The last day of July.......summer is flyin' by! We had a quiet afternoon after getting groceries at Wegman's (good Chinese from their food bar for lunch) and also a trip to Flo to take things back from our trip. Think that should be the last of it!
Worked on pictures from ranch trip - especially Mark....sorting and deciding which to keep....
It was a lovely day and evening.....had docktails with Seward, Jane, George and Mike.
Jason and friend worked a little bit on Catrina - hopefully, more time tomorrow.
Tiuesday - July 30
We had breakfast and then off to do laundry and ran several errands. Finally back to Catrina at 1:00 just before a thunderstorm came thru and another nice downpour.
There are around 80 Christmas Tree Shops in the NY area.....had never heard of them, so checked closest one out and it has everything imaginable including food, but very little Christmas. That will be brought out this fall, but for now, just lots and lots of stuff! Also went to the Destiny USA Mall in Syracuse - now this was one very fine ginormous mall with big beautiful anchors (Macy's, Lord and Taylor, Penney's, At Home, etc.) I didn't see any empty stores so what a difference from Sunday when we were at Great Northern. It had oodles of restaurants and a huge climbing area for the kiddies, too. We stopped at Paladino's for a slice of pizza and back home.
Had some thunderstorms and quick downpours go thru this afternoon - naps felt good!!
Late afternoon, Jason and crew came to wash Catrina - they'll be working on waxing and polishing next few days!
There are around 80 Christmas Tree Shops in the NY area.....had never heard of them, so checked closest one out and it has everything imaginable including food, but very little Christmas. That will be brought out this fall, but for now, just lots and lots of stuff! Also went to the Destiny USA Mall in Syracuse - now this was one very fine ginormous mall with big beautiful anchors (Macy's, Lord and Taylor, Penney's, At Home, etc.) I didn't see any empty stores so what a difference from Sunday when we were at Great Northern. It had oodles of restaurants and a huge climbing area for the kiddies, too. We stopped at Paladino's for a slice of pizza and back home.
Had some thunderstorms and quick downpours go thru this afternoon - naps felt good!!
Late afternoon, Jason and crew came to wash Catrina - they'll be working on waxing and polishing next few days!
We had delicious dinner (taco Tuesdays) at Barados with George and Jane, Rod and Julie. Fun visit and the rain poured down delaying us leaving, so more visiting till the rain lightened. Rod and Julie are leaving tomorrow and resuming their loop travels.
Jane, George, Mark, Pat, Rod, Julie
Monday - July 29
Warm and sunny.......we had breakfast and then left for Clayton (about 75 miles) - this is a favorite town from last year on the St. Lawrence River and start of the 1000 Islands.
We had lunch at Bella's - another yummy meal overlooking the water and then while I browsed the shops, Mark parked himself in a comfy chair under the bandstand and watched the boats pass by.
There was so much flooding in this area in the spring and still bunches of sand bags protecting the businesses. And yet, many areas where they now need the rain as things are really turning brittle and brown.
Back to Catrina at 3:30 - fun day!!!
We had lunch at Bella's - another yummy meal overlooking the water and then while I browsed the shops, Mark parked himself in a comfy chair under the bandstand and watched the boats pass by.
There was so much flooding in this area in the spring and still bunches of sand bags protecting the businesses. And yet, many areas where they now need the rain as things are really turning brittle and brown.
Back to Catrina at 3:30 - fun day!!!
Colorful Adirondacks lined up on the water
And this was a new one....
Mobile nail salon
No docktails tonight as around 5:15, the heavens opened up and got a nice shower!
After the rain, it was a beautiful evening - we went for a walk at 7 and met new neighbors, Cindy and ? from Newport News, VA. More rain came at 8:45.
Sunday - July 28
We went to 10:30 Mass at Divine Mercy and it was farewell to Father Chris who has been there 8 years and will be so missed. Although we've only been at 2 of his masses, he's so dynamic and we can see how his parishioners are sad to see him move onto North Syracuse.
Ran several errands starting with the Ink Corner Coffee Shop for latte/coffee and shared a cheese danish. The Great Northern Mall in Clay is really sad as are so many malls across the country! Maybe 25% occupied, if that!
Back to Catrina and visited with some of our neighbors.
