Day 1035: Grape Vinaigrette

We met with the entire eighth grade in Fredonia today during Doug's classes.  Jake and Alex came for all five periods and shared their experiences.  Emma, Charlotte, Jordyn, and Anna also arrived to help for a few periods each.  Their stories really make an impression on the eighth graders because they are so close in age. Plus, their enthusiasm and excitement are contagious.

At midday, there was a break in the classes, so we tried out a new restaurant on Main St. in Fredonia that just opened two days ago.  We ordered a tomato-barley-chicken soup that was thick with vegetables and seasoned subtly with herbs.  I suspect it was not homemade, but it was tasty and hot.  I had a harvest salad with fresh organic greens, apple, craisins, candied walnuts and a bit of cheese topped by a grape vinaigrette dressing.  Delicious!  Steve selected the turkey and bacon sandwich which was made on fresh bread and served with kettle chips.  Service was excellent and very quick.  We'll definitely go back.

Harvest salad

During the very last class, Bryan and Amanda's class also was in the classroom.   Both of them spoke about the challenges and benefits and what they love about Quest.  They were very encouraging to the kids.  At the very end, one boy asked me what my favorite part of Quest is.  No one has ever asked me that and it caused me to pause a moment.  I told him that I love watching the kids play and hearing their laughter during the games and I love walking in the creek gorge with the sheer walls of rock reaching high above us and towering trees swaying beyond that.  Afterward, I wished I had said also how much I enjoy seeing their faces light up with new discoveries, like seeing a fawn curled up in the forest, or catching crayfish, or watching the night sky.

Earlier in the day, Steve asked a class how many had siblings who had participated and several put their hands up.  He asked one boy what his brother thought and we were shocked to hear him say that his brother had been kicked out.  Of course, we have never done that in all our years.  Afterward, we checked with the assistant principal and it turns out the brother was part of a ring of thieves who had been discovered while we were out hiking.  That year, Steve transported four boys out to the school for interviews and then suspension.  We didn't kick him out, he was pulled out by the administrators.  Natually, this boy didn't share that part of the story.

I spent hours on the book today.  I reviewed another four chapters including the ones on weather, food, equipment, and trials and triumphs.  Weather is in great shape.  I just need to add a section on us canceling one day of the four day this year.  Equipment needs a little punching up, but it's mostly done.  Food is also close to being done also.

I might have to consider splitting up trials and triumphs into two chapters because it is so long.  There is so much related to medical emergencies that I don't think it fits with the other content.  So, I need some input on how to re-organize that one.

We only had time for 1.6 miles today, but that helped boost our total for the month to 93.5 miles!  Hooray!

Day 1034: Book reviewing

So far this week, I've read twelve chapters of my book and thus far I'm very pleased.  I was worried that the voice and style of the chapters might be inconsistent since I have written them over several years.  I discovered just a few repeated anecdotes that must be edited.  Plus, I have overused "we" so I must go through and replace some of the pronouns with proper nouns.   Some sections read more like lists than exposition or narrative and that must be addressed, too.   Also, it would be helpful to include a few new speakers so that I don't repeat the same insightful student or adult leaders.

It's smooth, informative and engaging, or at least I think it is.  I need readers.  I've decided to work on the chapters that need the least work first so that I can distribute them and get some feed back.  Then I'll move on to the more challenging chapters.   I plan to make three copies and ask friends to read it straight through and make comments right on the manuscript.

We broke our monthly walking record today.  We added 3.2 so we're at 91.9 miles for the month.  I don't know if we'll be able to get out much tomorrow since we'll be at school all day to speak with the eighth graders, but I certainly can't let that .9 dangle!

Late snaps

Second crops of lettuce, dill and cilantro.  Will they survive the freeze?

Baby beans!  

 

Day 1033: National Cat Day

Really? A day set aside just for cats?  Sure, why not?  We have days set for all kinds of other crazy occasions and groups, we might as well celebrate our cats.

