Naigara Falls

I have photos to post, but we are in a state park tonight just outside of Niagara Falls, in the town of Youngstown, and no wifi, and slow signal.  So stay tuned for photos from Cooperstown to present!

The campsite is Called 4 Mile Creek, and sits on the banks of Lake Ontario, which we can see through the trees from our coach.  Couldn't get a site lake front, but we walked down to the lakes edge and watched the sunset tonight.  Clem had to be dragged of course...."I have seen lots of sunsets."  "Well, you never saw one on Lake Ontario!"

It is the smallest of the Great Lakes, and yet HUGE, 193 miles long, 53 miles wide, and 850 feet deep at its deepest point.  A LOT of water!!  You can see the Toronto Skyline directly across on a clear day, and though there was a bit of a haze this evening, we could make it out.  A 1800 foot needle like structure, (think the Seattle Space Needle) , looked like a tooth pick.....well, maybe a ruler!  Anyway, it was pretty neat.

We had a bit of difficulty getting the coach level on the grass parking space.  Kind neighbors came over and made a few recommendations, and we finally got it level.  They are from California, and though they have only used their motor home in the past for weekends, and  a couple of weeks for vacations, they decided this year to spend 6 months in it.  They visited Virginia and New York City, and are headed in the same direction we are, on their way back, and looking forward to visiting Washington state and Oregon.  They are visiting the National Parks.

When we checked into the campsite near Cooperstown, a 40 foot Phaeton was just in front of us, and they were from California, too.  they were headed in the opposite direction, having just left Chicago, and were heading to Boston, which we had just left.  They are visiting baseball sites, it seems, as he said all he needs to see in Boston is the ball field, and he'll be happy.

Anyway, after getting leveled out and set up and chatting for a while, we decided to drive to the Falls and check it out.  Amazing rush of water, and the spray drifting way up into the air, did not disappoint.  Something like 700,000 gallons of water per second flows over the edge crashing down.  We walked along the waterway to the Bridal Veil falls, and then Horseshoe falls, which may be even prettier.

After all I have heard, I had expected real honky tonk surrounding, and I have to say I have seen beach towns that were much worse.  With the exception of a huge building screaming souvenirs , food court, and the like, and guys flagging us down to park in their lot, I didn't think it was bad at all.  And the State Park where the falls are is very pretty.....pleasant , manicured, clean.  Now, I know they say the Canadian side is prettier, but they are the same falls, so I guess I would have to see it .  Which we won't do this time, as I have let my passport expire!  

Rochester, and it's hotter than....................Florida!!!

George Eastman home

I didn't believe the thermometer on the coach when it said 95 degrees, but it was apparently correct!!  Someone at the campsite said it hit 100 yesterday.  Yikes!!
We checked into a really neat KOA,  which had swimming pool, shuffle board, horseshoes, fishing, and even paddle boats!  We did none of those things!! We went instead  to the Eastman Home and Museum .  Good day to be inside and take refuge from the heat, though the swimming pool would have been nice, too.  And the Museum, while very interesting as far as George Eastman, Kodak invention, and the advances in technology, was not what I expected in the way of images.  I had expected thousands.  And perhaps some really wonderful photography, and was disappointed in that regard.  The home, in which the museum was housed, was beautiful.  It was neat to be able to walk around and explore, as the galleries were installed in the various rooms.

We passed by Utica, NY, which always reminds me of Utica Club Beer and their neat advertisements with talking mugs Schultz and Dooley.  Thanks to my sister, I have them , and I love them!  I just looked up the beer , and though they are no longer on the site, I saw that Utica Club was the first beer produced after prohibition!  You can see a commercial on u tube     http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZSJt6M7wfo&feature=related

Reading

Traveling like this  seems to spark interest in reading things I never thought about.  The last trip made me want to read the Grapes of Wrath, which I have to admit, I have not yet accomplished.  This time I decided to be more proactive, and I downloaded the Last of the Mohicans.  But I had barely started reading when David recommended I read Steinbeck's Travels with Charley.  It is about traveling across country in a camper with Charley, the poodle!  I downloaded that and was immediately sucked in.  They have just arrived, coincidentally, in New York State, having gone through New England!  Wonder what comes next?!

