Kim's Thoughts
Just a few thoughts I feel worthy of jotting down!
Movie Review – About Time
I went to the movies on Thursday with a friend. We decided on a matinee showing of a new romantic comedy – About Time – staring Rachel McAdams. Good Choice!!! This met all my criteria for me to claim it was an excellent movie – I loved the characters, I laughed, I cried, and I left feeling good! Enough said……I liked it…….go see it!!!
PSYCH……you know there is no way I would end it there and not say anymore about it…..right???
The movie is set in England where, at age 21, Tim Lake’s father informs him of a family secret – all the men in the family can travel in time! Tim, of course, thinks it is a silly joke, but his father insists he give it a try. So, Tim does as his father says – fully expecting to return to the room and have a good ole belly laugh with his father about his gullible nature. But, it works! On his first “trip”, he goes back to a New Year’s Eve party his parents hosted the night before. At the party, he was too shy to kiss the also very shy girl he was standing next to at the stroke of midnight – he just shook her hand, instead! It leaves them both standing there as the only two in the entire room not kissing someone and it hurts the girl’s feelings terribly. On his return visit, he goes in for the kiss and makes a success of the evening for both of them. His father tells him that they can not travel into the future and, therefore, can’t predict what will happen in their lives. They also can not go back to some time or event that they weren’t involved in – so, they can’t change history by killing Hitler or preventing a world altering catastrophe. But, they can go back to relive or redo certain times and events from their own life. Tim questions the whole “what happens to the future if we mess with the past” theory and his father tells him that so long as they don’t change anything significant, the universe will go on unaltered.
So, Tim decides to use this to get a girlfriend and fall in love. He tries with a friend of his sister’s, but fails miserably at it. Then, he moves to London to be a lawyer and meets the beautiful, but very insecure Mary and he knows she’s the one! He takes his little trips back in time to fix any awkward moments they encounter to ensure everything is just perfect! And, love blossoms and they marry and have children and all is wonderful! He finds he rarely uses his gift because life is so perfect he wouldn’t change a thing! And, then, he discovers there are restrictions that cause him to have to make some tough decisions. His father reminds him that he never told him he could fix everything and there are things he wants desperately to change and either CAN’T change them or if he does it will drastically change his present and future! So, he has to decide – will he sacrifice some aspects of his future so he can continue to hold onto and visit the past or will he say goodbye to some important parts of the past so that he can continue to add joys to his future?
It is an amazing story — one I wish could be true! Who wouldn’t want a chance for those little “do-overs” that could make up for an awkward situation or correct when you put your foot in your mouth or undo that really stupid thing you did!!!??? And, who hasn’t wished with all their heart that they could have just one more moment to spend with someone they loved and lost – to hug them, to kiss them, to say goodbye – I know there are a few that I’d give anything and everything to have that chance, but I know it just isn’t possible…….
Tim is played by Domhnall Gleeson – an Irish actor, director, and writer. I don’t believe I’ve ever seen him before, but will watch for him in the future – he did an excellent job at portraying the shy and awkward Tim who finds new confidence and courage once he discovers his family secret. Rachel McAdams is the lovely Mary. I adore Rachel McAdams and have enjoyed every character I have ever seen her portray – this was no exception! British actor, Bill Nighy is brilliant and ever so fun as Tim’s father – I loved this character a LOT! Other memorable characters: Joshua McGuire plays Tim’s friend and fellow lawyer – a silly, awkward young man who was really funny and lovable! Richard Cordery is Tim’s Uncle Desmond, a well dressed and very eccentric man who was off in his own little world most of the time – he was a joy to watch. Tom Hollander is a real hoot as a friend of Tim’s father – a very strange author who Tim rents a room from in London. The rest of Tim’s rather bohemian family consists of Lindsay Duncan as his mother and Lydia Wilson as his wild and crazy sister, Kit Kat.
I said it earlier and I’ll say it again…….I LOVED THIS MOVIE!!! I love a movie that gives me a good cry and this one made me SOB and SOB, but was also funny and heart warming and heart wrenching and adorable and fun and…….you get the picture! I rate this one a solid A+ and highly recommend it……but, take some extra Kleenex – you’ll need them!
Here is the trailer — enjoy:
Sunday Stills – Blue
Here’s something fun….let’s see what I can do with it each week!!!???
I’ve been following a really cool new local WNY Blog – Backroads Traveller – Tom (the blogger) posts about things he sees and places he visits in and around Western NY every day. I really enjoy his blog. Yesterday, he posted about a new blog that he found – Sunday Stills, Adventures in Photography – this blogger posts a weekly challenge to share photos with a particular theme that changes each week. I checked out the blog and found it to be really cool! People who accept the challenge take photos based on the weekly theme and post them on THEIR blog and then enter a link to it in the comments section of that week’s challenge post! Cool, right? Through this, I’ve found some great blogs AND viewed some really incredible photos! So, I plan to give it a shot……this week, I am posting photos I have previously taken during various adventures…..from here on out, I plan to try to meet the challenge by taking new photos, whenever possible.
This week’s challenge: THE COLOR BLUE – and we were asked to not cop out and do the obvious (water and sky – although, you know these are two of my favorite things to take photos of). So, here goes:
First up – a blue cow – taken at the Jello Museum in Leroy, NY
Next – items purchased at an art auction to benefit the Temple Theater in Sanford, NC
Blue buildings in Hilton Head, SC
And, finally, the Hilton Head Diner in Hilton Head, SC
Watch for next week’s challenge…….