When I think back to our week at the ranch, I remember some of our horses' names (with a smile):
Michael - Little Joe
Brady - Stardust
Pat - Jezebel
Mark - Jack Dempsey
Annette - Patsy Cline
Anne - Merlin
Patrick - Notch
Philip - Gentry
After a week of riding (mosey or trot/lope), you get really friendly with the horse that was chosen by Jane especially for each one of us. I forgot to mention that along with Mark's injury, only a few hours after we arrived at the ranch (2 weeks ago today), a lady from northern Colorado slipped and fell in her cabin and fractured her elbow. She was to have surgery last week when she returned home. We sure felt for Ginny, but she was in good spirits and not going to let a little ole fracture ruin her week! Now that's the spirit!!!
Rain was in the forecast today but never happened! A quiet afternoon - visiting other boaters, more computer stuff, etc., naps, reading, etc.
Here's to a good week ahead....
Ran several errands starting with the Ink Corner Coffee Shop for latte/coffee and shared a cheese danish. The Great Northern Mall in Clay is really sad as are so many malls across the country! Maybe 25% occupied, if that!
Back to Catrina and visited with some of our neighbors.
When I think back to our week at the ranch, I remember some of our horses' names (with a smile):
Michael - Little Joe
Brady - Stardust
Pat - Jezebel
Mark - Jack Dempsey
Annette - Patsy Cline
Anne - Merlin
Patrick - Notch
Philip - Gentry
After a week of riding (mosey or trot/lope), you get really friendly with the horse that was chosen by Jane especially for each one of us. I forgot to mention that along with Mark's injury, only a few hours after we arrived at the ranch (2 weeks ago today), a lady from northern Colorado slipped and fell in her cabin and fractured her elbow. She was to have surgery last week when she returned home. We sure felt for Ginny, but she was in good spirits and not going to let a little ole fracture ruin her week! Now that's the spirit!!!
Rain was in the forecast today but never happened! A quiet afternoon - visiting other boaters, more computer stuff, etc., naps, reading, etc.
Here's to a good week ahead....
Saturday - July 27
We had a very fun day........drove to Seneca Falls this morning to meet Mark's cousin John and Cindy. It was 59 miles for each of us - they came from Rochester. We had so much fun catching up and a really good lunch at Parker's Grille. We ate there a year ago when we were doing the Erie Canal and it was good as ever. John is a retired physician and gave Mark a few helpful hints and expertise about his back!
After lunch we walked across the street to Bee's Cafe for more visiting, coffee and cupcakes! We said our good byes but nice to know we'll see them in October when we're in Omaha for John's Sister Mary's jubilee celebration of 50 years as a nun.
Mark and I went thru the Women's Suffrage Movement museum - had not done this a year ago and heard so much about it, so.....really glad we did as it's very interesting and enjoyed the movie about how it all started in 1848 in Seneca Falls and the writing of the "Declaration of Sentiments" .
On back to the boat arriving around 5 just in time for happy hour and meeting more new boaters....
After lunch we walked across the street to Bee's Cafe for more visiting, coffee and cupcakes! We said our good byes but nice to know we'll see them in October when we're in Omaha for John's Sister Mary's jubilee celebration of 50 years as a nun.
John and Cindy
Mark and I went thru the Women's Suffrage Movement museum - had not done this a year ago and heard so much about it, so.....really glad we did as it's very interesting and enjoyed the movie about how it all started in 1848 in Seneca Falls and the writing of the "Declaration of Sentiments" .
On back to the boat arriving around 5 just in time for happy hour and meeting more new boaters....
George and Jane from Phoenix
Julie and Rod from Milwaukee
Chris and Janis from Cincinnati
Ron and Vickie from Sandusky, OH
Ethan - he and Kim own and operate Ess Kay Boat Yards
Congratulations to Connor who tried out and was chosen for the Twin City Raptors 14U travel baseball team for next season!!!
Friday - July 26
Really warm today here in Brewerton.....we pretty much stayed in the AC and got a lot of correspondence taken care of - cards sent out, airline tickets booked for some upcoming trips, e-mails, texts, etc., etc.
More news from the ranch....
So sorry to hear about the passing of John Leffler, brother of my sister-in-law, Linda. John was only 71 and Linda's only sibling.
This is the video that Brooke (with help from rest of our kids) put together. Hope you enjoy,,,
post video by Brooke:
More news from the ranch....
