I attended my father-in-law's funeral this past week and saw several aunts, uncles, cousins, and other family that I hadn't seen in ages. "This is insane," I thought. "First it was weddings, baby showers, graduations, and now we only see our families at wakes and funerals." That was to be the subject of this post.But … Continue reading Celebrating Life

In my e-mail inbox this morning was this auto dealership promo:Win A trip for 4 to see the Buffalo Bills play the New England Patriots in a Limo!Now, I don't know about you, but I'd LOVE to see Tom Brady and his pals scrunched into a stretch limo with the Bills.....talk about your personal foul!

...I used to respect you. I used to think you'd be a darned good candidate for President. After last night I want to be rid of you and the rest of your Republican cronies. I happened to be driving home and heard your convention speech on NPR. Less than 5 minutes in you were dissing … Continue reading Rudy, Rudy, Rudy…

Days 9-10: Wednesday August 27-Thursday, August 28Wednesday I took GT to the Great New York State Fair for another taste of an American tradition. We toured all the buildings and visited the Indian Village where we watched some Native American dancing and GT bought a dream catcher for his mum. We were home by 4 … Continue reading All’s Fair/Adieu Mon Ami

Day 8: Tuesday, August 26We ate a hearty breakfast with Sistah Kate this morning at the local diner in Hall, NY and set out for Route 14 and Seneca Lake. We were a little early for the wineries but did stop at Heron Hill and bought a great dessert wine and some wine glasses. GT … Continue reading Happy (Wine) Trails

Day 7: Monday, August 25Monday morning we're off early after consulting the map and deciding to see Chimney Bluffs near Sodus Bay (Lake Ontario). It's a place I have visited often as a child but it's been a good 35 years since I've been there. The bluffs have eroded a lot in the past 3 … Continue reading On the Road Again

Days 4-6: Friday, August 22-Sunday, August 24 Funny how 4 hours of hiking and 3 hours of driving will wear you out...Friday all I want to do is sleep but I don't want to disappoint my guest so we stay local, deciding to visit Pratt's Falls and then lunch at William Park down the street … Continue reading Gimme a Break!

Day 3: Thursday, August 21So, where will we go today? GT wants to see the Adirondacks and I have a book of places to hike so we find a couple of possibilities that are close enough to do in a day. We choose #19, Gleasmans Falls, southeast of Lowville and close to the village of … Continue reading Can You Say "Boonies?"

Day 2: Wednesday, August 20Destination: Lake Ontario. Interstate 81 to Mexico then Route 3 along the eastern lakeshore. There are so many wildlife management areas along the shore but most are not "visitor friendly" - no place to stop or hike. We did find a few paths to wander inclucing Colwell Pond, Deer Creek Marsh, … Continue reading Cruisin’ the Eastern Shore

(Although Graham has come and gone, the next few posts will recap our adventures.)Day 1: Tuesday, August 19Graham (my Brit pal and hereafter referred to as "GT") arrived yesterday at about 6:30 pm. It's so great to see him again - it's been 16 months since I visited him in England. In my usual style … Continue reading The Brit Comes to Yankeeland