A Tree Grows In Chautauqua

7:15

7:45

It looks like a groovy kind of day despite the frigid 37º at the moment, blue skies, a strange black cloud early, but now, nothing but blue and a bright sun, filling the morning with light.  It's 8:00 and I have only been up for forty five minutes, so I missed when the sky began to lighten, usually around 6:30.  Today's forecast is for sun all day; tomorrow, alas, when we have a neighborhood clambake here at the the lake, it is supposed to rain and get colder.

Planting A Tree

Well, it finally happened, our Red Sunset Maple was finally planted, an hour later than expected but once our house was found, the truck parked, the hole dug, the tree pushed into the hole, straightened a couple of times, steadied, dirt put around its roots and staked with guide wires to hold it in place, we had a new tree.  Whew! We did like the two nursery workers, Scott and Terry, both were pleasant and seemed to enjoy the work, and need it.  Times can be tough around here once the summer is over.

Paul left just after the tree was planted, on his way home to Xenia, Ohio, about a six hour ride.  He was meeting good friends of both of us, Joe and Mary Lou Barry for dinner.  Wish we could have been there as well.  The rest of the day was a mystery in that we were so satisfied with the tree, we were going out for dinner, so nothing had to be done.  We got a little bored later in the morning from doing nothing and went outside and raked leaves in some of the flower beds, filling a couple of garbage pails.  And I topped our compost with a foot or two of pine needles, thinking it would make great compost for next spring.  It felt good to be doing something outside, working in the yard and was warm enough that we both worked up a sweat.

A Lonely Maple

We spent our afternoon as usual, reading, napping (me), and getting a couple of things done either inside or out.  For some reason, we did not kayak event though the lake was calm enough.  My major effort during the afternoon was skipping flat shaped rocks at the Canadian geese, getting them to fly off elsewhere.  As I write this, I just noticed a raft of sixteen mallards floating off the shoreline.  It is unusual to see that many at once.

Around 6:00 our friends Jane and Jerry Grice, picked us up and we drove across the bridge to Steener's Pub in Greenhurst for dinner.  We had not seen them in months so we had lots to talk about because they had just returned from a three week trip to the Florida and Alabama Panhandle in their RV.  They loved it, found great campgrounds right on the beach and it was hot enough at times to use their air conditioning.  They are avid travellers, always off somewhere.  And they are not afraid to change their plans.  At first they were going to travel to the Upper Peninsula in Michigan but because of weather, at the last moment they changed their minds and went to Florida, a bit of a change. Dinners were fine, mine especially, a couple of Southern Tier Harvest beers and pot roast tacos, their specialty.  Evie had a great taco salad and a basket of their great fries.  Needless to say, we were all happy, with our meals, with  getting together after at least six months.  We vowed to see each other more.

Dinner With Jane And Jerry Grice

We were home by 9:00, in time to compare MSNBC's coverage of the 'prosecution of Hilary,' with Fox News coverage of 'that liar.'  I did enjoy the spirited debate between Megan Kelly and a Democratic supporter, both knowledgeable and passionate about their opinions.  It did not, however, seem like either was listening to the other.  Typical.  It was good to get back to my latest Charles Cummins novel, the TRINITY SIX.

Back To A Chautauqua Gray Morning

 Ohio University Bobcat Teammate, Paul

7:28

I slept in till 6:40 if that's sleeping in.  Not much of a sunrise this morning, little color for the most part, just a curtain of gray in the sky.  It's 57º out and won't get much warmer today as the temperatures will stay in the 50's the next few days.

Yesterday we spent getting ready for a visit from a college friend of mine.  Evie took that as a cue to clean the entire upstairs bedrooms, so it took her a good part of the morning.  It's a good thing we have occasional people over because it forces us to do things that we often put off, like sprucing up the upstairs.  The same goes for having company for dinner; we completely dust and vacuum the downstairs,  getting it ready.  I guess we need a touch of pressure to get things done.  Or cloudy, rainy weather, too, as we are forced to stay inside.

