Life in the Bristolwood

and if you find it, would you let me know?

We had to run to Rochester in the early afternoon to shop for various things.  We needed to pick up a new vent for the downstairs bathroom,  some new parts for the pool pump, and some items for a party Michelle is having on Sunday.  Even though the list didn’t seem that long,  the stores were located miles apart and we seemed to be rushing all about! The day just evaporated right before our very eyes….

(The photo of the geese above was taken outside of the pool store. Michelle thought they were lawn ornaments until they began moving!)

Last year, my friend Jeanne  told about the Christkindl Market in Canandaigua and I somehow felt a bit cheated I didn’t go!  So, this year, I made a point of getting there during the little festival!

This market may be small,  but the vendors’ offerings were awesome!  I saw some beautiful paintings, photography, jewelry, woodcrafts, and even more!  The products I saw were so beautiful and inspiring! 

There were folks dressed in period clothing as well.  And, for children, there was “Elf School”.  I think this was a babysitting service for parents so they could shop and look around a bit more freely. 

Here are some photos….

The Granger Homestead is a museum located in Canandaigua.  It is a large property with a huge front yard. This is where the Christkindl Market was set up.

Because the month of November can be warm, cold, or anything in between,  massive tents are provided to keep shoppers protected from the elements.  As I walked into the food tent,  I could hardly believe how cozy it was!  Even though it was enormous,  there were tables set up for folks to enjoy a meal and there were Christmas decorations everywhere. 

There were also some food vendors located outside the tent.  They also had quite the draw!!

There was an Alpaca there as well…..

Iwanted so badly to just go and grab this sweet-looking animal!  Its coat was so fluffy and pretty….it reminded me of a teddy bear!

There was another huge tent set up that housed the vendors at the market.  This was the entrance….

This is the Elf School.  There was a lot of laughter coming from the building as well as children singing!

(how nice to see Santa’s helpers wearing Uggs as opposed to those silly pointy-toed shoes! hehehe)

Once inside the tent, I took just a few photos of some vendors that didn’t have so many people standing around I couldn’t get a photo!!!

Of course, my Ukrainian blood bubbled when I saw these stunning Pysanky eggs!!!

I spent only about an hour wandering around this market.  The kids had gone to another concert down in Naples and Mark waited with the Scottie boys in the truck while I wandered about.  I was totally disappointed when I poised the camera to snap a horse and carriage giving folks rides around the property.  My camera flashed a message: Card Full! By the time I got a new card in the camera, said carriage was off and running!

Another disappointment was when I snapped a photo of some fantastic artwork.  The artist had some really pretty work on display but she came up to me and told me no photographs.  I obligingly deleted the photo. She explained last year someone photographed her work and there “were problems”.  Ah well……

The photos I took of Santa and Mrs. Claus were no good. Bummer.

Before heading back to the truck,  I visited the food tent once again, waiting in a long line to buy Mark a German takeout dinner.  I got him either Knockwurst or Bratwurst (don’t laugh,  I opted NOT to get him the pork tongue schnitzel!) served with German Potato Salad and Sauerkraut.  As I passed the Kettlecorn stand,  I bought a small bag of freshly-popped corn as well.

One of the pluses of this market was that I also met some “neighbors” who live in the same town as we do. They were vendors, selling Russian dolls. They had the beautiful Matryoshska dolls that I so love for their colorful designs!  I spoke to the husband who told me his wife travels to Russia to purchase the dolls, selling them stateside. As we talked, he pointed out some little girls whom he said he and his wife had adopted from Russia! 

All in all, this market wa a fun little diversion!

In being thankful,  one of the most awesome benefits we all share is freedom!  We are free to visit places we have never been,  speak our minds on what we think,  do what we would like, pursue interests, and even to eat pretty much what we would like!

We live in such an amazing period of time.  We can “travel” worldwide, via the internet and speak to people all the world over!  Just a few short years ago, the cost of calling a foreign country by telephone was quite prohibitive.  Now, people can speak with one another with services such as Skype,  using their computers and webcams!  We not only get to “speak”, but to “see” one another.  A small freedom?  Perhaps, but how exciting for families and friends separated by distance!

In many countries, we are free to worship as we would like.  There are a few countries that persecute people for their religious beliefs,  but this is certainly not the majority of the world.  We have heard of secret underground churches and even executions of those who stand steadfast in their faith.  Those who are Christians are called to pray for people in these nations on a regular basis.

And speaking of religious freedom,  I managed to capture a few photos of the Amish when I went for my ride in the country the other day!

I admire the Amish folks living in their very simple ways.  They have “come around” in many areas….most homes now have running water (although I am unsure how the water gets into their lines….perhaps gas-powered motors?) and many have propane refrigerators so they are able to keep food safely.  I still am awestruck by their means of transportation, though.  It is such a contrast to see horse and buggy traveling alongside modern cars…..

Most Amish (and many Mennonite) homes have a clothline that runs from their home to a barn or other tall building. I love seeing the laundry flapping in the breezes on washday!