Our family has always had cats.  My father always wanted a dog, but my mother was afraid of them and passed that fear onto me.  My siblings have all had dogs and often a few cats as well, but not us.  When we were building the house, a beautiful golden retriever wandered into our yard and stayed for a few days.  The boys really wanted to keep him, but then he disappeared again.

Our first family cat was Momma Kitty.  She had 71 kittens and lived for twenty years.  Her last kitten was Steve and my first cat, Hiya.  He lived to be 19.5.  In the early years of our marriage, we had five cats.  Dr. Powell used to come to the house and give them their shots.  Along with Hiya, we had Smudgie, Sundance, Truman and one other whose name escapes me.  Then there was our beloved Willy, the nurse cat.  He was never well, perhaps a weak heart, but he was incredibly loving and devoted.  Whenever someone in the house was ill, Willy was right there, taking care and keeping them warm.  I remember one Christmas when Colin was very ill with a high fever.  Willy stretched out his full length next to him.  They were nearly the same length!  When my father was dying and I wasn't sleeping, Willy never left my side.  Willy died six months after Dad and I cried myself sick.

And of course, there was dear, sweet Puddles.  Puddles Newhouse Cobb.  A Maine coon cat, we got him when we were building the house and he was the most social cat ever.  He had a fan club in the neighborhood because he would go out and greet everyone as they walked by the house.  We had to check vehicles in our driveway because he would jump in a window and go to sleep in the back seat.  He was a very big boy, reaching 22 pounds by the end of his fourteen years.  He died peacefully in front of the Christmas tree which was very appropriate because he loved Christmas.

Not long after Willy died, Colin's friend discovered two little gray kittens in a ditch along Farrell Rd. One was solid gray and one was gray with white markings.  I couldn't bear to have another solid gray cat, so we adopted Miss Molly.  We got Patrick from my brother Steve because we thought Molly was lonely after Puddles died.  She wasn't.  She has hated Paddy since the day we brought him home in 2003.  Molly has been the dominant kitty for most of that time, but now the power structure has shifted.  Molly has now been with us for sixteen years and Paddy is eleven.  We love them, but when they pass on, we will not be getting another kitty.

Molly's first selfie!  

We had the most amazing Quest student meeting in Silver Creek.  Ten boys and one girl.  The boys asked more questions than all our meetings combined.  Most of them about knives.  They were very enthusiastic and we look forward to creating a very successful group.

Day 1032: Cemetery walk

Seventy-five degrees, sunny, with a warm breeze.  Great for a five mile walk. Through the college, around ring road, down Central to Lambert.  Part of our route was through the cemetery which may be the most picturesque cemetery in the state.  Ancient trees, dark stones standing stoic amongst softly swirling golden leaves.    My parent's stone, nestled in leaves, with tufts of lily leaves jutting through.  Clear, shallow water flowing serenely in the creek, sprinkled with more golden leaves.   So lovely!  We're up to 85 miles for the month!

We proofed the video, made a few more adjustments and now I can start the music. At least that's what I thought till an error message suddenly appeared an hour ago.  Oh, no! What just happened?  A message that my disk is full again.  Only 1.13 GB left! That means no music and no complete video.  DAMN!

Tomorrow afternoon we're speaking to the eighth graders in Silver Creek and then we'll do the same in Fredonia on Friday.  The recruiting begins!

I started rereading my book today from the beginning and taking notes on what remains to be done.  It's hard for me to know how interesting others will find it so I will have to get some dispassionate readers.  There may be too much detail on the three main leaders, but I love interesting details, particularly when their formative experiences early in life had a powerful influence on creating Quest.

Day 1031: Bronzed oak

Our backyard oak tree in its gold and bronze splendor

In preparation for the snow forecast for this weekend, we cleaned out the shed and put all the outdoor   furniture away.  I hate the though of a freeze that will destroy my herbs, lettuce and flowers.  I mowed the back and most of the front again.  Probably for the last time.  Then, I was able to finish all the title panels in the video.  Lots of progress today.  

