Albany, NY

Warren and I had a wonderful time in Albany today.

It is a great city.

We loved the spaciousness of this New York Capitol.

It was kind of amusing the night before when at dinner we 

asked our waitress what she would recommend to tourists

for something to do.

Her eyes opened wide and she apologetically assured 

us that there was nothing to do in the area.

She left our table and returned a few minutes later to 

let us know that she had asked around and everyone agreed.

Nope!

Nothing to do.....

Well, that was a challenge to this fun loving girl.

We had breakfast at the "shiny" diner.

There are two diners close by and when I suggested the 

diner Warren asked which one?  

We settled on the "shiny one".

It sits on a traffic circle so they were 

apparently not feeling particularly inventive

the day they needed a name

and it became The Circle Diner.

 

After a delicious meal

we headed to the big city and see what 

we could see.

The first thing we found was the Visitor Center.

It was very conveniently located and well marked.

It is a historic building that was purchased and restored.

We learned that there are few things that Albany holds

dear....

Beer

Dutch Settlements

Iron Works

Beer

Shipping

 

and 

Beer.

LOL

Just kidding.

There are a lot of references to beer but

we found our visit to this center to be

simply lovely. 

As was the young lady working at the desk.

Turns out she is an artist on Etsy too.

She does watercolors.

Can't wait to check out her shop.

Anyway....we then went looking for the

Empire State Plaza.

We found it and eventually figured out where we 

were supposed to park.

We then proceeded to find our way to the 

Corning Tower Observation Deck.

This is the tallest building between

 the Empire State Building 

and Canada. 

 

Forefront, the white oval....The Egg.  It is a huge Convention Center.

The building with the red spires on the roof....The Capitol Building.

The columned building behind the Capitol is the Education Building.

 

 The castle looking building is a College Administration building.

I think it looks like a very cool place to work!

 

 The Hudson River.

This elevator literally makes you ill.

We were both wobbling when we got off 

at the observation deck.

Warren didn't get over the dizzy feeling.

In fact his blood sugar dropped drastically 

and by the time we were safely back on the ground he 

was seriously ill.

Sweats and dizziness were the main symptoms

but he also became "foggy in the brain".

I remembered these things from having a Dad

with diabetes.

Something about the effects of the elevator really

impacted Warren.

A hurried stop for some lemonade brought him 

around but I was terrified.

In fact if I had seen a police officer or EMT 

I would have flagged them down.

Thank goodness that wasn't necessary.

This cut our time in the city short because it was so 

hot and he was still weak.

We ended up down by the Hudson River taking in the 

view and enjoying the ducks and geese so close by.

Even though it was hot there was a wonderful breeze there

and we were under huge weeping willow trees.

It was the perfect place to catch our breath before heading 

back to the hotel.

We made it back just fine and have enjoyed a leisurely rest 

of the day.  Dinner tonight was at Carrabba's.

So delish!

Then we picked up a few things at Target.

It was weird because this one is laid out exactly 

like ours at home.

Other than the low flying planes heading to the 

Albany International Airport we could have been 

in Lancaster County.

Those planes are low and loud.

You may know that I have a serious plane phobia.

Glad I don't live that close to an airport.

Tomorrow's adventure is supposed to include a 

train ride but we aren't yet sure if we'll be able to get tickets.

We shall see.

I'll let you know.

Chelsea reported that she is having a wonderful time

at her Guild event. 

She has a wonderful room mate.

For this we are all very grateful.

Hope your days are going well.

 Hugs.

Vacation

Tomorrow Warren, Chelsea and I take off on a vacation

of sorts.

We are headed North.

I've never gone this direction for vacation.

We only go South.

However, Chelsea had need to go that way for an

Art/Writing/Drama Guild she will attend.

I have, for a few years now, 

wanted to visit the area where I was born.

The Adirondack Mountains.

So.....

we are going to do it.

After we leave Jonathan, Michael 

and the Moms in charge of the cats, dogs and 

expected new chicks.....we'll head out.

Chelsea and our friend, Anthony, will be delivered

to a very special location not too far from 

New York City tomorrow afternoon.

