Elmira, NY (Vacation blog continued)

 
 
 
 

The next day we drove to Elmira, NY. We had seen pictures on the Internet and it intrigued us as a beautiful place to visit. Truth be told, we were a little disappointed. Being a Civil War buff, George was interested in its part in history.
When we got there, we took a trolley bus ride. It is a perfect tour of all the highlights of Elmira.
We got to get off at Mark Twain's study. Although we pride ourselves in having his house in Hartford, he spent over 20 summers in Elmira with his wife's family. They built him this wonderful study--not necessarily to inspire his great works they now say, but perhaps because he smoked 40 cigars a day. Whatever the reason, he wrote many of his great writings there including Huckleberry Finn. It is located on the beautiful campus of Elmira College. I'm sure if I had a study like that, that I could write great novels (yeah, that's all it takes).
The trolley also took us by the cemetery where over 2900 Confederate soldiers are buried. They were buried by a runaway slave named John Jones, who was paid $2. per burial. It is said, which would seem contrary to what you would think, that he did so reverently and they are in the process of making a museum to the memory of this remarkable man. I wish it were ready when we were there.
In a different section of the cemetery, we saw where Mark Twain was buried and Hal Roach--I remember watching "Hal Roach studios present Laurel & Hardy". I am a big Laurel & Hardy fan.
Near the cemetery we also got to visit a one room museum that has been created as a tribute to veterans of the Vietnam war. It was small and didn't have a lot of things, but they did have quite a resource of books if you needed to look up something.
So, that was our day in Elmira, along with a stroll down the walkway along the river. It is interesting to note that a place so far north had a Civil War prison camp. I find it curious that they had to know that this was part of history yet no one tried to save any of it. It was turned into housing developments. I know it was not a happy part if history, but it was history just the same.

Ithaca Falls (vacation continued)

 
 
 
 

We next stopped at the information booth in Ithaca. While there I purchased a few postcards. As I looked at them, I saw Ithaca Falls and asked where they were. It turned out it was only a mile down the road and just on the side of the road (no state park).

We did not have to trek to see the beautiful falls--this blows the saying, "no pain, no gain" out of the water. For me, this was my favorite of all the waterfalls--it was wide and forceful and just beautiful. It was hot and humid and the falls cast a refreshing mist. George said all the waterfalls we saw were each so unique that he could not pick a favorite. It was neat that this one was "just there". People could ride by on that road and if they did not turn their heads, they could miss it. But when you do turn your head, your jaw automatically drops at the sudden majestic sight.

We were also quite impressed by the layers and layers of rocks at each waterfall and the various crevices that were made in some. They were pretty fascinating too.

By now we were ready for air conditioning and we proceeded to the Science Museum in Ithaca. Let me preface by saying that I love the science museum in Boston and I knew this would not be on such a grand scale, but I had higher hopes than I should have. I had asked at the information booth if this was a place that adults would enjoy and was told yes. Well, it is a great museum for kids and adults with kids. For two adults it was just a good museum, not great. So, we went into "kid mode" and "played" at the various stations from playing with dams, seeing how many decibels we could scream, to freezing our shadows and things like that. Hey, we're young at heart--check out my blog a couple of years ago with the picture of us and the big crayon at the Crayola Museum. You're as young as you feel (but give us a senior discount!)

We had a motel with an indoor pool, so we took advantage of that in the evenings.
The motel also had a hot breakfast buffet every morning, so that saved us money and time. The motel really needed improvements, but for the price, it was good enough.

Well, stay tuned for more exciting adventures with Debbie and George as I've just concluded day one of our vacation (well, technically day two because day one was getting there).

Taughannock Falls (Vacation Continued)

 
 
 
 

After we left Buttermilk Falls, we went to Taughannock Falls. I believe they said this was Indian for "between the trees". Let me also say, that we got an early start and had no clue that the state parks charged after 10am, so we were able to see the Buttermilk Falls and Taughannock Falls for free--added bonus.
We were standing on the platform looking across at this amazing 215 foot waterfall. It is the biggest, as far as height, in NY. We could see that there were people on a walkway at the bottom looking up. We thought that would be awesome and were told that you could take a road that would get you part way there.

