We got here on Monday May 20th and got all set up. Did some additional setting up on Tuesday and on Tuesday night it started raining consistently for 4 days straight
Below is a few of the things we did this summer when I remembered to take pictures!
Where ….. “It’s raining, it’s pouring, the old man is snoring… but I’m wide awake trying to dodge puddles.”
But . . . . “Thanks to the long days of rain, the blades of grass glowed with a deep-green luster, and they gave off the smell of wildness unique to things that sink their roots into the earth.” –Haruki Murakami
Established in 1824, Newfane is a small Western New York town located on the shores of Lake Ontario in Niagara County. It takes about 45 minutes to get to Buffalo New York, and about 25 minutes to Niagara Falls NY.
How Newfane looked in 1887.
A few of our doings this summer :
We walked along the new Erie Canal bike and walking trail. They were just starting to connect Pendleton into the trail after we moved out of Pendleton NY in 2018 and started full-time rving.
For Memorial Day we had some of Dave’s family over for a picnic on Sunday May 23, it was great seeing everyone since we left September of last year.
Staying right by the woods at Steve’s we have seen some forest animals. Here are a few that I remembered to take a picture of.
Dave was thrilled to have Bison’s Chip Dip back here in NY, actually I was too. We don’t get chip dip to often and we don’t in Arizona because Bison’s isn’t in AZ. They have a brand there that just isn’t as good. You just gotta learn to appreciate and enjoy the little things in life like Bison Chip Dip . So if you like chip dip and you have Bison Chip Dip in your area go get it! And don’t forget the chips too!!
“It’s the little things in life that – all summed together – become bigger and more important than the big things and events.”- Unknown
On June 15th we, Jennifer, Doug, Dave and myself went to Olcott to check out the Band “Three Parts Whiskey,” at the Olcott Gazebo.
Before the concert started, Dave was checking out a Magic Show.
It was a really hot day on June 15th, We’ve definitely had a hot summer so far, cause I’m adding to our blog today August 14th, and it’s hot too.
The reason we went to Olcott is because it’s normally 10 degrees cooler on Lake Ontario from places a little bit South like Pendleton and North Tonawanda, and there is always a cool breeze. On June 15th there wasn’t! We were surprised as we even brought lunch to eat by the cool lake breeze that wasn’t.
It was definitely a hot day but we were so glad we came to see the band Three Parts Whiskey, we all enjoyed them very much. They all were sweating terribly but they put on a great show!
On Friday July 4th we celebrated at my sister’s.
My mother made this Wheat Doll for the Wheatfield Garden Club several years back. Jennifer had her in storage and thought she needed a decent farewell. We set her on fire for a final ending.
On Sunday July 6th we had another great celebration with a great lunch and water!
What a great way to cool down on a hot humid day! Let’s have a balloon toss !! 😄
Then we used mega squirt guns and then decided just to dumping buckets on each other! Fun, Fun, Fun.
Let us be thankful for the courage of those before us and pray for wisdom for those leading us now.
On July 11th we visited the Forsyth House.
The Forsyth Tavern is a museum housed on the historic Forsyth-Warren Farm. The Tavern is one of the earliest examples of western settlement in Western New York and recorded on the National Register of Historic Places. The Museum operates the site as a working living history farm along the Niagara Wine Trail, in the rural hamlet of Warren’s Corners in the Town of Cambria. We’ve been driving by it forever and never new it was there. When we found out that you could stop in to the tavern just like you would back in the 1820s, we had to give it a try.
We were met at the door by individuals dressed in period clothes who offered us beer, wine or ice tea with a pinch of mint in it. We sat down and there were peanuts on the tables.
They told us really interesting things about the Tavern. . . .The Forsyth Tavern is a historic landmark in Cambria, NY, with roots dating back to the early 1800s. Established by John Forsyth and Widow Forsyth,
Mary Rose Ganson-Forsyth-Warren, It is historically significant for its early settlers who founded the hamlet of Warren’s Corners. The property is a tavern, farm, and stagecoach stop, playing a significant role in the early settlement of Western New York. The tavern is also notable for its association with the War of 1812 and its role as a living history farm museum.
