I can’t believe it’s been a year already. I was packing up the last of my stuff for my move to NYC last year at this time, moving to NYC just before the New Year. I don’t know that I’m a native, but a year has certainly made NYC a home and an enjoyable place to live, instead of the exciting and slightly overwhelming place I used to visit.
This year I headed via Amtrak and Albany to Keene to celebrate Christmas. We managed to pack gifts, luggage, 4 people, 1 Bloodhound, 1 Airedale and a Bedlington terrier into a Subaru Legacy (a station wagon). I think we could write a new version of a partridge in a pear tree for that. And it wasn’t even that uncomfortable (though we did have to pack light). As always, the trip was worth it. Ba-ba had baked fantastic cookies (including two of my favorites – mocha balls and rum things) and every meal was delicious. The beef tenderloin stands out as amazing though.
Of course, catching up and getting to see everyone was as good as the food. While Ba and my dad played cribbage, the rest of us decorated the tree and the dogs helped a lot (with Holly being the sole representative of the PWDs). Christmas morning got off to a slow start with no kids around and Grandfather not needing to head to Whiteface. It made for an enjoyable and relaxed present opening. Luckily, most of my presents were on the small side since they had to make it back to NYC on the train.
After a final cribbage match on Sunday, we loaded up people and dogs for the drive to Albany. I was going to see Liz but she mentioned an impending snow storm. Totally unawares, I checked the weather to find that overnight upstate was having a snow storm but NYC was to be hit with a blizzard complete with thunder (the new kept calling it thunder snow). Great, I’m sure that won’t affect my morning train into the city. After a 40 minute hold with Amtrak, I learned that only the Boston-NYC line had been shut down, the other tracks were running with some delays and were expected to continue running in the morning.
We awoke to a white world and it was a good thing my train wasn’t going to leave until 11 am. I had to rig a system tying items to my luggage to get some gifts home (I managed to get everything into my system except for one glass item; not too bad for having a dog and a two bag limit). Also, it took a while to get cars started and the driveway clear. The first big storm always leaves a bit to be desired as far as plowing goes on the roads. Some roads didn’t even look like a plow had been by. Another 40 minute hold confirmed the Albany-NYC line was open and running, though a bit late. It turned out that was the only way into (or out of) NYC Monday morning – the commuter rails were all down and the runways weren’t fully cleared yet. Even the bus terminal had been shut down. Guess Amtrak is more reliable than I thought.
The train did arrive in Albany about 15 minutes late and loaded quickly. But my adventures don’t end there. The outside door by my end of the car didn’t close completely so snow started forming drift between the cabins. The café car was through there and I watches as people kept slipping and sliding through the snow covered passage between the cars only to find out our café car wasn’t working – ie nothing hot was available. However, the heat was blowing out without control from the heaters in the cars so the conductors had to turn it off al together, telling people near the doors to put on sweaters if they were getting cold. This was one of many odd messages and conversations going on between the train conductors via the intercom – I think they might have been enjoying some hot toddies. Meanwhile my phone kept sending me updates, telling me that the subways and city buses were being affected by the snow and to check for delays. But we made it to Penn Station.
I come out from the bowels of the station (if you’ve been there you know what I mean) and was faced with a white NY ... and a five foot mountain of snow to climb over (with all my stuff) on the way to my subway station. The sidewalks had been cleared in patches so I dragged, rolled and carried my stuff and dog the block (a long block I would point out) to the subway, where I climbed another snow mountain before descending into the calm and dark of the station, at least some things don’t change. I only had to wait a little while for my train and finally arrived on my island. The buses were suppose to be running infrequent but it didn’t seem worse then normal but the road was horrible so the bus was slow. Since we only have one street there is only one plow and it was a bit overwhelmed by the foot and a half of snow. But Nissa, I and gifts arrived safely and I played hooky for the rest of the day while Nissa romped in the snow. Not too bad for my first NYC blizzard.
Quote of the Post:
Just once, I'd like a regular, normal Christmas. Eggnog, a fuckin' Christmas tree, a little turkey. But, no! I gotta crawl around in this motherfuckin' tin can!
- John McClane, Die Hard 2
December 29, 2010
My First NYC Tree
Artificial trees make little sense in NYC where space (including storage space) is at a premium so I decided to get my first live tree. I’ve always preferred live trees, but I like large trees and being solo meant cutting, transporting, and putting up a large real tree on my own. Well, lets just say it was daunting. I knew NYC had a tree recycling program (they chop up the trees each year for wood chips to use in the parks), but couldn’t figure where or how you got one. Turns out many sidewalks are turned into small forests after Thanksgiving, but many look scraggly and dry. I wanted something more so I googled it of course.
