Judy's Day at Cornell Plantations

The sun was warm and children of all ages took part in the Judy's Day celebration at the Cornell Plantations.  Judy was a mentor, teacher, and friend of the Plantations and this event honors her many contributions.

Children were taken back in time to experience life as it was without ipods and pads, where life seemed simpler.  They learned how to knit, tat, peel applies with a metal peeler, make baskets, move stones with a horse drawn sled, quilt, stuff mattresses, roll candles, and so many other skills. Everyone seemed quietly festive while they lived life for a few hours as our ancestors had done.

Here are some photos taken today.

Cornell Flower Research Field Trip

The Ithaca Garden Club visited the Cornell Horticulture research facilities on Maple Avenue in Ithaca to learn about the flower research taking place at the site. There were both field plots as well as plastic greenhouses they called tunnels.  The structures were named that because they did not have ends on them and allowed air movement.  They protect from frost, allowing for a longer growing season.

The plants we viewed today included black berries, raspberries, tomatoes, sunflowers, cosmos, bushes of rose hips, curly willow, very bushy basel, ornamental peppers, and many others.  It was an enjoyable tour, topped with some free cut flowers for home arrangements as well as berry picking.

Chris Wien was in charge of the facility and has a web page detailing his research and some findings.  Check out http://hort.cals.cornell.edu/cals/hort/research/wienresearch.cfm.

Attached are some photos I took while we visited the facility.

Paradox Paradise

After my 50th High School Reunion in Niskayuna, I drove up the Northway to Paradox Lake, where my cousin and her husband have a "camp".  I have never been to that 4 mile long lake and found it very attractive, private, ecologically protected, yet not totally islolated.  I say "camp" since it is a lovely home that can be all seasons, with a gorgeous fireplace and panoramic view of the lake.

The Schroon River had overflowed, which covered their dock and the beach, but it was definitely not severe.  NYS is certainly blessed with many lovely retreats, many of which are in the Adirondacks.  Here are some of the photos I snapped while there.