The winter doesn't seem to want to stop this year. For the last couple of nights we have been getting some snow overnight. When I woke up yesterday there was about an inch on the ground. It was less last night into today but make no mistake about it, spring has NOT sprung!
The residual snow from the long hard winter has continued to melt but up here at the top of the valley there are still significant piles lying in yards and along the side of the road. But with every passing day those piles lessen. The forecast for the next couple of days are for the temps to be in the 50's during the day. Hopefully, that will melt the remaining piles and bring the crocus and the daffodils out of hiding. I guess we will just have to wait and see. But I hope it won't be too much longer. I am ready for some serious spring weather!!
Tuesday, March 31, 2015
Volunteers For Interpretive Center
The Maurice D. Hinchey Catskill Interpretive Center is scheduled for opening sometime in the upcoming summer of 2015. The center is on the property the locals lovingly refer to as "the road to nowhere" along Rt 28 in Mt Tremper. But at long last, the center will soon become a reality.
That being said they are looking for volunteers who are interested in sharing their knowledge of history as well as the local attractions, outdoor opportunities and places to eat drink and stay in the area. If you are interested in this opportunity please follow the link below to download the application.
http://catskillconservationcorps.org/2015/03/18/new-volunteer-opportunity-at-soon-to-be-opened-catskill-interpretive-center/
That being said they are looking for volunteers who are interested in sharing their knowledge of history as well as the local attractions, outdoor opportunities and places to eat drink and stay in the area. If you are interested in this opportunity please follow the link below to download the application.
http://catskillconservationcorps.org/2015/03/18/new-volunteer-opportunity-at-soon-to-be-opened-catskill-interpretive-center/
Friday, March 27, 2015
I'll Drink To That
Here is a new bit of poetry from Woodland Valley poet laureate, Mike O'Neil (aka Boreegard).
The Straight and Narrow
Once was I’d take a drink or three,
Be it gin or rum or ripple,
Yes, truth be known around the town,
I really liked to tipple.
I underwrote insurance lines,
In the land of steady habits,
And many a three martini lunch,
Had me seeing six foot rabbits.
The numbers that I crunched those days,
They might add up or not,
But brokers liked the deals I made,
And high commissions sought.
And now that I have seen the light,
And do just what I oughter,
You’ll see me sip green tepid tea,
And beakers of cold water.
Boreegard
The Straight and Narrow
Once was I’d take a drink or three,
Be it gin or rum or ripple,
Yes, truth be known around the town,
I really liked to tipple.
I underwrote insurance lines,
In the land of steady habits,
And many a three martini lunch,
Had me seeing six foot rabbits.
The numbers that I crunched those days,
They might add up or not,
But brokers liked the deals I made,
And high commissions sought.
And now that I have seen the light,
And do just what I oughter,
You’ll see me sip green tepid tea,
And beakers of cold water.
Boreegard
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
Vance Gilbert At ESRM
Singer/song writer Vance Gilbert will be playing this Sunday in the Flying Cat Music Series at the Empire State Railway Museum. If you like folk music I highly recommend attending this concert. He has an awesome voice and is really a world class performer. It is a treat to see someone of his caliber at such an intimate venue. Here is the info.
Flying Cat Music is proud to launch its seventh concert year in Phoenicia with the incomparable Vance Gilbert on Sunday, March 29. The show will be at the Empire State Railway Museum located at 70 Lower High Street. The doors open at 7:00 p.m. with the show beginning at 7:30 prompt. Admission is $18 or $15 with RSVP to flyingcatmusic@gmail.com or by calling 845-688-9453.
Vance Gilbert is a frequent headliner at Hillsdale, New York's renowned Falcon Ridge Folk Festival. He's been featured at ten of the annual festivals, and he invariably dazzles the main stage audience. Sublime as his festival performances are, they hardly prepare one for the magic and intensity of seeing Vance play in an intimate setting like the Empire State Railway Museum. After a nearly four year absence, Vance Gilbert returns to the Phoenicia Train Station for a long anticipated encore to his 2011 show that marked the resumption of the Flying Cat Music concert series at that museum in the wake of damage done there by Hurricane Irene. Like that storm, Gilbert is a force to be reckoned with. Unlike Irene, his is very much a healing energy. And though he's more than willing to ruffle a few feathers when he blows into town, Vance does so in lovely ways.
