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Sailing with Brian on Lake Champlain

Today, Brian, a fellow I met at the VPR pledge drive, took us out on his 31' sailboat. What a treat. The dock happens to be less than 10 miles from our apt. His son and friends couldn't make it so it was just the three of us. I sailed for about 30 seconds then turned it over to Pete for most of the rest of day. OK it was a bit different from sailing a 21' Victory. Nuff said.

I just love Lake Champlain. Tons of camps line the shores and the water and sky are just breathtaking. We anchored or moored for a relaxing lunch on board and more interesting conversation. Brian divides his time between Burlington (summer) and Key West (winter) and the rest of the country (the rest of the year) traveling in his motor home with motorcycle in tow.

Brian was a terrific host and we couldn't have had a better time in our dreams.

Montpelier

We met Carl and Betty in Montpelier at La Brioche a bakery and coffee shop of the NECI. I had a fruit tart that was out of this world. We checked out some of the shops before and after lunch at the NECI's bar and grill. Pete had a sausage sandwich, Carl and I had the fish pot pie and Betty had a hanger steak salad. We were all very satisfied with our choices. Before we parted ways we took a tour of the State Capitol building. Montpelier is the smallest capital in

the nation.

As we headed for our separate cars Carl mentioned that they were going to drive through Fairport before starting for home. Wow! Cheryl Chittick Cecil lives in Fairport, so I couldn't pass up a chance to see her when we were 5 miles close. After just missing her at her volunteer job we caught up to her at the farmers' market. I'd say she WAS surprised to see me.

We did some catching up and then it was time for home. Another 6:00 p.m. arrival and the pets were glad we had returned.

Homeward Bound

Following goodbyes and a yummy breakfast Shirl and I headed for Plattsburg and Carol to Holland, NY. Tuge wanted to get some sports clothes at the IBC (International Boarder Crossing) on the way and we found this great outlet store and she scored about 5 things.

I bravely walked on the Ferry at Plattsburg under Shirl's reassuring eye. Nice short ride and talked to a nice gentleman and his daughter. Pete met me at the other side, Grand Isle and we headed north to check out the Heroes, North and South. We stayed with Cindy at Charlies Northland in North Hero back in the 80's. The island is a beautiful place with one idylic view after another. We didn't get back to the ranch until 6:00 p.m.

I Love My Kitchen

When the dishes are done, I roll down the tambour and announce, "Kitchen is Closed."

A great day to catch up -- we've been going and going.

Holly's Adirondack Retreat

School classmate, mariner and friend Holly Chorba invited Tuge, Carol Keem and me to her house in Pottsdam for a slumber party. Following the fun and fabulous lobster fest the night before, Shirley and I drove to her cute Plattsburg home and spent a comfy, cozy night…my first away from the animals and fur in 3 weeks. YES!

The next morning we headed toward Holly's with anxious anticipation. Halfway there we spotted a farmer's market, Bonesteel's Gardening Center. We picked up some sweet corn for dinner and checked out all the pretty flowers.

What a surprise when we arrived. Carol had brought beef on weck for lunch! Yum. It was terrific. Then we got down to the serious stuff--reminiscing and catching up. We had lots of laughs. The rain finally broke late afternoon and we took a walk through Holly and Ron's large woods and by the rushing creek. What a gorgeous place they have.

Believe it or not, Holly made her own dolma which we enjoyed for happy hour. Another walk for Carol and Tuge and Ron and I husked the corn right into their compost inside their very tall-fenced garden.

It wasn't long after our delicious dinner when we were chatting and giggling like 17 year olds when Ron decided it was a good night for an early bed time.

We gave Gail Camplin Apblanalp who lives not far a call around 10:00 and had a fun 5 way conversation. Tim invited us all up for the reunion at their place in Canada for next year. Wasn't that nice? Tried reaching Sparrow, but no answer. Bummer. Chatted online with Chris Giesecke and found out that Fli lives either in Tucson or Phoenix so Holly and I already thinking "REUNION. "

This picture was taken as we said The Girl Scout promise. Nite Scouts.

Lobster Fest

Lobster Fest

Tuge and Don joined us in Ferrisburg for the annual Lobster Fest at the Methodist Church. I never met a lobster I didn't like.

The atmosphere was pure down home.

We first viewed all the marvelous pies and as the saying goes, we should have eaten dessert first because we were the last ones finishing dinner and our favorites were all gone. No problem. The fantastic lobster and side dishes and companions and fine waiter, David, made up for it.

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