goodnow mountain

We chose Goodnow Mountain for our "black friday" hike. This is the second year my friend Sherilee, Reagan and I have hiked as opposed to shopping. My father, of course, joined us this year. Turns out hiking a snowy cold mountain in upstate NY is safer than shopping at Walmart. This solidifies my new goal of trying to avoid being a gluttenous consumer. Anyhow, Goodnow Mountain is located in Newcomb, New York, which is often referred to as the "heart" of the Adirondacks. It is home to the Santanoni Preserve and the Upper Works Trailhead. Goodnow Mountain is less than a mile from the Visitor Interpretive Center on route 28N. The trailhead is well marked and parking is available for about 20 cars. The elevation is just under 3,000 feet and the change in elevation in the 2 mile one way hike is 1,000 feet. The elevation change is very gradual with a couple moderately steep sections. We chose to "bareboot it" even though from the start to halfway up there was a 3-4 inch snow covering. As we got to the mid to upper section there was about 4-5 inches of snow but it had been packed down by a group of 12 hikers a day earlier. Reagan did put on her snowshoes at about the halfway point. More to amuse herself than anything else. It was a little slick in spots, which makes me really think about getting stable-icers if not crampons...someday. I also chose to only wear my fleece pants with my new 180's underneath. The only problem with this was a little snow did get in my boots. I am definitely buying gaters in the next day or so (online most likely and not at any store remotely resembling Walmart), just for the purpose of days that are too warm for snowpants. Then of course I will have the gaiters for next hiking season. Goodnow Mountain has a firetower and is on the Firetower Challenge list. Right now the focus is on climbing the mountains on the 46r list but we are not going to attempt to be winter 46r (ever) so the winter months are good for fitting in some of the smaller mountains that we feel comfortable snowshoeing. If we eventually finish the firetower challenge...great. Goodnow was my 4th fire tower climb. It was not a sunny day North of Lake George and the view from the top was limited to the mountains closest to us to the east. The fire tower offers 360 degree views and on a clear day the Santanoni range is visible as is Colden and Marcy. We already discuss climbing this one again in the spring as we would like to see the view and bring the non high peak baggers with us (mom, jane, allison). We started the hike at 10:45am and with a 15 minute lunch break on the steps of the firetower, we were back at the car at 2:30pm. There are benches all along the trail for rest stops too...I know this because Reagan sat on each and everyone of them. Just as I am questioning why I drag her with me...she states that she would like to climb Buck Mountain again because she likes that mountain. She also announced while nawing on a slim jim that her main reason for hiking is the food. Someday she will hike for the beautiful sky, mountains, fresh air and much needed connection to nature to offset the craziness of life. I am lucky to have spent the day this way.

the traditional cranberry-orange relish

Every Wednesday evening before Thanksgiving for at least the past 10 years, my sister and I have gotten together to make the Cranberry-Orange Relish that is the tradition of my father's family. Since my sister is now blogging too, she had asked how similar our posts would be when we blog about our together times. Well, I am writing this only 12 hours after the event and she has already beaten me to the post! Works for me. Here is the rest of the story....

I would like to add that my father's mother died when he was 18, so carrying on the tradition is that much more meaningful as we use this to incorporate her into our lives. Also, my father's father died on Thanksgiving day (which falls on his birthday most years) so Thanksgiving is a very appropriate day to remember them both. "A big hello up there to you both".

how to eat thanksgiving dinner with a body builder

One person I am totally thankful for this year...

My awesome friend, Sherilee. Has it really been 18 years since we first met in Marian Hall as college freshman?

I am anxiously awaiting Sherilee's annual Thanksgiving visit. It hasn't been a long time since I've seen her. She was here for our Labor Day Picnic. Thanksgiving is different though. She has not missed spending the day with us in at least 6 consecutive years and many more if you count all the years put together. In the past she has brought various nephews with her and most years she has had a special friend with her. The first Thanksgiving after my grandfather died, she came just for the day...all the way from New York City, 10 hours round trip in a snow storm for a 3 hour dinner appearance. This year she is arriving Tuesday night and staying until Saturday. For her, this is an extended stay. I hope she knows how special this tradition is for all of us. As you can see she is a body builder. These photos come from Muscle and Fitness magazine and Fitness magazine. Sherilee is a personal trainer. She is in the process of getting licensed as a hair and makeup artist. My second "sister" also works a full time job as the office manager/human resource coordinator at a six billion dollar corporation in the city. She has done several fitness and figure competitions which require strict adherence to a high protein, no carb diet. She is usually the easiest house guest, as she travels with ALL of her food and rarely deviates from her food plan. Thanksgiving is one of the few times we actually get to see her EAT. We will be attempting to offset the extra calories consumed by hiking somewhere on Friday...She has been along for 2 of the high peaks hikes and we like to joke that she is our very own Fresh Air child. Sheri may live the glamorous city life...but she is the most down to earth, fun loving, beautiful person inside and out and I am so fortunate that our paths were meant to cross.

oh boy..

I heard Boy George on a reunion weekend radio station while driving to the store with my son. Eighth grade was a big MTV year for me and my friends (the show was brand new and they showed lots of culture club)...today Culture Club was belting out one of their popular tunes with my eighth grader in the car. Naturally, to show him how ridiculous I can actually act, I started singing along to "I'll Tumble 4 ya"...I told him he had to sing the chorus if he wanted to get a snack at the store...He tries pleading ignorance...but luckily for him they sing the chorus about 14 times during the song. Humoring me in the biggest way he manages one "I'll tumble 4 ya" before quitting. Yeah, Greg is way too cool for this. He does want food, but even chips and dip are not worth this humiliation. He turns the channel before I am totally finished with my flashback.

Ill be your baby
Ill be your score (I used to think he said I'll be your girl)
Ill run the gun for you
And so much more
Chorus:Ill tumble 4 ya
Ill tumble 4 ya
Ill tumble 4 ya
Ill tumble 4 you




On Greg's station is Akon's song Dangerous: "Girl, I just want it right now, don't want to do no talkin" and suddenly, Boy George, unbelievably becomes harmless. Though I still am not sure what running the gun and tumbling for someone actually means....it definitely sounds more innocent. Apparently musicians used to use abstract code words...these hip/hop rappers make sure they get right to the point.

too cute~ ps 22 chorus

These kids are from the Public School 22 in Brooklyn. They have their own blog.
I came across this video at Superhero Journal. She labeled it pure magic in music. I have to agree. There is something about elementary chorus singing that chokes me up everytime! The Coldplay song they are singing has a catchy tune..but it is more about the look on their faces as they sing that is adorable. I still have a smile on my face...the chorus "coach" should be proud as this is no doubt going to have a huge impact on the success those kids will have in their school careers.