I could almost hear her saying, "I'll drive!"
Sadly, she had to stay behind. But the thought was funny.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Makayla is ready
Friday, September 9, 2011
Rain, more Rain
I have come to realize over the past week that rain is a four letter word.
In some regions of the world it is celebrated as salvation and deliverance from drought and provide hope for crops to grow and produce a bounty upon which people will survive for the next season.
In the Northeast--it means flooding, pain and suffering right now. We have had too much rain. I think of my sister in Houston and wish we could send some of the rain to her, here they really need it to help with the drought and to extinguish the fires which are destroying acres of land and many homes.
That understood, here in the Baltimore area we rejoice when it stops raining even for five minutes. Yesterday, it seemed as if we were able to walk Makayla between storms--but by evening again the rain was falling steadily.
Believe it or not, I could not find out how much rain has fallen since before Hurricane Irene visited--but I know I keep pumping water out of my pool almost daily and that the total must be well over six inches. We only average about 41 inches of rain a year.
Thankfully--it is not snow or we would likely be under 100 inches or more of that cold, white stuff.
But even so, I would like to experience the warmth of the sun again and to have my yard dry out enough for me to be able to mow it again.
All this really means, is that when the rain does stop, we will, for a bit, enjoy being outside and appreciate the opportunity to be out of the house for a bit.
Maybe tomorrow?
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
In some regions of the world it is celebrated as salvation and deliverance from drought and provide hope for crops to grow and produce a bounty upon which people will survive for the next season.
In the Northeast--it means flooding, pain and suffering right now. We have had too much rain. I think of my sister in Houston and wish we could send some of the rain to her, here they really need it to help with the drought and to extinguish the fires which are destroying acres of land and many homes.
That understood, here in the Baltimore area we rejoice when it stops raining even for five minutes. Yesterday, it seemed as if we were able to walk Makayla between storms--but by evening again the rain was falling steadily.
Believe it or not, I could not find out how much rain has fallen since before Hurricane Irene visited--but I know I keep pumping water out of my pool almost daily and that the total must be well over six inches. We only average about 41 inches of rain a year.
Thankfully--it is not snow or we would likely be under 100 inches or more of that cold, white stuff.
But even so, I would like to experience the warmth of the sun again and to have my yard dry out enough for me to be able to mow it again.
All this really means, is that when the rain does stop, we will, for a bit, enjoy being outside and appreciate the opportunity to be out of the house for a bit.
Maybe tomorrow?
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Sheldrake Point Vineyard
Last weekend we had the chance to revisit a winery on the west shore of Cayuga Lake that we first visited about two years ago--Sheldrake Point.
The setting is beautiful along the shore of the second largest of the Finger Lakes and I will confess that we almost didn't stop.
Two years ago when we last visited the winery, we were not impressed with the wines--mostly whites. They just didn't suit our palate. But we saw the sign that said that the winery was both the 2009 and 2010 New York State Winery of the Year, and so despite our remembrance, we gave it a shot.
I am glad that we did!
This winery is a gem and the variety of wines they are producing is fabulous. The whites, as you might suspect, garner the bulk of the interest and I was especially impressed with the 2010 Pinot Gris with its pear, honeysuckle, and good minerality. Their Luckystone White is a fun around the pool on a hot summer afternoon kind of wine which I also found to be enoyable.
But surprise! I found a couple of red wines to enjoy as well. The 2009 Merlot, although a bit thin by California standards is a great NYS merlot. I also enjoyed the 2008 Cabernet Franc and their 2009 Luckystone Red is interesting in the mouth with its rich flavors.
So, if you are in the area--the Finger Lakes, I recommend a trip to Sheldrake Point Vineyards--I was not disappointed.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
The setting is beautiful along the shore of the second largest of the Finger Lakes and I will confess that we almost didn't stop.
Two years ago when we last visited the winery, we were not impressed with the wines--mostly whites. They just didn't suit our palate. But we saw the sign that said that the winery was both the 2009 and 2010 New York State Winery of the Year, and so despite our remembrance, we gave it a shot.
I am glad that we did!
This winery is a gem and the variety of wines they are producing is fabulous. The whites, as you might suspect, garner the bulk of the interest and I was especially impressed with the 2010 Pinot Gris with its pear, honeysuckle, and good minerality. Their Luckystone White is a fun around the pool on a hot summer afternoon kind of wine which I also found to be enoyable.