Show Review – “My Gal Patsy” A Patsy Cline Tribute Show
Mom and I went to see a Patsy Cline tribute show – “My Gal Patsy”, tonight – tickets for us to enjoy the show together was one of my birthday gifts. I remember going to another Patsy tribute show – “A Closer Walk With Patsy Cline” – at the Temple Theater in Sanford, NC (click here to read my review of that show) and I loved it, so I was really looking forward to seeing this one! I was not disappointed – it was a fantastic evening!
First, let’s talk about the venue. Amy Sidari owns a local dance studio – Gotta Dance Studio. Not too long ago, she opened up a part of her studio as “The Cabaret at Studio B”. It is a small, intimate nightclub / cabaret like setting with a stage and bistro tables and chairs. She has had several shows that highlight local or regional talent – singing, dancing, comedy, etc. It was really quite nice and I can’t wait to check out other shows! Click here for more information on Miss Amy’s dance studio and The Cabaret at Studio B.
Josie Waverly – the star of tonight’s show – is a regional favorite that has performed all over the country in her own shows, as well as opening for many of Nashville’s biggest stars! As Patsy Cline, she brings the legend to life right before your eyes….and does an amazing job of it!!! She has the voice of an angel with the range, cracking, and growl all reminiscent of Patsy, herself, but with her own distinct quality. Of course, she performed the big Patsy Cline hits, like Crazy, Sweet Dreams, and Walking After Midnight. But, she really touched my heart with my personal favorites – Back In Baby’s Arms and She’s Got You! I sobbed the most when she sang one of my favorite hymns – one I love hearing recordings of Patsy singing – A Closer Walk With Thee – gets me EVERY TIME!!! And I smiled when she did one that I had forgotten that Patsy did – There He Goes – love it and hadn’t heard it in years! She also did several country classics that Patsy did in her shows. I didn’t sit still for a second during the entire 90 minute show – I was just a bee-bopping, swaying, and foot tapping away – and I even lost my fight to keep from singing out loud on a few of my favorites……and, I didn’t even try to fight back the tears and grins!!! Unfortunately, it was the quickest 90 minutes in history – I hated to see it end – I could have stayed there and listened to her for several more hours and still wanted more!!!
Her band was amazing, too! During her costume changes, they entertained us – the first was Tim Micsak performing Willie Nelson’s Always On My Mind and the second was an absolutely incredible rendition of Orange Blossom Special that brought chills to my bones!!! I LOVE a good fiddle and this guy – Gene “Sandy” Watson (who also played a mean steel guitar) – is GOOD, actually, “good” doesn’t come close to describing it! I got excited when I saw him come to the center mic with the fiddle in his hands and when that most perfect fiddle song started, I about came out of my chair! Throughout the entire song, it was all I could do to keep myself from jumping up and kicking up my heels in a clog…….except that I really need a good pair of cowboy boots to do a clog justice and I had sneakers on, so……. 🙂 The rest of the band were incredible, too, and they looked like they were having a blast – especially the keyboard player, Bob Mondy – he was really into it!!! If you know me, you know I love a good drummer and Dave Forti didn’t disappoint! It was also cool to see that the band includes Albion’s own Angelo Marasco on bass guitar, whose wife, Rachel, is a friend of mine from church!!! They were all VERY good!
At the end of the show, Josie told the audience that tonight was her last performance of “My Gal Patsy”…….which resulted in a lot of groans of disappointment from the audience! She is working on a new show – I forgot what she called it, but it will feature nine women of country music – all performed by Josie!!! I can not wait until that one comes out – sounds like a MUST SEE show! She also said she is hoping to put together a Connie Francis tribute show – that’s one I’ll want to be sure to see, too – the minute she said her name, my mind went instantly into a chorus of Where The Boys Are……!!!!!!
The show wasn’t the only highlight of the night…….we ran into several friends, there – some old friends of Mom’s and mine, some friends from church, and some girls I graduated with, including one high school friend and her husband who joined us at our table! Then, after the show, Mom and I went to The Village House for a piece of pie and cup of tea to cap off the evening! It was a totally enjoyable night all around! I couldn’t wait to get home and write about it to share my pleasure with all who stumble on this blog and read it! 🙂
So, to close this review and give you just a sample of what is still playing over and over in my head…….here are some video clips of Patsy and Charlie Daniels – enjoy!!!
First up — one of the biggest highlights of the night – The Orange Blossom Special – performed in this clip by the master – Mr. Charlie Daniels:
Patsy singing A Closer Walk With Thee:
Patsy singing Crazy:
And, my personal favorite – Patsy singing She’s Got You:
And, finally, I can’t close without including Patsy singing Sweet Dreams:
KP’s Pony
Last week I said good bye to my precious pony……a gorgeous 2005 red Mustang GT convertible! I have always loved the muscle cars – I had two Camaros and a Dodge Daytona years ago, but really longed for a Mustang for as long as I can remember! I also dreamed of having a convertible, but never did have one. So, I promised myself I’d have a convertible before I was 50 – I called it my mid-life crisis gift to myself! HA! In 2004, I looked at the 40th anniversary Mustangs and the retro T-birds and came close to buying one or the other. But, I heard rumors of a retro Mustang coming out in 2005, so I knew that was what I wanted……so, I waited……but, when they first came out, they didn’t have a convertible option!!! DANG!!! I found out the convertibles would be released for sale later – by April 2005! That was it…….I searched inventories on the web for every dealer in NC to find exactly what I wanted – it had to be red – it had to be a convertible – it had to be a GT…….and I found one right near by in Raleigh……and I got it – just in time to fulfill my promise to myself to have a convertible BEFORE I was 50 (it was April and I turned 49 in October)!!! I loved that car!!! My pony and I went on many an adventure together! And, then, I moved back home to Western NY and quickly realized I needed a winter car so I could garage the pony and keep her out of the snow and salt…….not to mention that a Mustang with that much power and rear wheel drive doesn’t do well in snow! Soon it became obvious that it just didn’t make sense to continue to maintain two vehicles – one that sat in the garage a large portion of the year! So, I very reluctantly put her up for sale…….and the right buyer came along last week. I felt good about the buyer – a guy looking for a summer vehicle for him and his wife to drive around and travel with……just what I hoped for! Although I know it was the right thing to do, I am still heartbroken — I’ve passed my baby on to someone else! 😦
And, now, as a parting tribute……..my theme song – Mustang Sally – any time it came on the radio while I was driving, I’d turn it up full blast and sing along at the top of my lungs (it was especially entertaining if the top was down and I was in traffic…..hehehe) – I’ll never be able to listen to it again without thinking of my precious pony!!!
