Perhaps The Biggest Secret To Live in the United States - The 1,000 Islands (actually, 1,864)

As a late elementary, middle school kid, my father and I (sometimes my Grandma Vera, too) would head to Aunt Rena's on the St. Lawrence River. At times, my father would leave me at the camp and head into Alexandria Bay for their night life - I didn't see what that night life was until a few years ago when I visited A-Bay with my little sister. We didn't do the night scene, but a boat tour with my mom.

Fast forward to yesterday, when my little sister and I took the boys to the 1,000 islands for a boat tour and to walk the grounds of Boldt Castle - one of the most beautiful locations I've ever wandered. The history of the area is remarkable, but the absolute beauty of sky, water, greenery, and island homes is simply breathtaking. Of course, we hit it on a perfect day where the air was cool, the sun was hot, and the sky was patterned with perfect clouds.

It made me think back to the years where I would sit in my Aunt Rena's cabin, read her pile of dirty jokes books (that were in her magazine rack), and counted the ships coming towards Lake Ontario from the Atlantic Ocean. I remember all the days, too, of riding our little fishing boat and trying to hook into Pike or Muskie - every year Aunt Rena bought me a red dare-devil lure and every summer I'd try to hook a fish with it for two to three days.

The air, too, was so clean.

And when we returned, my father and I took Glamis for a short walk to visit Pete, his friend from the airlines, and the father of one of my best friend's growing up. I guess the day was one for memory lane and how fortunate I was to grow up in such a beautiful region of the United States.

I will hold onto these sights until I return again.

Some Oneida Lake Time - One of CNY's Best Kept Secrets (LOVE)

We don't have a boat on the waters any more, and I don't think I have any friends left in the area, but Borios still exists and they had pike on the menu for mom (dad had frog legs - yuck), so it was a great way to have dinner looking out at the water.

Casey and I arrived early with the boys, so we wandered into the gazebo and by the water - the gray skies and intermittent sunlight created wonderful colors on the water as we ate. Showers fell in some locations, while sunshine danced in others.

I finally had chicken riggies, too - the Utica dish, and I have to say I loved it, but wish it was a side dish and not a main course...it's a bit much.

The boys, Casey, and I also hit the miniature golf course and I was triumphant. Casey and I were tired halfway through, but then it all fell apart for her (ha ha).

The evening finished with a couple beers at Cynderballz, while Chitunga and Mike got engrossed in a Will Smith movie and I napped.

Oneida Lake, though. I am missing that space (always a dream to be able to look out to that water on a daily basis). It's so beautiful. Such a luxury and secret to the area. Would love to be out there fishing on a daily basis.

Maybe someday. Maybe not.

Deck Party in Blue. A Long Overdue Tradition With Much Modification

Cynde, Chitunga, Nikki, & Sean-Man, '17

It wasn't the large fiestas of yesteryear, the beer pong, late nights, screaming, intoxication, anarchy and humor of our youth. It was, however, a gathering with the intention to be wild and crazy - just more family style and low key.

Mike and Cynde had a modified deck party of pizza, corn hole, Moscow mules and Labatts. Everything comes full circle and the majority of us now want to be in bed by 10 p.m.

The occasion did present itself, though, with several photographs that came our rather nice and that I'm sure we'll all cherish for years (cough cough, except for me - wasn't included in a single one).

Cornhole was played, laughter was established, and a good time was had by all. We do what we can with the energy we have (which isn't much).

And we also get to sleep in...sort of.

Big Brother with Little Sister Cuz I'm The Big Brother, That's Why

Finally made it east to Manlius for Barnwell night, the day after, for a couple rounds of corn hole, ribs, corn, salt potatoes, and zucchini bread. The food was delicious (and I was thankful I didn't have to prepare any of it). Also great to spend time with Chitunga, although he was tired from work all day (end of the week stuff).

Then there was poor Dixie. She had a cyst taken off her tail and needs to wear the cone of shame for a while. In the meantime, she uses it to bump into everyone and every thing, including glasses of water.

Chitunga and Shaun monopolized the corn hole tournament while Jake and I led cheers from the side..."You need to buy Charmin, because you both play like crap."

