Today's Walk

Late this morning we took a leisurely walk back in the orchard. Beth and Rachel came too. We decided to walk first and then eat lunch. Good thing because it started to rain as soon as we got back!

There's a lot of activity out there right now, picking, sorting, hauling, etc. Don't know if the guys appreciate us traipsing through or not but we did stay out of the way as best we could.

Another Photo

Today is a day of mixed sun and clouds, maybe another good day for a walk if you watch out for the mud puddles. When ever I take my camera into the orchard, I can't resist taking pictures of the apples hanging there. They are so pretty. (That's our barn that you see in the background. It looks as though it's smack dab in the middle of the trees, but it's really across the street.)

The weather is in the process of changing. The weatherman says a cold front is moving in and bringing some rain along with the cooler temperatures. Does that mean I will be able to accomplish "in the house" tasks or will it just make me feel sleepy? I'm not sure, but hopefully I will be able to get something accomplished. I have a closet that desparately needs to be cleaned... a floor that needs to be washed... and some crafts that need to be painted... and then there's always school... Ahh, maybe I'll just pray for more sunshine!

Oh, What a Beautiful Morning!

What a beautiful morning! Around 9:45 am Ben, Hannah, and I decided to take Troy for a walk in the orchards across the street. The orchard is always a great place to take a walk, as long as you have a friend or two along. We took the camera (of course) and the wagon. I think, we wore Troy out because he took an extra long nap and woke up just before his mom came to pick him up.


This afternoon Bethany and I took another walk in the orchard behind the house (I told you, we're surrounded by apple trees). This time we wore the dog out. When we got home she flopped down on the kitchen floor for a rest. I really need the exercise and I'm also hoping it will help me sleep better tonight. (Last night I was having anxiety attacks which happens to me on occasion. Maybe it's just raging hormones. We can always hope so.)

An Apple A Day

The rain has finally slowed down (it isn't actually raining today and we've even seen the sun) but the clouds still look a little threatening. It must be a good day for picking apples because I watched a truck with some of those tall apple picking ladders in the back turn into the orchard lane across the street. (It's the foggy looking little road on yesterday's blog.) Now I can hear the beat of the bass in the music out there. It seems to be about the same in all the music and will go on and on for the next several days until I will feel as though I must escape. Today it doesn't bother me as I haven't heard it since last year. I can handle it fine the first few days but after that it gets a little nerve wracking.

Last evening I went back out to the orchard to see if I could get a few more 20-ounce apples and found that they had all been picked and hauled away. The guys must have done that in the rain and are probably thankful for the good weather today.

Once, not so long ago, this property was part of an apple farm. (That's our barn in the photo there) Now the apple orchards belong to another farmer and are picked by another race of workers. The little house where the workers lived is no longer inhabitable, but some of the old trees remain as a reminder of time past.

An Attitude Adjustment

And whatsoever ye do, do heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. Colossians 3:23- 24

This is the verse that has been rolling around in my mind today. It seems as though God does an almost routine check on my motives and often I find that they are not quite as aligned as they should be. Today I am in the process of getting another adjustment in this area. It's hurting a little but I am trying not to resist the pressure needed to set things straight. So if you happen to notice a slight limp the next couple of days, don't worry, God's working on me.

In a Fog

It has been raining for two days now. Tonight we are supposed to have the junior high kids from church over for a bon fire. I'm not sure even gasoline will light that
pile of brush tonight. It's absolutely soaked. Luckily, we have a wood stove so maybe, as a last resort, we can have the kids in the living room and toast some marshmallows in the house.

September Days

September is a month of change.

With the beginning of school there is a change in daily activities. We are thinking more about reading, writing and doing math than we really want to. It is always in the back of my mind even when it isn't being done because I know it has to be. Now we are forced to meet someone else's requirements on us, not just our own.

In September the weather makes a more dramatic change and the trees begin to dress themselves differently, orange, red, and gold. The autumn flowers make their appearance before the frost comes to put them to sleep for another year. The geese practice flying circles overhead in preparation for the long trip south and the monarchs flutter around the yard for the last few weeks before their own long journey.

