Summer in New York

Seth, Lorenzo, and I have been in Upstate New York for just over two weeks now. I took a red-eye flight from Minneapolis and met my two guys in Boston, just after they arrived from Florence. Lorenzo was quite a sport, flying in two more airplanes and hanging tight in his mini travel box for over 36 hours, sealing his status as a veteran world traveler. From Boston we rented a car, made a quick stop to meet Chrissy, Erik, and Annika for lunch in Brighton, then drove to Syracuse to drop off the car and meet Rich and Linda. T'was a long day for all.

Since then we have been spending a good deal of time at the local library in the very small town of Gorham, where I have been reading, watching videos, and preparing for our big move back to Waltham while Seth works on his research and now on his complicated 2010 taxes, lucky guy. Thankfully we have also managed to visit a bit with the family (Chrissy and the kids are here, too!), and catch a couple stinky Finger Lakes festivals.

Lorenzo reunited with his old, teeny tiny aquarium

After being spoiled by his mega tank in Florence, we decided to upgrade

We took Cora out go-karting

Tory's masterpiece: a pipe-cleaner go-kart

Last weekend Seth, Melissa, and I went to the Sauerkraut Festival in Phelps, NY, and there was even a parade!! Not even a little rain could keep people away.

Italian parades are typically Renaissance themed. This being America, it is all Colonial...

...and cows...

...and crappy cars (Mustangs)

The beach-inspired Finger Lakes Credit Union float, passing out frisbees (Seth's Mom works at the FLCU)

After the parade, it was time for kraut!

The first cup was really good, but the second was a bit much

Kraut-eating contest. (The guy standing just finished and won.)

Melissa picking up some Pierogis. Poor girl, they were still frozen in the middle... But she returned them and was given a bonus one!

The decorated cabbages were very cute

The next day at the Garlic Festival at Fox Run Winery
overlooking Seneca Lake

So many types of garlic, and we got to try them all! My stomach was still burning by the end of the day....
Old guys making garlic braids

Lorenzo, doing his thing

Hats off before entering the library
Running around here would be ideal, except for the sun and the hard, crested roads. At least it is really pretty and we get out early.

Chickens roasting

They have been working on some water system lately and there are all these super neat hydrants scattered around. I am totally fascinated.

The surprises while running through the country never end! My alpaca buddies!