Stamford, CT

We went to Stamford yesterday so the boys could take part in the "Reebok Sparta Race".  I had never heard of it before, which isn't surprising.  It is a really great idea, and at the Stamford event there was a Junior Division which my grandsons entered.  I'm not really sure if that's an option at all the events nation-wide, but I would think so. 

This event was held in a small park in the middle of Stamford, but the way the course was routed was truly ingeneous!  There are obstacles along the way - barriers to climb over, etc.  The race for the kids consisted of two laps, but if parents approved they were allowed to run an extra lap.  Most of the younger children had  one of their parents running the course with them, as did my son.  Each child that completed won a ribbon with a medal to be worn around the neck, and received headband, a t-shirt, and other small gifts.

I tried to take photos to show the course as well as the buildings of Stamford.  Here they are starting to line up.  (Click on photo to enlarge)

 One of the earlier groups had to run through a mud pit, and after the younger kids finished their run of course they had to splash around a bit in the dirt.  

It was a beautiful day for this event and the weather was just perfect!  Afterward we went to an Irish pub for lunch with another family.  The food was delicious and the decor was pretty spiffy.  I'll have to say that most of the pubs I've been to in Ireland were a little less classy, but probably more friendly and fun.  But then I'm biased!  I'm trying to eliminate most sugar and carbs from my diet, so I had a salad that was excellent.  The sandwiches and burgers looked good, but I remained virtuous and committed to my diet!  (No bread; greens, tomato, avocado, grilled chicken, and a carrot ginger dressing.)

The drive to Stamford was beautiful once we got off the highway and on to the side roads.  The scenery is actually great even on the highway as it is heavily treed on both sides of the roadways.  But the smaller roads were a bit winding, hilly, and passed some of the most beautiful homes and farms I've seen.  They are what you think of when you think "New England" although technically I believe we are not quite northern enough to be considered New England.

Stamford is quite a nice town - we passed the university and hospital, and then many of the large glass and steel office buildings alongside smaller and older buildings.  All in all, it is a very attractive place.

I know the quality of my photography is declining as fast as are my eyes.  I found it difficult to try to capture the intensity of the kids (and fathers) as they ran through the course, but they go by so quickly and I'm just too slow to get the action.  I had a wonderful day though and was totally whipped by the time I went to bed last night.  From all the standing and walking my legs ached, but this morning I feel great again!  The restorative power of sleep is amazing.

Walk across the Hudson

Yesterday was the Jewish Holiday of Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) and most schools were closed, so Sandy took the day off as well and we all went to walk across the Hudson River.  An old train bridge was rebuilt as a pedestrian walkway, and is about 1.3 miles from one side to another.  Considering the round trip, plus the access walk from the parking lot, we probably walked just under 3 miles on a beautiful sunny but cool day.  Click on a picture to enlarge it.

Part way across is a glass elevator that takes you down to ground level and a small park that also has a Children's Museum.

This photo was taken from the elevator car and looks down river towards Manhattan (eventually).

And this one looks across the bridge to the west side of the Hudson.
 

These pictures are of the bridge framework as we descend to river level:

Back on the bridge

 There was some kind of algae in the water - don't know why or what it is.

It was a great day for walking and I'm glad we went all the way to the other side.   We tried it several years ago when I had Lady, but got about half way across when the kids were too tired to go any further.  I was surprised tht it was much breezier on the east side than the west - you'd think it would be the same on both.

We finished the jigsaw puzzle, and I'll close with a full photo and a close-up.  It wasn't easy as all the pieces were triangular in shape.

 

 

Puzzle time!

As always, there is a jigsaw puzzle being worked on the dining room table.  This time it's as diabolical as always - a picture in the shape of a triangle, with pieces that are all triangular shaped.  I placed a few of the pieces last night, but I'm just not as good at it as I used to be.  My 9 yr. old grandson is unbelieveably good at it though.

The boys have to read out loud at least 20 min. a day, and last night I listened to the 7 yr. old.  I last heard him read when I was here this past spring, and has he ever improved!  I am the book-giving grandma, so you know it makes me happy.  All my grandkids get a book or a series from me for birthdays and Christmases.  Everyone else can give toys, etc., but I'll stick to the books.  The 9 yr old is on the 5th or 6th in the Harry Potter series, which is amazing to me.  I never made it past the 6th book.

It's currently still in the low 60's today, and I'm really comfortable in my sweat pants.  Of course they are California pants and not  suitable for really cold weather in the East.  I still have sweat shirts and pants from when I lived East, and it's rare that I can wear them in the Sacramento area.  I'm loving this weather!

Since I'm not driving much this trip I spend more time at home reading.  I just ordered another book to read on the way home (having already read the one I brought along for that occasion), and will probably order yet another before I leave.  (They are all part of a series).  It's not so difficult to read when I sit close to a window and can get some daylight.  Also, I'm starting to wear the glasses prescribed for me for getting my license renewed last March.  They were for distance, but they seem to work well with the computer now, as well as driving.  I can't figure it out.

This is turning out to be a beautiful day.

Good day for a birthday party!

Yesterday was my grandson's birthday party, although he turned 7 last week.  It was a gorgeous day, in the high 70's and sunshine.  There were lots of kids and fortunately the weather was perfect for them to play outside.  There was so much food and lots left over, even after people took bowls and plates of it home.  I'm looking forward to leftovers this week - I love them.