Drive To Westfield And Lake Erie

While Evie cleaned, I got out of the house and drove off to Barcelona Beach, on Lake Erie, to walk the beach and gather some interesting rocks for cairns. The lake was calm, the sun hiding behind the clouds, as I walked with a couple of others though they seemed to be looking for driftwood.  I made four trips with a canvas bag full of rocks before heading home.  Lake Erie seems like the ocean compared to Chautauqua Lake, its surface so vast, with no shoreline in sight.  On the way home, I did some shopping at Tops for dinner, then stopped at Smith Library and picked up a few books, two I had on reserve.

Barcelona, NY, Beach on Lake Erie

When I got home, Evie was in the kitchen, prepping dinner.  She likes to have as much done ahead of time so she can sit down and enjoy our company.  I played phone tag with a couple of people, one, my tree person who at first, would not be able to plant our tree but called later to say she would be able to come by this morning, Thursday, at 9:00.  These conversations have been going on now for a week and today may be the end, enshallal.

We thought Paul would arrive around 6:00 since he was driving from Boston.  So around 4:30, we jumped in our kayaks, started to paddle out when Evie noticed a car drive in our parking area.  It was Paul, who wondered where we were because the radio was on but we were no where to be found until he looked out at the lake. He had made great time, taking Interstate 90, about 8 hours.  We took off our life jackets and quickly opened a bottle of wine because it was obviously wine time.  He had spent a week baby sitting for two grandchildren, nine and eleven in Wellsley, his daughter and her husband were spending a week in Italy.  We sat sipping wine, enjoying cheese and catching up until it started to get dark.

Friends for Fifty Years

Dinner was great, a pork tenderloin, roasted potatoes, homemade apple sauce, broccoli, salad and a homemade pumpkin pie with Reddi Whip for dessert.  Nothing but the best for Paul!  We sat talking about the good old days, the idiosyncrasies of both our children and grandchildren, like their eating habits (we sounded like old farts), and Evie shared her Shutterfly photo album of our summer with Paul until around 10:00 when it was clear Paul was getting tired so we all decided to go to bed.

This morning, at 9:30, it's time to plant a tree.  Maybe.

Waiting For My Teammate, Paul

Kayak Afternoon 

7:28

7:30

It's 7:00, the sky mostly dark except off to the south where there are long slashes of light, perhaps clouds.  It will be difficult to get a photo of the sky this early but I will try.  It should turn out to be another nice day, like yesterday, the highs in the 60's, a slight chance of rain.

Yesterday morning was a bit of a fiasco, at least for me.  It started with watching a barge with a small crane carry a couple of boat lifts to the shore.  Unfortunately, it became grounded on the south Woodlawn Shallows, and they spent at least an hour, trying to push it off the rocky bottom even enlisting a bass boat to help pull them out.  I left at 9:30 and they were still stuck, to pick up my car which had a tune up and new distributor put in, then I drove off to the nursery where I was to meet a gal who was going to plant my tree.  First, no one was at the nursery to help put the tree in what I assumed would be a truck.  Then, the tree person called, said she had a flat tire, and needed help to get it changed but would be there soon.  Forty five minutes later she arrived with a SUV, too small for my tree and the owner of the nursery was still on the lam or whatever.  We looked at the tree, realized the SUV would not work  and decided to plant it later in the day or Wednesday, depending on when she could get a truck and help.  She would let me know when...well, I am still waiting to hear from her.  Not my favorite way to spend the morning.