Liam and Connor ready to do some penning of the cows
Playing cards on the lodge porch - Drew, Pat, Brooke, Anne, Patrick, Annette
Brooke......the only one of us who had "horse" experience
Grandpa and the littles listening to storyteller
After hiking a mile to this awesome waterfall, Brooke and Ryan taking a break
(along with the photographer)!
Nice ride to Rainbow Pass - Pat, Anne, Annette
Spectacular views
Patrick entertained us with 2 songs the last night to a rousing applause!
We enjoyed happy hour with George and Jane (retired doctor and nurse who met at the University of Iowa) and Rod and Julie from Milwaukee. Mark and I had dinner at 916 Riverside. We dined indoors but outside a big Class of '74 reunion was going on. There was a gal there (spouse of classmate) who had very long bleached blonde hair that was 1" from the ground. Never saw anything like it. Mark and I laughed that it was waaay longer than any horse's tail we saw last week! Ha!!!
So sorry to hear about the passing of John Leffler, brother of my sister-in-law, Linda. John was only 71 and Linda's only sibling.
This is the video that Brooke (with help from rest of our kids) put together. Hope you enjoy,,,
post video by Brooke:
Thursday - July 25
We had 2 priorities today......laundry and grocery shopping! Started with a great breakfast at the Brewerton Diner and then laundry. Drove to Clay, NY and browsed at Barnes and Noble (got my 2020 calendar) and then shopped at Wegman's for food/water, etc. On home to unload little by little as Mark isn't doing any lifting. Thankful for the collapsible wagon we have to cart things back and forth from truck to boat. We both took a nap after lunch.....still catching up from all the travel, although we've both been sleeping well at night.
Mark update.......feeling a little better each day but really sore. Coughing, sneezing, bending over hurt like the dickens. Hot showers feel so good and actually getting up and moving around in stores, etc., is better than just sitting.
Ranch update.....we enjoyed a hay rack ride, 2 dances, 2 hikes, and being serenaded by Will, the storyteller who sang us a special "love" song thru the years....
11 of us plus our guides, Jenna and Michaela climbed Charity Mountain (behind the lodge - went up 900') - just spectacular and elevation reached 10,000'+. We had coffee and lemon poppyseed bread as the sun came up. This was a 3-mile round trip and here's Davis, Pat, Mark and Ryan.
Mark update.......feeling a little better each day but really sore. Coughing, sneezing, bending over hurt like the dickens. Hot showers feel so good and actually getting up and moving around in stores, etc., is better than just sitting.
Ranch update.....we enjoyed a hay rack ride, 2 dances, 2 hikes, and being serenaded by Will, the storyteller who sang us a special "love" song thru the years....
Ryan riding Mohawk
Grandma, Grandpa and the grandchildren
Having fun on the hay rack ride with the littles
Sleepy Maeve snuggling with Daddy
Michael and family....
Riding thru the Aspen Cathedral
White water rafting on the Rio Grande
Michael, Brady, Ryan, Anne
Drew, Liam, Connor, Patrick
Philip, Annette, Mark
Davis, Brooke, Pat
Philip, Annette, Maeve, Luke
Uncle Ryan giving Maeve a little ride in the lodge
Little Buckaroos
Liam fly fishing - he and his Dad were only ones who caught something!
More coming tomorrow....
Happy hour with our neighbors, Jane and George tonight and met a couple who just came in from Milwaukee. Also Mike who is ready to start boating and doing the loop (by himself)!!! ??
Wednesday - July 24
Great to be back on Catrina - we moved her this morning to more convenient spot in marina, got Big Red out of storage, took rental car back and had great lunch in North Syracuse at the Coppertop Tavern (#1 on trip advisor)! Mark is really sore and just when he thinks he's a tad better, those sharp pains return. We are going to stay put and just chill here in Brewerton for awhile and let his back heal!
Now, onto our wonderful week at Rainbow Trout......the Van Berkums (Linda and Doug, their son David and Jane) were our hosts and wow.....just the best in hospitality, seeing to everyone's needs and providing such an incredible setting and facility for our vacation.
There were 63 total guests at the ranch (17 Chamberlains/Campbells) and they came from all over the country, many repeat guests. The wranglers, counselors, housekeeping and kitchen staff are college students and a fun bunch to hang out with. Many of these talented young people are return workers.