Even those living under oppression still have some very basic freedoms.  We have heard stories of those who survived the Halocaust and those who have escaped from countries where freedoms were being denied.  Many of the testimonies given by these survivors would indicate something welled up inside of them, causing them to be free in some manner that might have been their saving grace. 

Every day, we choose to be happy. Or sad.  To do the right thing. Or wrong.  We choose to serve others.  Or take advantage.  We choose to move ahead.  Or freeze in looking behind. 

Freedom.  It is awesome and comes with some awesome responsibilty!

A couple of Sundays ago,  while my family was feeling pretty awful,  I went out on a Sunday to get some things they asked for….it was the least I could do!   This was the day that I discovered Scotland Road in Canandaigua.  After I had driven down that particular street,  I then decided to take another side street I hadn’t traveled before. (A small exploration,  if you will!)

I am kind of a scary driver to be with,  I suppose,  as I tend to look around as I drive.  I often pull over on the side of the road to take pictures and even though I am a good driver,  I might look a bit distracted!  Anyway,  I drove along the little side street when I came upon this…..

A firetruck parked (nonchalantly?) in the street.  There were no sirens, no flashing lights.  Just a firetruck sitting in the street.   Curiosity certainly made me wonder….I slowed down to a crawl and passed the big red truck,  wondering all the while.   Since no one was behind me, I pulled over a little past the truck and looked back.  I then discovered why the firetruck was parked there!

I didn’t feel inclined to turn around and go back,  so I merely aimed the camera at my rear view mirror……

I haven’t seen an open hydrant since I left New York City!  I remember the city kids would somehow manage to open the valves and send what seemed like millions of gallons of water gushing all over the streets of Brooklyn!

I do believe this fireman was “flushing the mains”.  I remember when I was growing up in a small city,  this was done a couple of times a year,  causing the water that came out of the tap to be “riled”…..gross-looking “dirty” water!  I had always assumed this was a public utilities job,  and I was a bit surprised to see a fireman doing this!

Isaiah 55:12 For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.

Every spring, as all the Bristolwood awakens from winter’s slumber,  this verse from Isaiah comes to mind. Seeing the brilliant green leaves unfolding,  looking so similar to fingers and open hands reaching for the sky,  I can easily envision the branches “clapping their hands”.  This is such a joyful verse!

This afternoon,  I sat bedside,  looking out the window and admiring the blue skies and sunshine.  It was then that my wonderful Christmas Cactus once again caught my attention.  Christmas Cacti have those pretty flowers with the pink “spike” in the center…forgive me for long ago forgetting my science lessons in botany in which plant part names were fleeting at best!

I love Christmas Cactus plants so much just because they are so colorful!  Their flowers seem quite abundant with little care or fuss.  The flowers always appear,  the weight of the flower pulling the branch downward, giving the plant a “fountainlike” appearance.

But today, as I looked at the plant,  I smiled as I noted one flower; instead of looking down,  this glorious flower had its little face pointed heavenward!

If you have read here for any length of time,  you realize that my imagination causes me to ponder many times,  leading me into some abstract areas!  As I looked more closely at the flower,  I couldn’t help but be fascinated at the sparkly white flower with its pink “rim”.  The white brought to mind being “clothed in righteousness”…. Seeing the flower standing so boldly, looking heavenward, it seemed to not care what the other flowers thought about it.  Very profound.

And so,  I end this post being thankful for the beauty that surrounds us.  Beauty can be found everywhere…we need only spot it!

My friend Terri offered a challenge to her Facebook friends.  Here in the US, we celebrate Thanksgiving Day on  the fourth Thursday in the month of November.  This year,  it will be on the 26th. Terri suggested each day until Thanksgiving,  we write something for which we are thankful.

I love Terri’s suggestion, and thought I would try to write a blog post each day,  naming something for which I am thankful.  We are all so blessed in more ways than we can even imagine, and I thought it might be fun to add a photo as well! 

Today,  I am thankful for each day I am given.  This daywas an exceptionally beautiful day, even with quite a chill in the air!  When I took the Scotties out this morning, we were greeted by a world shrouded in a heavy frost.  In looking up into the sky,  the stars were magical!  Each was so pronounced and  just almost took my breath away!

This evening, as the sun set over the hills to the west,  the pastel watercolors splashed against the canvas were nothing less than incredible!

Thank you, Lord, for this day and each day we are given!

Psalm 118:26   This is the day that the Lord has made; we shall rejoice and be glad in it.

One day last week,  I had to stop at Walgreen’s Pharmacy in Canandaigua.  I hurried into the store and made my purchase and on my way out to the Explorer,  I saw what didn’t seem possible.  There, in the midst of dead brush and bramble was a cluster of beautiful purple color!

Our flowers like these have been gone now for weeks.  I’m not sure what kept this awesome plant from succumbing to the ravages of a frost,  but it certainly was pretty!

hehehe…Betcha thought I had a typo in that title, eh?

Just a little something I saw while taking a wee ride in the country today!

Wait a minute!

That should read dog on it.

Huh?

Let me explain.  Or, better yet…..

Mark wanted to check for a certain vent at Home Depot this afternoon.  We pulled into the parking lot and Ben offered to run inside the store to see if the vent was even available.  Being a relatively warm day, Mark rolled the windows down.

