Kim's Thoughts
Just a few thoughts I feel worthy of jotting down!
Memories of Summer Camp
I’ll get right to the point – I only attended summer camp once when I was a young girl and I was NOT a happy camper!!! Twice this week I was reminded of my summer camp experience. The first was while driving to Letchworth this past Tuesday – I drove by a sign for Silver Lake (the location of my summer camp experience) and my immediate reaction was to tense up and think “oh, no – don’t turn down that road!” – I actually felt a wave of negative energy boil up through me! The second was while watching this week’s episode of Royal Pains (a really good doctor themed show on USA) on DVR – two of the characters – Dr. Hank and Boris – were talking and going to camp as a child came up in the conversation – Boris said he went, but he didn’t like it and Dr. Hank said “me, either” and I spoke right up and said “neither did I”!
So, that sets the stage. Now for the story.
I’m not really sure how old I was when I attended a two-week camp program at Silver Lake, but near as I can figure, I must have been about 8 or 10. It was the first time I was away from home for so long, but I remember I was looking forward to it. I packed all my camp type clothes – bathing suits, shorts, t-shirts, jeans, etc. – and my Mom drove me to camp. It seemed like it took FOREVER to get there, so I imagined I was going to be a very long way from home. Up until this past week when I saw the sign for Silver Lake and it was only a little over an hour away, I still imagined that camp was a LONG way from home! Funny how things like that stick with you. Anyway, we got to the camp and did the orientation thing and found the cabin I was going to be staying in with (if memory serves) six other girls and a teenaged counselor – each cabin had the same number of girls and our own teenaged counselor. Then, the parents all left and we started our first week’s activities. The rule was no contact with anyone outside camp, so I wasn’t going to be able to call home or get calls, but we were encouraged to write letters every day to send home with details of what we did each day. Then, on the weekend between the two weeks, they had a parent’s picnic day when they could come visit and see what we were learning about.
So, we had lots of fun stuff to do — all of which make up the good memories that I have to really think about to bring forward from being over shadowed by the bad memories. There was canoeing, swimming, archery, crafts, nature walks, fishing, and lots more cool stuff. For the most part, the other girls were nice and fun and the counselors and staff were all dedicated to ensuring we all had fun and learned a lot. The food was good, too – I especially remember breakfast in the mess hall. I also remember church services on log benches in the woods – that was cool. All in all, it was a typical camp filled with fun and exciting things that should have made for a wonderful experience. But, it was, unfortunately, overshadowed by one incident that was, and remains, the standout memory of camp for me.
It happened a couple of days into the first week. I was walking down a hill and slipped. When I fell, I banged my elbow on a rock….HARD! It hurt – BAD!!! The counselors took me to the infirmary to have it checked out and the medical personnel there determined there was nothing broken – just badly bruised. They put ice on it, bandaged it to keep me from moving it too much, and sent me back out to the activities. I wanted to call my Mom, but they wouldn’t let me – they said it wasn’t a bad injury, so they would stick to the rule of no contact. They said I would see her on Sunday when she comes for Parent’s Day. That didn’t set well with me. I was hurt, a long way from home, and wanted to talk to my Mom! That night, my whole arm ached so bad — the elbow throbbed and throbbed and my shoulder hurt (probably from being jammed when I fell on the elbow) and my wrist hurt. I laid there crying because of the pain and because I couldn’t talk to my Mom. I cried for what seemed like hours until I finally fell asleep. Over the next day or two, my arm was so sore that I couldn’t do some of the activities – the counselors took me to the infirmary, again, and they did put it in a sling to help immobilize it some. After a couple of days, it was much better – so, it was just as minor as the medical personnel thought it was. But, by then, the damage was done. I was teased by some of the other girls who thought it was funny to make fun of the girl who couldn’t do everything they could and who cried herself to sleep. I felt like I was missing out on the fun. And, I was more homesick than I probably would have been if the accident hadn’t happened. By the time Sunday came around and Mom arrived for Parent’s Day, I was so happy to see her, but was all better. I told her what happened and she was FURIOUS that they didn’t call and let her know I was hurt! I believe she went in and gave them a huge piece of her mind over that one. But, I didn’t beg her to let me cut my camp time short and take me back home with her. I stayed the second week and all went well. But…….I never asked to go to camp again after that year and never agreed to go if it was brought up. That was my first and last summer camp.
It was only 2-3 days out of a full two weeks of camp, but those 2-3 days still, to this day, stand out as the defining days of Silver Lake Summer Camp for me. It is such a shame, cause when I get reminders about camp, like the two I had this week, I immediately think of how much I hated it and how horrible it was………then, I think for a minute or two and remember the fun stuff and the cool things I learned and how I won the highest awards for archery and target shooting and church in the woods and sleeping in a cabin with a bunch of other girls and singing around a campfire and jumping off the dock into the cool lake and so much more! After I get past the initial tense wave of negative energy I feel when the thought of summer camp comes up, I realize it wasn’t so bad and I feel a little sad that one bad experience and 2-3 not-so-good days ruined what should have been a great childhood memory and kept me from having more such memories.
Maybe I didn’t hate camp that much……..maybe I was a happy camper, after all — at least for 3/4 of the two weeks!
Exploring Letchworth
This month, the ladies group from my church decided to go to the Glen Iris Inn in Letchworth State Park for our monthly luncheon. I was soooooooooooo excited!!! I haven’t been to Letchworth since I was a teenager and have never been to the Glen Iris. When we made the decision at last month’s lunch, I rushed right home and googled the Glen Iris and the anticipation over the trip started to grow! I read just about every word on every page on their website – including the menus – and decided right then on that day what I was going to have for dessert!!! And, I thought about the Glen Iris and that dessert ALL MONTH LONG!!! I decided I would drive alone and go down early so I could do some exploring before and after lunch – make a whole day of it! I turned my calendar to write it down so that I wouldn’t schedule anything else for that day and found I already had TWO appts scheduled! Uugghh!!! But – not to worry, so I had to reschedule my dental cleaning and a hair appt – no problem! Nothing was going to get in the way of this day trip!
