Throwback Thursday . . . .

Cape Cod, 4th of July very hot day probably like 2001 or 2002

                             Sitting by the edge of the road waiting for the Parade.

Eagle Court of Honor

Bert = Big Red Truck that helped and worked on every Eagle project of each boy

Table with awards

The Fab Five- 4 on left receiving Eagle Charge from the 5th one who did his COH a year ago- All boys together since 1st/2nd grade

Certificate from Beneficiary for his Project

Waiting for Color Guard at closing- Hubby the Scoutmaster and TJ

Grandpa Bob and his Brother Dick- Great Uncle Dick - thanks for coming!

"ONE HUNDRED SCOUTS"

"Of any one hundred boys who become Scouts, it must be confessed that thirty will drop out in their first year.  Perhaps this may be regarded as a failure, but in later life all of these will remember that they had been Scouts and will speak well of the program."

"Of the one hundred, only rarely will one ever appear before a juvenile court judge.  Twelve of the one hundred will be from families that belong to no church.  Through Scouting, these twelve and many of their families will be brought into contact with a church and will continue to be active all their lives.  Six of the one hundred will become pastors."

"Each of the one hundred will learn something from Scouting.  Almost all will develop hobbies that will add interest throughout the rest of their lives.  Approximately one-half will serve in the military, and in varying degrees will profit from their Scout training.  At least one will use it to save another person's life and many will credit it with saving their own."

"Four of the one hundred will reach Eagle rank, and at least one will later say that he valued'his Eagle above his college degree.  Many will find their future vocation through merit  badge work and Scouting contacts.  Seventeen of the one hundred boys will later become Scout leaders and will give leadership to thousands of additional boys."

"Only one in four boys in America will become Scouts , but it is interesting to know that of the leaders of this nation in business religion and politics, three out of four were Scouts."

"This story will never end.   Like the "Golden Pebble" of service dropped into the human sea, it will continue to radiate in ever-widening circles, influencing the characters of men down through unending time 
A Look At 100 Boys That Join Scouting

 28 will continue lifelong hobbies started in Scouting

 18 will develop hobbies which will last a lifetime

 17 will become Scout volunteers

12 will receive their first time religious contact

 8 will enter a career based on Merit Badges work

5 will earn their religious emblem

2 will enter the clergy

1 will use Scouting skills to save the life of another person

1 will use Scouting skills to save his own life

View of Paul Smith College

Happy May Day- Throwback Thursday . . .

Happy May Day- Throwback Thursday . . . .

 Wall Paper May Baskets . . . flowers cut from the garden, hang them on the neighbors door, ring the bell and run . . .oh so much fun . . .but in 2014 this no longer happens.  My babies have grown up  and out of this tradition until perhaps they have babes of their own... we will still celebrate here at Chestnut Hill but just not in the same way.  I can see by this picture that the garden was much further along 6 years ago when this was taken.  it has been a cold, damp snowy spring here this year.  Still looking forward to some warm sunny days but not this week- lots of rain . . .  So Happy May Day to you!!!

Meet Maggie . . .

This is the beautiful Stray that came to our door early in December went away for awhile and then back in ernst in Early February until we finally had to make a decision and do something. A trip to the vet so she was safe for everyone and then we brought her in to see what would happen.  We already have a dog and 2 male cats, the vet was not that optimistic that it would be a good fit.  Almost a month later everything seems to be going ok.  Maggie seems to be my middle childs cat - he puts her to bed every night and gives her lots of love for a 17 year old. She is young- like a year and very playful which everyone is enjoying.  Running around the kitchen chasing toys and going in and out of a paperbag.  Lots of love and joy to be given and received.  We are glad to have Maggie join us here at Chestnut Hill !

Working on it Wednesday . . .

So here we are working on 2 things . . . . the half square triangles are for a dresser top small quilt to keep the dust off.  Then I am also making a twin bed quilt-for my youngest son.   We recently redid an upstairs room, this was a major undertaking. we painted a few walls in the colors of Syracuse University.  Roasted Squash and midnight blue were the Valspar colors. It is a small room  that was made out of crawl space in this old farmhouse.  ( c.1822)  The family that lived here in the 60/ 70's had 5 boys and at one point they were all in one room but then 2 wanting room alone started to clean out this area to make it into living space.  The next family put dry wall up etc.. and made an upper bunk in this room and lower bunk in the room next to it.  It is hard to explain. Right now both my boys are back there.  They share a toilet between the rooms and each have their own sink. Generally works out good.  