Cooperstown, NY

What a lovely town!  With its small size, and obvious reliance on agriculture, we are amazed at the wealth of beautiful architecture.  Stately old homes with tons of gingerbread trim.  And a huge, very upscale lake resort on Lake Otsego, called the Otesaga Inn.  Otesaga is an Iroquois word meaning "a place of meeting."  The lake is vast and beautiful, with the tree line coming right down to touch the edges.  It's knickname is Glimmerglass, which is highly appropriate.

Cooperstown is the birthplace of baseball, where Abner Doubleday was said to have invented it,  and where the Baseball Hall of Fame resides.  We arrived at our campsite just out of town, plugged in, pushed out and headed out in record time.  Clem was very anxious to visit.   I will have photos to post, but wanted to catch up while I can use Clem's cell phone as a hot spot.  I love the campsite....we are deep in the woods, with only the chirping of birds to break the silence.   But there is no cable or wifi.  And I will be driving today to our next destination.  I enjoy driving the back roads....so much more to see. ....but it makes Clem nervous.  He is not yet as comfortable with the coach as I am in general.  And I am still the back up queen!!  haha!!    We extended our stay here another night, and visited the Fenimore Art Museum and Fly Creek Cider Mill, and strolled the downtown at our leisure.  That is, after all, why we bought our own RV.  So as not to have to rush to get it back when we wanted to spend another night!

The other thing we learned about Cooperstown, is that it is home to the author James Fenimore Cooper, and yet named for his father, a landowner of thousands of acres of New York, and a judge of prominence.  Most of those beautiful homes were owned by relations.  He married a woman by name of Fenimore, and their 6th and most famous son was the author.  His most famous works, which he penned on a bet from his wife, were the Leatherstocking Tales, among which was the Last of the Mohicans.  Most of his work was based on his life here and influenced by the lake.  The region is called the Leatherstocking region because of the leather protective garments worn by the people.

The rolling hillsides take me back to my youth, as I grew up not far from here.  It is interesting how you can go from state to state and feel the difference brought on by  the topography.   And fall here is unequalled, with the blaze of colors ranging from rusts, through shades of red that literally glow, to yellows.  And the hills are covered in deciduous trees, so they are en masse.  You really can't imagine it until you have seen it.  As a kid I remarked to my mother when looking out a window that the hills looked like a bowl of Trix.

Grace turns 6!

Not usually much for  creative work, she concentrated on getting the stickers on these cars, which she loves probably more than anything!  She told us she wants to be a race car driver!

She is also intrigued by anything Batman!

With her gift, we gave her a mini RV, which was received with a knowing grin, and pointing to Grandpa!  

We Thoroughly enjoyed a little time with Grace on Friday,  on the swings, blowing bubbles and playing games while her Mom picked Emma up from Brownies.  For her party everyone enjoyed a jumping house....even the adults got in on it.  The weather turned to a splendid 70 degrees and low humidity day. 

The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere

For anyone who might be interested in reading the poem,  I have added a link here.
Sarah Palin may be especially interested!


It has always been one of my favorite poems, and I can recite the beginning stanzas, believe it or not!  Having lived here and visited the Old North Bridge in Concord and the homes of many of the patriots and authors, and seeing historic markers where these events took place, it is even more meaningful.  I thought you might enjoy reading, or re reading,  the poem in its entirety.  I know I did.

(CLICK ON TITLE ABOVE, OR SEE LIST OF LINKS ON THE RIGHT)

Stuff and such......

Uno's Deep Dish Pizza!   Chicago style pizza,which we loved when we lived there, is available here.  A real treat! Always a debate about who has the best pizza......Chicago or NY.  Totally different, so I vote for both!  

This cart escalator in a two story Target was amazing to us!  Had never seen anything like it.  

Weather has turned dramatically cooler, and we have gone from air conditioning to heat in the motorhome!  A chilly 50 degrees this morning, with high predicted of 71.  Maybe a bit more like normal for this time of year.  Our car is green with pollen, and I am sneezing up a storm!  Guess there will be no swimming pool today!  

The Freedom Trail

 We went into Boston today and walked along the trail, which is actually bricks marking the way along many historic sites.  Though I had seen several already, I had not walked the trail, nor gone into some of them.  I have selected a few photos, and will put more up in an album.  Note you can go to those by clicking on "photo stream" that I have added to the page.


I love this first building, the old State House.

The Union Oyster House is the oldest continuously operating business, and Daniel Webster was a regular customer!

This is Paul Revere's home, and we toured inside.  No photos allowed.  Longellow's poem about his midnight ride has always been one of my favorites.   Longfellow's home, by the way, is in Cambridge Ma, just across the river.  