We did get an annual selfie in and, man oh man oh man, have I become gray!

We followed with the 9 pm Thursday Head of Household show where I learned that Casey only allows silence during the viewing. ABSOLUTE SILENCE. So strict are her rules that she make this precious little guy cry in absolute fear because of her wrath (she's always been this way and it took all the self-constraint I could muster not to antagonize her outburst more). It's hysterical - That's my KC!

But I get it. It's an intense show, and picking on my little sister is this Big Brother's duty...

or in the case of the corn hole playing....DOODIE.

It's Friday and I'm looking forward to Chitunga having free time! It begins at 5:30.

It Was Hump Day, But Now It's Thursday & Big Brother Is On Again Tonight

Glamis, Max, and Bella

Best part of yesterday? Backyard barbecue and puppy dogs. Delicious chicken, grilled vegetables and the ever-so-tasty Moscow Mules.

Earlier in the day, I surprised Chitunga with a Wegman's sub at Solvay Bank, I picked up Kanye to meet my parents, and we took Dylan for a driving experience (before he went to get a haircut).

I also got a run in! That works for me.

Now, I'm letting the day pass by so that we can see what's next on Big Brother (I'm an addict. I admit it). As mom says, "These are the fastest hours of the week."

Speaking of mom, she's halfway through Solo and she sent out her first video tweet this afternoon (actually, I recorded and I sent it out). I think she enjoyed her mules and I know it helps her that I am able to run up and own the stairs quickly for refills and to get the rest of items for dinner.

Did I mention how good the chicken was? Man, Dinosaur BBQ sauce I tell you...and Cynde marinated hers with Speedie sauce. You have to love CNY flavors.

Ah, but today is Thursday. There isn't much on the radar but meeting up with Chitunga and heading to my little sister's house tonight. I know Glamis would like a walk and I need another run before the day is over. Maybe the sun will stay out and I will get into the pool, too. That would be a blessing.

I am liking my new work until noon motto of my CNY stay. I actually get R & R time, too.

Not a CNY Visit Without A Bar Stool, A Chicken Wing, & a Labatt's Blue

Little sister visited. Older sister visited. Puppy cousins visited. Did a Wegmans trip. Got a haircut with my mom. Took a nap. Put out fires via email. Ran around the block. Jumped in the pool. Ate ice-cream.
Decided to make molasses slab cookies.

And went to Chubby's. I had to go to Chubby's. It's what has been the ritual in Papi Butch's world for a couple decades now. You know, your local neighborhood bar built out of a barn where you can get ice cream, cigarettes, pizza, and whiskey shots. Oh, there's candy, too, and a pool table.

Good ol' family joint, where if you have too much you can always walk home - I think that is the success of the joint (and you get to meet all the fun neighbors). Last night was a corn hole tournament, although I didn't play. I ate Val's wings, caught up with one of my dad's friend's son, and chatted with the Perras (although I wish we had more time).

It's not a return home without a visit to Syracuse's strangest joint. At this point, it's so much a part of the ritual, that I don't even question it any more.

I Managed Half A Day Without Work And Am Proud Of This

Mustapha making his corn hole debut on Amalfi Drive.

Reports. Reports. Reports.

Emails. Emails. Emails.

Fires. Fires. Fires.

That's what I do, especially on a Monday morning when everyone returns to work. But I'm not there. I'm in Syracuse (and my parents watch my frustration as the work comes in and don't understand why I can't just draw a line). It's the position. It gets old, but I really do love it.

By noon, I was able to go for a run, and by 2 I was helping to clean the cabinets. I was grateful for Lauri, who came over to join my mom for a cocktail, which inspired me to run to the store and get ingredients. By 5, Rhiannon came over and by 6 I was on the grill. The twins wrote they were on the way, too (and didn't show up until 7:30, because they picked up Mustapha who was still at work).

We got a few corn hole games in before the mosquitos ate us alive.

By 9, Chitunga joined us looking for food, and by 9:30 were inside to get away from the bugs and to catch up with Sue and Butch.

Long story short, it was all laughs, as always.

And by 10:30, I had a bowl of ice-cream (see, I really can relax from time time to time).

Bring on Tuesday.