So, yesterday came – I got up and ready a little later than planned, but still hit the road early enough to find my way there (I had no idea how to get there – I always rode with parents or friends and never drove myself – not to mention the last time I went was forty-some years ago) and look around some before lunch. I arrived about 45 minutes before the others were set to arrive, so I parked and checked out the restaurant. I went through the gift shop and, of course, found a couple of things I chose to purchase – a pack of note cards with a pen and ink drawing of the Glen Iris on them, a Guardian Angel pin with my birthstone (Opal) on it, a bracelet, and a gift for my Mom. I walked across the way to an overlook to see the waterfall – spectacular view and spent some time sitting on the chairs on the porch of the Glen Iris waiting for my friends. The weather was perfect – low 70s, gorgeous blue sky, a gentle cool breeze – couldn’t have ordered a more perfect day!
While waiting, I took a few photos:
This is the Glen Iris Inn – stunning! It was the home of William Pryor Letchworth, an estate built in 1859, and is situated in the center of the park at the Middle Falls. Mr. Letchworth gifted his home and approximately 1000 acres to the State of New York in 1906. The park has since expanded to cover over 17 miles with over 14,000 acres along the Genesee River. The park is known as the Grand Canyon of the east – you’ll see why when you look at the photos I took while exploring the park after lunch.
The first of my exploring was before lunch – across the way from the Glen Iris is what is known as the Middle Falls – one of three large water falls in the park along the Genesee River. The overlook offered a spectacular view of the falls and the gorge – so incredible it brought tears to my eyes! These photos absolutely do not do it any justice at all, so you have to try to imagine the beauty in the photos multiplied by at least 1000% and you might come close to understanding the majesty of it! In the third photo, below, you can see the Portage Bridge in the distance – a better shot of it will come later in this story.
When my friends from church arrived, we were seated in a lovely room, impeccably decorated, all to ourselves. There were 16 of us seated four to a table in a cozy setting. We all had a fabulous meal — I had the Waldorf Chicken Salad sandwich on a croissant and it came with a fruit cup – DELICIOUS – the sandwich was packed with chicken, grapes, and walnuts with lettuce and tomato! Some of the other ladies had sandwiches that looked amazing, as well, and some had salads that I swear could have fed a small country – HUGE!!! Of course, I told you I already knew what I wanted for dessert and had been drooling over it for a month, so I only ate 1/2 my sandwich and got a box for the rest of it (I’m actually eating the other half while I’m writing this and it is STILL delicious) – I didn’t want to be too full for what I was sure was going to be the highlight of the day! I hoped that all that anticipation would cause it to not live up to the legend I created in my mind – I surely didn’t want to be disappointed. Well, I wasn’t!!! It was one of the most incredible desserts I have ever had. I savored it and enjoyed every single spoonful – I even came dangerously close to licking the bowl, but didn’t want to leave a bad impression of me with my new friends – I want them to let me go with them again! hehehe Although, the ladies sitting at my table did dare me to do it and even offered (threatened) to snap a photo of me doing it! (OK, I officially like these ladies!) The dessert was called Berry Hill – it was strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries sautéed in butter and brown sugar and flamed with triplesec, then served over three (count them – 3) scoops of vanilla ice cream!!! It was a truly spiritual experience!
This is the waitress preparing the berries in butter at our table:
And this is the flaming berries after she added the triplesec – the flames were exciting and pretty, but a little disappointing after seeing the Bananas Foster prepared at the next table — the dark rum flames on that dessert filled the entire pan and shot all the way up to the ceiling – now THAT was impressive and I’m sad I didn’t get a photo! But, my dessert preparation was entertaining, too!
And…….drum roll, please……..the finished product…….the most incredible dessert I’ve ever had…….the beautiful Berry Hill:
After almost two hours of great food, good conversation and company, and lots of fun, the ladies all left and I took off on my day of exploration. Before I get into this part of my story, let me just say that if you look up “Nature Girl” in an encyclopedia, dictionary, Wikipedia, or whatever way you use to get accurate definitions, you will NOT find my name – not in any stretch of the imagination! I love to view nature, but I do NOT want to be a part of it! But, yesterday, I became one with nature – sorta – but don’t expect to see it again! 🙂
My first stop after lunch was a return to the gift shop, where I gave in and bought a set of angels that I saw earlier and resisted purchasing. Then, I went across the street to the park museum to learn more about Mr. Letchworth and his amazing gift to our state. There were several displays of Seneca Indian artifacts found in the area and displays of Mr. Letchworth’s possessions and showing his love and support to the community. This next two photos are of the front of the museum building and a lovely square grand piano that was in his home:
The most fascinating artifact in the museum is a HUGE – and I do mean HUGE – mastodon skull that was found near Pike, NY in 1876! Mastodons were large elephant-like creatures that became extinct over 11,000 years ago – I’ll repeat that – 11,000 years ago – and here is proof that they are not just something made up for dinosaur movies – they actually existed and roamed around right here in Western New York!!! This is a photo of the skull in the museum and one I found on the internet of what a mastodon is thought to have looked like when they were in existence:
A shot from my car as I drove along the road through the park:
This is the Portage Bridge – an iron bridge that replaced the highest wooden bridge in the world, which burned in 1875:
The following photos are of the Upper Falls located near the Portage Bridge, the trails and gorge around the Upper Falls, and some other shots I took along my travels through the park:
Now, here comes the part about becoming one with nature. I saw the upper and middle falls and then I followed the signs for the lower falls. I got to the parking lot, but didn’t see an overlook. I read the sign and it said “trail to lower falls”. My first instinct was to get back in the car — two falls are enough, I didn’t really NEED to see the lower falls! But, I decided to give it a shot and just see what kind of a trail it was and if I could tell how far it would be. I walked for a while and the trail was fairly flat – some ruts and little ledge-like steps, but not difficult at all. I walked along the wall where I could look over into the gorge and sat now and then to rest and enjoy the scenery. I walked and walked and walked and walked — for what seemed like a very long time. I stopped and listened to see if I could hear the sounds of a water fall in close proximity – nothing! Then, the trail started to get steep and more ruts and tree roots and steps and my knee was really starting to bother me. So, I decided to give up and turn around and go back.
