WanderingFoxFarm

Wow, it’s been almost a month since my last post. I can hardly believe that we are coming to the end of summer. Some of our trees are turning an autumnal red and the nights are decidedly chilly. Day time is still very warm though at 70/80s (25 -30c).
I’m writing this from my hotel room in Montreal before I fly off to California on Wednesday. I’ll be back home on the east coast on Friday night so it’s another hectic work schedule.

A lot has happened in the last month. I got very close to packing the old boy’s bags after he took me on a Sunday afternoon stroll on our back yard mountain. It all started nicely with a pleasant walk through the trees at the Mohonk Preserve, on the old carriage road that follows the base of the cliffs. We continued on towards the Mohonk House Hotel on our way up to the sky top look. What the buffy old bloke didn’t tell me was that we were taking the direct route. It starts as a scramble over big boulders and ends with a verticle climb up a a crack in the cliffs, called “the Lemon queeze”.
Ok, there are ladders to help but ………..

Great views from up there though.

I was speaking to Rob this morning and he tells me that it seems very quiet around the house now that Georgia, Indya, Claire and Lee have gone home. He’s been busy sorting out the place out and looking for all the bits and pieces that were left behind. It was lovely to see them all and I think they enjoyed their holiday. ……. especially the splash pool, the hot tub and the icecream parlour. The funniest moment, for me, was Indya brushing Rob’s hair and pointing to the top and saying “granddad’s hair’s poorly”. From the mouths of babes.

We had trips to the city and to the Ulster County Fair to see the bull riding.

Granddad did have fun teaching Georgia to use the lawn tractor. I think grumpy grandad is a little greyer now.

The latest wild life.

It’s been a little while since I wrote to the blog and I can report that we are fully recovered from the excitement of the Welsh invasion! All enjoyed the cruise back across the Atlantic into Southampton. I hope to get some photos soon.

Thankfully I was able to arrange another playmate to come over to keep Rob out of trouble. Sister Sue and Malcolm sent Patrick over for a week. I’m not entirely sure what he expected but I think he had a good time ………… and I think Patrick enjoyed it too!

The three of us took a picturesque Sunday train ride down the Hudson river into Manhattan. We walked and walked ……. and walked. From Grand Central Station, through Time Sq, up through Central Park to the Metropolitan Museum of Art and back to Grand Central Station. It was a lovely walk but very hot. At least Patrick was able to tick off a few things on his extensive list.

For the rest of the week I had heavy work commitments and so Patrick was left to keep Rob amused all by himself. I think he did a pretty good job. Especially the whole day spent at Woodbury Common outlet centre. I know how much Rob secretly enjoys our visits there and is never happier than when he is carrying my bags allowing me to flit from rack to rack; store to store. Patrick was able to stock up for all those College essentials.

A second trip into NYC was abandoned due to a lack of parking at the station. Instead the boys did some local sightseeing including the new HQ for Orange County Choppers.

The following day I dropped them off at the train station for an early ride into the city. It was another marathon walk to take in the sights from mid town to down town.

No, this isn’t a scene from the new series of CSI NY, but Patrick walking back down the steps of the Supreme Court building, having gallantly helped a mother with a buggy. Doesn’t it just restore your faith in young people?

Following the exertion of “Manhattan in a day”, I think Rob needed a rest so Patrick spent pretty much the whole of the next day immersing himself in the cultural experience that is American comedy TV. He tried several times to explain “Friends” to Rob but I’m not sure that he succeeded at any level.

I think Rob found the excuse he needed to exercise his inner child. He took Patrick for a day trip into the Catskills, not to see the beautiful forested hills but to float down a mountain river on lorry inner tubes. There were no photos but you can get an idea from the web site www.towntinker.com

We had the opportunity to go see the local baseball team. It’s a big family thing with lots for the kids to get into.

Now that Patrick has gone home I have to dream up lists of jobs to keep Rob amused. Thanks for for giving me a week of Patrick.