They will join nearly 100 other young adults who are 

on a mission to impact 

the world of the Arts

for Jesus.

Warren and I will head about two hours north and 

begin our journey.

Exploring and gathering images of places where

my parents met, fell in love and married.

I hope to peek at the hospital where I was born.

Today Mom gave me directions to get to the tiny school

on the side of a mountain where my Grandpa built a home

and where my existence began.

If I were to peek inside one of the rooms of that home

I would see the very place where my dad began my 

theological training.  

Mom showed me the photo today.

I'm in my baby seat and my young, young, 

daddy was leaning over me teaching me precious truths.

How thankful I am for this heritage.

I'm going to find a fire tower and declare it 

the very one that my mom, 

very overdue, 

climbed...or attempted to climb...

in an effort to get me to decide to be born.

It didn't work.

I'm just that stubborn.

I'll have access to the internet and hope to blog

some as we go but don't worry if I don't post often.

Warren and I have never gone on vacation 

alone before so one never knows what 

we might get ourselves into.

We just might have such great adventures

hiking and sightseeing that we 

pass out in deep sleep

without posting a daily update.

It could happen.

No kiddos to slow us down.

LOL

I have visions of us white water rafting,

taking a picturesque river cruise, 

visiting a historic site (or five),

Poking through antique shops,

Taking in a free jazz concert in a town square,

and

picnicking on the shores of a great serene lake.

We might do one or more of those things.

But in any case....

we'll enjoy the change of pace.

For sure.

See you later!

Living Dangerously

Sometimes I just can't help myself.

I have to dip my toes into the dark side....

tempt fate.

Risk making my children upset with me.

This is one of those times.

Here goes.....

One of my salon owners wanted some themed candles

that were out of the ordinary.

I first came up with 

The Executive.

You can see it below...

but she felt more of her client's spouses 

were not of the Executive type.

She thought they were more like

"Macho Men".

So.......................

Macho Man came to be.

Not wanting to tread on any copyrights

I searched my photo files for something that would go on the label.

Oops!

Here it is!

So perfect.

With a little editing......

It went on the label....

And my salon owner loves it!  

Also available in my Etsy shop in case you, 

or someone you know needs a Macho Man.

LOL

Michael is fine with it...

he's hoping we'll sell a ton and he can get rich!

*grin*

That's my boy.

Some other themed candles that are in 

this salon.

 Puppy Love

The Executive

Hippy (hippie) Chick

These have been fun to develop. 

More are in the works.

I love, love, love 

my job!!

Seriously.

Quiet Evening in the Neighborhood

It all started when I went out to move the van so that when Warren got home from an extra long day of work he would be able to get past it and park his Miata in the garage. The settling light of the sun was providing a special light on the Echinacea. 

Well, that was just the beginning because then the cows and the farm across the way caught my interest.  If you enjoy photography you know that special light.  It is nearly magical.  

I truly enjoy having cows as neighbors.

They are funny, curious and just make me smile.

I noticed Georgia's car down the road and wondered if perhaps she 

had spotted our little skunk family.  

You see we've been seeing a mama skunk and her four babies 

tottering here and there about dusk,

They are adorable...even if they do stink.

However, it was not the skunk family that had Georgia's attention.

It was our neighbor, Arlene....

who definitely does not stink.

These ladies have become very good friends.

I am very thankful for this.

Good neighbors are worth their weight in gold.

Pretty soon Mom came out to see what I was up to and 

Georgia and Arlene joined us.

Conversation buzzed.

Some about happenings in the 'hood.

You know, the skunk family, a house that had sold, an upcoming bus trip,

 and so much more.

And as all of that transpired the sun continued on its way

to light the other side of our earth.

Don't yell at me...I know it is not the sun that is moving.

I'm a homeschool mom, remember?

I rudely broke into a story Arlene was sharing to ask if that was a deer I was seeing.

Turns out....there were more than one.

I didn't know until I saw these photos.

 Bet this wouldn't make the farmer happy.

Finally, Warren and Chelsea joined us.

Warren had driven by on his way home a few minutes earlier.

I don't think he believed us when we told him we were the welcoming committee

just waiting for his return.

