The kids said they didn’t need to go with us, but how could we leave them out?  Mark called and made reservations.

Not having any idea what to expect when we arrived, we were glad to see formal dress was not required.  We made our way inside….

I love this huge arched window looking out toward West Lake Road.  Even though the parking lot is located not far away, the view remains scenic!

A menu greeted us….I thought it was so nice that one could see the entire menu before being seated. Mark then told me this was the fare of the day for the buffet!

Because the Finger Lakes of New York State are famous for grapes, there are many wineries and micro-wineries located along all of the lakes.  And, of course,  many of the items listed on the buffet were prepared with wine.

If you enlarge the architect’s drawing below of the main floor, you can see how everything is laid out. We were first seated in the reception room, but when we saw the veranda with all of its windows overlooking Seneca Lake,  we asked if we might move out there.  Our waitress lead Mark to the room while I gathered up my camera bag and purse.  It looked like a no-go as there was a step between the entrance hall and the veranda.  Mark was about to turn around when another waitress suggested using the ramp they use for their ice cart.  Someone brought it right over and Mark was able to wheel down the small ramp to the veranda!  This place earned a *huge* plus for their accommodating nature! 

Before I left the table at the reception room,  I had to take a photo of the ornate carving in the wood!  Isn’t this beautiful?

Because we arrived early at the castle,  the tables were still not totally occupied and I was able to get a shot of the veranda….

There was a couple seated across from our table when we were seated.  By the time we left, the entire area was packed.

While we were leaving,  Mark told me to look over to our left at the conservatory. Wow! It was so pretty. I was trying to move along quickly-I was told I could photograph freely, but I kept getting in the way of waters and waitresses and customers! Oops!

This article from The New York Times, dated December, 1985, hangs on one of the walls.

If you read that article, you would note that the writer suggested the food was less than great, but that was, well, back *then*!   Now?  Well, let me ust say we ate ourselves silly!  While we typically like “homestyle” cooking,  the food at the castle was amazing!  Mark commented on the “many layers” of flavor and I think that would best describe the food.  We left very filled, very happy, and feeling quite smug.  The price for the luncheon buffet is a mere $9.99 per person.  This is an unbelieveable value!

As we left, the waitress called out she hopes to see us again.  I assured her she will!  I never dreamed that such an “upscale” place would serve such “bargain” lunches!  (I am drooling all over again, reminiscing about the delightful open-face prime rib sandwich and the three onion sirloin with chianti and toasted orzo soup! Oh, those were so tasty. But so was the braised summer squash with tomatoes.  As were the blue cheese red skinned mashed potatoes! The salad bar was so fresh, I wondered if there was a garden on the premises!  Oh my, I am hungry once again….

Along the way out, we passed through the gift shop.  Since we don’t serve wine, we didn’t look much, but I did notice some nice-looking cheeses. Hmm.

Outside the gift shop, Mr. Man O’ Luxury, AKA “Ben”, enjoyed sipping some tea…

Seneca Lake and the Belhurst Castle grounds….

Ben grabbed my camera and took a photo of Mark and me. Then he began to take MORE photos as he rolled on the ground, imitating the paparazzi!  I nearly fell on my face laughing until I realized he was rolling on the ground with my NIKON!!!!

At the edge of lawn is a deep drop off and below lies railroad tracks!  Just a short few steps from the tracks is Seneca Lake!  Belhurst has a dock located there so folks can also reach them by boat!

And, before leaving the grounds, I just had to photograph a bit of thistle to add some “Scotch” to our adventure!

Mark and I have decided….we WILL be going back her again. And again!

Mark and I were clueless about what folks do when their kids are busy!  (Okay, so that is a slight exaggeration, as we had an agenda that included running to Henrietta for a quick trip to Sam’s Club.)  Mark decided to take the long way from Victor, which meant going through the picture-perfect town of Pittsford.

As Mark drove along the road,  a thought suddenly popped into my head!  I remembered Carly telling me about a charming restaurant she frequents with her mother-in-law and her kids that sits right on the Erie Canal.  As I explained to Mark, he listened and made the appropriate turns that lead to the unique “village” of shops located there.  Mark became a little frustrated, however, trying to figure out where one parks a pickup truck in a tight area.  Also, it seemed a bit of a challenge to spot handicapped parking.

