Family Sure Is Great

Yesterday, my eldest daughter, Carly, and I traveled to Pennsylvania to attend the funeral of my aunt. I wavered on making a decision to go or not, but when Carly called and said we could go together, I knew it was the right thing to do.

We drove through the most ridiculous weather...first it was lightening....quite impressive from afar, but I certainly would not like to be too close! Then, the rain came in like gangbusters. For a few seconds, we could barely see anything. As we gained altitude, we were greeted by a shroud of fog. In some areas, the fog was thick enough to cut it. Finally, however, we were able to reach our destination despite the natural obstacles!

We missed most of the service, but we were able to hear some of my cousin's tribute to his mom. It was so strange seeing my cousin, as I think the last time I had seen him must have been over 15 years ago.

After the service, everyone went off to another aunt and uncle's house to visit and for a bite to eat. There was a considerable number of people there...aunts, uncles, and cousins. After not seeing most of these folks for years and years, I was shocked that they all knew who I was! And, (probably even more surprising for me) I also knew who everyone was!

My father was one of eight children. My grandparents had come from the "old country" here to the US and lived a modest, yet quite wonderful life. Family was very important, and with eight children, there were lots of grandchildren as well! I do remember many holidays spent at the house....my aunt and uncle that hosted the get-together after my aunt's funeral live in the old house, although they have remodeled it to the point that it is nothing like it used to be. It is a very cozy house, and it is obvious that the inportance of family still resonates throughout its walls.

I cannot remember when I have been hugged so many times in one day, and with such authenticity. As I think about all of my family that I have more or less "abandoned", it breaks my heart, and fills my eyes with tears. It is shameful that I have not written to those who are the most important to me...those who share the same roots as I. We do have a heritage together and it is sad that so many years have passed and I have been so preoccupied with my own life.

I feel a sadness that so much water has passed over the dam...but I shall also make an effort to at least keep in touch with some of my cousins. My uncle who is the youngest of the eight children admonished that we in the next generation will be taking over the task of keeping in touch. This really struck a chord...and made me realize just how much my own life has occupied my thoughts and actions. Oh, I was saddened by losses and trials in the family, but I was never really "there" for them.

Of the eight siblings, there are now five remaining. From the eight children, there were twenty-two grandchildren. Of the twenty-two, one is deceased. The remaining twenty-one range in age from 39 to about 60. I think this is amazing for a family to have so many people and that they have done so well!

Family is so great. I am only sorry that I have become so estranged from mine, and hope that I can remedy this! Too much time has passed and as I got just a wee sampling of stories from aunts, uncles, and cousins, I want to hear so much more!

Here's Lookin' At Ya!

Yesterday, as I was bouncing down the stairs with the dogs, I almost landed atop this little critter in the grass...so, I grabbed the camera and said, let's get some photos! The insect was quite accommodating, posing nicely for the camera. The only problem was that my glasses were broken, so I am still in shock that I was able to get a fairly decent picture!

After doing all the activities of the day, Michelle and I ran off to town to get my glasses repaired. I had lost one of those itty bitty screws that held the left lense in so I was left with a "glass" as opposed to "glasses"! Who ever would have known how vital it is for the eyes to work together as a team? My eyes were burning and sore from all the squinting I was doing to TRY to see up close.

Michelle and I went to a big pond behind Arby's to catch some peace and quiet. There are always lots of ducks and Canada Geese there. Well, as soon as the duck squad came to greet us, along came the swooping gulls to attack the ducks. The ducks seem rather resilient to the gull attacks, and the Canada crowd retreated into the pond to escape.

Aren't they a cute bunch?

This morning, I had an 8 am appointment with the dentist. I had to scurry out the door at about 7 to get there in time. As I drove to the other end of our road and down the hill, the sun was just rising. It was so pretty.

I made it to the dentist, got a filling with no novacaine (YAY!!) and was home again by 10:30. After seeing the sun coming up, I thought perhaps it was not going to rain today, but, alas......yet another rainy day. Ah well, the bright colors on the maples make it seem much more cheery than it really is outside!

Yesterday

We had a great time celebrating my parents' anniversary, although there was also some sad news. My father's eldest sister passed away Saturday night. She had been living in a nursing home the past several years, and in the past days, refused to eat.

We met at a beautiful restaurant tucked in the hills of the southern tier of New York. The people who own the restaurant also own and operate a maple syrup business, as well as raising turkeys!

