Oct
03
2006
2

Here’s Lookin’ At Ya!

Yesterday, as I was bouncing down the stairs with the dogs, I almost landed atop this little critter in the grass…so, I grabbed the camera and said, let’s get some photos! The insect was quite accommodating, posing nicely for the camera. The only problem was that my glasses were broken, so I am still in shock that I was able to get a fairly decent picture!

After doing all the activities of the day, Michelle and I ran off to town to get my glasses repaired. I had lost one of those itty bitty screws that held the left lense in so I was left with a “glass” as opposed to “glasses”! Who ever would have known how vital it is for the eyes to work together as a team? My eyes were burning and sore from all the squinting I was doing to TRY to see up close.

Michelle and I went to a big pond behind Arby’s to catch some peace and quiet. There are always lots of ducks and Canada Geese there. Well, as soon as the duck squad came to greet us, along came the swooping gulls to attack the ducks. The ducks seem rather resilient to the gull attacks, and the Canada crowd retreated into the pond to escape.

Aren’t they a cute bunch?

This morning, I had an 8 am appointment with the dentist. I had to scurry out the door at about 7 to get there in time. As I drove to the other end of our road and down the hill, the sun was just rising. It was so pretty.

I made it to the dentist, got a filling with no novacaine (YAY!!) and was home again by 10:30. After seeing the sun coming up, I thought perhaps it was not going to rain today, but, alas……yet another rainy day. Ah well, the bright colors on the maples make it seem much more cheery than it really is outside!

Written by Katya in: Uncategorized |
Oct
02
2006
1

Yesterday

We had a great time celebrating my parents’ anniversary, although there was also some sad news. My father’s eldest sister passed away Saturday night. She had been living in a nursing home the past several years, and in the past days, refused to eat.

We met at a beautiful restaurant tucked in the hills of the southern tier of New York. The people who own the restaurant also own and operate a maple syrup business, as well as raising turkeys!
The restaurant features all kinds of maple goodies…Mark discovered the joy of maple pepper on his eggs! (he ordered a breakfast!) Although this doesn’t look that big, those plates were made for the Jolly Green Giant!!! Mark said the eggs were the size of OSTRICH eggs!!! And those sausages? They must have been about 6 ounces each!

This restaurant is know for its fabulous food, but it is also decorated so uniquely. Upon entering the premises, the sidewalks outside are cement, with maple leaf silhouettes embedded in them. Once inside, there is a long hall. (filled yesterday….the line was enormous for a Sunday afternoon!) As you procede down the hall, there is a big room to the right with a glass wall. The room is where maple syrup is processed. In the spring, you can actually observe syrup being made! Once seated, above our table was an old fashioned maple bucket light overhead!

We all ate until we felt like crying “uncle!”. The food was so fabulous, and the portions are VERY generous! I had gotten a “Pittsburgh Salad”. This is a salad with hard boiled egg, turkey, tons of cheddar cheese, and french fries! I ate and ate and ate until I could eat no more! I brought home about 1/3 of the salad!

When we finished, I had Ben run out to the truck for the cake I had bought. The GROANS emerged as everyone saw the cake….we were all so stuffed! Here is a picture of my parents after 58 years of marriage!! Don’t they look great?

We had a terrific time, as always! This restaurant is one of our all-time favorite places. It is well worth the trip!

Now, I must mention…you should have SEEN the “odd” family seated just a few tables away……

Written by Katya in: Uncategorized |
Oct
01
2006
2

The Warmth In the Bristolwood

Is being generated by the Jotul woodstove this morning!!! It is damp and dark and gloomy. The sun was here earlier, but is now playing hide and seek!

In the wee hours of the morning, I heard Mark stirring…he had fallen asleep in the electric recliner. Well, the electricity went out and the batteries that are a backup were not strong enough to move the chair. Thankfully, when we bought the chair, it was important to make one arm removable. I took the arm off, and Mark was able to get up out of the chair in the DARK! The electricity has flickered a couple more times this morning…no idea what is going on…

Yesterday, while we were out running around, my mom called and asked if we wanted to join them at a restaurant today to celebrate wedding anniversary number 58! We decided yes, we would! I was so happy Mom called while we were out…she gets so upset when we buy gifts, as she insists they always buy what they need. So, while at BJ’s, I picked up a basic “bouquet”. Then, we dropped by the grocers where I found some leather leaf fern, baby’s breath, and the pretty salmon-colored carnations. I also looked around, TRYING to be creative. I FINALLY found a Melamine “Batter Bowl” to use as the vase. This is really cool….perfect for waffles and pancakes, as it has a pouring spout on it! I also grabbed a pretty cake with pastel salmony roses on it, and had the words “Happy Anniversary Harry and Joanne” written on it! Now, this afternoon….ROADTRIP!

Oh, I know I have shown this Begonia basket before, but this is how it STILL looks this morning! I caught it when the sun made its BRIEF appearance! I found myself enjoying this plant more than all others this summer. I wish I knew how to keep it over the winter as it has become a bit of a FRIEND!

Well, off to get ready. I will be on the lookout for fall foliage, as we will be sweeping through the southern tier.
Have a wonderful Sunday!
Written by Katya in: Uncategorized |
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