Our Fishing Buddy And His Wife

When I got home, Evie had started mulching our leaves on a lovely late morning.  It looked like the perfect way to spend a morning outside, so I fired up the lawn mower and cut the lawn next door.  I was done by noon and the lake looked so inviting, that Evie stopped mowing and we went for a kayak paddle, the lake quiet, smooth, the wind quiet.  We paddled for an hour, stopped to talk with a fisherman we see each fall because he anchors just off of Victoria in what he calls his 'sweet spot.' And he has great success catching perch.  He even volunteered to bring us over a bag the next time he's around.  A nice guy, he and his wife or girlfriend must have sat out there for at least seven hours yesterday, never moving.

Sculling

Long Point, Late Afternoon

Around 1:00, I had a lunch of leftover chicken curry, watched Longmire (he was just reelected as Sheriff if you follow the series) and read and took a cat nap.  It was a lazy afternoon for both of us as neither of us felt very energetic though we wanted to be outside.  We did get the lawns cut and Evie did some raking of the garden and flower beds.  Around 5:30, two sets of neighbors were out on the water, one in their kayaks, the other in a scull.  It was an amazing hour to be on the lake so we  got out our paddles, jumped in our kayaks and went out, talked with them, took some photos then paddled over to Long Point, the sun setting behind the tree line at our backs.  We are not usually out on the lake at this hour, watching the sun dip behind the trees from the water so it was neat.  We stayed out for at least an hour until the sun had disappeared, the lake darkened and we were starting to get cold.

Fall Colors

Our Neighbors, The Johnstons

Sunset Over Woodlawn

For dinner, Evie grilled some onions and made a box of macaroni and cheese while I grilled some burgers outside and we had a quick dinner.  The burgers, topped with grilled onions, were amazingly good, just like a diner if that's a compliment.  It was a good night for TV as we had saved both Homeland and Fargo, so we were happy.  Unfortunately, waiting for a week for the next episode of a series often means we have forgotten what happened in the previous week and have to wrack our brains to remember the story line.  I bailed out on the Reagan years novel and started another Charles Cummins thriller.  Now I am happy.

Today, my good friend, Paul Storey, a teammate from Ohio University, arrives late afternoon from Boston.  We have not seen him in a couple of years so we are looking forward to seeing him.  And, before he arrives, we hope to get our tree planted.

Back To Morning Sun Rises

6:58

7:35

8:00

Another beautiful morning for the sunrise, lots of clouds, colors, mostly pink and gray, as the sun struggles to find an opening.  I have been sitting here for a half hour, watching the sky, waiting for the sun.  It's dark off to the north, light off to the south, typical for our area.  And compared to the past few days sub freezing temperatures in Virginia, today's 49º feels almost balmy and the highs will get up to the mid 60's, with lots of sunshine.  A good day to plant a tree.

We had a great drive home to the lake from Virginia, the colors through most of Pennsylvania were at their peak, especially along PA's #Interstate 99, overlooking Altoona, a fifty mile drive with mountains on both sides of the highway.  We had a couple stops, the best, however, was at Gio's Barbecue, just south of Interstate 80, near Clearfield, where they have great barbecue and brisket sandwiches.  It was worth the wait to get there.

We were home around 3:00, having left Jill's just before 8:00, our typical seven hour drive which never seems to change.  When we arrived, the lake and sky were blue, the yard filled with crisp leaves, our trees, almost naked from the brief snow fall this past weekend. What a view.  We quickly checked the house, all was well, unpacked, and got quickly back into our routine, debating whether to mulch the leaves or wait till Tuesday.  We decided to just enjoy the afternoon, put off our chores.  So we decided to get out our favorite cheese, and have a cocktail hour before dinner, which lasted until 7:30 when it was dark out.  Earlier, Evie had put together our dinner, of a chicken and broccoli curry, with rice, so that was already made and all it needed was heating up.

We watched a couple of Sunday night's programs, The Good Wife and The Affair, neither one too exciting or perhaps we were just tired from our drive.  I couldn't wait to go upstairs to read and sleep, so around 10:00, I did.  And got up at my usual time, 6:00.