Hanging in the Tavern.
Hanging out in the tavern. They had pizza and pea soup too!
Up stairs in the Tavern where the family slept.
One of the interesting things they told us about traveling from tavern to tavern is that you paid 10cents or 25 cents for a place to sleep in the tavern. You didn’t get a room accommodations were almost always a place on the floor. When another person came to stay the night you hoped they were clean and healthy because they could be sleeping right next to you. Hopefully once in awhile it wasn’t so crowded so you got to spread out. The fellow in the picture is lucky, he got a whole bench to himself.
They had a post office outside on the Tavern’s porch where you put your mail thru the square hole. Mail was expensive back then by horseback.
We learned a lot and had fun talking with everyone there. One of the things we learned was that Mary Rose Forsyth husband John, when he was only 31got bitten by a snake and died. Later she married Ezra Warren who apparently had a vision and saw God and decided to become a pastor. He actually founded the church I belong to Warren’s Corners Methodist Church 200 years ago. Some say he became a Christian because he actually killed a man and that is why he “suddenly saw the light.”
The tavern was the center for early settlers in Cambria, and played a role in the War of 1812 as a supply point and military station.
Outside on the Tavern’s grounds. It was a really interesting place, we’ll have to check it out again.
It was the year of the Mushroom. Believe it or Not Duree and Company predicted that 2023 would be the year of the mushroom, from clothing and jewelry to food and beverages…. So, I’m a few years behind.
Dave helped with the stems, cutting the wood, putting the screw in the cement mushroom before it dries, and then drilling the screw into the wood so the wooden stem fits good and tight.
Some of the places the mushrooms are.
On July 16th Jennifer and myself went to listen and dance to The Boys of Summer Band, We like them because they play everything the oldies and newer songs and they sound good.
On July 20th we headed out to Swormville for St. Mary’s 176th Annual picnic.
We went to have chowder with Don and then met up with other friends at the Beer Tent.
It’s always a good time when we get together with the “Dodge Road Gang” most of them have been friends of Dave’s since he was a kid living on Dodge Road. Only a bit ago. 😄😂
On July 21, We took off and went to our
On July 21, We took off and met our friends Mary & Don who drove from Ohio to meet us at Gettysburg. We arrived around 5:00 pm stayed at the Days Inn and ate at the Perkin’s next door.
On Tuesday July 22, We went to the Utz outlet.
Our first trip on Tuesday morning wasn’t to the Battlefield, it was to the Utz factory outlet there. This was our 3rd trip there and as you can see . . . Dave is thrilled! Actually we all had a good time there getting all the great Utz products at low prices!
Built by David Stoner in 1852, the historic Sachs Covered Bridge was used by both Union and Confederate Troops during the Civil War Battle of Gettysburg, July 1-3, 1863. The bridge is said to be haunted.
We went to the Gettysburg Beyond the Battle Museum, It was named USA Today’s Best New Museum and it focuses on the stories of Gettysburg civilians before, during, and after the Battle of Gettysburg. The museum features immersive exhibits like “Caught in the Crossfire,” which recreates a Gettysburg home during the battle.
The room where you sat in as you experienced Crossfire the immersive experience that uses cutting-edge technology to place visitors inside a meticulously reconstructed farmhouse during the Battle of Gettysburg. Written by New York Times bestselling author Jeff Shaara, the script vividly brings to life what it was like for one Gettysburg family to be overrun by invading forces and trapped behind enemy lines during this harrowing event. It definitely made you think about how awful it was to be there and what all the people had to live through when they went outside to see what happened.
On July 23, it was off to see the Elephants.
Mr. Ed’s elephant collection.
Mister Ed’s is a different attraction to visit when your in Gettysburg. Dave and I were there before and we wanted Mary and Don to see it too. It has a whimsical elephant theme inside and out, with a room dedicated to a collection of anything elephant related, over 12,000 elephant items. But the main draw is the candy they sell. They have everything from bulk candy bins to old-time candies that you might remember from your youth and lots of other different candies to buy, including all kinds of fudge and gift items as well. A fun place to stop and beware you’ll probably buy some candy!
