with my eyes open scanning the ceiling and points to the side. Scary stuff these bugs. They say if you find a spider in your home it means your house is clean. This may be true, because we have been renovating and I haven't found any recently. I'm not sure if I'm happy about that though. Because now, really, what's my motivation to clean the house?

Updates From Caroga Lake

2010-11-14T08:02:00.004-05:00

Well Gang it's been a while since I posted, Jen's Been keepin ya up to date so I don't feel so bad.

Of course the Biggest news is the Birth of our Grandson, Michael. We did already have a Granddaughter, Payton and we love them both very much. Last weekend Nicole & Mike had little Michael's Christening on Long Island which we attended and had a marvelous time .

It was so good to see all the family and kids, Uncle Tommy and his family, Mom-Mom Rosa even made it up or over from P.A. with the assistance of my Brother ,Tom.....Thanks Guy.

The whole day was a Great One. You have seen the pictures that Jen's posted of Her and Baby Michael.. Is Jen Getting Younger ? Gotta love those two !

Plenty of stuff going on here too in Caroga... Jen & I have been working our fingers to the bones, Living room has new hardwood flooring, Windows and walls & ceiling new a couple of months ago.

Jen has found mostly all the new living room furniture that she likes and if it ain't here now it will be in the next couple of days...New area rug in the living room too to give it that warmer feel.

The house has been sided and made such a change in it's curb appeal.

Jen & I have also been working on the Lake House , it needed some foundation work, that being done it's time to move on and get that inside completed so that family can use it soon.

We have decide to make one of the 3 bedrooms into a Bathroom as all we had was an Outhouse on the backside of the property. Keeping the Outhouse for Emergencies .

Jens excited about the Lake House Project...She has curtains picked out...I on the other hand am only thinking about the gutted walls that that we still need to deal with, all the ripping and tearing...I'm sure we will come together and the "Lake House" will come out Great!

Well that's about it for now..For faster updates......Follow us on FaceBook.

Til next time Gang....Jerry

Recliner Wars

2010-11-12T09:43:00.004-05:00

I am the proud owner of a hand-held immersible mixer. After the Butternut squash fiasco, I determined that this is a kitchen gadget that I simply must have. Now I can make all the soup I want, without the threat of blender destruction, which I will make sure is replaced by Pina colada/Mud slide season. Add to list. We are experiencing incredibly beautiful weather, which belies the change of blog background. I removed the leaf background because we had a few gray days that seemed to indicate fall was over. My bad. We are in the throes of crisp and cold nights with sunny and warm(ish) days. I am preparing to head into the room that we have called the Studio, ever since we decided to make it the headquarters for Blue Line Farm and all the knitting accoutrements that go with it. In addition, we have also stored boxes and boxes of family photos that I simply couldn't unpack. In addition to the renovation issues (hanging pictures, removing pictures, etc.) it is boxes of family photos that are hard to see since my folks passed. It is five years, and it is time to unpack the boxes and put them away. And so, the studio will most like have many pictures on the wall, in addition to all the yarn and needles and farm implements that make us Blue Line Farm. I have the contractor garbage bags ready, and the weeding out in the studio will begin today, temperature permitting. My spinning wheel is down there, and I intend to make the space comfortable enough to allow me to go down and spend a good amount of time creating. I realize I am incredibly blessed to have this kind of space, and I hope to make it warm and inviting. Speaking of warm and inviting, we have been putting the finishing touches in our living room, and as of Monday, all the changes will be put in place. We have been chair shopping and I am totally amazed at the number of uncomfortable chairs out there for sale. Am I so totally picky in this, or is it a national dilemma in that people don't know what comfortable is? I KNOW! I am truly a chair/couch connisseur. I spend ALOT of time in the living room, and I want to sit in a truly comfortable chair. Not easy to find, you would be surprised to know. Some of them are so bad it is as if they had stacked cardboard and covered it with fabric. That bad. Now I realize that if you don't want people "loitering" in your waiting room, picking out furniture is strictly a visual activity. But if you intend to loiter in your living room, which I do, then comfort is the issue. First and formost, it must sink in as if you are being enveloped in softness. No hard corners, no stiff back. But enough support to make it a chair that you can sit in, as opposed to reclining, which I am trying to move out. I purchased the chair while Jerry is at work, and after speaking with him on the phone and being told "if you like it, I'll like it", I signed on the dotted line. I loved this chair and the ottoman I had selected with it. It was a great match and would be a perfect and comfortable replacement for our recliner, which is nearing the end of its visually acceptable life. In my eyes that is. Our recliner resembles a 747 parked in the living room. It was originally purchased for Jerry as a Father's Day gift, and its spot was in our office on Long Island, which held our desk and television. A perfect man-cave that demanded a huge recliner with heat and massage settings. The cadillac of recliners. Never did I intend to have to sit and look at this thing that dwarfs all other reasonable furniture and takes up a considerable amount of room when it is open to full extension. A bit like having a twin bed open in the corner for TV viewing. Design wise-no good. Gotta go. It is comfortable, but so is my bed. If you need to be THAT comfortable, you need to go to bed. Moving here in 2008, it was one of the few pieces of furniture that Jerry was concerned about. He wanted no damage. The thing is indestructable. We lay on it, we lay on it with dogs, food has been spilled and coffee dripped. Essentially, it is the pink elephant in the room. It is Jerry's chair, but he is charming and gracious in that he will invite you to sit and enjoy his recliner. I do. I will admit that the thing is fabulous. A blanket and the remote and I am set for the day. This is the problem. Even I can recognize that it is a fabulous sit. But visually? Never has Home and Garden featured a living room that housed a recliner. If you're looking for a certain "look", a recliner only fits in certain design moments - man caves and football games. I guess I would like that home and garden look, without having to look at this eyesore. The day after my solo furniture expedition, Jerry and I went back to the store for a chair/ottoman viewing prior to its delivery. Now I don't know if you can cancel furniture orders, but that was my first thought when Jerry sat down and said "I'm not giving up my recliner for THIS!" And so, the recliner wars have begun. My thoughts of a full living room redesign have gone out the window. I now have to re-think the furniture placement for a chair and ottoman that are probably larger than I would have chosen had I known the recliner was staying. And yet, I want this chair. I am confident that we can work this out. But I will say this, if Bailey is looking for a piece of furniture to jump up on, I'm sending him to the recliner. Maybe with all the extra "usage" it will eventually break down. One can only hope.

Whew!

2010-11-09T09:24:00.007-05:00

We are recovering from our whirlwind weekend on Long Island, and as I've been saying for two days, "Thank God for that extra hour, or I don't think we could have pulled it off otherwise". I'm exhausted. And Jerry did all the driving. We were traveling to see our Grandson Michael Gerard Collins III be baptised, and it was great to have us all together and celebrating for such a wonderful occasion. Michael and Nicole threw a beautiful luncheon afterwards and we had a great time. Here are some random shots. What we noticed especially was the volume of traffic. I know I keep harping on this fact all the time, but we have become country bumpkins. Very rarely here in upstate New York do we find our selves as anything other than the first or second car at a traffic light. On Long Island, it is a prayer that you make it through the light before the timing changes and you find yourself sitting at the same intersection and waiting, again, hoping you will be making it through. It boggles my mind. I wonder sometimes how I coped, but then I remember I was stressed out when we moved, so there it is. I am living where I was meant to live. Unfortunately, the bulk of our family lives somewhere else, and sometimes that is a harsh reality. So, we are happy to visit and see everyone. We are blessed all over the map. And I can say without hesitation that no where in the world will you get a better manicure/pedicure than on Long Island. Hands down (and feet!) Bagels? No contest. Long Island. And French Vanilla from 7-11? We weren't on the island more than ten minutes that I made Jerry pull into 7-11 so I could get my fix. There is nothing like it. It makes me happy. And so, we spend a good portion of our time comparing notes. Upstate vs. downstate. Sometimes we win, sometimes we don't. I guess if it ever weighs heavily on one side, I'll worry about that then. In the meantime, I will compare.

Boo Humbug

2010-11-01T12:16:00.006-04:00

I was not feeling the Halloween thing yesterday, at all. I had decorated and made plans, and was in the process of preparing a delicious butternut squash soup, when the whole day fell apart and destroyed my Halloween happiness. It started out as a lovely day. Jerry and I made church, which always makes me happy. We're not always "at em" by 10:00. We're "up", but "at em" is another story. We came home and had a bite to eat (because we had just visited the gluton-free store in Johnstown (http://www.checkitlocal.com/justhealth/index.htm)and I was having a lovely time. After that, we stepped outside and began to hang our folk art stars on the siding - the last touch we had been waiting for. It began to snow. That's right, the real thing. It actually carried on like this for quite a while - at least an hour. Nothing stuck to the ground, but our deck was holding on to what looked like hail. It was pretty, and the fact that it wasn't sticking was just an added bonus - I'm not quite ready for that. We stood outside and just enjoyed the cold snappy weather. Jerry was working harder than I was (as usual) but I was cheering him on and giving directions with my "eye". I have a perfect eye when it comes to balance and level. Just one of my many talents. If you asked me to look at something and level it, I will be quite dead on without too much of a challenge. But, again I digress. At that point, the thought of nice hot fresh butternut squash soup was exactly what we needed for dinner. With the prep for gluton-free cornbread ready, I went into the house to prepare our delicious dinner. All the chopping and peeling and preparation went on for about 45 minutes (butternut squash rank up there with rutabaga in the pain in the neck chopping department - but totally worth it). I added the other ingredients and simmered for 45 minutes. The house smelled delicious. Now, for years I have looked at the immersible blenders (the kind you hold in your hand and immerse into your soup or mashed potatoes or whatever) and thought "that's ridiculous - we have a blender". And so, to the blender I went for the last step in this fabulous soup. At this poin my mouth is watering, the house smells like heaven and I'm hungry. The triple threat of culinary success. I poured the entire contents of the dutch oven into the blender,(hot-wow was it hot), secured the rubber top carefully, checked all the various buttons for puree and let her rip. Fantastic! After a few seconds, I turned it off, lifted the top and tasted this wonderful soup - it was perfect! didn't need any further seasoning - maybe a few more seconds in the blender and we were ready! I again secured the rubber top, and hit Puree. This time, the top was not as secure as the first time, and turning it on made some soup spit out the side. I pushed down on the little plastic top that is in the center of the cover, (removable so you can add ingredients while blending). Well, as wel all know, heat expands. you didn't know? Well, it does. And the heat of the soup had expanded the rubber opening so the little plastic top went PLOP into the soup. As I turned off the blender I could hear the grinding sound of the little plastic top. And when I poured it back into the dutch oven so I could pull out the plastic top, I could see that it was in shards, and that many pieces were missing, and now were the last ingredient in my perfect soup. I thought of straining it, but shards are kind of a problem. You never eally know how small they are. And so, in one culinary moment my perfect soup, which still smelled pretty darn good, was in the sink and down the drain. Never have I been so disgusted or disappointed in the process of cooking. All that work wasted! I was not a happy camper. Jerry (in his infinite wisdom of leaving when I get this way) went to price chopper and picked up a new dinner. Cooked chicken, broccoli raab (sp?) and barbqued sweet potatoes. It was a feast. When it comes to the kitchen, Jerry is a miracle worker. Clearly, I am not. For now, I am using only convenience foods. When shards happen there you have a lawsuit to consider-a win-win situation. When shards happen when I AM THE COOK, all we have is a bad attitude. Sorry folks, dinner is ruined. Once again, I am thrilled to see that Cheerios give you 100% of your daily requirements. Dinner is served. By the way-these are the only trick-or treaters we had. When you live in the woods, there's not alot of kid traffic Happy Halloween everyone! Anyway!