We clear the back porch of patio furniture and start the seeming never-ending process of stacking firewood. We light a small fire on chilly mornings to "take off the chill". The gas grill is rolled into the barn and we start cooking up meals such as beef stew and chile. The shorts and swim suits are packed away and the long sleeves and jackets start to appear.

Of course, in September we still have an abundance of warm and sunny days, complete with short sleeves, to look forward to. Ice cream cones still taste yummy and a long walk on a clear sky day is still savored. September.

Sheep in a Jeep

I don't know if Troy's parents have ever read Sheep in a Jeep, but he seems to find it amusing. Now we play it with old Fisher Price toys. These toys are so much fun and all the kids love them. Unfortunately, they are considered toddler and preschool toys and labled as dangerous. They were our favorite toys when we were little girls. and we weren't necessarily preschoolers. We loved them until... well, we still love them.

Apple Orchard

More pictures from our orchard walk the other day. If you look close you can see Lake Ontario.

An Afternoon Walk

Bethany came over yesterday afternoon and wanted to go for a walk in the orchard behind our house. It is a wonderful place to take a walk and we don't do it near often enough. The apples are ripening and the workers are getting ready to pick.

Another one of my reasons for loving fall is the activity in the orchards. We often hear the Mexicans calling back and forth to each other, singing songs, and listening to their Mexican music. It is a miniature picture of a culture unknown to me.

Anyway, we had a wonderful walk and Jasmine (our dog) decided to come along. She likes apples as well as she likes blueberries. Beth picked a few apples, MacIntosh I think, and we each had a snack. Jazz ate the cores and seemed satisfied with that. A little closer to the house we found some trees with 20 Ounce apples and took a few home to make a pie. Today is a little darker and more overcast so I'm glad we took our walk yesterday.

"You Have How Many Kids?!"

Adam and Bethany (20), Josiah (18), Leta and Dave (22), Nathan (16), Jim (almost 25),

Ben (12) and Hannah (11)

And here they are a few years back. (Eleven to be exact.)

9-11-01

A day not so unlike this one; sunny blue skies, cool breeze, a perfect September morning. All seemed well, and yet it wasn't. The phone rang. It was Leon from church. He had a prayer chain but it seemed more of an announcement. The World Trade Center towers had been hit by two planes. My goodness! I knew hardly a thing about the twin towers and we didn't even have a television in the house. Out in the barn was a 12 inch black and white tv, left by our home's previous owners. My kids followed me out to the barn and we turned it on. Smoke was billowing from the towers and as the announcer spoke, I thought I saw one tower sway just a little bit. Suddenly, in a surreal moment, it collapsed in a heap on the ground... the second collapse was inevitable and followed shortly after. For the remainder of the day we wandered from the house back to the barn and sat on bales of straw watching our way of life crumbling away. I called my parents. "You need to turn on the tv" I said to my dad. My second son called from the technical center up in town. "I love you" he said before he hung up. My oldest son called from college in Pensacola, Florida. "I love you" he said before he hung up. My mother in law called from Halifax, Nova Scotia. "Are you scared?" she asked. I hadn't even thought about being afraid. New York City is four hundred miles away and besides what good would being afraid do? What I was is stunned.

I never thought through the implications that the terror attacks would have on our lives. I just knew that something had drastically changed. Yes, we felt the unity that occurred in the following days and weeks. We saw the flags and hung one ourselves. We felt the chill of being vulnerable. And we came to learn, or should I say better realize, that we live in a "boarder town". I have lived here along the southern shore of Lake Ontario my entire life and never had to consider that fact. Never was the lake shore patrolled. Never were there armed guards at the power stations. Never did we have to worry about crossing the boarder into Canada. Never did so many people want my ID. Never have I looked so fervently for the return of Jesus.

Things That Go Bump in the Night

I went to bed very tired on Saturday night. Going to bed very tired means one of two things, either I will sleep like a rock or for some unknown reason I will not be able to sleep. The night started out with a fly, the loud buzzing kind. Bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz... bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz... It flew around our room before we turned out the light. When the light went out, so did the fly, until his eyes got used to the dark. Bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz... Just about when I was falling asleep, James turned on the light and found something to swat that fly with. Meeeooow! Meeeooow! A cat outside making itself known. Auuggghhh! Auuggghhh! A red fox screaming her awful scream. (At least I know what it is now. I used to think something was dying!) I don't even know what kind of noise the next one was but it sounded something like a loon. Needless to say, the country is not always quiet at night. At least there weren't any sprayers out in the orchard!

