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:

On The St. Lawrence

While we were in Alexandria Bay, we went on a 1 hr. cruise among the "1,000 Islands". (There are actually 1,862).  An "island" is qualified as being at least 1 sq. foot that remains above water 365 days a year and must have at least 1 tree.

Many islands are privately owned and have mansions, gardens and boat houses. We cruised through both Canadian and International waters.

It's International "Talk-Like-A-Pirate" Day!!

...So even though Alexandria Bay's Pirate Week was in August, here "arrrr" the pictures!

Remington Pond

We spent an hour of so on a beautiful Sabbath afternoon in August, after church, enjoying this peaceful place on Ft. Drum.

The Hill Cumorah Pageant

What a fabulous experience to see a pageant of beloved Book of Mormon prophets and heroes! The set, music, costuming were incredible! And the icing on the cake was meeting and watching it with Mark and Briana AND my Dad's cousin, Jeston Hays and his sweet wife, Eve, all the way from Washington State!