Turns out there are a lot of companies selling full size, real Christmas trees via mail order. Many are in Oregon, W Virginia, Michigan and Minnesota. I found a small family owned company in rural Maine that has been shipping trees since 1961 (wreath.com). They were easy to contact and had one of the best prices (a 7 foot tree was $79 FedExed to my door). This escaped the crappy tree problem as well as how to get it home on the subway. (Can you see me wielding a 7’ tree on the subway?)
After my order, I worried I had over bought - a “giant” tree in my studio? What was I thinking! But all turned out well. I had a friend help me carry it to my apartment and hold it while I got it in the tree stand. It was amazing to see a full bushy tree come out of a 10 ft long but 1 foot square box. It even came with a friendly message from my tree asking for fresh water as soon as it arrived to keep it healthy. Since it has lost few needles, I guess I got that water for it fast enough.
I also needed lights, since I had previously had pre-lit trees, and a tree stand (artificial trees don’t need water). I found a place with exact replicas of the miniature white lights I love but in a warm LED so I didn’t have to worry about expensive bills. I also got what was advertised as a small stand for up to a 10’ tree. Works really well but small it is not.
Finally, my ornaments had to get to NYC. They had been residing in a huge box in “the unit” (my sister’s nickname for the storage unit I rent in Albany). My mother and sister did a last minute drive of my ornaments over to Liz, who was coming down to help me organize paper (not as interesting or fun a story, but she was amazing and my last box from my move was unpacked and put away!!!).
With all of that taken care of, my tree was finally done. I crowned it with a Bedlington angle (I kid you not) that Andrew found last year but I had no tree to put it on, while I listened to Rhythm and Blues Christmas. There is nothing better then watching a tree with a hot chocolate (with peppermint schnapps) and having your dog by your side.
Next year I think I’ll get the giant tree again and maybe add a wreath for the door.
Quote of the Post:
Never worry about the size of your Christmas tree. In the eyes of children, they are all 30 feet tall.
- Larry Wilde
Turns out there are a lot of companies selling full size, real Christmas trees via mail order. Many are in Oregon, W Virginia, Michigan and Minnesota. I found a small family owned company in rural Maine that has been shipping trees since 1961 (wreath.com). They were easy to contact and had one of the best prices (a 7 foot tree was $79 FedExed to my door). This escaped the crappy tree problem as well as how to get it home on the subway. (Can you see me wielding a 7’ tree on the subway?)
After my order, I worried I had over bought - a “giant” tree in my studio? What was I thinking! But all turned out well. I had a friend help me carry it to my apartment and hold it while I got it in the tree stand. It was amazing to see a full bushy tree come out of a 10 ft long but 1 foot square box. It even came with a friendly message from my tree asking for fresh water as soon as it arrived to keep it healthy. Since it has lost few needles, I guess I got that water for it fast enough.
I also needed lights, since I had previously had pre-lit trees, and a tree stand (artificial trees don’t need water). I found a place with exact replicas of the miniature white lights I love but in a warm LED so I didn’t have to worry about expensive bills. I also got what was advertised as a small stand for up to a 10’ tree. Works really well but small it is not.
Finally, my ornaments had to get to NYC. They had been residing in a huge box in “the unit” (my sister’s nickname for the storage unit I rent in Albany). My mother and sister did a last minute drive of my ornaments over to Liz, who was coming down to help me organize paper (not as interesting or fun a story, but she was amazing and my last box from my move was unpacked and put away!!!).
With all of that taken care of, my tree was finally done. I crowned it with a Bedlington angle (I kid you not) that Andrew found last year but I had no tree to put it on, while I listened to Rhythm and Blues Christmas. There is nothing better then watching a tree with a hot chocolate (with peppermint schnapps) and having your dog by your side.
Next year I think I’ll get the giant tree again and maybe add a wreath for the door.
Quote of the Post:
Never worry about the size of your Christmas tree. In the eyes of children, they are all 30 feet tall.
- Larry Wilde
Thanksgiving
A family tradition is for us all to gather at my aunt’s place in Stowe, Vt. This year, via Amtrak and Albany, travel went fairly well. I have to say, the more I take Amtrak, the fewer times it is late. Guess I had bad luck before.
