A Few Days in the Adirondacks

We had a great time visiting with Bruce and Shelly at their summer home in the Adirondacks. The weather was iffy, but nice enough that we spent some time outside. Saturday was a perfect "deck" day and we spent the afternoon sunning and catching up. Of course, I managed to get a nap in. There is something about that mountain air....

There was also just enough rain to allow us plenty of time to read. Jim did accomplish several little jobs for Bruce. Since that was part of the reason for our visit, it was good that he could do a few things.

Bruce is continuing to improve. Although the road to recovery is still a long one, he is doing well. He uses his wheel chair less and less all the time. We went out several times and he didn't use the chair at all. I'm so proud of how hard he is working and the progress he is making. Shelly is a good care giver and coach.

The highlight of this trip was our trip to Blue Mountain Lake for dinner at The Hedges. The food was outstanding as was the service. I snapped a few pictures, none of which really do it justice.

I know this is probably a strange picture, but the entire dining room, walls and ceilings was this beautiful, decorative tin. I've seen tin ceilings before, but I think this is the first time I've seen an entire room done in it.

Isn't this an unusual stump?

The sunset was really much more breathtaking than this.

How would you like to meet this guy on a hiking path?

We arrived home yesterday about 1 PM. I've done laundry and made spaghetti sauce from the fresh tomatoes in our garden and now I'm off to visit some of my family in Pennsylvania.

~Hippo Hugs~

24 Hours at the Camping House

I was sad to see my kids fly back to Las Vegas. A good cure for the blues is a little trip to Hammondsport to the Camping House. Due to everyone's busy schedules, we could only manage a little over 24 hours, but early Wednesday morning we were off.

Sandi, Linda and me in front of the camping house. I guess, for those who don't know, I should explain the camping house. This camp belongs to Sandi's family and was built by her dad on a piece of land in a fairly remote area near Keuka Lake. The house has no running water or electricity. It is really roughing it and we love it.

We started our day with lunch of hot dogs cooked on sticks over a wood fire. I haven't had a hot dog that good since my days as a Girl Scout.

Sandi's mom lives not far away in her lovely log cabin overlooking Keuka Lake. We walked over to visit her and her sweet dog, Lyric.

After saying, "Hello" we brought the canoe back to camp so the girls could enjoy the pond.

Nicole brought her new kayak along.

Beth decided to "paddle her own canoe."

Sandi and Linda had an enjoyable trip around the pond. I sat in the sun and worked a crossword puzzle. I love to be near the water. I even love to be on the water. BUT, I don't want to work my way....give me a boat with a motor.

After dinner Sandi went out scavenging fire wood in the John Deere "Gator". This provided a wonderful campfire and the heat to make S'mores. It was wonderful to sit around the campfire listening to the night sounds in the woods.

We all had a good night's sleep (after we got Linda and Nicole to settle down and stop giggling). We awoke this morning to a great breakfast cooked by Sandi's mom, Sue. We also awoke to rain. It was really pleasant to sit around the table in the camp for a couple of hours listening to the rain beat on the roof.

The sky cleared in time for us to get out and enjoy the day. By noon the weather was just perfect. Before we knew it, it was time for lunch and then packing up to leave. We were all a little sad that the time was so short, but also so happy to have had this time to enjoy one another's company and the relaxing atmosphere of the camping house.

I came home with my stomach full from the great food we had and my sides aching from laughing.

Stay tuned for my next adventure which begins Saturday in the Adirondack mountains with Bruce and Shelly.

~Hippo Hugs~

P.S. I do know how to double space between paragraphs, but Blogger is being stubborn again tonight.

~hh~

A Day at the Lake

Having Brian and Gretchen here for a week hasn't just been their vacation, but ours too. We are having such a wonderful time visiting with and just plain enjoying our kids. Friday, we decided to spend the day enjoying Lake Ontario.

We started out at B. Forman Park a place full of memories for Gretchen. We spent many afternoons at this park when our children were growing up; school picnics, family picnics, church picnics, just hanging out as a family. Our girls always enjoyed the swings and slide at the park.

Hey Brian, look how high I can go.

Skipping stones with Dad was always a highlight of any trip to the park.

Looking for the perfect stone.

Then it was on to Sodus Point Light House where Gretchen went on her Biology class fishing trip. Gretchen caught the most fish which didn't exactly impress the boys in her class.

On the beach at Chimney Bluffs State Park.

Checking out the poison red berries.

Some wildlife along the path.

Views of the bluffs.

We finished up the afternoon with a late lunch at the Candy Kitchen, one of Brian's favorite places to visit when he is here.

Another perfect day celebrating life with our beloved children. If you're reading this, Paige, we miss you.

~Hippo Hugs~