Planning ahead

2010-10-18T08:58:00.004-04:00

It's an orange kind of world out there. We're been snapping pictures here and there because the foliage is just beautiful. In my travels I managed to get a quick shot of the turkeys running from the woods on the right, across the road in front of my car, and into the woods on the left. The next logical picture was the cars on the right, belonging to the hunters in the woods. Now, it isn't turkey season, but the turkeys weren't taking any chances. It was kind of funny to see them hightailing it outta there. Never let it be said that turkeys aren't smart. Now hunters? That's another story. . . We spent the last weekend wallpapering, medicating and wallpaper. Not in that order. The up and down of the ladder action is what does me in. Crouching and bending and pasting and brushing, it's all outside of my comfort zone of forward recliner, reverse recliner. I am hurting. Jerry bounces back like nothing. He was my assistant and that required alot of here and there. I am not an easy taskmaster. Now that this room is done, my eyes are wandering around thinking. . . where else? I happen to be a big fan of wallpaper. Thankfully, I hear it is coming back into vogue-not that it ever went out in my world. My world is also showing lots of "holiday lights" going up on houses. This is, as you know, not acceptable to Allison. However, now that we've been here for a few winters, we are beginning to understand the rationale behind this early decorating trend. Cold. The desire to get the christmas lights up prior to the first snow is what necessitates putting the lights up by October 15th, because hereafter, it's a crapshoot. They called for light snow last Friday night. I don't know if that happened because Friday night for me was a wash. I retired on the early side. But Saturday morning was quite brisk and the frost was clear to the naked eye. When Daphne runs out on to the porch and turns around and runs back in, you know it is cold. She and I are more like soul mates than I care to admit. So, the big chore is done, and now we look forward to feathering the nest in the guest room. Hopefully, it will see alot of activity this winter. Skiing anyone? http://royalmountain.com/snowroyalhome.html

A Cold Tubby

2010-10-12T12:09:00.008-04:00

It started out hot, but in my determination to at least vacuum today, because with three dogs, if you don't vacuum at least every other day (and that is slacking, believe me) I was doing this BEFORE the tubby so that I could do it right, which meant I was sweaty and dirty. Note to self: One cannot be a diva and a cleaning lady all at the same time. As a result, my tubby was tepid. I was determined not to waste the gallons of hot water that would be gone without use, as well as the lovely and fragrant bath salts I had liberally poured. The fact that we waste 80 gallons per minute, 24/7,out into the back nine was not factoring into the decision to climb into the tepid tubby. I was in there for a good 45 minutes, reading a wonderful book and soaking my tired and sore bones. Midway through the tub became cold. It was clearly cold, and my decision to stay was a result of the totality of the situation. I had a soda to sip and a book to read and I wasn't climbing out like some kind of wuss. It wasn't THAT cold (although it was cold enough-trust me) and I wasn't shivering, which I would have been had I climbed into the tub at the point I decided to stay. It was a gradual uncomfortable, which makes all the difference. I was (and am) reading the book Embracing Persephone, by Virginia Beane Rutter, which if you are familiar with your Greek myths, names the teenager who leaves her Mother Demeter and her Father Zeus, to marry Hades. Not a good scenario under any circumstance, but one I can certainly identify with. Having survived what we delicately call a "difficult teenager", (check out Webster's dictionary-delicate includes "No Picnic" in its definition - he must have had a teenager) I am happy and proud to say that we are now wonderfully and happily and thankfully, a close and healthy Mother and Daughter. We have survived each other's angst and anger and all that, and emerged as two individuals who enjoy each others company, champion each other every step of the way, and love each other unconditionally. And that's just the tip of the iceberg. It wasn't always that way, and our journey included a lot of family therapy and a lot of mistakes on both ends. Our journey was loud and colorful, as fireworks always are. And if truth be told, our journey would probably sound very different depending on the teller. That is why this book is so profound for me. I am reading both sides, and understanding more fully the adolescent perspective. Good stuff. Which brings me back to the cold tubby situation. If you are not a fan of a tubby, you have not given it enough attention. Some people say that a tubby is like soaking in dirty water. Not so, it is soaking in water that reaches every nook and cranny, and fragrantly soaks the living daylights out of it. A quick shower rinse is all that is needed, and the bath salts and oils will have conditioned your skin from head to toe. It is a glorious luxury that I violently defend. It is also part of the tubby ritual to make sure that the world you emerge INTO is also lovely and fragrant, hence the vacuum situation. I don't like to step from the tub into a home that has not been vacuumed, straightened up, and aromatherapied. I guess I like to feel a bit like Cleopatra, emerging from the baths while the servant holds the towel and delivers a hot cup of tea. I was missing the servant today (he had to go to work), but the hot cup of tea was delicious. A cruel reality that I had to prepare it myself, but whatever. . . And so my morning is complete. I shall finish the book and be better prepared for female adolescent #2. I have had a nice long tubby to read and think and prepare. And I think I've learned a thing or two in the years between, but my trump card is this: We live far from town in the woods, and I own the car.

Thanks Teach.

2010-10-08T09:20:00.006-04:00

Yesterday was a wonderful day where after months of saying "why don't we?" and weeks of planning and coordinating I finally met up with my former Jr. High school English teacher and Dance Club faculty advisor. We met halfway from her house to mine, in Sharon Springs New York. Catching up on our families and our lives, it was a wonderful and enjoyable visit with a good friend. We have kept in touch intermittently over the years and through mutual friends and acquaintenances have never been far from each other's hearts. This is a teacher who was an inspiration and a motivator. The kind of teacher who really challenged her students and also rewarded them with her respect. She really like her kids (or seemed to!) and that made the difference. So many teachers seem to have chosen the wrong field, not because they don't know their subject, but because they don't seem to really like kids. Interesting. . . But, here we are, many years later, and enjoying each others company and our shared memories of another time. We've both ended up serendipitously in the central part of New York, just a few miles from a lovely lunch and shopping trip through some pretty darn fantastic little shops. We got to catch up on the details of our lives, those that we were so proud of, and some that we ruefully could laugh at. It is so interesting to me that we all meet up eventually as "adults" and the years between us(which seem so great when we're young) melt away when we reach this point. If only you could know when you're suffering through Middle School (or Jr. High as we called it then) that maybe someday you and this teacher of yours may meet for a cup of coffee somewhere between here and there, and become friends and contemporaries. How many would believe it? Sometimes life hands you such a teacher, and it is a gift that keeps on giving. This lifeline of mine, who was so pivotol in my education and my love of poetry, dance, theatre and the arts, is still participating in all those things and proving to me that life really is the exciting journey that she told us about then. She is living it still, with all the same enthusiasm and inspiration. Thank you Susan. It was, all in all, a totally wonderful and special day for me. It's not often we get to thank those who were pivotal in our development, and continue to be that person for us. If you have the chance, you should take it. It's worth the trip.

Kane Mountain

2010-10-05T13:12:00.016-04:00

Unlike today, Sunday was a glorious and sunny, crisp fall day. We decided to hike to the top of Kane Mountain and view the firetower. It is an elevation of 2200 feet-not a terribly difficult hike in the Adirondacks - others are much higher. But for me, this was Mt. Everest. I have not taken on this kind of physical activity in a long time. I have been trying to challenge myself each day, and this opportunity presented itself because a group from church had decided to go, and so, we joined them. Going in a group takes care of all the planning. Essentially, you just have to show up. We did, and off we went. The climb was on a well worn path, with bits of rocks and sloppy sections still wet with leaves from last week's rain. Easy enough. As we progressed it got a little bit choppy for me because I'm just not used to this. Jerry was right with me all the way, and with the help of him and my climbing rod I was steady. At one point I thought I could hear indians in the distance, but that turned out to be my heart beating-which I guess is a good thing. I just don't usually hear it beating so vividly. After taking a brief rest on a rock, we moved on. All it all, I would say it took us 1/2 hour to 45 min. to reach the top of the mountain. Maybe an hour? Anyway, when Jerry produced a candy apple from the backpack he had prepared, I was told that I could sell it for upwards of $25. There were enough buyers. But he had packed it for me, and it was probably the most delicious candy apple I've ever had. After taking a breather for a few moments and getting familiar with the surroundings, we decided to forge on to the top of the fire tower. We climbed to the top, me first, Jerry behind me. Normally, I am not a big fan of heights, but this tower was there for me as a challenge, and having come this far I was not leaving with that undone. With each level we'd stop on the landing and look out. It had wire on all open areas, so I felt safe there. The view got more and more beautiful as we progressed to the top. This was an amazing day. Looking out at the top of the fire tower I was so inspired at the landscape before and below me. I was grateful that we had made the hike, and so proud of myself. We spent a good amount of time at the top, just taking pictures, wishing we could share the view at that moment, and taking it all in. We took pictures of each other, and of all the views in all directions. Jerry's picture has mysteriously disappeared from our album. Nice Jerry. We saw them barbequeing at the bottom of the tower and headed down. We explored the Ranger's quarters which is an old wooden house with just essentials, a bedroom, a private area and a living room. At one time they had Rangers who stayed at the top of these mountains and scanned for fires. Lonely and beautiful. We had our lunch (delicious barbequed hot dogs and chips) and after spending a beautiful afternoon exploring the top of Kane Mountain, we headed home. At the bottom, we all split up and went our separate ways, even getting some beautiful scenery right next to the car. What a wonderful day. We are incredibly lucky and blessed to be living in this natural playground, and I'm so glad we got to get out there and play. Today, I'm still a little stiff, but it was well worth it. This is my pal who doesn't like to have his picture taken. Thanks Jerry, you were great.