The restaurant features all kinds of maple goodies...Mark discovered the joy of maple pepper on his eggs! (he ordered a breakfast!) Although this doesn't look that big, those plates were made for the Jolly Green Giant!!! Mark said the eggs were the size of OSTRICH eggs!!! And those sausages? They must have been about 6 ounces each!

This restaurant is know for its fabulous food, but it is also decorated so uniquely. Upon entering the premises, the sidewalks outside are cement, with maple leaf silhouettes embedded in them. Once inside, there is a long hall. (filled yesterday....the line was enormous for a Sunday afternoon!) As you procede down the hall, there is a big room to the right with a glass wall. The room is where maple syrup is processed. In the spring, you can actually observe syrup being made! Once seated, above our table was an old fashioned maple bucket light overhead!

We all ate until we felt like crying "uncle!". The food was so fabulous, and the portions are VERY generous! I had gotten a "Pittsburgh Salad". This is a salad with hard boiled egg, turkey, tons of cheddar cheese, and french fries! I ate and ate and ate until I could eat no more! I brought home about 1/3 of the salad!

When we finished, I had Ben run out to the truck for the cake I had bought. The GROANS emerged as everyone saw the cake....we were all so stuffed! Here is a picture of my parents after 58 years of marriage!! Don't they look great?

We had a terrific time, as always! This restaurant is one of our all-time favorite places. It is well worth the trip!

Now, I must mention...you should have SEEN the "odd" family seated just a few tables away......

The Warmth In the Bristolwood

Is being generated by the Jotul woodstove this morning!!! It is damp and dark and gloomy. The sun was here earlier, but is now playing hide and seek!

In the wee hours of the morning, I heard Mark stirring...he had fallen asleep in the electric recliner. Well, the electricity went out and the batteries that are a backup were not strong enough to move the chair. Thankfully, when we bought the chair, it was important to make one arm removable. I took the arm off, and Mark was able to get up out of the chair in the DARK! The electricity has flickered a couple more times this morning...no idea what is going on...

Yesterday, while we were out running around, my mom called and asked if we wanted to join them at a restaurant today to celebrate wedding anniversary number 58! We decided yes, we would! I was so happy Mom called while we were out...she gets so upset when we buy gifts, as she insists they always buy what they need. So, while at BJ's, I picked up a basic "bouquet". Then, we dropped by the grocers where I found some leather leaf fern, baby's breath, and the pretty salmon-colored carnations. I also looked around, TRYING to be creative. I FINALLY found a Melamine "Batter Bowl" to use as the vase. This is really cool....perfect for waffles and pancakes, as it has a pouring spout on it! I also grabbed a pretty cake with pastel salmony roses on it, and had the words "Happy Anniversary Harry and Joanne" written on it! Now, this afternoon....ROADTRIP!

Oh, I know I have shown this Begonia basket before, but this is how it STILL looks this morning! I caught it when the sun made its BRIEF appearance! I found myself enjoying this plant more than all others this summer. I wish I knew how to keep it over the winter as it has become a bit of a FRIEND!

Well, off to get ready. I will be on the lookout for fall foliage, as we will be sweeping through the southern tier.

Have a wonderful Sunday!

So, What Do You Do.....

When the skies are dark and gloomy?

Only one thing! Grab your Scotties and go for a RIDE! The "boys" love going for a ride, and we do, too!

Angus looking up and wondering when we are going to leave for our ride.....
And Murphy, always ready to go for a ride!

The best thing about our pups is that they are perfectly content curling up and taking a nap while we drive. They are such good boys! It is simply amazing how much happiness this little duo brings to our lives!

Tree and Pans?

How's that to pique your interest?

Yesterday morning, I arose to see this pretty tree outside my window. The colors are so bright, it made it look like the sun was shining brightly!

Alas, those beautiful leaves were about the *only* bright spot yesterday! Once the rain began, it didn't stop all day. The weatherman has advised us that in our area, we received two inches of rain. The ground is so saturated, I think it is groaning from the weight!

Since I didn't get to take pictures (non-waterproof camera!) I remembered someone commenting on one of my soap lists about cleaning brass with vinegar and salt. Well, I use a paste that I make to clean my Revere Ware pans (copper bottom) , using vinegar and salt. I have done this for many years, and I never fail to get compliments from people....they always ask how I keep my pans so clean.

