Tates by the Lake

A very exciting day!

2011-06-08T21:52:00.002-04:00

This was what greeted Barry as he started upstairs at about 10 this morning. I was on the phone with Christine when he interrupted my phone call with a seriously crazed look in his eye!Once I made my presence known the viper went into attack mode. He coiled himself, which I will add was his ultimate downfall, and rattled his tail all the while hissing at me with his snaky head and black tongue zipping in and out. It worked for I will admit my heart was just a pounding!
This picture represents victory after about a 20 minute standoff! This is an upside down wastebasket that had been my Grandmother McCuen's. . .had a lovely handpainted flower on the side you can't see! The snake is coiled inside rattling for all he is worth. Barry brought me a piece of plexiglass that we slipped under the wastebasket and then I was able to carry the "package" down the many decks till I could heave the antique wastebasket and snake into the lake. . .if I had had my camera you could have seen him swim off with his head held high. He headed north but I am sure he doubled back once he was out of my sight and is probably back under the cottage by tonight. He just needs to stay outside. We have had no mice this year. . .now I know why!
This picture was supposed to be the first picture. I think the snake came in around the fireplace and was heading upstairs when Barry came upon it. Amazing that neither Barry nor I nor Ebenezer saw him slithering around! Just in case you are wondering. . .I will be sleeping with one eye open tonight.

Lake down a little. . .top of Rock Dundar out of water.

2011-05-24T10:41:00.003-04:00

Not sure if you make this bigger if you can actually see the water around the base of the spring house. I was perched precariously above on slippery clay!
I could see some of Rock Dundar peeking out in the brush when I took this.
Some of the flotsam and jetsam that has appeared where our stairs will go!
Your boat still high and dry although the water got mighty close.

A Trip to the Battle Abbey

2011-05-22T16:34:00.003-04:00

This post is for our children who will remember our many trips out to the Battle Abbey. The picture of the A frame is notable only because it has suffered a fire and now has a tree growing inside! We had a wonderful morning despite the slim turn out. The message was amazing.

Marjorie Anderson has not changed at all. . .she will enjoy her 90th birthday this coming Wednesday, May 25, 2011.

High Water!

2011-05-16T16:16:00.003-04:00

In the top picture the big tree is atop our Rock Dundar! As you can see there is absolutely no beach and in fact the water is up under our stairs with trees and things banging against the supports for our bottom deck! If there was not so much debris in there you could jump into the lake from the deck!

Ebenezer's First Birthday

2011-05-16T16:08:00.003-04:00

He is wondering when if ever he will get to go swimming!

2011-05-11T21:59:00.000-04:00

This varmint is intent on eating our house!

Water water everywhere but not a drop to drink. . .

2011-05-06T21:36:00.003-04:00

That sign might not really be needed!

This is for Josh and Job!

2011-03-21T18:39:00.003-04:00

Because not all Tates are on FaceBook. . .

2011-02-09T22:02:00.001-05:00

This is the antique rocker from
the cottage that we have had
refinished and reupholstered.
A wedding present for Lisa and John.

2011-02-09T21:59:00.001-05:00

This is one of the 15 plants that
I water every Tuesday and
Saturday. There are even
blooming orchids.

2011-02-09T21:50:00.002-05:00

Meg and Abby are the springer spaniels next door. Abby has claimed Barry as her own personal person and growls if Eben or Meg get too close to him.

Winter!

2011-02-09T21:30:00.002-05:00

How much snow and ice will this gutter hold?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JOSH

2011-01-11T08:01:00.003-05:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JOSH

Sugar House Update. . .August 2010

2010-08-23T22:00:00.004-04:00

Amazing Transformation!

New road down to the lake. They are still clearing out trees and brush.

Poor quality picture through the rain soaked windshield. Big covered carport behind the house.

Side view of the house.

New shed building with matching paint and trim.

Front view. . .as I said. . .quite a transformation!

A visit with Aunt Carolyn

2010-08-23T20:29:00.003-04:00

We stopped and saw Aunt Carolyn in Yarmouth on our way to Camp Washington. It is always good to see her. . .she even made cranberry scones for the occasion and they were delicious.

Barry was with me as my personal photographer!

Camp Washington, August 2010

2010-08-23T12:32:00.007-04:00

Here are an assortment of pictures from our wonderful time at Camp Washington!

We went to the ocean one afternoon at Birch Point State Park. It was a perfect sheltered cove with outlying islands.

The water was very cold!

2010-07-03T13:29:00.005-04:00

2010-07-03T13:18:00.001-04:00

The Sugar House

2010-06-20T08:27:00.002-04:00

Already 64 Degrees at 0800!