wallpaper

2010-09-30T12:31:00.003-04:00

I am only one person. The brilliant plan to redecorate the guest bedroom began when I spotted a beautiful wallpaper on decoratetoday.com. This is my favorite site to go to because you can peruse wallpaper books for hours without leaving your home. And you CAN do it for hours because although you may have something in your mind when you begin searching, the thousands of choices present themselves over and over with just a click of the mouse. Dangerous stuff. Since I have heard that wallpaper is coming back into vogue (and although I never quite gave up on it myself-I just love wallpaper) I made the choice to purchase the paper when I saw that it had gone on sale AFTER I picked it out. The good karma surrounding this circumstance was enough to propel my credit card information onto the order form. Now that the paper has arrived, and I have determined that I love it even more in person, I am ready to take on the wallpapering job. Here is where this brilliant plan has reached a glitch point. I look into the room that has an open futon, two end tables and a lateral file which holds our fax/copier,and I realize that I cannot do this alone. Me, the wallpaper queen, who spent a good part of the 80s and 90s wallpapering one bad apartment after another, transforming ugly and boring kitchens and bedrooms, leaving my mark behind me all over Long Island, is unable to tackle this 9.5 x 12 room. Eeeek! Things are bad. It's not that I cannot accomplish the wallpaper task-that is the easy part. But where do I put all of the room's contents while this is happening, and if I had a space to put it all, how would I move it all? I am overwhelmed and out of steam. Just thinking about it makes me tired. This is way more activity than I have participated in a long time. The wallpaper rolls stare at me woefully across the living room as I contemplate the possibilities. Jerry and I? Nah, he works all week and it's nice to enjoy our weekend together. This is a Monday through Friday project. Allison? Nope-she's swimming and barely fitting in her homework at night. Wallpapering a bedroom is not in her day. Any day. And so, here I sit. I walk down the hall sometimes and peek in to see if anything has changed. Bailey comes with me and slides under the bed while I'm thinking. He likes those sheltered places where he can get comfortable. Exploring this new underbed situation is right up his alley. When I turn back to the Living room, he follows me again. It is thundering again outside, so Bailey and I will be close all day. What a perfect day to wallpaper. Rainy and boring. If that room was clear I could have it done in a couple of hours. But alas, I am only one person.

Yes Sir

2010-09-29T07:56:00.004-04:00

We had a lovely weekend visiting the area antique shops and craft fairs. The weather was in our favor and it was a glorious afternoon. Jerry had dropped his truck off at the dealership early Saturday, because he needed some work done on the engine. On our way home I dropped Jerry at the dealership and our plan was to meet at home immediately. Normally, I would stop here or there, but I was tired from the full day and anxious to get back. I chose a different route than Jerry took, because that is how we are. Just different. As I was tooling along and enjoying the scenery on Maple Avenue, I noticed one of Johnstown's finest tucked into the landscape about halfway up this two mile stretch of road. I didn't adjust anything cause I didn't think I was doing anything wrong, but as I passed by him I just peeked into my rearview mirror. When I saw him pull onto the roadway with full lights and tweets I knew it was for me. "Damn". I immediately pulled over on the nearest stretch of safe shoulder, and sat in my seat as I have been told is the best course of action under these circumstances. As the officer approached my vehicle I reached into my pocketbook and took out my wallet. "Can I see your license and registration please?" I was able to put my hands on my registration immediately because Jerry has placed it in a clearly marked envelope inside my console (thank you again Jerry). My license took a little more effort because I couldn't get it out of the window of my wallet (why do they make them this way? they KNOW we're all going to have to produce our license at some point in the wallet's life. MAKE THE WINDOW LARGER). The officer made a joke about that particular problem, I guess he sees it alot. Anyway, I produced the license finally and he asked me, nicely, if I knew why I had been stopped, and truthfully, I hadn't a clue. I was driving pretty slowly and had my seatbelt on, as I always do. Was a brake light out? That was the only thing I could think of. "No sir" I said, in totally clueless honesty. "Do you know what the speed limit is here?" he said. "No sir" I said, because well, No Sir. "I had you doing 42 in a 35 mile zone" he said. In total honesty I replied "truthfully I'm surprised I wasn't going faster because I usually pass through here at a pretty nice clip". Those were my exact words. When I told this to Jerry (after arriving home later than him and explaining my delay) he was pretty horrified. But the truth is having worked with alot of police officers, I was viewing this conversation as almost a social visit on the side of the road. I was completely comfortable with the officer, he seemed like a pretty nice guy, and I wasn't completely clear that I had done anything terrible. 7 miles over the limit? Okay. I concede. I actually considered myself pretty lucky because on a normal day, I wouldn't have been doing 42, I would have been doing 52, or more. It's a unpopulated road that is a shortcut between Main Street and Meco. The Plandome Road of Johnstown. A little winding, a little twisty, but pretty much safe at a 55 mph clip. I lucked out. With this in mind my conversation was a bit chipper and optimistic. After asking me about the stickers on my window (Port Washington PD, Nassau County Chief's association, etc.) I told him it was from Long Island, never mentioning my previous employment situation, again Jerry was horrified). He walked back to his car (still holding my license and registration)and my assumption was that I was going to get a ticket. When he came back to the car, he gave me back my stuff and said "I'm going to make this a warning. I have noted this stop in the computer, and you need to slow down OK?" "Yes sir" I said, thrilled at this windfall. I have never gotten a ticket, although I have on occasion had other similar social visits. I have been lucky. Usually for speeding (not alot, but definitely over the limit-I think the limits should be re-defined with reality in mind). I always stop at Stop Signs and never make really illegal moves intentionally. I have made some really stupid moves (i.e. the early morning social stop after driving down a closed road while bringing the boys to their boatyard job-that was bad). But I have always gotten just a warning, and have never mentioned my affiliation, former or otherwise. It just feels not right. So I tell the truth and hope for the best. So far, so good. But I'm staying off Maple Avenue for awhile. Just in case.

1St Full Day of Fall In Caroga Lake

2010-09-23T07:59:00.002-04:00

Some Images of Fall, The pasture has really filled in, border trees changing fast The Road infront of our home, so far the Maple has really taken off.

The pond and a couple of Maples

This is the View that we have every day out our window at the computer desk

As you can see house is coming along and siding is very close to being finished

Fall is creeping up on us and the leaves turning way too fast for me. Everyday as I travel up and down our road I notice how things are changing fast. Every turn is a Picture that needs to be taken and framed.

Deer & Bear season have or will be starting here soon, hunters already in the woods, scouting or hunting the early bear season.. Reports are that a bear was sighted just down the road, no reports if he has been taken yet. I have seen many Does in the last few weeks ....Not a Buck yet.

Jen's Been Home taking care of the house , family . She is working on a new layout for the soon new living room furniture. Guest Bedroom Wallpaper has been ordered and soon she will be on that. Most weekend mornings we take it a little slower here and have our coffee out on the front porch. Just a great view but it's getting a little cool for that, I suspect that we have only a few weekends left before our Weekend coffees are not on the porch but around the pellet stove.

Pellet stove has been on, set at about 68 and it does turn it's self on over night.

Three tons of pellets delivered the other day and just waiting to be carried into the basement.

Any Young Family bucks looking to take a day or weekend trip up to help???? We will Feed Ya!

Ali Is in school, looking or thinking about colleges, we did visit one here in the Albany area and it seemed very nice.... More to look at. She is on the Johnstown H.S. Swim team and appears by reports from Jen that Ali is doing good. I have not been able to attend the meets as I am at work when they start and don't return until after they are over...Go Ali!

As I suspect you all know We are Grand Parents and already we miss seeing Payton and New born little Michael. Nicole , Mike Come be leaf Peepers and Bring those Grandchildren.

Walter, Brian & Jackie we miss you guys too.. Bring those mates along and lets go on a Hayride .

Apples are being picked, Pumpkins are flying out the door down at Rogers.

Til Next time Gang..........Jerry

2010-09-19T17:49:00.001-04:00

Dear Anonymous. Where have you gone?

Go Fo-Jo!

2010-09-17T11:09:00.003-04:00

Yesterday was a fantastic day. I was at Allison's first swim meet (Fonda-Johnstown against Glens Falls) and was so proud to see her tremendous improvement since last year and also her drive and commitment. My child swam the 500 freestyle. Understand that the pool is 25 yards. the 500 is 20 laps. 20 LAPS! I could do 20 laps if we spread it out over a few days. To see her swimming that kind of endurance challenge, under competitive circumstances, just blew me away. Immediately following the 500, she was leg four of a 200 relay, meaning each girl had to swim two laps. Two laps is OK, but doing it after swimming 20 laps is mind boggling to me. As you can see, I am quite proud. The reason I do not have photos is because I was acting in the capacity of an official timer. That's right, yours truly was pulled from the stands to help out because each lane needs a dedicated timer. They put the new volunteers (me) on the outside lanes, where the novice competitors generally land. This way no mistakes should be made in the center lanes where the faster girls are swimming, possibly with a close outcome. This turned out to be a really good plan, because I, as an official timekeeper, failed. At some point during the meet, I started to have a little bit of a low blood sugar. Not terribly low, just enough of a low to make me realize (after zoning out for a few moments) that I probably should grab some kind of snack and suspend my pump for a bit. Not a really big deal under nomal circumstances, just diabetes management as it happens every day. Except the zoning out I did occurred during a competition event. And when the official approached me and asked for the time for the girl in lane 6, my response was "There was no one in lane 6. Oh. Yes there was. Shit." In the process of enjoying my daughter's swimming finesse and the whole pool scene/excitement of competition, I completely zoned out and forgot that Lane 6 was my responsibility. I was just watching the event and taking it all in. Having a great time. Go Jen. My embarassment was palpable. But apparently, this happens all the time (according to the official who assured me it was OK, he had done it a number of times over the course of his 20 year career as a ref. I chose to believe him and not assume he was just being incredibly gracious.) I took a quick break (during an event in which I really didn't have anyone in Lane 6) and grabbed my glucose tabs, popped a few and headed back to the starting position for the next event. For the rest of the meet, I was the epitomy of efficiency and accuracy. I was the Michael Phelps of timekeeping. Focused, energized and dead-on. Too late for the girl in Lane 6, but I tried. Counting the laps, hitting start, stop and reset, recording the times and being "in the moment" is very difficult for me during a low blood sugar episode, but I managed to pull it off without further incident. I also think I may have secured my status as someone who won't be asked again to help officiate. This may work in my favor. Congratulations Allison. I am so proud of you! If anyone asks why the girl in Lane 6 had no recorded time, you can pretend you don't know me. I get it. :)

Who Am I?