I make the paste by adding equal amounts of salt and flour. The flour does nothing more than thicken this mix. It keeps the whole blend together! I mix the salt and flour in one of those little disposable plastic dishes until the salt doesn't "shine" anymore. The flour in the mix also helps to keep the vinegar and salt from reacting together. I then add vinegar....a little at a time, until a nice paste is formed.

If you have copper on your pans, check this out! I use a stainless steel *scrubber* to wash my pans. When using the paste, the chemical reaction causes the copper to nearly self-clean, but I do use the stainless steel scrubbers when there are tough spots. I buy the stainless scrubbers from a local Italian store for $1.19, but Fuller Brush sells them, 6 for $12.98...on "special" now on their website.

I So Love The Autumn!

This weather has had me feeling so alive! I just love it when it is chilly and you need to put on a sweater and tug on a pair of socks! The air seems so crystalline and all of the dreadful humidity of summer is just a memory.....

I headed off towards the woods today, but one of the kids called me back. I was a bit disappointed, but I can always take a walk later! I had my camera, as I learned to never walk in the woods without it about three years ago, when I nearly stepped onto a gorgeous little fawn lying on one of the trails. You just never know when you might meet up with a cool critter in the woods. (I nearly forgot the really cute flying squirrel we encountered several years ago when the kids and I went on a walk!)

As I passed the side of the house, I saw a honey bee working away on my Aster plant. I got so excited and took (only) one picture before it flew off. I was so psyched when I saw how well my one picture turned out. You can see all the pollen on his little body.....

I have enjoyed this summer, as I learned about the Wild Sunflowers in my woods....the Wild Asters....now, can you name this flower? It is a pale lavender color...

These are growing out on the back hill behind the house, alongside the Wild Asters and Goldenrod. They look a lot like daisies. As I was getting this picture, what should fly by? Well, it sounded like an aircraft, but upon further inspection, it was a SUPER size Bumblebee. See the flowers above? Well, his body was the same length as the diameter of those flowers. At *least* an inch long. I did get only one picture of the big boy:

I wish I could have gotten this fellow's profile, but I think you can see how he pretty much fills the entire flower with his exceedingly large body. Unfortunately, (for me) he did NOT want to be photographed, and when he headed towards me, I left his domain rather rapidly!!!!

So, instead of cool autumnal pictures, I once again have BEE pictures! I certainly will try to get some more pictures of our trees over the course of their changing color.....

Beautiful Day in the Bristolwood

It all began this afternoon when I looked out the kitchen window and saw that some of the Maples in the back yard were beginning to show some color....

I decided to wander out front to the road and see if our "special" Maple was putting on its fall extravaganza. This tree is REALLY pretty in the fall. And, sure enough, it is beginning to turn.

It is located in the left of the center of the picture, and is pretty reds/oranges at the top.

As I walked back up the driveway, I realized the BEST part of this day was that it was relatively warm, but WILDLY breezy! AND, the sky was BLUE!

I decided to give a birdseye view of the woods that surround us here. Here is one of our ATV trails leading up into the woods.

And the further up the path we go, the prettier it is!

And, if one takes eyes OFF the path, this is what one would see!

It is kind of funny how when you look at something every day, you don't seem to notice how much it has changed. This was the case as I looked at the tree to the side of the garage. I stood there looking at it, and wondering to myself WHEN did it get so BIG?

Happy Autumn!

Got Spiders?

Ewwww...WHO actually *likes* spiders? Well, I am sure there is someone somewhere that does, but to me, they are a bit too "creepy"! This handsome specimen had spun a nice web with one tangent connecting from atop my mother-in-law's house to a rhrododendron bush. The spider's web was centered at about eye level and it was just sitting there awaiting some juicy insect to fly by! My mother-in-law grabbed a long stick to remove it, and I bravely volunteered to do it for her. I knocked it down, and the spider grabbed hold of the stick. As I walked down the driveway, the happy little critter danced right on up the stick....before it got too close (about 4' away from MOI!) I tapped the stick on the ground, bumping the hitchiker off, and he scurried away. Happily, he headed for new grounds!

After being totally creeped out by the spider caper, we went on to much happier things...like the

Hydrangea bush. My mom had bought me a Hydrangea last year, and I planted it outside. The poor little bush was so tiny, and my mother-in-law mentioned in passing that the bushes need acid soil. After using Miracid on the plant, it grew a lot bigger within a short period of time. My mother-in-law was showing me her bush when we looked down low, and there was a bract of flowers just beginning to bloom!

