woodstock

Two parents, three sons, two daughter-in-laws, 

one dog all under one roof in Woodstock, NY.

Only thing missing . . .

one daughter, one son-in-law,

two grandchildren

{view more photos here}

looking back

Oh what an eventful five weeks it has been for us.

Our memories of all the excitement are 

comforting us now as we reminisce about it all.

On June 3rd the Talstras arrived from Cambodia and promptly 

went to Virginia leaving us with Cedar for 10 fun days . . . 

When the Tastras returned we had 2 weeks of fun and frolic

along with visits from Blaine, Lindsay, Seth, and Tracy . . . 

Next we borrowed a van from Jim's brother and headed 

to Atlanta for a wonderful wedding weekend . . .  

In Atlanta Benjamin James married Lindsay Marie 

and we now have a new family member . . . 

{cheesy I know - just couldn't resist}

Next - on to the Leisure House in rainy Florida for six days . . .

Now - everyone has returned to their homes in
Brockport, Phnom Penh (via British Columbia), Philadelphia, Burlington, and Rochester.

We thank god for the blessing of family.

Post Script . . . 

A thought from one of my friends . . . 

"The let down after they go back to their homes and jobs is tremendous but then you realize that you could never keep up that pace day in and day out.  The quiet that you hear in the house is both sad but also restful.  You know that it would be nice if they lived closer but when you see their happy faces, you know they are where they should be at this time in their lives." CB

weekend fun

When two young adults get married it not only connects
their lives forever, but that of their famlies as well.

"Let's call this weekend not Meet the Parents,
but Let the Parents Meet Each Other!" {L.A.}













It was a pleasure getting to know the Atlanta Allens and . . .
we thank the youngsters for planning such a fun weekend.



We look forward to meeting Wanda soon as well.
She was delayed by Hurricane Sandy and couldn't make the meet-up.

apple picking

One of our favorite autumn rituals
is apple picking at the Giese Farm.


First we walk through their backyard to the orchard


Then everone gets to work (or tasting)


Some pickers are very young


Some are not so young


Some are related to me


Some work hard


Some not so hard


When the work is finished load the truck and hike on back


Next we snack on some great treats


and play in the yard


Warm up with some chili


Chat with friends, old and new


And finally thank our gracious hosts


This year there were 63 "pickers" - amazing!