2010-06-19T08:15:00.000-04:00

Journey to Illinois to honor Vicky and love Gary and family

2010-06-09T21:03:00.002-04:00

Barry and I were reminded of the truth of Psalm 103:15-16 (Our days on earth are like grass; like wildflowers we bloom and die. The wind blows, and we are gone- as though we had never been here.) when we received word that Vicky Camp had died. So sudden and so very unexpected that we are still having trouble believing she is gone. Every beautiful Spring day I experience is painful knowing Vicky will never have that joy again and yet my faith in the Lord allows me to trust that she is experiencing all the joys promised to the believers who die in Christ. Looking forward to a joyous reunion with Victoria Rae down future's broadening way. The following are a bunch of pictures taken during that quick trip. We stayed with "King" Solomon and enjoyed their royal hospitality. That also gave us time with Dave and Jody.

Enjoy the pictures and take every opportunity to tell the ones you love how special they are to you. Life is precious.

I can not get the pictures to upload tonight so will try again tomorrow. It is time for bed at this house.

2010-05-23T23:06:00.003-04:00

Today was a beautiful and warm sunny day here in the 802. Saw two mature eagles fishing out front and later saw a pair of osprey soaring over the cottage with great sound effects. Discovered up on the sleeping porch that some critter, I suspect a squirrel, got into the sleeping porch and chewed on the wood of the window frames sometime over the winter. Two of the screens have holes in them now! Grrrrrrrr. Another fixit problem to add to the list!

I have my annuals planted in pots. Quite the project with Edwards and his big nose stuck right into every pot I was planting.

One of the houses along our private road, the little red Sugar House, has sold and the new owners are hard at work on this property. It has been exciting to see what hard work and $$$$$ can do! Stay tuned for more changes. . .

Sunday. April 25, 2010

2010-04-28T06:31:00.003-04:00

We moved back to the lakehouse on Sunday! We are so happy to be back. We have heat, hot water, and yesterday we even had some snow! Sun came out by late afternoon but the chilly temperature afforded us the chance to enjoy an evening fire in the fireplace. Edwards seems to be acclimating to the change. . .was a little uneasy at first but has settled in nicely. His favorite pastime is a game of soccer he plays by himself with a large ball. He drops it down the long stairs from our parking spots and then chases it down and knocks it all around as it bounces off the deck railings. It is a hard plastic ball, hollow with another smaller ball within that rattles and makes lots of noise. It has holes in it so he can pick it up and carry it around. It does not bounce which is an advantage. It is so noisy that Barry and I can always tell when he is so engaged! (This Edwards post is especially for you Josh!)

Miles will be 9 months old in a few days!

2010-04-10T22:31:00.004-04:00

I swiped this picture from Lisa's blog! Thank you Lisa.

Happy Birthday to Me!

2010-04-10T22:21:00.003-04:00

Obie could not pull himself away from his temper tantrum to be in the picture! He did recover enough to eat the wonderful birthday dinner Christine and the girls prepared for me. Elisabeth made the birthday cupcakes from scratch. Pictures will follow once I figure my new birthday camera (Job) out!

Out to the Lake House

2010-03-27T22:20:00.002-04:00

Sunny but very chilly day! Cottage looks good. . .just missing the lived in look. Will be so glad to be able to get back out. A huge bald eagle was perched in a tree just to the north of the cottage but flew just as I noticed him/her. Lucy was with us for the day while Joel and Christine and the older girls attended a Bar Mitzvah for someone in their 4H group. Lydia watched the prophets, Isaiah and Obadiah. We had a wonderful day!

Edwards loves his treats!

2010-03-05T18:05:00.003-05:00

Where is Bowden When I Need Him?

2010-03-05T17:58:00.002-05:00

Edwards is the project supervisor. It is obvious that Barry is loving life about now. All he had to say was, "Where is Bowden when I need him?"

Abby and Meg and the partridge

2010-02-13T21:22:00.004-05:00

These are the two spaniels we are watching while their people are away. Abby is the brown and white dog and Meg is the black and white one. Meg is older and smaller but definitely in charge! They are very good dogs!

Edwards is a bonafide bird dog but from all reports he is supposed to hunt birds with a human who shoots the birds and then he retrieves them. In the past week he has retrieved two partridges that no one had shot. The first that I disposed of had a broken neck and a few missing tail feathers. Not sure how Edwards came to retrieve that one.

A few days later he had another one and was busy removing its feathers when Barry realized what was going on. I don't think he knows he is just supposed to guard the catch!

Saltwater Cowboy is my favorite seafood venue!

2010-02-03T20:36:00.002-05:00

This is a picture of our meal the last time we went to Saltwater Cowboy! Little wonder I can't lose weight. Everything was so delicious.

Grow on the last day of January

2010-02-03T20:30:00.004-05:00

These two guys are a big part of what makes GROW so interesting!

Heart Sick for Haiti

2010-01-17T20:19:00.000-05:00

2010-01-16T19:17:00.001-05:00

Christine is the brave one careening down this giant hill in this video!

