John F. Kennedy Library

We are now in Boston. It was raining this morning so we went to JFK's Library. By the time we were done the weather had cleared so we decided to drive downtown and walk around Quincy Market. Had a nice afternoon - did some shopping and watched the street performers - until we left the parking garage and were charged $40.00 for 2 hours! Taking a bus tour of the city tomorrow - hope the the weather cooperates!

Boston

We rode our bikes into town and went to the "Burlington Chew Chew" Festival yesterday afternoon. Food booths, crafts and music on the waterfront. Unfortunately, this year's event was not as big as usual and this is the last year - it gets rained out so often they can not afford to do it anymore! Went to a movie last night - "The Proposal" - a cute romantice comedy with Sandra Bullock. Then we walked the pedestrian mall downtown and watched the street performers. A nice end to our week in Burlington.
We travelled to the Boston area today and are staying in a campground in Littleton, MA about 30 miles from the city. Looking forward to exploring especially over the July 4th week-end.

Stowe, Vermont

We took another road trip this morning to Stowe, a premier ski area, and up Mt. Mansfield, about 4,400 ft. We rode a gondola to the top to enjoy the gorgeous view. The Von Trapp family, from Austria, opened a lodge here and were the real life inspiration for the "Sound of Music." We drove back to Burlington over "Smugglers Notch" - a pass up and over the mountain - a challenge even in the summer - a narrow road with steep grades up and down, a canopy of trees and boulders jutting into your lane! Many hiking trails angle from the pass. Went to the beach this afternoon. Thought of all our Texas friends as we enjoyed the pleasant breeze off Lake Champlain and watched the wind surfers.
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly:
The Good - the temperature has been in the 70-80 degree range - beats the 100's in San Antonio!
The Bad - no Mexican food!
The Ugly - the mosquitoes are eating me alive! Benadryl and Cortaid have kept me from itching myself to death!

Fort Ticonderoga

We took a long road trip today to the southern tip of Lake Champlain and Fort Ticonderoga. It is actually in New York so we took another ferry across the lake. We were disappointed because the fort is not "real" - it was destroyed by the British before they fled the last time. What are there now are restored buildings that look like what they think the fort was like back then! More worthwhile was our trip up Mt.Defiance where you could look down on the Fort, Lake Champlain and the surrounding countryside. After our picnic lunch on the mountain we drove the Scenic Byway (Rt 100) back to Burlington. Picturesque countryside with the Green Mountains on the east and the Adirondacks on the west. Mostly dairy farms of all sizes. Many houses are connected to their barns and are very close to the road - guess they don't want a long driveway or a walk to the barn during the rugged winters! Many of the towns have waterfalls, like the one in the picture, to generate power. We stopped in the little town of Weston,VT and checked out the Vermont Country Store (you may have seen their catalogs) - an old fashioned store with merchandise you remember from childhood. A huge "penny candy" counter with all the old goodies. We love exploring the countryside!

Burlington Bikeway

We had a great day! Rode the bike trail for 8 miles along Lake Champlain and then had lunch outside at the Church Street Market - a pedestrian mall in the center of town. The trail provides gorgeous views of the lake with the Adriondack Mountains in the background. Burlington is a charming city of about 40,000 - home of the University of Vermont. It is actually the largest city in Vermont - the whole state has less population than San Antonio! There are large Victorian homes everywhere - some beautifully restored and many less fortunate ones are now fraternity/sorority houses or split up into college student apartments. The sky was blue, the sun was out and the temperature was in the 70's - a perfect day for touring on the bikes. We came home ate a healthy dinner of fish & grilled vegetables and then went for Ben & Jerrys!

AuSable Chasm

We drove to Plattsburgh, NY this morning - parked the motor home and drove the car about 16 miles to AuSable Chasm. Another beautiful gorge with waterfalls and rapids. We hiked about 3-4 miles along the rim of the chasm and also down along the edge. Such gorgeous scenery.
Then we had a totally new experience - we drove the motor home onto a ferry and traveled across Lake Champlain to Vermont. We were right in front and it was a little scary sitting in the front seat as we crossed the lake. The lake is huge and was dotted with sailboats. We are now in Burlington, VT. Plan to be here about a week. Anxious to explore the areas bike trails and play some golf. Saw glimmers of sun on & off today but it rained again this afternoon but it is warmer -
in the 70's. Ready for some Texas weather!

Sagamore Camp

We drove to Raquatte Lake, NY and saw the Vanderbilt family summer camp - Sagamore - on Saturday. The tour guide was excellent - a college professor with an interest in history - so we really got our money's worth! He told us all about the history of the area; the Durant family who originally built the camp and the Vanderbilts who made it famous. This Vanderbilt was a nephew of the one that built "The Biltmore" in Ashville, NC. All the money it took to build it; maintain it and pay a year round staff of about 50 people and they only were there about a month in the summer and sometimes at Christmas.
That is not a "burka" I'm wearing! You see these netted hats all over in the Adirondacks and trust me they are priceless! I was not to proud to wear it - add some "OFF" and I was able to avoid the "DPF's." Those of you who do not know what "DPF's" are will have to ask Dave Burley!
The two girls on the beach are lifeguards on duty. Note the hooded sweatshirts! Not a lot of business that day. They said summer really begins around the 4th of July and lasts through August. About 6-8 weeks. Hard for us Texans to imagine!
We had a wonderful time in the wilderness but are ready for civilization. We saw deer; wild turkeys;numerous woodpeckers; ducks; geese; loons (love to hear them) and even a couple of beaver lodges. One, on a pond near Raquette Lake, had a satellite dish on top. We thought someone was conducting research about beaver habitat but they told us at the "Tap Room" (local pub) that one of the locals has a sense of humor! A beautiful area to visit but a tough place to eek out a living. Dilapidated houses and closed up businesses tell the economics of the area. Three things all "towns" had in common: a pile of sand; a pile of salt and a huge snow plow!

Rainy Day

Truly, this is the first day in almost 1 year that we have been "stuck" inside all day because of rain and cool temperatures. If we were in a more urban area it would have been fine - we could have gone to a movie or something - but, here in the Adirondacks while we are "boon docking" with no power it has been a long day. I cooked a roast in the oven just to warm the place up! We are only supposed to run the generator from 9-11am and from 4-7pm but since we have no neighbors we decided to chance it and have run it more this evening. We are such rebels!
We just talked with Heather on SKYPE. No news on their house - the lease is in Dresser Rand legal hell - but the apartment is nice. Heather has been driving Kyle to work so they can keep the car - no small endeavor because they drive on the left side of the road! They can't get a taxi to pick them up! They see 3 adults; 2 kids; car seats; a stroller and groceries and they drive on by! They have been to several different grocery "stores" trying to buy what they want - still haven't found the best for American type products. They went to Samantha's school today - the plan was to tour and then go back for class tomorrow but SK begged to stay and had a fun day. There is a program next Monday - the kids are doing a performance for their parents so they are all going to meet students, Moms & Dads. Kyle & Heather are going "used car" shopping on Saturday to get Heather her own car. The girls have had a crazy schedule this week trying to get their body clocks adjusted - everyone is hoping for a "normal" day tomorrow. So are we!
You can read Heather's blog at www.liskowlife.blogspot.com

Lake Placid

We had such a fun day! We drove 5 miles up the Veterans Memorial Highway, a toll road and FDR project, up to the summit of Whiteface Mountain. At 4867 feet, it is New York's 5th highest peak but the only one you can access by car. The road is winding with sheer cliff edges and panoramic views of the Adirondacks. I drove up and Roger drove down - that way we could both see the views without the driver taking eyes off the road! Once you get to the top you take an elevator built back into the mountain up 276 more feet to the very top. We were fortunate that it was a clear day and we could see forever - 360 degrees!
We had a relaxing lunch in Lake Placid - sat outside with a view of the mountains. It was the host of the 1932 & 1980 Winter Olympics. Hard to imagine how the town (about 30,000 now) accommodated all the athletes, families, media and spectators.
Then we toured the Olympic Ski Jump area. There were athletes practicing the high ski jumps and freestyle jumping. It was amazing! TV does not give you a real understanding of how high the jumps are - scared me to take the elevator up and stand on the observation deck! The practice runs are made out of porcelain and marble and are sprayed with water to simulate snow and the landing areas are strands of green plastic - like the plastic "brushes" in drive thru car washes - that they also spray with water. The freestyle jumpers go down the "slopes" - flip in the air - and land in a pool of water. The current in the pool pushes them to a ladder so they can get out easily. A little difficult swimming with snow skis on!