But surprise! I found a couple of red wines to enjoy as well. The 2009 Merlot, although a bit thin by California standards is a great NYS merlot. I also enjoyed the 2008 Cabernet Franc and their 2009 Luckystone Red is interesting in the mouth with its rich flavors.
So, if you are in the area--the Finger Lakes, I recommend a trip to Sheldrake Point Vineyards--I was not disappointed.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Location:7448 County Road #153 Ovid, NY
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Who am I, Really?
The end of summer, and afflicted with this headache that will not quit, has made me a bit reflective.
September is not one of my favorite months of the year--and most anyone who knows me knows that this is true. Aside from marking the end of summer, it is also my birth month. And so, each September I am confronted anew with my own mortality and the sad realization that I am a twenty-something trapped in a fifty-something's body. Try as I might, I just can't see the upside in the equation.
I do not enjoy discovering new things that I simply cannot do as well as I used to be able to do them. Usually these things are athletic in nature, and so far I have resisted the temptation to actually damage myself proving that "I'm as good once as I ever was," or however the stupid country song says it.
I am just too competitive.
Each passing day, it seems, calls me to reexamine myself and to discover that the person that I am is not the person that I thought I was and that I hardly recognize the face looking back at me in the mirror.
I hate mirrors--have I ever told you that?
If you want a cold piece of reality--look in the mirror. Ugh. You cannot even photoshop a mirror.
So with all of the changes--it is true I'm not the same today as I was yesterday, except in my mind. I'm a legend in my own mind. I am who I was but not who I am. Just as soon as I catch up to who I am, I become who I was again.
A never ending pursuit of reality.
And then again each morning I am left with the question: Who am I, really?
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
September is not one of my favorite months of the year--and most anyone who knows me knows that this is true. Aside from marking the end of summer, it is also my birth month. And so, each September I am confronted anew with my own mortality and the sad realization that I am a twenty-something trapped in a fifty-something's body. Try as I might, I just can't see the upside in the equation.
I do not enjoy discovering new things that I simply cannot do as well as I used to be able to do them. Usually these things are athletic in nature, and so far I have resisted the temptation to actually damage myself proving that "I'm as good once as I ever was," or however the stupid country song says it.
I am just too competitive.
Each passing day, it seems, calls me to reexamine myself and to discover that the person that I am is not the person that I thought I was and that I hardly recognize the face looking back at me in the mirror.
I hate mirrors--have I ever told you that?
If you want a cold piece of reality--look in the mirror. Ugh. You cannot even photoshop a mirror.
So with all of the changes--it is true I'm not the same today as I was yesterday, except in my mind. I'm a legend in my own mind. I am who I was but not who I am. Just as soon as I catch up to who I am, I become who I was again.
A never ending pursuit of reality.
And then again each morning I am left with the question: Who am I, really?
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Sure Signs of Autumn
While visiting upstate NY this past weekend, the sure signs of Autumn were evident in the blooming goldenrod and the ripe grapes on the vines.
The Chancellor grapes hanging on the vines at the Thirsty Owl winery made a beautiful image against the sky on a beautiful Sunday afternoon. It had been an idyllic morning and a means to get away from the trials of life for a bit and do something that brings joy to both of us. Wine tasting is both fun and educational. I always learn something new every time I visit a winery.
Sometimes I have this irrational dream of owning a vineyard--that is farming after all. Imagine me, a farmer? Probably not, but it is fun to think of tending the vines and and enjoying the wines produced by the grapes from the land.
The golden rod is also in bloom. And that of course means that the allergy season is ramping up with the autumnal allergens. All too soon, the trees will don their autumn colors and closeout the seasons and begin the transition into the dark times.
But despite that, it was an interesting weekend of grapes and goldenrod and family.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
The Chancellor grapes hanging on the vines at the Thirsty Owl winery made a beautiful image against the sky on a beautiful Sunday afternoon. It had been an idyllic morning and a means to get away from the trials of life for a bit and do something that brings joy to both of us. Wine tasting is both fun and educational. I always learn something new every time I visit a winery.
Sometimes I have this irrational dream of owning a vineyard--that is farming after all. Imagine me, a farmer? Probably not, but it is fun to think of tending the vines and and enjoying the wines produced by the grapes from the land.
