Life in the Bristolwood

Nah, life isn’t so bad, really.

About five days ago, I just decided that I would kick the Pepsi habit.  Several things accounted for this big change…mainly, I am tired of my teeth!  I know the soda has done a numberon them over the years, and I also know there is no really good reason to suck down caffeinated,  carbonated sugar water!  Mark always teased me I was like the hummingbirds sipping on sugar water. 

So, deciding on something that has a little nutritive value, I bought some lemons….

WOW! I never realized just how delicious fresh lemonade is!  I have been making a fresh quart every day and everyone seems to be enjoying it along with me.  Today, I tried adding a little honey along with some sugar,  but Ben didn’t care for it. 

I also have been drinking more water and enjoying it as well. So, here’s to better health!

was that I would try to post an entry each day here on my blog.

Phooey! I have no photos today! 

The kids and I went out early this  morning to deal with the snow so Mark could plow with the ATV.  While shoveling,  I must have pulled something in my back, or twisted funny, as my back grumbled a great deal the rest of the day.

I was able to find another fun activity, though…..namely, going through what seems like zillions of receipts for items bought this year. I checked them with the statements issued by the credit card company, as well as our bank statements.  I worked on these until I thought my eyeballs would spin out of their sockets.  I had just leaned back and thought how comforting my bed would be when Ben came to the rescue, offering to further help me.  We worked together for a couple more hours, sorting and filing until we both vowed we were going to open the window and just let them sail away in the bitter winds~

I also made some hot dog buns today.  I had bought some Kosher hotdogs that I like, but they are incredibly large.  No matter what kind of buns I have bought, they always seem to come up short.  So,  I actually made the buns from scratch, even kneading them by hand!  I made up a batch of eight, and when I removed them from the oven,  Ben and Michelle were both razzle-bedazzled by their beautiful golden color.  I made eight and we each had one.  Ben and Michelle said they were good, but Mark didn’t comment….he had spent some time in the garage today, working on a wood project with Michelle.  I had made a fire in the little Jotul out there so they were relatively warm,  but they both came in and went almost immediately to bed!

The weather is the big news here….seems snow is in the forecast….over and over! Hopefully, my back will straighten back out by tomorrow! As an aside, we only got about 6 inches of the fluff, whereas my parents saw nearly 36 inches! How I miss living in the snowbelt….

Ugh! Yes, ugh!  That was the type of day I had!

Michelle and I scurried out to the Explorer later than usual this morning.  As I turned the key in the ignition,  I could hear the leak in the exhaust system, causing the vehicle to sound much louder than it should.  The Explorer growled and grumbled as we made our way down the driveway.  By the time we began climbing the hill,  I was sure the whole exhaust system was going to “blow” and Michelle and I would be left riding on a chassis with no doors, windows, and whatnot!

Understand that when I am late,  I begin to grow somewhat anxious.  I have a hard time settling down if I think I am going to arrive later than planned.  As we drove toward Canandaigua,  I could almost feel the tension running from my hands to the steering wheel.

Relief came soon enough.  As we drove parallel to the lake, the sky was just awesome.  Leaving the house so late afforded no time to dilly-dally,  so I shook my head as I passed up the most stellar photo ops.  As soon as I dropped Michelle at the school,  I did an about face, heading to the city pier.

I called Mark and he told me he could actually hear the Explorer changing gears as I climbed the hill this morning.  He advised me to take the vehicle in for an estimate.  But first,  I needed to take care of some other business.  You see,  I received a letter from the Ford Motor Company a short time ago,  advising me not to park the Explorer in a garage or anywhere that might be endangered by leaking brake fluid on another part, which causes fires! Lucky me.

I headed for the Ford garage where the service guy told me I could actually remain in the vehicle while the mechanic placed a small wire harness over the offending part.  There was no sign of leakage,  so my Explorer hadn’t been in any real danger.  The mechanic listened as I told him about my muffler noise!  He took the vehicle into the garage and hoisted it high into the air. A few minutes later,  I could hear the rumble of my wheels. The mechanic advised me to take the Explorer to a muffler place, as the Ford parts would be expensive!

I hopped on over to a muffler place where I sat approximately 45 minutes while the diagnostics were run.  I was presented with a $530 estimate.  I gulped, thanked the man, and made a hasty retreat!  Funny thing is,  I often tease Mark when he tells me he cannot tolerate certain smells.

