Home- Pictures Aug 3-11, 2008

These pictures are really probably more for me in the event I feel a little homesick while back on the road. However, I hope that if you are checking out this site-you will find them of interest. They represent what life is like at home on any given week. But I did want to keep a record of my time at home during this particular summer. I am going to be back on tour as of tomorrow night (Aug 12) and I've been thinking about a lot of things. I haven't written much about them as our son noted that my site leans more toward the reflective, analytical than he expected. And we asked, "why?" Not being detail oriented, I do tend toward narrative in my writing but the pictures from the last 2 weeks are more a recording of events, not an evaluation of them.

This is the Lutheran church where I preached on Aug. 3rd. St. Thomas, Churchtown, NYMe at the pulpit. It was communion Sunday & of course there are different ways of engaging in this tradition. Have to remember that wine is served otherwise one can be surprised when partaking. The people were gracious and patient with the subsitute preacher.One of the ministries of the church is to make pillows and quilts.This is Dave later on that day (Aug 3rd) outside of one of the congregations he serves:
Mt. Pleasant, Greenport NYThe choir sings at Mt. Pleasant. It was a combined choir this Sunday as the Reformed congregations from Germantown, Livingston Memorial and Linlithgo all met to worship at Mt. P.

MONDAY - Aug 4 - Here I am at the walk-in clinic in Coxsackie (pronounced - cook sockey). (Take note writers & actors from "Law & Order). Apparently it's nothing serious. Just have to wait out the sore throat.

After seeing the doctor - we head to Tannersville - and the North/South Lake camp site and lakes. They are 2200' above sea level. So, even bikers in the east have to pedal hard when riding around. We are in Greene County now. This is about 15 minutes from where we used to live in Kiskatom, NY. We came here a lot during the summer since it was generally about 5 to 10 degrees cooler than where we were. You can tell that the wind tends to come in off the lake.The kids from the family we sat next too.Dave eating one of the cucumbers from our garden.

The view from the beach.

Another view.

Leaving the campgrounds, heading back to Route 23 and we're going to head west.

Ominous clouds. It rained on and off all afternoon. It also got pretty chilly which is why we left the beach/lake in the first place.

Just another view on the road. Of course pictures almost never do justice to what it looks like in reality - but it still gives an idea of what the scenery is like.

We had never been out this far before on 23. We are now in Schoharie County and we stopped to see the falls.

Dave walking determinedly toward the falls. Fortunately, they weren't too far from the parking lot.

Another cool site.

Back on the road, heading toward the Old Stone Fort, in Schoharie. It was another Palatine Settlement.

Stopped in Middleburgh - thought these guys deserved a picture.

Unexpectedly found another historic site. Stopped to look around. Didn't stay long however as the mosquitoes were atrocious. Apparently Schoharie doesn't spray for them, or they just didn't care.

Finally at the Fort. Dave only got a couple of pictures then the batteries in the camera died.

TUESDAY Aug 5th.
Dave looking like a true biker. We've just droped Emily off at soccer cam and he is checking out his saddle. We will be riding the Harlem Valley Rail Trail. He borrowed this bike from his brother Matt. Matt is a bit taller than Dave, even if he is the youngest and Dave had to make sure the saddle was the right height.

Columbia County cornfields w/the Taconic Mts. in the background - looking west.

Checking out the damage from the tire blowing out.

On my way back to get the car, I stop at this historic marker which notes that a fight took place a number of years ago - "on this very spot".

Later on Tuesday - I went to the dentist and found out I'd need a root canal.
No pictures from Wednesday - and then Thursday at 4 (the appt. got changed from 6:30 which worked out well since Dave was able to take me, bring me home and then go back to Schoharie to attend the geneaology lecture re: Palatine settlements. Since the Tipples are descended from the Palatines who settled in Columbia County in the 1700's, it's something his family has some interest in. He is also on a committee which is making plans for the anniversary of that settlement in conjunction with the anniversary that's coming up of Henry Hudson's sail up the river which led to the settlement of the Hudson Valley.

Back at the dentist - "happy, happy, joy, joy"

Dr. Solomon & his very able assistant (sorry, forget her name). She participates in Trialthons. Perhaps I could consider that for my next endeavor - not anytime soon however.

FRIDAY - August 8th - HAPPY ANNIVERSARY - Married - 10 years. The day we got married was pretty much the hottest of the summer. And the only time in our relationship that I was late. Amber & I were getting our hair done at my sister Helen's place of employment - (Neuland & Minton Salon) and I got lost getting back to my other sister's house in Hillsdale, NJ. And then other things happened so I didn't get the church until 3:30. But it worked because my parents were also late due to heavy traffic on the Garden St. Parkway.

So, we finally got started and had a great ceremony and great reception. Even if the DJ didn't show up. A whole nother story.

Anyway - 10 years later and it's Friday and every Friday, Dave or both of us do a worship service at the Pavilion in Catskill, NY. As I noted, it refreshes us as much as anything it does for the residents. Below are several of them and they all are very wonderful people.

The post office in Hudson, NY

Later on that day, we went to Latham and met my brother & his family and cousin Leo & Kathy (just below). Leo is the son of my birth father's brother - Paul DeMartino. This is one long, convoluted story.

I took this picture of Dave, P.J. & Leighanne (Joe & Dianne's kids), Joe, Leo, Dianne, Kathy
P.J., Joe, Me, Leighanne & Leo - The DeMartinos

SATURDAY- Aug 9
Charlie -

enough said. View of the back field behind the house. That's where the chicken house and horse stall will be - eventually.
Schnapps, rounding up one group of chickens. The others get to roam around pretty much as they please.


SUNDAY - Aug 10 - I stay home, trying to get better. Dave gets back from church around 1 and takes the necessary Sunday afternoon nap. We also watch a show on PBS (WMHT in our area - channel 2) and they are presenting a series on the German immigrants who came to here to America through the years. It was well done but certainly thought provoking as the issues of how we treat immigrants who make their home here & contribute so much continue to be treated.

MONDAY- Aug 11 - Catching up and getting ready to head to Illinois tomorrow night.