We stayed in comfortable, rustic cabins and all converged on the big lodge for meals and entertainment. The food was incredible - 3 meals every day.of good ole comfort food plus delicious desserts.
Along with celebrating out 50th anniversary, we had 4 birthdays (Connor, Brooke, Blair and Maeve). and each of them received a special treat along with "Happy Birthday" sung by the staff.
Here we come minus the 3 little ones
Now, onto our wonderful week at Rainbow Trout......the Van Berkums (Linda and Doug, their son David and Jane) were our hosts and wow.....just the best in hospitality, seeing to everyone's needs and providing such an incredible setting and facility for our vacation.
There were 63 total guests at the ranch (17 Chamberlains/Campbells) and they came from all over the country, many repeat guests. The wranglers, counselors, housekeeping and kitchen staff are college students and a fun bunch to hang out with. Many of these talented young people are return workers.
We stayed in comfortable, rustic cabins and all converged on the big lodge for meals and entertainment. The food was incredible - 3 meals every day.of good ole comfort food plus delicious desserts.
Our cabin "Bear"
Along with celebrating out 50th anniversary, we had 4 birthdays (Connor, Brooke, Blair and Maeve). and each of them received a special treat along with "Happy Birthday" sung by the staff.
Birthday People
Connor, Brooke, Maeve and Blair
The main emphasis each day was horseback riding, but we also had time for swimming, hiking, fly fishing, skeet shooting, archery, frisbee golf, card playing, relaxing!
Blair, Maeve and Luke had their personal counselor (Mikaela) to ride the horses, swim, do crafts, etc. each day.
Wednesday we went white water rafting on the Rio Grande near Taos - what fun.....
Davis and Drew hanging out in Taos
My favorite cowboy
The Campbell Clan....Anne, Liam, Connor, Patrick
Annette and Maeve
The weather was fantastic - every morning we woke to deep blue skies and fresh, nippy temps (upper 40's), but it didn't take long to warm up to lo to mid 80's. We had 3 afternoons of rain (a couple were gully washers). Love that fresh scent of pine and natural beauty.
Wednesday evening was extra special when the kids set up a family photo session and then surprised us with matching shirts....
The front said "Chamberlain - 2019" and were white, grey, orange, and pink
They put together (mainly Brooke) a wonderful video we all watched in the lodge on the big screen. Starts with Mark and me as little people, our wedding, births of our kids, their weddings, grandchildrens' births, family vacations, hobbies and other special moments! WOW!
More coming tomorrow!
Tuesday - July 23
We are back on Catrina.....LONG day of travel as we were up at 4:45 and after 14 hours, 2 flights and a 90-minute car ride, here we are!!! We left Brewerton on July 4, - 19 days ago!!! What a trip!
As Dorothy would say "There's no place like home"!
Till tomorrow......
Sorry to hear that Midstate College of Commerce in Peoria is closing in August after 131 years. I received my Executive Secretarial degree there in 1968 and have fond memories and special friendships I will always cherish.
As Dorothy would say "There's no place like home"!
Till tomorrow......
Sorry to hear that Midstate College of Commerce in Peoria is closing in August after 131 years. I received my Executive Secretarial degree there in 1968 and have fond memories and special friendships I will always cherish.
Monday - July 22
Hello from Irving, Texas......I drove the 400 miles today with an excellent navigator by my side! Yikes, most of the drive was on Highway 287 (4-lane) but not any major traffic. Last 20 miles or so was another story, but we made it! Happy to be here and just had a light supper at Chick-Fil-A.
Still not ready for any big update on the trip and no time to sort pics......tomorrow will be another long day - early flight to Chicago, long layover, onto to Rochester and then 90-minute drive to Brewerton and Catrina, our "Home Sweet Home". I'm so used to Mark doing the driving and I read, yak, do computer work, etc., etc. so a big appreciation of all he's done over the years! "FIFTY" years worth! I sure feel for his pain - coughing really hurts, too....but we're thankful it was nothing worse! Dr. says "pain for 2 weeks and then should be all healed"!
I will share this sweet picture......Maeve on her birthday riding in the arena as we all sang "Happy Birthday" - 3 on Saturday.