Fish Creek Pond

Stop #4 on our eastern adventure: Fish Creek Pond near Saranac Lake, NY. This area is in the northwestern region of the Adirondack Forest Preserve, 2.5 million acres of state wilderness. We have a wonderful remote campsite on the edge of the lake. This is a test to see how well we do "boondocking" - staying a week with no sewer, water or electricity! We can run the generator certain times of the day and our phones and Internet work so we are not totally out of touch with the world but this is definitely the place to "get away from it all." Plan to ride our bikes, play golf and check out Lake Placid area. We drove through country that reminds us of northern Michigan - heavily forested, with white birch and fir trees; and sparsely populated. The roads wind through hills and valleys. Heather says "I'm more comfortable on a major 6 lane highway than I am on these "S" curves where you can't see ahead!" We stopped at an IGA store in Tupper Lake to get a few groceries and the carry out boy told us it snowed last week! We expected jeans and sweatshirts but not SNOW!!!
We talked with Heather and family on SKYPE. They arrived safely and are staying in a "service apartment" until their house is ready - nice place with 3 bedrooms. The girls were "angels" on the flight over and they are all adjusting to the time change.

FDR

It poured rain all night long but today dawned sunny and nice. We cleaned and did laundry this morning then toured FDR's homestead in Hyde Park, NY this afternoon. He was born there, his Presidential Library and Museum are there and he & Eleanor are both buried there. A nice narrated tour by the park ranger and gorgeous views of the Hudson River. Touring is the best way to learn history! We head to the Adirondacks tomorrow morning. Probably the most remote area we will be in but, we'll try to stay connected. No word from the kids but they won't arrive in KL until Monday am.

The Day After

No "Miss Emily" alarm clock to awaken us; no crumbs in the couch; no fingerprints on the mirrors and windows; no baby bottles in the frig; no "No Tears" shampoo in the shower; no "Tinkerbell" toothbrush next to mine; no "Dora The Explorer" while we ate breakfast; no toys on the floor; no "Princess" sleeping bag next to the couch; no one to play with at the playground - Roger's change jar is full again and the clock in our bedroom has the correct time because SK no longer uses it to "swipe" her purchases at "HEB." A quiet and lonely day!

Good Bye Day

Today is a sad day for us - Kyle, Heather, Samantha & Emily are on their way to Kuala Lumpur. Heather did an incredible job organizing their whole household - what got shipped; what got stored; what went in suitcases to take with them. Luggage for 4people is plenty then add all the stuff you need for a 3 yr old and 7 mn old for a 24 hour journey and you are definitely over the limit in number & weight! Kyle's parents are flying over with them and staying for about a month to help them get settled. We are grateful they are not alone with the girls, luggage and all the arrangements they need to make once they arrive. The plan is to stay in a temporary apartment until their home is ready with furniture and appliances. They are excited about this new adventure and, although we will miss them all terribly, we are proud of their achievements and know they will make good decisions for their family. Our video cams are all up and running and will allow us to see the girls as they grow. Thank you modern technology!
We toured West Point Military Academy - not your typical college campus! Gorgeous grounds along the Hudson River. The small towns in this area are nestled in the hills and trees - small shops, restaurants and many farmers markets.
PS - Our condolences to fellow Michiganders on the Red Wings loss!

Finger Lakes

Roger had a fun morning exploring the Glenn Curtiss Aviation Museum yesterday. Curtiss started his inventive career by designing motorcycles and eventually competed with the Wrights in building airplanes. He is most famous for the "Jennys" - a World War I trainer and the World War II P40's and C46's. I almost sound like I know what I am talking about!
We spent this morning touring the Corning Glass Museum. Amazing demonstrations of how they "blow" glass into such intricate designs. It was especially interesting because Kyle's mother grew up in this area and her father was a glass blower and made Steuben glassware. Hopefully, Samantha will remember so she can tell her Daddy and Granny.
This is such a fun area to hike in - there are so many beautiful waterfalls along the gorges. The countryside is heavily forested and dotted with many small farms. Mostly dairy and farm to market produce. Hard to imagine how they cleared the rolling hills so they could plow a field.
Heather's allergies have been driving her crazy. Dandelion tufts blow through the air like a snow flurry and are gathered on the side of the roads like snow drifts!
Kyle's Uncle Terry (his mother's brother)& Aunt Laurie joined us for dinner this evening. They live about 50 miles away in Cortland, NY. It was good we could get together before the kids leave for Malaysia as they had not seen Emily.
Another "road trip" tomorrow as we move on to Newburgh, New York.