Things have been hectic at work as usual. I did give the office a little light relief at my expense the other day. I was explaining that I was having to go visit a client and asked where in the US “Ar-can-sus” is. The office fell about and explained that Arkansas is pronounced “ar-can-saw”. I felt a little bit of a plonker but it’s ok. I’m going to send them all to Wales …. Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch

I’m writing this from my hotel room in sunny California. A little bit south of Los Angeles. I’m here for the rest of the week after hops between Newburgh (home), Atlanta, Little Rock and Huston. I can’t say that I’m a fan of air transport in the US. It’s not a very customer friendly experience. I just hope they get me back home to my own bed on Friday.

So here I am, 3000 miles to the West of home and only a couple of weeks ago I was 3000 miles away in the UK. I was in a rush as always with customer visits. The highlight was being able to be grandma for the day. I was able to spend a whole day with Sarah and Alana which was very precious. It’s lovely to see them together and share their time. Alana is growing fast and is a very happy and contented little girl and I’m so proud of Sarah for the care gives. It was so nice to hug them both.

Apart from bringing back memories of a lovely day out I was able to scratch a long standing itch. I found a Nintendo Wii calling me from Dixons. I’ve been trying to persuade Rob that it’s a good idea for ages. Anyway, I’m sure that Georgia will have fun with me when she comes over in a couple of weeks time.

We have another new addition to family ……. a hot tub. It’s fabby and a great way for us to relax together at the end of the day. Rob wired up the TV system so we can enjoy a soak in the tub, a glass of something cold and catch up on CSI …….. perfect.

We have been trying to get out to music events since we have been here. The latest was last friday night at the performing arts centre in Saratoga, about 120 miles north from home. We went to see The Police supported by Elvis Costello. We arrived really early and had to wait to get in. We still didn’t manage to get a good space on the lawn (well there wasn’t much lawn left anyhow) But, in the end we found a space behind the camera stand. The operators kindly moved their stools and gave us a perfect view. Elvis was in the best voice and gave a great performance. Sting came on and sang on “Alison”. Not all of the 20,000 crowd were in place to see this part of the show but those that were there got a real treat.

After a short break, The Police took to the stage accompanied by the full lighting and video support. They were greeted enthusiastically by the 20,000 strong crowd (in a way that only Americans can). We were treated to a really good run through their popular songs with plenty of opportunity for audience participation. Lots of clips on You Tube. It was a very good night out …… even if we were both knackered when we got home.

I’m sitting up in Montreal reflecting on and resting after a packed fortnight. It’s been wonderful to have a house full. Thanks to both Mums, Tom, Gill, Liff and Gill2 for the pleasant company. We both hope you come back soon. Here is the gang under the watchful gaze of Christopher Columbus. We were waiting for the boat to take us up the Hudson as far as West Point.

In the second week we took a trip to visit West Point. They were getting ready for the next intake. The Bus carried us around the various buildings and locations of interest. I hadn’t realised the emphasis placed on engineering skills. The place is really a military university although our tour guide seemed mainly interested in the sports achievements.

It’s a lovely setting with gorgeous views of the Hudson. You can see why the location was so sort after during the War of Independence. The view is looking North.

Evenings were a study in outdoor living. Dinner on the rear deck after drinks on the front porch. Of course there were more drinks with dinner ……… the local wine shop know us well now!

Mum and Gill sample the Margaritas.

Of course no visit would be complete without a trip to the outlet centre (unless you are Rob). A good shopper can do it in one day. A really good shopper needs two!!

Niagara Falls is only 350 odd miles away and I let Rob take the oldies out for a trip. They arrived in time to see it at night and went back for a daylight view. By all accounts, the road trip was very scenic.

 

 

The weather behaved very nicely to give two rainbows.

The excitement was a little too much………..

So ….. at the end of the week, Rob drove the oldies down to the city for the a weekend of sight seeing before cruising back on the Queen Mary (the oldies, not Rob). Rob dropped off the rental and journeyed back on the train and I met him at Beacon station. We went off on our own trip to Connecticut and Rhode Island. Friday night was a gig with the Doobie Bros and Chicago. Well we are getting on a bit. They were very good especially the last 20 mins when they all came on stage together to do a medley of their best numbers.

