Kick off to the Olympics

I am not an avid Olympic Game viewer but I have always loved gymnastics. When I was little I idolized Mary Lou Retton. I even had the American flag leotard.

I must come by it naturally because back in the day my Dad was quite the athlete and the rings were his speciality!

For all of you laymen out there, this move is called an iron cross and it is NOT easy. For anyone (like myself) that doesn't participate in regular muscle building activities, I would like for you try simply hanging from a pull up bar....not so easy, huh?!

Let the games begin!!

Man's Best Friend

Maggie and I spend a lot of time together. I enjoy our one-on-one time but nothing brings a smile to my face or a wag to her tail like Pat!

When he first started traveling, every evening, at about 7:00 she would lay next to the front door. I tried to tell her he wasn't coming home but it took a couple months for it to set in.

That's one of those things I don't quit understand...I feed her, walk her,  make sure she has her check ups but she still loves him more. I guess he is the happy one, and it takes a lot to make him mad, and he is always ready for fun. Not to mention that his disciplinarian skills are sub par.

On most days, this is what I come home to...

A lot of this look is the Hound in her but how pitiful?!

None the less I try to amuse Maggie. This week we went for a walk at Riverfront Park. It was HOT but we tried to enjoy it anyway.

I showed Maggie where Jenny and I used to live...

many great memories at Grandby Crossing!! 

Stopping for a quick drink.

She wanted so badly to play with the children in the water.

Boring 'ole Mom didn't let her.

My brother recently gave me some photography tips so I took this opportunity to try out my new skills. I love the way this one of the Gervis Street Bridge turned out!

Maggie can't talk but she is a great listener. She can't laugh but I know when she is happy. She can't give hugs but she knows exactly what to do when I need one! What if we wouldn't have taken in that flea infested, bag of bones we found in Beaufort 4 years ago? I don't know what I would do without my faithful companion.

Happy 4th of July!

I know this post is a little late but we had such a huge day I needed some time to gather my thoughts...

As soon as we found out that we would be able to make our trip to PA a longer one, Pat informed me that we would definitely be visiting Niagara Falls. For some time now I have been hearing him talk about these jet boats that go up the Niagara River. I really didn't give it much thought until we got there Wednesday afternoon.

The  currents of the Niagara Falls have carved out a 7-mile gorge.  Hundreds of thousands of gallons of water flow over the Falls every minute and as that water enters the narrow rock gorge, it is compressed into the rapids that create the whitewater that the boat would be taking us into! As we sat waiting for instructions, I noticed that many people were wearing bathing suits and most for the women didn't have on any makeup. After some eves dropping I asked, "So how wet do you get?" After lots of laughter one man responded, "Oh just a little."

Excited to board the boat!

We are in the third row, directly in the middle -

the only ones with our hands up.

Niagara's Devil's Hole Rapids boast 15'-20' waves, currents with speeds approaching 20 mph and a solid class 5 rating.  Class 5 rapids are defined as "approaching the limits of navigability, should only be attempted by whitewater experts after taking every available precaution."

Needless to say when we walked off of the boat there was not a dry spot on our bodies. Luckily it was 90 degrees and the sun was  shining. I laid on a huge, hot rock long enough for my shorts to stop dripping and I could tolerate walking around.  After we made our purchases in the gift shop we were in the car and on our way to The Maid of the Mist!

I didn't bother changing my clothes because I have been on this boat in the past and from what I remembered I knew I would be getting wet. As we boarded our second boat of the day everyone received a poncho except for Pat, he refused. We found what we thought would be the best spot to see the falls up close and personal. It starts off at a calm part of the Niagara River and takes you past the American and Bridal Veil Falls, then into mist inside the curve of the Horseshoe Falls.

Waiting in line to board.

I thought this picture did justice to how close we were.

The Maid of the Mist.

My brother and me on the The Maid of the Mist 20 years ago!

As we departed the boat Pat saw people walking from stairs that take you even closer to the Falls. He wasn't going to miss out on that. I told him I would meet him on the observation deck...I had enough water for one day!

That is Pat next to the yellow arrow.

If you look closely you will notice that all of the

sane people are wearing blue ponchos...NOT Pat!!

