Books and Lakes

We had a very nice day today. We started off at the Liverpool Public Library. They were having their annual Book Sale. This was the 2nd day of the sale, which meant $5 for a bag of books. And of course, I found a coupon on their website for $1 off. So my bag was only $4! I got all of the books in the photo above for $4. I think that'll get me through the winter! There are 3 cook books in there too. I don't know which book to read first!

After the library, we went for a nice long walk at Onondaga Lake Park. It was just too nice not to be outside. I love the 4 mile walking trail by the lake. Especially on days like today. 

We brought water bottles and just had a nice leisurely walk. This photo doesn't really show it, but it was pretty crowded. It was nice to see so many people out getting some exercise. You know in a month or so from now it'll be a much different picture. 

Speaking of... they were already setting up for Lights on the Lake. Crazy.

Such a perfect day, one you just want to bottle up and bring back out in the middle of winter.

Crouse Tribute Dinner 2015

Last night we went to the Annual Crouse Tribute Dinner. It's the fancy black-tie shin-dig that we get to go to every year because Eric produces the video for the show.

Eric and Bob. (Eric works with Bob, they are the talent behind the video.)

Contemplating Eric.

An 1,100 person cocktail party.

Apple Cinnamon Sangria. I need to get the recipe for this!! It was so good.

The tree that was our centerpiece.

An intimate dinner for 1,100.

All fancied-up.

Interesting salad. 

Filet mignon. And no, those are not mashed potatoes under the steak. They are parsnips. (Blech.)

Horse Show

Yesterday we spent the day at the Fairgrounds in Syracuse for the New York Morgan Horse Regional Championship. It was a neat event. And our first official horse show. The Bennetts were there, so naturally we had to meet them.

Melissa (above) was showing her horse, Roger. 

The paparazzi was there. (Mike & Eric)

I was nervously watching. But not as nervous as Melissa's mother in the background!

Melissa was the "Reserve Champion" for her Class. (Which is a fancy word for 2nd place.)

Eric was being artsy.

A B&W of the stable area.

Some of the ribbons from the week for Melissa's Trainer/Stable. 

Sunrise in Sandwich

I've now seen the sunrise 2 days in a row. Jenny does like to get up early. At least I get to watch this beautiful sight while she poops in the sea grass.

The Empty Nest

Alex returned to school on Monday. He had a good summer. He worked in a Cafe washing dishes and took a summer class at the local community college. He kept busy and stayed out of trouble, I think it was a good for him before he headed back to Albany for his sophomore year. 

Meanwhile, the nest is empty again. We celebrated by getting the driveway sealed. We do know how to have a good time. 

Weekend Wrap-Up

Eric has been out of town since Thursday and isn't due back until later tonight. Alex and I shared some nice quality time together this weekend. We shopped, ate, watched golf (a lot of golf) and went to the Casino.

He had never been to a Casino, and since he turned 18 (almost a year ago), I had said I would take him sometime. So today we went. He got a nice $13 "welcome free play." Which he made last about an hour and a half. We played the penny and nickel slots, so money tends to last longer! I got a returning $5 free-play. And put in $20 of my own. I got up to about $50. And we ended up leaving $10.28 ahead. So I'd say we had a successful day! Alex said on his way out "I think I'll stick with athletics..." He noticed the atmosphere at the casino was a bit sad. So many heavy smokers and less-than-wealthy folks sat expressionless, in front of slots and poker tables, losing their social security checks... I think my plan worked. Going to the casino can be fun, but go with just a little bit of cash and leave while you're still ahead. 

And that's about it for this weekend. Alex leaves a week from tomorrow to head back to Albany, so it's packing time. And 2 weeks from Saturday, Eric and I finally get to have a vacation! Can't wait to be sitting in the sand on the beach in Sandwich.... 

Boating with the Pelo's

 We spent a lot of time with the Pelo's this weekend! Since we saw them Friday night, they asked us if we wanted to join them on their boat on Saturday. Of course we did! There's nothing better on a summer day than a friend with a boat! 

It wasn't a terribly sunny day, but it was lovely to be out on the water without a care in the world.

We went to this little "beach" area, usually it's crowded, but I think the lack of sun (and heat) kept people away. It was still lovely. We ate and drank and chatted for hours.

Then we headed back. Eric got artsy with his camera.

I love this sign. 24 miles to Oswego and 192 miles to Buffalo. 

Louise guided John into the dock. That's their lovely house in the background. They do have a fabulous spot to live. Although I'm not sure I'm jealous of that giant lawn they have to mow!