Along the trail, I heard and saw squirrels and chipmunks rustling through the leaves and some birds, but not another sound anywhere – just complete peace and quiet. And, I didn’t see another person – not one! I was all alone on this trail with nature and critters! On the way back to the car, my mind began to run wild and my imagination got the best of me! Realizing I was completely alone, far from the parking area, in the middle of nowhere, out of ear shot of any other human beings, I started to wonder what I would do if I can up on a bear or a snake or, worse, a crazed serial killer lurking in the woods waiting for some stupid woman to wander by all by herself!!! Just about that time, I caught sight of the parking area and knew I was home free – so to speak! And that is the end of my time communing with nature……like I said, don’t expect to read any similar stories any time soon!
Here are some shots I took along the trail to the lower falls — but, of course, no photos of the actual lower falls, cause I never made it that far!
So – that’s my day at Letchworth. The best part over all? Lunch at the Glen Iris Inn with the ladies! The best part of the park? The area around Glen Iris and the Middle Falls – definitely the prettiest section, for sure! But, the whole day was amazing and I’m so glad I went and made a day of it! I sure was tired when I got home about 6:00, though! I tried to catch up with emails, Facebook, Words With Friends, and write this post, but I pooped out quick! I went to bed early and slept like a log all night long! I loved it, though — well worth the time! Looking forward to the next adventure — wonder what it will be????
I love my GPS, but…
I think I’ve written a time or two about how directionally challenged I am and those who know me well, know I’d get lost in a small paper bag – even if someone is navigating for me! So, having a GPS has been a blessing for me – BIG TIME! But, even a GPS can’t save me from myself and my lack of an internal compass. I do much better now that I have one, but it would be even better if the lady inside the GPS would say things like: “turn towards your watch hand” (instead of “turn left”) or when I turn the wrong way, come back with “your OTHER right, dingbat”! But, that lady (no, I haven’t given her a name – I should, I suppose, we’ve become rather close friends) can be a little irritating, at times.
Case in point – I drove to Letchworth State Park yesterday (details of the day trip will be in a separate post) and used my GPS to help me get there. Letchworth is about an hour and a half drive from my home and I was meeting friends for lunch, so I didn’t want to get hopelessly lost and end up missing the outing. The first surprise was that I thought I remembered going to Letchworth by heading to Rochester and taking 390 south and going from there. But, both the GPS and mapquest took me through Batavia and over from there — a very pleasant rural drive — nice! Twice, I wasn’t paying much attention when she told me which way to turn and I turned the wrong way. The first time, she immediately directed me through three left turns to get me back on the original route and then told me to go the correct way – right, instead of left! We were back on track! The second time, there were no quick options for getting back in the right direction, so she started in with “when safe to do so, make a legal u-turn” and kept repeating it every few minutes until I found a driveway to turn around in! I said to her, “OK, already, shut up and give me a chance to do it!” Yes, I do talk back to her!
At one point, I saw something interesting and decided to turn around and go back for a closer look and to take a photo — after all, I left early enough to have plenty of time for a little exploring before lunch and it was my time to do with as I pleased – right? Wrong! She was not happy that I turned around and went into her rant about making a legal u-turn and getting back on track! She also didn’t like it when I went a little out-of-the-way to get a drink to take along on the drive, either. Which brings me to one of her little irritating habits. Sometimes, I know how to get to a general area and really only need her help when we get down to the nitty-gritty of the trip – getting to the specific final destination! If I decide to take a scenic route or a known shortcut or just a way I’m used to going and it isn’t the way SHE wants to go, she speaks up at every side road telling me to turn there to work our way to the road SHE wants me on! Bossy little booger, isn’t she? hehehe
Since it was a nice, leisurely drive, I did a lot of gawking around and daydreaming. I didn’t have the radio on, so it was quiet and peaceful. After driving some time on a long, straight road, she’d chime in with “turn right (or left, as the case may be) in 2 miles” and startle the crap out of me!!!! Jeez, she couldn’t give me a little warning before just talking out loud at me when I’m all alone in a quiet car? She never fails to startle me when I’m out driving and she speaks to me out of the blue! You’d think she’s know by now to do something to ease the shock a little!
But, the most confusing part of the drive came when I got in the general area of Letchworth. The park is HUGE and has three entrances. Apparently, the GPS signal for the restaurant I plugged in as my destination has a wide range to it. I was driving down a long country road with corn fields down one side and woods on the other and she kept telling me “you have arrived, destination on your left” — well, um, no – there was only WOODS on my left and nowhere to turn. She was adamant, though! She really wanted me to turn into the woods and rough it! Once I got past that section, she wanted me to make a legal u-turn and go back! I finally just turned her off and followed the signs to the nearest park entrance! I made it safe and sound and in plenty of time to wander around a little before the rest of my friends arrived for lunch.
One thing I’m thankful for with my GPS – it doesn’t say “recalculating” or “you have deviated from the planned route” whenever I get off track (deliberately or not) – that would drive me NUTS!!! She just politely (but, yes, sometimes irritatingly) tells me how to get back on track.