Stormy Skies and Shell Fish
So, today was my birthday…..not that I’m counting them anymore, you understand, but I still sure do love to celebrate them! hehehe My family – Mom, brother Kevin, and sister-in-law Lylace – took me to Joe’s Crab Shack in Henrietta for dinner. I LOVE Joe’s Crab Shack – used to make a point of going to the one in Fayetteville, NC when I lived in Sanford at least once or twice a year! I was a little disappointed in the appearance – the new versions aren’t as rustic and “beachy” as the older versions are – missed that ambience! But, the menu and food was just as I remembered it and it was AWESOME!!! I had the Lobster Daddy Bucket – a whole lobster, lots of crab legs, potatoes, and corn on the cob all steamed together with Old Bay Seasoning…..OMG!!! We had such a good time cracking and picking at crab and lobster…..except Mom – she’s not crazy about working so hard to get a little bit of meat, so she had a delicious looking seafood platter…..but, between Kevin and Lylace’s Steampots and my bucket, there was some wild cracking going on at our table….I kid you not!!! I had a new experience, as well – I have had lobster many, many, many times in my life – LOVE IT – but have never had a whole lobster served “as is” before!!! I wasn’t quite sure what to do with it – I knew to rip the legs, claws, and tail off, but wasn’t sure if there was any other part that was eatable…..I found out from the waitress that there wasn’t, so I dug in and ripped it all apart and chowed down! I kind of felt like Daryl Hanna in “Splash”, except that I didn’t bit in to the shell……although, I did give it a little kiss before I devoured it! hehehe But, the embarrassing fun came after we finished……the staff came to my table – I thought they were going to do one of those corny birthday songs, but they did something really quite different…..and fun!!! They got the attention of the other diners and announced that it was my birthday and that they were going to take me to Hawaii to celebrate – I had to stand up and they put a grass skirt and a straw hat on me and had me dance and play an inflated ukulele while they sang to me!!! What a riot!!! Sorry, no photos of that part…..but, here are some of the dinner itself:
On the way home, we watched the sky to the north – it was the strangest color of gray-ish blue with the bright sun making it look like it was metallic or something and the autumn colors came to life against it! I knew I had to go see what the sunset was going to look like over Lake Ontario – I just knew it was going to be awesome!!!! So, when I got home, I fed the girls their dinner and let them out to take care of their business and sniff around the back yard for a bit. Then, I got them in and settled so I could head to Point Breeze! Along the way, the sky was getting more and more intense as an amazing backdrop for the fields and woods, but I didn’t want to stop and capture any photos because it was getting too close to sunset time and I didn’t want to miss it over the lake! Unfortunately, by the time I got there, it was raining and the sun was down just enough that it wasn’t the blaze of bright light that it was just seconds before, so the view wasn’t as intense as I had hoped…….but, I still got some cool shots of the stormy skies over the lake and I even captured a rainbow trying so hard to peak out through the rain and clouds!
I was so lucky to get this shot of the rainbow and sun rays making their way through the misty rain and clouds!
Although it was raining, the sun was still shining through enough to illuminate the lighthouse! But, that didn’t last — soon after I arrived and started taking photos, the rain became heavier and the sky got darker……the following few shots were taken through the rain as the sun began to set.
Such beauty amidst the storm……
When I returned to town, the storm was still north of us, but it made an incredible backdrop to some of the historic sites in town. I couldn’t resist stopping to wander around and snap a few photos to capture that beauty…….the contrast between the strangely beautiful sky in town and the storm looming to the north over the lake was amazing.
Main Street looking north – the Presbyterian Church steeple and the Post Office
The Presbyterian Church steeple against the sky
The County Courthouse and County Clerks building framed by autumn trees
Main Street lift bridge over the canal
The Main Street lift bridge, canal, and flags as the sun sets and the storm creeps in
So, there you have it……a wonderful birthday and beautiful stormy skies!!!
The Canal in October
It is almost time for them to start draining the historic Erie Barge Canal for the winter. In the past couple of weeks, I’ve noticed tugs and barges finding their spots along the banks where they are now likely tied off for the season – their summer jobs have, or very soon will, come to an end. There is something a little sad about seeing the canal drained and the tugs and barges sink down to the bottom and then become covered in snow and ice. But, last evening, I couldn’t help but stop on the north side of the Main Street lift bridge in downtown Albion to take some photos. The sun was beginning to set and the canal was especially reflective……and the tug and barges parked along the tow path made for interesting subject matter.