For the dresser top I have not quite decided what arrangement the half-square triangles will take on.  The twin bed quilt will be a mix of 4-patch squares and large blocks.  IT goes together fast and is easy to quilt.  Right now Syracuse Basket Ball is 20-0 so they are having a good year.  Tonight is is SU vs Wakeforest.  Go Cuse!!! 

We'll share progress on this project as it starts to pull together.

The Moments No. 31 - Happy Halloween!

Pixie, kobold, elf, and sprite,
All are on their rounds tonight;
In the wan moon's silver ray,
Thrives their helter-skelter play.
~Joel Benton

Oh Halloween, I miss the homemade costumes, I miss the pumpkin carving, missing the craziness of the night, it is not all over, but it has changed.  This is the last big costume that I made- about 4 years ago . . . . Great Gray OWl. Whoo knew it would be the last?  

 We have had many adult parties over the years and are well overdo for another one- so 2014 let the fun begin . . .

The Moments No. 15

" Every heart that has beat strongly and cheerfully

 has left a hopeful impulse behind it

 in the world, 

and bettered the tradition of mankind"

Robert Louis Stevenson

It always amazes me at what Mother Nature puts in my pathway. 

 My firstborn, was born with a Congenital Heart Defect - 1 in 110 babies are born with a CHD. 

She is well and in college these days.  One day at a time works great!

GCM cooking, Fossils, Fun

Genesee Country Museum is a favorite place of ours. My kids have been lucky to attend summer programs here over the years. It is a living history Museum so when they attend a program they move into the 19th century, clothing and all. Civil War Soldier Camp and Intermediate boys cooking were among the Camps this summer. Boys cooking is in a basement/outdoor kitchen of Hosmers Tavern c. 1818 The Walnut cake and Ginger cookies were favorites but the Cows Tongue was definitely talked about the most. They boiled it, skinned it and then ate it. It was a rainy week and they then often ate inside the Tavern. They ate in the room shown above. This structure was renovated so that you can now go onto the 2nd floor and see the sleeping quarters. Most Village structures do not allow for this. I was also told that they are looking at opening it up to families for weekend stays - in peroid costume , food and Chamber pot.
They already offer this experience at the Pioneer Cabin. A good time had by all.

The Rock walls that are by Thomsens tavern c 1808 are filled with fossils as above and my daughter was thrilled to discover them. the heart rock was in the wall - never know what you will see if you are looking!

Red Squirrel Fun

So I was waiting in a Parking lot in Acadia - You see my adventurous children were exploring rocky ledges and cliffs at low tide and Dad was with them and I decided after one to many deep breathes that we all would enjoy this moment more if I did not watch. My head of course knew they were safe but my heart kept leaping up my throat and it was just not a good time. I retreated to a parking lot, took some photos of local flora and sketched, read a book and caught these little devils in action. At first I did not think much of it but then it was clear that a show was to be seen. Whenever you are quiet and still in nature the most amazing things can happen. There seemed to be a whole family sharing this recycling container as they would race in and out hardly stopping at times to see if the coast was clear. I showed my kids pictures and I think they still were not sure and then- bam they saw the real thing in living color - quite a good laugh.

Fond Memories

As I came home from work one day last week this greeted me. 3 bikes and a slide by the road for free to a new owner. Trying to be good stewards of being green and of being simple- ie if you no longer need it move it out and move it on. None the less it caused a stirring of memories. I so clearly remember going out on my lunch hour in Canandaigua to buy the then bright red little slide. It was so exciting as I knew my little boy would absolutely love the slide, I was not disappointed either. The laughter, giggles and bright eyes that accompanied play on that slide are priceless. Playing by themselves or together with it, for years it was the slide that went into a kiddie pool of water and wild giggles emerged as one hit the water. One memorable spring my then maybe 5 year old had 2 fistfuls of snakes ( yep you read that correctly- live in an old gravel pit) that after a wash in some water went for a slip and slide down the always ready red slide. "well mommy, its a circus you know" " the snakes are performing"
The bikes were not new to us either, but spent many hours wheeling through the yard or down the Rail path nearby. Nothing like those first bikes and the freedom of locomotion under your own power that a bike brings. So where ever they may go and live for a while longer, I wish them hours of fun and frolic and good memories. I am on the verge of 2 teen age drivers, I do believe I will long for the days of simple locomotion around the yard.
Alas we all must spread our wings and fly.

GIngerBread Houses 2010

We go back about 23 years in making Gingerbread houses.
First we make the dough, then we bake the houses, then we make Royal frosting and assemble the houses, finally we decorate the houses. This all can happen over time. The kids are usually pretty creative in what they do with their house. Notice in the last photo how the nativity managed to make it to the Gingerbread session,

wishing . . .