Two of my favorite boys!

2010-01-12T20:31:00.002-05:00

Joshua Bowden Tate is 32!

2010-01-11T09:32:00.002-05:00

We will celebrate Joshua's birthday by mailing his birthday package to California today! Barry also plans to celebrate by not leaving any toast crumbs on the butter. Doesn't get much better than that!

Christmas Present Works!

2010-01-02T12:05:00.001-05:00

This is the electronic egg cooker that Barry found under the tree this year!

The result was delicious!

Junior Mint Hunt Christmas Day 2009

2009-12-24T23:12:00.001-05:00

Joshua Bowden Tate

2009-12-22T20:54:00.002-05:00

Check it out right now! This blog is for you! Do it!

2009-12-15T20:35:00.004-05:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS COMING YOUR WAY FROM VERMONT!

2009-12-09T19:38:00.002-05:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ELISABETH!

Snowy Day!

2009-12-09T19:09:00.004-05:00

Barry and I were just startled out of our post dinner reverie by the CBS announcer who stated that this monster storm stretched all the way from Idyllwild, California to Sparta, New Jersey. We looked at each other and smiled and said in unison, "Did he really say "Idyllwild, California?"

It is now misting out. . .our snow was already some of the heaviest ever. I am thinking we will have ice everywhere come morning. Thankfully I do not have to get to the ER by 0645 which is my usual Thursday routine as I took the day off to be able to go to the Christmas play at RACS. (Rutland Area Christian School) All three of our Vermont granddaughters are in the program.

Grace is Mary in this manger scene. These pictures are all fuzzy because my new batteries were still in the car. I took these pictures at Tuesday's rehearsal.

Thanksgiving 2009

2009-12-08T10:50:00.004-05:00

We traveled to Joel and Christine's in North Chittenden for Thanksgiving dinner. Job joined us there as well as a couple other people from church. The meal was fantastic and we all ate to our hearts content. We had almost as many pies as we had vegetables. That is the Tate way!

Almost the entire Barry Tate Clan

2009-10-18T21:44:00.003-04:00

A Wonderful Day in West Haven

2009-09-13T21:18:00.002-04:00

Thank you, Nancy Best.

Persis Rowe

Random Pictures from today

2009-09-13T21:10:00.002-04:00

Hymn Sing and Testimony Service

2009-09-13T20:41:00.003-04:00

We had to eat fast! Michelle and Jenny
Katy and Sarah

Wendy Wood touched our hearts by sharing something written by her husband, Dr. Jim Wood.

Terry Hall gave his testimony praising God for the very real changes in his life.

Almost 50 people gathered this afternoon at the West Haven Baptist Church for a time of hymn singing and testimonies. It was an absolutely wonderful service with some community members in attendance as well as people from the West Haven Church, Fair Haven Baptist, Fair Haven Methodist, Castleton Federated, Benson United Church, and the North Chittenden Wesleyan Church. Michelle and Peter Jacquith came from Richmond, Vermont with their three girls. Michelle was the pianist for the service. Carol Richards and Frances Ehman both played the organ at different times during the service. Nancy Best was in charge of refreshments and did a wonderful job. We were treated to quite an array of baked cookies and treats and a delicious punch. Thank you everyone!

With the help of a GPS the Jacquiths found us for a chili lunch before the service. After the service the Jacquiths and the Grovers came back for pie and ice cream. Michelle Jacquith and Michael Grover are twins! It was a special treat for Barry and me to have Elisabeth come to the service with the Grovers.

Roofing Project Done for this Year!

2009-09-13T20:37:00.003-04:00

This is the finished roof for this year! Dan did a great job and even repaired the door to the screened in porch that was falling apart. . .part ravages of time and part the work of Edwards.

ELISABETH'S SOCCER GAME

2009-09-12T10:23:00.005-04:00

I had an unusual Thursday off from the ER and consequently was able to attend Elisabeth's soccer game. Although Elisabeth is a homeschooler she is able to play on the Rutland Area Christian School's (RACS) team. Tim Elliott from their church is the coach and I am posting some of the pictures from that game against the team from Truthville Baptist School. RACS lost but gained valuable experience and were stalwart in their effort!

Roofing Project Part One!

2009-09-10T19:54:00.002-04:00

Tuesday and Wednesday of this week we began some roofing work that has needed to be done. We did the back side of the cottage upper roof and little porch over the back deck this year. The rest of the roof we will do next year. Dan Williams is a general contractor from Poultney who had been out last summer to look things over and give us an estimate. I know Dan as he is one of our faithful ER volunteers. Dan put architectural shingles on which come with a 30 year guarantee which means neither one of us will have to be involved the next time the roof needs doing!

