Gallivanting

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary gallivant is defined as, "to travel, roam or move about for pleasure."
I have been doing just that this weekend.
I have traveled from the shores of Lake Ontario to the hills of Allegany County.  I have visited farm markets, Amish baked goods stands, country stores and historic landmarks. 

I have, indeed, gallivanted.  I consider it one of the most pleasurable parts of summer.  It leaves me refreshed and full of ideas.
To summer, gallivanting, fresh ideas and pleasurable moments!!!

Memorial Day Images and Some Thoughts

I love Memorial Day weekend.  I really do.  It is the official start of summer in my area and I so look forward to it.  More often than not, I go to my local parade.
There are horses...

Old cars and men throwing candy...

Members of the community displaying their patriotism...

My favorite - dogs...
Is she not the most adorable dog you have ever seen?
She was not only dressed for the occasion, but she smiled through the entire parade!!!
Such a sweetheart :)

And who doesn't love a guy on his tractor?
I know I do...

Let's not forget the real reason that we are there.  For if it were not for the men and women that serve our country, all of the wonderful things we have (life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness to name a few) would just be a mere thought. 

So to all the veterans and their families (wives, husbands, sons, daughters, mothers, fathers, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins), my family thanks you...

for the sacrifices you have made.
For the good of us all.

The Last Bits of Summer

I wish I could hold on to summer, but I can't...

there are signs of fall all around me reminding me of its imminent return...

However, it is not here yet so I have decided to put my feet up...

and enjoy the last bits of summer...

with my family...

enjoying all that it has to offer...

and I will...

savor every minute of it...

and when it is time for fall to officially arrive, I will greet it too with open arms :)
Have a great night!!!

Let's Hitch a Ride

We can go to Martha's Vineyard...
Ocracoke Island...
You name it...

And we'll go there in comfort and style!!!

A Few of My Favorite Things About Summer

are fresh fruit salads...

and Shasta daisies...

Don't they both just put a smile on your face?

A Busy Couple of Weeks

I have been an extremely busy girl this month.  In addition to going on a vacation to Cape Cod, I went to Toronto with my friend Melissa and watched the Toronto Blue Jays beat my beloved New York Yankees 10 - 7.

I am OK with it :)  Because you see, we had such a great time.  I renewed my passport and went on my very first bus trip.  I gotta tell you - I don't think you can beat em.  You get on the bus, relax and (in this case three and 1/2 hours later) you are there.  It's a good deal.  We had great seats on the third base line, and...

we got to see him too :)  That is Mr. Derek Jeter in case you are wondering :)  That boy is worth every penny he earns :)
I also went to the Wyoming County Fair with Dave where we saw many animals and hand crafted items, Dave enjoyed a beef on wick and I enjoyed a hot dog.  And for my very first time, I went through historical buildings that I did not even know were there.  New eyes I guess.  

We spent $7.00 that night ($5.00 for the beef on wick and $2.00 for the hot dog).  Money well spent on a truly old time fair.
I have walked faithfully every day (unless it has rained - which it has - and I am most thankful for :)

While walking on the trails through the woods, I have seen turkeys roosting in trees...  

and bucks watching me :)

Nearer to the house, sunflowers that Dave planted late this summer have bloomed and, I must say, I find them wonderful.

Cutting of the fire wood continues - Dave cuts it, DJ splits it and both stack it.

Meals are shared...

and life continues as summer fades into fall...

at the little red house in the 35 Acre Wood.
Have a great night :)

Have You Noticed It?

The days are getting shorter, there is a crispness in the air each morning, and light is shining just a little differently.  I notice this every August.
I noticed it this morning when I woke up to the birds chirping a little later than usual and when I took my dogs for their nightly walk and had to wear a sweatshirt.

I notice it on the trails I walk with the dogs...

 as they are lined with Queen Ann's Lace...

and fleabane... 

Wild thimble berries are ready to be picked.
I think I may make a crisp using them this weekend.

Look at how many shades of green there are...

I even saw a beehive.  I've walked these trails all summer long and never noticed it before tonight.   

We have even begun stacking wood. 

Before you know it, I am going to be getting out my knitting needles, making soup and grabbing books from the library.  But not before I put on my jacket and head out on the trails with my dogs.  Never.

A Cape Cod Vacation

We just returned home from a week spent in Cape Cod, first time in almost 20 years.  It is really beautiful there.  National seashore, hiking trails, farm markets, cottages, light houses, golf courses, a winery,  exquisitely prepared food and time spent on the beach are but a few of the things we were fortunate enough to enjoy.
We stayed in this sweet little cottage...

on the bay...

where visitors can sit and enjoy reading the morning paper...

It was actually pretty cold on our first official full day there.  The temperatures were in the mid 60s.  Don't get me wrong, I really enjoyed it.  It has been way too hot for my taste this year, but making the transition from high 80s/low 90s to mid 60s takes a little getting used to.  However, it is the perfect temperature for hiking...

While hiking, we met a couple who informed us that there were approximately 400 gray seals swimming off the coast just a few short miles away.  I'd never seen any before, so off we went...

We kept our distance and observed them swimming off shore.  I have to say, they are BIG!!!  Way bigger than what I expected.  And they are cute :)

Monday - we golfed.  Let me just clarify that Dave and DJ golfed.  Me - notsomuch.  Not into golf unless you need a professional photographer, ball spotter or beer wench.  Don't get me wrong, I am not bad at it - I just do not take it as seriously as these guys do.  But when the course looks like this - Yeah, I'm there, I'm your girl.
It is the second oldest links course in the country (1892).
It boarders this little, old lighthouse right here...

and the most charming local museum...

 

 

We shopped and ate locally - preparing meals from food purchased at local farm stands or dining at one of the many wonderful restaurants in the region.

I think what I like most about Cape Cod is the lifestyle.  The people who live there year round are hardworking, creative individuals.  At least in the area where we stayed, it is not commercial at all.  The residents are both naturalists and artists.  They are creative and can think outside of the box.  They make do with what they have and have warm and inviting homes.  Not big, dinosaur homes, but quaint, charming homes full of character.  And really, how much does anyone really need?  As my Mom has always said, "All anyone really needs Marcia is a roof over their head, a good meal, clean clothes and a bed to sleep in."
Amen Mom.

Add a little ingenuity, and we're going places :)