The golden rod is also in bloom. And that of course means that the allergy season is ramping up with the autumnal allergens. All too soon, the trees will don their autumn colors and closeout the seasons and begin the transition into the dark times.
But despite that, it was an interesting weekend of grapes and goldenrod and family.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Monday, September 5, 2011
Monday Musings - September 5, 2011
1. Happy Labor Day. I hope the weather is good wherever you are celebrating because it is rainy and downright cold in upstate NY.
2. I have been enjoying sleeping in a bit this weekend--I wonder if I should change my arrival and departure times at work so that I can enjoy sleeping in on a regular basis?
3. It is definitely football season, I have watched more college football games this weekend than I can remember watching in a long time. And I am looking forward to the Maryland-Miami game to closeout the weekend this evening.
4. The saddest part about holiday weekends is going back to work.
5. I was reviewing the projects still on the plan for this year and realized that I am beginning to get a bit behind--crown molding in the dining room, new decking, and cleaning the garage attic. Ugh.
6. I've been asked when I plan to close the pool a lot lately. Truth is, I don't know. Sometime between now and October.
7. Wineries are a good reason to visit the Finger Lakes region of NY. We visited three on Sunday morning and plan to visit two more on our trek back to Elkridge later today.
8. I found out what the combination of blooming golden rod, fresh cut hay, and newly mowed lawn causes. Nasal congestion! Break out the Claritin and Flonase.
9. I love the sound of a quiet house in the morning before everyone gets up. Maybe that's why I get up so early.
10. If the postal service defaults and mail delivery stops, do we still have to pay our bills that we won't receive?
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
2. I have been enjoying sleeping in a bit this weekend--I wonder if I should change my arrival and departure times at work so that I can enjoy sleeping in on a regular basis?
3. It is definitely football season, I have watched more college football games this weekend than I can remember watching in a long time. And I am looking forward to the Maryland-Miami game to closeout the weekend this evening.
4. The saddest part about holiday weekends is going back to work.
5. I was reviewing the projects still on the plan for this year and realized that I am beginning to get a bit behind--crown molding in the dining room, new decking, and cleaning the garage attic. Ugh.
6. I've been asked when I plan to close the pool a lot lately. Truth is, I don't know. Sometime between now and October.
7. Wineries are a good reason to visit the Finger Lakes region of NY. We visited three on Sunday morning and plan to visit two more on our trek back to Elkridge later today.
8. I found out what the combination of blooming golden rod, fresh cut hay, and newly mowed lawn causes. Nasal congestion! Break out the Claritin and Flonase.
9. I love the sound of a quiet house in the morning before everyone gets up. Maybe that's why I get up so early.
10. If the postal service defaults and mail delivery stops, do we still have to pay our bills that we won't receive?
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Cat on the Railing
There he was last evening. One of those iconic cats that just seem to survive all and over come all sitting on the railing on the porch.
Jackson, the cat, has been around it seems like forever. He is a self assured, no nonsense cat that dogs respect and for whom people are necessary only as a food source.
Jackson has seen it all and been through it all. He is an accomplished hunter and stalker.
He is the definition of the self-reliant cat.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Jackson, the cat, has been around it seems like forever. He is a self assured, no nonsense cat that dogs respect and for whom people are necessary only as a food source.
Jackson has seen it all and been through it all. He is an accomplished hunter and stalker.
He is the definition of the self-reliant cat.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Location:Hayts Rd,Ithaca,United States
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Haze Covered Hills
As we drove to Ithaca yesterday, and again this morning, I noticed the haze covered hills far in the distance like a collage by some famous artist.
The hills stretched into the distance and t one point I counted four distinct ranges--each more faint to my eyes, but still there. And as the road covered the miles the distant hills were replaced by more distant hills.
Endless it seemed.
The farmers are out working the fields bringing in the hay. Big circular bales lie in the fields ready for the winter season ahead.
There is so much work being done--even on a weekend when the weather is good.
I'm thankful that I get most of the weekend off.
But it was good to get back to an area where the landscape is defined by the majestic hills lending character and texture to the scene. And of course, that haze reminds me of the dog days of summer--one of the final weekends before the season changes for good.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
The hills stretched into the distance and t one point I counted four distinct ranges--each more faint to my eyes, but still there. And as the road covered the miles the distant hills were replaced by more distant hills.
Endless it seemed.
The farmers are out working the fields bringing in the hay. Big circular bales lie in the fields ready for the winter season ahead.
