October 28, 2011

Friday morning broke with a bright blue sky and a bit of a chill in the air.  After breakfast at the hotel, it was imperative that I venture to the covered bridge on the property.  THIS is what it's all about.  My brother-in-law, Jim, told me that the bridge was made from old ferries that ran between New York and New Jersey.  It's a wonderful bridge.

Steve and I decided to head over to Burlington to take a photo tour as every time I've been there, it was either rainy or overcast.  Before we went on our photo tour, we headed to The Farmhouse Tap & Grill for lunch.  Steve had a charcuterie and I had a pulled pork sandwich [sans bread].  We also sampled a beer or two.

After our repast, we walked down the hill to Lake Champlain.  I'd never seen the lake looking so beautiful.  So, naturally, I/we had to walk all over the place shooting photographs. Here are several of my shots:

Dan, my nephew, spent the night in Burlington with a friend and tracked us down.  Of course, since Burlington is a college town and a brewing town, we headed to . . .

and had another sampling of beer.

Steve and I then headed back to Waterbury to gather the rest of the family to head up to Jim and Sue's for dinner.  Sue prepared a fantastic meal - enough for the Third Army.  She also made a scrumptous pumpkin pie[s].

I wanted to gather photos to send to our cousin Edwin so I took these.  He lives in Pennsylvania and doesn't travel and doesn't really accept visitors as he's sensitive about his hearing loss.  I try to send family photos and news from time to time.

Kathy and her son, Dan

Matt and Carol

Sash

Steve

Kathy, her husband, Jimmy, and son Dan.

Vicki with Matt, Carol, Laura and Josh

Steve and me

Kathy and Jimmy

And these are the Markleys of Waterbury Center, who again, were fabulous hosts/hostess.

Jim, Sue, Chris and Pat

The one fly in the ointment - and it certainly was a MAJOR one - was the fact that the Texas Rangers lost.  They gave us a wonderful season and a sit-on-the-edge-of-your-seat World Series.  Thank you Texas Rangers!

So now,  it's off to bed to rest up for another day of family whatever on Saturday.

October 27, 2011 - Waterbury, Etc.

Today, Vicki and I helped the economy in Waterbury and bought a few cute things at the Stowe Street Emporium.  Then, we drove over to Ellie's Farm and picked up a wonderful apple pie which will be devoured.  We then dropped in on my brother at his place of business - he's the postmaster, doncha know!

 Since Jim is The Boss, and since it's a small town, he closes during the noon hour as required by law.  Prior to closure, Vicki made a purchase of new stamps as the rates go up again at the end of January.

 Vicki posed for me in front of a collage of stamps that she made for Jim several years ago.  A very nice piece which has received many compliments from Jim's customers.

Jim's old friend Dennis showed up  . . .

The four of us took a walk up the hill where there are three covered bridges right in a row.  One was particularly damaged by the floods from Hurricane Irene but is still in operation.  As you can see in these photographs, the homes along the way were heavily damaged.

It's absolutely amazing that these bridges are close to 150 years old and still in operation.  The Tappan Zee Bridge is 56 years old and functionally obsolete, having been built to last only 50 years.  Were bridge builders in those days pessimistic?

After leaving my brother, we drove to Montpelier to have lunch.  Jim had suggested Sarducci's which is a lovely Italian restaurant on the Onion River.  Very charming and the lunch we had was very good.  Vicki had a portabella panini and I had an open faced steak sandwich [sans bread] with onions and peppers. YUM.

We knew the Seekonkians would be arriving so we headed back to Waterbury and as we pulled into the parking lot, Matt was checking into the hotel!  Nice timing!  After they got settled into an adjoining room, we visited for a while.  Josh looks so much like his Dobby [grandfather]!!!  That's his daddy, Matt, with him.  At first, his mustache was upside down, but then he got the hang of it!

Kathy [sister from Florida], and her husband, Jimmy, were soon to arrive with Dan [her son].  Dan had plans with friends in Burlington so he spun off, but the rest of us had burgers in The Wandering Moose.  Finally, Steve arrived!  He'd flown into Boston and rented a car.  He was a little delayed due to heavy snow in New Hampshire.

