The Garden Lady

The Garden Lady - Old Thoughts Image of Bleeding Hearts

Older entries are now sorted by year...just click on the links at the bottom of this page.

November 21, 2011 Almost Thanksgiving...

I know, I haven't been around for a little.

I had a bit of a tussle with a respiratory infection but I am a lot better now. Finally got a chance to get the sun room cleaned up for Thanksgiving dinner. It's the kind of work that no one knows you did it, but if you didn't for long enough they would! The guest of honor is thawing in the fridge, all the vegetables are bought and ready, I'll make a pie on Wednesday and we will be good to go.

The weather has been warmer and sunny so it has been good to get the leaves blown out to the curb. The house is clean and I'm doing a little at a time and getting things done. Only a month until Christmas and I just got some of the gifts...2012 calendars with my photos, from Winkflash. I may do some decorating this weekend. It is easier since we don't have a tree, just decorate the house. The cat eats trees so while she is around we pass on the feline gastronomical delights. If I don't get back before Thursday, have a great holiday. We have SO much to be thankful for!

November 7, 2011 October snow pictures

We are having some beautiful weather today. Actually, the past few days have been nice. You would never know we had snow a week and a half ago. But...we did and I finally got some pictures together on a page for you to see. Come on along...

Click here for snow pictures

October 31, 2011 Trick or Treat...

As you can see..."they" were right. We had MORE snow Saturday night.

Not as much as some places for sure but my guess is maybe 3-4 inches that packed down. Fortunately, everyone got home from the retreat before it got going, and things cleared up enough for "More Than Just Desserts" last night.

For now, I'm putting things away and will write more later. The photo above is one of the pictures I took yesterday morning, and more to come...

October 27, 2011 SNOW???

'They' said it would, and it is. Just more of this years' strange weather. We still have trees with all of their green leaves.

October 23, 2011 Countdown

It has been a busy weekend with our parish ziti dinner last night and the normal ''house things' that needed to be done.

And now comes the final push before my retreat day on Saturday. It's all about Creation and Creativity and is always a great day with great people... some of whom are 'regulars'. It can be a challenge to say the same things in new ways 4-5 times a year but it works. What I like is that I am always learning new things as well. The work keeps expanding my own mind.

Now if Mirage would just let me type in peace!

October 18, 2011 Thatcher Park

I know I only have about a week and a half until my next presentation BUT...

Yesterday was just so beautiful after the rain we had...so I called Pat and talked her out of doing her housework (yep - I'm bad) and we went to Indian Ladder Farms and Thatcher Park. By the time we got there, some clouds had started to move in but you could still see for miles. From the observation area, you can see Mt. Greylock in Massachusetts and in the other direction, the Navy Depot only a mile from me. A turkey buzzard circled, the colors were beautiful. We also had some cider donuts while we were at Indian Ladder farms. Got back by 2...it was a great day.

Now to get back to work here at the desk...really!

October 13, 2011 Getaway Day!

Yesterday [Wednesday] my friend Pat and I went up to Pyramid Lake to get some fall pictures.

A perfect day in that the rain held off and we enjoyed being the ONLY human forms of life in the 700 acres. After taking quite a few pictures we stopped in Schroon Lake at Pitkins for a late lunch, then tracked back and drove through Terra Alta, a camp community on the lake. It was closed for the season but we could drive in and around. All of the camps are the same in design and color...really unique! It was a great day. By the way, the photo is one Pat took of me zeroing in on a bee. He appears in the lake pictures linked below. Come on along...

Click here for Pyramid Lake pictures

October 11, 2011 Road Trip!

Heading up to Pyramid Lake for a day trip tomorrow with my friend Pat. We're hoping the rain holds off long enough to get some good shots. And, hopefully, there will be some color.

The trees have started turning in the past couple of days here, but the color is still only about 20%. Some of the trees have dead leaves that they are dropping, perhaps from all of the stress this year. This will be my first time up aside from the retreats (and the storm) in August. Late lunch at Pitkins in Schroon Lake, should be a great day. Hopefully some new photos for my next retreat in a little over 2 weeks.

October 4, 2011 Quick Respite

After a very busy weekend, at the retreat house until around 9 on Friday, 3 receptions at church (one after each Mass) for Deacon John's 25th Anniversary of Ordination and Confirmation Sunday night, I was pretty well flat by Sunday night!

Monday, I went over to see my friend Sally and yes, she still has her ducks! They know her well, and are like old friends. I also met her 2 new/old kitties (she adopted them from the shelter after her sweet Lucy died). They are just as precious as they can be. Today, I've been to the market, heading back to the retreat house for an extra bit of helping out, then maybe a rest tonight. Tomorrow is the last Nature Photography class (great group!) and I need to work on the Confirmation pictures and then on my retreat at the end of this month.

Work continues in the flood areas. We have had SO much rain that it is not an easy job, and hard to get things dried out. It's going to take a LONG time to get back to some semblence of 'normal'.

September 25, 2011 Doing what you can

I went over to Rotterdam Junction and Pattersonville yesterday for a few hours to get some shots of the TimeShare Volunteers at work. It has been a month since Irene hit, but the cleanup is far from over. I will have a page up shortly with more photos and some thoughts and ways you can help. A staggering amount of people all through the area need all the help they can get in rebuilding and there are many ways to help. It is heartening to see the response but we need to keep doing what we can!

Click here for volunteer effort photos

September 22, 2011 [Part 2] Running the River - page is up

Pictures are up for the coffeehouse concert at the Retreat House featuring Running the river. Link is below, enjoy!

Click here for Running the River Coffeehouse photos

September 22, 2011 Worth Noting

If you are on Facebook, check out my friend Kelly's page...TimeShareVolunteers and see just what local people are doing to help other people.

The page started out with work trips to different places but since the floods, has taken on a new purpose - helping the flooded families get back on their feet. I will be heading over Saturday to get pictures of them in action and of course, Gardenlady will keep posting updates here and there.

To visit their page, click on the icon on the left sidebar. Thanks!

September 19, 2011 Busy weekends and more

It was a busy weekend with the annual Dutch Fair (some of the proceeds to go toward flood relief) and a meeting Sunday afternoon, then a benefit coffeehouse concert for the Dominican Pastoral Counseling Center by "Running the River" - a great band by the way, and I will have a page up soon.

