It is January 15th and we have returned to Minerva. The temperature hit 40 degrees today. We meet with the contractor on Monday to discuss some changes to the camp and, lo and behold, my husband has actually begun to clear our his old clothes, some records and a computer no one has used in over 5 years!

It is Thursday and our idyllic vacation will end tomorrow. This weekend we begin the real work of retirement, clearing our Bronx basement of things we never really needed, do not need in Minerva, have lost their usefulness or simply never should have been saved to begin with. My husband has been very reluctant to begin this process, since he is a hoarder by nature, but the reality is that there will be no room for much of our "stuff" in Minerva. it will not be a pleasant experience, but can no longer be avoided. SIIIIGGGHHH!

After Christmas

It is the Monday after Christmas and the snow is falling lightly. We expect 6-8 inches by morning. It is also the night we are celebrating with friends. Sort of after Christmas, but not quite New Year's Party. We expect ten guests and will serve lemon chicken and a new Apple Crisp recipe. Christmas was a quiet day; we invited our children but they are spread across the country and we decided that we should try out what will be our new life in the Adirondacks. Actually we were surprisingly content with our decision, since we had a wonderful dinner at our favorite restaurant (recently resurrected),The Owl at Twilight, on Christmas Eve; had a quiet day on Christmas; had dinner with friends on Sunday and are now hosting a dinner this evening.

Outside, it is as beautiful as any calendar photo or postcard you have ever seen. The trees sparkle like crystals and on the way to Grand Union in North Creek, I had to stop as two deer crossed the road between Minerva and Olmstedville. Heaven to a city dweller, like myself. Blessed greetings to all!

Chistmas in Minerva

Christmas in the Adirondacks has been spectacular! On Thursday, we walked across the ice of Minerva Lake where in the summer we fish, canoe and swim. My husband, who is an enthusiastic fisherman, visited the fishermen who had ice holes or shelters on the lake. One fisherman proudly announced that he had taken a 23 inch Pike this winter. For several years they dropped the water level in the lake which was not good for winter fishing. Now the levels are not as low and the winter fishing seems to be improving. In fact, on Thursday, we had several residents from Queensbury, looking for some winter fishing.

On Thursday night, we had dinner at the Owl of Twilight in Olmstedville. This is, without a doubt, the MOST ROMANTIC restaurant in the Adirondacks. We are pleased beyond saying that they have re-opened and only wish we were here year round so that we could become REGULARS! But we will be here year round in early July. Hows exciting!

Christmas was quiet. Our children are scattered throughout the US. We miss them, but have begun to build a tradition of friends!