The Week of Sept 5th 2010

The End of August & Beginning of September '10

It was a foggy morning along Hammond Lake and the sun was a huge, glowing ball just above the mountain tops. It was such a beautiful sight that I decided to stop, turn the car around and take a couple photos. I do enjoy the scenery, smooth roads, little traffic, and only 1 red light on my drive to school each morning.

This is Sonny/Son of Sam our last little puppy to stay with us for another week. He is cuddly, so excited to see people and really enjoys chewing on his dad's tail, lips, ears, etc. It is hard to believe how little they were just a few weeks ago.

This is Chuck and Jenny with their new puppy, Gus, at their new home. We went to visit them, delivered Gus, and had a delicious supper. Chuck grilled steaks, sweet corn, and made Brownies. Jenny made tasty taters in the oven. Their new house is awesome, secluded, and just a few miles away from us! I think it would be a great place for wedding and reception... :)

My students and adults planned and prepared a surprise birthday party for me. Brittany, Tiffany (aka FiFi), Brittany (new), Felicia, and Billy were so excited. Each student wrapped a gift for me and made a card all on their own.

Friday was teacher training day at Cowanesque Valley High School. To make a long day worth the trip I photographed the farms on the way home. I have started quite a collection of barns, old milking houses, sheds, and unique out buildings. This homestead is just outside of Little Marsh and before the swampy area begins. East Resources has begun laying gas pipeline behind this place. The old time farmers may get rich after all....

Week of August 23, 2010

Chuck and Jenny visiting after fish fry dinner at Grandpa and Grandma's. They will begin moving into their new home tomorrow! Chuck shared his job with the railroad as conductor.

Happy early 53rd birthday! The cupcakes were yummy.

Lizz and her favorite Grandfather...at her "off to college dinner."

Puppies for Sale....(not really). These are Gus, Son of Sam, and Little Girl. They all have homes and will be moving in early September. Big Girl already hopped out of the wagon.

The easiest way to get them all into the kennel each evening. Each day they seem to enjoy the ride and do not try to hop out. Gus, will live with Chuck, Son of Sam is moving to Virginia and Little Girl is moving to Olean, NY. Big Girl / Bailey will move to Salamanca NY.

Canning Garden Veggies

Denise and I really enjoyed our day making pickled beets ... 40+ jars; zuchinni relish and mixed yellow and green beans. The garden is still producing...tomatoes are turning red and the peppers and onions will be ready to make our homemade salsa and stewed tomatoes.

July 2010 Berner Pups

Happy Belated Birthday Ms. Diana!

One of our special summer vacation days began with eating oatmeal on the screen porch with laptops on our laps connecting with friends and family. Then it was off to the pond for lunch, floating, swimming, laughing, splashing, reminiscing, and sunbathing. A perfect summer. day at a perfect swimming hole. Once everyone decided that they had enough sun for one day it was back to the Ding Dang for dinner. My nephew, Todd, cooked "Low Country Boil" for all of us and it was delicious. Sister Valerie made a chocolate cake with peanut butter icing and decorated it with 60 glowing candles. Diana was able to get them all extinquished before there was a layer of candle wax everywhere. A very memorable day and birthday with great family and friends

It's a Blueberry Morning

A fun morning picking the ripest blue berries on Mulberry Hill. It seemed I had a pail full in no time and was home searching for the perfect recipe. We enjoyed Blueberry Pudding Dessert with a little vanilla ice cream. Yum, Yum! Hoping to go at least one more time to put a few containers in the freezer.