2010-09-16T11:35:00.004-04:00

Very often the simple act of swapping your lipstick color (or moving the furniture)is enough to satisfy that need for some kind of change. There are other times when nothing less than a complete "Makeover" will do. We are experiencing that time right now. We is a broad term, meaning me. I say we because apparently, according to my closet, I am a number of different people. Let me explain. I went to the mall yesterday. I say Mall meaning really just a group of stores. Mall means you need to get to Albany. The stores in Amsterdam were enough for my needs yesterday, because the plumber was scheduled to be here for a lengthy period of time. Rather than subject myself to the dangers of being told the water has been shut off (hence, no bathroom facilities), I just removed myself from the scene of construction and went browsing. Shopping by yourself is very different than shopping with anyone else. It allows you the time to be sidetracked without explanation, and to really put in the necessary time to decide what it is you want, change your mind, change your department and actually try things on, which is something I am guilty of. Eyeballing a garment and deciding that it will work. Most of the time it WILL fit when I bring it home, but flatter? That is another story. Anyway, with all this free time on my hands, (and never needing to use the facilities by the way-how ironic!), I shopped. And it was in the store that I finally asked myself the question "who am I?" According to my closet,I am a number of people. "Professional" has already been weeded out, I did that in 2008 when we officially "retired". Those power suits and uncomfortable shoes were on their way to Goodwill faster than you can say "Outta here". But the rest of it? I have accumulated a few items that do not define any particular style, and that is my confusion. Who (or what?) does my wardrobe reflect, and is it accurate? The truth is, I don't know. I don't know which pieces I should be adding because I'm not sure which pieces I want to hang on to. I have Artist Executive, Showtime Presenter, Committee member, Farmer, Aging Hippy (actually, just hippy; do hippies ever age? I don't think so, It's just a look that gains a wider waistband as the years progress) Although I recognize that all looks have worked for me at one time or another, I must recognize that I am at a crossroads. The real commitment in life comes not when you leave a job or take a hiatus, but when you actually release the wardrobe that went along with your previous position. It's a scary thing to decide that you no longer need an excess of "Showtime presenter" (reflecting my most recent position as Executive Director). How many evenings will I spend announcing the upcoming program and pointing out the emergency exits to a captive audience? Not too many I'm thinking. Is that a good thing or a bad thing? I'm not sure. That is the dilemma: you're in a store trying to purchase some items that will move you into the upcoming season (which apparently is barreling down faster I expected - 48 degrees - WTF?)and you can't decide if what you're buying is actually what is needed by who you are, and who you are is becoming more and more difficult to define. For the first time in my life (and we're going back a ways here) the true answer is "nobody." And while that is a frightening thought, it is also very freeing. The meaning is this: I am responsible to myself, for myself, without commitment or responsibility. No one is expecting me at the job this morning, no one is looking for any type of fulfillment from me. Obviously, the family resides outside definition. I am forever a Mother and a Wife (God willing and if the creek don't rise). But for right now, my employment/unemployment is not defined by need, but by desire. That has never happened to me, in my entire life. Wow. What a heady feeling. If I want to do absolutely nothing today, tomorrow, and for more than the usual two-week vacation from regular employment I am free to do so. Damn! Although I haven't a clue what I would LIKE to do at this moment, and certainly not a clue about what I would wear doing that unknown thing; it is a moment of truth for me. What do I really WANT to do? ???????? I gotta get back to you on that one. I am a writer, by choice and by need. That doesn't require a wardrobe. In the spirit of change I have chopped all my hair off (not all really, I left a couple of inches). This is working for me. The real color will reveal itself in another haircut. It is an easy enough fix if I don't like it. Fortunately for me, it grows back fast. Always the diplomat, I purchased a pair of skinny jeans (the legs are skinny, the size is not) and a big oversized "boyfriend" shirt. A chiffon blouse with a bow in front in a multi-colored water-bleed type of print, with gray slacks. A big bulky full-size sweater to wear with leggings and boots. And flannel pajamas. I think I have covered all possible needs in the next few months. I can be whoever I want to be, and have the right outfit to go with it. Because really, what is the first question every woman asks when invited to a function. "What should I wear?" I am at that age where you do give thought to what your final "outfit" will be. When Jerry bought his last suit, his comment that "you can bury me in this one, unless you go with the uniform", horrified me. And yet, I find myself pondering that thought every now and again. I'm not so defeatist as to answer it, or leave any type of directives. That makes it too close. But I will say this, my tap shoes are still where I leave them all the time, in the back of my car. Just in case you're looking for them. :)

Furniture Wars

2010-09-13T10:30:00.003-04:00

I am the proud owner of seven pairs of reading glasses, all of slightly different strengths. I collected them all this morning for a good cleaning and scratch assessment, and was surprised when I kept finding more here and there. Pocketbook, next to the computer, next to the tester/calendar area, coffee table, kitchen table, counter, bedside, dresser and yes, in the bathroom (that is quite possibly the most IMPORTANT place to leave glasses because once you've gotten "comfortable" nothing is more frustrating than taking out the book (we have John's 4-ply bathroom reader-a trivia selection of 1000 or so pages-fabulous for short stays) and finding you've forgotten your glasses. If you're like me, you can't see a darn thing without them. I can read signs on the thruway (good thing) without optical aids, but put it 18 inches or closer to me and I am blind as a bat. I cannot even eat my dinner comfortably without my glasses, because it is frightening to me to not be able to recognize detail on my food. I all appears to be a blurry palette of colors-no detail at all. Not appetizing when you think that possibly those sesame seeds are not what they appear to be? I am neurotic about food to begin with-adding sight restrictions is just more than I can work with. Today I woke up with renewed energy and inspiration. We spent our rainy and blustery Sunday window shopping for new living room furniture. As our current furniture is a mish mosh of what we liked, what we had and what we settled for, and keeping in mind that most of it is coming to the end of its shelf-life (either by choice or by design), we stepped into the world of living room furniture at Huck Finn's Warehouse and Old Brick Warehouse. In the process of finding these two meccas of furniture (according to their effective television marketing campaigns) we also stumbled upon an odd assortment of Architectural castoffs that are quite interesting (this is how I get into trouble-seeing a single piece that catches my eye and then decorating an entire room around that). Anyway, we browsed through there and then moved on to our original mission of living room window shopping. We are going to do this right. We are not actually BUYING any of this furniture until we finish the floor and all the construction projects in the living room. Only then will I bring in the new stuff. I think this is how most people do this sort of thing, although it is quite new to me. I generally do it backwards which is how I end up with damaged and destroyed stuff that I really liked when we started the project, but not so much when the project is finished. I think if we try it this way we will see how that works out for the long term of things. I may possibly be simply a fickle furniture person, whose tastes changed too often for real commitment in design. We'll see. I'm already worried about what I'll do with the furniture if I get "sick of it" and it isn't even picked out yet! You see what I mean? Anyway, what we ended up with in both our minds when we finished scoping out two full warehouses full of lovely furniture is a U-Shaped sectional-in red. Now I know this sounds incredibly daring to those who know me because modern style furniture has never been my trend. I lean more towards mismatched (what design experts call eclectic-really just unmatched and weird) pieces that are interesting in and of themselves, but make our living room sometimes feel a little TOO warm and inviting-more like a comfortable dorm room than a designed living room for adults. I may be too hard on myself, because sometimes I truly love what our house looks like, and this makes me worry about bringing in a large and modern designed couch that will not allow for much change. Not allow for change? How will I handle this? It's kind of scary. Any time in my life when things were not going well (no need to detail here-just a point I'm trying to make) I always worked it out by changing around furniture. It is a family secret that we all share. We've Rowlands have been known to swap furniture inter-state. We can't help ourselves. It is the worlds best way to get rid of that feeling of bored or trapped-simply move around the furniture. The place gets a thorough cleaning (who KNEW what could live under the sofa?) and also takes on a feeling of newness, just by switching out pieces and rearranging their location. It should be prescribed by physicians for January depression because nothing gets you out of your doldrums more than tearing apart a room and having a new room at the end of the day. It also can challenge your children into really staying on their toes. I'm reminded of Walter's story of coming home late at night after a night out with his buddies, trying to pass quietly through what he thought was the old furniture arrangement, and flipping over the back of the sofa in its new position-therefore eliminating his quiet entrance and busting him in his late night activities. Sorry Walter, but this story had to be shared simply because of its merits. Had I not changed around the furniture, I would not have known my son was doing things he shouldn't be doing late at night. Anyway, my point here (in case you've lost it) is that purchasing a large sectional with essentially one way of arrangement is very scary to me. And yet, I am intrigued. If I didn't have to constantly re-arrange furniture in an attempt to fix maybe what was wrong in the first place-too much furniture, not the right furniture, maybe I would have constructive time for other activities? It's a thought. I will have to ponder this a while longer, and also make sure we get that floor in soon. I may end up with another eclectic piece just tring to fix THAT problem. In the meantime, I will try our current sofa in a different place. Watch out kids.

Happy 16th Birthday Baby Girl

2010-09-09T12:28:00.010-04:00

It is 12:30 PM and so far today I have gotten dressed and had breakfast. Lunch is still a ways off because breakfast was kind of late. These are my activities so far today. This does not bode well for a productive or inventive lifestyle. When I pick up Allison from swim practice at 5:30 PM, I will grab a few husks of corn and make corn chowder for dinner. This is my big plan for today. I have a few projects on the sticks, but not feeling inspired to pick them up today. There are quite a few books on the shelves that are begging for a reader, but even that requires some semblence of concentration and I'm not feeling that either. My baby girl is turning 16 tomorrow. Could this be the reason for my malaise? It very well could be. As far back as I can remember, the only thing that was most important to me was that I wanted to be a Mother and raise a family. This was first; in my life, in my dreams and in my reality. Now that all my children have been basically "raised" and do not necessarily need my undivided and constant attention and concern, and if we strive for raising healthy and self-sufficient members of the human race, I should be happy that they are all self-sufficient and healthy and productive and creative. Allison still has a few years before she is completely ready to fly the coop, and I hope that it is later rather than sooner, but essentially she needs my gentle guidance, not the strong hands and discipline that was needed when she was young. And really, strong hands for Allison meant "please don't do that". She usually heard me the first time and understood the request. Actually, pretty darn easy as far as youngsters go. But I shall not jinx her next few years under our guidance and leave it at that. She is a good kid. They all are, which makes me miss them all the more when they go out on their own, or even just goes from 7 AM to 5:30 Pm without calling me. It's what we want for them, and what makes it so bittersweet when it happens. And if I do not want to become a "helicopter Mom", which is the new term for a hovering constant presence in your child's life, than it is important for me to back off and let her do some things without necessarily examining every detail to distraction. We have raised a smart cookie and need to let her be smart and make those good choices. In my perfect world that will be the outcome. I said I wouldn't hover, I didn't say I wouldn't worry. That I can do full time and with a vengeance. I still worry about all of them, and I will until the day I take my last breath, which will probably be while giving some kind of instruction or blessing. Let them go. Easier said then done. Happy 16th Birthday sweetie pie. I am in awe every time I look into your beautiful eyes and see into your magic and kind soul. You are my sunshine. Love Mom. P.S. Wear a jacket. I'm sharing a few photos from our weekend, Charlie Daniels concert, and Allison on her first day of school. So shoot me, I still take first day of school pictures. :)