Cooler (much cooler) weather rolled in at the end of last week - apparently not cold enough to kill off the myriads of mosquitoes we have around from the floods. Perhaps it may help slow down the growth of mold. I really feel for all the people who, if they were fortunate enough to still have a house, have no furnaces, hot water heaters, etc. and now have nippy weather to contend with.

Relief efforts continue and although it seems like what you do is only a drop in the bucket, all those drops add up. Hard to believe it has only been 3 weeks since Irene because it seems so much longer. And for the folks who lost so much, it must be even worse. If you live local, keep on helping, and if you live far off, keep on praying. Thank you.

September 11, 2011 Entry 2 - Pyramid Lake photos are up

I finally got a page up for the retreats at Pyramid Lake in August. The link posted here is a link to a page of photos from Pyramid itself, and on THAT page is a link to my photo sharing pages at Fotki. That's where the participant pictures are.

Happy to be able to post these wonderful memories, it seems like a lifetime ago! Enjoy!

Click here for Pyramid Lake Pictures

September 11, 2011 We Remember

As expected, the news is of the remembrance of the events of 9-11-2001. And while we have not forgotten, in light of the events locally, I prefer to remember how people banded together following those horrific events. Much like what is happening now as our friends and neighbors fight to get back on their feet after the "One-Two punch" we were dealt. And that's not including the tornado.

I still need to get my Pyramid pages done, and it seems like it has been longer than two weeks since Irene hit the East Coast. In the latest storm that hit us (Lee) the road on our side of the Route 103 bridge collapsed and every bridge for miles down the Mohawk was closed in case of severe debris damage. You literally could NOT get across the river for a few hours until the danger had passed. What a snag that caused. Some places that experienced severe flooding from Irene were flooded again. Here at my home, there was water in the basement again but it was from the rain - not the river water that too many people had to deal with. Plus, there was new damage from the tornado that went from Cranesville to Glenville, and lifted only a few miles from my house. It hasn't been dull.

I keep up the reports here on Garden Lady for those people who used to live here and want to know what's been happening. How nice it will be to get back to the normal chatter but just for now, please bear with me as I post what is going on, and how people are faring. Please keep the people, and the volunteers who have been working tirelessly, in your prayers. With all of the destruction and now the dangers associated with the toxins in the mud and the mold that everyone is fighting in the flood areas, we surely need them.

But especially...KEEP THE FAITH !

September 8, 2011 Here we go again...

The rain has stopped for now, and west of us they also had very heavy rains and damage from Lee. The river is rising again and roads are closing due to flooding. Should peak later today into tomorrow morning. Fatigue and stress levels are getting severe. One good thing, we should have some sunny drier weather coming in around Sunday.

September 7, 2011 Lee has arrived

We have had on and off light rain Monday and yesterday, and today T.S. Lee arrived right on schedule.

There is a steady rain, heavy at times and I can only hope the flood-worn places do not flood again. If there is no flooding, the rain may wash down some of the mess on roadways. But it will definitely hamper cleanup efforts. And the task is herculean. Mud is thick and toxic, and mold is sprouting.

I think everyone is busy helping in one way or another. I know just from my little spot I've been posting donation center updates, trying to get helpers in contact with those that need help on the local scene. Here at my own home things are cleaned up and talking with a friend last night, I remarked that I feel like I know firsthand the feeling of "Survivor's Guilt". You just feel so bad for the people who are hurting and nothing you do seems like much. But, you HAVE to keep helping and not become paralyzed into inertia. We WILL fight. And we WILL overcome. It is just going to take time and faith. BTW, Pyramid pictures will be posted at some point. Need to spread beauty as well.

September 5, 2011 When you need a smile...and we all do lately...

Is Roger REALLY running for Mayor? Following in Sparky's pawprints? You will have to go and see...check sidebar link or click HERE!

September 5, 2011 The beat goes on

In case anyone is interested, Schenectady Videos posted an amazing look at the storm before, after and during. Probably the best 'first person' account that you could see. It runs about 14 minutes but shows the absolute fury and damage. Thanks, Schenectady Video and David Tanner for allowing me to post this link;

Schenectady Video - Irene

Yesterday, Sunday, around 5:30 another severe storm hit and brought high winds, heavy rains, non-stop lightning and a tornado. The cleanup effort is ongoing, the devastation becoming more and more apparent. You keep expecting to wake up from all of this and then you remember that it is reality. In the midst - people scrambling to help people, fund drives and work volunteers are ongoing.

This afternoon, I may begin work on the Pyramid Lake pages...it seems like a lifetime ago. Stay safe.

September 3, 2011 From the Eye of the Storm

I decided to call this entry "From the Eye of the Storm" because for the most part, I am now writing it from a relatively calm place (the eye) while destruction remains all around me.

It was just a week ago that I was leading the second retreat at Pyramid Lake and word of public campground closings in anticipation of the storm were beginning to come in. A white board was hung in the dining hall with the forecast and anticipated rainfall anounts and wind speeds were posted. We wondered if the warnings were overblown (as is wont to happen these days) but we prepared anyway. Saturday was a calm, and absolutely beautiful day and right after dinner, about half of the people left to avoid the storm. The sunset was magnificent...totally belied the oncoming fury. Remember the saying 'Red sky at night...sailor's delight"? Not true.

Saturday night in general was quiet...a last campfire for those who would be leaving Sunday...quiet companionship...and when I went to bed at 11, it had not begun to rain yet. I woke around 5 and it was raining steadily, and the rain picked up in intensity. By 6AM it was pouring.

A few people had left early Sunday morning but I had yet 2 people in my group. I went over to the boathouse at 9 to set up for the morning session at 9:30. Just as I finished setting up, the power went out. My 2 people came in and I could tell they were ill at ease... one lived in Saratoga, the other in Glenmont so they were a distance from home. We had a VERY abbreviated session, said a prayer together and they left to head home. They were most likely the last ones to get out for shortly after, trees came down across the road in, and the streams flooded.

By 11, the rain and wind were heavy and about 20 people who had not planned to stay would indeed be staying, at least until the road could be cleared.