Vance Gilbert
in Concert for Flying Cat Music
Sunday, March 29
7:30 p.m. (sharp), doors at 7:00
Empire State Railway Museum
70 Lower High Street, Phoenicia, NY 12464
Admission price $18 or $15 with
reservations to flyingcatmusic@gmail.com
For information email as above
or call 845-688-9453
Flying Cat Music is proud to launch its seventh concert year in Phoenicia with the incomparable Vance Gilbert on Sunday, March 29. The show will be at the Empire State Railway Museum located at 70 Lower High Street. The doors open at 7:00 p.m. with the show beginning at 7:30 prompt. Admission is $18 or $15 with RSVP to flyingcatmusic@gmail.com or by calling 845-688-9453.
Vance Gilbert is a frequent headliner at Hillsdale, New York's renowned Falcon Ridge Folk Festival. He's been featured at ten of the annual festivals, and he invariably dazzles the main stage audience. Sublime as his festival performances are, they hardly prepare one for the magic and intensity of seeing Vance play in an intimate setting like the Empire State Railway Museum. After a nearly four year absence, Vance Gilbert returns to the Phoenicia Train Station for a long anticipated encore to his 2011 show that marked the resumption of the Flying Cat Music concert series at that museum in the wake of damage done there by Hurricane Irene. Like that storm, Gilbert is a force to be reckoned with. Unlike Irene, his is very much a healing energy. And though he's more than willing to ruffle a few feathers when he blows into town, Vance does so in lovely ways.
Library Rededication Of The Angling Collection
20th Anniversary Celebration and Rededication of Jerry Bartlett Memorial Angling Collection
Saturday March 28, noon – 2.30 at Phoenicia Library, 48 Main St, Phoenicia NY 12464
On Saturday, March 28, the public is invited to come to the Phoenicia Library for a 20th anniversary celebration and rededication of the Jerry Bartlett Memorial Angling Collection. The event will take place from noon – 2:30 in the Angler’s Parlor on the second floor.
We plan to honor Jerry Bartlett and his contributions to the conservation of the cold-water fishery in the Catskills by sharing reminiscences about him as an angler, teacher and guide. We encourage all who knew him to bring stories and memories about their experiences with Jerry to share. Doris Bartlett and Beth Waterman will talk about the history of this celebrated special collection which now includes more than 600 books, a lend-a-rod program, fly tying classes, historical artifacts, as well as special events and activities about Catskill flyfishing.
The Ashokan Pepacton Chapter of Trout Unlimited, will present two framed shadow boxes of flies tied by Master Catskill Fly Tyers. These flies imitate the insects that fish eat in the Esopus and other Catskill streams and are featured in a digital ‘match the hatch’ display on the web site: www.catskillanglingcollection.org. Volunteers revised, updated and digitized information from Bartlett’s earlier panels which were destroyed in the library fire in 2011, to create the new web-based display.
The event is co-sponsored by the Ashokan Pepacton Chapter of Trout Unlimited and the Bartlett Collection at the Phoenicia Library located at 48 Main Street, Phoenicia, NY 12464.
For more information, or to send your recollections of Jerry, contact Beth Waterman, 845-254-4116, bethia.waterman@gmail.com.
Saturday March 28, noon – 2.30 at Phoenicia Library, 48 Main St, Phoenicia NY 12464
On Saturday, March 28, the public is invited to come to the Phoenicia Library for a 20th anniversary celebration and rededication of the Jerry Bartlett Memorial Angling Collection. The event will take place from noon – 2:30 in the Angler’s Parlor on the second floor.
We plan to honor Jerry Bartlett and his contributions to the conservation of the cold-water fishery in the Catskills by sharing reminiscences about him as an angler, teacher and guide. We encourage all who knew him to bring stories and memories about their experiences with Jerry to share. Doris Bartlett and Beth Waterman will talk about the history of this celebrated special collection which now includes more than 600 books, a lend-a-rod program, fly tying classes, historical artifacts, as well as special events and activities about Catskill flyfishing.