As I sat in the customer waiting area,  my throat began to ache and burn from the thick essence of cigarette smoke.  By the time I left,  I was convinced everyone within fifty feet of me would think I resemble a smokestack.  It was horrible!

From this business,  I drove up Main Street….

I stopped at another repair shop and when the tech said the solution was a $60.  fix,  both Mark and I were elated.  I sat in the lounge there for almost two more hours.

I got homeafter one and since I had thawed out a turkey breast,  I felt like we needed to make it today.  I bustled about putting together several items for dinner.  As I left very late (the kitchen clock on the stove was set wrong!) I told Ben I would call him with instructions.

Ben rubbed the turkey with butter, then salted and peppered it.  He made a big aluminum foil tent and placed the bird into the oven.  I gave him instructions to place some acorn squash in the oven with the turkey.

When Michelle and I arrived back home, I placed some green bean casserole and stuffing into the oven.  I had made a jello dish this morning,  so everything was finally done!

As soon as dinner was over,  I told the family I really needed some rest. This was such a stressful day!

Today we went on a little unexpected day trip!

The phone rang shortly after 10:30…it was my mother. 

Today’s my birthday. Do you want to meet at Sprague’s?

Of course!

And so we were out the door and on our way!  The temperature was nearly balmy considering the time of year it is.  I remember so many snowy and blowy Thanksgiving Days in the past. Warm sunshine and breezes are a sharp contrast to driving rain and snow along with bitter blustery weather!

We arrived and I was happy to see a thermometer hung outside the restaurant….

(nice thermometer, providing an easy read in both Fahrenheit and Celsius)

We waited for a few minutes for a large corner table that we always like.  Soon we were seated and our orders were taken.  As we sat waiting for our food,  the “Sprague’s Moose” who makes some appearances from time to time entertained customers as they ate.  The moose disappeared,  then reappeared outside the restaurant, dancing about, much to the delight of the tots eating at the tables inside….

The food was as terrific as always.  This restaurant never fails to amaze us, as the food is consistantly consistant!  No matter what one chooses, the food is good!

Our waitress was absolutely phenomenal….she served us with more than a smile! She was so attentive and offered a song when I discreetly confided today was my mom’s birthday!  As we were eating,  the waitresses and waiter came over, offering a round of “Happy Birthday to You”!

We brought along a cheesecake for dessert, as that is one of Mom’s favorite desserts.  Our waitress not only brought small dessert plates, napkins, and clean forks,  but a candle for Mom’s piece of cake!

After finishing our meal,  Ben called to me to go over and “see the birds”.  The restaurant has three large birds in a big cage and they were quite interesting. Two of the birds seemed to be involved in an exceedingly intimate discussion…..

while the third looked like he was flossing his beak!

I snapped a photo of the pretty gift shop as we were leaving….

This gift shop is so cozy, offering not only a vast array of maple products (made there) but all sorts of lovely little gift items as well!

After leaving,  I had to take a little jog (literally!) down near the road to photograph the bear family that graces the lawn….

Aw, look at little Murphy sitting with the bears!

and Michelle and Ben hung out with the Pilgrims and Indians as well!

As we hopped into the truck to head on home,  I took a shot of the beautiful sky and Enchanted Mountains…..

What a lovely day this was and I am so fortunate to have such a wonderful Mom to celebrate her special day with!  Happy Birthday again, Mom!  Thanks for such a fun day!

Our Thanksgiving Day was just awesome!  We got up at about 5 am to get ready to go to visit my parents and Randy, and my older brother, Bob.   We were out the door shortly after 7, and arrived at about 10:30 at my parents’ home. 

We spent the day relaxing,  watching some television (gasp! I never do that!)  and visiting. 

We ate at about 1 and let me tell you, the food was fantastic!  There was turkey, roast beef, and even chicken!  We had tasty cranberry/ jello dish, rolls,  salad, and sweet potatoes, and stuffing.  And speaking of stuffing,  we all stuffed ourselves!  My compliments to the cook….Mom, everything was beyond awesome!

Yes, I took the new camera with me, but we got so busy with all that was going on,  I barely took it out! 

However, there was one little fellow who provided so much entertainment, I found myself laughing over and over!

As soon as I placed the camera bag on the couch, little Fritzmeister began diving in with his long nose.  I have no idea why he was so attracted to the bag,  other than perhaps he smelled “Scottie scents”!

