July 1, 2005

Happy Independance Day to all! I am back in the Thousand Islands as of yesterday in the pouring down rain. Bearfoot is still parked in Pawlet, Vermont. We made a quick trip over a couple of days ago to pick up Sebastian's medicine and some photos. It was good to be "home" if only for a couple of days. We did enjoy a visit with my son and his family while there. The weather has been very rainy with tremendous flooding in and around the area. We came back yesterday in heavy rains. Unloaded my friend's coach in the rain and then had to unload the car to the boat in the rain. But the good news is - today it is lovely, clear and sunny here. I need to take some more photos here to show you.

Sadly, I put Bearfoot on the market for sale. There will be another but it will be larger and Sebastian and I will be teaming up with our friend, Ralph. We hope to embark on a westward journey as soon as we have a suitable coach. Probably not until early autumn since Ralph is dealing with some health issues.

Sebastian is doing his best to endure being surrounded on a small island with 3 new dogs, 2 of which are much larger than he. They are all young and rather wild and crazy. He does not particapate in such antics. But they will be going home after the 4th and we will have the island to ourselves. There are 3 motor boats here and a sea do machine - all three are busy today.

I hope your weekend is safe, sunny and fun.

June 29, 2006

Made a quick trip to Vermont to pick up a few things I had forgotten to take to the Thousand Islands with me. Such as my spotting scope, binoculars, photos, music and my cd burner. We had a difficult trip coming across NYS since they closed the Thruway after we were almost to Fulton from Syracuse. The water had started to come over the roadway. We turned back and found the exits all closed until we got all the way back to Herkimer. Then we detoured up over the mts. and finally made it to Rt.20 which was jammed with traffic coming west from Albany. Then I 88 from Binghamton closed. It was a long trip. We go back to Syracuse tomorrow early and then on up to the Thousand Islands once again. It was nice to visit Bearfoot though if even for a couple of days. I am parked in my son's drive in Pawlet.

I will post some pics of the Poker Run we came upon the other day while visiting the library in Clayton, NY to read our email. We spotted the fire boat on the St. Lawrence in the harbor at Clayton so meandered down to watch. Gradually, the rumble of huge engines could be heard and the harbor filled up with giant racing boats. They stayed for awhile, let us look at them and then took off in a huge roar of engines. It was lots of fun and such a beautiful day.

June 29, 2006

Made a quick trip to Vermont to pick up a few things I had forgotten to take to the Thousand Islands with me. Such as my spotting scope, binoculars, photos, music and my cd burner. We had a difficult trip coming across NYS since they closed the Thruway after we were almost to Fulton from Syracuse. The water had started to come over the roadway. We turned back and found the exits all closed until we got all the way back to Herkimer. Then we detoured up over the mts. and finally made it to Rt.20 which was jammed with traffic coming west from Albany. Then I 88 from Binghamton closed. It was a long trip. We go back to Syracuse tomorrow early and then on up to the Thousand Islands once again. It was nice to visit Bearfoot though if even for a couple of days. I am parked in my son's drive in Pawlet.

I will post some pics of the Poker Run we came upon the other day while visiting the library in Clayton, NY to read our email. We spotted the fire boat on the St. Lawrence in the harbor at Clayton so meandered down to watch. Gradually, the rumble of huge engines could be heard and the harbor filled up with giant racing boats. They stayed for awhile, let us look at them and then took off in a huge roar of engines. It was lots of fun and such a beautiful day.

Thousand Islands

Note the camp in front of the large container ship passing through the Seaway. Most of these are Wog Island where we are staying.

Happy Summer Solstice

I am in the library at Clayton, NY in the Thousand Islands using their free wireless. Love the wireless providers. The weather here is totally wonderful. Mid-70's with light breezes and huge white cummulus clouds. The water in the St. Lawrence River is crystal clear. I sleep to the lap of the waves next to my window. Bash is getting used to using a boat rather than a car but still jumps up to go look when a series of large waves wash up on the rocks. Here are some recent photos. Enjoy!

June 19,2006

I am sitting in a motel in Frackville, PA where there is free WIFI service. How wonderful! Especially when it has been a fairly long period of no connectivity. I always feel out of touch when I cannot receive email or post to my blogsite.