Tender # 6 parked close to the Main St lift bridge with its rope bumper looking very much like an old sailor’s stately beard
It was a beautiful, sunny evening, which created an amazing mirror effect on the canal – taken from the north side of the Main Street lift bridge with a view of Main St
Buildings and power lines along the back side of Bank Street reflected on the canal
View from the Main St lift bridge with two lonely barges and the Ingersoll St lift bridge in the distance
Two barges parked for the season – these will likely remain tied here until the canal is filled again in the spring
I love it when the sun rays are captured in a photo!
Stopping for a closer look at these canal vessels was a lovely end to the day!
Candy Corn and Other Halloween Candy
You know what I look forward to in the fall? No, I’m not talking about the obvious things that I truly love – the changing of the leaves, apples fresh off the tree, the sound of rustling leaves, etc… What I’m talking about here is candy corn! Yes, candy corn – those super sweet tri-colored sugar confections that are supposed to look like kernels of corn, but really don’t! But, they are so good and so addicting!
I can’t resist them…..I don’t eat a lot of them – they are way too sweet – but, I absolutely HAVE to have a few! NOT eating at least a few pieces of candy corn and those little candy pumpkins in the fall is like going to the movies and not eating a bag of popcorn – it just isn’t right….it is unnatural…..it is sacrilegious….it is against every law of nature known to man!!! I see them start to show up in stores or in dishes on desks or coffee tables and I can not just ignore them!
Like with many things, I have a ritual in how I eat a piece of candy corn…….I don’t put the whole piece in my mouth and NEVER put multiple pieces in my mouth at once! No, I take each piece individually and bite off the white tip, first, then turn it around and bite off the yellow top, saving the orange center section for last! I know that each section tastes exactly the same and that the different colors don’t indicate different flavors (except, of course, the ones with the brown top sections – they do taste like chocolate….don’t you dare tell me that is all in my head), but it just seems like the right thing to do to eat each section separately, so I do. I eat the little pumpkins in a similar manner, too – I always eat the green stem, first! (Don’t bother calling the nice young men in clean white coats……they have a restraining order!)
Halloween candy, in general, is just fun, isn’t it? My Grandmother used to spend days carefully assembling little bags filled with various Halloween candies, including candy corn, to hand out to Trick or Treaters – she lived in town and gave out hundreds of those bags! It was such a thrill to go around gathering candy from all our neighbors – some gave homemade treats, like cookies or popcorn balls, some did up bags, like Grandma did, some gave healthy snacks, like apples, and then there were the few who gave out actual full sized store-bought candy bars – the word about what houses gave out the full sized candy bars spread like wild fire! Quite often, most of the good stuff was consumed long before we made it home to dump out the bags and sort out our bounty! Nowadays, most people just buy bags full of miniature or bite sized candy bars – no sense in giving out anything unwrapped or homemade because it gets taken and tossed out for fear that it is tainted with something – and kids are forbidden to eat as they go until after the trip to the local hospital or urgent care facility to have the candy X-rayed! So sad……takes all the fun out of it!
I try to limit the amount of Halloween candy I buy to hand out – I don’t get as many kids as we used to get and I don’t want to end up with a ton left over – it just taunts me and teases me and forces me to eat it until it is all gone – candy is EVIL!
As for candy corn……since I retired, I don’t have as much access to people who have it out on their desks, so when I saw it in the grocery store today, I decided I’d better get some! I looked for a small bag to buy, but, even the smallest bag was a LOT of candy corn – more than I wanted to tempt myself with – I only wanted a handful or so. So, I was happy to see a bulk bin of assorted candy corn and pumpkins (yeah, I know – I probably don’t want to know what might be lurking in those bulk bins – don’t judge me)! I scooped out the equivalent of about a handful and was on my way! Craving satisfied! I can proceed with the season now without further temptation!
So, what’s YOUR Halloween candy addiction????
Cooperstown Adventure
I traveled to Cooperstown, NY this past week – mainly to visit the Baseball Hall of Fame, but I discovered so much more! Cooperstown is a lovely little village on Lake Otsego in the foothills of the northern Catskill Mountains. I have never been to that area of NY state – I’ve been to the Adirondacks, but never the Catskills area. It was a real treat! The surrounding area is beautiful and the village of Cooperstown is like driving into a town that time forgot……beautifully maintained Victorian homes, a pristine lake, quaint little parks, friendly people – didn’t run into a single rude or unkind person anywhere I went, no big chain stores or restaurants, and tons of history everywhere you look. I have visited a lot of places that I really enjoyed – places that are wonderful to visit, but I wouldn’t want to actually live there! Until now, there has only been one place I’ve ever visited that I felt like “I could live here”……now, there are two: Savannah, GA and Cooperstown, NY!
