BSA Jamboree 2010

Be my Hands . . .

Now Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Hebrews 11:1


Go forth with Faith as Youth groups journey today for a week to Maine for Rural Community Mission trip and to Toronto for an Urban Community Mission trip. Be with these youth and their leaders as they are the Hands and Feet of one greater than them. Help to open their eyes to a world beyond their everyday and most likely their comfort level. Help them see that all have self-worth and are worthy of their time and gifts. May they discover new gifts that they have to share. May they have cooler weather as well.

Saturday List

This moment . . . .

{this moment}

From Soule Mama
this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.


****a moment 2 weeks ago while away on the Cape . . . . love this moment though!!!

Family Reunions

After arriving home from vacation it was a very busy week. Soldier camp, Soccer, work, packing for going away again for some of us, laundry, un packing, all the regular rhythms of life that needed to be kept going. Lets say the Blog has not quite yet made it to a regular rhythm so when things get busy- It takes a rest. Last weekend we had a graduation party, friends gathering, and family reunion to attend - all was good to see and spend time with so many wonderful friends and family.
We gathered at a State park outside of Ithaca NY for the reunion. Many generations present. Some good stories told, good food and fostering of friendships that go on Hiatus year to year. Looking at our past we can see the future. While our way is different in the present, it still all starts and ends with Family. We never know what path life will take us but we can be sure that we are not meant to go it alone.


“In every conceivable manner, the family is link to our past, bridge to our future.” Alex Haley quotes


So we go back to our individual lives, strengthened by time shared. We move through our days separate but together, not knowing what we are each doing but yet doing many things the same. Family and extended family is important. My youngest listened and observed and said wow " are we really related to all those people there today?" Yes, you are, you are not alone. Like a bundle of sticks- one stick alone is easily broken but bundled together is stronger than cement. If you have the chance to gather with family, don't pass it up. They are your past, present and your future. All is well.

Be Open

Above all, watch with Glittering eyes the whole world around you, because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don't believe in Magic will never find it. ~ Roald Dahl





Photos are Camp Massaweipie July 2010 near Tupper Lake NY They were on their way to a sucession bog where they could jump on it. Also collected Wild Blueberries for morning Pancakes.

A moment in Maine

A moment in Maine - I will have more moments to post but here was Sunday AM - stopping at Goose rocks beach for a quick walk, Nubble light for the same. Enjoying the brilliance of all the lovely Maine Seaside flowers which look oh so lush. Summer sandals, painted toenails . . .Summer you just gotta love it.

Much to be Discovered!!!

If we only look .. . . there is much to discover. Here we were afforded many special occasions due to a change in venue and responsibilities.
Less focus on the have to's and more on the want to's.













Discovering Whales, Alantic white sided Dolphins, Looking for Plankton,
Discovering the largest Bass in the Pond, tadpoles, Saddle back Dragonfly's, sunburn, looking for rocks, wildflowers, birds, any wildlife, the stars . . . . all ours to discover, if only we take the time to look!






Get out and discover something new today!

Take Time For Family

Treasure each other in the recognition that we do not know how long we shall have each other.
Joshua Loth Liebman



There is one more under the quilt! Saturday night dinner in the Park.

Fish and Water

These fish are from a favorite place of ours- the Local Fish Hatchery. They are there year round but we mostly go see them in the summer it seems. Mostly Brown Trout and sometimes a few Rainbow. They grow them to the point where they can release them to local streams. This sign really says it all about keeping our fresh water sources truly fresh!!

Cape Cod 2010

This is where we are at for a little bit- fresh photos on return but here are a few favorites from years past.

Signs of Summer

Butterlies on the dashboard, Crazy bands the latest craze, watermelon Sherbert, watermelon Klennex, barefeet, lightening bugs, ice cream cones, lazy mornings, late nights, water, sun, sunscreen, hats and sunglasses, lemonade, popsicles, bees, tomatoes and Basil, fresh green beans, farmers markets, gardens, swinging under the moon. Oh the joys of summer!

Be Brave

Most of our Obstacles would melt away if instead of cowering before them we should make up our minds to walk boldly through them. - Orison Swett Marden



Our Forefathers were brave, they faced many obstacles and walked through them both together and alone. the shear fact that America has created what it has a democracy is actually really amazing. When you look at the really big picture and all the many cultures coming together, things are not at all perfect but we have created a good example of teamwork, if we overlook the many flaws that people will readily point out.


Enjoy your Freedom this 4th of July!

Climbing Mt. Marcy NYS

This is the scene from late June as Boy Scouts went to ADK high Peaks to climb Mt. Marcy and Phelps Mtn. After much preparation they left and hiked into Marcy Dam. They slept in this lean-to - well half of them and cooked down at Marcy Dam- part of Wilderness Bear protection, do not cook where you sleep!!! It was overcast and drippy but pleasant weather. Some of them logged about 24 miles in their short weekend tired, muddy and definitely stinky socks they came home. Until the next adventure. Biggest lesson learned that I heard was "Stay with your Group" don't get separated. I don't think they realized really how wilderness it is out there and how easily you can get lost!!

Its all about the Black Caps

It is that time of year when Mother Nature bestows some of her sweet fruits upon us. These grow wild here at Chestnut Hill and we try to gather them up for use all year. My hands are stained a yummy purple and I have special clothes just for picking. they are early this year and many are molding on the branches because we cannot pick them fast enough. Eating them fresh is a favorite for sure. This year I used and modified a Scone recipe for yummy Blackberry/ almond scones, the final version has almond laced icing on them and they look oh so pretty and taste wonderful. I had envisioned pretty white scones but then they became a lovely purple that the kids rather prefer. Slugger right now is my big scone eater. We have also had Lemon Blueberry scones this week . Good week in the kitchen.