When did she grow to be a lady.....

Our niece,, Chelsea Karpel at the Hudson Prom. I went and spent a week with my brother (Steve) and sister-in-law (Mary) when Chelsea was born....it couldn't have been that long ago????

Weather still terrible....woke up to more rain. Catching up on "inside" chores; lots of paperwork.

I can't wait until Tuesday when my playmate (Ellen) gets here!

People in glass houses should not throw stones....

This morning the weekly coffee was held at Liz and Zell's (remember the glass house). I was able, amidst all the chit chat, to capture a couple of pictures of the inside of this enchanting home.
If you decide to take a seat on the couch, make sure you bring your sunglasses!

Junie Augusbury, her daughter Abby Rand and Janice McPhail.


Every day's dining experience is like a picnic in the woods!


The unique bathroom includes Pyrex bowls for sinks....

and a cow watering troth for a bath tub!

And of course a magnificent panoramic view of the river.

The attendance lists are getting longer each week...... today; Liz Raisbeck (our hostess) myself, Mary Lou Rusho, June Augusbury, Abby Rand, Sue Smith, Susie Smith (Canada), Joan Tollete, Janice McPhail, Diane Brabant and Joan Luce.

I gotta get things ready, make sure their alright cuz all my rowdy friends are coming over tonight!

Finally, we were able to have dinner on the deck. The weather is still not very good (we have had a fire every night this week) but we did have a little reprieve on Sunday. Tom Tinney, Julie Durdon, Ken Deedy and Jim Adamson joined us this week. Salt and I are trying to catch up on all the invitations we owe....I am hoping there will be enough time in the next 5 months to catch up from our 2 years of my working nights and the time we were tied up in selling the farm house and building the new one. My brother Joe (who loves trivia) informed me that I pickled/varnished over 7 miles of tongue and groove....actually at the time it seemed like more!

Look....they are ALL smiling! I threatened!


Julie, deep in thought..


Hey, who grabbed my camera....that's a switch.


The church is starting to fill up now that Memorial Day is here.

Some even choose to come in a helicopter....Josie Calhoun hitched a ride with Doug Johnson.




And our beloved "Doc" Schwartz is back home....and feeling so much better than last summer. He is joined here with Skip Tolette, Rex Ennis (WOW Rex, you look great with that new haircut and trim!) and Joan Flint.

I have my computer and broadband connection back so hopefully my blogging will be more consistent.

We talked to Robin and Rachael tonight....Betty, Emma and I are traveling to Virginia Beach the last part of June to spend a couple of days with Mike and the family and bring Rachael back with us for ??? we aren't sure how long. I think it will depend on how much she misses her mom! It's pretty amazing though once the kids get here and get involved in all the river/island activity, homesickness isn't usually an issue!

Salt is swamped with mechanical work. Since Tom and Julie (and Paige) are in Texas for Tyler's graduation from Air Force boot camp it's a perfect time for him to get some of the island vehicles fixed and serviced. His skills are greatly appreciated and in demand since sending the vehicles off the island and back is such a hassle and expense.

Because the wind is high it blows my mind.....

I really hate when I get this far behind in blogging, but I still have not been able to get in and get my computer so I am using dial-up and it just frustrates me to the point it's not worth it.


Jim Adamson and Chet Taylor were here for dinner on Monday. Now check out the smiles...or lack of. I keep thinking we are having a good time and then I look at these pictures and everyone looks so sad. Is it my cooking???? Maybe everyone is in fear of appearing on the blog!
Or MAYBE....everyone is waiting for nice weather. Today is the first day this week that the wind has stopped and we don't have rain and/or cold.






But then there are those who will do anything to get on. Emma helping Pop split wood.



and modeling more of Rachael's hand me downs. The first words out of her mouth when she walked in...."Grandma, LOOK, I have all Rachael's clothes on except for my underwear!

These pictures are lousy...I really need my photo software! I also need a new camera, which Betty tried to talk me into when we went to town on Thursday. I was, however, just not in the mood for shopping for an expensive item....as a matter of fact I wasn't in the mood for shopping for anything! Here is a quick synopsis of how the day went. Got up to pouring rain/cold....dressed in Salt's camo rain gear (looked like I belonged in Iraq)....went down to the dock and started to get in my boat and low and behold.....a @#%# duck had started building a nest in it. Duck Poop ALL over! SO....back up the hill to get cleaning supplies, back down (still raining) and after finishing the dirty duty, started out for town. Betty and I both had huge lists and needed to go to 5 different stores....(still raining). Finally, we get back to Clayton, carry all the groceries and supplies to the boat and it stops raining. For this I was very grateful because I wouldn't have to drive around the island in the rain. I get in the boat, turn the key and there is this familiar ear piercing grind (starter) I call Salt and tell him what is going on and while on the phone with him I try it again and of course, same sound but now it won't stop. All of a sudden
Betty yells, "Mom there is smoke coming out of the engine"....Salt hears her and yells "get out of the boat" (like I was going to stay in there, duh) I did try to pull a fuse, which wouldn't come out so here I am hopping over $500 worth of groceries all packed around me. We are talking nothing but ass and elbows getting out of there. Betty is, I am sure trying to act concerned and not laugh and says "Mom....don't you want your briefcase?"..... Forget the briefcase, grab the $80 worth of Starbucks coffee beans!!! Finally, the starter gear grinds itself out stops smoking and there is silence. Salt shows up...stores are closed now so he loads everything back in his boat and we take off across the river....just as it starts raining again. THE END

After a hot shower and a good cup of coffee, we sat back and laughed.