Feeling Sleepy

I'm thinking it might be an early bedtime tonight. I'm feeling rather sleepy.

It was much too nice to stay inside the house today so we made sure to get out in the sunshine and get some fresh air. Another benefit of home schooling.

The Price is Right!

This evening I made a run to Webster to pick up a few items at the store. Before leaving I remembered to renew my library books online (getting sick of those little fines I'm always owing) as I haven't been able to run around during the day. Anyway, I stopped at Goodwill just to see if they might happen to have a booster seat for Troy (they didn't) and ended up buying some books for Hannah instead. I paid cash since it was just a small purchase. I had some money in my pocket. Next it was on to Walmart for a big box of tall kitchen garbage bags and some envelopes. I decided to use cash again and leave my checking account for the grocery store. I finally made it to the grocery store and wandered around carefully picking out several things to get me by until Saturday when I plan to do my regular shopping. I placed all my items on the belt and looked into my purse for my wallet. Not there. Oh oh! No wallet, no bank card, no Shopper's Club card, no license. I still had my checkbook but without any ID it was worthless. I stopped the cashier before she had rung anything up and checked to see how much money was still in my pocket (twenty dollars) then proceeded to pick and choose which items I should purchase. Ice cream (needed that for the elderberry pie at home), yogurt (for Troy), bananas, coffee and creamer (can't survive without that!) and one gallon of milk... (Can't remember if there was anything else)As I tried to decide what to purchase and then how much I had left to spend, I looked at the woman behind me in line and said, "I feel like I'm on a game show."

Burgers and Blankets

September has arrived. It is the first week of school and the first week of babysitting full time. As expected, we have spent some time sitting on the floor playing toys with Troy, reading books on the couch, and just cuddling up and sitting quietly. Keeping up with a little guy takes some time and energy and also a watchful eye. This morning we jast sat quietly in the chair while he fell asleep with his blanket. It was kind of nice. We are slowly getting our school under way. As we get used to our new schedule, we'll know better how to get everything accomplished. Until then, we're doing what we can and keeping a smile on our faces.

" Oh, My Darlin'... "

One of my favorite childhood memories is when my father would take out his guitar and sing to us. He sang often so we learned the songs and, more often than not, sang along. Dad played old folk songs like Clementine, and silly songs like Billy Barlow. He sang hymns and Sunday school songs. Sometimes he played his harmonica too. Some of my favorite old songs were...
The Old Apple Tree
The Child of the Railroad Engineer
Fox Went Out on a Chilly Night
Once In Royal David's City
When my kids were small it was always fun to watch them listen or sing with Grandpa just like we did when we were little people.

New Friends and Old Friends

Yesterday I cleaned my house. I was too tired to blog. (Hard to believe, I know, but it's true.)

Sunday was a good day. In the morning I sat in the nursery at church and held my cousin's granddaughter. It felt so nice to hold a little baby and watch her smile and coo. It's something I haven't done in a long time yet so familiar. On Sunday evening our former pastor, his wife and mother in law were at our church. (This was not the church he pastored, he was there as a visitor.) It was wonderful to see them again after 3 years, especially Maamaw, who is now 85 years old. She is such a beautiful lady and I thought I would never see her again this side of heaven. I got to thinking that she is twice my age and the little one in the nursery is just beginning her life. I am smack dab in the middle. What a wonderful place to be.

The Blustery Day

Ernesto has arrived in upstate NY. He came in with a gentle rain late this morning, but now is whipping the trees around and acting stormy-like. It was a good morning to sleep in and the bed was oh so cozy. I had a reallly tough time waking up! We cleaned the Sunday school rooms at church and then went grocery shopping, arriving home just in time to run inside before the wind picked up. It's definitely another Winnie the Pooh day! I would like to lay down and curl up under a blanket and take a nap, but I really need to take care of some of those vegetables I picked from my garden yesterday. So... I suppose I shall be cooking up some more spaghetti sauce and trying my hand at freezing corn. No sense in planting a garden and praying for it to produce if I don't use what God provides. Maybe I'll catch a nap later, but for now I think I'll put on another pot of coffee.