Day 1030: Video progress

Dark clouds,  early signs of winter, rolled across the sky during our long walk around town. The remaining golden leaves drifted in spirals around us and gathered in soft, crunchy piles.   Many of the trees are already bare, but along the creek, there's still a bit of color.

I finished adjusting all the still photos in the video and added about ten of the title panels.  Since it's been a year since I last did this, I've forgotten some of the tricks. Plus,  the updated version of iMovie made changes so I have to read directions.  It's slow work.   I hope to finish tomorrow and start on the music.

Day 1029: Recovery day

Ten hours!  We slept 10 hours straight!  We never do that except after backpacking!  There is just no substitute for your own bed.  I have sheets with 600 thread count, but hotels have coarse sheets.  Our pillows are just the right fluffiness.

Then Steve went to work on sets for the MS musical and I did more laundry and worked on the Quest video.  All the still photos and transitions are now done.  Tomorrow,  I will do the titles and then start the music. It must be completed this week!

Steve and I did a three mile walk in wild winds with leaves swirling around us.  We are on track to hit 90 miles again this month.

Day 1028: Long trip home

Laurie and Mackenzie were up at 4 for a 4:30 departure, but we were already awake.  Steve's damn phone woke us at 3 and I was done.  Nancy was up at 5 for a 6:00 departure.  Our shuttle visited five other hotels before we finally got to the airport at 9:30.  The driver dropped us in front of an outdoor check in station and the officials from Southwest swooped in, took our luggage,  and issued boarding passes in about 2 minutes.  Wow!  Then, security took only another ten despite hundreds of travelers.  It was impressive.

I started my newest book, The Pecan Man, and finished all but the last eight pages upon our arrival in Buffalo at 1:30.  It was great to arrive home in mid day so we could get many chores done.  Right away, I noticed that the deer had eaten my baby yellow beans right out out of the pots!  I immediately mowed the front and side yards to mulch all the leaves that fell this week.    Definitely past peak, now.  Then I made spaghetti sauce and chicken sausage for dinner, threw in a few loads of laundry, and downloaded photos.  It's time to crash!

The whole crew out sunning on Thursday!

Day 1027: Vacation ends

It's so hard to say goodbye to family, sunshine, 80 degrees, swimming pools and lazy rivers.  Reluctantly, I dragged myself away from the pool at the very last minute.  We topped off our time together with a lovely dinner at Bonefish Grill and we were able to get a couple group photos.  It was difficult to get through dinner without weeping and Nancy struggled the whole time.  Glenn would have loved having everyone together.

As Jenn and Jeremy said, we're the elders now.  

In the back row, the elders, plus Nancy's granddaughter, daughter and son.

In front, the spouses, grandson and his girlfriend.

 On the other hand, I haven't slept well at all and I want my own bed!  Plus, we have consumed far too many calories!

Day 1026: Wizarding World

We love the Harry Potter stories.  Are we weird?  If we are, so are millions of other adults from around the world.  Thousands of them were there today.  In costumes, waving wands, riding crazy rides, buying owls and drinking butter beer.  The attention to detail in the sets, costumes and props was remarkable.  Kids were carrying interactive wands and at certain stations, they could perform a spell and make it rain, or turn out lights.

Apparently, I am not meant to be an astronaut, ride a broom or play play quiddich.    I'm not afraid, I have tremendous desire,  but I also have terrible motion sickness.  Cody warned me.  Don't try "Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey."   It made him sick and he's a Disney pro.   But everyone else wanted to do it.  I thought closing my eyes would be enough.  It wasn't. Steve and Steve had to hold me up to get to the first aid room where I sat, panting and sweating, till I regained my equilibrium.

I'm glad we could be here with family and help Nancy, but I'm sure we will never do another Orlando park again.  Tomorrow is our last day together and we'll spend it in the lazy river and then have a final dinner.    The swimming has been an extra treat.  Again tonight, the pool was empty and I swam under a starry sky.  So lovely.  So many blessings!

Butterbeer!  

Hedwig

Platform 9 3/4!