The two HS graduations are behind me now. Both young men will now move on in their lives to another chapter in their life journey. Watching these two young men receive their diplomas, their awards and their celebrations caused me to reflect on the day when I witnessed their arrival into this world. We bonded stronger because of our immediate connection at birth. I was received into this world by my grandmothers and always felt very close to both of them. I still feel that strong connection during prayer and meditation. The two graduations were quite different - one much larger class than the other and more formal. I sat in the bleechers high up at the VT HS and immediately in front of me, sat a rather heavy set man in blue jeans and flannel shirt sporting a "Larry the Cable Guy" cap and heavy beard. I pulled out my kleenex as I watched my grandson walk down the gym. Then I became aware of that the "cap guy" was mopping his eyes with a large red handkerchief. Definitely there was a soft side to the big guy.

I left Bearfoot at my son's home so I could keep the frig plugged in. I won't be back there in VT until July 16th since I am going to visit my friend at his home in the Thousand Islands. He was very kind to offer to drive with me to Virginia (actually he did most of it) since my eyes were shaky. I am excited to be going to the tiny rocky island that is my friend's summer home. I visited just once for a short time and found it to be a lovely serene place to be. I hope to paint and kayak. Sebastian was quite baffled since he had to walk around the yard on wooden walks that extend out over the water in some places. He would crouch down and crawl, wild eyed until safely on the rocks again. The boat trip over and back proved to be a challenge for my dear canine friend too. He is not yet a sea faring dog but I think that will change this summer. We will take the boat ashore to walk, ride our bikes and gather the mail at the tiny post office made of cobble stone. We will be located roughly 5 miles from Canada on the St. Lawrence Seaway. I will take pictures and post them when I can get into town to use the library modem.

The plan is to come back to visit my family in Vermont during two weeks in July and again for two weeks in August. My Virginia family has sold their home and will be moving in a few weeks a small home in the same area. I will visiting them in the fall after they are settled in.

Gotta get on the road and roll on to Syracuse and then on to the Islands north.

Be well and have a blessed day.
Pics are of Bearfoot at my sister's house and her iris in full bloom.

June 13, 2005

Spending lots of road time in the car of late. Attended my eldest grandson's HS graduation last weekend in Vermont. It was good to spend some time with family. Of course, it rained the whole time. It has rained here for over a month until yesterday and today which have been grand. I just tonight returned from a quick trip out to Rochester, NY and then up to the 1000 Islands with my friend. Poor Bashey is very tired of riding in the back seat of a car but he is a good sport. Tomorrow we move my MH to my son's house for awhile while we drive down to Richmond, VA for number 2 grandson's graduation on Sat. Then back to the Thousand Islands on Sunday for a couple of weeks. I hope to spend the time relaxing, painting and reading. It is delightful up there completely surrounded by water and other tiny rocky islands. No access except by boat. Sebastian was totally overwhelmed with all that water and riding in a boat was very scary for him. It is just a few miles from the Canadian border. Very beautiful and right on the St. Lawrence Seaway so the big container ships go by 24/7. I will post pictures as soon as I download them. In the meantime, I will more than likely be away from my computer unless I am lucky enough to find service. When we arrive up in the Islands, we will be using dial up at the local library on the mainland.

I did manage to unload all my paintings that had been previously stored for the last two years by a friend in VA who is moving. I loaded them all in my little car and hauled them to VT. My family has divided them up and is hanging/storing them for me. That was a huge relief. I hope to have a house again someday with walls to hang some of them myself.

Tonight I am eager to crawl into my bunk here aboard Bearfoot.

6-6-06

I am not superstitious. Actually, I have found that those"tagged dates, numbers, etc." often end up being lucky days for many people. That's not to say that I don't believe in the science of numerology. I do believe that numbers reveal much about our history and our lives as does astrology. I don't mean the newspaper column type of astrology either. In historically biblical and pre-biblical times, astrology was a highly respected science. I find it to be a guideline combined with all the other indicators in our lives such as dreams, synchronicsities and the like. I also use Centered Prayer and the power of Intention in my daily devotions. My spiritual life comes first. I find my life is more positive and joyous due to the time I spend in meditation and prayer. That was a long paragraph to say that today was a lucky day. The weather is superb and I spent a pleasant time with my sis and her daughter shopping.