Autumn's Breeze

Thirteen things I love about fall...

1. Cool crisp night and long sleeve shirts.
2. Beautifully colored leaves and mums in the garden.
3. Pumpkins and dried out corn stalks.
4. Apple cider and fried cakes.
5. The ground covered with a blanket of yellow, orange, and gold leaves.
6. Trips to the farm market.
7. Apple pies.
8. Hay rides and bonfires.
9. The castle retreat.
10. Sweaters and sunshine.
11. Canada geese flying south.
12. Birthday parties. (Jim 3, Dave, Beth, and Ben)
13. Snuggling down under the covers on a cool night.

Can I make it 14?

14. Building a fire in the wood stove.

The Passing of Time

One of my father's cousins passed away last week. Yesterday Mom and Dad went to the funeral service. Janice was the family historian and had traced the family line back to three seperate Mayflower passengers and countless other individuals. With her departure we have lost a living connection to our ancestory, another individual with a wealth of stories and information. Janice was always somewhat reluctant to share her collection of family history. She spent hours traveling and researching and I suppose a good amount of money sending for public records and certificates, but if I could find something to share with her, maybe a copy of an old photograph or a small amount of money, she would often share with me the information I was seeking.

The photo above is one she probably would have loved to have, nine of her grandparent's eleven children. Her mother, Maude, was the eldest girl, seen here holding her baby brother, Joe. My grandmother, Florence, is standing next to her. Of all these children, only the three little girls in the front are still living, the older two suffering from the effects of an aging mind. Only Aunt Margaret still has clear thoughts and she is now 93 years old. Aunt Helen and Aunt Harriet are now 95 and 97. (I thinking someone in this family should have had a child named Methusela.)

Time to Get Hoppin'

Well, this week has been anything but what I had expected. I thought I was going to have a rather quiet week but instead I have been busy away from home. Monday I spent the day out near the hospital, stopping at a couple of stores, sitting in the hospital, and waiting to hear news on our friend. Tuesday morning I went to Ladies' Prayer and then out to hospital with James to make a visit. Tuesday evening was our family bible study. This morning I took my van in for an oil change and then, around noon, headed over to Bethany's house for a visit. On the way home we stopped at the hardware store, the grocery store, and another shop to pick up a bike rim for Ben's bike (it won't fit). When I got home I leaned my seat back and took a half hour nap in the van! Then I made supper ( fried pepper, tomato and cheese sandwiches) and we went to church. Tomorrow I will have two little boys at my house for the day. I haven't had a chance to clean since Sunday before Mom's birthday party so I'll have to make a quick run through the house with the vacuum cleaner in the morning. I'm getting tired just thinking about it. Must be time for bed.

Complete Monarchy

A couple of years ago we had the Invasion of the Ladybugs. This year it is a Complete Monarchy. I have seen these beautiful butterlies flutter past my van countless times this month. Everytime I drive down the road, there they are. On Sunday morning when we left for church there were dozens of them flying around our birch tree. It was like watching a flock of tiny birds. Tonight we watched them out the dining room window as we ate our supper and, although I knew it was getting dark, I just had to snap a few pictures. James has told me that some pictures can never really be captured with a camera, they are meant to be treasured in our minds. This is definitely one of them!
I looked up monarch butterflies and found this- "Each adult butterfly lives only about four to five weeks. But one of the many wonders of the Monarchs is the annual creation of a unique "Methuselah generation." As autumn approaches in their sites of migratory origin, a very special generation of butterflies is born. Unlike their parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, and great-great-grandparents -- all of whom had ephemeral lives measured only in weeks -- these migratory butterflies survive seven or eight months. In human terms, given our average life span of 75 years, this would be like having children who lived to be 525 years old!" http://www.worldwildlife.org/monarchs/

What an awesome God we serve.

A Reminder

I was reminded today that I am bought with a price, I am not my own, and neither is my time. My plans for today included staying home, doing some cleaning, a little laundry, some general straightening up, and maybe pulling out our school books and making some plans for next week. I also need to rewrite Nathan's final quarter report from last year. But these were not to be today as the Lord had different plans for me.