Peter Rossmassler and his three sons , Bill, Tom and Rich are on the island for the weekend. Salt and I took some muffins over this morning and sat around the fire catching up on every one's life. They are all such interesting kids, each of them would make a great blog entry.

Jim Adamson is back after a week in Russia and a couple of days in Toronto and should now be able to settle in for the summer. He will join us tomorrow for dinner with Tom Tinney, Julie Durdon and Ken Deedy. ...and by golly when I get the camera out tomorrow night I am going to make sure they are smiling. Actually with that group, it will be nothing but laughter!!

Ellen Adamson will be returning to the island on June 6. Shirley Taylor was down for coffee yesterday and informed me that she has a new jet ski. Jim and Salt will be launching both mine and Ellen's jet skis soon and then you will see some girls that just want to have fun.

Oh yeah....here is Salt with a new breaker bar, gifted to him by Jim. He was like a kid at Christmas. Tim the Tool man has NOTHING on Salt (or my brother George)!

The lilac bushes are in full bloom so the house is filled with the wonderful aroma. Unfortunately they last such a short period of time.

And I leave with you with.....Lettuce! We had our first picking today and enjoyed it on turkey sandwiches. I LOVE this Aero garden...I wish I could have a whole hydroponic room!!! Absolutely amazing and NO care!

Oh by the way....that's fresh ground pepper, not dirt!!

When we leave this time we're not coming back!

Congratulations Kriston and Betty...They both have their Masters Degrees! We are all so proud of you! We know how hard you both worked....

Kriston Daniels Webb is Betty's best friend. They started their Bachelor's program together and supported each other through thick and thin to get to this very happy day.

Saturday we ventured up to SUNY Potsdam for Betty's graduation ceremony....a very happy day for all of us.! A little wind blown, but happy! Salt is really smiling. I wonder when I suggested we take the kids on our honeymoon 19 years ago (Disney Cruise to Bahamas) if he thought he would ever get them raised? Now we wonder where the years went????

Here are the husbands who may just get some quality time now....

After the ceremony we joined Kriston's family for lunch at the Lobster House.

And now for a closing Aero Garden report....LOOK! It's lettuce. Another week and we start cutting it!


I will post some better pictures when I get my computer back with my photo enhancing programs.

Chester Taylor and Jim Adamson coming to dinner tomorrow night.

I've been living my life "fast forward" and I need to rewind real slow....

Although I still do not have my computer back, I decided I would try and catch up on some blogging....even if it does take FOREVER! The weather is so crappy; strong winds and rain, so once again I am not going to get at any outside work. I guess I really should not complain, as I talked to my friend Marilyn, in Buffalo, NY and it was snowing there this morning; May 19...just doesn't seem right!

One of the perks of having long legs is the fact that when needed , one can kick them self in the butt! That is exactly what I did earlier in the week. I put on my walking shoes and took a 2 mile walk across the fields and over to Frank and June Augusbury's. I have not been there since Frank passed away so was a little sad to imagine what summer will be like without Frank's company. June had not been here yet, but Harry and Urch are preparing for her homecoming and have done a marvelous job of grooming the grounds.

On my way home, I grabbed some pictures (sorry can't enhance them without my own computer software) of the trees the deer stripped last winter. We had what everyone referred to as a "good old fashioned winter" and it appears that the animals had to do a lot of forging for their food.

Wednesday Frank's Augusury's Memorial Service was held in Ogdensburg. Frank would have been proud of the tribute paid him by friends and son Jack. Ken Deedy even added a "Kitty" joke Frank and I shared on my last visit with him. Of course it was political (Frank and I were on the same side of the fence....the right side!) and of course it had to do with Hillary Clinton....Thank you Frank for all the great times we shared and for helping me to truly find the meaning of serenity!

Friday, Salt and I headed to town for our annual "Grandparent's Breakfast" with Emma. Since Salt's boss (Tom Tinney) is very understanding of our commitments to our family, we were able to keep our perfect attendance!

This is Salt's favorite Aunt (Barbara Garnsey) with her grandchildren, Kaitlyn and Cameron (Chip's children). Unfortunately, Barb's eyes are closed, but I think the smile tells how much she was enjoying her quality time with her grandchildren.