Returning To The Lake

Hayden Finishing Strong

Halle And Her Best Friend, Carleigh

We decided to let come what may, not worry about when we leave, just get up, have breakfast and see how things are going in the Bissell household early.   Hey, Chatauqua had snow on Sunday, so we will take our time getting home to the lake.  Anyways, I was up at usual around 6:00, ready for bear with Jill and Hayden who left for  school at an uncivilized 6:40.

We took it easy most of Sunday, starting the day with some plans, which ultimately we set aside and just stayed home.  The girls were gone till about 10:00, off to Saturday night sleepovers, so we sat around drinking coffee till they arrived.  I decided to take Coco for a walk, despite the 45 degree temperatures and it was worth it to be outside and enjoy the morning sun.  A few others were out with their dogs, of course, but most still seemed to be in their homes, either sleeping in or enjoying a leisurely Sunday morning.

We thought we might go for a walk but that fell through, especially since I cut the lawn for Drew who was still not feeling good and had walked Coco earlier.  So the afternoon was spent like the day before, with Drew napping, along with me, and watching football.  Halle had a friend over, Carleigh, and they played downstairs and with Evie some.  Hayden, back from her sleepover, spent the afternoon in the living room with me, writing her paper on Enders Game, while I watched football and occasionally offered suggestions on how to write a paper which, fortunately, she paid no attention to. Why listen to me, right and when if she does, her teachers won't like what I suggest.  The highlight of he afternoon, for Halle and Carleigh was going through Evie's Traveling Treasure Chest, picking out a couple of treasures. It's always exciting, no matter what age.

Goig Through Evie's Traveling Treasure Chest

Evie and Jill went shopping for dinner at 4:00 and I went out and braved the cold, to wash my car, dirty from our trip.  I wonder if washing a car makes much difference in longevity.  I have often held to the theory that mud and dirt protect the car better than washing it.  Anyways, it looks good and I have joined the ranks of guys who wash their cars on weekends.

Sunday Night Dinner With The Bissells 

When the gals got back from shopping, I ran off to Lowe's to pick some markers for Drew since his sprinkler guy was coming tomorrow and he needed to mark the sprinklers.  We settled down for an hour with beers or wine while Evie sauteed some mushrooms with butter and soy, getting things ready for dinner.  At 6;15, just as it was getting dark, I grilled the New York strips, the girls put together a salad, garlic bread and baked potatoes.  Hayden loves steak, so she was one happy girl, the rest of us as well.  After dinner the girls worked on homework, Hayden getting her Dad to correct her essay after ignoring my suggestions.  It was a relaxing evening, however, as Hayden was caught up on her homework and Halle was done as well.  We watched some junk TV, more football before going to bed.  It's been a fun weekend.  The girls are happy at school, doing well,  and they both have lots of friends.

Family, Fall, Football And Hayden

Winchester Battlefield Invitational

Hayden's Personal Best

 Faces Of Exhaustion

After The Race

It's now 8:00 and finally someone else, Drew is up.  Evie and Jill are still sleeping and the the girls are at sleep overs so it's going to be a quiet morning.  It's cold here in Virginia, 27º, colder than Chautauqua's 34º degrees and what they call a wintry mix, meaning rain and snow.  We have clear skies here in Virginia despite the cold and we look forward to a nice sunny but cool day.

Cross Country Invitational Site

Yesterday began early as we left at 8:00 for the Winchester Battle Field Cross Country Invitational, about an hour and fifteen minutes away.  Basically, we retraced the last hour of our drive on Friday back to Winchester.  It was a great morning, with a bracing half mile walk through the woods to the battlefield where all the tents were set up, all the teams in different colors, warming up and getting ready to cheer each other on.

