Nature is not a place to visit, it is home

August 1, 2024

For years, I wondered what drew so many to the Finger Lakes Region. Friends often spoke of their return trips there, and I was curious to find out what kept drawing them back. Of course, I had heard of the great wine trails but had no concept of its incredible beauty. Last weekend, on a whim, I decided to find out what all the excitement was about. My husband Blain and I stocked the backpack with all the essentials, jumped in the car and headed north. Our first stop was Watkins Glen State Park. At the entrance we faced a choice: take the easy route via shuttle to the top of the trail and hike down, or tackle the nearly two-mile, 800-stone-step trail up to the top and return the same way. Naturally we opted for the challenge and began our ascent up Gorge Trail. Learn More

Keep it Weird!

June 18, 2024

Keep it Weird! I was sitting at my usual table at the coffee shop recently, when I noticed someone from our eclectic group of morning java drinkers approaching. I quickly realized our table was already filled and began to slide my chair over to allow space for the incoming individual to pull up a chair. It took me a moment to realize that to those around me who didn’t notice his approach, my actions appeared a bit odd. After assessing the situation, I quickly turned to the person seated next to me and said, “I’m not trying to be weird, I am making room for another to join us.” His reply was perfect, “You should stay your weird self. You know that word weird originally meant otherworldly?” This morning’s interaction placed me on a path to discovery. Where did the word weird originate and how had it evolved? Am I weird, and if I am, is that a good thing or bad? Let’s begin by going back to its roots. Learn More

The Legend of Crow Wings

June 18, 2024

I recently stumbled across a fascinating article that led me down an intriguing path of local Native American history. It began with a vivid description of life in the Juniata River Valley as a member of the Delaware tribe. My imagination quickly transported me back to the 1700s, where I could see the village and hear the children’s joyful squeals as they ran and played. I envisioned the women gathering food and preparing it over open fires, dressed in deerskin skirts and belts adorned with beads and porcupine quills. They were accessorized meticulously with deer antlers and wampum (cylindrical beads made of shells). In my mind’s eye, I also saw the men of the tribe in robes of animal skins and fringed buckskin leggings. Most men had their hair shaved on the sides and spiked in the middle, using bear grease to create a style that likely inspired the modern mohawk. They wore long feathers in their hair, with the number and angle indicating their tribal affiliation; Delaware men typically wore one or two feathers. Learn More