Well, I only finished those six lonely itty bitty basket blocks. But…I do still have all the pieces cut out and I can work on them over time. Last weekend, I only managed an hour of sewing and I used that to finish my Saratoga wall hanging. Instead of sewing, I’ve been busy enjoying summer. Mr. Urban usually works weekends but he was off last weekend and our son, Jay, surprised us with a visit too.
Last Friday, we went to the Adirondack Greek Festival with my sister, Anne, and her husband, Joe. Our husbands have been best friends since they were 10 and 11 years old, so we always have a great time together. At the Greek festival, we enjoyed gyros, souvlaki, and spanikopita, great desserts and enjoyed watching the Greek dancing. I was so impressed with the teenage dancers. It’s wonderful to see that in today’s world where there is so much bullying, that these kids weren’t afraid to connect with their cultural heritage.
On Saturday we went on another 18 mile bike ride – this time on the Zim Smith trail from Ballston Spa, NY to Halfmoon, NY. This was a great, easy ride. The trail was flat, except for one place where it crossed over the Northway. The trail is a little over 9 miles in each direction; the six miles from Ballston Spa to just past Round Lake are paved and the last three miles are hard-packed gravel. It was a nice, scenic ride.
Sunday found us downstate in Dutchess County. First up was the Walkway Over the Hudson, a paved trail over a former railroad bridge, 212 feet above the Hudson River. Yikes!! I am afraid of heights, but not so afraid that I won’t at least try to overcome my fears. We started out on the Poughkeepsie side and for the whole way across the river I wouldn’t let Mr. Urban get more than a couple inches away from me. I had to keep my eyes straight ahead and not look to either side. I kept feeling vertigo, but was determined to get across. The walkway is 1.28 miles each direction. On the way back, I was a little more relaxed and was able to take a couple pictures – as long as I stayed in the center of the bridge and did not go near the railings!! Afterwards, Jay told me I was “power walking” – I guess I really just wanted to get across and not dilly dally, but at least I did it! I figure if I cross the bridge another 5 or 6 times, I might not be afraid any more, but that’s not going to happen, cuz I’m crossing that bridge off the bucket list!! The picture below shows the Mid-Hudson Bridge as seen from the middle of the Walkway bridge.
After the walk, we headed north to Hyde Park and the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Home and Museum. We’re all history buffs so we really enjoyed the tour of the house and spent a lot of time in the Presidential Library and museum.
We continued on northward to Rhinebeck, NY where we enjoyed great food at Foster’s Coach House Tavern. Jay and I had the special – filet mignon, and a wonderful tomato bisque soup. Mr. Urban enjoyed the fried seafood platter. Unfortunately, we arrived in Rhinebeck late in the day on Sunday and all the shops were closed, but we definitely want to go back another time to stroll around the village and visit a few more of the historic homes in the area (the Vanderbilt Mansion and Val-Kill – Eleanor Roosevelt’s get-away cottage).
As far as I know, I’ll be alone this weekend and will be back in the sewing room!
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