RRMC ER Saturday

2009-08-24T22:11:00.002-04:00

We had a great weekend! We had numerous celebrations: reunions, birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, academic accomplishments, etc. This picture of Janice and Janet was sent to Aimee to beg for pictures of her wedding which took place on Saturday while we were all working. We did see pictures so our begging paid off. Our pot luck meal was most delicious: yummy salads, shrimp with cocktail sauce, a scrumptious sandwich platter, a fruit tray, an eclair cake and two other tasty cakes. I am sure I have forgotten something. Jill was Shift Manager both Saturday and Sunday and did a fantastic job. Great weekend team!

August 15, 2009 Joel's 36th Birthday

2009-08-14T22:20:00.003-04:00

Our baby is turning 36 tomorrow. If you happen to see him wish him Happy Birthday and congratulate him on his fashion sense.

A Great and Glorious Day Off

2009-08-04T22:08:00.002-04:00

The picture heading my blog was taken this morning as I came back from taking the dog for a swim. No pictures of that adventure per Josh's request. My flowers in the pots are not blooming much due to too much rain and not enough sun. Today was an absolutely gorgeous day.

Barb and I went to lunch at Table 24 and it was wonderful. Did a few errands and dropped by the ER to flaunt our freedom and to leave a few edible treats for those hard at work.

Talked with Aunt Janie (Maine) to wish her a Happy Birthday this evening. She had had a busy, family filled day. It was so very good to hear her voice.

Buckle Up!

2009-08-02T21:16:00.002-04:00

I just disgorged the contents of my camera on you! There are some pics from the California trip and some pics from the ordination and some pics from John's visit and Gracie's birthday. . .and some pics of the baby phoebes.

Baby Birds!

2009-08-02T21:06:00.002-04:00

All the baby birds flew late yesterday afternoon into the early evening. There were 4 of them and I feel personally responsible for them making it this far in life! That visiting ratsnake was soooo close the night we arrived home from the ordination. He only had another foot to go and he would have been to the nest. This fledgling is working up his nerve to test his wings.

I find it so amazing that they never come back to this nest they have called home for so long once they leave it. There must be a spiritual analogy there somewhere. Have not seen the snake for about a week now. . .there has been an eagle about and so perhaps the snake got snatched by a bird of prey that did not care about his endangered status!

2009-08-02T20:54:00.002-04:00

It was a delicious cake decorated like a soccer ball.

Lucy has wonderful curls in humid weather.

Grace received a digital camera for her birthday. . .very interesting project.

2009-08-02T20:43:00.001-04:00

Edwards and Eunice were quite interested in all the birthday doings.

Opening all the gifts.

A very happy Grace Susannah

Grace's 9th birtday.

2009-08-02T20:15:00.002-04:00

Obadiah enjoying an ear of corn. . .I think I needed new batteries in my camera.

Guess I forgot the serving spoon!

Biggy Boz and Bitty Boz!

2009-08-02T17:40:00.002-04:00

Joel's Ordination service was held in Glens Falls, NY at the Ridge Road Wesleyan Church on July 22, 2009. Joel and Paul Barna were the two ordinands and it was a wonderful service. It was very moving to see all the pastoral couples of the conference form an honor guard for these two couples to walk through at the close of the ceremony. There must have been at least 300 people in attendance and the singing was just wonderful. A very happy evening, indeed.

Some of the North Chittenden Wesleyan girls at the reception following the service. Left to right: Elisabeth Peck, Elisabeth Tate, Lucy Tate, Sarah Peck, and Hannah Peck. Joel had a huge representation from his church at the service.

Job and Kevin Peck near the coffee pot!

More California Pictures

2009-08-02T17:32:00.003-04:00

Dave Crimi, Nancy Crimi Beggs (Dave's sister) and Jody Solomon Crimi, Dave's wife.

Larry, Ruthie, Dave, Sarah and Lucy coming in the door, Jody. Waiting for our table to be called to go through the buffet line.

2009-08-02T17:19:00.002-04:00

Camp Maranatha Staff are such a big part of what makes camp so special. They willingly waited on us day in and day out. We loved to see them having such a good time together at meals when they weren't behind the serving line or already loading "norman" (the dishwasher).

It looks like Rachel is smiling at me but she is really saying "put the camera away" between clenched teeth! Josh is on the move.

Sarah had just given Miles a bath and Jack thought he ought to have a bath in the little pan as well!

2009-08-02T16:50:00.002-04:00

Our dear, dear friends, Larry and Ruth Solomon accompanied their daughter Jody Solomon Crimi and her husband Dave up to Family Camp 2009. What a joyous reunion for BJT and me!!!

Jan and Jim Crouse were at Family Camp as well. Jim's parents were dear friends of Barry's folks from their Washington State days.

