We didn’t exactly plan to spend all summer in New York but travel is still petty messy as Covid-19 continues to disrupt so much. Campgrounds are just now opening, many still with restrictions making finding a spot a pain. Many points of interest are still closed and local festivals and carnivals are pretty much off the table this summer. Where things are opening up, covid cases are spiking. We are pretty much staying put for now. Time is split between days with Willa, Mike and Tracy, some pretty nice local trails, and quiet time in camp.
Summer home this year (sorta anyway)
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It is very cool with lots of storage pockets and a sun shade. It is light too. That is certainly a plus. We decide it is best to try a trail we are a little familiar with so head back to Pawling Preserve for a quick test run. Willa is up for the adventure and starts out on her own two feet. Fantastic. I was a little afraid that she would just want to ride since that is so much easier but we end up with a pretty good mix of walking and riding plus a brief nap (Willa of course) the last 15 minutes or so. We cover a total of just under 3 miles. The carrier is absolutely great. It is comfortable and balances the load nicely on the hips. Willa seems to be comfortable too. Still, no way that the extra 30 pounds or so doesn’t cause noticeable extra work. So worth it though, to be able to have Willa enjoy being out with us. We even got to see a deer.
She loves it. Grandpa is ecstatic. Then we hang out, just Grandpa, Nana, Grammy, Pop-pop, Mom, Dad and Willa until Zoom time when another 20+ well wishers appear on the screen. There is some entertainment by the Sunny Songsters,
a candle to blow out, and lots of smiles. We wind down with a glass of wine. Pack up the leftover cake (there is a lot), and head home. It was a fun day for everyone. Happy Second Birthday to our wonderful Willa.
A big slab of cake becomes a rock for the octopus to rest on. A dome and layer create the body. Oreos, lots of Oreos, are the stuff that tentacles are made of. Kent carves me halves and 2/3 cookies and we even use a few minis.
Bring in the glue, a lot of royal icing, and here it is, the framework of the great octopus cake. All that is left is what seems like a ton of purple buttercream icing. Add some googly sugar eyes and fruit loop tentacle suckers and ta-dah, one octopus. I love it.
They look pretty cool though. Those hand-made cookie cutters worked perfectly. There is some elaborate packing planned then it is in the hands of the USPS to get then there is one piece. Here is hoping!
same shipping issue. A quick run to the hardware store for strapping and a few hours with needle nose and wire ties and ta-dah, Kent produces these fantastic cutters. Way to come through, Grandpa!
o we pack up and head for the trailhead. At 2 miles spanning about 2 ½ hours this adventure is a hit with our newest hiker. There is a fair amount of Grandpa s
houlder time and our pace is not impressive but there is exploring, relaxing in the sun, and even a picnic lunch. We collect seeds, climb on “really big” rocks, peak through the boardwalk to watch water flow by, toss leaves and sticks into the creek, and spot birds and a cool frog (with the help of another hiker who pointed it out to all of us). The photo gallery for today even includes documentation of fresh air potty time. We trek back to the car tired but happy. Just wonderful.