Throught the day, the rain continued to fall heavily, the wind picked up and even the canoes and rowboats were filling with water. Trees swayed in the wind right down to the ground and branches broke off and fell. The dining hall was run by generator so meals were still available. I walked from my room behind the boathouse to the dining hall in the storm...hardly believing the fury of the storm. After dinner, I took out the light sticks I brought in case of power outages. I kept one, and brought the rest to the dining hall to share. It was only a couple but a little light in a room is better than no light at all, and flashlights wont run forever. The heavy rain pretty much stopped by evening and the staff had cleared some of the downed trees on the road so more people could get out. Sunday night was dark and quiet, and from my room I could faintly hear the sound of the generator.

On Monday morning, I had breakfast, then packed the car and cleaned the room, deciding on my route for going home. All I knew was that there was a lot of destruction, but I didn't know where. And, except for the places that had generators, the area was without power. I drove down Route 9 through Schroon Lake, and down to Loon Lake, and noticed so many docks on the lake under water. The Schroon River had flooded campgrounds, and that was what I could see. God only knows what the things I could NOT see looked like.

Just past Loon Lake, I took Route 8, trying to avoid the Lake George area and passed power trucks, road washouts and people everywhere assessing damage and starting cleanup. I took 8 to Rt. 30 at Wells, and came down through Northville and Edinburgh. Stopping in a Stewarts, I watched YNN for a bit as they described the damages in the area I would be traveling into. One of the roads I take home was closed, and I had to re route about 14 miles.

When I got home, hubby was out clearing the damage in the yard. We had a lot of limbs down, and some water in the basement but we were so much better off than people only blocks from us.

I got to work unpacking, starting the dehumidifier in the basement and fortunately our washer and dryer are on platforms so I started laundry and checked out standing water. We would be OK. Down the road, the Mohawk River (along with so many rivers and creeks) had gone over the bank, the roadways, into the park and met the flooded Collins Lake. Out on Route 5, just a couple of miles in the other direction, roadways and villages were flooded, people 5 blocks down from us were flooded, and I looked at photos of the widespread damage in our area, the Schoharie Valley (the historic Blenheim Covered Bridge, 156 years old, was destroyed) people lost farmland, crops, animals, homes. Southern Vermont as well took a brutal beating. Many of the states have been declared disaster areas.

I will write more a little later...just these words have hurt to write. People, however, are trying to help in any way they can especially to the families that have lost everything. It will be a very long recovery, and more heavy rain is due...

August 31, 2011 Damage Assessment...

New York State has been declared a disaster area, as I assume Vermont will be as well, in the aftermath of Irene

The first picture is not one of mine and I apologize in advance for using someone elses work but it shows the extent of flooding right in my immediate area. We live in the area in the bottom half of the picture. The second is a photo I took of the Blenheim Covered Bridge in North Blenheim in June of this year. The 156 year old structure was totally demolished in the raging waters of the Schoharie Creek. The damage is beyond comprehension - entire towns flooded, people are still stranded and supplies have to be airlifted to them. Farmlands with ripe harvests were lost, as were farm animals. Roads are washed out or undermined. And as the waters recede, we have massive amounts of mud and God-knows-what everywhere.

I can't imagine what would have happened had it remained a hurricane and not a tropical storm. The river is still high, rushing, and the color of mud.

Eventually I will get retreat pictures up and talk more about that. I also will have a page of my thoughts, and what I have seen. I hope I never see this again.

August 30, 2011 Much too much

I will post more later, but I got home from Pyramid Lake yesterday...being detoured all through the mountains in the aftermath of Irene. It was a wild ride up at the lake to say the least but everyone is OK. Some left Saturday night and some early Sunday morning and in mid morning, trees came down across the main road and the streams flooded other parts of the road.

Power went out at 9:30 AM Sunday and was still out when I left at 9:30 yesterday. Here at home we had a mess in the yard, water in the basement but we're better off than many.

It's all far from over...will write more when I get more 'together'. The photo is in Collins Park.

August 11, 2011 The Rapid Passng of Time

Once again, updating got away from me and it's been almost 2 weeks since I posted.

Not that I have deadlines here but things never seem to settle down. Which is not really a bad thing but I lose track of time. It's been busy however. Mainly little jobs around the house, getting ready for those 2 retreats and finding time now and again to go out with the camera in the evenings to get a few photos.

Our weather has been swinging from hot, to rain, to hot and then we have the occasional cool, UN-humid and beautiful day like today. I finally got the garage overhead door repainted, and the side door repaired and repainted as well. I can't believe it is just about mid-August and I have not been out that much. Either something came up or it was too hot and humid, and some residual health issues kept me inside by the air conditioner. So I worked on other things! I will be up north giving those presentations soon, though. Hubby and the cat will hold down the fort and it's my guess there may be a lot of steak grilling going on in my absence **grin**. I can't wait to get back to Pyramid and see my friends, the lake, the loons, the chipmunks...

July 29, 2011 Sightings

After breakfast, we hung around outside on the main drag to get a glimpse of the filming that was going on. Today, they were shooting the bank robbery and getaway scenes and I did get a couple of (long shot) pictures of Ryan Gosling, and one with Ryan and his stunt double. Looks like he did all of his own riding. I missed that part...had to get to work. Despite some traffic snarls and some testy bystanders it seemed to go well.

July 28, 2011 All sorts of news

Busy weekend last weekend as great niece Madelyn was baptized. That's her and her big sister Carley in the picture above. Nice ceremony and a nice family picnic after.

Big doings around the area as filming for 'The Place Beyond the Pines" began this week. The actors, especially Ryan Gosling, have been spotted all around the area and sightings and stories make for some nice positive reading in the local papers. One of the places that will be used is the First National Bank about 6 blocks from me. Filming was supposed to take place yesterday but was rescheduled. The storms we had the past couple of days had to bring some of these things to a standstill.

The most fun? People have something else to talk about besides the hot weather and the fiascos currently on the national news.

July 21, 2011 Heat Wave

Did we really have snow up to our butts and beyond a few months ago? Excessive heat warning for today. At 9:30 it's in the mid 80's and very humid out there. So, I am going to stay IN and work on my retreats. Yes yes.

July 18, 2011 Things are blooming!

Things look pretty colorful out in the garden currently. The flowers are open or opening, the weeds need to be pulled again but with upcoming weather I may not get out there as quickly as I thought. By the end of the week, the heat index is supposed to be 100 to 105 so I will be indoors. Not a big problem as I have plenty to work on. One month to go until the retreats at Pyramid.