And then there were two

2010-09-08T06:30:00.002-04:00

We have seen the departure of Dan and Jennie on Monday night, Walter and Jackie on tuesday, Jerry left for work at 4 AM this morning and Allison is heading off to her first day of school shortly. That leaves only Carrie and I until midmorning sometime. It was a happy full house this weekend and I truthfully hate to see everyone go. It was a beautiful summer that we enjoyed, and I'm sorry its over. There was a rogue moquito in our room last night, and he had a festival on my left ankle. I guess he wanted to get his ya ya's out as well. We all try to fit as much summer into that last weekend as we can, and it is never enough time. but I do know that around here fall lands pretty early. Lucky for me I like fall. This year should be a little bit different in that I truly have NOTHING TO DO. The past years I was either working part time at the costume shop or full time at the theatre. This year, I am doing all time at home. I think physically it is the best choice, but emotionally it will be a real trial for me. What to do? That is the question? Carrie suggested making a list of things I want to get done. as I said to her, "that doesn't sound like a whole lotta fun". Making lists is not going to work for me. I have tried it, and it just becomes another chore. I want to add "fun" to that list, but I'm not sure which way to go about that. I'm thinking on it. Allison and I went to Rotterdam Mall yesterday to finish up her back to school purchses. I was pleasantly surprised in that it was not terribly crowded. We got our goodies and had quite a lovely time together. It is bittersweet as this is only the second to last time we'll do this back to school ritual that has been going on for all time. I remember starting with Jackie and it has not let up since. These last trips with Allison are the wind down of my back to school rituals. Anyway, so here we are. September back to school holds more of a clean slate for me than new Years. It always was a fresh start with whatever was going on. This year I'd like to see me get organized. Somewhat. For the most part I have become to enjoy my laid back attitude about organization Until I can't find something. then it becomes the worst trait humanly possible. Well here's the ride. Good Luck Allison, off we go. . . . . . .

HONEY

2010-09-05T18:56:00.001-04:00

Honey is being harvest this week. If you are interested in honey, please place your order online by leaving a comment, or call us at 518.835.6674. We are happy to deliver honey up and down the eastern seaboard because hey, that's what we do. :)

2010-09-05T18:36:00.002-04:00

As I look out our living room window I am watching my son torch the campfire and I wonder to myself "why do they have to do everything to the point of being unsafe?" I guess that is boys. I'm happy to say we are all having a wonderful time and I am hoping that we don't have to test the skills of the Caroga Lake Fire Department. Prayers are welcome. We had quite a drama this morning at breakfast. Having decided at 10:30 to eat breakfast out so that we would not have to clean up or deal with the mess, we landed at Caroga lake's newest diner "1 Chef and a Waitress". We placed our order a few minutes after 11 AM. By 11:55 we still had not been served our breakfast, and were on our third round of coffee. We had already asked our waitress "did you forget us?" and were assured, no no, it's coming. Jerry went up to the counter and asked them "where is our breakfast?" and I was feeling a little uncomfortable about that because I was raised to believe that making waves was rude, and so I would have sat there until Wednesday waiting for breakfast, but Jerry has a much better view of the world and expects at the very least decent and timely service. I have learned that he is right, but I am still always a little uncomfortable when we question anyone. Why is this you ask? I think it has to do with Irish guilt, which is very often the reason for alot of things that make no sense, but yet again I digress. I was shocked when the Owner (who wasn't cooking by the way-which meant who WAS cooking?) said "this isn't MacDonald's-1 Chef and a waitress-that's the name of the business!" Essentially she was saying "take it or leave it." I was shocked because I knew that this was not going to sit well with Jerry, who was now starving and also expected the better answer from an owner to a customer such as "we're very sorry. please have another cup of coffee on the house" or something like that. But her attitude is what sunk her ship. And so, after tipping the waitress (because he is a stand-up guy) we all (Walter and Jackie (walter's Jackie-not Our jackie) and I) followed Jerry out to the cars and down the road a piece to the Coffee Shop where we ordered and were served a very delicious breakfast in 20 minutes time. We should have gone there first. So, note to self: If I am hungry and wish to be served in a timely and professional manner, stay far the hell away from 1 Chef and a Waitress (which should have been named 1 Chef, a Bitch and a Waitress-Truth in Advertising.) They need a new Chef. Splitting up after breakfast, W&J went on to a hike up to Nine Corner Lake, which is a hike-in access only lake outside of Caroga, about 9 tenths of a mile hike. We knew we were not up to that task and worked our way home. We're not waiting for the arrival of my cousin Carrie and planning a nice dinner around the campfire. Allison is feeling a little "under the weather" today and trying to sleep off a nasty cold before school starts on Wednesday. We were all at the Fonda Fair last night and enjoyed The Charlie Daniels Band from the third row. It is turning out to be a great send-off to a lovely summer. If I wasn't such a fan of season changes, I'd say I was sorry to see summer go. But I am looking forward to fall and the changes that brings. S'mores anyone? Happy Labor Day.

Go Directly to Jail

2010-09-01T08:48:00.003-04:00

I feel sort of like a criminal must feel just before committing the crime, which explains why my life of crime was limited to lifting costume earrings from Newberry's on the miracle mile when I was in second grade. I'm assuming the statute of limitations is up, although I actually did return them to the manager (with a little prodding from Mom and Dad) and that scared me enough to never again consider any type of pilfering. But I digress. I decided this morning after a week of not really eating a substantial breakfast that I was hungry enough to disregard the warnigns of "not really gluton-free" and go ahead with the Frosted Flakes program. Because the flakes are corn, I initially assumed that they were safe, and if you can have Frosted Flakes in your world, you can face anything. However, I was told in dire terms by the guy at the gluton-free store, and truthfully after disregarding Katie's pronouncement, that Frosted Flakes do in fact contain trace amounts of gluton and therefore do not qualify as gluton-free, and therefore should not be eaten. Screw that. I have been a good soldier going on two weeks now, and I have a doctors appointment in approximately 45 minutes, and I am going in with the largest chip on my shoulder that may need surgery to remove. I want food. I want good food. I want to wake up in the morning and have an english muffin with blueberry preserves drizzled on top. I want to look forward to a meal and not dread the though of going to eat somewhere because I am never sure if the only option for me will be salad. I was never a big fan of salad. I ate it because it was doing the right thing, and I do try to do the right thing most of the time. However, when doing the right thing means that you will never have another good drive-by meal (OK, Lobster notwithstanding-but how often can we pull THAT treat together?) you start to get a little radical and criminal behavior does begin to become an option. In true denial fashion and somewhat like Butterfly McQueen in Gone with the Wind, I did all the chores I was supposed to get done before committing this nutritional crime. Putting off the act itself gave me a little time to really think through the ramifications of what I was about to do. I Cleared up the kitchen from last night's stalkers (not me! I never know who it is, but they don't throw away the wrappers), emptied the dishwasher, loaded the diswasher, watered and fed all the dogs, got dressed, made up and hair done, and of course made the bed. Only then did I truly contemplate the radical action I was about to partake, and throwing caution to the wind I poured myself a moderate size bowl of sugar frosted flakes. A double whammy in the world of nutrition based upon an approved diabetic diet and a gluton free program of eating. Just to make this a diamond in the world of breakfast, I added a sliced peach fresh from Rogers Orchard around the corner. If you know anything about peaches, you know the last week of August peaches from Rogers are incomparable. And so, the breakfast decadence behind me, I will now march into my doctors office and see what HE has to say about my moments of indiscretion. And then I guess in addition to the co-pay, I'll find out exactly how much that breakfast choice will cost me in discomfort. Whatever happens know this-it was delicious!

2010-08-28T14:01:00.002-04:00

For a type A personality such as myself, saving something for a rainy day is not possible, because any undone chore or activity is something that must be attended to. And so, because I have a stash of fiber that is unspun and unknitted means not that I will have something to do each day of the upcoming fall and winter, but that all of it should have been done already and checked off in the "finished" column. This is how Type A's become overworked and stressed out. Because everyone has something they're holding onto so that they can take care of it at another time. An unfinished knitted sweater or hat, a book that you would like to read but haven't gotten to yet. A phone call that you want to make when you have enough time to really chat with the recipient. All of these are admirable and reasonable activities to save to another time. And yet, as a Type A, they loom behind me as a black cloud of activity. I can't knit fast enough or read fast enough of find that perfect time to make the phone call because these are EXTRA activities - Things you do when your REAL things are done. Which never happens because Real things never really get done. No sooner do you load the dishwasher then it has to be unloaded and put away. As soon as I finish clearing up from Lunch, it's dinner time. Life is a never-ending procession of activities and so putting something off for a rainy day simply means I can't do it today. And this is cause for stress. So when someone recommends an activity to de-stress your world, be very very careful which recommendations you take on. I have alot of yarn for hats and sweaters and blankets and all of these balls of yarn are calling to me. And they're not being nice when they call. "Slacker" is what I'm hearing from the balls of yarn. "Procrastinator" from the bookshelves. These are the little voices that accompany my self-recriminating calls of "empty the dryer before things wrinkle!" The self-imposed caution that I am really having trouble following is to not buy too many books for the shelf. For me, the sign of true wealth is having a room full of un-read books on the shelf, just waiting for me to grab one and get started. I could live in a box by the side of the road and as long as it has loaded bookshelves I am a wealthy woman. Happily, all of us here share that same love of reading and so there are evenings when the TV never gets turned on - we're all involved in our own stories. And loading the bookshelves is something I truly enjoy. Until I start to really see how many unread books are there, and then that Type A kicks in again and i start to worry that I'm not really reading fast enough. So you see the dilemma. It's hard to complete the task of reading all the books when really what I like to see is a wall full of unread books. I'm at odds with myself. Today I will choose to read the book. For now.