Since Ben had been sitting in the front seat of the truck,  I was seated in the back with Murphy on my lap, reading. (okay, so *I* was reading, not the wee Scot!)  I immediately looked up, as did Angus, when we heard a mournful mix of barking and howling!  Murphy could have cared less what was happening,  but as I looked,  I immediately grabbed my camera!  I had never seen anything like this before!

Apparently, the owner of this dog left the cur in the back of the pickup while shopping.  The poor dog, totally disenchanted,  got on his/ her “soapbox” to air the frustration of being left behind!  In all honesty, while this whole scene was rather humorous,  I was also frustrated, as I hate seeing a pet left alone like that.  If the dog would have jumped out of the pickup,  it would have been terribly dangerous, as the parking lot was very busy and the dog would risk being run over or causing an accident.

The poor dog howled and barked on for at least another 15 minutes. 

The sad part is that the pickup had a backseat, where the dog could have waited (perhaps a bit less anxiously).

Today was Mark’s birthday, so we went up to Rochester after dropping Michelle at school.  We shopped around a bit and just enjoyed a rather relaxing and non-structured day!

For those of you who find my hibernation hard to imagine,  I must tell you….as soon as the sun goes down at night,  I am in “relax” mode! I really do love the short days, as I find more time to sit still!!! Hopefully, this will give me more time to blog as well!

Yesterday’s mild, September-like temperatures were the icing on the proverbial cake as we were off to meet my parents and brother at Sprague’s Restaurant.  It was such a beautiful day!  We were meeting to celebrate Michelle’s birthday, as well as Mark’s.  (November is a very busy birthday month here, as Carly and my mom also celebrate November birthdays later in the month!)

We arrived to meet at 11:30 in the morning and the restaurant held no shortage of patrons, even at that early on a Sunday morning!  We always ask for a certain table….it is round and sits in a corner, out of the way of mainstream traffic,  so we waited.

We enjoyed visiting with my parents and seeing their brand new car! which they never told us they got! (It was purchased in late September)  Little Fritz the Dachshund was thrilled to see us and enjoyed romping about a bit on the lush green grass.

As we waited,  Randy spotted some old cars that had parked together in a row, so we went down to have a better look at them…..

Yes, I saved the best car for last….the one that really caught my eye…..

Yes, hahaha,  I really did not save the best for last….it was the last car parked in the line!  I am not sure if it caught my eye because of the bright yellow color,  or the M&M’s  decorating the sides!

One of the fun aspects of visiting at Sparague’s,  aside from their consistantly good food,  is seeing “what’s new”!  As we pulled into the new winding drivway leading to the restaurant,  we noticed an interesting addition…..

The two wooden carved horses used to greet folks as they walked up the path leading to the Sugar Maples high on a hill behind the restaurant.  Now, they are pulling a plow,  with the addition of a man guiding them!  And all this on a delightful display.  We noticed  vehicles pulling up and people getting out to take a look! 

The restaurant also has a new planter which uses the same stone as that on the base of the horse display. The planter is huge,  housing several bushes,  a small fountain,  and this adorable topiary bear!

We went inside and ate and afterwards, we lingered on and on outside in the parking lot.  The warmth of this November Indian Summer day was so conducive to lingering…..we noticed there were many people also talking and walking about outside.  It was one of those days that sends a twinge of sadness as the darkness closes in and one realizes the day really is coming to a close!

We did promise to try to make it to my parents’ home for Thanksgiving and that is something to look forward to in just a couple of weeks. That took a little of the edge off he bite of ending the “perfect day”!

Before driving home,  we rode to Cuba Lake, a few miles away.  The truck was needing a fillup and Mark thought we might find cheaper gasoline at an Indian owned  station located on a nearby reservation.  Sure enough, the price was about $.17 less per gallon,  *and* there was an attendant to do the filling!

As we passed the lake, we noticed the water level was way down.  We figured they must take it down for the winter months ahead.  This tiny lake,  by the way,  is manmade.

As you can see, the water was startlingly calm!

We arrived back home early in the evening.  Uncle Randy brought Benjamin two Lego kits to put together.  One is a fire station that is so cute!  The other is an adorable little toy shop with a Christmas theme.  I had seen that one in a Lego catalogue and thought about getting it.  I nearly fainted when Randy gave it to Ben!  (Shortlyafter arriving home at about 7,  Ben began working on the Christmas kit,  finishing it up at about 10:15!)

I am so glad yesterday was such a relaxing day, as today was wildly the opposite!  Our camper needed to be winterized,  we still need to get a “pillow” (inflatable) in the pool to finish its winterzation,  and we had firewood that needed to be stacked. 

After doing a load of laundry this morning,   I planted about 20 various flower bulbs.  Then I stacked firewood.  After that,  I climbed up on the railing of the pool and proceded to remove about 300 gallons of water and leaves….bucket by bucket!  We didn’t get the pillow inserted under the winter pool cover,  but we did winterize the camper and I am so happy to have that done.  Most all of our fall tasks are now complete……let the hibernation begin soon!