And, did you know that July is National Ice Cream Month? I just found out. Darn - I will have to celebrate that one. In other news, I found a few more old pictures, scanned them and sent then to my cousin. I also found a bunch of oldies of people that must have been from my fathers' side. All farm based...circa early 1900's. Incredible! Any time we asked Dad about the family, he didn't say much. So, I don't know much. But the pictures are pretty neat

July 15, 2011 That which was lost...

The other afternoon, as I was sitting here at the computer looking over some pictures I had taken that morning, Outlook popped a message, then another... "so-and-so sent you a private message on *site*' then "Such and such wants to be friends on *site*'.

Well, being the cautious person I can be when it comes to being contacted by people I don't know, I checked the profile (nothing much there) then read the messages that this person sent me. I was hardly prepared for what I read.

The messages started out by asking first my name, then my sisters' name. Then, references to family. He was trying to contact the family that he had not seen in over 40 years. It was my cousin! I quickly 'friended' him, asked a little further and knew that indeed it was him. He had sent his phone number (in another state) and I called him that evening. We talked for almost an hour and each of us was So happy to hear from the other. He said he had been searching for many years, and a blog entry I made (probably quite some time ago) on *that site* led him to try that lead. And it worked!

The picture above is a photo I scanned tonight and sent to him. In it is my older sister, his older brother, himself and me. Back in 1957. I can't describe how wonderful it feels to know where he is, and how he is doing. And we WILL catch up on a lot of missed time.

Life can be full of wonderful things, the internet can be a very useful tool. And tonight, I am thrilled to have a missing piece of my past back once again.

July 11, 2011 The garden and it's visitors

Summer is definitely here, the cone flowers and bee balm are open, and in a week or so the black-eyed susans will also be showing off. Right now, the buds are still rather tight but you can see the petal color so it won't be long. The birds are enjoying the bird bath and fountain and the squirrels make sure the birds don't eat too much. It's pretty sticky by afternoon so I get my outdoor work done early or near dusk. It's a joy to look out back through the atrium doors and the sun room and see the garden.

July 7, 2011 Return from Paradise

I got back yesterday after a few days at Still Point Retreat Center (see sidebar). I really enjoyed my time away, the silence and simplicity. I would say the silence of the woods but if you go to the woods in summer, you know it is far from silent.

I enjoyed my stay in Cabin 4, listening to the birds during the day and the frog chorus all night. The lightning bugs put on their own fireworks display, I got scolded by chipmunks and squirrels alike. I swatted mosquitoes and deer flies, swam in the pond - scaring a few frogs and confusing some fish in the process. I also read, wrote in my journal and of course took pictures. In short, I LOVED it! Come on along...

Click here for Still Point Retreat Pictures

July 3, 2011 Independence Day

Wishing you a happy, safe holiday. Remember to give thanks for our freedom. No matter what problems we may have it is still a great country, from sea to shining sea.

June 27, 2011 Oops

Fixed a couple of typos in my entries, and also replaced one of the garden page pictures - a duplicate. Your eyes just get tired after awhile.

I did some work in the garden today, and washed ALL 14 windows on the front porch. Now I need to get the Relay page together like I promised. The photo above is one taken by someone at Relay - I'm scouting the crowd for pictures :)

June 25, 2011 Garden Tour 2011!.

The moment many of you have been waiting for!

Click here for Garden Tour 2011 pictures!

June 22, 2011 The work begins.

Well...I finished up taking the pictures of all of the gardens on this years' tour yesterday...just in time for we had a downpour this morning!

Now comes the hard part, selecting 8-10 photos of each of the nine gardens for the pages. There were some spectacular gardens this year and I saw a couple of familiar faces as well as met some wonderful new gardeners. I started this morning in the process of getting the pages together and I think you will love these gardens as much as I did. Stay tuned!

June 19, 2011 Relay!

Friday afternoon we set out for Relay for Life...and rain had moved in about a half hour before we left. I had hoped it would let up for the Luminaria Ceremony at 9:45 and miraculously, the rain stopped around 5 and the skies cleared! So, as it turned out, we had a WONDERFUL night!

I went in, having raised $1,833.00 with the help of my supporters. Without them, where would I be? Knowing the money goes to research is my driving force. We stayed until around 11PM, and I got a lot of pictures - some of which I posted on my Facebook page (also, the local Relay page) and I will also put a page up here as well. I thank the American Cancer Society for treating us like royalty. It's a tough way to earn the purple T-shirt but I think of the yellow jersey in the tour de France, and how Lance Armstrong, a cancer survivor, wore that jersey proudly for a few years.

I will have a page up in a couple of days - I'm also working on the garden tour pictures so my desktop is a mess of folders with photos right now. I thank everyone associated with Relay - especially Joy, and also for everyone who supported me in such an unbeliveable way. We more than doubled last years' collection and I could not have done it without my friends! Heartfelt thanks...you ROCK!

June 15, 2011 This is going to be fun!

I started taking the pictures for the Garden Tour today and from what I am seeing, this year is going to be outstanding! I know, I say that every year...

You'll have to wait for the pictures, as the tour is not until Saturday and I do have a few gardens scheduled for next week. We're hoping for good weather but rain or shine, you won't want to miss this one.

June 12, 2011 Cranking it up

How about this little family?

Friday night, Pat and I went to Central Park to get pictures of the roses (they are AWESOME this year) and I thought it might be fun to go over to the duck pond and see what was going on. Well - this little family was there, along with about 60 other ducks and geese (at least). Working our way slowly over, Mama seemed fine with letting us get close enough for a few good shots. The ducklings were SO cute, and later ran around quacking and putting on quite a show! We got within 3 to 4 feet of her.

This week will be one BUSY week - with appointments to take pictures of the gardens on the tour (which will be Saturday) and Relay for Life on Friday night. So far, I have raised over $1,800.00! Not bad. Tomorrow I will be out with Pat for a photo day. I'm not quite sure where we will go but it should be fun. I went to Still Point last week and got some pictures, and also reserved my favorite cabin for early July. Three nights. Happy camper. After the madhouse of the past few weeks it will be nice to spend some downtime. I haven't stayed there since last September. Hubby and the cat hold down the fort.

