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!

The Sacred Grove

 Quiet.     Serene.     Beautiful.

Mani's by Lily

Fried Ice Cream

I know it looks pretty, and the idea is unique. I admit I was curious and HAD to try it just once! But honestly I wasn't that impressed. The fried, unsweet tempura outside gets soggy as the ice cream melts. The calories simply didn't seem worth it.

(2) Black Sheep Down The Lane

On bringing betterness:

- Being alone opens the heart.

- It's okay to cry.

- Crying needs a limit, pondering does not.

- It's good to consider whys.

- People live what they have learned.

- As the eyes empty tears, room can be made for compassion.

- Compassion brings forgiveness but it's not always wise to speak it.

- Forgiveness washes the soul.

(1) Observations Of A Black Sheep

From imperfections to childhood cruelty, and from stumbling in ignorance to being a victim of circumstance, we can find ourselves the subject of unkind judgement. Over the years, this is what I have come to know:

- The Black Sheep has a choice to make,       bitterness or betterness.

- Never kick someone when they are down.

- We are all down sometimes.

- Sometimes being down is invisible but it still hurts.

- Misery loves company because it wants to be understood.

- Understanding misery makes of us a better friend.

- Loneliness is in the eye of the beholder.

- Even four legs can get on their knees.

- There is strength in numbers and they can be found in The Good Books.

- A Black Sheep is not a failure, he is a student.

- Life goes on in spite of what others do, say, or think. 

- I absolutely believe in happy endings when we try to do our best and if there isn't a happy ending it's because the story isn't over yet.