Sandy's grandmother made me a round loaf of Portuguese bread and I sliced some for my breakfast this morning.  It is slightly sweet, and with butter slathered all over it, just perfect!

Now, after being around so many people for a few days I have the day completely to myself.  Just the thing for an introvert - I love being with company and conversation, but treasure getting my energy back with some "alone time".

I notice that the thermometer will rise to about 100 in Sacramento today, and I will really enjoy our high of mid-70's!  The weather here has been perfect to me.  I thought I had brought a sweater or light jacket, but only an old fleece pullover is all I can find among my clothes.  It's hard to pack for a month and get it into one suitcase to be checked.  So much easier to drive!

Community Day

This was the big day for the community - I attended it two or three years ago and marched with my grandson's group so I didn't see the first part of the parade.  Today I had a prime spot and saw everything, from the honor guard to the last sports team.  In between were lots of fire equipment, much of it volunteer companies, local businesses, schools, organizations including the Sons of Italy (of course--this is New York after all), a Scottish group, and many many more.

After the parade everyone goes to the park where there are some attractions for the kids, lots of tents for the adults to wander around, and much more.  I made a tour down two rows of tents but it was all local business and organization- sponsored, so I found a nice spot under a big shade tree and set up my chair.  I people-watched for the rest of the afternoon.

I have never seen so many good dogs in one place as today.  From the big shepherds and labs, to the medium sized dogs, to the little ones who are usually yappy.  They were all very well behaved and there was no barking or yapping.  I looked up at one point and saw two animals that were either alpacas or llamas - I think they were alpacas, but since I've heard that llamas spit I never go near anything that looks remotely like one.

The weather was just gorgeous, probably in the low to mid-eighties, with a nice breeze all day.  I was content to just sit at the park and watch the world go by.  Unfortunately I forgot my camera so I didn't get even one photo.

So in looking at the dogs, I feel sure I'd like a lab or german shepherd male.  The only problem with the shepherd is whether I could handle a male of the breed - I don't deal with dogs with a too-firm hand but try a firm voice and lots of love and kindness.

Confused

 The more I research getting another dog or puppy, the more confused I become.  I know I definitely want a black lab, but would prefer a young one that is finished with the chewing stage and is housebroken.

I'm shocked at some of the prices asked for adoption - $450 from one org., $750 from another.  Maybe if I was employed full time I could afford that, but as a retired person I find it too steep to consider.  I probably won't find another dog, but now and then I wish I could.

Note to Jo about comment yesterday, my glasses are no-line and are usable for close up, distance, and in between.  The problem is that I just need a new prescription, but in order for my insurance to pay any of the cost I will have to wait until the first of next year.  I could get just a new Rx for reading, but it is such a hassle taking them off and on constantly, that I would tend to leave them on and look over the top when I don't need them for reading.  There is probably no good fix for me at the present time and i may as well get used to it.

Pretty quiet here

I enjoyed reading all the comments about making Kombucha.  I am planning to get back to juicing when I return to CA, and don't know if I can handle two operations such as these.

I went to Nature's Pantry this morning to buy some more Kombucha, and now 7 bottles are lined up in the fridge.  I drink one bottle (16 oz) a day - and selected the Green-Green, and the Gingerade flavors.  I certainly haven't had even a hint of indigestion since I started drinking this product about 3 days ago.  That's the first thing I notice, and hope there are more good effects to come.

While at the store I inquired about the fact that I understood they had fresh juice available.  They directed me back to the deli where they indeed have a large juicing machine, and made me a delicious drink on the spot.  It's expensive though, but when I started thinking about the cost of all the fresh ingredients I use when making it, I can see why.  It's so healthy and refreshing, and I'd rather pay for fresh produce than most snacks, drinks, packaged foods, etc.  I'm getting over jet lag and my energy is returning little by little.

I'm driving my d-i-l's Sienna van, which I love, but I decided I'm not going to do a lot of driving this time.  When I do, I'll stick to the places close to home that I'm familiar with.  If I had my own car with me I might stray further afield, but probably not.  I'm noticing I don't enjoy driving at all any more, probably due to my worsening eyesight.  I have the requirement on my license that I wear glasses but I actually see better without them.  I think I need a new prescription, but the insurance won't pay for new glasses until the first of the year, and I'm hoping to just make it until then.  I have to have them for reading and usually just keep them on most of the time, which may or may not be a good idea.

There is a jigsaw puzzle in the works, and several new ones in boxes.  Again, my eyesight makes it easier to work the puzzles if I'm in direct sunlight, and the table isn't located in such a spot.

No wildlife in sight during the past week.  I don't know where the deer go to browse now, but they aren't coming through this yard at least while I'm observing.  I miss the foxes and hope the mama comes back to the same spot next year when she has a new litter of sweet little fox babies.

I'm signed on a list for available dogs, and I specified black lab or a mix with mostly lab.  I've been getting some good returns although most are young puppies.  I think I would prefer a puppy to an old dog as I didn't have good luck with the last older one.  I'm not sure if I can handle puppy energy though, and especially the chewing.  I raised Smoky from a tiny little pup, and he chewed away on my kitchen cabinets if I was gone; when Chili, Joe & Sarah's gorgeous Dobie was a pup she chewed the plaster in the walls.  I think Smoky did some of that as well.  There just isn't any getting around it I guess.  If a person can survive that first year, then it is much smoother sailing after that.