Cheryl and Jim Gilroy were at camp as well. Jim pastors one of the southern California churches. He had also pastored the State Road Church in northern Maine and so had been my Grandma Bull's pastor for a season.

This wonderful girl kept us nourished all week! We love you, Lisa. I would tell you my favorite meal but they were all super great!

Not sure whose profile I have here at the left of the picture(see the white profile?). I am thinking it was BJT. I was taking a picture of the two staff guys, one of whom is our very own Nathanael Peck!!!

2009-08-02T16:04:00.004-04:00

More California pictures. Lucy and Jack after a long afternoon swim. Jack really did not need his goggles as his face never got wet except for an errant splash.

Barry came to check on the swimmers.

Bowden is quickly becoming a fish. Learned to leave the swimmies behind and swim underwater.

Had a great time visiting with my college friend Sara (Summers Cruce) Walston. Sara and I had leisurely visits in the pool as we held onto non swimming grandchildren. Sara's granddaughter Maggie is the owner of all that curly bright red hair!

A grand way to spend those sunny afternoons.

2009-07-24T21:15:00.003-04:00

An even better picture of the snake! I know some of you are thinking I am crazy but I don't want to hurt the snake and at the same time I don't want the snake to get the baby birds that are chirping in the nest by the back door.

Ratsnake!

2009-07-23T23:18:00.002-04:00

This very snake was draped over our back door when we got home from the Ordination last night. I opened the door to go in and something thwacked me on the head as I went through the door. I jumped and looked up and there was a prize ratsnake specimen enroute to the phoebe nest over the back door light fixture. His last foot and a half was hanging down and that is what I had hit with my head! With the help of my walking stick I helped the snake back down to the deck and then looked it over trying to decide what kind it was. Underside is a creamy white. Pretty long. I am fairly certain it is a ratsnake. They are a threatened species in Vermont and I have reported my sighting. These pictures I took tonight when the snake returned for another try at the nest.

California Camp Maranatha

2009-07-16T13:16:00.003-04:00

Such a joy to be on hand for the birth of Miles Bradley Paulson Tate. He definitely looks like one of Josh and Sarah's babies. Miles weighed 8 lbs 5 ozs and was 20 1/4 inches long. We are enjoying our days at Family Camp and it is an added joy seeing Rachel and Nathanael Peck. I would have posted some pictures to FB but Josh's computer is determined to make my life difficult in that regard.

2009-06-29T15:04:00.003-04:00

Last dog class for Edwards and me today at 1700. We have loved every class and he has been excellent ever since the introduction of the pinch collar at class #2. He is a big furry boy, evidence of this fact is rolling in little clumps on the hardwood floors. He is undergoing a minor diet change this week as he will not be getting the last bite of Barry's poached egg each morning as Barry is at Camp Bethel for a week of Bible teaching. He will go to Wundrland tomorrow and Wednesday while I am at work in Manchester and then Thursday and Friday while I am in the ER he will hang out in North Chittenden. . .don't forget to come get him Joel! Poor Joel (or Christine) will come down to the ER parking lot and retrieve him from my car at 0645 and then bring him back again at 1900.

The baby orioles have flown. Little sign of any activity around the nest. I was hoping they would raise another family. Saw a beautiful Indigo Bunting this morning on my drive out to Fair Haven.

2009-06-22T21:54:00.002-04:00

Those are blueberries on top of the honey on top of Grace's toast. She seemed to enjoy the combo. . .breakfast at Grandma and Grandpa's is always an adventure.

Grammy Camp!

2009-06-20T12:17:00.002-04:00

I am sure you are wondering how we at our advanced age could manage four active youngsters here at the lakehouse! Let me just tell you, it wasn't hard at all.

Our Rhubarb Visit

2009-06-09T19:16:00.003-04:00

We went by Joel and Christine's to pick rhubarb a few days ago and found children scurrying around. The clothesline had fallen dumping all Christine's freshly washed clothes onto the ground and some into the muddy brook runoff . The big girls had picked up the wet clothes and Gracie had decorated herself with lots of clothespins. Obie was busy with his tools working to fix the broken line. It was quite a cute picture.

Hike

2009-05-26T17:14:00.006-04:00

This morning Edwards and I were invited up to Sue's to go on a hike. Before we set out we all admired Sue's new raised bed garden! She is done with on the ground weeding, DONE! It would appear that she does not plan to share with the rabbits. . .I am sure the deer can leap that fence and Mr. Moose will just walk through it if he wants to.

We were joined on the hike by Iris, whom I picked up as I drove by, and Joyce and her dog, William. Joyce lives over on Perch Pond. So we four ladies and three gentlemen dogs set out. There are wonderful ATV trails down through Sue's property.

Sue had strategically placed political signs along the route which made me laugh. Take a look at these three relatively clean dogs. . .when we got to the end of the trail they looked like pitiful mud wrestlers. . .

