Aug. 7, 2006

We visited Singer Castle (heir to the Singer Sewing machine co.) saturday out on the St. Lawrence River. I have included some photos. What an incredible place! It was copied from a early 16 century English castle and has many secret passage ways like a rabbit warren throughout. It is now owned by a group of German investors who are in the process of restoring it. The part of the story I like is that a Mrs. Bourne from away heard about the castle and upon investigating found that it was her great grandfather's. She didn't know it had existed until just recently but was able to come here to visit. Her families books are still in the library at the castle. What a thrill for her to explore a part of her family history so vividly.

We also went up to the Eisenhower locks and watched some huge ships lock through both east and west. The FDR hydro electric dam is now closed to the public due to 9/11 but there is a nice museum across the river from it and one gets to watch a film. Disappointing, but seems to be the case in many parts of the country. Ralph was lucky since he went through the actual dam and power plant some years ago when people could be trusted. We were camped out up in Massena. We drove into the Mohawk Reservation (didn't go to the casino), stopped at a gift shop but the prices were very high. This country up here is lovely now, green and lush but I cannot imagine being here after the frost and in the cold weather.

We are back on Wog Island now, thankfully. It is hot but there is a stiff breeze blowing through the house. In fact, papers need to be anchored safely.

Sebastian is going for a grooming on Wed. He is a mess. The worst hair case since I have had him. I have taken the scissors to his thick, wooly, snarled hair so now he looks rough. Poor guy. I bought clippers thinking I would do it myself. Couldn't get them to work on his back so I used them on his head. Zip! the hair was gone and he was bald. I feel badly for him. I am not going to try that again.

I will post some pics of the great tour we took on sunday of both sides, Canadian and American, of the St. Lawrence River. If you have never explored this region, plan to do so. It is truly lovely. We didn't go into Boldt Castle since we are saving that tour for my sister and her husband.