I love my GPS – little faults and all! I think I’ll call her “Sissy” – cause she’s the very helpful and sometimes irritating sister I never had! I don’t know what I’d do without her!
Recent Adventures
I’ve had some interesting adventures in the past week or so. One adventure took me by surprise and I learned about something I was totally unaware, while another adventure introduced me to a haunted mansion and delicious new wines, and yet another resulted in a peaceful outing, a great meal, and some lovely “finds”. All were interesting, fun, and left me with mementos of the experiences – in one form or another.
I’ll start with the first and, frankly, most memorable of the adventures. A few weeks ago I was checking out the website for a local winery I had heard a lot about – Leonard Oakes Estate Winery – I tasted some of their wines at the Lawn and Garden Show at the Fair Grounds this summer and really liked them. Their home page had an advertisement for an event they were having on September 1st – a Steampunk Festival. The poster listed features such as jewelry and craft vendors, live music, food trucks, and some odd, but fun, sounding competitions and games. I thought the name of the festival was odd, but it sounded interesting and a great way to check out the winery. So, on the first, I decided to pop in and wander around to see what it was all about. Well…….I quickly realized I had no idea what I was getting myself into! The people attending the festival were dressed in costumes – sort of like the old west or old England with a fantasy twist – top hats, faerie wings, pub wench outfits, Lewis and Clark type explorer garb, goggles, etc. And LOTS of big beards, artistic goatees, and handle bar mustaches!!! LOTS – even some of the women had them! I wondered what alternate universe I had stepped into! I wandered around and listened to the band play – they were very good, by the way – but, I felt about as out-of-place as a virgin in a whorehouse and I felt like everyone else was gawking at me more than I was gawking at them! haha So, I didn’t stay long. I realized that the term “Steampunk” must have had some specific meaning. Since I have never heard of it before, I did what I should have done before I went —- I googled it!!! Apparently, it is a futuristic/fantasy genre that became popular in the 80’s and 90’s and is still growing. The more I read about it, I realized I’ve seen previews of several movies with this type of theme – old steamer ships flying through the air with people dressed in old English attire – not generally my taste in films, but I know they were hugely popular. The Batavia Daily News Online did a story on the festival a few days later and one of the quotes was “Its the Victorian Era meets the future.” I guess that sums it up! I did enjoy wandering through the festival – even though I was definitely the odd duck there – and I was happy to experience and learn about something new. The following photos are: The event poster, a photo I found online that shows the typical Steampunk costume, and three photos that were included in the Batavia Daily News Online article – I didn’t take any photos, myself — I didn’t want to look any more out-of-place than I already felt – the odd duck taking pictures of the locals! {smile}
Leonard Oakes Estate Winery is just up the Ridge from here a little way — maybe 15 minutes or so from my house. So, I wasn’t too far away when I left. It was still early and it was a glorious evening – warm and sunny, so I had the top down on the pony. I decided to take a leisurely drive north through Lyndonville and pick up Route 18 to Point Breeze to watch the sun set over the lake. And what a gorgeous sunset it was — an amazing ending to the day! I sat there watching people fishing and the boats coming in and just enjoying the incredible sun set! What a treat!
My next adventure was yesterday and involved another local winery. One of the items on my “places to go and things to do” list was to visit The Winery at Marjim Manor. Marjim Manor is a historic home that has been a residence, a farm, a retreat and camp run by nuns, and now a winery, as well as the owner’s current residence. It is also famous for the spirits that reside there — and I don’t mean the wine! The house is haunted! It has been featured on the TV series Ghost Hunters and Most Terrifying Places in America, seen on the Travel Channel. Here is a short clip from Youtube and the photo I took of the front of the house while I was there.
So, I got up yesterday morning and decided to take a road trip to visit Marjim Manor, which is about a 45 minute drive from here. I also decided that, since I would be so close to Olcott Beach, my trip would include shopping on the boardwalk at Olcott. It was a dreary day, but I didn’t care – I would make my own sunshine, take an umbrella, and hope that it would clear up as the day progressed. Well……I got about 15 minutes or so down Route 18 and the wind started kicking up BAD and the rain turned into a driving rain that made it difficult to drive! I considered turning around and heading back home, but – you know me – I was determined, so I kept driving. The weather got scary – there were trees and limbs down, lots of debris in the road, and the wind had taken someone’s large trampoline and threw it against a telephone pole – I saw it wrapped around the pole a ways down the road from the nearest house! Just past where you would turn south to go to Lyndonville, there were firemen, police, and a bucket loader clearing a large tree and associated debris from the road. But, I kept going — I was sure it would clear up and all would be fine. I was right! By the time I reached Marjim Manor, the sun was peeking out and it had stopped raining. I went in and purchased the $5 tasting package – taste 4 wines, a keepsake wine glass, and 10% off any purchase. I listened intently as the fun and knowledgeable staff described each of their featured wines. I picked two that peaked my interest to taste and then asked the staff for two other recommendations. I thoroughly enjoyed all four wines I tasted and wished I could have tasted them all. I purchased three bottles – a sweet white wine called One Hundred Windows (named for the 100 windows in the house) , a medium red wine (with a blush color) called Spring Lake Stuben, and a red wine called A Gift From The Vine – all award-winning wines with amazing flavors. I also purchased tickets to an upcoming Ghost Hunt event being held at the manor in October. I hope to take my brother and his wife for my brother’s birthday — should be fun!
I left Marjim Manor and headed to Olcott Beach. Unfortunately, only one shop was open – I thought it was due to the weather, but later discovered it was because I was too early – the shoppes don’t open until noon. It was a little chilly and very damp, so I looked through the one shop, found a couple nice pins, and headed back home. I got home in time to whip up a batch of baked macaroni and cheese to take to the pot luck family dinner at the church to wrap up the day. Here are a couple of photos I took at Olcott showing how rough the lake was and how dark and damp the day was. But, I still enjoyed myself – it was a great day – I discovered a unique winery, tasted some amazing wines, and it is always a great pleasure to be near the lake, no matter what the weather is!