This grave stone from 1695 was the oldest I noticed in Copp's Burial Ground on a slope where the earliest burial sites dated to 1660.    

We also went into the Old North Church, from which hung the lanterns on the night of the famous ride.    

lovely morning for a walk around the camp BEFORE the storms came!

Cute little cabins for rent.

And one of the other motor homes came from far away.  

Clem and I went out yesterday to run some errands, and when we returned, we had neighbors all around!  Now, I was pretty spoiled to have the place to ourselves, but visited with some of the folks during our storm watch, and again this morning on the way out.  One side of us has folks from Florida, the other side are folks from Mass who were wintering in Florida.   The coach above was spotted on my walk around.  I actually selected a site for next years stay!  :-)  

Tornado in Massachusetts?

That was one for the books!  It was a crazy afternoon of watching the news on TV, and wondering if we were in its path.  We were wondering if we should leave the motorhome and head for something with a foundation, when a knock came at the door.  The management of the park requested us to come to the office building as the storm approached.  We went, and waited until is passed.  The sky and air took on the eerie green I remember from the days we lived in Chicago, but we saw only rain and lightening.  Thankfully we were spared, but feel bad for those whose homes were destroyed around Springfield.  Has been a tough spring weather wise for many.

Minutemen

I had a photo of last years parade after all!

BBQ at the camp

Friends David and Cindy joined us for a cookout and bonfire at the new campsite.  Cindy said it takes her back to her childhood, when she camped on family vacations.  5 kids to a tent!   Our motorhome has a big label on the back that says "Roughing it Smoothly."  Very apropos!

We had Chris and Marcia and the girls over Sunday evening for bbq and a game of ladderball, then a fire and s'mores.  I was busy playing ladderball and getting dinner, and no photos!!  We also learned you need to buy wood for a good fire, which we did tonight.  Along with starters!

Moving Day

No big surprise for the Russo's!  We moved from Brookline, N H to Littleton, Ma. to Minuteman, the park that was booked for the holiday weekend.  We drove tree lined roads, dotted with farm stands along  the way.  This is definitely the place to be.  Big trees everywhere, a nice pool, game room, play area for the kids.  Very pleasant.  The pine aroma is wonderful.  We put laundry in, and played ping pong while it washed, then went in the pool while waiting for the dryer.  As you can see, we had the pool to ourselves.  It is very pleasant here, and we will definitely return.  

It rained on our parade!

We missed the parade this year, and I wish I had photos from last year's parade to share with you.  The Minutemen march in the parades here, in tricorn hats and muskets, and fife and drum corp.  It really is very neat.  So New England!   

The other thing that is so neat about the holidays here is the sheer number of flags and buntings on buildings.  The town had not one, but TWO flags on each light pole.  And I passed one house with white picket fence, and they had a small flag on every single fence post.  So neat to see all that red white and blue waving in the breeze.  

A little R&R at the camp site

Our little soccer star

Emma, 9, loves all sports, plus dance, and is a busy little girl!  Soccer and gymnastics are her favorite, she tells me.  Nice to be here to see her play!  

Dear Readers.....

Now, I know I have more readers than those who have registered as followers, as I do get occasional emails from you.  I would LOVE it if you would register as a follower.  And would love your comments at any time.  Good, bad or indifferent!!  :-)

Went out to dinner last night with the kids, and Grace and Emma , upon hearing we were going out, started jumping up and down with their suggestion of where to go.  Japanese steak house.  You know, where the chef twirls the knives and throws food!  What could be more fun for a kid , right?  Well, when he made a volcano and scorched our eyebrows, Grace (almost 6!) leaned over to me with a big smile and said, "didn't I pick a good restaurant?!?!"  

And into Massachusetts

We left very early this morning to beat the traffic, and headed out of metro NY area, and into New England.  As we entered Massachusetts, the rolling tree covered hills greeted us, and reminded us once again what a beautiful area this is.   Stone walls lining ancient farmland, towns created in the 16 and 1700's, historic buildings with placards declaring their beginnings.  The birth of our nation took place here, and the history is here to relive. And the beauty of the countryside awaits us.  I will have lots of photos for you!

But now, we have set up camp and rested a bit, and are setting out to see our son and his family!

Over Hill and Dale......