I wanted to include a photo I took in Harpursville, NY just before a thunder shower the night we stopped there on our way up here. This is truly a shot of the window to heaven. Double click on it to enlarge it and you will see the prism that was visible inside of the window.

Some recent Photos

Memorial Day '06 at Fredericksburg, VA Civil War Battlefield. Grandson, the trumpet player, plays taps today. A glorious day.
That is him saluting in the background after he had finished playing as the color guard left the field.

June 3, 2006

We made it!! Three days, all long, and Bearfoot is finally at rest in my sister and bro-in-law's yard. We arrived last night just before dark. Actually, this was the first time I had ever had to put on the new Bearfoot's driving lights. I always get parked long before dark but on the second day, the "Change Engine Oil" light came on and I realized that LazyDays( the operative word is "Lazy") didn't do what they said they were going to do when I bought the coach. I stopped and checked the oil and it was down a bit but knew it would be ok if I got it changed soon. Called Alpin Haus Rv in Amsterdam, NY and they said they could squeeze me in on Friday noon. I was camped in Harpursville, NY which is a few miles E of Binghamton. The weather up to then had been warm and lovely. Actually in the 90's the first day out of Ashland, VA. The job that the mechanic said would take 2 hrs. took 5 hrs. and I left Amsterdam at about 5:15 p.m. on a Friday night in rush traffic. I went right through the City of Amsterdam on Rt. 30 and then to Rt. 29 to Saratoga Springs which one also has to go through the Village to get to I 87, the Adirondack Northway that goes on up into Canada. I got off at the historic village of Ft. Edward, NY and then wound my way to Hudson Falls, NY and over to Hartford, NY. The entire trip is my equivalent to a serious roller coaster ride. Bashey looked at me from the passenger side one time as we blindly came over the top of a steep hill and immediately dropped down the other
side, with a look that said he was thinking of getting sea sick. Me too, I said. We arrived in time for supper however.

I cannot describe adequately though how beautiful the trip up through the PA mountains even in the heat and traffic delays was. Everything is lush and green. We stayed in Carlisle, PA the first night at a campground that has large monolithic rocks throughout the park. As you walk by you may see the image of some thing that shapeshifts and becomes another form from a different viewpoint. Lovely!! I brought two tomato plants and a basil plant with me from VA and put them outside each day and night we stopped. Bashey and I stop quite often enroute and take a brief nap to rest my eyes, a quick doggy walk, grab an iced tea from vending and we are rolling again. I really like this big engine and especially the transmission. I used it fully for the long 5-10mph descents from the mts. since we were in heavy traffic congestion much of the time due to construction projects in PA. I say, "Bout Time folks". I 81 has been in terrible shape and parts of it still are but at least they are making an effort.

Last year, I complained bitterly about our trip across I 88 in NYS but except for a relatively short section, this year it is much improved. That is another road that is incredibly beautiful vistas. It was early a.m. and there was low lying mists hanging on the mts. with the mightly Susquehanna in the foreground. I couldn't stop for pics from that road though.

Today, Sis and I drove to Albany for the Race for Life and to watch my three daughters compete. It teamed and I don't exaggerate here folks. I could barely see to drive down there. We were wet from our feet to our waists and then down our necks where the water seeped in. But the girls who all ran in the Masters division were wonderful. I am very proud of them. They are all working hard to keep themselves healthy and strong. Bash and I have the heat on and are snuggled in for the night. The rain has abated at least for now.

May 26, 2006

I am so disgusted with this computer. You are probably getting tired of hearing me complain about it. If it's not one thing, it is another. Actually, it has not been a good marriage since the beginning. I guess I will start looking for another one. Last night I had all but completed a post when I received a phone call. The computer went into hybernation and I lost everything I had worked on. I will begin again -

Last Sat. night I had the priviledge of attending the PHHS senior prom held at the Richmond Science Museum. What a delight! Are young woman more beautiful than they ever were? It seems so. We were allowed to view the seniors as they paraded around the outdoor portico. I took photos but many were too dark. I am very proud of my grandson - proud for the person he is, his accomplishments, his steadfastness and his character. He will attend VA Tech this year. He will do the Hokies proud. I hope to camp over in Blacksburg in the fall and perhaps get into see a football game. Tickets are hard to come by.