There is so much work being done--even on a weekend when the weather is good.
I'm thankful that I get most of the weekend off.
But it was good to get back to an area where the landscape is defined by the majestic hills lending character and texture to the scene. And of course, that haze reminds me of the dog days of summer--one of the final weekends before the season changes for good.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Friday, September 2, 2011
Labor Day Weekend 2011
Holiday weekends--aside from been three-day weekends, seem to excite everyone who gets to enjoy the time off. Planning for a short trip to visit family or just to travel a bit provides a much needed break from the routine of life.
Holiday weekends also provide a reason for families to get together and to celebrate being a family. I am looking forward to spending time with family just being family this weekend.
Labor Day is also one of the holidays which marks the passing of a season: the transition of summer into autumn. Although the season doesn't actually change until later in the month--it is essentially the autumn after Labor Day--which is in reality the last weekend of summer.
I can't believe it is September already. I always feel a bit sad for Ethan in September because for our family it is the beginning of a fairly aggressive birthday season which does not end until his birthday in April. It is tough being the tail-end-charlie for all of the birthday celebrations. I think everyone is a bit birthday weary by the time mid-April rolls around, but his Mom goes all out for him to compensate.
Travel, birthdays, cooler temperatures, and shorter days--September is all of these.
I will strive to keep the pool open a few more weeks--but it is already so cool that I'm not sure anyone really wants to spend time in it anyway. And propane has become so expensive that I probably won't heat it up, either.
Whatever your plans are--
Enjoy your Labor Day weekend. If you get to celebrate by having three or more days off, then celebrate. If you have to work--celebrate having a job, these are hard times. If you are traveling, be careful and thoughtful of others who are traveling with you either on the roads or in the planes, trains, and busses which will likely be full.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Holiday weekends also provide a reason for families to get together and to celebrate being a family. I am looking forward to spending time with family just being family this weekend.
Labor Day is also one of the holidays which marks the passing of a season: the transition of summer into autumn. Although the season doesn't actually change until later in the month--it is essentially the autumn after Labor Day--which is in reality the last weekend of summer.
I can't believe it is September already. I always feel a bit sad for Ethan in September because for our family it is the beginning of a fairly aggressive birthday season which does not end until his birthday in April. It is tough being the tail-end-charlie for all of the birthday celebrations. I think everyone is a bit birthday weary by the time mid-April rolls around, but his Mom goes all out for him to compensate.
Travel, birthdays, cooler temperatures, and shorter days--September is all of these.
I will strive to keep the pool open a few more weeks--but it is already so cool that I'm not sure anyone really wants to spend time in it anyway. And propane has become so expensive that I probably won't heat it up, either.
Whatever your plans are--
Enjoy your Labor Day weekend. If you get to celebrate by having three or more days off, then celebrate. If you have to work--celebrate having a job, these are hard times. If you are traveling, be careful and thoughtful of others who are traveling with you either on the roads or in the planes, trains, and busses which will likely be full.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Doctor Day
Some days just need to be devoted to things we don't like to do. Like going to the doctor.
That was my day--two different doctors who coordinated to make my life just a bit more difficult by loading me up more tests and scans.
All because I've had a killer headache for almost two weeks.
But I feel thoroughly violated (not really), but I do appreciate the diligence that they both used in examining my symptoms and trying to find something. Failing that, the kicking team came on the field and we punted.
At least it was a beautiful afternoon--enjoyed from the inside of medical arts buildings.
Maybe some answers in a week or so.
Till then--take a couple pills and call me if it gets too bad. (It already is).
But both of them are really nice and I enjoy talking to them because they listen and try to put things together, much like I do.
By the way, did anyone notice that August 2011 is history?
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
That was my day--two different doctors who coordinated to make my life just a bit more difficult by loading me up more tests and scans.
All because I've had a killer headache for almost two weeks.
But I feel thoroughly violated (not really), but I do appreciate the diligence that they both used in examining my symptoms and trying to find something. Failing that, the kicking team came on the field and we punted.
At least it was a beautiful afternoon--enjoyed from the inside of medical arts buildings.
Maybe some answers in a week or so.
Till then--take a couple pills and call me if it gets too bad. (It already is).
But both of them are really nice and I enjoy talking to them because they listen and try to put things together, much like I do.
By the way, did anyone notice that August 2011 is history?
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