Anyway, we squeezed four humans and two dogs into a Subaru Impreza (a small hatchback) for the trip up. The destination was well worth the trip. The food was the fantastic favorites of past years. My aunt said she was able to use Hounds in the Kitchen for everything she made. I love the food at Thanksgiving, I’d name a favorite but it is all so good I can’t pick just a few things, though a highlight were Mal’s Pecans.
Even better is seeing my aunts and cousins. The majority of the family made it this year and we had our 2nd annual cribbage tournament (it is becoming the only time a year I play cribbage). I was roundly beat by Eddy but enjoyed catching up with my opponents. Eddy had some amazing shots of bald eagles from his summer working a fishing vessel in Alaska. They were fantastic. He also did a pretty good eagle impression.
The next morning I got a tour of the barn Heather bought and is fixing up across the street from her home. Jake is doing a lot of the work which includes replacing major support beams of the century plus old dairy barn. They left a few of the old stalls the cows used to be housed in. Turns out some of the working dairies I visited as a vet in upstate NY are still using the same style of stalls and headlocks. I’m not sure if that means this barn was way ahead of its time of those dairies are a bit behind the times.
Thanksgiving is always over too soon. Due to commitments we were in the car the next day headed south. We had a new short-cut via ferry that turned out to not save time but led to some adventures. Rip made a run for freedom from the back of the car as we waited for the ferry. He then realized he had no idea where he was and waited while we leashed him back up. We then made our crossing (complete with car) over Champlain on a 100 year old ferry (yes we made it, the Adirondack is still working hard. Interesting fact, the Adirondack was piloted by the first female captain on Champlain at one point. Wonder what the retirement plan is after 100 yrs of working). Dogs and people made it home and I made it to the city the next day. I am already looking forward to next year.
Quote of the Post:
Thanksgiving provides a formal context in which to consider the instances of kindness that have enlightened our lives, for moments of grace that have gotten us through when all seemed lost. These are fine and sentimental subjects for contemplation.
- Jon Carroll
Anyway, we squeezed four humans and two dogs into a Subaru Impreza (a small hatchback) for the trip up. The destination was well worth the trip. The food was the fantastic favorites of past years. My aunt said she was able to use Hounds in the Kitchen for everything she made. I love the food at Thanksgiving, I’d name a favorite but it is all so good I can’t pick just a few things, though a highlight were Mal’s Pecans.
Even better is seeing my aunts and cousins. The majority of the family made it this year and we had our 2nd annual cribbage tournament (it is becoming the only time a year I play cribbage). I was roundly beat by Eddy but enjoyed catching up with my opponents. Eddy had some amazing shots of bald eagles from his summer working a fishing vessel in Alaska. They were fantastic. He also did a pretty good eagle impression.
The next morning I got a tour of the barn Heather bought and is fixing up across the street from her home. Jake is doing a lot of the work which includes replacing major support beams of the century plus old dairy barn. They left a few of the old stalls the cows used to be housed in. Turns out some of the working dairies I visited as a vet in upstate NY are still using the same style of stalls and headlocks. I’m not sure if that means this barn was way ahead of its time of those dairies are a bit behind the times.
Thanksgiving is always over too soon. Due to commitments we were in the car the next day headed south. We had a new short-cut via ferry that turned out to not save time but led to some adventures. Rip made a run for freedom from the back of the car as we waited for the ferry. He then realized he had no idea where he was and waited while we leashed him back up. We then made our crossing (complete with car) over Champlain on a 100 year old ferry (yes we made it, the Adirondack is still working hard. Interesting fact, the Adirondack was piloted by the first female captain on Champlain at one point. Wonder what the retirement plan is after 100 yrs of working). Dogs and people made it home and I made it to the city the next day. I am already looking forward to next year.
Quote of the Post:
Thanksgiving provides a formal context in which to consider the instances of kindness that have enlightened our lives, for moments of grace that have gotten us through when all seemed lost. These are fine and sentimental subjects for contemplation.
- Jon Carroll
Oregon
My dad’s parents live in Eugene and I don’t make it to the west coast often enough. My last visit with them was to Arizona where we admired the desert and red rocks areas as well as getting me to my first viewing of the Grand Canyon. While a fantastic trip, it is always good to see Eugene. They still live in the house my dad grew up in and I always get a new story about how my dad got into trouble. I also love the garden’s my grandmother keeps and a fantastic fountain Grandpa built from lava rocks – it looks so natural you can’t believe it hasn’t always been there except for the fact it’s back is a fence.