I am slowly putting stuff away in the "basement" of Bearfoot. Sebastian and I will leave early Tuesday morning although we need to fill up with propane first. I think I will stay at a Flying J or Walmart the first night and then stop at a campground the second so I can empty my tanks in preparation for a lengthy period of dry camping.

Tonight is awards night at the HS. Grandson is receiving several. It is hard to believe that the two boys I witnessed entering this world 18 years ago are grown men. I stand in awe of them. Eldest grandson, by 5 mos., will graduate first from Otter Valley Union HS in Vermont. He will be moving to Boston to work while he decides what it is he wants to do in his life. He is a born leader and teacher.

I am getting cold feet again about driving over the Rockies. I do plan to head west but not quite that far this year. I started making a list of things to see on the trip. There are so many places to stop and explore on this side of the Continental Divide that I think I will take my time. I do want to see my friend in Grand Jct., CO but I can fly there easily. She may be moving to Austin in the near future. Austin, TX is much easier for me to get to with the coach than over those big mts. My bravery is a fickle thing.

I like this photo of the beach in SC taken on the trip up.

photos from the concert, Mothers Day

May 16, 2006

I have been scouting around this morning looking for free wi fi service since the one I have been using at the campground seems to be down for a couple of days. Lightning maybe, since we have had lots of storms. I am happy to see S. FL is getting some rain at last. Need to dampen those fires. I noted one was in Lee Co and I wonder if it was near Bonita Beach. The sun is out here today but more rain on the way apparently. I attended the play "Singing in the Rain" sat. night performed by the PH HS players. My grandson played in the orchestra. It was very well done. Quite a challenge for HS players. Sunday, I joined my family for church services and then sped back to the CG to walk Sebastian. Sunday afternoon, my grandson played in the CBS6 Wind Ensemble given at the Short Pump Mall. The rain threatened but it cleared up nicely and the music was grand. These were the cream of the crop of music students from all over Central VA. They were handpicked to join this ensemble. After the concert, we went across the street to Bertuccis for a late dinner. I drove home to Ashland in pouring rain after dark. That is something I don't wish to repeat.

Today was Botoxin shots day for my eye spasms. Now I should be good to go for another 3 - 4 mos. I am enjoying meeting old friends. Sat. night is the senior prom and we get to go to the senior walk at 10 p.m. As the month comes to a close, the need to get everything off my "to do" list increases.

Enjoy the photos. I think Bashey is saying, "When are we going on the road again?" The other pic is a shot of our home at Americamps.

May 12, 2006

We have enjoyed a lovely day today after some scary storms yesterday. The weather front came in from the west bringing strong T-storms, hail, gusty winds and tornados. I took down all my awnings and battened down the hatches so to speak just in case but all we had here in Ashland was rain. Tonight the moon is full and I am grateful for clear skys. I went to Walmart today to buy some noodles. You know those long foam tubes used in pools. I put them under my slide-out canvas since it has stretched a bit and collects rain water and all sorts of debris from the trees. The noodles lift and support the little dip in the canvas allowing the water to slide off.

My daughter has planned a very active weekend for me. Tomorrow we go to see "Singing In The Rain" done by our local HS. My grandson will be playing in the band. He is graduating this year and has received a 4 yr. scholarship to VA Tech. In addition, he received a 4 yr Leadership Award which will pay his other expenses. He is quite a young man. I am very proud of him. Sunday for Mother's Day, we are going to an outdoor concert by this same young man and then out to dinner at Bertuccis, one of my favorite places. This entire month has been devoted to my VA family activities as well as my own personal catch-up with doctors, dentists etc. I am gradually working my way through the list.

Try this recipe for Brussels Sprouts:
peel off the outer leaves and slice in half or quarters according to how large they are. Toss in a bowl with extra virgin olive oil and sea salt. Bake at 375 degrees for about 40 mins. or so. Toss occasionally during the baking. They come out crispy on the outside and delicious inside. I actually like them the next day, cold with a bit more olive oil, a touch of lemon juice and a piece of crusty bread. Yummy and so healthy.