What a day, but the 4th of July wouldn't be complete without fireworks! On our way home we pass through Olean, NY.  It used to be a tradition, every year my family would make the 45 minute trip to see the fireworks at Bradner Stadium in Olean. We had to stop! 

After our adventurous day we were both starving so we decided to order pizza to eat at our parking spot since we had time to kill before the fireworks started. I got a little confused and we ended up with enough for 30 people.

Happy 4th of July!!! 

 



Stony Brook State Park

 Pat and his love of waterfalls...need I say more?

My uncle told him about a state park less than 2 hours from the house so, of course, we were there!

Within minutes of parking the car Pat was leading me over a bridge and up a path, map in hand. We hadn't made it very far and I pointed out to him that I wasn't in the mood for hiking. He assured it would be nothing so I continued on. Finally I said, "So where is this taking us? It better be something good! How much farther?" He pulls out his trusty map and says,  "...oh it's only 2.5 miles."

I'm sorry but hiking 2.5 miles uphill, both ways (well it felt like it), in the heat was not what I had in mind. Especially when we looked over the side and saw people below in the water, laughing, playing and having a great time.When we were almost to what I thought was the top of the mountain, it started raining. Normally this wouldn't have gone over well, but I soon realized it was cooling me off! Finally we reached the other side and there it was - water! Beautiful, clear, cold water!

Pat told me we could follow the water back down towards the bigger falls which would lead us back to the car. He's the one with the map, so I listened and followed. The water was shallow enough that we could walk through it most of the time, it was gorgeous. I stopped for a few photo ops and a little frog that jumped out in front of me and then I noticed that Pat and Maggie weren't walking anymore. As I got closer I saw a cute grin on Pat's face and I realized that they had stopped because we were at the top of the waterfall!

View from the top, notice how small the people are on the right.

View from the bottom.

Back on track, waterfall #2.

The final waterfall, my favorite!

By the time we made it back to the car I was exhausted, barefoot, covered in blisters and starving but I felt good! Another fulfilling and adventurous day. Next up Niagara Falls!



Rent-A-Kid 2.0

When the kids are around there is rarely a dull moment and Pat loves it! When my family refers to "the kids" or "the boys", generally, Pat is included in that group.

As a child, one of the things I loved about going to PA was the pool. I used to spend all day there. So we took the kids.

The boys....smiling and enjoying each other!!

Emily showing her dance/cheer abilities.

Pat's 1 1/2

The diving boards have always been the main attraction at the pool. There used to be high dive (about 15 ft. I think, or at least it seemed like it when I was little) but I guess injuries or insurance caused them to take it down. But one thing hasn't changed from when I was young - the kids love to see the lifeguards get wet.  And what the kids want, the kids get...

Pat apologizing for soaking this poor guy.

After we were all sufficiently sun kissed we were ready to go home.  I asked,  "Pat where are the keys?" He replied, "Umm....."

Waiting for their mom to come rescue us. This picture cracks me up!

Pat trying to cheer them up.

Another fun thing to do in the summer is go to the drive-in. We took Emily and Issak to see Brave and Madascar 3.

Practice makes perfect, right??!!

Sunshine and Fresh Air

Being raised in the south I have heard my fair share of yankee talk. I always politely smile and nod, laughing on the inside. My Grandpa's family was originally from Boone, NC but moved to Pennsylvainia before he was born and that's where my southern roots end.  I love visiting the northeast for Christmas and an occasional week or so in the summer. Pat and I enjoy our 12-14 hour trek to Port Allegany, Pennsylvania.

This time of year I love that the lake in SC is like bath water and I like being so close to the beaches but when it comes to spending time outside,  there is not place like home! The trees are bright green and the grass is cool and soft. The air is fresh and there is a distinct smell that I instantly associate with Pennsylvania. Lillies grow wild and butterflies are always fluttering around. Sitting directly in the sun is enjoyable because there is always a breeze to keep you cool.

I would feel guilty if I didn't share some of the beauty of McKean and Potter counties - "God's Country".

Downtown Port Allegany

Sunrise view from the house.

 

 

One of my brother's beautiful roses.

On our walk through the creek to catch crawfish...

Barns and countryside...

I can always count on Pat to cheer me up when I am sad. I like to stay busy and keep my mind occupied so stay tuned for more adventures from the Northeast.