Watkins Glenn State Park

Watkins Glenn State Park is the oldest and most famous of the Finger Lakes parks. The Gorge Trail takes visitors through this "grotto like" valley past 19 waterfalls - some you even walk under - deep pools and water sculpted stone. There is a 500 foot change in elevation from the top of the gorge to the bottom. We opted not to take the kids - Roger & I went yesterday and Heather & I are going today. Better check the Advil supply, my calves are already talking to me! We took the trolley to the upper entrance and walked down the trail and it was absolutely gorgeous! Can't imagine the work it took to build the trail with steps and tunnels and stone railings.

Watkins Glen

Stop #2 on our summer trip - Watkins Glen, NY - at the tip of Seneca Lake - in the Finger Lakes region. Rolling hills and vineyards surround the lakes. The girls are good travelers and all of us are managing being in the "car house" better than we imagined. We've had beautiful weather and have been outside most of the time. The playgrounds are a popular activity - runs off lots of energy!
Cute Samantha story:
She climbed up on my lap and I said "What's up with you?" - she answered "Grandpa's annoying me!" I can identify, Samantha!

Erie Canal

Roger toured the Niagara Falls Power Plant area this morning and then we took a "cruise" through the Erie Canal Locks this afternoon. Wish Kyle was here to join us - he & Roger would have enjoyed talking "engineer talk." Us girls, on the other hand, weren't quite as interested!
I topped off the afternoon by leaving the keys in the car with it on "auto" so when we got ready to come home the battery was dead. Thank goodness for AAA!

Niagra Falls

Stop #1 on our summer trip: Niagara Falls, New York - 4 Mile Creek Campground.
The campground, located on the shore of Lake Ontario, is gorgeous with lush, green grass and a great view of Toronto across the lake. It even has a big playground for Samantha & Emily. The state of New York had done a beautiful job of presenting the Falls in a natural park like setting instead of the commercial tourist trap many landmarks have become. We viewed the Niagara River and both the US & Canada Falls from the park and from Goat Island and then Roger & Heather took the "Maid of the Mist" boat tour into the "Horseshoe" area of the falls. Roger & I rode our bikes around Fort Niagara this afternoon. Weather is glorious - sunny, clear blue sky and in the 60's!
Many international visitors here - what a wonderful example of our great country!

Hewlett Reunion

We had a wonderful Hewlett reunion at Bill & Anna Lee's on Saturday. Parents, kids and grand kids. So nice to see everyone, play "catch up" and see how the children have grown. Chelsea graduated from high school the next day and little Emily brings up the rear! Debbi brought her tripod and we got several great family pictures for posterity.

Judy's

We traveled from Chicago to Judy's home on Thursday and stayed with her through the week-end. The guys helped her put her dock in the lake. We had sunny blue sky but it was too cool for a boat ride.
On Friday, we toured a local dairy farm that milks about 500 cows 3 times a day. Bruce, the owner, gave us the "City Slicker Tour." A little more high tech than when Roger was growing up. It was really interesting and we learned a lot about modern dairy farming.
Mom loved spending time with Samantha & Emily and we got some great four generation pictures. Carlos & Megan, son-in-law Kyle and nephew Kyle all left on Sunday. Roger & I, Heather, Samantha & Emily began our road trip on Monday morning.
Hated to say "good bye" to everyone but they were probably glad to get rid of us by then - we had descended on them like a swarm of locusts!

Chicago

Roger & I, Kyle, Heather, Samantha & Emily, Carlos & Megan went to Chicago May 26th and had a fun family vacation. We toured Millennium Park, rode the train to the Museum of Natural Science, went to the Aquarium and shopped. We rented a condo with a gorgeous view and enjoyed some good family time before Kyle & Heather leave for Kuala Lumpur in June.

Joel & Rachel's Wedding Week-End

I feel like we have been on a fast treadmill for the past 2 weeks! We spent May 21st
through May 24th in Bay City, Michigan celebrating my nephew Joel's wedding to Rachel Summer. Rachel's mother & father, Rebecca & Jay, had a barbecue at their home on Thursday evening and it was a great time to meet and get to know her wonderful family. Ray & Mel hosted the rehearsal dinner on Friday evening - a fun time of roasts & toasts. The wedding & reception on Saturday night was lovely - beautiful bride; special ceremony; delicious food and a great band! Then, Rachel's aunts & uncles hosted a brunch on Sunday morning before we all left - a perfect "after glow."
I love weddings - they are such a joyful family celebration!
The only disappointment was that Mom was not there - she just did not want to leave the security and comfort of her apartment for such a long time.
Our whole family went back to Ray & Mel's home on Sunday and stayed with them over Memorial Day. The guys went to the Gilmore Antique Car Museum and then played golf and us women just relaxed and reminisced about the wedding!