So, that brings us to today — the third of the big adventures! I got up and went to church – it was a lovely service – we had a farewell reception for a gentleman who has been a life long member of our church for almost 93 years and is moving away to be near his children. It was also the first day of Sunday School – the adult class I joined is reading and discussing 90 Minutes in Heaven by Don Piper. After church, I decided to go back to Olcott Beach to finish the shopping I had planned to do yesterday, but the weather kinda put a wrench in that plan. Today was a much nicer day! The warm sun mixed perfectly with the cool breeze coming off the lake. The lake was calm and the sky was beautiful! And the shoppes were all open!!! I strolled through the shoppes and found a gorgeous handmade necklace and earring set from VacantiArts and a pretty stone ring at another shop. I sat on the boardwalk looking out onto the lake and watching the boats for a while – just loving being near the water. Then, I went to Mariner’s Landing for a late lunch/early dinner. I had a shrimp cocktail, which was perfect – the shrimp were huge and plump and delicious! I also had a very nice salad and they brought me a small loaf of fresh, hot bread that was so dense and yeasty – YUM! For my entrée I chose the broiled scallops with mashed potatoes. If a chef is not careful, they can ruin scallops in a split second — just a hair too long on the heat and they can be rubbery and chewy! These were done to perfection — amazing and scrumptious!!! I strolled around a little longer and then headed back home, where I curled up with the girls for a little nap! Another absolutely perfect day! Here are some photos I took today to show the contrast of the two days – what a difference a day makes!
Next adventure on the horizon — this Tuesday I will be headed to Letchworth State Park to have lunch at the Glen Iris Inn with some ladies from the church. I can’t wait — I plan to go early so that I can explore a little and take in the beautiful Genessee River Gorge and maybe wander through the museum after lunch. I’ll write all about my experience afterwards – stay tuned!
Laugh Out Loud Funny!
OK, so yesterday morning I was going about my business of getting myself ready for the day. You know, making the bed, brushing my teeth, putting clothes in the laundry, going from room to room upstairs doing all the morning ritual things I do every day……..including laying out the clothes I planned to wear on the bed so they were ready for me when I got out of the shower. Most of the time I come out of the shower and my clothes are right where I left them, neatly folded and ready to put on. Sometimes, however, they are fluffed up and turned into a pillow for Megan to enjoy. Well, this morning, I returned to the bedroom to find one of the funniest sights I’ve seen in a long time……..so funny, I laughed out loud so hard I had to sit down to compose myself!!!
Picture it……..Megan is sitting in the middle of the bed looking all innocent and sweet……….with my underwear on her head!!! The waistband was draped around her shoulders, her head was sticking out one of the leg holes, and the…..well, shall we just say the center piece between the leg holes……was positioned neatly across the top of her head!!! And she was just sitting there all prim and proper looking at me like there was nothing at all unusual going on!
When I saw her, I cracked up, bent over and slapped my knees, and sat down on the bench at the foot of the bed so I could continue laughing without falling over onto the floor in hysterics!!! Megan, always the character, knew I was laughing at her, so she went into full performance mode wiggling and rolling around on the bed all excited and eager to please her audience…….she pulled at her costume until she had one of her front legs caught in the same leg hole her head was protruding through! Frustrated at that, she flopped around until she freed herself and shook her head and threw the costume half way across the room onto the floor! She, then, came to me for her applause……..a ritualistic combination of rubs, pats, and kisses while she rolled around on the bed playing with my hands.
I know…..you’re all wondering where the picture is……surely, I would take and post the photo of such a humorous scene! Nope – no photo! First, I, of course, didn’t have a camera upstairs and handy, so capturing Megan in her comical costume was not in the cards. But, even if I had been lucky enough to get a photo, I certainly wouldn’t post it on here……..well, maybe if I were to recreate it with a sleek, sexy little leopard print thong……..hhhmmm, nope, not even then!!! Sorry, you’ll just have to use your imagination (and if you do, please imagine it with the sleek, sexy little leopard print thong)!
Have a great day………and find something to laugh out loud at – it really does make the day feel so much more enjoyable!
Ladies Outing
The ladies from my church go out to lunch on the second Tuesday of each month – the monthly Ladies Luncheon. They go to a different place every month, sometimes local in Albion and sometimes they travel out-of-town. Yesterday was the second time I joined them for the luncheon – I guess that, along with my decision to sign up to make two pies for an upcoming fundraising dinner at the church, makes me a Church Lady (no Dana Carvey jokes are necessary, thank you very much).
I went to the first one last month because I thought it might be a nice way to get to know some of the other women who attend the same church I do. I know a few people, but am working on getting to know others. We went to The Village Inn on the Ridge last month and there were about 20 of us. It was very nice – I enjoyed the lunch and conversations with the women who sat around me. This month we went to Oakfield, NY, a town about a 30 minute drive south from here, to a fairly new restaurant called The Caryville Inn. It was a slightly smaller group, this time, with about 15 attending.