At one point on our hike we spied what looked like bear tracks in the clay. There were definite claw marks.

The going was not very easy in places. Road pretty rocky and did I mention it was muddy.

In jig time we turned in at our old red gate up back and came down the trail and there was our outhouse. Next stop was a swim in the lake before these dogs could become part of civilization again.

Such a handsome William, despite the mud.

Edwards is ready to take the plunge.

Dripping wet and mudless!

A happy swimmer.

Good dog!

A True Team of Servants

2009-05-24T20:16:00.002-04:00

Job and Jamin Peck gave up a beautiful week in Vermont to go to Idyllwild, California to help Job's brother, Josh, and the rest of the Camp Maranatha Staff during an intensely busy week. They have worked hard and are at this time at the Newark Airport waiting for their delayed flight on to Albany. Praise the Lord for willing workers.

More Cruise

2009-05-23T21:14:00.002-04:00

This is a picture of a picture so not too good. Back row: Linda, Kendell, Kim, MomZup, Nikki. Front row: Susan, Tracy. This picture was taken on Mother's Day.

At dinner that night all the mothers were given this special dessert and a beautiful pink carnation.

The three of us were in one cabin and the other four were in another. Our cabins had balconies and were very nice! Looks like Tracy was really stepping out in style!

A Few Cruise Pics. . .More Later

2009-05-23T20:56:00.003-04:00

This picture is of Miami Beach as we were pulling out of the Port of Miami. Doesn't it just look so inviting. It sure did to the seven of us winter weary Vermont gals!

More shots of Miami.
That building in the foreground is the Port of Miami. Those elevated walkways were what we traversed after we had cleared customs and walked onto the ship. Let the cruise begin! Of course I uploaded my pictures in the order they were taken and so they are in reverse order once I am ready to post them.

More Miami skyline. We set sail at 1600 on May 9th.

Before the ship could leave port we had to do the mandatory life jacket drill. This is Linda and Tracy my fellow cabin mates enduring the longest half hour of the whole trip!

Ben Franklin in Fair Haven is going out of business!

2009-05-23T20:37:00.003-04:00

I was out on the town today with my very own, favorite JMF (that is Junior Mint Fairy for those of you who are uninitiated) and we came upon the Ben Franklin going out of business sale. 20% off is 20% off! Pretty exciting stuff so all you bright eyed little searchers keep your eyes peeled!

Last Day at Sea!

2009-05-13T10:48:00.002-04:00

Will not be able to post pictures until I get home but we are having a wonderful time. Weather has been gorgeous and we are all a little sun shy today as we spent a good part of yesterday aboard a catamaran as we swam with the sting rays at Sting Ray City off of Grand Cayman. You would all pay money to see the picture of me cannon balling off the back of the vessel in my bright orange flippers with my snorkel equipment around my neck!!! We also were able to snorkel over the coral reef being very careful to not even tred water in that spot and definitely no standing up in that vicinity.
When we were in Ochos Rios, Jamaica we swam with the dolphins and that was absolutely the greatest. We were able to say "no" to most of the vendors/beggars. Jamaica was much worse than Grand Cayman in that respect. Grand Cayman seemed much more wealthy. Just wanted to check in. . .home tomorrow evening!

A Late Afternoon Stroll

2009-05-03T21:49:00.003-04:00

A beautiful day for a walk.

One less big old tree to have to worry about during a wind storm!

Looking for ticks!

Found a tennis ball instead. . .also found several skeletal fish left by eagles or osprey. . .yummy!

Lots going on at the Sawyer place. JET and I checked it all out. The young couple have an old black lab named "Lucy" and are going to have their first baby in July.

We Have Too Much Stuff!

2009-05-02T22:01:00.002-04:00

We are pooped tonight after a long day of packing. Transporting. . .carrying stuff down to the cottage. . .you get the idea! Barry has been bringing loads over all week so he is really pooped. All the things we brought over are still right where we set them down when we got here except for the frozen things which are in the freezer! We went to the West Haven Historical Society potluck tonight so I did not have to find a usable spot in the kitchen to make dinner. Loretta at the Benson Village Store made my salads!

Edwards has been alarmed to find that after dark this house is surrounded by dogs peering in the window at him. They bark when he barks and that makes him go nuts! The dog outside the sliding glass door is very scary. . .but when I let him out to confront the interloper the other dog disappears much to Edwards consternation. We are thinking he will get used to this. . .he is curled up in the crate. . .the one constant in his ever changing world. Now to rest my weary bones! We will take less stuff next winter. . .remind me come October, please. I would post some pictures but that would require finding my camera and all the requisite cords etc. Ah, home sweet home!

2009-04-21T22:39:00.002-04:00

Glorious day after a dubious rainy beginning. We had such gusty wind overnight that all outdoor furniture rearranged itself. The overturned hammock up by the apple trees was really scary to Edwards!