Anyway, a fairly uneventful trip on Delta landed me in Eugene’s own airport where I blew by them as I headed to baggage. They did manage to catch a picture of me flying by. Luckily they like my driving, so I got to make up for not having a car in NYC while Grandpa got a chauffer.
We managed to fit a lot into a few days – a trip to the coast to see the new exhibit at the aquarium was fantastic. We had stormy seas and had a lot of great wave action along the rocky coast. Also, we got to swing by my great grandparent’s farm, which still bears their name. Grandpa took us on a tour of the Oregon campus to look at the new buildings (home of the Ducks). Aunt Helen had us over and backed a pie for each person present. Plus Grandma and I brought over fresh baked cookies. There might be too much of a good thing. I even learned to clean up after a car (no dripping water allowed in the garage!).
I got to try the food at some of their favorite haunts and I have to say the roast beef sandwich was fantastic. My favorite meal was the Thanksgiving dinner Grandma made. She had already made a fantastic rhubarb and pumpkin pie but added turkey, a nice thick gravy and, of course, dressing. And a feast wouldn’t be a complete meal without potatoes so we had candied sweet potatoes and mashed potatoes. Pretty tasty! Of course breakfast was pretty enjoyable too – hot chocolate and Grandma’s canned cherries (see Hounds in the Kitchen for the recipe).
My last full day we actually chased a rainbow and found its end for a minute before it jumped away from us again. Since a picture is worth a 1000 words here are some to finish up.
Since it was rain season there, my flight out was almost was cancelled for rain and fog but they managed to get me out and on my way home. My new suitcase (a Zuca) did well and provided me with a seat during the layovers. It even managed to fit in my purchases for the trip back.
Quote of the Post:
I'm a Medford man - Medford, Oregon. Up in Medford, we take our time making up our minds.
- Mr. Jackson, in Double Indemnity (1944)
Anyway, a fairly uneventful trip on Delta landed me in Eugene’s own airport where I blew by them as I headed to baggage. They did manage to catch a picture of me flying by. Luckily they like my driving, so I got to make up for not having a car in NYC while Grandpa got a chauffer.
We managed to fit a lot into a few days – a trip to the coast to see the new exhibit at the aquarium was fantastic. We had stormy seas and had a lot of great wave action along the rocky coast. Also, we got to swing by my great grandparent’s farm, which still bears their name. Grandpa took us on a tour of the Oregon campus to look at the new buildings (home of the Ducks). Aunt Helen had us over and backed a pie for each person present. Plus Grandma and I brought over fresh baked cookies. There might be too much of a good thing. I even learned to clean up after a car (no dripping water allowed in the garage!).
I got to try the food at some of their favorite haunts and I have to say the roast beef sandwich was fantastic. My favorite meal was the Thanksgiving dinner Grandma made. She had already made a fantastic rhubarb and pumpkin pie but added turkey, a nice thick gravy and, of course, dressing. And a feast wouldn’t be a complete meal without potatoes so we had candied sweet potatoes and mashed potatoes. Pretty tasty! Of course breakfast was pretty enjoyable too – hot chocolate and Grandma’s canned cherries (see Hounds in the Kitchen for the recipe).
My last full day we actually chased a rainbow and found its end for a minute before it jumped away from us again. Since a picture is worth a 1000 words here are some to finish up.
Since it was rain season there, my flight out was almost was cancelled for rain and fog but they managed to get me out and on my way home. My new suitcase (a Zuca) did well and provided me with a seat during the layovers. It even managed to fit in my purchases for the trip back.
Quote of the Post:
I'm a Medford man - Medford, Oregon. Up in Medford, we take our time making up our minds.
- Mr. Jackson, in Double Indemnity (1944)
Free in the Adirondacks (with Connie and Ike)
When I discovered I had a long weekend and no work, I thought what better place to spend it then the Adirondacks. Luckily, my friend Connie agreed it was a great idea and so, in that time of year when you aren’t sure if it is the end of summer or the start of fall, we headed north with our dogs to visit my Grandparents.
With the leaves thinking about changing near the peaks, it was the perfect time of year to be up there. Black-fly season was over, no mud until next spring and with a bit brisk but not biting wind we got to enjoy a few long, relaxing days outside in the fresh air. Ike and Nissa played with Holly and made a funny set of pups and Connie managed to fit all of them in her lap at one point while soaking up some sun.