Day 1025: Epcot

Epcot was better than Universal, but we still left early and I was so glad because I could swim.  A fabulous pool, all to myself, forty lengths in 80 degree water, with a glorious sunset on the skyline.  Wow!   On top of that, the last two arrived in early evening after a long drive from SC.  They were starving after their long trip so it was a joy to feed Jason and Mikyla.  Tomorrow, we are all going together to explore The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Touring Epcot

Day 1024: Kennedy Space Center

 Universal's Halloween event earned a score of F while Kennedy Space Center earned an A.  I have to think of it as a once in a lifetime event, like Las Vegas, that we never have to do again.  We are oddities here, but we can handle it for a while.

Universal was deafeningly loud, far too expensive, overcrowded and poorly organized.  We went through three security checks that took over an hour.  The best part was the Men In Black ride that was a bit like lasertron.  The younger five loved the whole experience and stayed out till 3:00 am.   However, the most popular fright house, the Walking Dead, had a three hour wait time, so none of us went.    We left at 12:15, but never got in till 1:40 am because the shuttle driver went to the wrong place.  Steve's phone went off with texts at 4 and I jumped out bed thinking it was time to get up.  Then we had to catch another shuttle at 7:30 to the Space Center.

The story of the American quest for space travel is so inspirational and moving that we got a bit emotional.  We were witnesses to the whole fifty year adventure, the early failures, the triumphs, Buzz Aldrin walking on the moon, the Challenger tragedy.  Such remarkable achievements!

Tomorrow, it 's Epcot.  Hope it's quieter!

Day 1023: Universal

We're off to Universal shortly to do the Halloween Fright Night and see Diagonal Alley!  Tomorrow, Steve, Steve and I are traveling to the Kennedy Space Center for the day.  Then, Tuesday we're all going to Epcot Center and on Wednesday all twelve are going back to Universal.  Our big mistake was not renting a car.  We are spending a fortune on transportation.  Five can ride in Jeremy's truck, but the older generation is stuck in shuttles.  Oh, well.

One of the pools was nearly empty this morning so I managed to swim a dozen laps.  Lovely.  Plus, I started a new book called the Rosie Project.  It's laugh out loud funny.  Probably, I won't get to swim again till Thursday.  Such a wonderful vacation!

Laurie and me

Day 1022: Lazy River

At home, it's 48 and rainy, but we are enjoying clear blue skies and 82 degrees.  Steve and I walked 2.3 miles to explore the grounds and scope out the lazy river.   This community is not pedestrian friendly at all, rather they cater to golfers.  Tall, grey cranes were feeding near the road along the way and we were able to pass within one foot of them.   After our return via shuttle, we all agreed to spend the day there and that was really fun.  I was so happy to be able to swim again and I probably did .3 miles or more amid the crowds.  I have to admit that living where I could swim outside every day is very tempting.

We topped off the day with pizza, dominoes and great conversation.  It's so wonderful to be spend time with our nephews, nieces and siblings!

Lazy River

Day 1021: Orange Lake

We've been up since 3:30 am.  Everyone is exhausted, but so happy to be together.  Eight are already here (Nancy, Laurie, Steve, Jenn, Rob, Mackenzie, and us). Jeremy and Kendall arrive tomorrow and then their son Jason and girlfriend Michaela come in on Tuesday.  Originally, our plan was to support Nancy on her first anniversary without her husband.  Now, the family vacation has also become important for Rob, who lost his mother two weeks ago and Mack who has lost two grandparents this year.  And for my brother Steve who works a horrible job 70 hours a week and hasn't had a vacation in a year.

This is a gorgeous resort located just a short distance from Disney's Magic Kingdom.  The main attraction for us: the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!  Our suite has three huge bedrooms with full baths, kitchen, living room, dining area and screened patio.  Just a few minutes' walk away are two pools, a lake, restaurants,  shops, tennis courts, golf courses.  Unbelievable!  We've never done a resort.  Family will make it fun.

I still haven't figured out how to upload photos to the blog when I use the iPad.  So, I'll have to add the photos later.  Sorry.