The Caryville Inn is a very nice little place on Main Street in Oakfield. I don’t believe I’ve ever been to Oakfield, which I mistakenly called Oakland to one of the other ladies when we were walking into the restaurant and I mentioned that I didn’t think I’ve ever been to the town – she corrected me by saying “Oakfield. Oakland is, of course, in…” and we both said “California” in unison and I laughed and said, “now, Oakland I’ve been to, but not Oakfield”. We had a little chuckle over the slip up. Anyway, as usual, I digress…….Oakfield is a quaint little town with a beautiful gazebo at the intersection of the main route coming in to town and Main St. The Caryville Inn is a small restaurant with an attractive brick facing that really sticks out visually on the street. Inside, there is a bar area and several tables behind a 1/2 wall. The waitress was very friendly and entertaining – she made our experience there enjoyable. The menu is full of sandwiches, burgers, salads, and they had a couple of homemade soup of the day options and a few specials. Everything sounded good – I chose a burger with homemade chips and a cup of steak and potato soup. Every plate that came to our table looked delicious and everyone was pleased with their choices. As for me, the burger was very good – the flavor of charcoal flame broiling was very tasty, but the soup was amazing — the highlight of the meal…..that is, until some of us decided to have dessert! The choices were cheese cake, coconut cream pie, and lemon cream tort – all three choices were selected at the table – I had the lemon cream tort, which was heavenly!
So, lunch was a hit and the restaurant was a very nice choice that I will definitely go to again. The conversations and company was very enjoyable, as well. I think I’m finally starting to put names with faces and feel like I know some of the ladies.
By the end of each get together, we decide on where we will go on the next month’s Ladies Luncheon. Next month is going to be a real treat — I can not wait!!! We’re going to the Glen Iris Inn in Letchworth State Park – about an hour and a half drive away. Letchworth is known as the Grand Canyon of the East and is absolutely gorgeous – it has been many, many years since I’ve been there – what a treat it will be to go on an adventure there after all these years! Here is a link to the Letchworth State Park website, if you’re interested in learning more about it. I have heard that the Glen Iris Inn is an incredible place – I have never been and am so very excited about getting to go. As soon as I got home from yesterday’s luncheon, I visited the Glen Iris Inn website and got even MORE excited (I already know what dessert I’ll be ordering, for sure)! I will drive myself so that I can get there early and do some exploring and see what else I can do after lunch – make a day of it! The foliage won’t be out in full, yet, but I’m thinking it may be starting to turn – regardless of the fall colors, it will be an amazing day of scenic viewing…….and nice lunch conversations with the ladies.
So, there you have it…….an outing, a restaurant review, anticipation of a grand adventure, and my initiation as a Church Lady……..OK, now we can bring Dana Carvey into the story:
What do you see?
Who doesn’t like to look for cool shapes in the clouds? I, for one, love to watch the clouds. On gorgeous days, when the clouds are either so bright white and fluffy or wispy strokes across a brilliant blue sky, I can find myself entranced and watching the clouds for what seems like hours. I even enjoy a window seat in an airplane so that I can look out at the clouds to pass time when I travel – they look like snowy mountains and, from the perspective you get from looking down at them, you can usually see some really cool shapes.
I have extra special fond memories of when I was a little girl – 5th / 6th grade or so – and my best friend, Cathy, and I would lay in the yard on a blanket with my portable record player. We’d play our 45s and listen to Sugar, Sugar…..Crystal Blue Persuasion……Put A Little Love In Your Heart…….and other songs of the day by The Monkees, The Beatles, The Beach Boys, etc……and lay there on our backs looking up at the clouds and sharing what we saw. Quite often, we’d look at the same cloud and see totally different things, so we’d try to get the other to see what we saw! We’d lay there for hours on end just laughing and talking and singing and watching the clouds.
Yes, I have a lot of years of experience in cloud watching and have seen many, many different things in the clouds……..my over active imagination can really run wild when cloud gazing! Typically, the shapes I see are made from the fluffy outlines of the clouds – you know, an over exaggerated profile of a funny looking face or a plush teddy bear or a lofty castle or other similar things. But, this morning, I saw something I’ve never, ever seen before! I have seen photos that other people have shared of very distinctive “cut outs” in the clouds, but always thought they were probably photo-shopped! I really don’t remember ever seeing anything that specific myself…….until this morning! And, I would have missed it, if I didn’t look at just the right moment and was lucky enough to have my camera right there within reach and thought fast enough to use it and didn’t get up to go outside for a better shot!
Here is how it all happened: I was sitting at my desk in the den, like I do every morning, reading the local newspapers and catching up on Facebook and my Words With Friends boards. My desk faces the front window that looks out over my front porch. I was reading and glancing out at the neighborhood, like always. I noticed the sky across the street was full of grayish clouds and wondered if it would rain again today or not and then went back to the article I was reading. A few seconds later, I looked out at the sky, again, and there it was………a break in the clouds that was a perfectly shaped sky blue heart! It stood out like a sore thumb against the darker clouds and I was mesmerized by it! Luckily, I keep my camera in the center drawer in my desk and I thought quick enough to grab it and snap the photo. It only lasted a few seconds – by the time I snapped the picture, it was already starting to lose some of its shape. I thought of going outside onto the porch for a better shot, but I could tell by the rate it was breaking apart that I got the best shot I was going to get. And then, it was gone…….no trace of it ever existing! Like it formed just long enough for me to see it…….like it was just for me at that short moment and then it was gone! But……I captured it forever in this amazing photo – not quite at its most perfect form, but before it disappeared:
So, I sat for a while wondering what it might have meant………was it a sign of something good coming my way……….was it a confirmation that the good news I got yesterday is going to go as planned……..or was it just a freak occurence that I was lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time to be able to experience it? Who knows! I’m just so very glad I saw it and captured it! Maybe I’ll go buy a lottery ticket – it sure is my lucky day!
Thoughts, Words, Friends, and More
So, it has been a while since I’ve jotted down any thoughts on here. Certainly doesn’t mean I haven’t had any thoughts to jot down. I have! In fact, I tend to think of a topic or have an adventure or see something or experience something worth blogging about just about every day! I think “I need to write about this” and even think through the spin I’ll put on it and how I’ll compose it. But, then, I get off on something else and don’t do it. So, it isn’t for lack of inspiration. And, it certainly isn’t for lack of time, either! I always have a lot going on, but there is time to write, if I just put my mind to it. The last possible excuse would be lack of interest, but that isn’t true, either! I really enjoy coming up with things to write about and the actual process of putting them in a blog. So, I can’t think of a single reason why I don’t jot something down every day or at least a couple of times a week………I just don’t! With that said, I’m going to attempt to get some recent thoughts and activities out there.