Then it was off to the big room to watch what was supposed to be the FINAL game of the World Series but due to some missteps, there will be Game Seven tonight.

So, that's it so far.  The weather is supposed to be COLD the next few days but the sun will be shining.
Tune in tomorrow.

October 26, 2011 - Dinner at the Markleys

Today is the day we leave for Vermont for the gathering of our family.  My brother Jim [who had major surgery today] and his lovely wife Sue, live in Waterbury Center and that's our destination.

Vicki and I left earlier than anticipated and after a quick stop at UPS to send a package home to Dallas, and another stop at Joann's to get yarn for me to have something to do on the trip [don't tell Laura I'm making her a Movie Wrap], we headed north to Vermont.

The day started out with an abundance of cloud cover and a time or two Vicki had to turn on the windshield wipers.  When we got to Rutland, Vermont we were pelted with sleet but after several miles that diminished and finally stopped,

If you remember, Hurricane Irene inundated Vermont with flooding and we drove through areas that literally looked like a war zone.  Roads and bridges had been wiped out; homes were completely destroyed; and other structures were swept off their foundations.  I would have taken photos but it was still raining and you've actually seen these scenes on TV.  The one bright spot was that mile after mile there were signs:  Thank you Volunteers.  So many signs of thanks to those who've helped.

And on another note, Vicki drove all the way without falling asleep one single time.  She didn't stop for a nap either, which is a personal best in the last several years!  GREAT JOB, Vicki!

So even though we spent a miserable night at the Worst Western in Dewey Beach, DE, we LOVE the Best Western in Waterbury/Stowe.  After checking in and resting for a bit, we headed up the mountain to our brother's home on Shaw Mansion Road.

Sue is a wonderful cook and planned a lovely dinner for just the four of us.  And even though my brother Jim had major surgery today, he chopped an onion or two and then prepped the bruthelth thrpouth.  Sue is a wonder in the kitchen . . .

 having prepared this delicious chicken, apple and cranberry dish.  I can tell you, one and all, I had two large helpings.  And here's the Master Sue!

 Brother Jim, who'd had major surgery today, was able to rise to the task of pouring the wine.  He's such a trooper.

But since my brother Jim had MAJOR SURGERY today, we left at a reasonable hour and headed back to our hotel.  Hopefully, after a good rest, he'll be able to join us on Thursday at The Wandering Moose for dinner and Game Six and the Rangers' FIRST World Series Championship.

Snow is predicted at altitude and that's where we are so I might be purchasing some warmer attire.

'Til the morrow!

xo

October 23, 2011 - NY McKinlay Visit

Our cousins John and Laurie and their families are due for lunch.  Vicki's made a wonderful lasagna, italian sausage and meatballs.  Lunch is going to be great.  Laurie brought her famous homemade apple pie:

No, I didn't taste it though I have in the past and can testify that it's mighty delish!
John and Liz's daughters played on the porch until lunch was served.  Olivia is 8 and quite the equestrian, though she's sad that there's not an indoor ring near her home so she won't be riding until the spring.

Jaclyn is 5 and just loves being a girl - or in this case, a bunny:

We had our wonderful lunch and then played a heated game of Scattergories.  Here's Laurie, Olivia, Jaclyn and Liz.

 Since Liz is always the one with the camera in her hand, she doesn't get photos of herself with her girls, so here are Jaclyn, Liz and Olivia.  Gorgeous Girls all!

 Here's John about ready to dig into Laurie's pie.

 And since the girls were playing with my MacBook and found all the effects in Photo Booth, here's the New York Branch of the McKinlay Family in all their glory:  Olivia, John, Jaclyn and Liz.

 For years - since Melissa was about 3, she and I have had our picture taken together.  Her grandmother, my Dear Sweet Aunt Irene started the tradition and we continue.

Kristina and Emalyn were unable to attend and Ginger wasn't feeling well either, so there are lots of leftovers.  However, Ginger showed up for a glass of ginger ale and a little bit of lasagna and a slide show of pictures from the past.

Fun day but now I'm about to take myself upstairs and put on my jambes. ;0)

'Night all!

xo