My Nature Photography class is going extremely well. Some great people taking the class and this past week we took a "field trip" along the bike path by the college. Warmed my heart to see them surrounding a toad and snapping away. A toad, ducks, plants, spiders...we had fun. The course garnered quite a few people for a Friday morning and it's worth the time I spent developing the course. Of course, it's my passion. And I am happy to spend time with people who feel the same.

Off to sleep, it's almost midnight (so what else is new...) Take care and stay tuned!

June 7, 2011 Getting those pictures up - Part Two!

I "got 'er done!" Here is the link for the Peggy Lynn-Dan Duggan concert on Sunday night. Enjoy!

Click here for concert pictures.

June 7, 2011 Getting those pictures up!

On Saturday, June 4, the weather was as good as you could ask for Aunt Katie's outdoor flea market! I have a selection here at Gardenlady, and a link on the page for the complete set at my site at Fotki. I'll soon be adding pictures from the fund raiser at the retreat house - a concert given by Peggy Lynn and Dan Duggan to benefit the Dominican Pastoral Counseling Center. For now, enjoy some fun pictures:

Click here for Aunt Katie's Flea Market pictures.

June 6, 2011 Relay Update

Just an update, and I'm off to bed because it is 2 minutes after midnight!

Had a collection after each Mass and with help from the generous people of St. Joseph's, I am now over $1,600.00 in donations for Relay! And I have a little over a week before Bank Night. I couldn't do it without your support, and I thank you! For anyone wishing to donate to help fight cancer, email me and I will give you the URL. My email address is on the sidebar, but it is spelled out. Spam, you know...

Otherwise, this weekend I got to Aunt Katie's Outdoor Flea Market, and the Peggy Lynn and Dan Duggan concert/fundraiser at the retreat house. Will get pictures up but right now, there is a pillow calling my name...

Oh Heck... my Relay Page is here.

June 3, 2011 A little comic relief

Sometimes when you take several pictures of the same thing, you don't really SEE something until you pull up the picture on the monitor.

Such was the case with this photo. And I couldn't resist posting it in a few places with the caption 'TRUE friends stand lookout when you REALLY have to go'. A laugh is always a good thing.

To catch up, my first class in Nature Photography was this morning and I have a great bunch of students. I think this will be fun. Weather wise, it is beautifully cool the past 2 days after blistering heat, violent storms around us but not actually affecting us. Memorial Day weekend was nice - starting off with our 39th anniversary and Sunday spent with Joe, Sara, Carley and Madelyn at the park.

I got the results of the mammogram/ultrasound call back, and they put me on a 6 month recall for 2 years. But I'm ALREADY on a six month recall. So, is it that much different? Something small, could be a cyst but they are being careful given my post-cancer status. I was happy to hear of the reprieve with the Garden Tour and Relay in 2 weeks. Saves hassle. Speaking of relay, I have so far raised $1,143.00 and have a fundraising collection this weekend. Take THAT, ugly cancer. I have a life and it doesn't include YOU if I can help it.

Happy weekend, everyone. Carpe Diem!

May 23, 2011 Mid Spring

The cloudiness has come back in after some sun this weekend. As you can see, my garden is quite lush, and the azalea is in bloom.

I have a busy week ahead after a VERY busy weekend taking pictures for First Communion at all three Masses. There is a lot of weeding yet to be done, photos to organize and get ready, handouts for the Nature Photography course, Garden Tour in June and of course - Relay for Life.

I have a donation page at Relay's site and you can email me for the link if you wish to donate. I have raised close to $1,000. and hope to surpass that goal. I will be walking for all of us! Donations can be made online and they are secure, or you can print out a form and mail it into them. Thanks to all of you who have helped so far. Cancer doesn't take a break and neither will I.

UPDATE - went over the $1,000.00 mark tonight. Let's keep fighting!!!

May 18, 2011 Patiently Waiting

It's been raining on and off here since Saturday, and due to keep up right through the weekend. But I did stop at Lowe's this morning and picked up a few more plants and they - and I - await planting day. They WILL be going into pots, and not the ground so I really could do this anytime. I wouldn't have to worry about watering them.

Otherwise, it has been a relatively quiet week and I'm working on my classes that start in 2 weeks. We have 3 more people signed up and that's a good thing. I also heard from a couple of people who emailed that they will see me at Pyramid Lake in August for my "Heaven and Nature" retreat.

Which, by the way, I have to get ready also.

For now, I'll finish up work here and we have Benefactor's Appreciation Night at DRCC.

I'm moving right along with Relay for Life as well. 30 days to go. In light of this, I have a callback at the mammography center but hopefully it won't be anything. Well, we can hope **smiles**

May 16, 2011 Spring comes to the woodlands

As promised, I have a page of photos of some of the beautiful sights as the woods come alive.

In the past year or so, I have come up with some new places to hike. It's good to expand your horizons. The preserves I used to frequent had been pretty well explored by me and it was time to find new ones. Nothing like a fresh trail! The weather was quite beautiful...and some of the muddy trails dried up a bit as the days went by. I enjoyed listening to the bird song, and watching the chippies play hide-and-seek with me. All in all a nice week for exploring and this week we are back to rain. Enjoy the photos:

Click here for waking woodland pictures.

May 9, 2011 Back Home Again

I just got back this morning from retreat - on Saturday I gave a day of retreat "Crestion and Creativity" then stayed up in the Windmill for an extra day. Usually when the retreat day is finished, I'm pretty tired so the extra day gives me a chance to unwind.

Busy days ahead though as I finish getting a course in Nature Photography ready, two retreats in August at Pyramid Lake, and of course, the 2011 Relay for Life in June. I've already set up my personal page for this year and it provides a place for my friends to make their donations online if they wish. Works out well.

I will have some pictures from my weekend soon, I got out into the woods a couple of times of course! Everything is beginning to bloom!

April 26, 2011 Welcome, Madelyn!

Carley has a new baby sister!

Madelyn made her entrance into the world on April 25, weighing 8 lbs even and measuring 20 inches. She was due today but decided to show up a day early. Which is a very good thing! So, there is a new baby in the family, and that's always a wonderful miracle!

Congratulations Joe, Sara and Carley! And welcome, little angel!

April 24, 2011 Easter!