Well, we got confused as to what road and ended up turned around. We parked and followed a path to no avail. As we were going back to the car and George saw a road going up to a bridge. He said he was going to check it out and I decided to stay back (it was nearing the 90 degree weather). Well, in less than a minute more he summoned me. There we were at the TOP of the falls looking down--Wow! I could barely look but so much wanted a picture--though even looking at it now I get the creeps--it was pretty scary. Well, I asked George, who is supposedly afraid of heights--can't prove it by me after this vacation.

I had to instruct him specifically to put the camera strap on his wrist as in situations like this I have a flashback to 1967 when I was on a class trip and I saw one of the boys in my class accidentally drop his camera in the ocean. I felt so badly for him and have always remembered that and learned from that hard lesson. George bravely took the picture. I did look down with nothing but this chain link type fence between me and a 215 foot drop. And to think we were there all by ourselves.

Anyway, we gave up trying to find the road that led to the bottom. If we ever went back I would go see this again from the platform and try to go to the bottom. I would not go to the top again. Once is enough.

Ithaca & Buttermilk Falls

These pictures aren't quite in the order that I had wanted, but the first is of the layers of rocks that we saw over and over again at all the falls.
This is the first waterfall that we saw in Ithaca. It's called Buttermilk Falls. We got an early start in the morning and we did not know that the state parks didn't start charging until 10am, so we went to two state parks for free--you know what they say about the early birds.
There was a path along side that you could walk up. It was steep and I was glad when George and I looked at each other and totally were on the same page that we didn't want to do it. The falls were just beautiful from where we were.
The last two pictures are a couple more of Ithaca Commons.

Ithaca, NY

First let me say to anyone on facebook, that I do not make these large entries to facebook rather, my blog is set up to automatically download to facebook. That being said, look out as a lot of entries will be coming your way as I blog about our vacation.
Our home base for most of our vacation was Ithaca, NY. Ithaca is the home of Ithaca College and Cornell University. These pictures are of Ithaca Commons. These are some of the sculptures throughout. The commons is a nice area just for walking with plenty of places to sit and even a stage, that I could picture being used by the students for debates or expressing their opinions. There are stores on either side that are obviously aimed at college students. If I were a freshman going to Ithaca to school, I think it would be very hard to focus just on studies. It looks like a fun place to be.

So You Had A Bad Day

I admit, I like the song, "So You Had A Bad Day", but I am crying, "Uncle!" Enough already.

For several months things have been tough not being able to find renters for our 3 vacancies and cleaning out the mess that was left behind by them. The one who left it the neatest, the new tenant said there were cobwebs and paint chips that she wanted picked up. I know my eyes aren't what they used to be, but it took a lot of hunting to find the 3 one quarter inch paint chips she saw. Well, at least we know she will be neat. One vacancy filled, two to go.

On Saturday I picked up our food from Angel Food and then took it to the apartment instead of wasting time going home. I unloaded the perishables and put them in the refrigerator so I could pick up paint chips and vacuum cobwebs, etc. while waiting for another prospective tenant for upstairs who never showed up (probably just as well).

After a couple of hours, I packed up the groceries back in the boxes and ran to the upstairs apartment for something. As soon as I opened the door, there was a terrible stench. I cautiously searched for the cause, and was very sad to find a dead cat. He must have gotten into an open window and not knew how to get out. That's all we can think of.

At that point I tried to call George but he was working driving the tubers after they have their relaxing ride down the Farmington River. I left a message about the dilemma and basically told him, "sorry, I'm not dealing with this."

So, I loaded my groceries in the car and headed home. My goal this day was to make it to Stanclift Cove for the one day a year that they let residents come in without having to buy a sticker. When the kids were young we used to go all the time. I wanted to go one time for old times sake, even if I had to go alone. The window of opportunity that it was open was 2-5pm. It was 1pm.