Today Edwards spent the day playing at Wundrland. . .they say he is one of their few sociable chessies. His special friend today was a black lab and they played long and hard. I will post some of his mellow pictures from this evening.

2009-04-05T21:50:00.002-04:00

Barry took Edwards for a walk this afternoon knowing he would be leaving him in his crate when he went to the evening service in North Chittenden. On this walk Edwards managed to rip a gash in his head and proceeded to bleed all the way home. I did get the call in the ER! Holding pressure did not seem to be an option for Barry as it just seemed to keep bleeding. So he piled the dog into the back seat of his car, which by the way now looks like a crime scene, and came to the ER. Miraculously, my friend, Linda happened by at the exact moment I was heading out to clean him off and see what we were dealing with. The PA in Fast Track had told me the best option was probably going to be staples and so that was what Linda and I did. I held Edwards head once we got him cleaned up and Linda stapled him back together! Thank you, Linda!

I think we did about 8 staples in all. He was probably just going for the sympathy factor at dog school tomorrow night!

Joel and Obadiah

2009-03-09T21:00:00.002-04:00

I love this picture of Joel and Obadiah. Obadiah is very fond of gymnastics that involve his dad!

Taps for this loyal toy

2009-03-09T20:23:00.003-04:00

This dog toy was made by Joel and the kids for Edwards on his first Christmas. It has logged many hours being gummed, chewed, shaken, and tossed. It has been lost and found, been on car journeys and entertainment in the crate. It finally has earned a well deserved rest.

Thank you North Chittenden Tates!

2009-03-09T15:49:00.001-04:00

This via Job's cell phone. You do the math!

2009-03-08T21:26:00.003-04:00

Edwards and his raccoon which is now in several pieces. The head still squeaks but the squeaker from the tail is out and gone. Right now he is working to get some treats out of his aqua blue kong. He keeps dropping it in the hopes something will fall out.

Tate Family photo: Velma, Joe Tom

Roxanna, Peggy, and Barry Joe

This weekend was very pleasant in the ER which was truly a gift as we have been having horrible days. I actually felt good when I left work which usually is not the case.

Tomorrow is a day off for me and I have more than enough chores to fill my day. The Bannermans are due back on Tuesday so Fred will be a very happy dog. He has been very good, except for the deer leg episode. All Bill's exotic plants have survived and the blooming ones are still blooming.

Our road is very soft and squishy after some warm weather and rain. I would be glad to have it freeze up to make the travel a little easier.

Coyotes!

2009-02-20T21:55:00.005-05:00

This is the prize Fred brought home from a recent walk we took up the road. Edwards was on the leash and so was not able to accompany Fred on his little foray into the woods where he obviously found a recent coyote kill. Once Fred found this he headed straight for home intent on finding the one spot of magic ground here at the Bannermans that was not frozen solid. After several trips all around the grounds Fred was looking a little dejected.

About this time Fred decided the only solution to his problem was to take the leg into the house with him. Now, that would be a lovely surprise for the Bannermans when they get home in a few weeks. Such a yummy treat!

Once Fred trudged to the door and I was able to get my hand on the prize it was all over for the springer spaniel. He did take defeat graciously.

Taxes are Done!

2009-02-15T20:10:00.002-05:00

Our friends at Turbo Tax have helped us once again to settle up our balance sheet with Uncle Sam. It is such a good feeling to have it done and not at the 11th hour to boot.

BJT and I went to church in North Chittenden this morning. JET went along with us and slept in the car during church. Kind of like a crate on wheels. He was able to visit with people before and after church. Much better than leaving him home in the crate for all that time. He still chews and so is not save to leave unattended outside the crate here at the Icehouse. JET is scheduled for surgery this coming Tuesday. He will be sad when there is no bedtime dog biscuit tomorrow night. (NPO after 2000)

He will have to be on a leash for the next 7-10 days. . .no free running. That will be a punishment for us. . .more for Barry than me but punishment nonetheless!

2009-02-09T09:06:00.002-05:00

We had a little snow overnight and so BJT and JET are outside working on paths and porch clearing. I am hoping they walked down for the paper. I am thoroughly enjoying this day off. Still savoring my coffee. Today is ultrasound day in California. . .maybe we will know boy or girl. . .maybe a due date will be projected. . .

2009-02-09T08:55:00.002-05:00

We have been so busy in the ER that I pretty much come home and crash. Edwards is not a fan of the laptop or my attention that it requires. . .he usually drops a toy on the keyboard or a 10 pound foot which is not good for my connection with the wide wide world!

He received some new gifts from Quincy, my friend Betty's adopted lab. Quincy chose a very colorful plush toy with a wonderful squeaker within, some healthy dog biscuits with cranberries in them, and a doggie lollipop made of rawhide. Edwards polished the lollipop off in about 5 minutes!