Here is Emma with her teacher, Miss Berg. Emma told me she was getting married next week; when I asked her where, she said "oh I don't know out in the middle of nowhere...probably Texas". When I asked Miss Berg, she chuckled and said, "No...at Boldt Castle". I never can figure out where Emma comes up with her answers. Most kids would just say they didn't know, but not Emma...she never wants to be wrong! I wonder where all that came from?????

On the way home from breakfast we drove by Frank and Betty's new mailbox. Actually, it's not new...we gave it to them a few years ago for Christmas but they just got around to replacing their old one. Since Frank is a decoy carver, it didn't take people long to figure out who it belonged to.

Salt and I live right across the street from a Pizza Hut in Florida. We got hooked on their "stuffed crust pizza". Salt was having withdrawal the other day so we decided to see if we could come up with our own version. It was SO good...actually being homemade it was much better! If you want to try it, just lay mozzarella sticks (string cheese) all around the edges and roll it forward and tuck it. After the pizza is gone, dip the crust in Ranch dressing or Marinara sauce...yummmmmmy!!!

And yes, Shane, it's on the menu while you are on the island!!

When your world starts getting smaller.....

I won't be blogging for a few days. I took my computer into the repair shop for a check-up, cleaning and security update. Since I am borrowing Emma's, I do not have access to my Verizon wireless connection. OH MY GOSH...I forgot how slow dial-up is. I also do not have the software to transfer pictures so I will keep good notes and get back on track when I have my own computer!

The fight for Paul Bunyon's ax.......

Today was back to work for Salt. Peter Rossmassler had a tree fall on his garage last winter , which did some major damage to the roof (Salt and Tom Tinney will be putting a new one on this spring). Consequently, after checking several of the other trees in the immediate area it was decided it would be wise to have them taken down. Last week there was a professional crew over to take them down and Salt and Tom will do the clean up work. They won't get bored any time soon.....

Time for an Aero Garden check..... Week 2

I spent the day planting flowers (in pots on the decks) and will be starting some transplanting in the new perennial gardens tomorrow.

Karen and Stub Lashomb down for coffee this afternoon and Betty in this evening.

Stub and Salt helped move Chester Taylor back to the island this evening. I will take a jaunt down tomorrow with something from the oven.

Remembering the girls with the beautiful hair.....

Yesterday, after posting the pictures of Ben, it occurred to me that Janna had mentioned how long it had been since she had seen her cousins, Chelsea and Sarah (Ben's sisters). These are the most recent pictures I have.....but you can see how they have changed! All for the better, I might add. Love you girls.... both of you are beautiful...inside and out!

Chelsea

Sarah

Green Acres is the place to be.....

This last week brought many more friends home to Grindstone. The church is starting to fill up....Skip and Joan Tollete arrived mid week and Skip was eager to share with the congregation his joys and concerns. Fortunately it was mostly joys...Welcome home Joan and Skip!

One of our talented organists, Joan Flint returned this weekend...

and was accompanied by none other than Emma. You are very tolerant Joan, to share your limelight with Em!! I suppose when I ask Emma what she wants to be next week, it will be an organist????

During the ceremony, Rex Ennis surprised all of the mothers in attendance with a carnation. You are very thoughtful Rex, and it was appreciated by all!

Emmy Sorth returned for the summer and was joined by her friend Lydia, who will be helping her for 2 weeks. I am very anxious to visit Emmy and read her journals from her trip to the Netherlands. Emmy is a renowned traveler and her journals are informative, funny and always filled with beautiful pictures.

After the church service there was a scheduled work party for the purpose of assembling the new tables and chairs to be used in the Carriage House.

I believe Art Couch may have been the supervisor.... and...

Brenda Slate was definitely one of the laborers....

Salt and I were excused, as we had planned to spend Mother's Day at my brother and sister-in-law's (George and Cheryl Karpel) new farm. Well, it isn't exactly "Green Acres" but pretty close. Recognize the pose?

Although there is much work still to be done, they have accomplished major improvements in the last year. It is becoming a lovely, cozy home.

There was much celebrating....besides Mother's Day, we got to check out Emily's new engagement ring

and meet her fiancee, Bill Driscoll.

George's grandchildren (my great niece and nephew) Jordan (12) and Hannah (10) were visiting for the weekend....

Hannah, along with Emily and Jill Schultz celebrated birthdays....

Cheryl's sister, Sandy Robinson, with her husband Dick were also in attendance.... Sandy, who is a terrific cook, brought one of the BEST spinach salads I have ever had. She shared the recipe so all of you in Florida and on Grindstone will be seeing it at "potlucks".

Even though you were not able to celebrate with us Dan we felt as though you were with us when your mom passed around this picture of you and Sally....Hopefully we will catch up with you during the summer.

As Salt and I were in Virginia when Cheryl's and Sandy's dad, Harold Schultz, passed away I asked Cheryl if I might post this picture in honor of him. Harold was an amazing man....great father, sportsman, gardener and friend. We will all miss you Harold!