We played golf on an Executive course at a state park.  Some interesting holes, paths, and lies!  A gorgeous day, sunny and breezy, though it got pretty warm by the end....especially dragging those carts up and down the hills.

Liberty Hall

Arlene and I enjoyed a visit to Union, NJ, and the home of the first Governor, William Livingston.  A subsequent line of historical figures lived here, including a signer of the Declaration, and senators and governors, all descendants, amazingly.  Including Governor Keane.   Starting as a  fourteen-room Georgian-style house, built in 1772,  Liberty Hall stands today as a fifty-room VictorianItalianate mansion. 


It sits on the grounds of Keane University, and we learned the family and the University are pronounced "Kane", rather than phoenetically.   We were fortunate enough to be the only ones on tour at that hour, and led by a knowledgeable and enthusiastic docent, who gave us a wonderful tour, and a lot of information about the era as well as the home, and answered all of our questions.  It was like a personal conversation.  Pretty neat.   Because the home has always been in the family, he said nothing has ever been thrown away , and they are still finding amazing things from the 1700's in boxes in the attic. And they really did save everything.....receipts, and ledgers, which give great documentation to the articles in the house.....all original.   A real treasure.

Arelene and Paul's RV Park, Little Ferry, NJ

They practically insisted that we cancel our park reservation, and stay in their driveway!   When I said it would not fit, Paul went out and measured and assured us it would.  As you can see , it just made it!  The front wheels were in the air with the levelers down, but it fit.  Arlene was waiting on the stoop, and was, I believe, astounded, that I DROVE the behemoth, let alone backed it up.  And maneuvered it into the driveway in one shot, no less!  Truth be known, I was pretty proud of myself.  I am really getting the hang of backing into a space.  Clem just lets me do it, since I seem to have a knack for it.  Arlene, as you can perhaps see, is even more diminutive than I am.  Clem calls us the midgets!  She and I have a very unique friendship, built not upon living near each other, or going to school together, but rather having gone to gymnastic camp together.  We met at subsequent camps, meets, and competitions, and she spent time in summers at my house in upstate NY, where she came to know my family.  And my family razzed and teased her, and threw her in the pool, and yet she remained my friend!  In those days it was letters traded back and forth , and as we became adults, we stood up in each others weddings, and then she has followed us around and visited us in each place we have lived, with the exception of Florida.  Now a life goal.....to visit us there!  haha!  We did the math this visit, and it turns out we have been friends for 50 years!  Now , if that doesn't make us feel old!!!

Gassing up in NJ

WE have lived in the only two states in the nation that don't allow you to pump your own gas!  Oregon, and NJ.  But that is not why this photo was taken.  I leaned out of the drivers window to capture this meeting, as they discussed our motor home.  It is a conversation starter!  They laughed and chatted away as the tank filled.  But the really funny part is that, while I was standing up and leaning out, an attendant came across the lot towards us, and stretched his arms up to me, and called "Rappunzel, Rappunzel, let down your hair!"  ( He actually said Rapeezel, but I knew what he meant, and gave  him credit for knowing the story!!)  Oh, I said,......I cut it off!!  Now, he retorts, how am I going to save you?????  Very cute!  should have gotten HIS photo!  

is dinner ready?

Traffic Jam Photos

Unusual flower

I spotted these along the waters edge in Savannah, and thought they were very interesting.

The ducks met us tonight

We drove into NJ today, and got a sight at a nice park with a lake and lots of trees....my favorite kind!  The ducks waddled out to meet us!  We had dinner outside, and I have to admit I slipped them some treats!  They weave in and out and under the coaches.....pretty funny.  Even followed me to the laundry room.

Interesting that  the coaches on either side of us tonight are 40 footers, and have their own washer and dryer.  One couple is from Long Island, and they are on a short trip , and have a red scooter on the back of their coach.   The other couple is from Jacksonville Florida.  The man across from us is a Viet Nam vet who was here for a reunion, and he has what they call a "toy hauler."  A trailer or RV that has room to put the motorcycle inside!  We were informed of his entire summer itinerary!  :-)

Tomorrow we drive about 2 more hours to my long time friend, and Maid of Honor!  Clem will take the car and visit with his Mom and sister in NY, while I catch up with Arlene.

Just had a bit of rain, which reminded me of last night.  We woke up when it came down hard on the roof.  Not as loud as say a tin roof, but certainly much more so than the house.  And I guess a lot closer to our heads!  We were fortunate to have a dry day traveling, though.