The Ashokan Pepacton Chapter of Trout Unlimited, will present two framed shadow boxes of flies tied by Master Catskill Fly Tyers. These flies imitate the insects that fish eat in the Esopus and other Catskill streams and are featured in a digital ‘match the hatch’ display on the web site: www.catskillanglingcollection.org. Volunteers revised, updated and digitized information from Bartlett’s earlier panels which were destroyed in the library fire in 2011, to create the new web-based display.
The event is co-sponsored by the Ashokan Pepacton Chapter of Trout Unlimited and the Bartlett Collection at the Phoenicia Library located at 48 Main Street, Phoenicia, NY 12464.
For more information, or to send your recollections of Jerry, contact Beth Waterman, 845-254-4116, bethia.waterman@gmail.com.
Monday, March 23, 2015
Camp Woodland Memories
Woodland Valley friend and former Camp Woodland camper Bill Horne sent me this great shot of the campers climbing Romer Mountain (the old Simpson ski slope) You can see the old ski lodge in the background. If you look behind the lodge you can still see the train trestle which was still there in 1954 when this photo was taken.
Bill Horne is working on a book about Camp Woodland. It includes historical information about Woodland Valley and the surrounding Catskill region. Bill has promised to let us know when the book is ready. I think it might be of interest to many people here in the valley. I know I would like to read it.
For those of you who are new to the valley, Camp Woodland was a left leaning, progressive camp for youngsters in operation in Woodland Valley from 1939 to 1962. The collection and preservation of folk songs was a big part of the camp and Pete Seeger was an active part of the camp for many years. Here is a website that has some information for those of you who would like to read more.
http://www.campwoodland.org
This image is from the Norman Studer Papers, M.E. Grenander Department of Special Collections & Archives, University Libraries, University at Albany, SUNY
Bill Horne is working on a book about Camp Woodland. It includes historical information about Woodland Valley and the surrounding Catskill region. Bill has promised to let us know when the book is ready. I think it might be of interest to many people here in the valley. I know I would like to read it.
For those of you who are new to the valley, Camp Woodland was a left leaning, progressive camp for youngsters in operation in Woodland Valley from 1939 to 1962. The collection and preservation of folk songs was a big part of the camp and Pete Seeger was an active part of the camp for many years. Here is a website that has some information for those of you who would like to read more.
http://www.campwoodland.org
This image is from the Norman Studer Papers, M.E. Grenander Department of Special Collections & Archives, University Libraries, University at Albany, SUNY
Saturday, March 21, 2015
All Melted
We had some snow yesterday but it was only about an inch. Down in Phoenicia it wasn't really even sticking to the ground. Up here at the top of the valley it stuck but was barely worth cleaning up. With temperatures in the mid-30's today everything that fell yesterday is already gone (which is a good thing).
Since spring is taking it's own sweet time arriving (the official date notwithstanding) there is still no sign of any of my daffodils. Not a tiny little bit of green is sticking out at this point. I am very anxious for this year's show to begin but I guess I will have to be patient. Come on spring, we are all waiting!!!!
Since spring is taking it's own sweet time arriving (the official date notwithstanding) there is still no sign of any of my daffodils. Not a tiny little bit of green is sticking out at this point. I am very anxious for this year's show to begin but I guess I will have to be patient. Come on spring, we are all waiting!!!!
Tuesday, March 17, 2015
BuzzFeed's List of 21 Diners
Here is a link to BuzzFeed's list of 21 diners you should eat in before you die. The Phoenicia Diner has made the list. Between the press in the NYTimes, Time magazine, BuzzFeed, and all the other outlets that have sung the praises of the Phoenicia Diner, we locals are going to be hard pressed to get into the establishment. Congrats to owner Mike Cioffi for opening a great place at the perfect time!
http://www.buzzfeed.com/jonmichaelpoff/american-diners-you-should-eat-at-before-you-die?bffb&utm_term=4ldqpgx#.iv0J1opxd
http://www.buzzfeed.com/jonmichaelpoff/american-diners-you-should-eat-at-before-you-die?bffb&utm_term=4ldqpgx#.iv0J1opxd
Saturday, March 14, 2015
Jerry Bartlett Collection Festivities
Here is a message from Beth Waterman regarding the re-dedication of the Jerry Bartlett Angling Collection at the Phoenicia Library. Check out what Beth has to say.