I love those blue flowers with the pink tinge in the centers. They are so pretty! My mother-in-law lives near the city, but has such a nice place. There are old and very big oaks growing there, and I so enjoyed her yard . As I listened, I heard the chickadees making their little happy chirps above my head. This time of the year, they don't make the typical "chick-a-dee-dee-dee" sound, but a short chirp, sounding as though saying, "hurry, hurry, the winter is coming!" I also spotted a pair of hairy woodpeckers. The male's little red "cap" on his head was so outstanding as he landed on the dark bark of an oak tree.

We stopped at a Bruegger's Bagels and there was one section of their landscaping that was so stunning. It was a Holly bush with cranberry colored Mums planted next to it. I snapped a picture (hurriedly....we were running late for an appointment) but the colors look so faded....

It is funny how colors can set moods...these plantings just gave such a sense of "Christmas" with the reds and greens. It sure was pretty! Oh, and speaking of pretty! While I was outside taking pictures the day I was sick, I took this one of the Wild Asters.

A Friday Funny.....

When we took out little camping expedition to the Buffalo area last week, we stopped by a large craft and hobby store. They sold some of the coolest slot cars and train sets we have seen! On that note, they happened to have a real caboose sitting outside the store in the parking lot. After looking around the store a bit, I climbed up the steps to check out the caboose.

So, the caboose looked like it was still in its original condition. It had a little table and chairs, seats to sit really high up in the center, a little counter with a water tank and sink for "running water", a coal stove. And, hmmm....what is behind the door? Why, it is a toilet!

And, above the toilet............

Feeling SO Much Better!!!

When I got up this morning, I could not believe how much better I felt! After having a terrible time trying to breathe last night, the contrast between last night and this morning was startling!

I was able to do all of my normal work throughout the day today, and even ran out to do errands.

I wanted to get a shot of my Aster plant I bought...a couple of days ago, it looked like it was going to BURST with flowers, and when I went out today, wow! The picture does no justice. I took it at dusk, and the flash kind of wrecked the exposure. Anyway, the mum behind the Aster looks so cool, as the color is almost the same as the Aster centers.

Earlier in the day, I went out back and saw a little Bumblebee struggling in the pool. It was almost in the very center, so I grabbed a pole and reached in for the little critter. You could tell it was a survivor, as it hopped right onto the pole, looking grateful to be out of the water. I set it down on a goldenrod flower and it sat there for probably 15 minutes. It was so pathetic....It was using its legs to ruffle its "fur". Even after several minutes, it still looked like a wet teddy bear!

It did make it possible to get a really nice Bumblebee picture!!!

How DOES One Survive a Cold?

Right now, I am seriously thinking this isn't *really* a cold. I am, after all freezing, then boiling, and feeling generally like someone parked a very large vehicle atop my body. Oh, I shall survive; I guess I am just a wimp when it comes to being sick!

One of my symptoms is that the more I scurry about, I get a little disoriented, feeling like I need to sit down! Having said that, when a little sun came poking through the clouds earlier, I ran out with camera in hand, determined to get a good picture of one of *my* Bumbles on those beautiful Wild Asters. The contrast in color is so breathtaking! So, here it is.....



Well, now that my goal for the day is accomplished, I shall rest.

Before the Rain Comes Again

This afternoon when I came outside, I noticed this little fellow *hanging around* in a blue barrel I left outside! Isn't it pretty? I just loved the stripes on the shell.

When we first built the house, I went down to a local market store that sells vegetables, flowers, and local goodies. As I looked around, I spotted some miniature roses that were so beautiful. I asked the woman how much care they required, as I had no good results with roses in the past. She assured me that the bushes were quite hardy, so I bought three of them for $10. One was a yellow color, one red, and the third a beautiful yellow center, with a salmon orange halo surrounding the centers. Well, within a couple of years, the yellow rose died. The red produced every year; but, the most beautiful of all was the most prolific of all! After 13 years, this little bush still is faithful to give me so much joy as well as color!

The "only" special care my little rose gets is a fresh blanket of cedar chips every spring and I do trim back the dead canes in the spring. Before winter comes with its icy cold winds and snow, I also build up the chips to kind of "insulate" my special little bush.