Hiking To The Cross Country Meet With The Bissells

Hayden's group, the freshmen teams, were the first off at 9:45.  It was an amazing beginning as 250 girls took off at at the gun, running towards the narrow opening in the woods.  Once the race began, spectators would take off, hoping to get a glimpse or photo of the runners from various venues.  I missed Hayden both times she passed me by, alas.  She finished 34th out of 250 and knocked a minute off her personal best which was great for her.  Her teammates were all excited after the race, hugging each other, being congratulated by both coach and fans, before cooling down with a ten minute jog.  We stayed for another half hour, long enough for Hayden to get an Invitational tee shirt and give us a final hug as we said goodbye.  She had another three hours ahead of her, waiting for the various girls and boys teams to run.   Fortunately, it was a beautiful day for runners and the hundreds of fans.  That was only the beginning of her day.

It's Over

Happy Teammates

We were home around noon and had lunch, vegetable soup and sandwiches, and settled in for an afternoon of relaxing and football.  Both Drew and I watched the Michigan/Michigan State game and the unbelievable ending after all of us but Evie took naps.  Hayden was home around 3:30 all excited about the fun she had at the meet and looking forward to the evening.  She got something to eat, then showered and got her dress and other things ready for the Homecoming Dance at Patriot HS and a sleep over.  At 5:30, Evie, Jill and Hayden went over to one of Hayden's friends house, where Hayden and her girlfriends would get ready for the dance, Mom's were invited as well to help, sip wine, enjoy a buffet, and talk.  

Ava and Hayden

The Five Freshmen

They were back by 7:15 when Drew and I had just returned from picking up the take out from an Asian Bistro.  We ate our dinner quickly, all of us were hungry and then watched a movie Drew recommended, 42, the story of Jackie Robinson's life.  It was well done and made clear how courageous and strong Jackie had to be to break the racial barrier in Major League Baseball. We forget how racist this country was after WWII and still is in some parts of the country.  We watched a little of the Ohio State game but soon got bored and tired and all of us went to bed around 10:30.  

And Halle!

Today we will enjoy the sun, watch football, perhaps take a walk, if we can get the tired girls out of the house.  I doubt it.  They both will be exhausted from their sleepovers and Hayden has had an exhausting 24 hours with her cross country meet and homecoming and sleepover.  Ah youth.  It makes me tired to think about it.  

A Chilly Saturday Mornng In Bristow, VA

Sisters

Halle and Hayden, With Mom

We are all up early and have to be off by 8:00 because Hayden, our freshmen granddaughter, has a cross country meet in Winchester, VA, about an hour drive from from home.  It's going to be cold, too, at least for Virginia, with the highs in the 50's when the girls start at 9:45.

Hayden's Off at 7:15 For A Cross Country Meet

Our drive was easy as it usually is as long as the weather is decent.  We had some fog early, then a bit of drizzle but most of the way the clouds alternated with some sun.  We were expecting a spectacular drive but it just wasn't that picturesque, probably because of the lack of sun on the hills.  Sun makes a big difference in most photos.  We had two stops, to get something to eat, and we traded seats, both of us sharing the driving.

Allegheny Forest

We got to Bristow just after 3:00, after taking a wrong turn just as we got into town on the newly open exit and freeway.  Both Jill and Drew were home, and we picked Halle up from school a short time later.  Drew has been sick, having picked up something when he was in the Ukraine, so he was not feeling well but was able to sit and talk.  Hayden had short cross country practice, then a team feed of pasta and was home briefly, to model her dresses for tomorrow's homecoming  dance.  She chose the pink one.  She grabbed something to eat and was off with friends to the football game. What a busy girl.

Virginia Colors

We had Evie's cabbage rolls for dinner, along with mashed potatoes and bread.  For some reason, my stomach was bothering me, so we had more than enough dinner because neither Drew nor I ate our normals amount.  The rolls were great and I am sure the leftovers will not go to waste.

We sat up talking and watching TV with Jill and Drew until 9:30, when he went to pick Hayden up from a friend's house.  Both Evie and I were tired from the ride and Drew was tired from fighting this bug, so we all went to bed soon after Drew and Hayden arrived home.