Still not ready for any big update on the trip and no time to sort pics......tomorrow will be another long day - early flight to Chicago, long layover, onto to Rochester and then 90-minute drive to Brewerton and Catrina, our "Home Sweet Home". I'm so used to Mark doing the driving and I read, yak, do computer work, etc., etc. so a big appreciation of all he's done over the years! "FIFTY" years worth! I sure feel for his pain - coughing really hurts, too....but we're thankful it was nothing worse! Dr. says "pain for 2 weeks and then should be all healed"!
I will share this sweet picture......Maeve on her birthday riding in the arena as we all sang "Happy Birthday" - 3 on Saturday.
Little Cowgirl
1 week later - Sunday, July 21
Hi folks.......we are in Dumas, Texas tonight (same place as 2 weeks ago when we were on our way to Colorado). What a fabulous family vacation......we ALL had a ball and really exceeded our expectations in all areas......the warm hospitality (very family oriented), scenery, food, horse back riding and so many other activities were all top notch.
Thursday morning Mark was riding "Jack Dempsey" with Michael, Philip and Drew. They were trotting and loping when Mark's back "popped". He has a compression fracture of the T12 vertebrae and in pain, especially getting in and out of bed. He's wearing a brace and taking an anti-spasm drug. He can't drive so I'm doing all that (350 miles today - 400 tomorrow). He's been a real trooper but afraid his horse riding days may be over! Dr. said expect 2 weeks of the pain.
So much to tell you and oodles of pics to sort thru, but both of us are really tired so more coming tomorrow.......what a treat to have all of us together for 1 week - one of those "once in a lifetime experiences"!
Thursday morning Mark was riding "Jack Dempsey" with Michael, Philip and Drew. They were trotting and loping when Mark's back "popped". He has a compression fracture of the T12 vertebrae and in pain, especially getting in and out of bed. He's wearing a brace and taking an anti-spasm drug. He can't drive so I'm doing all that (350 miles today - 400 tomorrow). He's been a real trooper but afraid his horse riding days may be over! Dr. said expect 2 weeks of the pain.
So much to tell you and oodles of pics to sort thru, but both of us are really tired so more coming tomorrow.......what a treat to have all of us together for 1 week - one of those "once in a lifetime experiences"!
Saturday - July 13
Warm day here in Alamosa....we sure do like this little town in the San Luis Valley Kathy, another "latte nut" like me, had said all the coffee shops in town were good, so we were off around 8:30 to "Blessed Brews" - another winner serving up good stuff.
And then headed to the Great Sand Dunes National Park (about 36 miles). We checked in at the visitor's center and watched a short movie explaining how this all came about. The scenery was wow.....we drove down to the dunes and watched all the people walk on the wet sand (water standing here and there) and about 1/10 of a mile across, came to the dunes and the long climb began. It was quite something to see so many attempting the long trek to the top. As a lady at Kristi's Mountain Gear told us yesterday, "for every 3 steps forward, it's 1 step back" You can rent sand boards and sleds. We enjoyed the views in the movie and had no desire to take that hike! But I'm sure our 5 older grandsons would absolutely love the challenge!
Back to Alamosa and had a late breakfast at "The Campus Cafe", another favorite of Kathy and Dave's. What a busy little place serving breakfast and lunch from 6-1 every day but Tuesday. Great omelet (me) and skillet (Mark) + huge homemade chunks of grilled raisin bread. Yum!
Off to do the laundry and the best one (according to Trip Advisor) was "B and D Laundromat" (just like our B's and D's ...Brady, Blair, Davis and Drew.!) Did 2 loads and now all caught up!
Hanging out in our room till 3 when Philip, Annette, Luke and Maeve arrived. So good to see them.
Helped get their stuff to their room and then we took the kids back to our room. Luke and Maeve are having a sleepover with Grandma and Grandpa. Their Mommy and Daddy are having a date night!
We took the kiddos to Wendy's across the street - wow, it was so windy when we went outdoors and then ugh.....not a good experience! Walked in the door and it was FREEZING.....VERY SLOW service and lady kept apologizing that they had a new grill cook and things were backed up. Took a while to order and then when food finally came, decided we were outta there, so asked her to pack it to go. Came back to our room (private party going on in dining room).
Off to the pool - Luke is really doing well after taking swim lessons and Maeve has no fear!