Check out all the candy.
After we left Mr. Ed’s the guys dropped me and Mary off so we could spend sometime together, while the guys checked out the battlefield. Mary and I chatted walking thru Gettysburg about things best friends talk about. Mary has been going through a lot with her health in 2024 and she is looking fantastic. It was wonderful to see my best friend!
Later in the day we took a ranger-led tour to explore a few of the monuments on the battlefield. The ranger highlighted that the monuments here offer more than meets the eye. She told how they deliver layers of history, symbolism and and that human stories that are behind all of them. Plus the specific events they commemorate and the different people erected them.
After that we took a guided tour of the Gettysburg National Cemetery where we met at the Taneytown Gate. The guide told us interesting things about Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, as well as the Soldiers’ National Cemetery where over 3,500 Union soldiers were killed in the battle and laid to rest.
Later that evening we checked out the “100 Nights of Taps Gettysburg 2025.” With 100 Nights of Taps they honor the fallen laid to rest at the Gettysburg National Cemetery at the Pennsylvania Memorial. It Began on Memorial Day and ends on Labor Day, each evening a bugler will sound taps at the cemetery in Gettysburg, PA. at 7 pm. The volunteer buglers include active-duty military musicians, military veterans, Civil War living historians and musicians and community band. It was a neat thing to see.
On Thursday July 24, I got to meet up with someone I haven’t seen in years here in Gettysburg, Sue Walter. She drove to Gettysburg from Maryland. When I knew her she was Sue Sherwood. Mary worked with Sue and myself and two other friends played volleyball with Sue. After volleyball and other occasions we went out and had lots fun. It was great seeing Sue again!
The five of us went to lunch at Gettysburg Eddies
After that we checked out the Gettysburg National Park Visitor Center for a bit. Sue left to head back to Maryland so we went to our usual eating place right by the hotel, Perkins. We only had I believe only 3 meals else where.
Hey, the food was always good plus we were eating around 7:30 each night, so what the heck…why not. Plus if you showed Nate the manager, who was always there, your hotel key you got 20% off your meal. Not bad. The four of us left for home on July 25th.
It was a great trip catching up with Mary & Don in Gettysburg. Lots of laughs and memories The time flew as it always does when your having a good time. 🥰
“There are no goodbyes for us. Wherever you are, you will always be in my heart.” – Mahatma Gandhi
A good thing we’ve been doing is going to the YMCA in Lockport. We started going in June and have been going 3 or more days a week. We walk on the track, use the machines and then do laps in the pool.
In August Jennifer, Doug, myself and Dave took a ride to Arcade to see our friend Cindy’s awesome flower gardens.
Cindy’s gardens were spectacular as always! She puts a lot of work and love into her gardens, as you who have flower gardens know. She even added a few new gardens in memory of her husband Denny.
We sat outside and enjoyed looking at the flowers and butterflies and listening to the bords all around us. It was so calm and peaceful being there nobody wanted to leave.
“Flowers always make people better, happier, and more helpful; they are sunshine, food and medicine to the mind.” ― Luther Burbank
“The best tool in the garden is the knowledge of the gardener.” — Unknown
We did explore life at Fox Run . . . .
We were in Arcade and the Boys of Summer were giving a free concert at Fox Run in Orchard Park so we decided to stop in and see the show. Glad we did! ! 🎵We had fun, fun, fun, fun🎶
We saw another garden, Dave’s sister Karen and Kevin also have a beautiful garden. We stopped by to visit them and see their beautiful flowers and to take a dip in the pool. It was another hot August day.
My Friends Barb and Barb did a lot for this great celebration.
The church’s first house of worship was raised in 1833, on land donated by Warren (today, 5293 Stone Road, less than a quarter-mile from his farm). That building was sold in 1858 and the present sanctuary was raised in 1859. Warren had also donated the land for Warrens Corners’ School nearby.