On Saturday we visited an old mill site that is supposed to be the birth place of the industrial revolution in America. Rob said it was really interesting to see all that pirated textile machinery (yawn). He took lots and lots of pictures………..

On Sunday we took a leisurely drive down to an area called Mystic Seaport. It’s a site devoted to remembering boat building and life on the coast. Rob was in charge of the camera again but took no useful photos ……… what’s he like?

It’s been a great week. A house full of oldies! just time for a very quick blog update. I have been trying hard to juggle work stuff to allow me some time to be with them and we’ve had a good time. Lots of tea, lots of talk, catching up and laughs. The local super market and the wine store want some advance warning of the next visit!

Right on queue, the wild life came out to play and we now have two sets of turkey chicks. The humming birds really don’t worry about us being around and just come to feed when they want ….. all the time. New arrival this week has been a plague of Japanese Beetle!

Two notable excursions were taken. The first to the home of former President FD Roosevelt. The home was surprisingly modest and something of an old Victorian style interior. The Library is in a separate building and houses an exhibition that could keep you interested for hours.

Later in the week we took a boat ride down the Hudson from the Newburgh waterfront, past the George Washington HQ, Bannerman Island and down as far as West Point. A very relaxing time.

Very sadly I had to say goodbye to Mum at the airport on Saturday. It was so lovely to see her xxxx

The thing I’ve been most worried about, for the last month or so, has been an invite to a corporate golf event. I don’t often get invited to things where I am the customer so I like to take any opportunity I can. The only snag with this event was that I was expected to play!

Eekk! It’s been a long time since I last played properly so I had to take it seriously. Luckily there is a driving range in the town (Pine Bush – more like a village really) and a resident pro to give some lessons. Anyway, after three or four sessions and having Rob caddy my clubs around a couple of courses, I was ready for the big event.

It was held near Memphis in conjunction with a round of the FedEx Cup so I also got to see some of the worlds top players in action. Our host had organised a team event (shot gun scramble). 36 golf carts all taking off together in 96f heat. I was a bit nervous as I didn’t want to let the team down. It turned out great with all my practice paying off. My ball saved the day quite a few times. We didn’t win, but I was really pleased with the way my game is going.

It wasn’t all hard work though. We were fed and entertained really well. Giant buffets, an Ice Bar and lots of FedEx logo golf goodies. We even got treated to an evening on Beale Street in Memphis with all it’s live music and street entertainment. Work can be tough sometimes!

Rob told me to look out for this place. I think he said it had something to do with Elvis Costello …. or was it Elvis Presley?

Health care in the USA is very different to the UK. You have to pay for it. That is, you pay an insurance company and they pay the bills. Don’t get Rob started on the subject, he’ll end up with a heart attack. I guess I’m one of the lucky ones as my insurance is paid by the company. I had to go to the doctor because I have been getting a bit of sciatica after a long drive (in the car …. not golf). They were very nice but once you are on the books as a new patient (guinea pig) they want to find out if you are healthy. Or as Rob puts it “how much money they are going to be able to extract from your insurance”. I’ve been examined and tested for everything you can think of. I’ve been prodded, probed and poked in pretty much every crevice.

The final examination was a screen for colon cancer complete with rubber gloves and endoscope. I had to fast for 24hrs prior too. I get grouchy if I haven’t eaten and it’s not made any better by the mixture you have to take the night before. Rob dropped me off at the clinic at 6.30 in the morning with instructions to return in 2 hrs. I was wheeled in and the nurse connected me to every conceivable monitor device. She gave me something and said that I would feel a little drowsy. The next thing I knew I was looking at photos of pink inner bits and being shuffled along to the reception to meet Rob. I’m pleased to say that I’m fit and well ……. except for the sciatica which they can’t do much for. I have to sleep with a pillow between my knees????

We have had two new critters in the garden. One big and one small. Both Turtles, the big one was 10″ across the shell and the small one about 3″. The heavy rain must have persuaded them to travel. The big one was crossing our drive in the woods and the little one was wandering across the back.