Goodbye Summer

2010-08-24T10:33:00.003-04:00

The summer is officially over. Not due to the weather, but due to the fact that swim team practice started this morning. And so, the mornings of sleeping in and waking up when I'm not tired anymore, as opposed to waking up when I have to wake up Allison and drive her into town, are over. I definitely have mixed emotions. Because dropping Allison off at practice also means that my previous Sophmore is now a Junior, and this I am not happy about. Of course we all love to see our children grow up and become self-sufficient and productive adults, it is so hard to let them go. This is the last one to "flee the nest" and although that is still a few years away, it is on my mind all the time. Every "milestone" for her is the "last one" for me. Kind of opposing purposes don't you think? That would explain alot of our conflicts. Not that they need explaining. The very fact that she is almost 16 and I am not is enough of an explanation for anyone. We don't live on the same planet. Every so often we come together in a shared emotion or opinion and that is a beautiful thing. Every so often is not a frequent occurence. We live with it-it's temporary. We have named our ground hog-He is Caroga Carl, and we will be spotting and following him throughout the fall into the winter months. If we can keep him fed with cracked corn we should be able to find him on ground hog day, and that will be an exciting day. Imagine not having to depend on Puxatawny Phil for our spring prediction? Not that we put much stock in his opinion. Pennsylvania is way south of us, and so our winter and spring do not have much in common. So plan on hearing Caroga Carl's prediction February 3,2011. We thrive on these little things. Another thing to look forward to as summer wanes.

wah wah wah

2010-08-18T09:27:00.003-04:00

As someone who was raised under the rule of "if you haven't got anything nice to say, don't speak", I have been finding it increasingly difficult to blog. Lately, my positive energy and sunshiny outlook have been buried under the sludge of reality. None of these challenges are life threatening and I feel I ought to be able to rise above and triumph, but I find myself really struggling with the day-to-day of celiac disease. Call me a baby, but I really like my gluton. I liked my sugar too and have learned to work around that craving. Now the gluton has been "taken away", which is a juvenile way of looking at this diagnosis, but I will own up to it. Taken Away is how I feel about these dietary restrictions and my psyche is fighting back. Each meal is a challenge in positive thinking. Except Saturday's meal. Knowing I was in the throes of feeling sorry for myself and really wallowing in these circumstances, Jerry suggested a lobster dinner. Have I mentioned that Jerry is my hero? Lobster rates up there as one of my most favorite things to eat, and it just so happens that it has NO GLUTON. NONE! And so, I was able to chow down without remorse or side effect. Thank you Jerry. It helped. I am still struggling each day, and learning which products and choices work for me. Just because something is "gluton free" does not mean it is something you would like to eat. Many of these options are things that I would not choose to eat if I were on a desert island, and unless I have a rapid attitude adjustment I may find myself on just such an island. So, as life's challenges pile up (isn't that what aging is all about - gathering experiences?) I am trying to deal with them as gracefully as possible. Today may be better than yesterday. We're all hoping. My flower pressing skills are improving and I am hoping to have a nice collection by winter when I will finally sit down and attempt to arrange these dried specimens into something artistic and beautiful. The shortened days are forcing me to pick and press just a little faster. Home improvements continue, and our porch is finally done. The woods are ringing out with practicing gun toters, and Bailey is finding his spot behind the recliner to be safer and guaranteed. The shaking and quaking has subsided. I think he feels secure here now. It's a nice commentary on our dog-rehabilitation skills. He's happy. That makes me happy. We're looking forward to labor day weekend. We have secured tickets to the Charlie Daniels Band concert at the Fonda Fair (local county fair) and it should be a real good time. Unfortunately, the beerfest that was the Charlie Daniels of my youth will not be happening. Beer has Gluton. Rats.

Catching Up

2010-08-15T10:17:00.003-04:00

OK ,these Pictures not in the order I wanted but they are up and posted.

Baby Michael Collins made it here In August and we are all so happy.

Mother , Father and Baby are all doing well.

We Visited with our new grandchild last weekend and he is just Sooooooo Cute!

Jen Held & Sang to Michael for a good hour. Jen's Looking Like a Young Mother herself,

On the other Hand I'm getting older looking, in Leaps & Bounds

Here's the Old Fat Bastard Holding his Grandson.

Baby Michael on the day he was Born.

Jackie and Jessie came up to the Camp a couple weekends ago with an over night stay, then they headed North to

Niagra Falls. It Was Good to see them, Need them to stay longer. Walter been Just working hard and rumor has it that.....Labor Day He will be visiting.

Ali Has been down state for almost three weeks visiting and coming home in the next couple days, Just in time for Swim Team Practice.......GO ALI !!!!!

Brian Is as most of you heard in the NYC Police Academy So we don't expect to see him for a while. Best Of Luck Brian, They are lucky to have you!

I have taken a Job in Security, working in Albany. It's almost like working back at the old Job. Talk to most retired cops and they will tell you it's not the JOB they miss....It's the Friends that they made along the way that they miss.

Making some new Friends ( Mostly Retired Cops) Having some Laughs along the way.

Jen & I are Just about done with the construction of the front porch, and it appears any day now the new siding will be going up which will really give the old camp some curb appeal.

Seems that Summer is starting to wind down here in the Adirondacks....Labor Day will mark the end of summer but will also mark the start of our heating season here at the camp. Leaves are already starting to turn a little and if you watch close you can see some dropping.

I'm sure I missed some things , that's about all for now.

Til Next Time Gang.....Jerry

Ps. Rochester , You are our Biggest Fan,

IT'S A BOY!

2010-08-05T10:25:00.003-04:00

Our hearts are bursting with the joy and relief of a safe and healthy delivery of our Grandson Michael Collins III. What a great day! We got the call last night, and Nicole and her son (her son! how cool!) are doing just fine. We will be seeing them all this weekend and cannot wait to be formally introduced to the little guy! I am in the process (as we speak) of "prepping" for my procedures tomorrow, and I am learning exactly how tuned into my kitchen I actually am. The thought of not being able to "graze" through the day has me in a bit of a panic. I'm just very used to eating and testing and balancing my blood sugars throughout the day with food and drink. I am limited today to clear fluids and at 10:29 AM I can say that I am ready to go to bed and call it a day. It's not working for me. My cereal in the morning is the first thing I missed, and trying to balance my sugars without food is really a challenge for me. I really like my food. Don't we all? Anyway, that's my day. I will probably go to bed around 6 PM because that will just bring me a bit closer to tomorrow and getting this whole thing "behind" me. Pun intended. It's the right thing to do, and so I do it. Many have gone before me, I am fearless! Well, sort of. Summer is winding down and yesterday I made my first "september" appointment. Turning that page to Sept. was painful. I'm not quite ready this year. I haven't done a number of things I planned, and I feel as though time is no longer something I can control. It's a scary feeling. But scarier is the thought that at some time I thought I COULD control time. What was I thinking? Who was I kidding? I guess I get a little philosophical this time of year. August has lately been the month of loss. My parents both passed in August, and the events of 2005 for me have taken a long time to process. I am acutely aware of how brilliant and how fleeting life really is. Although I knew that before, I am so concious of it on a daily basis now, that sometimes it is overwhelming. Being so aware of life is often a gift, often a burden. Even blogging takes on "higher" aspirations. What am I trying to say, and is it worth saying on a public blog? Some days I'm clear on that some day I have no idea. I guess what I would like to know is that I am taking every day and bringing something of value to the table of life. My friendship, my love, my passions. Are we all bringing something to the table besides our wants and needs? We are adding to our family, to our circle. I don't have to figure out the answer of life. I just have to enjoy it. Eat something good today. I will join you tomorrow.

2010-07-29T10:26:00.002-04:00

The past week has seen Jackie and Jesse (and Blue) and Pam and Chuck. We love having company and this was a particularly lovely visit with all. Our dogsitting foray was an eye opener for us. I felt heavily the responsibility of caring for someone else's precious doggy, and no sooner had they pulled out of the drive then I was panicked. What if he runs away? What if he gets eaten by a hawk? All of a sudden I was very clear about all the misfortunes that could befall our little friend, and I was afraid to let him out of the house. He was forced to be leashed whenever we went out, because he is not clear on the boundaries the way our dogs are. He did sleep upstairs in Allison's room, so all the "personalities" were separated for sleeping, which was probably a wise choice. The two "Personalities" that clashed are Blue and Bailey-both passive aggressive Alpha dogs. A very interesting combination to be sure. Our visit ended with an overnight with Jackie and Jesse on their return trip, and we loved having them. Come back soon! Right on their tail was the arrival of Pam and Chuck, and we loved every minute of their visit. Restful and peaceful with lots of laughs and visits to the woods. We're always sorry when they leave and I hope they'll be back soon. Good times. We're feeling the winding down of summer already, and it is both a lovely time of year and a sad time to see the summer behind us. Although we still have August ahead of us, here in the Adirondacks the weather is beginning to turn already. The lake is still on the warm side, and swimming and all the lake activities are still happening, but there is a distinct chill in the air that isn't there in mid-July. Good sleeping weather we say. I have been knitting maniacly and whipping off berets and glovelets for interested parties. Allison's fall wardrobe will include matching berets for each outfit. Jerry is busy at work and happily ready to start his new assignment INSIDE. The 90 degree days were torture in the parking lots, and happily he is moving to the lobby which is AIR CONDITIONED! Hallelulia! So that's our update for now-we're finishing up our third summer as full-time residents of Caroga Lake, and it has been a learning process and lifestyle change for the three of us. So far, I would call the experiment highly successful. Onward!

complacency

2010-07-21T08:27:00.002-04:00

We took Jerry's Mom for a drive yesterday, all throughout the lower Adirondacks. We drove up to Speculator through Wells and Hope, passing some of the most beautiful scenery I have ever seen. And it wasn't until we were halfway through our trip that it dawned on me that I had not brought our camera. Aside from the family photo opportunities that I was missing, it occurred to me that I have become very complacent about the beauty that surrounds us, and I'm not sure if this is a good thing or a disturbing thing. When you are spoiled every day by the spectacular surroundings of your habitat, isn't it a shame that we become somewhat numbed to its beauty? There was a time that I would not have left the house without the camera in my bag, and now I am never exactly sure where the camera is. That's complacency. We did have a wonderful day. Stopping in Speculator for lunch and shopping we were able to put our hands on a warm indian style boot for baby Collins. He is on our minds all the time. We passed through Piseco and Higgins Bay, and I am always reminded again of the beauty around us. Shame on me. The further north you get, the more rugged and unspoiled the terrain. I am always spurred to the thought that we should be camping and canoing every chance we get. There is a part of both of us that is drawn to the furthest and most remote locations. I think if we had joined forces years ago, we'd probably be living in the Yukon or something. It is comical to see the responses of people who are not of the same mind. They are not exactly sure why we're here, and how do you handle the winter? Those are the usual questions and concerns. My answer is this: Once you get below 30 degrees, does it really matter how cold it is? Cold is cold. We are having the same winter here that is happening on Long Island. No one is hanging out by the Tiki Bar in either location-it's winter. Here, we just have spectacular beauty and a mindset that allows people to work in flannel shirts and chukka boots. We embrace it differently here. That is why I love it-I feel at home. And so, seeing the mountains again from the view of a visitor, I am again poised to jump in an enjoy it. Thanks again Mom for showing us how lucky we are. Sometimes we need a little reminder here and there. Wouldn't it have been great if I had brought the camera?

Who's Job is it?