It's pretty chilly for an Easter that is almost at the end of April. Nonetheless, wishing you and yours a Blessed Easter!

At the end of a busy week, I went over to the Church this morning to help decorate for Easter. Tonight at 8PM is the Vigil Mass that we always attend - love the ceremonies of the blessing of the new fire, the blessing of the new water, and most of all, the singing of the "Exsultet". It seems Lent flew by except for the weather!

This past week, Pat and I went to Popp Conservatory, and I'll have pictures up soon. It's on that ever-growing "to do" list, you know...

April 17, 2011 Another Year Older...

yes - another year older - yesterday was my birthday, and with this one, the first number in my double-digit age changed. Now, if you know me, you know what the number is. If you dont know me...well, you'll have to guess!

The picture is one of the flowers in my flower bouquet. My friends Eileen and Dave never forget, and every year, I get a bouquet of beautiful, sunny flowers. The day itself was quiet as we had Palm Sunday Vigil at 4PM and the weather left a lot to be desired so I went over to Lowes and picked out some plants to repot and get going in the sun room. A month from now, they should be lovely. We will go out late this afternoon to a Habitat dedication, then out for my birthday dinner. On Tuesday, my friend Pat and I will head back to Popp Butterfly Conservatory for some pictures and a day out. We went two years ago -it is smaller than Magic Wings but they have a greater assortment of beautiful birds and different lizards. They are in Oneonta.

This coming week, Holy Week, will get quite busy. In addition to all of the services at the end of the week, I go back to the oncologist on Monday for my 6 month checkup. This April marks 3 years since the diagnosis and hopefully in a couple more years, I will pass that 5 year mark free and clear. Tuesday, the trip, Wednesday, a client in the morning, and teach at night. Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday and the Easter Vigil late Saturday night. And in the midst of all of this, things are greening up outside and the spring flowers have sprung!

April 7, 2011 A Trip to Faddegon's Nursery

Spent some time with my friend Pat and our cameras at Faddegon's Nursery . Many of you might love to see some of the real signs of spring, so come on along and take a look:

Click here for pictures of Faddegon's Nursery.

April 4, 2011 Mark Rust - Coffee House!!

If you missed Mark Rusts' Coffee House at the Dominican Retreat and Conference Center , you missed a great time! Mark is an amazing, versatile folk musician from Woodstock NY and a friend of Sr. Sue and the Retreat House. While you can't hear his music on this page, you can enjoy some of the highlights:

Mark Rust pictures are here.

April 3, 2011 Aunt Katie's 16th Birthday Bash

Another year has gone by, and another birthday for Aunt Katie's Attic {see sidebar for link}. I stopped by for an hour or so yesterday to get a few pictures and enjoy watching people come in from as far as Westchester and Massachusetts to join in the festivities.

You don't stay on top of your game unless you are GREAT, and Kate is just that. Energetic, always recreating the shop space, plus her love of people has kept her on Metroland's "Best of" for quite some time. You can see some pictures of the event here:

Aunt Katie's 16 Birthday Bash pictures are here.

April 1, 2011 April Fool!

What a relief, the snow storm that was predicted moved east, and we had only a coating of wet snow this morning. We kept tabs on the reports all day yesterday and later in the day, changes were noted and it looks like we took a miss on the 5+ inches that we were supposed to get. Which is good news.

I've been busy here at the desk, 3 retreats to prepare, one class running and I have two new classes at the Community College starting up for the summer session, one of them being on Nature Photography. Two people are already signed up and registration just started. It's kind of exciting. In other news, a new great-niece is due by the end of this month. I'm off shortly to the retreat house to get my work done, then desk duty as the women come in for a weekend program and I help with a presentation tonight (running a slide show). I LOVE that place.

Have a GREAT weekend, everyone!

March 30, 2011 April Fool...please say April Fool...

Only one more day left in March and what do we get? A Winter Storm Watch for tomorrow night through Friday night. Wet heavy snow to the tune of 6-12 inches, or 8-14 in outlying areas. It IS only a watch so far. Now, I love the snow but we have had more than enough. Plus, it's SPRING, do you hear me?? SPRING!!!!

March 27, 2011 They did say Spring, didn't they?

It's on the cold side out there tonight, cold for the end of March.

Now I am sure we passed the first day of Spring and it is now about SEVEN weeks since that groundhog said Spring would be early. Seems more like he got even for all the years of getting dragged out of his nice warm den. "You want to hear early spring? Fine...here's my shadow". Back off to sleep and the joke is on us!

I did get over to the Flower and Garden Show at Hudson Valley Community College with my friend Pat on Friday. Walking among the faux gardens and enjoying the real flowers. You know there will be a page soon, more than likely the page will have a little bit of everything. For the time being, the little tulips above will give you a little hint of what is still a bit off here. Spring, what is taking you so long?

March 20, 2011 Spring, Supermoon, et al

Happy first day of Spring.

It's been busy here on the home front with a lot of projects, too many irons in the fire, in other words, business as usual. I got out last night and waited for the moonrise and got a few shots - this one as the moon rose over the trees and then I drove from the park over to the river and took a couple more. The moon really was this orange, huge - as you can tell by the amount of branches in front of it. The air was cold and damp by the water and I could barely feel my fingers when I finished but I was happy I went.

Today is a slow day after a parish potluck for the Feast of St. Joseph on Saturday night. I have been getting ready for a class that starts this week, preparing presentations and will be attending one titled "Earthy Mysticism" at the Retreat House on Wednesday. A few hours "off" as a break from the pile on my desk. I helped out with one last Wednesday given by Sr. Marion Honors, CSJ - quite an artist and Christ-centered naturalist.

I'm also watching the news which never seems to be good these days. Witnessing the disasters in Japan, the turbulence in the Mid East makes me even more appreciative for what we DO have. Somehow, problems I might have are tiny in comparison.

We are due for some snow during the upcoming week. Not much of it and at this point it doesn't hurt anything. The snow banks have dropped down to just a few dirt-laden piles here and there. Some people are even seeing their crocus. At the feeder, the red wing blackbirds, mourning doves, white throated sparrows, juncos and robins, among other birds, fill the yard with song and lift winter and world-weary spirits. The cycle begins anew.

March 12, 2011 Good Riddance to the past week

Well, it's almost the beginning of a new week.