Today I gave a friend a ride to the emergency department (he wasn't feeling well) and told him I would come back in a couple of hours to see how he was doing. When I returned they had moved him into the trauma unit because he was having a heart attack!

These incidents have a way of making step back and ask "how willing am I to drop everything and change my plans (without grumbling) when the Lord calls?" I have tendency to forget that life is temporary whether it regards me or someone else. Today I pray that I would be more willing to give my life to the Lord and follow where He leads.

The Birthday Girl

Today is my mom's birthday and tomorrow we will celebrate with a birthday lunch. Sad to say, I did not wish her a Happy Birthday today as I have been so distracted with getting ready for tomorrow. I hope she will forgive me.

One of the most special things about my mom is her love for children, both her own and others. For many, many years her house was bustling with activity. She babysat full time until just six years ago. She played with the kids, read stories to them, kissed their "boo boos", and loved them. She is a wonderful example of Jesus to me.

Happy Birthday, Mom! I love you.

Mom's Birthday

My house at 1:30, Sunday afternoon.
Rachel is bringing a gluten free carrot cake.
I need 2 people to bring corn (how about you, Jim?) and someone to make a regular carrot cake.
Anything else you want to bring would also be helpful, just let me know what it is.
I'm planning to have chicken and maybe potatoes or something like that.

Dressed to ...

Last week I finally put in an order for our school books and along with them I ordered a couple of others, "Secret Keeper- The Delicate Power of Modesty" and "Christian Modesty and the Public Undressing of America". The first is written by a woman and the second by a man. I have found both, while somewhat distressing, to be quite eye opening. Sometimes while reading I have felt defensive although I'm not always sure why. I have much more of a tendancy to keep myself covered than most women so my own defensiveness is somewhat surprising even to myself. Could it be that deep down inside I have never really delt with the heart of the issue either?

Aren't You a Peach (Pie)!

Today Ben helped me make another pie. I peeled and sliced up peaches (Hannah washed them) and he mixed up the crust. Now it is in the oven baking. Soon the house will be filled the irresistible aroma of fresh peach pie. The elderberries weren't too difficult for me to refuse, but peaches... ?

Halfway There (Almost)

The old gramma and the little girl were a lifetime apart in age. Gramma was nearly 85 and the little one probably just three years old. The little girl felt like a stranger to Gramma, there were so many years and such a world of difference between them. But Gramma had been a little girl once, and not so long ago from her perspective. Yes, she had raised eleven children of her own and watched several of her grandchildren grow into parents themselves, but she could remember being a little girl too. The years flew by and this new little girl grew. She raised a family and watched as one by one her own little ones started to grow up and move out on their own. Now, at 42 years, she has lived out almost half of her Gramma's life, Gramma lived to be nearly 95.

With the passing of time Gramma becomes more of a friend than an old lady who I never really felt I knew. Maybe someday, in heaven, we can sit down together and see that we weren't really that much different after all.

Just Peachy

I think the peach just may be my favorite fruit, especially when they are fresh and in season. Mmmmm!

Respect Your Elderberries

My neighbor, Bob, has elderberry trees growing in his yard. Each summer he brings us a nice big bag of berries and we make elderberry pie. My father loves it, Aunt Margie loves it, our friend, Don, loves it. My husband seems to like it and the kids don't mind it either. Elderberry pie is not my favorite. I think the fresh berries taste like grass and I am not impressed by the flavor of the pie either. I used to eat it anyway and then one day I asked myself, "Why are you eating this? You don't even like it. Why would you consume all those extra calories in a food you don't enjoy?" This year I'll just respect those elderberries from a distance and save myself for apple pie.

Looking for the Changing Seasons

It is a beautiful August day. The air is a little cooler yet still warm enough to feel like summer. Thus begins my very favorite time of year. I love the crispness of a cool breeze and being able to wear long sleeves without feeling hot. The colors will soon begin to change from the greens of summer to the golden soft browns and oranges of autumn as the Lord wields his master paintbrush once again. September is just around the corner, a time for a final round of picnics, outdoor gatherings, and maybe a bonfire. The workers will be out picking apples in the orchards and we'll be buying cider and making pies. Take a deep breath. Can you smell it in the air?

Do Flowers Pray?