Well we went to the Mall on Tuesday to see Santa. All went well. The mall was quiet as it was snowing like wild outside and most people stayed home. North of the mall was worse weather than south and we live south. So we ewre in good shape. Santa was next to these trees. Later we went to Target to check out the Nerf guns that are high on the list. So many choices. . . . . so many darts everywhere!!

The Everyday

What are your everyday sights that you would miss if they were not there?

Thanksgiving . . . .

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It is now over but we have good memories. making these cute pilgrim hats for place favors as we watched the dog show. Making Pies- Pumpkin made by Yoda and Toll house pie made by Slugger, Mashed potatoes were a team effort, Flower girl peeled and cut them all while Slugger mashed them into heavenly moist buttery delight. Cranberry/orange Relish by Dad and Yoda. We all piled in teh car with a scramble over who ends up in the way back of the van these days. then Over the river and through the Woods to grandmothers House we go, the van knows the way down the wide and winding roads in rain and snow and ice. Varied weather we had that day. We met up with more family there and enjoyed a pleasant afternoon/ evening of food and fellowship. Hoping you and yours had a terrific day as well.

Golden Hill Sate Park

Part of this past week found us camping here. Right on the Great lake Ontario' s shore. This is a light house from the 1800's. You can rent the second floor today and stay 2 nights or 7. It was a beautiful place, right on the lake. We survived a pretty hard cold front coming across the lake. It was darker than night over toward Toronto and then it came and it poured buckets and the wind about blew us into the lake. We hung out in the car for a while and since it soaked our big tent we then put up 2 smaller ones. These withstand a lot of weather. We had a perfect night abet the wind. When the front moved through the moon was full and beautiful! Also a wonderful sunrise- all viewable from the tent, sleeping with the front and back windows open. Definitely like being under the stars without the bugs. Hoping to go back here soon.

Summer Fun Photos

Enjoy yourself. These are "the good old days" you're going to miss years ahead. We can never go back again, that much is certain.
B.J. Marshall

Tree Frogs Cometh

This little guy decided one morning to hitch a ride on Yoda's shoe, much to our surprise. We then removed him and put him back on a tree. We have a lot of them here where we live and they make the best chirping sounds. Totally love these little natural friends.

Genesee Country Museum 2010

Beginning Boys Cooking at the museum was what Yoda attended this past week. It was a cooler week than when he had been at the museum for Soldier Camp back in July. This was nice working around an Open Hearth all week. They made food to eat on Tues/Wed./ Thurs. and food for us each day that was presented in this lovely dessert buffet on Friday afternoon. They made butter, ice cream, Gingerbread, crackers, soda bread, cornbread, mashed potatoes, chicken and gravy, breakfast sausage, Sugar cookies, molasses cookies, Snicker-doodles, 1,2,3,4 cake, London Maidens, Cake with sweet currants, Macaroni and Cheese with cheese made at the museum . . . .a busy week indeed. There were 8 boys in all and they all learned a lot even the dish washing!!! THe top picture shows "the spread" well part of it. The middle one has Yoda in his costume before he changed back in to 21st centurey clothing peeking out of the Brewery. The bottom has Yoda and Flower girl makign Corn meal in the Pioneer Cabin. 2 hours for one cup of Corn meal and she needs 2 cups to make bread. That would be a childs job - to make / grind the corn in to corn meal. It is always a wonderful time to visit the village, it has a very calming effect. We visited Jones Farm House and the Pioneer Cabin while there and they were making Irish Pickles, Elderberry Pie, Butter, Apple Pie. Elderberry jam at Jones Farm. The Jones Farm House is the vintage of our home. Circa 1822

Slugger turns 14

Well Today is 14 years after Dear Slugger was born- Slugger is his letterboxing stamp named for his love of Baseball. He is still at the 2010 National Boy Scout Jamboree in Fort AP Hill Virginia today. Sounds like in order to be packed up and out early tomorrow that they will sleep under the stars tonight.

First Photo is of a Scouting outpost they did early in July, followed by leaving for Jamboree and sharing some time with his faithful friend Edna. Edna had already finished her Shark bite treat so she was looking for more. He'll be home tomorrow for a mere 3 days then off to a youth Leadership training week, home again and off on an ADK Canoe trip. This is the summer of scouting fun! As it should be for a boy of 14.

He is a caring, funny, sensitive soul . He is a hardworker, not afraid to get dirty but also loves to be clean- he produces the most laundry in the house, because of this. He is an excellent leader who puts the good of others or the troop before himself.


Happy Birthday Slugger!! We're Proud of you!