In the past week we had that storm that left more garbage behind than previous ones in that the mess was harder to clean up. Then, some warmer weather came in, lots of melting and...rain! And of course, the combination makes for ice jams and flooding. Although it isn't as bad as some years. So far.

All of this pales in comparison, however, to the disaster in Japan. It is heartbreaking to see the reports, photos and videos. These are people - like you and I - and they have been hit with one disaster after another. We need to pray for these folks, help as we can, and never take for granted the blessings we have every single day. I was relieved to hear from friends of mine who go each winter to stay with their daughter in Hawaii. When I heard they were under tsunami theats I sent an email out, not knowing when I would hear from her. Thankfully, they had come back to the mainland US on Tuesday, and the kids were safe too.

Lighting a candle and praying for those who are suffering...here's hoping the coming week brings healing and light.

March 7, 2011 Your Monday Morning Storm is here...

After my last entry, and just before this one, we had a couple of days of rain, and temps in the upper 40's. The combination did a lot to melt back most of the snow we had a little over a week ago. Just in time for our weekly snowstorm that is whipping away out there now.

The latest storm started late yesterday afternoon when our rain turned to sleet for a few hours, then to freezing rain and finally, somewhere in the wee hours this morning - snow. The wind has come up so we're staying put.

Yesterday, Pat & I went out (in the rain) getting a few outdoor shots but then went to FoCastle Farms in Burnt Hills for come coffee and a slice of pie, plus a photo op. I'll have a page later on that. For now, I'm getting some things done in the house, and I think I'll make meat loaf for dinner. Comfort food - for a cold, blustery day. Stay safe and warm!

March 1, 2011 The Spring Month

On this bright sunny morning, my thoughts are turning to spring!

For as long as I can remember, turning the calendar page to March always seemed like turning the page from winter to spring, even at times when the weather is decidedly un-springlike. This is the month when we can have some whoppers of snowstorms but you know that warmer days are not far off. Even the birds' song in the morning sounds like spring. We have had warmer temperatures the past day, and rain in the morning plus the warmth melted some of the snow we had Friday and then Sunday morning. The sum will take care of even more today and hopefully we will have a slow melt and avoid floods. No doubt, however, that it's time to begin planning the cleaning. And in another 6 weeks or so, blossoms!

February 25, 2011 Retreat photos and more

This is a GOOD day to get the photo page up...it is hard to believe that one week ago, it was in the low 60's, beautiful, and today, so far, we have had near a foot of new snow. The forecast was for 4-6 inches. At 1PM, it is still snowing and the wind is beginning to gust. A good day indeed to be indoors. SO - the photo page is done...

Retreat pictures are here.

February 24, 2011 Back from Retreat

Bet you didn't even know I was gone!

On Friday, I went into work at the Retreat House, and then stayed and took part in a 5 day Centering Prayer retreat. I would have to say that hands down, it was the best directed retreat I have ever been on. As I sort out my notes, and organize the few pictures I took I'll make an entry here. It was wonderful to just go and be a "sponge" for a few days - I didn't have to worry about meals as Ceil fed us all very well. The Retreat Director, Fr. Bill Sheehan, OMI, was great, the conferences interesting and we spent a lot of time in Centering prayer. Will add more later, right now there are things that need to be done on the home front.

February 15, 2011 Save the Scotia Diner!

As is our custom a couple of days a week, we stopped in for breakfast at the Scotia Diner this morning. MANY people stop in for a good, quick meal here and it was a surprise, to say the least, to hear it is slated for demolition to make way for apartments. A surprise - even to the operators of the diner.

Since that announcement, people voiced their wish to have the diner continue - if not there, then at another location nearby. It really is a piece of Americana in that it is a good old-fashioned diner unlike some of the glitzy, higher priced diners outside of the Village. Scotia has a couple of other restaurants, pizza places, and a sub shop but there is nothing quite like the diner where you know everyone, and they know you.

I talked with Anita and Terry - who operate the Scotia Diner and they were very gracious in allowing me to take pictures and post a page which I've posted a link to at the end of this entry. I sincerely hope they will be able to find a new location in the Village for their business. And you can bet I will report back if we get good news! Thanks, Anita, Terry, and all of the employees of the diner!

Scotia Diner pictures are here.

February 14, 2011 Happy Valentine's Day!

Wishing all of you a Happy Valentine's Day!

It is a beautiful day here, almost 40 degrees at 9:30AM. I have an appointment a little later, then just have dinner home today. We will go out for our Valentines dinner on Wednesday night. Less crowds and less hassle!

February 7, 2011 While the cat's away...

The cat is napping right now so I may be able to catch up on what I was going to say last night!

Above are a couple more pictures from the wild kingdom in the yard. The starlings in the bird bath - wonderfully open water thanks to the new heater, and a squirrel tunnel in the snowbank under the feeder. Some things just make you smile to see them!

It was a busy weekend with helping with a presentation at the retreat house on Friday night, a parish potluck on Saturday night and the Dominican Associate re-commitment ceremony yesterday. I will soon have a link to the photos from the ceremony for all associates - I'll email all of you where it will be. Today, we got the grocery shopping done and the weather forecast calls for light snow later on. Good - it can cover the dirty ice that hubby cleared from the driveway and now graces our snowbanks. The road crews are starting to get out removing snow from the sides of the road with front end loaders and dump trucks. Should open up the streets a little. Have a great day, everyone!

February 6, 2011 Got Them February Blahs?

Tired of it yet?

Winter certainly has a hold on us this year. Now, I don't mind the snow so much but the freezing rain and ice is another story. I found that this picture of Mirage, taken the other morning as she started to yawn, made a statement :). People parking on the street make two-way traffic impossible. Roofs are collapsing on barns, porches, buildings. Yes, an old fashioned winter and we almost forgot what they are like. Blahhhhh!

Add to that, I am trying to type around the cat. ***throws in towel*** I'll write later!

February 3, 2011 All Quiet on the Eastern Front

It's almost 11:45 AM on Thursday, the sun is out, the skies are blue and it's cold. The storm is gone and on the weather this morning 'they' are calling for - guess what - snow on Saturday. No more information...just 'snow'. I got a picture page ready - check it out!

February storm pictures are here.

February 2, 2011 A Bit of a Fizzler?

