We traveled into WV yesterday and stayed at the COE park at Sutton Lake. It was a nice park, but it was about 10 miles off the beaten path. And in WV the beaten path is very hilly and curvy. But it was another day of beautiful foliage.

On our way.....



this photo by Mame McKee



  Winding our way through the mountains on our way south.  We have been seeing amazing color even when it's raining.  The Green Mountain's in Vermont, The Adirondacks and Catskills in NY, & Appalachian Mountains in PA.   

 

 

What a Summer

  Once upon a time (long, long ago) we had our home in West Haven, Vermont. 

It was a big house filled with all manor of things.  Big things, small things, old things and new things too.

  One night in Feb. of 2001 our home, with all those things, caught fire. Our big house and all our things (large and small, old and new were gone ..........................................................

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   To make a long story short, we sold the land and held the mortgage.  This turned out to be not such a good idea.  Things happen to people over and time and over time the new owners were unable to meet their payments and we were forced to foreclose. 

   We found that there was a lot of cleaning up to do. 

 

 These are only a few of the areas we were facing.  And, yes, those are cow skulls.  Don't even ask......

So we set about clearing the trash and junk.  Cutting, pulling mowing raking and burning brush.

 

And after many long days and much hard work things are starting to shape up.

Back in Lake George, NY

  On Sat. we all walked along the river walk to Corn Hill and had lunch at Subway.  It was a bright sunny & warm day and it was good to get out of the hotel for a while.
  Mark, Kathy & Billy met us in Rochester at 4:30 so we could have dinner together before the big Finally which started at 8PM.
  The opening number was upbeat and fun.  Performed by all the girls in 3 age groups.

                                Then the girls changed into their gowns for the award ceremony. 

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Gracie won the award for 1st Runner Up in the talent portion. (making her eligible to compete in the optional contests at the National competition in California.  We're not sure yet if she will be going or not this year.)  What an honor for her!  She was also approached by a women that works with the New York City Ballet who thinks she is very gifted and should have the best teachers.  This was her first ever solo!

                 Charlotte had a good weekend and was very pleased with Grace's achievements.


On Sunday we drove home to Lake George.  The trip seemed very long and we were all happy to get out of the car when we got home.



 
 

Friday - National American Miss Contest

 
We stuck close to the Hyatt Regency where we are staying and the competition is being held.    Gracie had a full day of activities. 




talent contest



Grace and the current NAM Upstate NY

This afternoon from our window I watched the Blue Angles practice for the Rochester Air Show that starts tomorrow. 

 Scotty was Gracie's escort for the evening gown competition.  They both looked great all dressed up.  It was a special night for all of us.

As you can tell, we aren't too proud of her. 

Rochester, NY

  This morning we headed out on a 250+ mile drive to Rochester, NY.  Scotty drove, I rode shotgun with Charlotte, Grace & Jana packed into the back seat.  All the luggage fit in the back so it wasn't too cramped.

 

We are staying at the Hyatt  hotel.  The rooms are nice, we are on the 20th floor.  The only complaint I have is that the wifi isn't free.  I am using my Droid so it doesn't matter actually.

Gracie is a contestant in the NY National American Miss competition.  She is very busy rehearsing and meeting new friends.

Scotty, Charlotte and I went to dinner at an outside restaurant on the river walk.  It was a great meal.

Day #3 of The Make-Over

Stepwarm radiant heat installed

wire conduit

Bob installing the new Allure flooring

Looking good!

Bob cutting the last piece

Ta Da!!  Done!

We are very happy with the outcome.