My adventure was filled with “firsts” for me! I already mentioned it was the first time I visited the Catskills area of NY and, obviously, the first time I was in Cooperstown. But, there were other firsts, as well. I started out on my drive at 5:00 am on Monday morning – taking the scenic route – the first time I’ve driven so far on the beautiful Route 20 – and expected to arrive in Cooperstown by lunch time, which allowed for some sightseeing stops along the way. I arrived in Cooperstown ten hours later – the first time I’ve allowed myself to truly just take my time and soak up all the wonderful sights and places our great state has to offer! I’ve never had the luxury of no set agenda or time line expectations and the ability to just decide to stay extra days, if I wanted to – which I did, actually! 🙂 So, the first day of my adventure was packed with mini adventures throughout the day. I stayed at a lovely bed and breakfast inn – another first for me – I’ve always wanted to stay at a B&B, but never had the pleasure – until now! And, it is the first time I felt like an adventure really needed to be broken down into four blog posts to give each segment of the adventure the attention it deserved! Oh, there have been times when I broke out a piece of an adventure into a separate post so that it would stand alone, but this time was different – I felt like I didn’t have one BIG adventure, I had FOUR big adventures!!! So, you will find four blog posts covering the main segments of the trip – Bed and Breakfast, Taking the Scenic Route, National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, and this one – Cooperstown Adventure! I spend three short days traveling and crammed a multitude of amazing memories into them! So, scroll down or look at the “Recent Posts” list to the right to find the other three posts to read about my entire experience!
Here are just a few photos of the things I saw and did in Cooperstown – other then the National Baseball Hall of Fame (which has its own post):
My first view of Cooperstown was this main intersection of Rt 80 and Main Street. The village was beautifully decorated with corn husks, straw bails, and fall flowers…..and the trees were a blaze with gorgeous fall colors. The couple standing on the corner made me chuckle – they were taking turns having their photo taken with the colorful tree in the background and an orange leaf in each hand! I wondered where they came from that the fall colors would be such a novelty for them.
It was a lovely day – just cool enough to be comfortable walking downtown, but warm enough to not need a jacket. I checked in at the Bed and Breakfast Inn and took a stroll down Main Street to check out the village. I wasn’t surprised to find a distinct baseball theme to the shops and restaurants downtown.
Shoeless Joe’s – a baseball memorabilia shop
Right next door to Shoeless Joe’s is Mickey’s Place – baseball themed shop and restaurant
One of several baseball themed restaurants that also demonstrates the quaint feel of the village with its brick and vintage wood façade
Another example of the village ambiance
The first evening, I had dinner at a restaurant that came up several times in my research – Alex & Ika Restaurant – it wasn’t anything special. But, the second night, I accidentally came up on this restaurant while driving around town. It is The Pit Under the Tunnicliff! The Colonial brick building is the Tunnicliff Hotel – The Pit, down the stairs to the basement, is a very eclectic pub with delicious food – I really enjoyed it!
Then, there is the pristine Otsego Lake – a large crystal clear, vivid blue lake that borders the town and out along Rt 80 – breathtaking!!! This is a small park one block over from the Baseball Hall of Fame with an historic marker indicating it was an Indian Meeting Place.
And, yes, much to my delight, there is a lighthouse!!!
Downtown is also home of Doubleday Field – the birthplace of baseball!
At the entrance to Doubleday Field is a sweet bronze statue called “The Sandlot Kids”
In this large corner building is the Heroes of Baseball Wax Museum — the ground floor is a baseball memorabilia shop and the second and third floors are home to more than 40 wax figures and “The Baseball Bloopers Movie Theater” – what a riot that was – I laughed and laughed!!! The following two photos are just examples of a couple of the more entertaining figures: Wade Boggs on a horse with a cop and Abbott & Costello, which was accompanied by a recording of their “Who’s on First” skit — great fun – it never gets old!!!
The other two major museums in Cooperstown – just a mile from downtown: The Fenimore Art Museum – an elegant folk art museum sitting on the banks of the Otsego Lake and the Farmer’s Museum – a recreation of an 1800s village and working farm.
Following are a few photos from the Fenimore, including examples from the Native American Indian exhibit called “Splendidly Dressed” and shots from the patio where I enjoyed a light lunch and glass of wine overlooking Otsego Lake.
I particularly enjoyed the Farmer’s Museum, which is located across the street from the Fenimore — fascinating!!!
This is the main barn and entrance to the museum. The main barn is home to an exhibit of pick up trucks (work trucks) through the years – including this one:
The first thing you come to after leaving the main barn is the Empire State Carousel — a hand crafted carousel that highlights NY State with names of many of the small towns, points of interest, and interesting facts. The animals are not your typical carousel animals – they are all the different animals that can be found in NY State. Very cool – you know I love a carousel!!!
The 1840s village consists of buildings that were actually in use in nearby towns in the 1800s and moved here to recreate the vintage community. There are people in many of the buildings dressed in period costume and performing typical tasks of the time – they were happy to explain what they were doing and some history around the task.
Spinning flax into linen yarn
Forging a specialized ax farm tool
Removing the whey from the curds in one step of the process of making hard cheese
So, that was my adventure in Cooperstown……one I’ll never forget! It was educational, enjoyable, and so very special! So glad I made the trip!
National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum
The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum……baseball’s mecca……..the history of the game and all those who made it great preserved and displayed for future generations! Walking through the front doors gives you a feeling of pride in America’s game……continuing on through the building brings a sense of awe and emotion that can’t be described……it conjures up memories of every baseball game you ever played or attended and every dream of meeting one of your heroes! Being there is an education and an affirmation of all the joy that baseball has to offer.