Then another neighbor strolled on over.

By now we had both of our dogs and both of our cats hanging out.

It was quite the gathering.

Impromptu.

All because the light was right when I went to move the van.

As we all headed to our respective homes I turned around and 

noticed our Chloe and Tidbit walking along as if they were just a part of the

whole party.

Had to snatch that shot.

 

I so love our neighborhood.

Having our Moms here and all of the great friends we have made over the years.

It is a "very good thing".

Right, Martha?

I'm quite sure she would agree.

It's Her Birthday....But....

I received a rose!

I came home from getting Jonathan from work

 this morning to find a rose

waiting for me. 

I was so surprised.

Chelsea said it was for me.

But I reminded her that it was HER birthday.

She responded that it had been me on bedrest 

for months while she was in development.

Man!  Way to bring on the tears.

I am so proud of this daughter of mine.

Today she is 17.

My baby....17.

Wow!

And Beautiful!

Both inside and on the outside.

Happy Birthday, Chelsea!

English Country Dancing

I sometimes cringe when we have visitors at church and we announce

that there will be a dance at a certain event.

Not because dancing is inherently wrong....

but because there are so many styles of dance and I have 

to wonder what those visitors might be thinking.

In our case to have a dance means that we will be enjoying

English Country Dances.

They are like square dancing with more formality.

Although we aren't exactly formal.

Not by a long shot.

I'm simply speaking stylistically.

We have people of all ages and sizes

participating in the dances.

Young Kyle has been doing these dances since

he was about three years of age.

Others just began learning a couple of weeks ago.

But the real kick off for this particular group came 

during our Titanic Event.

So much fun was had that there have been requests for 

more dancing coming nearly weekly.

The young people are so enjoying this that they are willing to 

take down and set up chairs in our sanctuary each time.

Last Sunday a smaller group was able to stay

and dance but we had a great time.

I am far from graceful but this is a great workout and 

a very good time.

I don't know when we will get to dance again but I do know 

that when we do it will be with enthusiasm.

Because that is how we roll.

Tourist or Resident?

I didn't know there was such a difference between the tourist and the

Lancaster County resident until I met this 

very beautiful and special lady....

Tanza.

 See the braid?

It is special for Lancaster County.

************

You may read Marydon's blog?

If you don't you are missing out.

Well, a while back Marydon started sending me 

cryptic messages about something coming in June.

I replied to her comment but the next time she would 

ask again as if I hadn't responded.

For a moment I wondered if Marydon might be 

losing it...but I would read her posts and they all made 

sense so I just kept responding to her inquiries.

Then one day it hit me.

I looked at the screen after I hit reply.

It said "no reply"

Oh.duh!

That explained our communication snafu.

So....we finally made contact.

I found out that Marydon was going to be bringing

two ladies from California to my neck of the woods

and she wanted them to see my candles.

We arranged to meet at one of the shops

where my candles are sold.

And so we did.

I was thrilled to meet Tanza and her mother, Donna.

I took photos with Marydon and these ladies but I used their cameras and forgot to take one with mine...pout.

Such warm ladies.

Tanza was as entertaining as she found everything around her.

I have never had the opportunity to show someone around

who was as starstruck with Lancaster County as 

Tanza was.

Reminded me of the first time I set foot on St. Simon's Island, GA.

I thought I would just break into tears, 

so happy was I to be there.

To walk where the people I had so often read about had 

walked...to see the gravestones....

but enough about that.

You see, 

in that way I totally understood Tanza.

Now I kind of want to see our lovely County 

through her eyes.

I think we take it for granted around here.

We get irritated as we have to slow to pass that buggy

or blast down country roads never paying a bit of 

attention to the vistas around us. Views which draw 

people in from a world away.

We enjoyed a very delightful lunch together,

the four of us, 

and then we parted ways.

But as I drove through Strasburg I noticed

the haystacks and the buggy as I passed it 

by knowing who was driving behind me and just 

imagining the joy of the sight for her.

That makes for such a happy heart.

I'm clearly more resident than tourist

but for that one day I got to see it through different eyes.

I think that you should all come on over to Lancaster County.

It is a pretty great place to visit
or live.