Wonderful Weekend

Three weekends ago, we drove to north of New York to a place called Sleepy Hollow Lake of the Hudson River Valley.

It was a very pleasant drive.  The view was magnificent.

I especially liked passing through a line of green pines against the backdrop of gold, orange, and red trees.  Autumn is wonderful.  (Yes, we were following the white vehicle).

It was a five-hour drive that became six, made longer by the long and slow moving queue at the border.
We reached our destination around 2pm.  The boys ran to the dock.  It was like a magnet to them.
Our first time fishers.
The boys loved fishing.  I didn’t know that and neither did they, but it was a revelation.
Marco waiting patiently for a catch.
Gabby almost caught a bass, but it managed to escape.
Still no fish for Marco.
That Saturday afternoon, our host took us around the lake on his pontoon boat.
The crew.
We enjoyed the view, especially the imposing vacation houses by the lake.
A log cabin.
Another log cabin and a halloween-decorated dock.
Our generous host let the boys take turns at the wheel.
They felt like real navigators.  It was a wonderful experience for them.

Going to and coming back from the Lake house, we stopped by the quaint town of Lake George in New York.  The views were magnificent.

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For today, October 25, 8:58am

Outside my window… the day is gray and cool.  It is drizzling outside.

I am thinking… of what to feed the boys tonight.  Menu planning isn’t easy.

I am longing… for my family back home.  I skyped with my Mom and kid sister last night.  So happy to see them.  My mom looked radiant and healthy.  My wonderful sister looked so happy, and my beautiful niece is getting prettier each day.

I am thankful… for my children.  They are good boys, and healthy.

From the kitchen… the beef shank is braising, although I still don’t know what to do with it.  But this is something I learned from my MIL: prepare the food in advance so I don’t have to rush in the afternoon for dinner.

I am wearing… blue pajama pants, hooded long sleeves Old Navy that my sis-in-law Gina gave me two years ago.  Apron.

I am creating… a Monet painting, “Poppy field in Argenteuil”.  I’m still learning about colors and strokes.

I am going… to Canadian Tire in a few minutes.  DH is dropping me off there to get my “kitchen gadgets” while he gets a replacement for his conked-out phone.

I am reading… our devoir in French class.  J’essaie, mais il est très difficile.

I am hoping… that my plan next year will push through.

I am hearing… DH narrating to me the philosophical differences between an iPhone and Blackberry!  I use the former, he uses the latter.  (Geeze, of all topics!  Can you believe that?!?)

One of my favorite things… a morning cup of good coffee.

A few plans for the rest of the week… kids trick or treating and giving out candies.  The kids will walk around in costume (weather-permitting) while I stay here to give out candies.

Here are some pictures I am sharing…

Autumn here.
My hardworking boys.
Doing their job well.
Resting on their first pile of autumn leaves.
Raf
Marco
Gabby