The church got its first steeple in 1897, a new steeple in 1912, and another new one in 1981. Other first-time acquisitions include electric service in 1924, an organ in 1952, a fellowship hall in 1957 and a baby grand piano in 2024. Renovations and upgrades have been undertaken periodically since at least the 1930s; the latest is new front doors this year.
We had a pie tasting contest. There were 3 judges who tasted 15 delicious pies. Julie and myself brought the pies to the judges.
There were 3 finalists and the winning pie was a Vinegar pie. I didn’t get a chance to taste it but everyone said it was delicious!
My church, Warrens Corners Methodist Church in Cambria NY, had it’s 200th anniversary celebration. We celebrated its 200th anniversary with a community-wide bicentennial festival. The event was a large community party held on the church grounds at 5293 Stone Road and included a vendor market, a petting zoo, and live music. A good time was had by all!
On a hot day in August myself and my dear friends, Marcia, Gladys, Nancy and Cindy went to lunch at the Dockside Restaurant in North Tonawanda. Great place to sit outside and see the sights and sounds.
Being a hot day, who could resist going to Platter’s for some ice cream? Not us!
t’s always a great occasion spending time with these four awesome friends.
In August Our Fifth Wheel got some needed repairs. Mike and Don helped with the lights and the fifth wheel got new siding or actually new trim. Thanks guys!!
This isn’t how it looked when they were done, but somebody’s does.
On Sunday August 24th we met with our awesome friend Paula at the New York Beer Project in Lockport.
Great Food and Company! 🌮💖
I can’t believe that it’s Labor Day Weekend ?! What the Heck . . . . .”Summer should get a speeding ticket”.
My sister had a campfire on Friday night with us and her neighbors before Labor Day, it was a perfect night for one as most of the summer was hot and humid.
On Saturday August 30th we went to the Olcott Beach Car Show.
We both really like old Vets, the cars that is, If I were to get one I don’t know what I would choose a vet from the 1950s or 1960s?
Both our families had station wagons like the one above when we were little kids. My family had a red woody station wagon.
I like looking at cars from the 1960s and 1970s because some of them were huge. They were so long they seem to be as long as our 4 door truck with an 8ft. bed. No wonder they called them “Boats or Land Cruisers.”
We both liked this 1954 Champion Studebaker. It was Classy.
This is a 1957 Nash Metropolitan it was designed by Nash Motor Company executives as an economical choice when every car around it was getting bigger and more flamboyant. It wasn’t meant to replace the main family car, but rather to be used for small errands around town. It was made famous by Lois Lane who drove one in The Adventures of Superman TV series. I describe it as Cute, even Sherry Baby’s owner described the car has being cute too.
Winston Churchill must have driven a car like this. But I hear he was dangerous on the road and known as “Blood, Sweat and Gears.”
They even had a AMC Pacer, remember those fish bowl looking things? And a Ford Pinto. Are those classics? They should have had an AMC Gremlin there then I could have said I owned one of those!
There was a nice 1959 Apache Truck, a Ford 1962 Econoline Van that was really nice, an old Ford automobile and two neat old cars one purple one with flames.
How about a 1967 GT-40 Chevy to cruise around in?
I would like to have this 1964 Sprite Austin Healey for my about town vehicle, it’s a beaut.
This 1936 Plymouth was a competitor in the History Channel Great Race in 1998. The race went from Tacoma, WA To Haverhill, MA.
The Great Race is a classic car rally for street-legal vintage automobiles at least 45 years old. Vehicles must use original factory parts, and modern navigational aids like GPS are prohibited.
The race is a precision pace race not a high-speed race. Points are awarded on the accuracy of a driver and navigator to match a time and average speed over a predetermined course. Points are also awarded on a handicap system that awards bonus points to older vehicles. Prizes are awarded in several categories, including the “X-Cup” for high school teams. Their already planning The Great Race for 2026 if your interested.
I can’t believe that 1970 was 55 years ago. What were you doing in 1970?
Another fun day. They say there was about 700 vehicles there this year.