While we were gone, the back hill decided to put on its spectacular little splash of color! I had forgotten about this, as Mark usually insists that we weed whack the hill before it grows up too big. This year, he just never got around to the hill, so the "weeds" took over! As I was admiring the new Aster plant I had bought, I realized that the "purple weed" growing with the Goldenrod sure looks a good deal like the Aster, albeit MUCH taller!

So, are these actually wild Asters?

As I was happily snapping pictures, I noticed the BIGGEST, juiciest Bumblebee! This one was a real prize....but, as I came close, off it went....I caught up with it once again, but this Bumble obviously did NOT want to be photographed. Ah well.....It sure would have been stunning sitting on these plants.

Back in the Saddle Again!

Well, figuratively speaking, anyway!

We decided to finish up with our work a little early last Friday afternoon and head out for another camping adventure. No, the photo above is NOT our camper, but rather our VERY "close" neighbors. Shortly after we set up, these folks arrived with their cute little Aliner. We especially enjoy this (state) campground, as the gravel pads for setting up are spaced about 20' apart. This creates a feeling of having some "lawn" around one.

Well, these folks decided that the gravel pad would be much better for setting their EZ-up on, since it had rained and rained for a few days, after all. The EZ-up would then become the "beer tent", providing protection from any stray showers that might pass by. The problem with this is that the Aliner needed to be biased much more towards our camper, leaving about 10' between the two. (the tree in the picture was about 8" from their camper)

On Friday night, we decided to call it a night about 11. Little did we know that with our windows cracked a bit, we would find it hard to sleep, as we were awakened several times until about 1:30 am, by the sound of bottles being jostled around. To add a bit of insult to injury, these folks also hung one of those bright and shiny work lights, along with a halogen lamp from the metal supports on the EZ-up. Even with our mini blinds tightly shut, there was an "aura" which spread out about 100' around our rather unique neighbors. In fact, the lamps provided safe passage for many neighbors to the restrooms, located about 100' behind our illuminated neighbors!

On Saturday morning, we were up and out bright and early for our important date at the HSBC Arena in Buffalo. Here are pictures of the kids with Sabretooth, the Buffalo Sabres' mascot.

After the practice, we headed back to the camper. Along the way, we stopped at a Blockbuster and picked up the movie RV with Robin Williams. We haven't giggled and tee-heed so much in a long time! This movie is sure to become a "classic" amongst the RV'ing crowd!

One of the deciding factors for our camping expedition was that the campground was close not only to Buffalo, but also Darien Lake Theme Park. We called Carly last week and asked if she and her kids would want to come along and have a little nearly-end-of-the-season fun on Sunday. She was happy to join us, as last weekend was a sad one....it was her husband's grandmother's funeral. So, she met us at the park and the kids had a ball!

We walked around that park for hours and finally decided to leave for a bite to eat, then we would come back for the LaserBlast Show at closing.

As Mark was about to wheel away in the wheelchair, he called out to me...seems this tiny little turtle had lost his way and was wandering about on the sidewalk. Carly was concerned he might need to be near the water (there was a lake right nearby), so she placed him in a drainage ditch and he boogied off on his way! (he measured about 1 1/2" long)

Carly had been scheming a little surprise for me! When we left to go to dinner, she made plans for a friend to meet us! I had not seen our friend Jo since Carly's wedding in late 1993. Jo had lived near us 20 years ago. She had grown up with horses all of her life, and now, she and her husband are living their dream! They both work for the rodeo circuit. It was so cool seeing Jo...we chatted and talked about old times and new, as though we had never even missed a beat. It is always such a treat to see old friends and feel comfortable and not not at all ill at ease. It is so good just to be yourselves. This was such a great treat! And, the best part of all is that Jo only lives a few minutes from the park.

We went back to the park after dinner for the LaserBlast show. The kids rode the rides a while longer, then we enjoyed the show. The kids love it, as it is filled with (loud) music, lasers, computer graphics, and fireworks! The best part of all is at the end when they do a tribute to Canada, and then one to the USA. This is one of those presentations that causes your heart to swell and even perhaps a tear to fall as they play the song Proud to be An American. The fireworks just make the whole program so fabulous and intense....

After the show, we headed out and homeward, arriving back in the Bristolwood very late. You see, our neighbors, (the "illuminatas") caused us to miss another night's restful sleep on Saturday night when their youngster awakened at 3:30 am, screaming and crying for about 45 minutes. I insisted we head home....I just knew I needed my own bed!

As our neighbors who recently traveled to Alaska confided last week, "there is NO place like home!"

