Where There Is Smoke,...

This morning my cat Jennifer was acting very strange, she was going back and forth to the window, jumping in my lap and really agitated. Not long after I began to smell smoke. What I thought was fog outside was really haze from the many forest fires north of here in Quebec. The usual view is hidden, no mountains to be seen.

This is what it usually looks like,... this shot taken just before the leaves came out.



I sure hope the rain that is expected in Canada takes care of this situation. My heart goes out to those displaced by the fire and those risking their lives to fight the more than 55 blazes.

Soldiers, Family and Community...

This weekend we remember the soldiers, men and women, who have given their lives for our country. Parades, gun salutes, wreaths, flags,... all a part of that. But Memorial Day Weekend always means more to me,... it means to remember family members and community people that have gone on... As I type this post I will dedicate it to every one of those people.


The fun part of the day on Saturday took me to our family cabin on this Adirondack pond.


One grandson was exploring in a little boat with a trolling motor...


The youngest grandson was playing in the water,...


Then my older son took his nephew out fishing,...

The neighbors were enjoying their kayaks,...


My daughter had a coffee pot keeping at the ready by the campfire...


The woodland flowers are blooming,...


The pine trees are putting out little seedlings,...


And "Panda," she watched over all of us!

May everyone have a safe holiday weekend as we remember why we have the picnics and parades!

Extended Vacation,...

To all my dear readers,...

My spring break from school was so nice, and combining that with the fact that I'm not finding as much to write about lately,... I have decided to extend my break until ??? I guess in every blogger's life there comes a time when there isn't anything more to say for a while. Perhaps as the summer season gears up I'll find my voice again,... until then,..... best wishes to you all!

On Vacation,...

This week I'm on spring vacation from the school where I work. I'm also not spending as much time with the computer. Keep on blogging, my friends. I will try to catch up when I get back online next week.

Happy Spring!
Cedar

AuSable Chasm...

Near Keeseville, NY, is AuSable Chasm. A gorge worn down through the sedimentary sandstone rock. The AuSable River flows through the chasm on its way to Lake Champlain. I believe that AuSable translated is "of sand". If you follow that link to the AuSable River page you will see the arch bridge over the AuSable Chasm. As the trails weren't open on Easter Sunday when we were out for a picnic I couldn't walk to the overlook to take a picture back toward the bridge. Thank you, Wikipedia!

As I have a fear of heights so to take the tour through the gorge, along walkways won't be happening! But from overlooks near the highway I was able to get these photos for you. What do you think of those waterfalls, Betsy from Tennesee?

If you are visiting the Adirondack area, and if geology fascinates you give AuSable Chasm a look!

The Manor House And More,...

This past weekend I was in Alexandria Bay, NY for a bluegrass music weekend event sponsored by Thousand Island Bluegrass Preservation Society. It was held at Bonnie Castle Resort. The orginal part of the hotel is called "The Manor House." Here you see that portion with the dining room and conference/stage area which has been added on the front.

The white railing in the first picture is the side of the deck which is accessable by a boardwalk and stairs.
The deck and gazebo provide a wonderful place to enjoy the expanse of the St.Lawrence River flowing by,...

Looking downriver is the view above, as well as the channel marking lighthouse here,...


Across from Bonnie Castle is Boldt Castle. This time of year it looks drab and almost haunted. In the summer it is awash with brilliant colors from all the flowers that border the walkways and porches. Each year more restoration is done. I haven't visited in five years -- definitely time for me to tour Boldt Castle again!


On the back side of the Manor House is the modern motel. This is one of two buildings where the guest rooms are. The bluegrass association booked the whole hotel, so no matter where you went you could hear music coming out of conference rooms and guest rooms.

Friday night on the banquet hall stage everyone enjoyed Dave Nichols and Spare Change, and Beartracks. Saturday night was Dave Nichols again and then Acoustic Blue. Both nights were outstanding shows! One of the nicest things was seeing the next generation of bluegrass stepping up to play. I don't know these little boys, but they were playing with family members in the atrium area when we arrived Friday afternoon.

Only 51 more weeks until next year's Bonnie Castle weekend!

Catching Up,...

Today I met a former co-worker for lunch. It was time to renew old friendship and catch up on children, grandchildren and life in general. Halfway between our homes is Baxter Mountain Tavern. It was an overcast day with a steady wind. The flags on the restaurant sign were whipping back and forth. It felt like snow would start falling any minute!





A welcome sight was the cheery fireplace!
Over the fireplace is a wonderful photo of the Adirondacks by noted photographer, Carl Heilman.

Moving on past the fireplace, sofa, and through the inner dining room,...

We arrived in the second diningroom with windows giving every diner a mountain view...

Looking out from our table...

The walls are decorated with interesting Adirondack items. What could be better than a wonderful view of the mountains, a fireplace, great food and service while lunching with a friend? Thanks for a such a nice visit, Deb!