2010-07-16T16:47:00.003-04:00

According to Jerry, four out of five people who mow their lawns are women. That was his observation on Tuesday when we took a ride into town. We passed a few homes and women were mowing the lawn. We assumed they were the wives, but I am not convinced. I will need more proof. Today, Jerry mowed the lawn and I went to the grocery store. He is still in negotiations. The weather has been Hazy, Hot and Humid, which means we are unable to see the mountains in the distance when we drive up to Caroga. It's an odd sensation, knowing something is there but only seeing a faint outlne where yesterday was a detailed vista. It has been a lazy week for me, but for Jerry, not so much. He is suffering outdoors at his post in the parking lot of the O'Brien building in Albany. Hopefully soon, his post will change to an indoor area where he can enjoy the benefits of air and heat, accordingly. Allison has been cleaning up her room for nearly four months now. Tomorrow Jerry's Mom will arrive, and we will find out exactly how far we got in this process. I have been threatening to finish the job for her, which tends to move progress to a higher level sometimes. I'm hoping. With this kind of hot and humid weather the best thing to do is find a quiet spot and enjoy a good book. I have been doing that all week. My view at the computer is now out the side window, and it overlooks the remnants of last year's garden, sorrowfully. I have been enjoying tomatoes from the grocery and so far, I have heard nothing of the blight. The rain this year has been much less than we experienced last summer, and so I can only assume that these local gardens will enjoy a more successful summer. I hope so. It was heartbreaking last year to pull 24 tomato plants, overnight. So much so that we were garden-traumatized this year. I think that was the real root of our problem, no pun intended. Anyway, next year we try again. Our campfire is ready and waiting for the week ahead, and we are excitedly anticipating the arrival of Grandma Rosa. I hope she likes dogs.

Embracing the Slow Life

2010-07-13T08:44:00.004-04:00

I am learning to love the slow life. We spent the day Sunday on the lake with Cathy and Dave. They have a beautiful pontoon boat which we managed to trash with spilled soda and onion dip. We were swamped a couple of times by drive by skiiers, and the sodas did not make the wobbles well. Wonderful hosts that they are, they simply washed it off with a smile. We had a ball. It is amazing to see the houses along the shoreline, and to see where the draw is. Many of these waterfront homes from the back are unimpressive. From the water you can see what the WOW factor is. They are truly spectacular. Photos will follow as soon as I can find the camera. The pictures we took give you just a small peak into a truly wonderful day. We are expecting some VIP's here in the next few weeks, and looking forward to the visits. Jerry's Mom is coming for a week, and Jackie and Jessie (and Blue!) will be joining us at some point. We can't wait for all of them to join us. I look around with a new eye when I know visitors are coming. Yesterday I painted thefront door. That was a project four years in the making. I think I've had the paint for a full year. Just didn't get around to it. Now it's done, and I love it. I decided to go all Martha Stewart yesterday once the paint was out, and decided to decoupage a small child's chair. I love the finished product and will give it an important place in the house. Now we just need that small child's butt to park itself in the chair. Soon! Mike Jr. has no idea how many folks are waiting for his arrival. We're ready! Little by little, I'm finding my place in this beautiful spot on the world. Jerry is enjoying his job, I can tell. He has a new spring in his step and is having his hair cut in the old style. He's back in business. I kind of miss my mountain man, but I know he is enjoying himself. As I tell the kids all the time, everything is temporary. Try it-you never know. I am trying out being a Type B personality and so far, so good. I have not yet become the spinner/knitter that I want to be, and so I am directing those energies again. We'll see.

Updates From Caroga Lake

2010-07-12T09:06:00.002-04:00

Well Gang, Been a while since I blogged so here goes. Been A hot summer for me as I like it between 66 & 68, temps have been running last week in the mid to high 90's. Jen liking the temperatures a little better then me . We have had the A.C. on and she has been walking around the house with a sweater on. Not keeping it at 68 but low 70's. Well today A.C. off this morning and windows open.....Seems all will be happy. Jen & I got invited yesterday out on our friends pontoon boat for a nice slow ride & swim out on Caroga Lake. Thanks Dave & Cathy! The water was just wonderful, clean, clear and warm enough to stay in for awhile. I Did get burnt on some areas that have not seen sun light this year . Jen's been home for a little while from the Glove regrouping after a little set back. You have read her blogs so I wont go into it. Just glad that she is doing better, Love You! All the Kids seem to be thriving in their lives . Any day now we could be getting the phone call that our Grandson has arrived.....Could be pushing it ...Nicole due 7-or 8th of August. Brian Started with the NYPD last week and is loving it. Go Brian! Next weekend Jackie & ????? coming up for a couple of Days, My Mom will also be making her 1st trip from P.A. to Visit next weekend, for a week. Walter I see & hear is having a great time out in Montauk L.I. Fishing after a Break from working out in NY Harbor. Ali taking advantage of NO SCHOOL and catching up on missed sleep from the days that she had to get up early for the school bus. No pictures of the garden this year cause it just did not make it in. It's over grown and soon I will have to get in there and knock down some of the weeds. Bailey loving the front porch and the cool ground under it, Jake is having a hard time getting around these days as his hips are hurting. Jake spending a lot of time in one place or the other and Barking out his requests to us.... Daphne also this year starting to show her age....Sorta like me...Getting old and having some pains from time to time getting around. Jen & I have been working on the living room and it's coming out fabulous, rough cut wood boards on the walls and ceiling. New larger pasture facing windows have really opened up the view. In the next few weeks the front porch railings will be installed . Jen & I seemed to have located the perfect siding while out on a day trip North of here.. Now to find who sells it. Jennifer has come into the room so I'll end this and spend the morning with her and not the Keyboard. Til Next time Gang,..........Jerry Having the Times Of Our Lives!

AC vs. Reality

2010-07-10T11:21:00.002-04:00

The problem with air conditioning, when there is one, is that we are under the assumption that the outside world is just as comfortable and humidity-free. When we are dressing for the day in the morning, we are dressing according to our body's temperature, and the air conditioned body has no clue as to the actual temperature or humidity out there. Such was the case when I woke up this morning and took a ride into town. My mission was to pick up a few pair of pants from the tailor for Jerry (uniform pants) and then to swing by the local farmer's market for the latest in fresh vegetables. We're at a disadvantage this year as our garden never made it past the planning stage due to our inability to see past last year's blight, and to get ourselves together after the medical and employment scheduling conflicts that took place this spring, but I digress. Suffice it to say that we are buying our veggies this year from the farmer's market. Which brings me back to our story. I was dressed in lightweight parachute pants (are these out of style? I don't know-ask the girls, they'll tell ya) and a very flimsy, gauzy long sleeve shirt. Perfect I thought, for the early morning chill that usually accompanies any trip to town at that early hour- 9 AM. As I drove down the hill (4.4 miles to the bottom at Route 101) I realized that I was seriously overdressed. I don't like the AC in the car because essentially, I'm not a big fan of AC period. I like the wind in my hair and the breeze on my face, much like Jake when he rides shotgun. AC in the car is for when you are dressed up and on your way to a wedding/funeral/party. All other times it is just in the way. But this time, I was on my way to town for nothing as serious, just a trip to the store and the market. I could see other people dressed appropriate-tank tops and shorts and sandals. You can always tell who doesn't have AC. It's a dead giveaway-they are dressed appropriately. So, I did my errands and headed back up the hill towards home, all the while not turning on the AC, just on GP's. By time I got home I was actually sweating, which for me is a big deal. I generally like the hazy hot and humid weather. But, again, it's all about the clothing. I feel that summer weather is God's way of slowing us all down, whether we want to or not. Get yourself an iced beverage and go sit in the shade. We could all learn a thing or two from the dogs. They know how to weather out a hot day. Lots of cold, fresh water and plenty of laying around. So, into the house I went to change my clothes into more appropriate summer attire and don't you know it, I was a little chilly just two seconds after stepping over the threshold. Aha! Dilemma solved. And so, I changed my clothes into shorts, sandals and tank top and I am headed out with Jerry for the day. Away from the canned air and the weird temperature. As I have said before, If you don't like the cold, don't move to Tampa. The only time I'm truly warm is in the dead of winter when it is 20 below here. THAT is when you'll find a roaring fire and a comfy seat to rest your toes on. I dream of that on the days when it is 100 degrees and humid. That's the truth.

Just Say No

2010-07-07T11:18:00.002-04:00

Just say No, don't do something, and that becomes for me the thing I most want to do. Having our computer down for four days was becoming my obsession. I wanted to know what was happening on the internet, I would wake up during the night and think of all the websites I could be surfing. It was getting to me. And just when we thought we might have to suck it up and go buy a new computer, Jerry was able to reload our programs and voila! Here we are. I am now re-committed to blogging as often as I can because once I couldn't all of these topics of conversation came up, some really blog-worthy events and observations, and I was unable to get online to post. Now that I am here, I'll be damned if I can remember what any of them were. My birthday happened on the 5th, and I am very grateful for the thoughtful good wishes that were sent my way. I am a firm believer that birthdays should be celebrated, each time they happen! Our way of celebrating was was to do absolutely nothing, and trust me, that was a glorious first choice. We spent the day reading and relaxing and it was fabulous! Today, I am again holed in the house with the air conditioner running. That would be the air conditioner that I scoffed at back when Jerry had it installed. I was adamnant that needing AC in the Adirondacks was ridiculous and self-indulgant. Yes. And here sits ridiculous and self-indulgent in the AC while Jerry goes to work in this 100 degree heat. Actually, I can state that if it were not for the dogs, I may not have it on. may not. But since they suffer so much in this type of heat, I am running it for them, and so Jerry can come home to a nice cool house when he is done with his shift. I try. I have been reading voraciously, and loving each novel that I tackle. We have new shelves in the living room, and my goal is to fill them with un-read material so that when November rolls around and the winter sets in, I will be in hog heaven. Unread books and a roasty pellet stove. Heaven anyone? Our hearty Congrats to Brian-he was sworn in yesterday in NYPD's newest recruit class. They're lucky to have him. Good Luck Bri-we're rooting for you. So, my goal is to keep blogging on a more regular basis. Now that the theatre is riding in the back seat of my life, that should be somewhat easier. Drama is easy to find, no matter where you are!

A Room With a View

2010-06-17T15:56:00.002-04:00

After spending three days in the Nathan Littauer Hospital in Gloversville New York, looking out over the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains, I can safely say that I am glad to be home and I am well rested. I had a bit of a wake up call on Monday, and can only admit that I am torn about the decisions I have had to make this week, but quite sure that I have made the right ones. As you may have read previously, I had injured my rib last week. The circumstances of the injury are boring and embarassing so we won't go into them, plus for those of you who follow the blog, they are redundant. Anyway, after a week of excruciating pain and the realization that I really should get checked out by a professional, not to mention get some effective pain meds. My rib was sore, and Tylenol was not cutting it at all. After seeing the Nurse Practioner, whom I like very much and trust implicitly, I was sitting in the chair while she wrote up a prescription for some pain meds. I was so close to a clean getaway when all of a sudden,I fainted. I am not a fainter, and truth be told,I don't hold much respect for fainters. It's a prejudice I never realized I held until I was the one coming to and saying "what happened?" Well, that little faint bought me a ticket to the E.R. Go to the head of the line. Passing all the waiting ER patients, I was whisked right into a bay and plugged up to an IV, heart monitor, and pressure sensor. Effectively, I was in. This was not my plan, but I didn't have much choice. My blood pressure was too low, I was anemic, Type 1 Diabetic and Cardiac patient with two heart stents. I was not going home. This is the constant source of my reluctance to go to the Doctor or ER whever I am in need of urgent medical care (reference smashed shin in May) Whatever I actually go there for becomes secondary when they hear my medical history. It's a golden ticket to a room on the third floor. Damn! So, long story short, I have a few medical issues that will need me to re-focus my attentions on taking care of me. Better control with my diabetes, not working to the point of exhaustion and listening more closely to the signs of my body saying "slow down! We can't keep up!" This is very hard for me to do. My passion is the theatre, and it takes alot of time and energy to be the one calling the shots and making it happen. I love this job. But I don't love it as much as me or my family, and I need to make sure that I am giving myself the important benefit of our situation. We are here in Caroga lake because I needed to slow down. And apparently, I need to slow down more. I thought I had, but I guess it was not slow enough. I was so close to a clean getaway at the Doctors, but I think it was a divine intervention that just changed that situation very quickly and efficiently. Home-No. Hospital?-Yes. Oh well. So I am here and very grateful to have another chance to get it right. I guess we keep learning don't we? We will learn until we get it right. And what do you think they sent me home with? Tylenol.