Well, as I drove home, I heard this noise and felt there was something wrong with the car. I passed the entrance to the Cove that I had hoped to be returning to after unpacking the groceries. Well, after I got over the reservoir, I pulled over and saw that my front tire was flat. Okay, I tried to call George again. Phone still off.

So, I called the auto club. They said it would be 40 minutes. This was a hot and humid day and I was worried about my groceries. Thank God for cell phones. I then called my Dad and asked if he could come and pick up my perishable groceries and put them in my fridge (I was less than 5 miles from home). I was planning on grabbing lunch at home, so I dug into the groceries and an orange and bagel never tasted so good.

The food cavalry quickly arrived and saved the food. Pretty soon after that the other cavalry arrived to put the donut on my car. They examined the tire and the comedian remarked, "Oh, here's your problem, it's flat." ha ha. They did not see a nail or anything. I remembered a few months ago when we had a tire with a bad valve stem and it actually costs less than $5. to fix. Perhaps I would be that lucky again.

They hemmed and hawed about the condition of the donut and said the short ride home should be okay and it was. When I got home, I first hugged my cat. Now the next decision, do I chance driving it to BJ's in Torrington where they could fix the tire and put it on or do I put the tire in the truck and have them repair it and then George would have to change the tire. I knew he had to get rid of the cat and now this too and we were supposed to go out in the evening. I tried to call him again and well, you know.

So, I decided to take the tire in the truck. When I got there, it was indeed a crack in the stem, however, they could not repair it. When they put air in the tire, it all bubbled up. Then when they tried to sell me a tire, I was not sure if I should spend that much money. So, again called my husband and this time got through--he hadn't listened to his messages. He was disappointed that I hadn't driven with the donut but gave the okay to buy the new tire.

By now it's after 3pm and I realize the trip to the Cove isn't going to happen. So, I treated myself to a chocolate ice cream cone at Carvel's before going home. When George got home (after taking care of the cat), of course he had difficulty taking off the tire. With the help of our neighbor (who knows just how to kick a tire to loosen it), he was able to change it. And it's thanks to that same wonderful neighbor that I am able to type this. (Last week both our laptops died and our repair person is on vacation). Our neighbor lent us his extra--what a lifesaver. I felt so out of touch with everyone not having a computer and I realized just how many times I refer to it for information.

We did make it out that evening with some friends to Red Riding Hood's in Southwick for dinner and music and good company. Poor George was pretty tired, though.

Well, I happened to have today off and was going to do a couple of errands and then have a nice day at home. The morning started okay, errands and lunch with parents and son went well. I had to get copies of keys made for the apartment and of course, the first set didn't work. I didn't have time to have them fix it at that time because I had to rush home to get the other vehicle and go to the landfill.

I had to buy a second vehicle renewal sticker for the truck at the landfill. Well, when the woman told me to pull over to pay and get the sticker, the truck would not start again. After a few minutes (that seemed like minutes longer than 60 seconds), they sent someone to help. He helped to improve the battery connection and I proceeded to unload the trash without turning off the truck. Then I went back to the hardware store to get keys redone. I know, I know, why did I shut off the truck?

Well, wouldn't start and no matter how hard I tried to twist and turn the connection, it wouldn't start. As I'm looking under the hood, a mouse starts running around the edges. I don't know if he had ridden with me or just got on board and I don't know where he went!

I thought being at a hardware store, with all these handymen going in and out that someone would help me--not! Someone who worked there tried a little, but he couldn't. So, I called George and he was heading that way anyway in about 1/2 hour.

I decided to walk to the apartment and try the keys. It wasn't far at all. The keys didn't work and I walked back. The hot day was turning gray and it started sprinkling on my way back, but it felt good. Then it started to thunder.