I hope you will be able to attend the Bartlett Collection festivities at the Phoenicia Library on Saturday, March 28 from noon to 2.30. The event honors the rededication of the Collection and the beginning of our 20th year in existence. There is much to celebrate - the beginning of fishing season, the newly refurbished Angler's Parlor, and the enthusiasm we all share for Catskill flyfishing.
The Ashokan Pepacton Chapter of Trout Unlimited, will present two framed shadow boxes of flies tied by Master Catskill Fly Tyers. These flies imitate the insects that fish eat in the Esopus and other Catskill streams and are featured in a digital ‘match the hatch’ display on the web site: www.catskillanglingcollection.org. Volunteers revised, updated and digitized information from Bartlett’s earlier panels which were destroyed in the library fire in 2011, to create the new web-based display.
The event is co-sponsored by the Ashokan Pepacton Chapter of Trout Unlimited and the Bartlett Collection at the Phoenicia Library located at 48 Main Street, Phoenicia, NY 12464. For more information, or to send your recollections of Jerry, contact Beth Waterman, 845-254-4116, bethia.waterman@gmail.com.
Wednesday, March 11, 2015
Melting Away
The warm temperatures have melted the snow down considerably in the valley over the last couple of days. Don't get too excited, we still have a lot more to go. But it was a glorious day today and watching the deep piles lessen gives me hope that spring is right around the corner.
The one thing I will caution you all about though is the ice that is still all around. The days have been warm but the nights have still been below freezing. So some things that have melted during the day are freezing back up at night. Several people have told me they have taken spills.
So watch wear you walk and be very, very careful. You might even want to visit Morne Imports in town to see if Marietta has some ice cleats left. They are inexpensive and worth having around. I have several pair. You might want to consider investing in them yourselves.
The one thing I will caution you all about though is the ice that is still all around. The days have been warm but the nights have still been below freezing. So some things that have melted during the day are freezing back up at night. Several people have told me they have taken spills.
So watch wear you walk and be very, very careful. You might even want to visit Morne Imports in town to see if Marietta has some ice cleats left. They are inexpensive and worth having around. I have several pair. You might want to consider investing in them yourselves.
Jay Fahey - One More Shot
I found this photo of our, dear departed neighbor Jay Fahey sitting comfortably on his front porch last summer. I had gone there for lunch and to meet their new dog, Sam. It was a lovely summer day with wonderful food (Susan is such a good cook!) and excellent company. This is how I will always think of Jay. Rest in peace, my friend.
Monday, March 9, 2015
Rebecca Miller Ffrench's Newest Cookbook
Here is something great to order and use while we are waiting out the last gasps of winter. WCA member, Rebecca Miller Ffrench has written another awesome cookbook. This one is called the Ultimate Blender Cookbook. It has all kinds of great recipes. From healthy drinks to blender burgers and scrumptious desserts, this book has all kinds of great culinary ideas. It even has lemon squares, one of my personal favorites!
It is easy to order the book. Just go to the link below on Amazon and you can get it delivered pronto. You won't be sorry! Thanks for bringing us all these wonderful recipes, Rebecca! Bon appetite, everyone!
http://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Blender-Cookbook-Healthy-Recipes/dp/1581572956/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1425916850&sr=8-1&keywords=rebecca+miller+ffrench
Friday, March 6, 2015
No Snow At All
The storm that hit the city yesterday completely slipped to our south. Thank goodness! The valley was spared another cycle of tuck in and clean up. But the temperatures have again gone subzero. Looks like the forecast is for it to warm up over the weekend into next week. Hopefully, the thigh high snow we have lying around will start to melt by then. I will keep you posted.