Sabres Training Camp!

Yes, we went to see the Sabres practice on Saturday, and it was so COOL! Yeah, I guess that statement could be taken more ways than one! It was pretty chilly at the practice, but the action was so much fun to watch that the chill in the air seemed more bearable!

When I heard that the Sabres were going back to the blue and gold jerseys, I was kind of disappointed...they have been sporting red, black, and white for several years, and I really didn't like the royal blue and gold colors prior. What a pleasant surprise to see that the new blue and gold combo is actually a "blue-black" navy and gold! I really LIKE these new colors!

These pics are some I shot of warmup, the guys s-t-r-e-t-c-h-i-n-g, and some play. Now, all of these pictures made me realize that I REALLY "need" a new camera! Hopefully, an SLR...one that I can change lenses, and get lots of closeups from far away....OK, so PINCH me to wake me up! I was green with jealousy as I watch a guy in front of me catching closeups with his Pentax camera....

We were able to watch the practice for about three hours and it sure was exciting. The Sabres lost a few key players this year, so it was thrilling watching the rookies play and speculating how the Sabres "machine" will do this year.

Ooooooo....it's THAT Time of Year

We are getting so excited, as it is that time of year when the hockey teams are hitting the ice. Taunted as the "hottest game on ice", we really do love hockey here in the Bristolwood.

Mark played hockey as a kid, and he got to be pretty good, even winning a "Most Improved Player" trophy in high school. Funny thing, he and I talk about growing up as kids (in different areas of NY) and being able to skate on lakes and ponds nearby. Our kids are lucky if it even gets cold enough for puddles to freeze anymore! When I was a girl, we would walk to a pond that was part of an old gravel pit. My dad made a big "plow" on a "push stick" and he would push the snow to the sides so we could skate. We would skate and have fun for hours. Mark tells how he skated on the bay on Lake Ontario. When we pass the bay in even the coldest weather now, it is hard to believe it was cold enough to freeze over. The bay is BIG!

This Saturday, the Sabres (Buffalo NHL team) are having a practice that will be open to the public. We are so excited, as they will be unveiling their new jerseys. Seeing hockey games in person is just so exciting, and seeing the Sabres practice will be great fun!

GO SABRES!!!!

A Nice Day

Even despite the rain! Oh yes, I think we had better get the plans out for an ARK! Yikes! I woke up this morning, and after taking the boys out to do their thing, I had to brave the rain to backwash some water out of the pool! The rain filled the pool so full, water was splashing out the top of the skimmer. Now I know the skies have been gray and bleak for a few days, but I refuse to complain. We have had more than our share of summers and autumns when the ground was so parched, it was cracking and crying out for water! During those times, we have to get water delivered to fill the well. Somehow, that just doesn't sit well with me at all.

Speaking of water, the little stream in the front yard was much biger this morning. We went out early this evening, and when we returned, the little stream was raging! As I got out of the car, I told Mark the wind must be blowing really hard....he listened and said, no, it was the stream! While we were gone, we got another good dousing!


As I walked around the house today, I noticed that the trees are beginning to show just a bit of color! Well, some of the maple trees, anyway!

The trees down in the valley from us seem to be changing a little faster than our trees, but then again, many of those trees are softwoods....our woods is almost entirely hardwoods.
I was anxious to get outside for a bit today, as I have been cooped up inside too much! The rain has done wonders for all the plants! They look so big and healthy! I was happy to see my little Aster plant was filled with those pretty purple flowers. I love their "feathery" appearance, and they just look like such happy little flowers with their bright yellow centers.

We visited with our neighbors this afternoon and got a treat, looking at their footage from a recent trip to Alaska. They kept telling us that although the scenery was impressive, it was much more so in person. The vast expanses of wilderness were breathtaking and it made me long to take just such a trip. We saw footage of grizzly bears, orcas, salmon, sea lions, moose, and just all kinds of wildlife that we don't see here. Earlier this summer, before leaving on their trip, they told us this was their vacation of a lifetime. They both agreed this afternoon that it was just that, indeed! It sure was terrific!

Toads?

Michelle ran outside the other night to get something from the garage. Suddenly, I hear this ridiculously hysterical scream!!!! Now, we do understand that *sometimes* Michelle does have a tendency to overreact a BIT! (understated!)

I mosied out the back door toward the garage to hear Michelle spewing out, "Eeeeww, eeeewwww, eeeewwww!"