Prayer changes things, especially our hearts and attitudes. When I really started praying several years ago, I never dreamed there was so much gunk buried deep inside of me, I just knew there were times when I felt really yucky and wasn't sure why. I prayed that God would scrape out those dirty corners of my heart and make me clean, that he would pry open my clenched fist and take away those things I held so tightly but couldn't seem to let go. It was a teary, painful process which isn't yet finished, but at least the work has begun. Why do I hold on so fiercely to ideas, attitudes, and actions that only hurt me or those I love? I'm so glad Christ died to pay the penalty for my sin and that He rose again so that I can have new life in Him! I am a work in progress; as long as I am willing, He can mold and shape my life to honor Him.

Winds of Change

September is fast approaching and with it some schedule changes for me. I will have a two year old in my house on a regular basis for the first time in nearly 10 years. (Hannah is eleven.) With babysitting comes a responsibility to stay home, play toys, read books, and make sure naps are taken on time. I will also need to keep my house clean and safe for a little one. I think God may be answering some of my many prayers in ways that I had not fully anticipated. I need to stay home and although caring for a small child requires more time and energy, I recall a time, somewhat faded in my memory, when dinner was on the table every night and my bathrooms were nearly always clean. Back then I had time to sit on the floor and build block towers, dance around the living room, and go for long slow walks around the block or to the library. I read books to little people and took a nap while they slept. I bought groceries and got my allergy shots in the evening after supper. I didn't have a computer and, come to think of it, for a long time we didn't have a television. I gave baths every morning before school and washed bedsheets every day. I had a house full of children and got so much more accomplished then than I seem to now. I'm looking forward to watching God change my heart and life once again. I'm so glad He isn't finished with me yet!

Tow Mater/ Tow Mahter

The movie "Cars" did not impress me, but I did like this little truck out on Route 5 & 20 in Bloomfield.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

This is a good verse for me today as I am feeling slightly stressed out. Another clue that I also need to "simplify". As much as I know this, actually attempting to do it is stressful also.

An Erie Feeling

It's an erie feeling... well okay, so it was just a visit to Fort Erie. Bethany, Ben, Hannah and I took a ride to Fort Erie, Ontario on Friday. We got there at about noon and were able to visit with Grandmanita and Gail as well as take a drive around and visit some historical places. First we went to the Fort Erie cemetery where some relatives are buried and then we went to lunch at Gail's favorite place, the May Wah Chinese restaurant. After lunch we headed over to the Old Fort where Gail sneaked us in the back door. Actually, her husband is very involved in the history of the fort so she got us in for free. How cool is that? We watched a musket demonstration, toured the old fort, and heard how "bad" the Yanks were in the war. On the other side of the Niagara River the Brits were the good guys and the Yanks were the enemy. Here at home it's a slightly different story...
Anyway, from the fort we decided to go and find the old Teal house on the Ridgeway battlefield. It's now a museum (which was closed) that dates back to 1866 and a different war in Canada. We like to stop because the house belonged, at one time, to James' ancestors.

Next we took a drive down Teal Rd. which is where Grandpa Jim grew up. The old farmhouse and barn have been gone for several years, and it's just a dirt road, but it still says "Teal". (That's a name, not a color.) From there we found Grandma and Grandpa Teal's old church and their graves out in the churchyard.

After that there was just one thing to do before meeting up with Grandma and Gail again... find some mint chocolate Aero bars for James. This took a little looking around and I finally asked a woman who worked in Walmart. She directed me to a store across the street from where Nanny's house used to be, right where James bought them years ago.

After another short visit and delicious dinner, we finally headed back across the Peace Bridge for home. A wonderfully "Erie" day.

Kids and Peanutbutter

We are running a little low on groceries, so I let Alysa make herself some peanutbutter crackers for lunch. Good thing the jar was almost empty! I think she got a little carried away with the experience, don't you?

A Very Short Visit

At about midnight last night, Grandmanita and her friend, Debbie blew in from the east. After a brief sleep on the couches, a quick breakfast of bacon and eggs, a short walk around the yard, and a few clicks of the camera, they were off again. Grandma made a valient effort to slow Debbie's attempts at departure but finally gave up and climbed into the car. She is now flying westward (in a car) to visit her friend, Gail, while Debbie goes on to her brother's wedding. I'm not quite certain how Anita convinced Debbie to drive around the south side of Lake Ontario and through New York but... I'm glad she did.