We aren't going to talk about work. . .horrendous about sums it up!

Pooped Pup

2009-01-27T18:43:00.002-05:00

Edwards spent today hanging out with the gathered dogs at Wundrland! He had a wonderful day and the Wundrland staff gave him an A+ for the day! He played hard all day with young and old alike. The best part of this is the dog you see in the top picture. He is a snoring puppy tonight. Not a bit of boogiejazz left in his little body! Barry was able to go to DHMC for his regular appointment without having to hurry home. We are thankful for Wundrland! In the next picture he is telling me he isn't really on the furniture! This is an ongoing problem. . .but not tonight!

Camp Washington, 2008

2009-01-24T22:02:00.002-05:00

Just an assortment of pictures of our wonderful week at Camp Washington. John was the evening speaker and Barry was the Bible Teacher. I had a wonderful week!

2009-01-24T22:01:00.000-05:00

2009-01-24T22:00:00.000-05:00

2009-01-24T21:55:00.000-05:00

President Obama

2009-01-20T20:39:00.001-05:00

I miss President Bush already!

Church at home!

2009-01-18T11:29:00.002-05:00

Snow kept us home today and I spent some time going through the readings for today for Joel's service in North Chittenden. Thankfully he posts the readings on the church's blogspot: Strangely Informed. The following passage from Isaiah was worth posting today.

Isaiah 5: 18-24
What sorrow for those who drag their sins behind them with ropes made of lies, who drag wickedness behind them like a cart!
They even mock God and say, "Hurry up and do something! We want to see what you can do. Let the Holy Oe of Israel carry out his plan, for we want to know what it is."
What sorrow for those who are wise in their own eyes and think themselves so clever.
What sorrow for those who are heroes at drinking wine and boast about all the alcohol they can hold.
They take bribes to let the wicked go free, and they punish the innocent.
Therefore, just as fire licks up stubble and dry grass shrivels in the flame, so their roots will rot and their flowers wither.
For they have rejected the law of the Lord of Heaven's Armies; they have despised the word of the Holy One of Israel.

It is like having children again!

2009-01-17T19:10:00.003-05:00

This is the usual assortment of toys that Edwards leaves underfoot each day.

He is a very handsome pup, generally calm with brief bouts of intense boogiejazz! He really likes BJT.

January Weven!

2009-01-11T15:28:00.002-05:00

Happy Birthday, Joshua Bowden Tate!
How well I remember this day 31 years ago. You have given us nothing but joy and we praise God for the gift you were to us and our family. (Dad is choosing not to mention the cold night spent in the garage on Bricker Mountain changing a tire for your Driver's Ed class!!!)
Someone has been choosing to besmirch your good name by sending mean spirited pictures of sunshine and palm trees to us here in snowy Vermont. A grifter I am sure. Find the culprit and punish him! I would post said pictures if this weren't Vermont. . .no signal to send them to my computer!
Happy, Happy Birthday! Love, Mom and Dad

Home Away from Home

2009-01-07T19:30:00.002-05:00

When the weather is wild and woolly I have a place to stay with my dear friend, Barb Amsden, down in the village of Wallingford. I came down last night before the bad weather began and slept here last night in order to be able to get to the doctor's office in Manchester early this morning for work. Drove home in snow and sleet and ice pellets tonight and did not even attempt the climb to West Hill Road. I knew I could not go up the Dugway and was not even sure I would get up #140. Besides I have to be to the ER by 0645 in the morning so best not to get home to a place I can't get away from in the morning. So tonight will be night #2 here at Chez Amsden. Praise God for good friends. Barry and Edwards are holding down the fort up on the hill.

A Cloudless Bright Blue January Sky Day

2009-01-04T18:43:00.003-05:00

Edwards loves to dismantle pine trees one branch at a time. He usually drags them back to our porch and proceeds to make toothpicks out of his haul.

He thrives on cold weather and absolutely loves the snow. He eats it and wears it equally.

Edwards and his just made dog snow angel!

The rewards of home and hearth at the end of a busy day in a dog's life.

I spent some time outside with Edwards this afternoon. It was so sunny and bright I had trouble taking pictures. My glasses darken in sunlight so I could not see the camera without taking my glasses off. It was freezing out and I could not do any camera manuever with my big red mittens on. . .all in all it is a miracle I got any shots. The really cute shots occurred right before the ones I actually snapped! Just imagine.

New Year's Eve, 2008

2008-12-31T22:41:00.002-05:00

Today would have been my brother Brad's 56th birthday. Hard to believe it has been 20 years.

2008-12-31T22:30:00.000-05:00

Edwards continues to delight us. He is very smart and seems eager to please. . .except for those occasions when the dreaded boogiejazz takes over! He is getting bigger.