Remember This

The Carousel Mall

This mall is the 6th largest in the USA. It covers 2.4 million sq. ft., and has 7 floors (4 retail).

The pictures directly above and below I took and the others I borrowed from the web.

The above photo is of a set of "bridges" you can cross. You must be securely harnessed in case of falling. Not anything I would ever try so I didn't check the price but for someone looking for a thrill, here's your chance!

With over 300 shops and services we never made it to the carousel so when do we go back?!

Old Shoes

Ok, so why post a photo of old tennie runners? These shoes were almost casualties of our car accident. One followed me to the hospital. The other was lost in the median near the mile 83 marker of highway 80 until Celeste found it for me. Now, 3 1/2 yrs later, they are all used up and it's time to say goodbye. I need a tissue...

Don't You Just Love NY In The Fall?

...A line from a movie but referring to the city. My experience is a rural one, in Upstate. 

These photos I took myself and even with the beauty of the colors, my phone camera doesn't show the intensity, so I'm borrowing from the Internet. What follows is not unlike what I've seen here.

Farmer's Market

It's the last day of the Farmer's Market in Watertown, New York. It reflects the splendors of the season and gifts of the harvest.

My bag of treats!

And a pioneer hat and cookie for Lily!

The War of 1812

We spent our celebration of the first Independence Day, at Sackets Harbor, Jefferson County, New York.We parked along a crowded but quaint, flower-studded lane.

As you can see, Sackets Harbor is a sweet, picturesque little village on Lake Ontario.

The "Second Independence Day" began when war was declared by the US on Great Britain, June 18th, 1812.

The war of 1812 was over trade restrictions and the US' desire to expand it's territory.

Sackets Harbor is known as an important location and even pivotal to the success of the war.

We came for fireworks, but lectures, tours, and celebrations are held here every summer.

A treaty was signed, ending the war, in February 1815.

Ft. Drum Wildlife Refuge

Of course there are the usual squirrels, chipmunks, and groundhogs, but we've had porcupines living in the trees outside the front door.

They seem pretty harmless because they are used to people respecting them here. (There are fines for disturbing the wildlife.) 

We've also seen deer, 

fox,

And turkeys on a play date.

Briana went outside one day to drive somewhere and found 5 raccoons under her car!

They seem almost tame, but we don't take any chances. One night, outside my window, I got some intense skunk perfume that lasted for days!

Thousand Islands Dressing

Owner of the Waldorf Astoria Hotel and Boldt Castle, George Boldt was first served this Salad Dressing aboard his yacht. He loved it so much he started serving it in his hotels and restaurants naming it after this area!

1,000 Islands Dressing 

1 qt Mayonnaise

1/2 C. Chopped Olives

3/4 C. Sweet Relish

1/4 C. Vinegar

3 Hard Boiled Eggs

1/4 C. Worcestershire 

Dash of Ground Cloves

1/2 C. Diced Red Pepper

1 t. Sugar

There are no instructions. I think we're lucky to have this much. Notice that there is NO KETCHUP! Also notice that the olives are chopped, the red pepper is diced and the pickles are relish. Those I would not blend into it with the blender unless you've been served this very dressing and you know that the authentic recipe is made that way. 

Is the original dressing pink? If it is then blend in the red bell peppers. This is as good as I can figure it!

Castle On The River

This was the highlight of our cruise:

Boldt Castle, a monument to true love. 

George C. Boldt began building a magnificent castle on Heart Island in Alexandria Bay in 1900.

It was in token of his great love for his wife, Louise.

For four years George, Louise and their children spent their summers on Wellesley Island as the castle was being built.

No expense or detail was spared in it's construction.

Louise became ill and died suddenly in 1904, and George was heartbroken.

Not being able to imagine his life there without his beloved, all construction was brought to a halt. 

The beautiful but unfinished dream castle stood empty for 73 years, leaving it to the mercy of the elements and vandals. 

In 1977 the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority purchased it and began renovations with the goal of finishing Boldt's legacy.

Tours are available to the public but we got there too late in the day to go.

Six buildings stand on Heart Island - Boldt Castle, the Power House, the Alster Tower, the Hennery, the Arch, and the stone Gazebo.

The 120 room castle is complete with tunnels, Italian Gardens, and even a drawbridge.

This aerial photo I found online puts things in proper perspective.

Did You Know?

I just learned that yesterday, September 20th is International Fairy Tea Party Day! Hereafter, this day will be celebrated at my house, every year for the rest of my days!! Here are some ideas I found online: