Seasonal Fun

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My Light’s On…

Summer.

These wonderful warm days beckon our full attention, promising to fill our lives with all that is absent during the winter months. Walks, swims, picnics, camping, gardening or bicycle riding, Summer is the season to do it all. With longer days packed with activity and lazily drifting into balmy nights, one can always seem to find a harmony in merely existing. Feeling good in just about everything we do, summer invites joy and fun …and the permission we sometimes need to behave like a kid again.

With my own permitted invitation to do just that, I once again regress into my annual childhood state… wanting to do it all, shed responsibility, and never say enough.

I grew up in Queens, NY, where summer was a ‘neighborhood’ in itself. Living on a ‘block’ boasting about 50 homes, 25 on each side of the street, neighbors became familiar with each other as they ventured out of their winter caves and socialized easily on each other’s front ’stoop’. Rediscovery embraced, they shared a cool drink, a good joke or the latest gossip.

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If I Lead…

If I Lead…

… Will You Follow?..

We took the dogs for their first hike of the season today.

Loving to hike as much as we do, the dogs seem to inherently know when we are about to embark on such an afternoon and eagerly anticipate the invitation to accompany us. Willing to take turns and don a backpack of their own, the Collies are always at the ready …anxiously awaiting to begin an adventure.

Today I decided that I would take Zack, my little Lhasa Apso, along as well and see how he would do.

Zack, a very bossy little dog to the Collies, (read more about him Here), seems to become slightly nervous upon leaving the house. Even a simple walk around the block will sometimes cause unease…his little tail displaying this emotion as it lengthens and drags behind him instead of happily curling over his back. Wanting to include him anyway, I insisted he come along.

As we set out toward our destination, I watched with amusement as the three dogs anxiously tolerated the car ride. Collie ‘noses’ were seen protruding out both sides of the car’s rear windows …somehow processing every scent in the air. Zack sat on my lap.. happy but cautious to our destination, .. the excitement to launch mounting with every passing minute.

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Newport Mansions; Summer cottages

In celebration of Patrick’s Birthday, we headed for little family getaway to Rhode Island.

This being our second trip to Newport, it is fast becoming a favorite weekend vacation spot of ours. Wanting to visit a few of the “Mansions” of Bellevue Avenue, past residences of various members of the Vanderbilt Family, I was again left awestruck..just as I was the first time I was there.

These summer ‘cottages’ of the Gilded Age are overelaborate and ostentatious, yet grand and spectacular to behold…remaining beautiful and unique unto themselves throughout each passing decade.

My favorite ‘cottages’, as they are termed because they were built as summer homes to be used for a mere unbelievable six to eight weeks out of the year, are ‘Marble House’ and the ‘Breakers’, the residences of William K. Vanderbilt and Cornelius Vanderbilt.

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Race Brook Falls

It’s here.

…It’s officially here…A new season is finally upon us.

Spring. Warmer weather, adventurous hikes, and yes, …even bugs.

Today PD and I ventured out on our first hike of the season. With rain predicted in the forecast, we crossed our fingers that it would either hold off or clear up early. Fortunately, for us, it didn’t have to do either. With the sun shining brightly and the temperature perfect for hiking, we set out to enjoy the day.

We wanted to explore a trail on the AT up to Race Brook Falls. The incline, though a little steeper than most, was just challenging enough. It didn’t take long before a sweat was broken…

As we climbed, conversation became unnecessary. Making our way over tree roots, rocks, and streams, attention to footing was needed but absentmindedly given…as the beauty of the surroundings absorbed our minds. With every laborious breath and with every step taken, there came with it an exhilaration…a pleasure in simply existing.

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Appalachian Trail

As spring is finally approaching here on the east coast, people are beginning to discuss and make ready for their upcoming summer plans.

Although still chilly for most to begin enjoying the activities that the warmer months bring, for some, the weather has no bearing.

Recently befriending a young man at the Fitness Center where I work, he informed me on Monday that he was preparing to leave on a ‘hike’, today in fact, on the Appalachian Trail, …one that would take him away for two months. Only planning to go as far as Tennessee, …this time, as he’s done the entire trail once before, he expects to be back by the end of May.

Never contemplating an adventure like this myself, I am extremely interested in the details of such a journey…and inspired by the people that choose to attempt it.

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Winter Blues…

dolphin snow sculpture

…12 (Fun) Tips for Surviving Winter.

Is it Spring yet..?

So, here we are with the first week of January already under our belt.

We had a beautiful day here today in the Northeast….almost 50 degrees! Took my dogs for a walk this afternoon and even they had a spring in their step! During a quick store stop, I noticed Valentine’s Day candy and all kinds of “Sweet Heart” gifts are already available to the efficient consumer,… and if one dares to look, this summer’s new, outdoor furniture seat cushions are already making their debut!

…Are you kidding me??

For it is with heavy heart that I realize summer is light-years away and we still have a few cold winter months ahead with a few more snow storms to boot! (no pun intended.) …sigh… OK.. you guessed it…I’m not a winter person. Although some may argue it does have a positive side…albeit small…such as …um…well, we don’t have to mow the lawn?… ..And that first, pretty, snowfall always seems to have a magical quality to it…before it gets dirty! Unfortunately, it seems that every year I long for spring to arrive earlier and earlier.

So how can one survive the long months indoors without going crazy?? …Add kids to the mix and you might already be there at this point! Well, stir no more. I’ve put together some ideas for you to do for yourself (and your family) to add some fun to this limited outdoor season. (And for all you ski buffs, snow boarders, and ice skaters…we know you all love this season, so….whatever,… keep doing your thing). For the rest of us, I hope this helps…

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