The front garden is starting to look good now that the grass is growing back. Rob is remembering to water the hanging baskets and it’s a real treat to come up the drive after a day at work. We are nearly ready for summer visitors.

It’s been one of those rare weeks when I’ve been working in the local office. Very fortunate as we both had a trip to a local doctor to get a medical for the green card process. It was actually three trips in all, what with x-rays, TB tests, blood tests and shots. My arm is looking like a pin cushion. Rob says I’m a wimp.
I’ve been able to get home and enjoy the warm evenings with Rob, admire the new landscaping and watch the birds. Talking of which, we spotted our first humming bird. They are tiny, iridescent green and flap their wings faster than a fast thing. Rob scoffed when I bought the humming bird feeder and now he has to eat a hat or something else made of felt. He claims that the bet’s off because they were attracted to the new plants and not the feeder. It’s great to see them, whatever bought them to the garden.

Monday just gone was a holiday here in the USA. It was Memorial Day. It’s the day that they remember the servicemen lost. They take it very seriously over here with parades and everywhere decked out in (even more) flags. So we took advantage of the long weekend and went to southern Vermont. It’s a mainly rural state with a big history of independence. The home of the Yankee! Naturally, everywhere you turn, there is a reminder of how they kicked out the British. Charming. Farming isn’t really viable any more and things are mostly geared up for the tourist trade. They do a great job at keeping up the traditional look with red painted barns and well managed land. A lot of very hard work must have gone into clearing the trees and rock to create fields. There are lots and lots of both! And ……… I finally got to see a moose.

We made our base at a cosy B&B in the small town of Bennington. On Saturday morning we were able to wander down main street, closed to traffic for a fair. Stalls had everything from arts and crafts, chainsaw carvings, hand made furniture to complete tat. The town was displaying the life size sculptures of a local artist. Placed in locations around town, the life size figures depicted people going about their daily lives. The tourist (below), the window cleaner, the little girls sharing an ice cream etc. They’d be vandalised in a moment in the UK.

We then went is search of covered bridges …… a bit of a speciality in Vermont. There were five or so in the area and we saw them all. The locals must have thought we were a bit mad to be taking photos of an old bridge. It didn’t distract them from their fly fishing though. It’s very popular in the area with dozens of people of all ages in just about every stream.

From Bennington we travelled north to the town (village) of Manchester. They’ve turned it into a tourist/retail destination. The old part is quite small but dotted around the centre are factory outlets and craft stores. There is also a major fly fishing centre there.

Sunday we travelled north east taking in part of the very scenic route 100. It winds it’s way gently through the Green Mountains. It was a very pleasant trip up to the small preserved town of Grafton to fetch some really good cheddar cheese. Some rich philanthropist decided to put lots of money into the town to ensure that it would not be forgotten. It was once a very important place when sheep were the big thing.

We were able to pick up some water and delicious sandwiches at the village store. This would be our lunch following our climb to the top of Bald Mountain in the nearby Townshend state park. A 2 mile climb up alongside a babbling stream and through the trees to the top. Unfortunately I was followed by a pack of hungry midges that wanted to make me their lunch so we didn’t hang around too long. It was a lovely walk though. Steep, hard work but worth while. Dang midges. Bitten several times. We took a gentle drive back to base, even finding a quilting shop on the way. ……. result!

Monday was travel home day trying to avoid the major roads and taking in the countryside. On the way we stopped off at Saugerties to walk the short distance to the lighthouse on the Hudson. It’s all automated these days but you can stay there on a B&B basis. It was names as one of the best lighthouse breaks in the world (The Telegraph or Guardian). We arrived home to find Tony the landscaper irrigating his handy work (with a hose). The grass seeds had germinated and gave the dirt a green tinge. It’s nice to go away but lovely to sit on our front porch with a nice cup of tea. Back to work tomorrow…………

We can’t believe it’s May already! We’ve been in our new home nearly 6 months and a lot has happened since the last post. Winter has gone and spring time is is rushing into summer and temperatures have been up to 27 degrees (80 in old money). That said, there was a very sharp night frost late in April that upset a few fruit growers. As you can see, the trees are full of leaves now and the grass is a lush green. Rob has had lots of fun on the lawn tractor.