                                   This lovely lady was selling wares at the colonial garden shop, while the woman above was making baskets, starting with the very tree!  

Colonial Williamsburg

I was truly amazed at the size of this "living museum."  It is actually a township, much as it was in the 1700's.  Some of the buildings are original, and some are recreated, and it has been made what it is through the generosity of John Rockefeller.

Now, I lived in the Boston area, and know the history of that area, and "the shot heard round the world. " But this history was brought to light for me.  It seems many of the good folks of Virginia considered those Bostonians to be rabble rousers!  And those that did, fought against the likes of Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson, who believed that we should have "no taxation without representation."

Well, you don't need a history lesson from me , but it was really neat to have 1700's townfolk walking around and carrying on their daily chores.  We toured several of the buildings, but you were free to roam into the yards and alleyways.  Clem especially enjoyed that part.

Travel Day

Yesterday we spent the day at Colonial Williamsburg, and I will get to that, but first must tell you the tales of today.

  Today was planned as a travel day, so no particular stops planned.  We got through Washington DC with no problem, but hit construction slowdowns that had us crawling.  I amused myself talking to the driver of a 16 wheeler.....fun to be as high up as they are!  Also got the little camera and took a few snap shots before Clem had a bird.  I WAS driving, but SLOWLY, as I explained!!

So, we are pulling through a toll booth in Baltimore, and the phone rings.  Friend Jack asks Clem if we are pulling through a toll booth in Baltimore!  WHAT?!?!  He is directly behind us!!  

We left Fla last Tuesday, and said goodbye to them.  They were leaving Sunday.  We could not have planned that if we wanted to!  Clare waved as they passed us!  What are the odds?!?!

My other story of the day is that as we approached a toll, it said $2 an axle.  So, since we are towing, that should be $8.  I pull up.....the girl says, that will be $23.!!!  Seems the price goes up as the axles go up!  I told her it was quite a racket, at which she smiled, and I handed over my money.   I think it a huge injustice that they count all the axles as if it was a big rig, when we in fact are towing a vehicle and seeking sun and fun.  

So, next toll comes along, and just says $4 per 2 axles.  So, as I approach, I look for signs.  But I give a big smile to the guy in the toll booth as I lean out, and he asks if I am towing that car behind me.  I am, I say, and so, it would be one 2 axles here, and one two axles back there, right?    He says, ....we will give you a discount!  You can't complain about a discount , can you?  Not at all, I reply....thank you!  And take my change!    Wonder if it would have worked on the gal?????  Never hurts to ask, I always say!  

Monticello, home of Thomas Jefferson

Unfortunately, you could not take photos inside.  My first question, having grown up in upstate New York, where there is a Monticello , pronounced with an "s"sound, was how was it pronounced.  It is in the Italian fashion, with the "ch", as it was initially fashioned by Jefferson after Roman architecture.  It was said it also made  reference to  America and the Roman empire.

I never realized what a Renaissance man he was.  A self taught architect, he designed not only the house, but many of the furnishings and even a beautiful coffee urn, which he had crafted in metal.  The dome was the first ever built on a private residence, and constructed by his free and slave carpenters.  The underground of the house was well planned, with all the necessary workings hidden from sight.   It was fascinating  to hear about the man, and the home, and to learn that he actually died on July 4, 50 years after the Declaration of Independence, for which he wrote the draft, was signed.

Michie Tavern built in the 1700's, near Monticello

 Clem said it was a tavern...you HAD ro have a beer with lunch!  Black eyed peas, fried chicken, corn bread and stewed tomatoes.  All very good!

This  tobacco barn that is being restored, was one of several out buildings on the property.  

Fill 'er up!

We stopped for gas in NC, and
I got out to see what I could take
a photo of...this was on that local
rural road I mentioned, where you could get some local flavor.  Well, this gentleman said..."there's nobody there!  Why don't you take a picture of me?!"  Of course, I obliged.  He said when he was "comin' up", gas was 29 cents a gallon.  I remember those days, too......can I be as old as he looks?  :-)

The tank is 75 gallons, by the way....something everyone seems to ask.

along the Tobacco Trail

Honeysuckle....

And the noisy cicada

Back tracking to Fernandina

Just one of the lovely homes that I jumped out to snap a photo of on our driving tour, after a nice lunch.  Will have to go back in the winter and stay on the beach again, and do the walking tour of the town and historic homes.