The funniest part was the walk on the town trail. Nissa and Ike were let off leash and ran like crazed beasts up and down the ravine bank to the stream with Holly at full speed, giving their owners a few heart attacks as they leapt over each other in their glee. There is nothing like dogs fully enjoying themselves to make you relax and take stock of what is important. Joy like that goes a long way.
Sadly, the weekend came to a close too fast and we headed back towards the city but a bit rejuvenated and with very happy, muddy dogs.
Quote of the Post:
There's facts about dogs, and there's opinions about them. The dogs have the facts, and the humans have the opinions.
~ The Monks of New Skete
With the leaves thinking about changing near the peaks, it was the perfect time of year to be up there. Black-fly season was over, no mud until next spring and with a bit brisk but not biting wind we got to enjoy a few long, relaxing days outside in the fresh air. Ike and Nissa played with Holly and made a funny set of pups and Connie managed to fit all of them in her lap at one point while soaking up some sun.
The funniest part was the walk on the town trail. Nissa and Ike were let off leash and ran like crazed beasts up and down the ravine bank to the stream with Holly at full speed, giving their owners a few heart attacks as they leapt over each other in their glee. There is nothing like dogs fully enjoying themselves to make you relax and take stock of what is important. Joy like that goes a long way.
Sadly, the weekend came to a close too fast and we headed back towards the city but a bit rejuvenated and with very happy, muddy dogs.
Quote of the Post:
There's facts about dogs, and there's opinions about them. The dogs have the facts, and the humans have the opinions.
~ The Monks of New Skete
September 30, 2010
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* Find hundreds of dollars in personalized savings
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August 15, 2010
Life with Liz in Upstate
Nissa and I headed up to Albany on the train Friday night to see Liz and Ed. They were hosting a big BBQ on Saturday and had invited me to attend. Vanessa and Justin with their baby were also there and good times were had by all. Vanessa and Liz picked me up from the train station and I realized I was famished so when we had to stop to grab some things for the next day I grabbed some quick, heat up food to eat. The amount of pasta being made for pasta salads was astonishing – there was quite the production line.
The next morning we were up chopping veggies and getting tables set up. I got to run errands – I forgot how much fun driving a standard was, I almost went on a bit of a joy ride, but managed to contain myself. Before two, when the BBQ started, Liz’s parents were over and we got everything outside and set up. It was an impressive amount of food complete with four grills, a fridge for the meat outside, a huge set up to keep the salads iced down, and Ed’s home brew kegs ready for the party. They even had the tractor out to give hay rides to the kids. In all, everyone seemed to have a good time and no one left hungry. The night ended with a bonfire – there is something captivating about a fire, you just have to sit and watch for a while. Even the dogs had a good time – a whole pack of them running around.
The next morning I got to try out the new kitchen and make waffles – the ones my dad used to make on the weekend. People seemed to enjoy them and Liz has a freezer full of them to heat up if she is ever hungry. The train ride back seemed a bit long, but I knew there was work to finish up and I was a little tired from the weekend. Hosting a party is exhausting, but even attending makes me a bit tired. Nissa slept well on the way back though so at least one of us got some rest.
Quote of the Post:
True friendship multiplies the good in life and divides its evils.
-Baltasar Gracian
The next morning we were up chopping veggies and getting tables set up. I got to run errands – I forgot how much fun driving a standard was, I almost went on a bit of a joy ride, but managed to contain myself. Before two, when the BBQ started, Liz’s parents were over and we got everything outside and set up. It was an impressive amount of food complete with four grills, a fridge for the meat outside, a huge set up to keep the salads iced down, and Ed’s home brew kegs ready for the party. They even had the tractor out to give hay rides to the kids. In all, everyone seemed to have a good time and no one left hungry. The night ended with a bonfire – there is something captivating about a fire, you just have to sit and watch for a while. Even the dogs had a good time – a whole pack of them running around.
The next morning I got to try out the new kitchen and make waffles – the ones my dad used to make on the weekend. People seemed to enjoy them and Liz has a freezer full of them to heat up if she is ever hungry. The train ride back seemed a bit long, but I knew there was work to finish up and I was a little tired from the weekend. Hosting a party is exhausting, but even attending makes me a bit tired. Nissa slept well on the way back though so at least one of us got some rest.
Quote of the Post:
True friendship multiplies the good in life and divides its evils.
-Baltasar Gracian
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