I will post some pics soon. Enjoy your springtime wherever you are.

May 9, 2006

After a day and a half of steady rain, Bash and I are ready to climb the walls. It is cold too for us here in VA. I have had the munchies all day today. Went shopping to get out of the MH. Tomorrow promises to be a better day. I have been studying maps and camping books trying to map out a route for my trip westward. My tentative plan is to leave in August. Any advice would be welcome from those of you who have travelled westward by motor vehicle.

My daughter here has just sold their home so they will be moving soon. Not out of the area but closer to the HS. They are now 45 mins or so from the school. It has been difficult for everyone since the children went to HS. This move will ease the travel time, stress and expenses.

I watched the Dr. Phil show today on child abuse in the home. I am terribly upset by the abuse that children in this age. There is a great deal of anger, out of control anger, children are the victims and used as vehicles of that anger since they cannot fight back. They are innocent, don't understand and have no where to turn. Dr. Phil can only make a difference one family at a time. Hopefully, as people see others abusing their children, they will seek help for their troubled existence. We must somehow help the innocent children of this world.

May 5, 2006

Retyping this post. Lost it somewhere. I am currently in Ashland, VA surrounded by RIR race fans who can party. After Myrtle Beach, SC during Easter break, this seems calm. I did enjoy Easter dinner with my family in Myrtle Beach however. It was lovely being with my sis and her family especially since I missed Thanksgiving and Christmas last year. I just posted some pics of Hilton Head and Bearfoot on the ferry. You can find them in the previous post under "photos". I am catching up on VA family activities while I am here. Here are some recent photos from Oriental, NC.

Photos

These are pics of Bearfoot crossing the Cherry Branch Ferry on the Neuse River near Havelock, NC, yours truly at the helm of Stars and Stripes in Hilton Head, SC. Bugs in my teeth from grinnin', and the skipper of Stars and Stripes before we left the dock.

April 10, 2006

I have reverted back to modem dial up. I have had very little success in finding wireless (free) or at least cheap wireless on the way northward. I have been able to receive email sometimes but not allowed to send out any responses. To those of you who are wondering why I haven't responded to your emails, please be patient. I think this is something to do with my firewall set up but I don't know how to fix it. I am currently in Myrtle Beach, SC parked near the ocean. The weather although clear and sunny is cool but expect the temps to go up in the 80's in a couple of days. Should be a very warm Easter Sunday. Ralph and I had a great time in Hilton Head, SC. I will attach a couple of pics of me at the helm of the old 12 meter Americas Cup racing sloop, Stars and Stripes. It was, for me, a tremendous thrill to steer this old beauty in a stiff breeze. I also got to help 3 guys hoist the mainsail which goes 95' up the mast. It is very very hard work and I was terribly sore in my shoulders for a few days. It was probably foolish on my part to volunteer. We also kayaked on Broad Creek which is the same name of the Creek I lived on in Whortonsville, NC back when. Enjoy the photos. Ralph is back at the coach baking bread, Oatmeal, I think. My dear Bearfoot is currently in storage nearby. Can't seem to post photos on this site right now but will try again later.

April 4, 2006

Photos of the interior of Flagler College in St. Augustine, FL. Can you imagine eating in this dining room.=?


Hello everyone from sunny, warm Hilton Head, SC. Everything is in bloom here. We have been biking the island and kayaking the creeks. Here are some photos:

April 2nd, 2006

These shots were taken in St. Augustine except for the one of the Budweiser Clydesdale sta tue and me clowning around. That was taken in Jacksonville, FL. Jacksonville is a lovely place to visit. I was pleasantly surprise.Hilton Head, SC. Lovely weather here and this park is one of the best I have stayed in. They now have wireless in part of the park too which makes it nice. I am sitting up by the water now online.Going kayaking tomorrow morning. Should be a good time. Went biking around downtown on the Island today and had a burger at the Hilton Beach resort out by the ocean. Bearfoot is running fine after all the repairs. Luckily, it didn't cost me a dime since it was all covered by warranty. It would have been at least a $1000 or perhaps more.