We met a nice couple from AZ (he is bus driver for tour groups and his wife is the tour director). They travel all over the world and currently here for a week with a bus load of seniors who are doing a railway tour (5 different scenic tours - tomorrow they'll be off on the Cumbres Toltec like we just did.). This couple are traveling with their 10-year old grandson, Kevin from MO. They like to take their 5 grandchildren (one at a time) with them during a week-long trip and what a eat experience for their grandkids. Kevin and Luke played together in the pool.
Back to our room for warm baths, shampoos, book reading and just wind down!
I meant to mention that while we were on the train Thursday, we crossed back and forth between Colorado and New Mexico 11 times!!!!
So, tomorrow is the big day when our kids all gather with us at the Rainbow Trout Ranch. Michael and family have been in Santa Fe the past few days; Anne, Patrick and boys fly to Albuquerque tomorrow; Philip and clan were in Breckenridge last night and Alamosa tonight. Ryan is flying into Pueblo tonight.
We'll be celebrating 4 birthdays next week....
Connor is 13 tomorrow (14th)
Brooke (48) on the 18th
Blair (6) on the 19th
Maeve (3) on the 20th
And...... all because of our wedding 50 years ago!!!!! Party Time!!!
No internet or cell phone service at the ranch, so no blog this week!
Have a good one.......adios till later!
And then headed to the Great Sand Dunes National Park (about 36 miles). We checked in at the visitor's center and watched a short movie explaining how this all came about. The scenery was wow.....we drove down to the dunes and watched all the people walk on the wet sand (water standing here and there) and about 1/10 of a mile across, came to the dunes and the long climb began. It was quite something to see so many attempting the long trek to the top. As a lady at Kristi's Mountain Gear told us yesterday, "for every 3 steps forward, it's 1 step back" You can rent sand boards and sleds. We enjoyed the views in the movie and had no desire to take that hike! But I'm sure our 5 older grandsons would absolutely love the challenge!
Great Sand Dunes
Us at the visitor's center
Folks standing on the wet sand walking across to the dunes - some even pitched tents. Many were there with picnic supplies and spending the day. We heard the sand is HOT!!!
All those specs in the distance are the hikers attempting to get to the top and then see the panoramic views, slide down, roll down, etc. Whatever makes you happy!!!
Off to do the laundry and the best one (according to Trip Advisor) was "B and D Laundromat" (just like our B's and D's ...Brady, Blair, Davis and Drew.!) Did 2 loads and now all caught up!
Funky little laundry in Alamosa but got the job done!
Hanging out in our room till 3 when Philip, Annette, Luke and Maeve arrived. So good to see them.
Cowboy Luke is here!
Helped get their stuff to their room and then we took the kids back to our room. Luke and Maeve are having a sleepover with Grandma and Grandpa. Their Mommy and Daddy are having a date night!
Movie time
Off to the pool - Luke is really doing well after taking swim lessons and Maeve has no fear!
Grandpa has a handful
We met a nice couple from AZ (he is bus driver for tour groups and his wife is the tour director). They travel all over the world and currently here for a week with a bus load of seniors who are doing a railway tour (5 different scenic tours - tomorrow they'll be off on the Cumbres Toltec like we just did.). This couple are traveling with their 10-year old grandson, Kevin from MO. They like to take their 5 grandchildren (one at a time) with them during a week-long trip and what a eat experience for their grandkids. Kevin and Luke played together in the pool.
Back to our room for warm baths, shampoos, book reading and just wind down!
I meant to mention that while we were on the train Thursday, we crossed back and forth between Colorado and New Mexico 11 times!!!!
So, tomorrow is the big day when our kids all gather with us at the Rainbow Trout Ranch. Michael and family have been in Santa Fe the past few days; Anne, Patrick and boys fly to Albuquerque tomorrow; Philip and clan were in Breckenridge last night and Alamosa tonight. Ryan is flying into Pueblo tonight.
We'll be celebrating 4 birthdays next week....
Connor is 13 tomorrow (14th)
Brooke (48) on the 18th
Blair (6) on the 19th
Maeve (3) on the 20th
And...... all because of our wedding 50 years ago!!!!! Party Time!!!
No internet or cell phone service at the ranch, so no blog this week!
Have a good one.......adios till later!
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