Steve and Nancy on the beach just after our arrival

Day 1020: Bye bye babies

Molly and Paddy seem to have sixth sense when it comes time to travel.  They start clinging to and following us even more.  Molly has trailed me from room to room, looking up expectantly for food or cuddling.  Finally, I am sitting and she is nestled next to me, snoring.

Molly and Paddy staying close to Dad. 

A very unusual fungus on a locust tree near the creek. 

Day 1019: Peak colors

Although cloudy today, the colors were spectacular.

Yellow grape leaves cascade over maples.

It was a super busy day as I prepared to lead the discussion at book club for Wild and to take care of a million details before our trip.  I might as well have worked on the video instead.  The discussion was a let down, again, perhaps because they had such a hard time identifying with Cheryl.  They could not understand why she would undertake a solo trip on the Pacific Crest Trail.  The distance, the obstacles, the pain, loneliness and fear. They didn't believe she would keep walking when her feet were mutilated or when the pack was so heavy she couldn't even lift it.  And they judged her because of her personal failings before the trek.  

I calculated that I have backpacked about 1400 miles over my career of 28 years.  Of course, my pack only weights 25-30 pounds and we only backpack 50 miles per year.  Still,  I get the desire to test yourself, to overcome exhaustion and pain to reach a goal.  To be in the woods and revel in nature's delights.  It's exhilarating and life-affirming.  

Day 1018: Computer Success!

Thanks to my dear son Evan, my computer issues have been solved!  I can now proceed with the Quest video.  I was getting panicky that the movie project would spill over into November and disrupt my writing schedule.

Ideas have been percolating in my mind for months, during long laps in the pool, walking miles around town, hiking trails, and pulling weeds.  I am ready to finish that book and the only obstacles in my way are one week in Disney World and finishing the video!  Not that Disney is a problem, just that it's the last of the summer frivolity before I get back to work.

Creekside kitty

Halloween is coming!  

Howard Street witch

Day 1017: Class of 67 and friends

Nineteen friends met tonight at the Liberty.  Such wild stories!  One fellow told of a band trip where his roommate hid a burning cigar between their mattresses during the bed check.  When the chaperone left the room, they lifted the mattress and it burst into flame.  Smoke alarms and sprinklers went off, the building was evacuated of 250 guests and lots of firetrucks rolled in.  The outcome?  Big trouble for everyone involved and a big bill for the parents.   How come I never heard of this disaster?

Here we are, nearly fifty years out of high school, and they were still talking about the teachers'  quirks and habits and the pranks they played on them.  I couldn't help wondering if I am a subject of conversation when my former students get together.  Also, why are they still talking about HS?  It is a better alternative to illness, death and loss.  One of the ladies there tonight lost her brother last week after an eight year battle with ALS.  She is the same one whose husband is in a memory care facility.  So, laughter, pranks, stories, sharing, remembering...all good.

Day 1016: Mountain coaster

It's a gorgeous weekend for festivals!  Both Ellicottville and Peak and Peak held autumn celebrations.  We thought we'd visit Ellicottville with Mary and Betsy, walk around, ride the coaster, have a nice meal and see the colors.  Wow!  There must have been a million people in and around the little village.  People were parking miles away on each street.  It took a half hour to try to circle around the center of town and people to get to Holiday Valley.  We gave up on strolling along their quiet streets to visit the quaint shops.  Instead, we rode the coaster, enjoyed the scenery and ate at Whiskey Hill.  Betsy had seen my photos of the food so she was eager to try it.  California wings don't begin to compare to WNY!

Day 1015: Airport delays

We spent the day in Rochester at the home of Amy's daughter and son in law for their "Oaktoberfest" pig roast.  Such fun!  Their last name is Oaks, so everything carried that theme.  I don't care to see or eat the pig, but the live music, friends and other food were fantastic.  Allison had crock pots full of warm spiked cider for a special "Oaktoberfest" drink .  Simply put a layer of caramel sauce in a cup, fill with cider, then top with whipped cream.  Delicious, but so many calories!