Wednesday, March 4, 2015
Jay Fahey Passes
I am heartbroken to pass on the news to you that Jay Fahey passed away this evening. He and Susan were in the Dominican Republic on their annual winter holiday. On Sunday, the day they were to return to the US, he suffered a heart attack. He was in ICU and not doing well when he suffered a second heart attack and passed away earlier today.
This is such a loss, to me personally as well as everyone else he knew in the community. Jay was warm, charming, funny, and totally outrageous! In the winter when he and Susan were in the city he would write the funniest, most over the top emails to me to entice me to visit them in their apartment. Once he even threatened to cut his own heart out with a rusty can opener if I didn't come to them immediately. So hilarious. It is inconceivable to me that someone so vibrant could be gone from this world. So very, very sad indeed. May he rest in peace.
But Susan still needs our help. Apparently their medical insurance doesn't cover them in the Dominican Republic. A friend of theirs has set up a YouCare donation page to help her cover the costs which are many thousands of dollars. Originally they were going to try and fly Jay home with the donations but now she needs the money to pay his hospital bills. If any of you are able to help Susan during this very, very difficult time I am sure it would be greatly appreciated. Here is the link.
http://www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/help-jay-with-emergency-medevac-back-home-to-america-/316396#.VPePEHqJbOc.facebook
Messy
It has been a messy morning cleaning up after the latest round of nature vs. humanity that occurred overnight. The snow started about 3pm yesterday but changed to sleet last night and then to rain in the wee hours. On the ground this morning was a heavy wet mess that was only about 3 inches deep but extremely hard to move. But move it I did so that the plunging temperatures that are forecasted for tonight into tomorrow would not cause more trouble than necessary when all this mess freezes up again.
With the warmer air that this system brought all the other snow is melting today too. There is so much around at this point though that it probably won't make too much of a dent before it re-freezes tonight but it is nice to see things moving in the right direction.
The extended forecast is for a warming trend to start over the weekend and go through next week. With a week's worth of above freezing temperatures we may start to see the light at the end of the tunnel but let's see how it all plays out. They said this week was going to be warmer and that didn't turn out to be true. So I am a bit skeptical at this point.
For anyone coming this way in the next few days do watch for icy patches on your driveway, walking paths and decks. This all is probably going to be very slippery for the next couple of days.
With the warmer air that this system brought all the other snow is melting today too. There is so much around at this point though that it probably won't make too much of a dent before it re-freezes tonight but it is nice to see things moving in the right direction.
The extended forecast is for a warming trend to start over the weekend and go through next week. With a week's worth of above freezing temperatures we may start to see the light at the end of the tunnel but let's see how it all plays out. They said this week was going to be warmer and that didn't turn out to be true. So I am a bit skeptical at this point.
For anyone coming this way in the next few days do watch for icy patches on your driveway, walking paths and decks. This all is probably going to be very slippery for the next couple of days.
Ricarda O'Conner Workshop
Ricarda O'Conner sent me the following message about her upcoming workshop.
http://www.ricardaoconner.com/news.html#meditation
My next workshop, MEDITATION, INTENTION and THE ZERO POINT FIELD is:
Sunday, March 8th @ 2:00 - 3:30 pm
This workshop is designed to tune-up your conscious awareness, help you tap into your most vital joyful power, and boost your ability to transform every area of your life. Although the workshop has a basic structure it is different each time, reflecting the unique energy and intention of the participants.
To read a brief description of the workshop, click on the link:
Time: 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Place: Sage Center for Healing, 6 Deming Street, Woodstock, NY (downstairs in the yoga studio).
Cost: Only $20
To save your space, register by simply calling or emailing: sagehealingcenter@gmail.com 845-679-5650 Or just drop in!
Looking Forward to Seeing You,
Ricarda
Monday, March 2, 2015
Most Current Storm
It snowed again last night into this morning. Although it snowed for a long time, the total accumulation really didn't amount to much. We got maybe an additional 4 inches. It was enough for my plow guy to have to come but the general clean-up didn't take that long. They are forecasting more snow for tomorrow and then the dreaded wintery mix for the next few days. I will keep you as up to date as possible. But with all the snow, rain and ice expected I will once again remind you to drive slowly and cautiously on Woodland Valley Road. Stay safe everyone!