I admit I’m not a fanatic when it comes to baseball, but I do love the game. I remember being at bat on the field at Waterport school during gym or recess, hitting the ball as far as I could, and running the bases with all my might. I remember the feeling of accomplishment whenever I was able to make it to home plate. I remember cheering on my brother at his little league games – he played for the Carlton Clippers – and going along when the coach took the team to the Tastee Freeze for ice cream to celebrate a win. I remember sitting in the cheap seats with a dog and a beer watching the Rochester Red Wings play a double header on a warm afternoon. I remember my first major league game – it was on a business trip in Pittsburgh and I got tickets to see the Pirates play at Three River Stadium – I remember entering the stadium and thinking that this was not just any baseball game. I remember a very different feeling when I watched the Orioles play at Camden Yards in Baltimore. And, then, the absolute thrill of a lifetime when I saw the Yankees play at Yankee Stadium – the old stadium before it was closed. I don’t watch a lot of baseball on TV – I think it loses some of the excitement on TV – but, I follow the Yankees and catch their games every now and then. Yes, I’m a Yankee fan – loyal in good and bad years!
So, visiting the Baseball Hall of Fame has been a dream of mine for many years – it was on my bucket list and, when I moved back home, I put it on my “things to do and places to see” list. This week, I was able to cross it off both lists! I drove to Cooperstown, NY with the main goal of fulfilling this dream. I did it. I walked the hall looking at the exhibits, reading the stories, feeling the emotion well up inside me. One of the brochures has a quote that sums it up nicely: “[The Hall of Fame} is a place of grace and class…You arrive expecting to tour baseball’s past. What you discover is your own…It is pictures of places you’ve never been and belongings of people you’ve never met. Yet you are drawn to its scuffed baseballs and gritty photographs as if they were your own. And in a way, they are.” ~ Bill Pennington, The Record (NJ)
The museum motto is: “Preserving history. Honoring excellence. Connecting generations.” Says it all!!!
The Hall of Fame was founded in 1939 by local hotel owner, Stephen Carlton Clark to provide a permanent, safe place to preserve baseball’s history and to attract tourists to Cooperstown – a town suffering after the Great Depression. The first inductees were actually elected in 1936, but they and approximately 20 others chosen after them were formally inducted at the June 12, 1939 opening. The Hall boasts a collection of 38,000 bats, balls, uniforms, gloves, etc. 130,000 baseball cards. 2 million research files. 500,000 black and white and color photographs. 12,000 hours of recorded media. And counting….. I spent about an hour and a half on day 1 and only made it through the first of three floors. On day two, I was there for almost 3 more hours touring the second and third floors and revisiting some areas on the first floor……and, I’m sure I missed something!!!
So……on with the photos and my personal experience at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum:
The main entrance
Looking down the street across the front of the building
As you enter the hall on your way to the ticket counter, you see this amazing exhibit of Lou Gehrig, Jackie Robinson, and Roberto Clemente called “Character and Courage”. I was struck by the photos behind each bronze statue of the men posing with children – each one wasn’t just a photograph of him playing baseball, but doing something with a young fan – the true spirit of a baseball hero!!! This one exhibit set the tone for my entire experience!
The plaque beside the “Character and Courage” exhibit.
Just beyond the ticket counter is a display honoring the current year inductees – Hank O’Day, Jacob Ruppert, and Deacon White. Along with these three inductees, the 2013 ceremony also formally recognized 12 members who were elected to the Hall of Fame during WWII and could not attend due to travel restrictions during the war – most notably, Lou Gehrig and Rogers Hornsby.
John J. “Buck” O’Neil Lifetime Achievement Award display – in 2008, this bronze statue was dedicated and the “Buck O’Neil Lifetime Achievement Award” was created with Buck being the first honoree for his career and contributions that spanned eight decades. The award is given out not more than once every three years – the second honoree was Roland Hemond in 2011.
I got a big chuckle out of this cow in pinstripes with catcher’s mitts on his horns located just under the massive sweeping staircase.
The Hall of Fame Plaque Gallery is an impressive oak and marble lined room with section after section of inductee plaques – each section is marked with the induction year and the bronze plaques of those elected to the Hall of Fame in that year. The very first induction class and the most recent classes are at the head of the gallery in the Rotunda.
I arrived late the first day and only had time to do the first floor, which included this gallery. There were only about 8 or 10 people viewing the plaques. I was such an emotional experience – there was no sound, except for the foot steps of those walking from section to section – no one spoke, except for an occasional whisper from someone who found one of their heroes. It was really quite humbling.
The first class of inductees was in 1936 and included Christy Matthewson, Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, Honus Wagner, and Walter Johnson.
Along with the many stunning bronze statues, there were also wax figures – this one is of Babe Ruth, who can be found in many different formats throughout the museum!
Here is a testament to exactly why he is still considered the greatest in baseball history!
This is the entrance to the Babe Ruth room – a room dedicated to his memorabilia and stories!
In “Chasing the Dream”, another room dedicated to a specific player – Hank Aaron – you can follow his career and contributions to the game.
The following photo is his Atlanta Braves # 44 uniform.
Adjacent to “Chasing the Dream” is “One for the Books” – a room dedicated to all the records set throughout history – here are a couple photo from this inspirational room:
Most consecutive games played set by Lou Gehrig and beat by Cal Ripkin, Jr.
Records were also set in the All American Girls Professional Baseball League – Sophie Kurys set the record for most stolen bases!
And the most unbeatable record of all………The Yankees for most World Championships!!!!
The Pride and Passion room is dedicated to the history and contributions of African American ball players with special recognition to Jackie Robinson!
Movie clips and memorabilia from the recent movie of Jackie Robinson’s life – “42”
There is a room honoring the women who kept the game going while the boys were off serving our country in WWII – Diamond Dreams
Memorabilia from the Women’s Leagues
A nod to the movie, “A League of Their Own”
More memorabilia from the All American Girls Professional Baseball League
And you can’t ignore the movies that glorified baseball — many, many, many movies with baseball themes over the years! There is a room dedicated to movies – displays, items from the movies, and clips – lots of clips! This display includes information on “A League of Their Own” and “Field of Dreams” – two of my personal favorites!