Field Trip

Today we went to the Rochester Museum and Science Center with Bethany. There was a lot of cool stuff to look at, mastadon skeletons, bugs and butterflies, area history, and "how the earth was formed". One of my favorite displays was this chair. It's perfect for making my big kids little again!

A Quiet Weekend

James and I spent our weekend at The Quiet Place down in the Finger Lakes. Our kids had given us a weekend getaway for our 25th anniversary back and June and this was it. A wonderful weekend away.

We arrived on Friday afternoon and opened the door to a wonderful couple of days away. We had time to talk together, pray together, and just plain be together. No phone calls (well, almost none), no computer, nothing calling our attention away. We went out for a ride on Saturday morning and visited The Wizard of Clay pottery studio (really cool), took a drive down to Naples,and then went back up to Canandaigua for lunch at Mac's Philly Steaks.

Back at the cabin, I was reading on one end of the couch and James was dozing on the other when we heard a rather loud- BOOM! James opened his eyes and said "What was that?" I had no clue so we got up and had a look around. A few moments later the cabin phone rang. Seems that the neighbor's grandson had a birthday and they were celebrating with cannon fire. Eric was all apologies but we just laughed it off. Not every guest at the Quiet Place gets a phone call and most who hear the cannon are warned because it is a holiday weekend. It made the stay all the more memorable... well, that and the jacuzzi!

http://www.thequietplace.com/

Taking a Break

This afternoon James and I are taking a break. Our kids bought us a weekend away for our anniversary (back in June) and this is it. We aren't going far but we will be away and alone. Thankfully the weather has cooled down and right now it is a very comfortable 75 degrees. It feels great! Of course "Teal Lake" has also returned (we just had it pumped out!) and a few ducks have decided they might move in too. It was bound to happen... I think while James and I are gone we should go shopping for a canoe, or at least a paddle boat.

Important News

Check out this story and tell me what you think.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,206741,00.html

Cooling Off (I Hope... )

Today was another ferociously hot day. While the kids were at VBS I decided that after I picked them up we should head someplace cool for a while, so we met James and Nathan for lunch at DeBella's and had subs. The restaurant was wonderfully cool after spending the morning in my hot house. The thermostat on my dining room wall was still reading 83 degrees this morning and I had no idea of how to cool the house down. Should I open the windows and hope for a breeze or close them and try to keep today's heat out? I opted to close the windows and go out for several hours. It is supposed to cool off tonight but along with the cooler air will come more rain and thunderstorms. We're trying so hard to keep that big puddle from collecting in the back yard but it just doesn't want to stay away. I'm beginning to think we should just dig a pond and stock it with fish!

Florida Weather in New York

I thought it interesting that our weather here today is so very much like Florida's...

Rochester, NY 14600Last Updated: 08/01/06 16:16:15 EST

Local Weather:
Current Conditions
94°FMostly Sunny
Real Feel: 100°F (38°C)
Relative Humidity: 51%
Barometer: 29.86"Hg (F)
Wind: SW at 16 mph (26 kph)
Visibility: 9 miles (14 km)
Sunrise: 6:02am Sunset: 8:31pm



Orlando, FL 32801Last Updated: 08/01/06 16:30:52 EST

Local Weather:
Current Conditions
94°FPartly Sunny
Real Feel: 103°F (39°C)
Relative Humidity: 42%
Barometer: 30.10"Hg (F)
Wind: N at 3 mph (5 kph)
Visibility: 10 miles (16 km)
Sunrise: 6:48am Sunset: 8:16pm

I Feel Like a Popsicle!

Melting, melting! Remember the witch from the Wizard of Oz? I wonder if this is how she felt...

We are now experiencing the heat wave that hit the midwest last week. It is definately very warm and with all the rain that we have had this summer, it's very humid too. It's a "stay in the house and sit in front of the fan" kind of day. We don't have an air conditioner and I'm not feeling quite like walking around in the store or sitting in the library, so here I am with the fan. It feels really good on my feet!

But.. come to think of it, I need to have something to feed people for supper tonight. Maybe I need to make a trip to the store after all... (and maybe I'll buy some popsicles!)