Almost noon on Wednesday, and it looks like the storm may be over.

It was snowing this morning but changed to sleet, then sleet and freezing rain which packed down the snow somewhat. I would estimate we had 10-12 inches of actual snow. Now the birds have started to come to the feeders. Dinner is in the crock pot. Life is good!

February 1, 2011 ... Batten the Hatches :)

Got Snow?

The latest winter storm came in somewhere between 5:30 and 6:30...and we are expecting 12-24 inches of the white stuff before the warning ends on Thursday morning. Plows and sanders are out and we have had about 3 inches so far. The snow should taper off later and really sock in tomorrow. It is REALLY nice be able to stay home after so many years of dealing with the mess a storm like this can create.

I got out Sunday to Backyard Birds and purchased a new bird bath heater - the old one went *pffftttt* We have a lot of birds and squirrels that appreciate the open water and it can get quite busy out in the yard. Brightens up the winter too.

For now, I am going to head into the kitchen and start a pot of beef stew. Grand day for it.

January 31, 2011 Bracing for more winter

Like the 'artwork' on my garage door window this morning? A Frost Painting, brought to you by God.

We are getting ready for some more snow tomorrow into Wednesday and I am hoping the mixed precipitation stays to a minimum. That just makes things such a mess! We have enough supplies that I don't need to go near the store today and I cancelled an appointment I had on Wednesday with the eye doctor. My friend was taking me as it involves drops that dilate, and I dont want HER to have to deal with the snow from here to Albany. Otherwise, I think I'm ready. Plenty to do in here.

January 29, 2011 Some of the Sights

I figured I have been writing about our snow, perhaps it was time to get a page together showing you some of the beauty that winter has to offer. You know it is going to be around for awhile, may as well look for the beauty. Open your eyes... pictures are here.

January 25, 2011 The Snow Queen's Domain

It is a little warmer out this morning - still single digits at 10AM and cloudy but warmer than the 14 below we had the night before last.

The cold weather has made some interesting patterns on the back storm door and I am getting a whole collection of frost photos. At least the very cold weather waited until the Obama visit to GE was finished. Unlike the first scheduled visit which was cancelled because of the Arizona tragedy and we happened to have a good storm on the day he would have been here anyway.

Inside, it is a little nippy around the edges and I turned the heat up to about 65 or 66 in the house. The next few days we are supposed to have light snow, this morning there was about an inch of fresh stuff to add to the piles. Would rather have snow than ice though. Think I will choose some photos and make a new page...

January 21, 2011 Snow Days II

A few more inches fell overnight and now it is clear, brilliant blue sky earlier, and some COLD temps coming in for the weekend. This certainly is an old-fashioned winter.

I do know that it looks like a picture postcard out - even with all of the work it entails. I stayed home from DRCC today only because I had a bit of sliding out there with the car this morning and since some of my work CAN be done via emailing, I am staying put until the plows have a chance to scrape down even more. One of the bird baths out in the yard is just about buried in snow (the one without the heater). I turned the top upside down in late fall so it wouldnt crack from the ice. It looked like an odd mushroom for the first few snows and now it is only about 4 inches away from being completely buried. I did see a x-country skier in the preserve yesterday and the trails that were not packed down really needed snowshoes if you didn't want to sink.

January 20, 2011 Snow Days

We have had quite a bit of snow lately.

Not so much in terms of feet of snow, but that every time you turn around it snows. Sometimes half a foot, sometimes 'nuisance' snow, an inch or so at a time. But the fact is, this month is more like the winters I remember living in this area my whole life.

Today was a lovely day - cold yet perfect for pictures so Pat and I went to Milton Nature Preserve (where the above photo was taken) and also through Rock City Falls, back down through Charlton and the Glenville Hills. I have quite a few pictures, and it felt really good to get out! Tonight, they are calling for more snow into tomorrow morning. Best guess is that we should get anywhere between 3 to 5 inches. Whoo Hoo!

January 13, 2011 Fully Winter

The storm we were waiting for in my last entry came in around 11PM Tuesday night and snowed through the day Wednesday. In the photo above, you can see what a difference a week made - hardly any snow was on the ground on Jan. 5th. Thankfully the snow has been light and fluffy, not the kind that breaks your back and your shovel trying to move it. Winter is indeed here.

One thing I really enjoy is a snow day - especially now that I don't HAVE to be out in it, stuck in traffic, constantly cleaning off the car. We wait until things slow down or stop, then hubby gets out with the snow blower and clears the driveway. Today is a sunny cold day, the wind is not bad and I have a few things lined up here at home to attend to. Keep warm!

January 11, 2011 A Brand New Year

Back home again after a wonderful retreat - both the presentation day and an extra day off after all the prep.

When I went in to work on Friday - carting everything I would need for the weekend, the snow had started out dry and fine. We were unsure how MUCH we would get, but the first few hours there was little accumulation as you can see in the picture on the left, above. That was taken when I got into the Windmill about 2:30. The snow picked up in the late afternoon-early evening and continued through the night and by morning things looked like the picture on the right. Everything wound down by the retreat at 10, and all but a couple of people made it. The snow stayed on the trees through the day and thankfully the wind held off until that night. A beautiful day, and some pictures of the snow on the grounds can be seen by clicking here.

Now.all is back to normal at home and we are waiting for another storm coming in around midnight. Winter is here!

January 2, 2011 Happy New Year!

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday, and may you have abundant blessings in the coming year!

We welcomed the New Year the way we always do - at the retreat house for an Evening of Reflection, an overnight stay and breakfast in the morning with others who chose the overnight option. And now, it's the new year. Driving home in the morning, I had a chance to take the picture that is now my banner shot of the birds that always rest on the wires over the ramp to I-890. Normally, the traffic is too heavy but at 9:30 on New Years' morning, the road was almost deserted so I pulled over on the shoulder and took the picture through the window. Nothing like some humor to start things out right.

We also had a party for a good friend who turned 95 last Thursday. I will have a couple of photos up later on. I also need to get ready for a retreat I am giving on Saturday. All of my Christmas stuff can be put away. And, I will be getting the 2010 "Past Entries" page set here at Gardenlady. But first, time to head out for breakfast with friends!

Year 2010

Year 2009

Year 2008

Year 2007

Year 2006

Year 2005

Year 2004

Year 2003

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