Aside from the specific exhibits and displays, there are rows and rows and rows of displays from each and every team in baseball history. I, of course, focused most of my photos on anything associated with the Yankees, but here are some examples of the displays that can be found throughout the hall:
The Orioles – the second team I sometimes follow, if the Yankees aren’t involved!
And, then there are exhibits featuring players – like the next two photos of actual lockers from Yankee Stadium with uniforms and things from Mickey Mantle and Lou Gehrig
And then there were statues of the game, in general…….just outside in a small courtyard, there is a sculpture of a pitcher and catcher at regulation distance showing the action of a pitch
This shot from behind the catcher
And this shot from behind the pitcher
In the same courtyard – one commemorating women in baseball
And one winding up for a throw!
This display is outside the “Sacred Ground” room – an exhibit dedicated to reliving the experience of going to the ball park!
If you ever make a trip to the Hall of Fame, don’t miss seeing “The Baseball Experience” – I almost skipped it because the line was long and the wait was longer than the 13 minute film! I am so very glad I didn’t give up and leave!!! It is a short 13 minute film all about experiencing baseball – it starts out with silhouette figures of sandlot kids and their excited voices and their mother’s calling to them in the background and goes on to everything I mentioned earlier that I (and likely everyone who ever experienced baseball) remember! It tugs at the old heart strings and warms the heart! And, the session ends with the entire audience singing “Take Me Out To The Ball Game” and cheering!!! You wouldn’t want to miss it!!!
So……that is the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum…..in a nutshell!!! There is so much more to it than I could possibly ever capture, here! All I can say in closing is that I truly enjoyed this adventure – it made me feel good!!! How amazing is it that we have such national treasures like these that touch our lives and stir up wonderful memories and personal experiences and emotions!!!??? If you ever have the chance, go…..experience…….enjoy…..feel!!! You won’t regret it!
Taking the Scenic Route
I’ve had an interest in visiting Cooperstown, NY for many years – mainly because of the Baseball Hall of Fame. I put it on the “things to do and places to see” list when I first moved back to Albion. I finally decided to do it now – before the nice weather ended and became wise to push it out to another summer, but, hopefully, late enough in the season that the leaves would be starting to turn. I new it was down south and east of here…..somewhere…….but wasn’t sure exactly where it was. So, I got on Map Quest to figure out what route to take. Map Quest really wanted me to take the NY State Thruway….boring!!! And the alternate route it provided was taking Rt 104 east and something else later on in the trip to head south to Cooperstown – that didn’t seem like a good alternative, but would be more scenic, so that’s the route I was likely going to take. Both options gave an estimated travel time of about 4 hours. Well, I was talking to a friend about the trip and told her the routes that Map Quest was recommending and her advice was to get out a map and look up Rt 20 – she was sure it would take me to Cooperstown and be a much prettier route! I looked it up and saw that 20 did, indeed, take me very close to Cooperstown – I just needed to catch either 28 or 80 south from 20 right into Main Street in Cooperstown! But, when I plugged it in a trip estimator, it was showing the trip would take 5 hours, instead of 4….however, it looked like a great route through the Finger Lakes Region! I debated the options with myself and finally decided to get up early, leave by 5:00 am, take Rt 20, and – given some time for a few photo stops along the way – arrive in Cooperstown before lunch!
So, with a plan in hand, my GPS on the dashboard, and a map in the passenger seat, I headed out…….and TEN HOURS later, I arrived in Cooperstown! There were so many wonderful things to see and do along the way and I really didn’t have any pressing need to arrive by lunch time……so, I just took my time and enjoyed my trip!!!! I am so very glad I did!
Here are just some of the great experiences I had taking the scenic route!
I must say, Gabby (my new GPS) was very helpful on this trip! But, she kept trying to get me to skip over to the Thruway and stop this longer route – she’s all for getting me there the fastest way possible! I wouldn’t give in, though! To keep her from trying so hard to get me off Rt 20, I set it up for shorter, intermediate goals that helped her think “OK, it isn’t worth heading north to catch the thruway”! The first thing she helped me with was finding a place for breakfast! I left the house at 5:00 am with nothing to eat. By about 7:00, I was starving!!! I was coming into Canandaigua, so I asked Gabby where the nearest restaurant was. The first choice was Patty’s Place – sounded quaint, so I attempted to go there. But, street construction made finding a place to park near the diner nearly impossible. So, I took the second choice – The Villager Restaurant and Diner! Good choice!!! With my belly full, I was back on the road!
The first place I stopped for a photo shoot was the Montezuma Winery! I was just tooling along and noticed this place set back a little from the road. I chuckled about the name and felt compelled to turn around and get a photo! I didn’t go in or check it out, so I have no idea why they named it “Montezuma Winery” – but, the reason I just had to stop and take a photo was because I instantly thought of “Montezuma’s Revenge” and wondered why anyone would want that thought linked to their wine!!!??? I pulled into the parking lot, snapped the photo, laughed a little, and got back on the road! That was the LAST “quick” stop I made all day!!!