As soon as I rested on the couch, I was pounced upon by Fritz, receiving a rather ambitious cleaning! Fritz loves “kissing”, and he really likes me!  However,  I was not the lone victim!

I know…I should have photographed all the people…the food….the essence of the day.  However, I just plumb didn’t do it. 

As we left to come home,  I asked Mark to drive through downtown because I wanted to see if there were pretty Christmas decorations.  I love the decor they chose….

Well, not much in the form of photos, but we all had such a satisfying day!  We were home again at about 8 this evening.

My mother showed us an article in the local newspaper that announced the official Christmas shopping season has now begun.  Tomorrow is Black Friday.  That means crazed, glassy-eyed shoppers arriving at stores in the middle of the night,  hoping to score big savings on Christmas gifts for themselves and others.  Sorrowfully, I must say, I shall indeed be counted amongst those numbers.  Yup, Miss Michelle has gleaned all the sales flyers,  making her list and well, in a few short hours,  we will be out “there”.  Ah, nothing like a teenage shopping diva in the house!

Wish me luck.  I’m sure I shall be needing it!

Well, probably not.  That’s okay.  Life has just been so busy lately.  It seems like I am in constant motion and getting very little done.  Forget about my hibernation theory,  cause I am sure it just isn’t gonna happen.  Not any time soon!

Michelle wanted to have a birthday party,  but she wanted to do it when all of her friends would be able to make it.  She decided on a Sunday afternoon and tomorrow is the day.  She chose to keep it small, and have a dinner party.  The fare for the party will be my version of spinoccoli;  that was Michelle’s personal request.   We worked this morning, making up some 20 servings.  Now, all I need to make tomorrow is the alfredo sauce, which is easy enough. 

The past couple of days have been spent running around….trying to get some loose ends sewn up.

This afternoon, we went out to Victor…I had three stops and Mark had a return to Home Depot.  WOW!  All of the stores are located near the mall and to anyone observing, it looked as though the Christmas shopping season has officially begun!  The parking lot was wall-to-wall vehicles and Mark had to drop me off and cruise around the lot! If it is this bad now,  I cannot imagine  the weekends until Christmas!

My camera has been gathering dust lately.  Both cameras, actually!  Responsibilities keep calling out my name!  Which leads me to believe….perhaps I shall CHANGE my name!!!!  Bah HUMBUG!

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!

Sorry to have disappeared for a time, but I feel like I am standing on the “railroad tracks of life” and the train keeps running me over and over!!!  Perhaps not the best analogy,  but close to how I percieve life lately!

The kids had a party here on Saturday night.  One of the main reasons was because their friend,  Jonathan,  was home from college.  The kids love any reason to “congregate” and of course,  we were all anxious to see Jono!  The kids also decided to do a “Capture the Flag” game in the dark!  Ugh!

The few photos I did mangae to take didn’t come out very well,  but here they are…

Before venturing forth into the woods (in total DARKNESS!)  I made the kids a meal of  Chicken Flambe and Twice Baked Potatoes.  Yes, the “flambe” is supposed to have the little doodad over the “e”, but….. And no, “Chicken Flambe” was not entirely planned! 

You see, I generally make chicken on the grill for our (smallish) family of four.  That might mean only eight pieces of chicken on the grill at a time.  Well,  if one puts, say,  twenty pieces of thigh meat *with* skin…..well….let’s just say I am quite grateful to still be “wearing” my eyebrows and bangs!!!  When I opened that grill cover,  I could not believe the seemingly attacking flames lapping up at me!

Fortunately,  I moved quickly and all of the pieces of chicken were saved!  I had made up a batch of my homemade barbeque sauce and nearly killed Carly by having her taste the spicy, savoury mix!  Carly did not acquire my liking or perhaps ability to tolerate hot or spicy food!

The kids finished their meals and went out into the woods,  most everyone dressed in camo.  It was so fun as Mark, Carly, and I watched from th back deck.  We could see the glowing “flags” shining in the darkness and every now and then,  we would hear voices.

Carly looked at me and asked if perhaps we ought to add an element of “confusion” by wandering up into the woods ourselves.  Sounded like fun to me,  but I have to admit,  I havn’t giggled so hard in a long time.  Carly had to “shh” me a few times.  I always fancied myself as being fairly graceful in the woods….but not in pitch black!  Egads!