I followed her eyes down to the ground, and what I saw was not "eeeww", but rather, a quite large, obviously well-fed toad!


As I looked at this toad, I asked HOW she could be frightened of such a CUTE little critter sitting there with a little green leaf atop its head! (if you look closely you can see the green....) I am not sure how you tell a male and female toad apart, but this MUST be a female to have decorated her head....Since the great "toad incident", I have seen this particular toad several nights and when I see it, it is always accompanied by a little toad. It is always in close proximity of the larger toad....further evience that the larger toad MUST be a female...it looks like the little one is greatly attached to its mama, after all!

God Bless the USA

In light of the fact that this is the 5th anniversary of the 9/11 attack, I just want to voice my thanks to those brave souls who passed away while trying to save the lives of others....And, to those who lost loved ones in this senseless attack, I pray that your hearts will mend and that life will make sense at some point if the pieces still seem unfitting and somewhat blurred.

No matter what comes to pass, this nation is one that I believe we can still be proud to stand behind. I realize that we are not always the most popular nation, but when push comes to shove, the world knows that they can always count on the USA...

May God continue to bless our nation as He has so richly in the past. May we realize that without His hand upon us, we do not stand a chance.........

God Bless the United States, and may she continue to shine as a beacon of freedom in a world filled with darkness.

Last Night's Wonderful Adventure

The kids worked hard on schoolwork yesterday, so we decided that this would warrant a ride to Darien Lake. Darien Lake is a Six Flags Amusement Park that isn't too far away. The sad news is that the future of the park is totally in the dark. Six Flags is closing six parks this year, and Darien Lake is on the list. The even worse news is that we bought season tickets, thinking we could visit throughout September and even into October. Well, the park is basically closed all throughout the week now. The hours are cut to 3 hours on Friday night and all day Saturday and Sunday. We decided that if the kids worked hard, we will try to make a couple of Friday nights, as we heard that weekends entailed hours of waiting in line to ride one of the few rides still open.

The first ride of the evening was the UFO....

Going up...........

and up a little more.........

and then straight up!

And on the way to the Twister, of course they had to stop by the Pirate's Ship to ssssssswwwwwwiiiiiiiinnnnnnngggggggggg back and forth...........

Ah yes, the Twister. This thing is amazing to watch, but I cannot imagine riding it! The bench goes WAY up in the air, then swoops down, doing multiple 360's. Oh, and sometimes it goes in a forward swoop, and sometimes backwards. UGH!

We didn't get a picture of the ferris wheel. Gads, were they ALWAYS that large? Guess I am getting way old, as my feet are getting to the point that they refuse to leave terra firma! Then, there was the Ranger...

and finally, a ride I forgot the name of...

The most wonderful part of this outing was that there were very few people there! The evening was absolutely GLORIOUS. We could not have ordered a more PERFECT evening. It was warm and not humid. The kids rode several of the rides multiple times as lines were totally non-existant.

Just before the sun was fully set, Mark snapped a pretty picture of the lake located just outside the park. It was so nice....quite a contrast to the noise and hubbub inside the park. The fountain really added to the scenery, with the roller coasters in the backdrop. Hmmm...the kids never rode any of the coasters!

And once the sun had set, the moon graced us with its fullness, making the experience even more memorable!

And now we have yet another fairly simple event etched into our memories. This was such a fun time, and since the amount of time spent walking around was greatly reduced, it was much more bearable than walking around in 90 degree weather with the sun beating down! The culmination of the fun was going over to watch the Laser show. Even though we saw it earlier this year, the kids enjoyed it once again. Tonight, the moon is covered by clouds and it has rained, making it feel so chilly and damp. I am so grateful for the memories made last night!

As an aside, I am NOT an amusement park person....going there requires a great deal of sacrifice on my part as I would rather be doing something else. When my parents were visiting last month, I asked my mom if perhaps I had always disliked parks. She said she wasn't sure, but then went on to tell Mark a rather amusing story about me....

Seems when I was about 4 years old (remember the "Good Ole Days" when there were no "safety provisions" required?) I was riding on the Merry-Go-Round.....My mother said she was watching when I suddenly got up on the saddle, standing upright, trying to look graceful and elegant, and "performed" just as I had seen the circus riders do on TV! Mom said she was totally mortified, going between wanting to wring my neck,to concern that I was going to fall on my head! Unfortunately, or, perhaps not, this particular performance totally evades my memory!!!!!