Route 20 goes right through the Finger Lakes region and in several spots skirts right along the top edge of most of the Finger Lakes, so the views were incredible. But, it was the next town I came to after the winery that really got me off track! As I started to drive through the lovely town of Seneca Falls, I began to notice signs for historic sites that I knew would be fascinating to see. The first one that I knew I had to stop for was the National Women’s Hall of Fame! I followed the signs and located the building on Fall Street – the main street in downtown. But, when I got out to go in, I discovered that they were closed on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday……today was Monday!!! UUGGHH!!! I was so disappointed!
So, I looked around downtown and tried to go to the Visitor’s Center across the street – thinking maybe I could just pick up some information and be on my way! But, they were closed, too! It was going to be another hour before they opened and I didn’t want to wait around for that. But, I noticed a distinct theme about women throughout the town – like this store devoted to items only made by women! Unfortunately, it was too early to shop, here, too.
So, I got back on the road, but before I could leave town, I noticed a sign for the Women’s Rights National Historical Park. I pictured a park like setting that wouldn’t need to be “open” to enjoy, so I followed the signs to find it. WHAT A TREAT!!! Yes, it was a park, but they also had a Visitor’s Center that was open and if I waited just a 1/2 hour, I could go on a park ranger guided tour of the historic church that was part of the park. So, I decided it was worth hanging around there. I wandered around the park and the Visitor’s Center and learned that this was the site of the very first Women’s Rights Convention — long before the Civil War and the Suffragettes and all the rest that I knew about from my history lessons! I had no idea that Seneca Falls played such a huge roll in the history of women’s rights (or, if I did learn it, I had long since forgotten)! In July of 1848, a group of women were having a party in a nearby town. At this party, they decided to organize the convention. Within a few days, they had a draft of what was called the “Declaration of Sentiments” and plans for the convention. They secured a location – the Wesleyan Methodist Chapel in Seneca Falls, which was becoming known as a congregation interested in freedom of speech for all groups – and invited friends who spread the word and invited more friends. The organizers – Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Lucretia Mott, Martha Wright, Mary Ann M’Clintock, and Jane Hunt – hosted the First Women’s Rights Convention ever held in the United States on July 19 and 20, 1848. In those two days, the gathering of three hundred people discussed and edited the Declaration of Sentiments and resolutions calling for equality for men and women under the law. The document was signed by all 300 attendees, including men and women and became the baseline document that all future women’s rights movements and resolutions were built from. I spent close to two hours here and found it absolutely fascinating!
This is a monument to the “Declaration of Sentiments” – a wall with water continuously flowing over the words from the original document etched into the stone! Beautiful!
Inside the Visitor’s Center was a gift shop, library, and several exhibits, including several groupings of statues of the pioneers of the Women’s Rights Convention!
Once I was done with this amazing experience, I hit the road, again……
My next stop was in Auburn. I drove by a stunning church that I was drawn to. I turned around and went back for a closer look and some photos! This church is the Trinity United Methodist Church and it is incredible!
Then, I came upon Skaneateles and Skaneateles Lake. I had heard of this town many times – pronounced like Skinny-atlas, but have never been there. I think it was one of the towns we rode through or near on the train ride to NY City when I was fresh out of high school, but don’t really remember! As I drove into town, I couldn’t help but notice the beautiful lake and lovely look of the town. I stopped by the lake to walk around and then walked downtown a little. I spent quite a while there just enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. The park by the lake was so elegant and the lake was so crystal clear and clean that I really was tempted to get a bottle and scoop some up to take with me to drink!!! It was a great place to visit and walk around for a while, but looked just a little too rich for my blood – not a place I’d likely afford to stay for long, if you know what I mean!
So, back on the road, again……
I was driving along and came up upon Cazanovia Lake. It was interesting because the road went right along the shore line – literally! There was a small parking area that you could get off the road for a scenic overlook – which might imply the need to look down on something, but it was actually right at the edge of the water – and an historic marker. If it weren’t for the row of boulders, I could have driven right into the lake without the least bit of a bumpy ride!!! When I got back in the car, I noticed my GPS actually looked like it thought I already DID drive into the lake! hahahaha
Just past Cazanovia, I saw signs for Chittenango Falls – a place Mom had mentioned that she thought it might be worth taking a side trip for. So, I took Route 13N – a long, narrow, winding mountain (big hill? not sure which) road. I came up on the Chittenango Falls State Park and parked the car. I then walked a trail to the falls……..OMG……..it was definitely worth it!!! There was a rushing creek (not sure if it was considered a river or not) and a series of waterfalls – a smaller one, a couple of ledges, and then the big one that actually fell over several ledges that made it jog a little on the way down! It was so tall……down to the continuation of the creek/river in the gorge below! How beautiful! I stood there just gazing at it for the longest time! A lady walking her dog came by and we chatted for a while – she lived nearby and said that people around there don’t realize what a treasure they have, here! I was in total awe of it! I took a bunch of photos – none of which do it justice, but you get the idea!
A sweet ten hours after I left the house, I arrived at my intended destination – Cooperstown, NY! I had a wonderful day of discovery and adventure! For the first time ever, I do believe, I had the luxury of not having any real set time line I had to meet and no specific time of arrival requirement! I also had the luxury of deciding to spend another night in Cooperstown to compensate for not getting there early enough to get a good start on my planned activities while there – if I wanted to – which I did!!!! I could just take my time and enjoy the beauty our great state has to offer, learn some new things, gaze at some breathtaking views, and just get there when I get there!!! How amazing is that?
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And, then, on the drive home, I gave in and took the Thruway to get home as quick as I could to see my girls!!! The scenery was really quite different! I have no idea where these were taken – could have been anywhere – the scenery was the same the entire way! At least the sky was gorgeous!!! 🙂
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