After circling around a bit,  we finally found a place that wasn’t designated for a specific business and we were off and on our way to the restaurant.  (Now, I must explain that not wanting to feel like a total tourist on vacation,  I lovingly secured my Nikon camera in its bag and tucked it under the seat. This was a little unsettling, but I have been encouraging myself to learn to take “better than good” photos with my cell phone. ) Thus, my purse, containing my cell phone wnt with us to the restaurant.

We were seated on the lower level of the restaurant,  sitting only a few feet from the Erie Canal!  It was so beautiful and I can’t imagine how the scenery could have been any more pleasing! The next two photos are of Aladdin’s Natural Eatery at Schoen Place.

Mark and I ordered and while awaiting our food to arrive, I asked Mark if it would be rude for me to walk around for just a little bit.  Mark told me to go ahead, so I walked just a few yards along the canal.  This was so beautiful and I felt like I could have walked for miles! Of course, the abundant plantings hanging from the street lamps just added to the nearly magical atmosphere!

There are cute little packet boats leaving at designated times, taking tourists on a trip along the canal.

Feeling so pleased with our little find,  I retreated back to the table with Mark.  Shortly after arriving at the table,  our food was served.  As Mark and I sat eating our big and delicious Greek salads and appetizer plate,  the little boat Sam Patch made its way past us.  Delightful. 

Mark and I were totally pleased with our experiece at this restaurant.  The food was plentiful, delicious, and the price was astronomical!  I don’t know when Mark and I have enjoyed ourselves in a very long time!

After our meal, Mark and I went to the small kiosk where tickets are sold for the Sam Patch. We discovered that although that particular boat doesn’t have access for a wheelchair,  there is another boat near Rochester that does.  The name of the boat is the Mary Jemison.  Perhaps that name rings a bell, as that is the name of the “white woman of the Genesee” whom I mentioned when we last visited Letchworth State Park. 

I think I am feeling yet another adventure coming on in the not too distant future!

The first reason is that the computer that stores the photographs is located in our office.  The problem there is that Mark is often working at the desk when I have the opportunity to work on uploading the photos.  It is pretty hard to find space to work around Mark while he is at the desk, so I kind of give up and forget about the whole process.  Of course,  the only time I ever think about the SD card is while Mark is sitting at the desk.

The second reason why my camera has nearly 1,000 images on the SD card at any given time is because I am lazy.  There, I said it!  Mark has suggested I sit down and find a good photo storage system,  but that requires work.  And, then there is the process of going through all the photos and classifying them.  Oh dear….do you think I could be allergic to such labor?

Okay, so you get the idea….I am just plain out procrastinating!  But, lucky you, Dear Reader!  I have been looking through my card and thought I would put out a little spread for you!

Spread?  Oh YES!  Mmmmm…..blame Carly, but she has gotten me on a Spring Roll kick that I cannot seem to kick!  Carly makes her Spring Rolls meatless, but I discovered that by adding some meat, these things are a whole meal! Here is a good idea of what components I use…..

Excuse the soiled tablecloth.  No matter how hard I try, that tablecloth is perpetually dirty.  I had just put it on the table after removing it from the dryer.  It was clean when I placed it on the table,  but within minutes….may be even seconds, it was soiled!

So….in the wrapper, we have Spring Roll wraps. Cheap, cheap, cheap these wraps are! AND, they require NO cooking. Yay!

In the large pasta bowl (Yes, that is a pasta bowl. I have no oriental dishes!) is Savoy Cabbage,  Snow Peas and Carrots, thinly sliced chicken that I stir-fry in a little Teryaki Sauce and garlic, and lastly, rice noodles which also require no cooking!  I very lightly steam the veggies, placing them in a colander inside a dutch oven.  I steam them about 2 minutes just so they retain their “crunch”, but don’t have such a “raw” flavor.

The tiny cup contains Duck Sauce.  Carly served Plum Sauce with her Spring Rolls,  but I really like Duck Sauce even better.  I use very little, but I like the sweet flavor.  Lastly, there are green onions which I do not steam. 

Spring Roll wrappers come in a package of 36.  A serving is 6 of the wrappers for 200 calories.  Amazing.  They look like plastic discs when removed from their package and the most amazing thing is that after dipping them into a bowl of warm water for about 15 seconds, they become very flexible!

I place the softened wrapper on my plate and load it with all the goodies!

Then it’s time to roll!

The wrappers become somewhat sticky….to themselves, making it a breeze to gently roll them up!  Two sides are folded toward the center, then we begin to roll.

And, the finished product.