Not the one in the picture though. He’s not allowed on that toy. Work is nearly complete on the landscaping. Most of the hard work has been done, the planting is almost there and the new grass shoots will be up before we know it.

It’s also great that we have had visitors out to see us and have re-stocked Rob’s essential Euro food store. (Branston, Cheddar and Tesco Muesli – No Added Salt or Sugar). He gets (even more) grouchy without his regular fix.

Work has been keeping me busy with trips to California, Nevada, Florida and also Montreal in Canada. The next big trip involves golf. That means I’ve been trying to get back into the swing (hehe) of things. I’ve got a good caddy to carry my clubs around the practice course! He needs a little training to stop him trailing the trolley across the greens and to stop giving advice …… but he’s not bad!

There has been lots of animal activity in the garden. We have regular visits from a group of wild turkey (now that Thanksgiving is a long way off). The old male shows off to three or four young ladies each morning.

Yesterday we got our selves sorted and went out for a long walk. We are so lucky to have a mountain in our back garden. We took a circular walk from “Sam’s Point” for around 9 miles through dwarf pine trees, past lookouts that gave us terrific views of the Catskills and the surrounding area. We were both pooped at the end of the day and collapsed on the sofa. We had a really good day though.

Tuesday of this week we had lot’s of snow again and the temperature dropped to below freezing. I spent the day at the office and then prepared for the long hike on Wednesday. I left the office at 9am on Wednesday with Rob one of our sales guys and we drove across Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Hampshire, We got to the client site at 3.30pm, after a lengthy meeting we booked into the same hotel that Toni and I stayed in 15 months ago when we visited Boston for leaf peeping and quilting material.

While I was away we had a little visit from some of the local deer. I traveled back on the Thursday retracing our route and arrived home at 6.30pm totally exhausted! Saturday morning we left the house at 6.45am and 8.15am we were buying our lift pass at Belleayre! not a bad life lovely blue skies, plenty of snow and so close to home. The only downside at all was the temperature; it was about -10 degrees. We skied all day and left at 3.30am.

On Sunday morning we drove over to Beacon and cleared the apartment. Then off to Poughkeepsie to do some shopping, bought some additional furniture for the lounge, some lamps and for all our American guests, we bought a coffee machine and beans grinder. So Ruth we are ready and waiting! You will be our very first guest

Epicor stand at the show

Drove back to the flat on the Tuesday evening and then into the office on the Wednesday before driving to Newark to fly to Irvine California. Left it quite tight on the timing and made my life even more difficult by leaving my laptop in the office, luckily it was only about 30 mins for me to turn around and get it and get back to the spot where I realised I did not have it.

Sunrise taken by Rob at Cabos Mexico – the reflection is the infinity pool

Toni and I at the Forum

That evening we walked down the strip again and went to Caesers palace to have a look at the forum and also eat dinner at the Cheesecake Factory. Sataurday we flew back to Newark. Toni was flying standby and had problems so she eventually flew into JFK and got to Beacon at 3.30 in the morning. We drove to the station to get her and then all had a lie in the next morning before going to one of the local diners for brunch. We then drove up to the house so that Toni could see it. Before dragging round some of the local shops for bits and pieces to enable us to move in. Monday morning we went and hired a truck for Rob and I went off to work. Toni helped Rob over the house for a few hours and then flew back to the UK.

Rob and his Truck !

On Tuesday I flew to California again. The container from the UK arrived as did our new giant bed, washer and dryer, Telephone , cable, internet, mattress, guy to talk about the garden and a few other things. needless to say rob was kept pretty busy till I flew back late on Thursday. Off to the office on Friday and then spent my first night in our new home. It is pitch black here at night as there are no street lights and also it is very quite no noise at all except for the occaisional bird or other wild animal. Saturday and Sunday we have had snow and on Sunday we had our first power cut, no electricity for about 3 hours. Phew finally up to date! I will make sure I do not leave it so long next time