Now we are waiting for cousin Betsy's flight to arrive.  She was due at 9:10, but the plane is still in Chicago.  Looks like we will be here a couple more hours.  Although inconvenient, it wouldn't be bad except that Steve was out half the night at an accident.

The plane arrived at 11:30 and we finally got home at 12:45 am.  Then there were two more fire calls.  Oh brother!  So many interruptions to our sleep!

Amy and her grandson

Day 1014: Yummy dinner

4.3 miles, lots of chores and errands, yummy dinner.

Risley St. bridge

Ribs and corn by Steve

Salad and Bahama Mamas by me!

Perfect for a Friday night!

Day 1013: Butterfly World

We logged five more miles today on this cool, but sunny day and we saw the heron in her favorite fishing spot.

As I continue to delete photos, I am reminded of some of the great adventures we've had in the past few years.  This group of photos was taken at Butterfly World near Plantation, Florida, when we visited our friends Judy and Claude in the spring of 2011.

Day 1012: Ferocious wind

We added four more miles on this very windy day after Steve recovered from an unpleasant outpatient procedure.  One of those that you want to block out of your mind forever cause if you don't you'll never go back.  But, it's over and everything turned out ok.  The colors are at their peak, so we enjoyed our wild walk in the wind.  The creek was so high from heavy rains last night that the heron couldn't fish at the Risley St. bridge.  Paddy came home filthy this morning after hiding out under the shed during the rain and then slept the day away.  Every time I sat down, he was on my lap.  Guess he's moved into winter mode.

I am rereading Wild by Cheryl Strayed because I have to lead our book club discussion next week.  The author walked the Pacific Crest Trail alone in 1995 after her mother died and she wrecked her personal life with drugs and affairs.   She was incredibly unprepared, unfit and stupid.  But she succeeded anyway.  All her equipment was new, still in packages on the day she departed.  She overloaded and under planned.  Her pack weighed 75 pounds, so heavy that she couldn't lift it at all.  I recognized her strategy for loading it on her back.  I do the same thing, but my pack only weighs 25 to 30 pounds.   When it's sitting on the ground, you back into it.  Strap it tight and then use the strength of your legs to get up.  I understand the drive, though, to take on a challenge like that and push yourself to see what you're made of.  I would love to do part of the Appalachian trail, but not alone, and Steve really can't do much climbing anymore.

Day 1011: Deleting photos

We started the day off with a five mile walk.   South on Seymour to Howard, then Water, Norton, Gillis, Cushing, Main, Newton (Dietzen's for a bathroom break), Central, College, Temple, Risley and home.  Five miles for a total 21.1 miles this month.  I was so happy to see the heron fishing in the creek again!

Curled up in the warmth of the wood stove, I spent many hours deleting over a thousand photos to make more available space.  Now there is 3.24 GB free.  I had taken over 7000 photos in the past twelve months, but there was lots of junk among them.  I have a tendency to take three photos of each shot so there will always be a decent one.   Plus, I didn't always have time to edit each day, so there were many that were blurry or boring.  With the perspective of distance and time, it was easy to delete.

The photos let me relive the past year that has been mostly good, with underlying sadness.  The loss of Glenn led us to rethink priorities and relationships.  We are so very grateful for our many blessings: our good health and energy, beloved children who are happy, healthy, employed and insured, wonderful friends, lots of travel and a lovely home.

My digital albums are filled with pictures of our favorite pastimes and people: cross country meets, the MS musical, Glenn's funeral in Kentucky, Thanksgiving in NYC with our kids, reuniting with our New Jersey relatives, Christmas at Laurie's in Columbus,  Christmas with our family here at home, February NYC trip, Bye Bye Birdie, Quest 2014, Hilton Head with Nancy, Scotland with Mary, gardening, swimming, picnics and long walks.  One of these days, I have to select a couple and make canvas prints to hang in the living room.

Family at Christmas

Family at Glen's funeral

Glasgow roses

26th annual Quest

Steve and Mary in Falkirk

My book!

New Jersey family

Three generations of O'Donnells

Quest 2014

Peach iris