Oops. I had to reroll this particular roll becuase in my effort to photograph my food, I forgot to dd the chicken!  That’s okay….I unrolled it, added the chicken, then rolled it back up.  It was delicious!

These Spring Rolls are fabulous to serve when it is too hot to cook.  They require little work and I just place the elements all out on the table.  Everyone enjoys dipping the wrapper into the water and adding whatever goodies they desire.  It really is fun.

I always think I am soooo hungry, I could eat a dozen of these Spring Rolls.  Try as I might,  I have found I can only eat two, max. 

And, speaking of food,  Michelle attended her friend’s graduation party on Saturday afternoon.  The location was out in the country and we wound up parking next to a wheat field!

Lastly,  I was on the telephone with my dentist’s wife on Saturday when a butterfly landed on my tiny Hydrangea Bush. I wonder if she heard the shutter moving as I tried my darndest to capture the little bugger!  I didn’t mean to be rude, but we don’t often see butteflies in the woods!  I did plant some Daisies that are supposed to attract them though.

That is called a Northern Pearly Eye Butterfly.  Even though a brown butterfly isn’t the most awesome-sounding species, it was quite pretty perched on the bright green leaves of the Hydrangea!

Okay, so that does it.  A diverse post tonight.  Tomorrow (or maybe the next day) I will get those photos removed from the card!  Perhaps.

After we finished eating, we went shopping for a bit and then went to my parents’ home.  It is always a treat to visit their house because there are always beautiful flowers everywhere!  I love looking at all the blooms.  I used the cell’s camera to capture some of the beautiful flowers….

I love this photo of the Mock Orange flower.  The flowers are so white and beautifully formed!

Of course, little Fritz found Michelle most accommodating when he wanted to snuggle up with her!

My mom disappeared for a little while and returned with a gorgeous wood carving Randy made. It was so petty!

We went back to our campsite and fell into bed with plans to leave again early in the morning.  Mark had plans to go shopping in Erie, PA.  We stopped long enough to pick Randy up and we were off and on our way! Our Saturday shopping excursion turned into a sauna!  The heat and humidity were so high that day, we took turns waiting in the truck with Angus and Murphy.  They were entertained by styrofoam cups from McDonald’s, and were, in turn, very entertaining!

Angus perforated one cup, trying to get to the bottom of things for a drink of water!

Eww….look at all the hair on the side of the cup!  Yuck! Murphy took his water more gracefully,  making me tilt the cup so he could drink.

We managed to stay hydrated and fit.  After our shopping spree, we called home and Mom said to come on home and she would make dinner!  We had steaks on the grill along with a stir fry and salad.  We ate outside and the food was delicious!

We left to go back to the campsite when we asked if Randy wanted to come along.  Ben has a big tent which easily houses a few campers so Randy came along.  Ben had brought some electronics and he and Randy played games until late! 

Sunday was Father’s Day here in the US, so we planned to grill a meal at the camp.  Mark made some chicken that was tasty and delicious.  My parents visited with us and we thoroughly enjoyed our surroundings!  There were very few campers near us, giving us the feeling of owning the whole woods!  Our lot was very deep with a beautiful little creek behind it.

Take note of that sweet little stream for later….

Mom, Mark, and the kids all played a game of Apples to Apples and laughed and giggled, having a good time.  When it was time to go back home,  my parents were a bit reluctant….it was such a pleasant day!  Randy stayed on and on Monday, we took another little excursion.  I will post about that later.

After Mom and Dad left the campground,  we built a nice little fire and I sat outside by myself, enjoying the quiet.  I think everyone loves just sitting around a campfire and this one felt so warm and cozy, I didn’t want to leave!  I sat, watching the flames moving about and daydreamed about the woods.

I turned around, looking at the camper with its lights on inside. Even it seemed to emit a cozy glow.

Ah, life was good.  It was as I was turning back to the fire that I noticed something moving across the property.  Oh my!  A fat little raccoon was making its way along….I called out to it to “scram!”  and wondered what I might do if the little nocturnal marauder might make its way towards me!

I slowly got up from my chair,  easing my way back to the camper.  Mark asked who I was talking to and when I told him there was a coon outside, he thought I had really lost it.  You were talking to the coon instead of scrambling inside?

Well, thought I, raccoons are known for washing their food before eating!  Perhaps it was *I* who was the intruder, after all. That little coon is a permanent resident, while I was there only temporarily….invading his space and his creek!  It matters not…all ended well!

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!

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….

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!

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!

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!

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!