There was a time when having words with your friends meant sitting down for a chat or calling them on the telephone – having a physical face-to-face (or at least an actually spoken) conversation – or perhaps writing a letter with a pen and paper and mailing it to them in an envelope with a postage stamp on it. Then along came technology and email and texting and Facebook – the end, it seems, of face-to-face conversations and handwritten notes. But, now, Words With Friends has a whole NEW meaning and it has nothing to do with conversations or communicating at all. You see, Words With Friends is a game you play online with…..you got it…..friends! I know, this isn’t a new game – it has been around a long time, now. But, it is new to me! My nephew, Bryan, got me hooked on it a little over a week ago and I’ve been playing it like an addict ever since! I love it and using the words “hooked” and “addicted” are serious understatements! Words With Friends is a form of Scrabble. You get letters and use them to form connecting words on a board for points with a partner. The concept and basic rules are the same. The differences, though, are what makes it even better than Scrabble……..and I always did enjoy a good game of Scrabble! First, you can play with a friend who lives across town, across the state, or across the county! You can have multiple games going with multiple friends from all over the place – like, right now, I think I have at least five active games with friends in NY, NC, RI, and FL – all at the same time! I choose to play with actual friends I know, but you can also play with random strangers, if you want to widen your partner base. In regular Scrabble, you don’t know if an odd combination of letters might make up a word you never heard of before – but, in Words With Friends, you can play with the letters to try odd combinations and the game will tell you if it is an actual word or not – it won’t accept it, if it isn’t a word! Also, a game may last several hours or several days – your partner may play a word or a few words and then log off and go to work or tend to some errands and come back to it later in the day. That can be somewhat frustrating, if you have the time and want to keep playing………but, they may also end up waiting for you to play your word while you’re off doing stuff, so it goes both ways. That’s also the benefit of having multiple games going at once – if one game goes idle while that friend is busy, another game may gear up for a few rounds. It is exciting to log on after being out and about and finding that it is your turn on a couple of boards! So, that’s my new little guilty pleasure – Words With Friends!
Shopping is another activity that has taken on a new meaning for me, lately. A few months ago, I started “church shopping”. When I was growing up here in Albion, my family church was the First United Methodist Church. I was baptized there and went with my family for many years. In my mid-teens, I went to a little country church for a while and then returned to the family church as a young adult. I didn’t want to just assume that I’d feel most comfortable returning to the church I grew up in, so I shopped around for a while. I visited several churches in town over several weeks and experienced very different ways of worship. When I went to North Carolina Wesleyan College, one of the required courses was Religious History. During that course, I studied all the major religions, including all the different denominations within the Christian religion. I found it fascinating and really enjoyed that class. As I visited the different churches in my shopping expedition, I was reminded of what I learned about Christianity in that class. Although all Christian religions have a similar thread, they all tend to have their own views, interpretations, and formats for worship. I really enjoyed each and every service I attended – each for their own special features – and I participated in some very touching ceremonies. For instance, one Sunday the church I attended held a renewal of vows for a couple who had been married for 70 years – I was overwhelmed with emotion and I didn’t even know them – it was so beautiful! Some congregations were a little more openly friendly than others, but in every single one there were multiple people who noticed a new face and took the time to come over to greet me and thank me for visiting their church – I felt welcomed and included in every church I visited. But, when it came down to a final decision, I decided to make the Albion First United Methodist Church my home church once again. It is the same, but also not the same as it was all those years ago. The church, itself, is exactly as I remember it and the services are familiar and comfortable – as far as format and standard parts that are second nature to me. There are a few familiar faces, but for the most part, the congregation is made up of people I will need to get to know, so that is different. A couple of my neighbors also go there, so that is nice, as well. I also really like the pastor – he is new to the church, too – his first week was the first week I went after ending my shopping. I have found…….or should I say RE-found……..a church home and I am settling in as an active member. I went to the monthly ladies lunch a couple of weeks ago and am brushing up on my knitting and crocheting skills so that I can join the ladies prayer group that makes lovely prayer shawls to give out to members who are going through some tough times. I look forward to other activities that will gear up in the fall and finding out more about how I can contribute some of my time to the church.
The Orleans County Fair started up this week – yesterday, in fact. I always loved the fair and carnivals. Sadly, not many towns still have carnivals, but they do still have county fairs. I am hoping to take in some of the fun, food, and sights at the fair this week.
I went to Point Breeze this past Saturday – a lovely spot where Lake Ontario and the Oak Orchard River meet – with my nephew, his wife, and their son – my adorable 2-year-old great-nephew, Nolen! It was such a wonder-filled day having lunch with them and watching Nolen enjoy feeding the ducks and swans, throwing rocks into the lake, exploring for pretty stones for his Mommy, and checking out the lighthouse. It is one of my most favorite spots in the world and sharing it for the first time with a 2-year-old was an amazing adventure!
Well, I think I need to get on with my day……..I’ve spilled enough thoughts for one day and I need to check my Words With Friends boards to see if it is my turn to create words from random letters! 🙂
Saturday Evening on the Patio
This evening, like most evenings, I went out to water the plants and new trees and bushes just after the sun really got into its initial descent for the night – about 7:30-ish. I started with the front yard and then headed out to do the back yard. I left the patio door open so the girls could watch me do the front yard either from the back yard through the fence or from inside looking out the windows. Then, when I did the back yard, they followed me around making sure I did it right and didn’t miss a pot!!! It was such a gorgeous evening, so when I finished with the back yard, I sat on the wicker love seat on the patio to take some time to enjoy it with the girls. I love relaxing on the patio and just sitting back and listening to the sounds and watching the sky and tree tops.