I went into the hardware store and told them the keys did not work again. They started with a fresh set. I said, I hoped the 3rd time was the charm and then went to sit in the truck and wait for George in the thunder and light rain.

When he got there, he jumped started it and we went back to the apartment and the keys worked! Not only that George had finally gotten the right part and was able to fix the sprayer faucet for the sink. I was so glad to get home after that.

Well, now we only have to worry about the computer analysis--he already warned me that he'll probably be recommending that we buy another one. :( Our Honda Odyssey is also dead--needs a transmission and brakes--at over $3,000. that's not going to happen. That car (which I loved) has been a real lemon. Eventually we'll have to start the dreaded used car search.

So, tomorrow's another day. I want to be singing, "So You Had A GREAT Day"--trouble is with some of the gray clouds (dead car, broken computers, vacant apartments), it's going to take more than one good day to make our skies blue again. All you can do is get up each morning and plug along.

Return to Red Riding Hood's Basket, Southwick, MA

Once again last night I went to Red Riding Hood's Basket in Southwick, MA. It was a last minute, spur of the moment date. How many times have you said to someone that you should get together for coffee or lunch? How many times do you do it? I don't know about you, but life is too busy and I rarely do it. Things just fell into place last night as I arranged to meet my friend.

I can never say enough nice words about Red Riding Hood's Basket. The atmosphere is so unlike any other coffee shop or luncheon place that I've been too. There are unique antiques perfectly placed throughout. Don't forget to check out the creepy wolf in the window hiding near Red Riding Hood. The ceiling is tin, there are tiny bouquets of flowers or plants on every table. If you don't want to sit at a table, you can go to the little nook area with a couple of couches and an artificial fireplace and a loaded book shelf and coffee table--home away from home. I do believe they have computer access too. There is a little corner with books and a desk for kids.

My friend enjoyed looking at every detail as I gave her the tour before we had dinner. She lives so close to this place but had never been--such a loss. She will be back.

All the food is freshly made on the premises. My friend had the shepherd's pie--a big topping of mashed potatoes with ground beef, corn and green beans. I had the homemade macaroni and cheese made with cheddar cheese and bread crumb toppings--delicious. Both were served with a wonderful salad of greens, oranges, sunflower seeds, raisins and I'm not sure what else, but with the dressing, it was a symphony of flavors that we both loved.

There are coffees, teas, lattes, smoothies and newly added, she sells ice cream. But don't forget all the wonderful homemade desserts. If you go in the morning, you can have a pastry or treat yourself to a breakfast casserole or french toast. The food is wonderful.

Honestly, the part I like best about Red Riding Hood's Basket that keeps making me choose it for a meeting place for friends (when I finally get to do it) is the atmosphere. My friend and I stayed for nearly 3 hours. No one hoovers over and makes you feel like you should leave (though not every seat was taken, so we did not feel guilty). It is a comfortable, relaxing atmosphere to just sit and talk. If I lived closer, I would be there now with my laptop or morning paper having coffee and breakfast. It would be a ritual. My husband agrees. (Maybe we'll just have to move closer.)

Whenever we meet friends there, we just linger and linger. Last night too there was a woman who sang and played the guitar for us. They have entertainment every Friday night and some Saturdays. We are going next Saturday night to see a friend perform.

There is a newly opened bike trail that runs along side of Red Riding Hood's Basket. This makes it a perfect place to stop for a reward after a long ride or walk.

If this seems like one big advertisement for Red Riding Hood's Basket, it is. I can't believe that a place like this isn't thriving. I know the economy is hurting everyone but this is the kind of place to sit back, relax and you can choose to talk about politics or the world issues with a friend or you can get away from all that and just kick back. I hope you will find the time to reward yourself and take a friend.

Red Riding Hood's Basket is on Congamond Road in Southwick, MA. It is close to Congamond Lakes. It is open seven days a week, Sunday through Tuesday 8am-5pm and Wednesday though Friday they are open until 8am or 9pm if the entertainment is still going.