Carly and I visited one fort, then the other.  As we sneaked up on the second fort,  one of the guards spotted us and shined a headlight on us.  I was giggling uncontrollably by this time and was nearly swept away by a zealous young man who called out “Gottcha”!  The look on his face when he actually discovered “who” he had captured was priceless! I stood to walk toward the fort,  but my long skirt I was wearing tangled in a small sapling and I fell nearly flat on my face.   I giggled even more,  covering the fact I had hit a rock on my left eye as I fell.  It wasn’t serious, but the giggles covered the total embarrassment!

After the game,  the kids were chilled to the bone and all wanted to hop into the hot tub!  Egads….at one point, there was a grand total of nine bodies submerged!  And Alex brought along his lighted frisbee to add a little drama! (That would be the red lights…the blue is from the lights in the hot tub. )

Our guests left about 11:30 pm, and I felt dead-on-my-feet,  as I had been on them the enire day!

Sunday, the kids worked around the garage preparing to bring in loads of firewood. (HOW does a garage get so full of clutter and STUFF?)  Then,  we drove over near Penn Yan to deliver the kids to a birthday party.  We had to pick them up again at nine, so we just drove around and “hung out” for a few hours. 

So, today (Monday) should have been a day off? No way!  Today, as Mark and Michelle gathered firewood from the woods, Ben and I cut even more firewood!  We worked until about three, then I made lunches.  Shortly afterward,  I felt terrible and rested.  I am still feeling kind of “ugly”….not too sure, but thinking the cold (it was quite chilly the entire day) and fumes from cutting with the chainsaw got to me!

I cannot wait to see all of the firewood neatly stacked and waiting in the woodshed for the winter ahead.  The weatherman is suggesting a cold and snowy winter this year….time will tell!

This morning,  after bounding out of bed and doing my daily chores,  I decided to use some of the grapes I picked up yesterday.  Concord Grapes are one of my favorites!

I love the purply-blue skins on the Concords.  I also have a lot of fantastic memories of going to Lake Erie vineyards and orchards as a youngster….My parents would take us to pick bunches of the sugary treats fresh from the vines.  If I close my eyes and breathe in deeply,  I can smell the luscious seasonal bunches!  We usually picked a bushel or two of Cortland Apples first, then we would head to the vineyards.  We were handed sharp clippers to make short work of snipping bunches into our waiting baskets.  We would fill the baskets as full as possible, then set them on a huge scale to be weighed….Oh, what memories!

So, in honor of my childhood memories,  I created four quart-sized jars of grape pie filling…..

And baked a fresh crumb-topped grape pie.  I cannot wait to taste the pie as I added a few litle “extras” into both the pie as well as the topping.

Memories….the stuff we are made of… Memories are so fabulous so long as they don’t trip us up!

I got up with the Scotties a little later than usual because I had to knit a few rows on the sleeve for my new sweater.  The boys are pretty patient in the morning,  and today they waited without making any fuss as the needles moved along….

When we made it downstairs,  there was a strange “look” in the house.  I looked outside the French doors on the back deck and noticed that everything looked as though it had been “bathed” in orange!  Even the air itself seemed like there was a funny color to it!

As the Scotties ate their breakfast, I went out the door with my camera.  I looked up in the sky

As the “cloud” made its way east, it became less and less “colorful”.

Since we had no major plans to do anything special,  I spent a good deal of the day reading and knitting.  I finished one sleeve for my sweater yesterday, then sewed the fronts to the back at the shoulders.  I thought the sleeves would be so easy to complete,  but all the cabling was driving me nuts!  I don’t need to read the pattern as the instructions are now imbedded in my brain,  but there is so much fiddling around with cables!!!!

This shows the detail on the front….

and the sleeve…..

I am determined to finish this bugger up by the weekend!  After finishing the sleeve yesterday,  I finished the neck edge as I was reluctant to begin the second sleeve!

Mark and I watched another Sabres preseason game last night,  which was another win for Buffalo! Yeah, go Sabres!  They played Washington last night, which is another team they have a hard time beating.  Now, if only they could continue on during the regular season!

Michelle and Mark made a fantastic barbeque sauce they found the recipe for on the internet.   I cooked boneless skinless chicken thighs on the grill for dinner and then swirled them around in the sauce.  I also made green bean casserole and once dinner was served, there was a lot of lip-smacking going on!

Now, if only I could figure out how to make the house self-cleaning…..