Tonight, the air was a comfortable mid-70 degrees and the sky was still a bright, clear blue and it wasn’t “buggy” at all. I leaned my head back and watched as the light, feathery clouds floated slowly across the sky and the tree tops waved ever so gently – barely moving. The birds were chirping and there were some distant sounds of a party – some faint music and voices with laughter. Amy started out sitting on the love seat beside me while Katie sat on the patio gazing across the yard to the neighbors and Megan wandered aimlessly around the yard playing with her ball and sniffing for signs of intruders (or bugs……). I watched as a jet glided across the sky leaving the tell-tale white jet stream behind. I wondered where it was going, who was on it, what their stories were, and what their plans would be once they made it to their destinations. As the sun set, it shined on the tree tops, making them glow. The yellow tips on the Locus tree just across my fence line shined bright in stark contrast to the darker Maple trees behind it. Such beauty to behold!
After a little while, Amy got down to pester Katie and give her kisses. Megan immediately noticed the empty spot next to me and seized the opportunity to join me on the love seat to show me her ball – as if it was a brand new ball that she found lurking in the grass – not the same ball that she has brought to show me at least a thousand times before. Once I had a chance to adequately praise the beauty of her ball, she leaped down and ran out into the grass with it, dropping it for something more interesting that caught her attention. Soon, I was drifting off into la-la land from the gentle breeze on my face……..all three dogs were sprawled out either on the patio or in the grass – mostly dozing and occasionally looking up in response to a bird flying low across the yard or a sound that interested them. I had just decided it was about time to go in when Katie decided to take her turn beside me on the love seat. So, to keep her from feeling like I didn’t want to sit with her, I stayed a while longer with one arm around her shoulders and holding her hand – she loves to hold hands!
When I finally did give in and went inside, I found a surprise in the form of a plastic wrapper on the living room floor. Upon closer examination, I noticed that it previously contained the eight hamburger buns I purchased earlier in the day, but hadn’t put in the bread box, yet…….and, apparently, left too close to the edge of the counter in the kitchen. The bag was empty —- not a crumb remained —- all eight of the buns, gone —- all eight of them!!!! I concluded that Megan decided to take advantage of the time it took me to water the front yard plants – I know it was Megan and I know it was while I was in the front yard, because I noticed Megan in the house through the living room windows and the other two in the back yard while I was in front and then, all three followed me around while I was in the back. So, Megan had quite an evening snack…….little piglet that she is…….and I need to get more buns for the hamburgers I planned for dinner sometime in the next couple of days!!!
So, that was my Saturday evening……..what a joy (except for the discovery at the end)!
$#*t Happens……
OK, so I know that “stuff” happens and there’s not much you can do but laugh (or cry, as the case may be) at it and move on. But, when the same (or very similar) thing happens twice within a short amount of time, you have to think there is a “force” of some kind out to get you! I’ve never been one to think the world is out to get me……even though I really do seem to be a magnet for the odd, bazaar, and unusual circumstances. But, this morning really made me wonder “why me?”!!!
It all started a few weeks ago. My brother and his wife were here painting the inside of my garage. When my sister-in-law was cleaning up, she took the paint tray out to the driveway to rinse it out with the hose. She was struggling to get the hose to turn on when it suddenly shot a hard blast of water into the paint tray, which twisted in her hand from the pressure and splattered white paint all over the hood of my beautiful red Mustang!!! OMG!!! I just stood there in shock!!! I couldn’t breathe or move or even believe what I was seeing! Luckily, it was water based paint, so she rinsed the car off and then I rinsed it, again, and took it to the turbo car wash here in town. It looked like we got it all, but when it dried, there was still a slight milky film, so I took it to the Auto Detailing shop run by ARC in Medina and it was my old vibrant red pony again! I was able to laugh about it – after all, it was a freak accident – no one’s fault and it was all fixed, so no problem, right?
Well, this morning I was headed to the Albion Strawberry Festival. I found a good spot to park, but it was on the other side of the street. Just up another block was my brother’s house, so I pulled into the driveway just to turn around to go back to the parking spot. When I got into the driveway, I saw their garage door open and thought “cool, they’re home, I’ll stop in to say hi”! So, I pulled down the driveway to the back yard. Just about the end of the driveway, I heard a “POP” and saw something spray up on the side of the car. I pulled around, got out, and said “OK, what’d I hit?”. My brother said “Oh my God……you do NOT want to come around and look at this”!!! Not heeding his warning, I walked around to the passenger side of the car and found it COVERED with thick, goopy paint – a light pale silvery gray color! I paused and stared at it for a moment and then cracked up in hysterical laughter!!!! I was obviously in shock and couldn’t believe my eyes! Apparently, my sister-in-law had just walked away from her paint tray (they are painting their house), which was in the driveway, and I didn’t see it and ran over it – in fact, the crumbled paint tray was still caught between my tire and the body of my car!!! Again, luckily the paint was latex and water based – it washed off (if she had been working on the trim, instead, the paint would have been oil based and I would have been in serious trouble)!!! To be safe, I ran through the turbo car wash and will make an appointment to get it hand washed, again, but it looks like it made it through another possible disaster!
So, should I read anything into this? Was it just my bazaar luck to have two freak accidents so close together that both involved dowsing my beautiful pony with paint? Or is something trying to tell me I need a paint job or something bad is lurking in the future for my car? Nope – not gonna think that way! It is just one more colorful story I have to tell about my beloved pony – one I can look back on and laugh! Cause, after all, $#*t happens and what good would it do to get all freaked out about it?
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