Summer on its way!

2010-06-11T09:53:00.002-04:00

As I sit here looking out the new supersized window in the living room, overseeing our pasture and side yard, I am again struck by how blessed we are to be living in this beautiful and peaceful environment. I work in the city of Gloversville, which is a city by any standards. The fact that I can drive the eight miles and be in the country, far away from everyone and everything, is such a bonus to me. I am in my glory. We have a busy weekend ahead of us, but it is not at OUR theatre. It is at another theatre that is in Johnstown, and I am thoroughly looking forward to seeing our friends in a production of Moon Over Buffalo. This is theatre of the best kind, because the scenery, the take at the door, the logistics of putting on a very ambitious production are NOT MY PROBLEM! I am able to go and enjoy the show for all it is worth. And then go home. These moments remind me why I love theatre so much. Sometimes, it is hard to remember. Allison rejoiced at her last day of school yesterday, and we rejoiced right along with her. The stress of the morning bus routine is put on hold for two solid months. There will be no idling bus outside the house, wondering whether she will be making it or not. As you can see, today I am appreciating the little things. There are still exams next week, but classes are over. I am now officially the parent of a High School Junior. My baby is growing up too fast! Sorry Allie. You will always be my baby, as will the rest of our grown up children. All our babies. Speaking of, Nicole and Mike are barreling down on August, when Michael Jr. will be arriving. We are excited. The summer activities are still being planned, and our schedule is still in progress, but it feels as though this year is going by way too fast. I think I might have missed spring. But things are happening, which is always good. Progress. The Amish are out in full force, setting up their booths and selling their baked goods in town. I love passing the horse and buggy as we drive to school (the bus has been missed a few times the past week-we have been driving-as I said, stress!) But passing the Amish on the way down the mountain is perfectly lovely in the morning. It puts everything in perspective. Slow down and smell the pastures! I have been looking back at the blogs of the past two years (two years! I can't believe it) and I am struck by all the things that we have done - I had forgotten some. Blogging is a wonderful way to keep the moments of your life alive. Things that may be minor enough to forget, return as a fond and funny memory. I was never a fan of a journal, because really, writing to yourself seemed kind of redundant. But knowing someone will be reading your blog keeps your thoughts and your choices somewhat open and honest. That's the idea anyway. For instance, Allison and I had a discussion last night about how to share the circumstances of my cracked rib. She felt that lying about it was perfectly acceptable, because the truth of it was so embarassing that it was not to be shared. I, however, have a different approach. I choose to see the humor in it, and hope that someone else will too. Right before they cart me off to the old folks home. As you may be aware, our living room was being renovated and worked on for the past few weeks. During this process, we were essentially living in the bedroom because all the living room "stuff" had been moved into the kitchen, which meant there was no place to sit down. The floors were being plywooded and the recliner had been set down on an uneven section of the floor. At some point on Sunday, being totally exhausted from the activities of Relay for Life on Friday and the Theatre's fundraising auction on Saturday, I moved the drop cloth off the recliner and was reading. That was all I COULD do, I was plum tuckered out. So parking my butt into the recliner was an OK option. At one point, I got hungry for a snack, and decided to get out of the chair and go get something to eat. Unfortunately, due to the uneven placement of the recliner, the mechanics of the foot rest would not allow it to fold back into the upright position, and so I began to rock back and forth. Apparently, I rocked a little too hard because I felt a sharp stabbling pain in my right rib, the spot that I had cracked a few years back chasing Daphne on the New York State Thruway (that's another story for another day). I guess the healed rib re-cracked itself, and I have been in acute pain ever since. Allison has determined that the facts of this injury (following close on the heels of my Alice in Wonderland cracked shin) indicate that I am a bumbling idiot and should be lied about in order to protect my rapidly deteriorating reputation. As what? A graceful member of society? Honey, that boat has sailed. We all know that I am somewhat of a klutz, and I blame it simply on moving too fast. I should slow down. Maybe I'll sit in the recliner for awhile.

It's Been a While

2010-06-10T12:11:00.002-04:00

Hey Gang.....It's been a while since Jen or I posted....Just so much going on here in Caroga Lake. Where to start? No pictures since we seem to have missed placed our camera. Looks like it's time to pick up a new one since it's been missing for a few weeks now. It is time anyhow since we have had it for a while and it was starting to act up. Weather has been cooler and rainy here. Jen & I have been over working at the Glove Theatre , I have had a Break as I have been working Nights the last few weeks with a security company, a little extra money always helps us retired people. Most of my Co-workers are retired cops and I am having a good time as we speak the same language, cops speak and think a little different then others....Just the way it is! Ali is just about done with school and looking forward to not getting up so early for the Bus or her ride from a friend that passes our house a little later then the bus. Nicole & Mike soon with be delivering our Grandson , Michael, in August. We don't get to see then often enough & miss them. Jackie and Jessie are still having a great time in Mineola. Brian is expecting any day now to be called to a police job , Walter seems to be enjoying his Job on a tug boat in Ny harbor. That's about it for now.....Talk to you soon Til Next time Gang.......Jerry

BREAK A LEG

2010-05-27T13:44:00.004-04:00

This is the term used in theatre before a performance to wish "Good Luck" to the cast and crew. It has its origins in that actors were sometimes thrown coins if they put on a good show. The idea was that bending to pick up the coins would result in "Broken Legs", and therefore, "Break a Leg" meant get lots of coins. I, however, took it one step further and may have possibly broken my leg, not because I was bending for coins, but because Alice in Wonderland had some set pieces which were very small, since Alice had grown a number of times. In the dark, and crossing the stage during a rehearsal, I smashed my shin into Alice's little table, and sure if the damn thing didn't smash my shinbone. I have not taken myself to the ER yet, because that would result in more hoopla than I am willing to get involved in (you're diabetic? We need to do more tests on you!) And so, I am suffering silently (not so much-ask Jerry) but I think it will be OK. The swelling is somewhat down and the bruising is getting yellow now. At any rate, Alice was a success and happily the show is now over. Worth every minute of the hard work and creative vision. I loved it! Next on our list is Amelia Earhart. This drama is going down June 25 - 27, and thankfully, I am not the Director. I will supervise from afar. Which means we're back on the farm at night, and enjoying each other's company. I love leaving the city and going home to the country, albeit eight miles. Which is interesting, because that is the mileage commute I had when I lived in Glen Cove and commuted to Port Washington. Eight miles. And yet, a very different commute for sure. Now it is laced with nature and fresh air. For me, the key to happiness. Just the drive to the theatre brings me joy. We go quickly here from winter to spring to summer. Just a passing couple of week. Summer means people are driving with kayaks on their roofs and walking around in camo because it is turkey season (or some kind of season). I am heading out this weekend to grab my fishing license at WalMart, and off I go. I believe Saturday is the day. Whatever your plans this Memorial Day weekend, remember our vets, and honor them with your freedom. Enjoy the weekend!

It's all good

2010-05-14T07:43:00.003-04:00

Just when you think it can't get any greener, it rains. And then all bets are off-the grass, the trees, the undergrowth. It all comes back and baby, it's green. What a kick. I am so inspired by it all, and so happy that I did not fall to the urge to plant early. Everyone I know who was out there when it was 70 degrees is blanketing their plants and trying to save it. 26 Degrees in the morning is a problem for the basil. Those (like me) who didn't plant anything, are happy being rewarded for our laziness (or foresight), however you want to view it. I prefer to say foresight. We're coming up on Prom Weekend, and the activity is growing by the hour. Tonight is a dinner at a local italian restaurant. Due the small size of the graduating class, Prom is open to all grades. Which makes it rather fun don't you think? I love it. Anyway, as a sophmore, Allison is experiencing her first "Prom" and her dress looks beautiful. I start to get all Pferklempt when I see her, so I will stay in the background. However, the photo ops will begin at 4 PM at the Johnson Hall State Park (beautiful grounds) and Yes, we will be there swarming like paparazzzi. She'll just have to deal with us. It's how you grow as a human being, suffering through your parents. Let the education begin. Sorry Al. The rest of them all survived, now its your turn. As I said, the greenness of the Adirondack Park is spectacular, and I am loving it. I am heading out next week with my friend and we will be hiking. THIS is the best part of living here-the opportunity to just walk out my door and be ready to go-no packing, no planning for vacation-it's just an opportunity every day. I intend to take it more often. I don't know where we're hiking, yet, but be assured that I will share. Happy Friday.

Happy Belated Mother's Day

2010-05-13T07:57:00.002-04:00

Happy Mother's Day - belatedly. I have been struck down by strep throat (sorry Jackie and Co.!) and Allison has a sinus infection - isn't spring lovely? I think all these ailments had some origin in the snowy days we've been having. That's right-snow. Thankfully, it is not sticking and usually melts away by 10 AM, when the sun is up and in full swing. But seeing snow this time of year is a bit disconcerting. Still, we plug along. Having two sick women in the house at one time has been a real pleasure. Jerry is rushing out to work in the morning. I wonder if we are his motivation? I am in full Alice in Wonderland rehearsal mode, and it is all finally coming together. I have had few thoughts on blog topics lately, the well is kind of dry. Alice Alice Alice. I guess that means I'm spending too much time at the theatre, and not enough time here at Blue Line Farm & Apiary. That is the missing balance, and as soon as Alice is done, I am back on track with Blue Line. I am looking forward again to being home and getting some spinning done. It is time for a bit of a break. Being sick with strep throat and laying around at home has reminded me of what is important, and being healthy is numero uno. I'm tired. So, a break is in order. We are training for the Tour de Cure which is coming up soon (June 7?) Something like that. To all my sponsors - I won't let you down! I promise! The frost is melting off the metal roof and dripping down like rain. The sun is up and the pasture looks beautiful! full green grass! It's another beautiful day in Caroga! Enjoy it wherever you are.