Once again it’s time again for Donna and Jeff’s annual Labor Day Picnic.
Where the most important events of the day are seeing everyone, eating and playing kickball.
Dave is the pitcher for both teams.
Thanks Donna & Jeff for a Happy Labor Day! It was lot’s of fun!!
On Friday September 5th Me & Dave, Jennifer and Doug took Randy & Lee to the Forsyeth Tavern for the experience of visiting a working tavern. It was nice just like the first time we were there with friendly folk telling stories of old and eating peanuts. All enjoyed their visit.
A pot of Chowder is the soul of a cozy meal,” A labor of love, spoon by spoon.
On Sunday the 6th Our friend Mike made chowder with his sister’s Tosha, Gail and Maria.
Do oyster crackers and chowder go together perfect or what? Thanks for the invite and all your hard work! ! !
On Monday September 20th Dave and I once again visited the Forsyth’s Tavern for their “Commander Forsyth’s A Militia Muster.
An owner of the tavern and a guy tending the fire and keeping the coffee warm.
The gentlemen in the first picture, Scott represented the Militia Group that was stayed overnight at the tavern in tents, Just like soldiers did back in the day. He explained to us how the soldiers dressed and also how they ladies dressed with their many layers and when dressed up A corset is a woman’s undergarment for the torso and usually includes a bra, with laces to tighten it to support their body and to give a woman that shapely hour-glass shape with the desired 17″ waist. ( See Scarlet O’hara in Gone With The Wind. Whalebone was the material used to give the corset rigidity to squeeze the woman into, later Whalebone was replaced with metal. How wonderful! Not. . .
the first picture is woolen fleece that was sheared off a sheep, hung and ready to be cleaned before it can be spun. One of the ladies who volunteers at the tavern is going to learn how the wool is spun and continue to make something out of it.
Scott and a few other reenactor’s stayed over night in their tents like they would have in the Revolutionary War. The items in the first picture are what he carried in his bed roll, knapsack or backpack.
He showed us how to load a musket and fire.
Then showed us how you attach your bayonet to your musket.
Another great learning experience at the Tavern.
Ladies often traveled with a unit that was fighting in the war, especially if her husband or boyfriend was in that unit. She did all the things expected of ladies back then which was a great deal. Plus attending to the sick which was how most of the men died, not from the battles they were in.
We went to Forsyth’s Tavern a about three or four times and enjoyed it very much, and it’s just down the street. They are having really neat goings on now and all thru the year check it out if you live in Lockport, NY or the surrounding areas.
on September 21, My friend Gladys and myself went to Artpark to see Alison Krauss with Willie Watson as her opening act.
The opening act for Alison Krauss & Union Station was Willie Watson and his side kick Sami Braman they played their instruments and sang their songs, they were very good and enjoyed by everyone. Audience reviews Alison Krauss engaged with the audience with her signature humble and warm humor. Her charming banter and commentary between songs, which served as a delightful complement to the exceptional musicianship on display. A “spectacular” musical show: As described by reviewers , the performance showcased the band’s renowned talent and Alison Krauss’s “angelic” vocals.
Willie Watson and Alison Krauss
I’ll definitely agree it was a fun time with lots of great tunes and we even stopped at Hibbard’s Custard in Lewiston before the show!
Jennifer had a
On Saturday September 26th I headed to my sister’s to chop vegetables for the Chowder Party she was having tomorrow. Also chopping carrots, onions, celery, and cabbage was Randy, Lee, Kathy, Jennifer and Doug.
The 27th, Dumping all the vegetables we chopped yesterday into the chowder cooker.
Also 6 chickens were put in the hot chowder to cook and then were taken out to cool down a bit. Then A bit later the chicken meat was taken off the chickens and added back in.
”Family, Friends, good food, and fresh air – the perfect chowder party combination.
Dishing out the chowder, everyone had extra to take home. “The best chowder starts with care, finishes with love”. Good time had by all!
Dave always keeping his brother’s property neat and clean. 🤣😄
While we were hanging out on Steve’s property, I painted these lawn ornaments for him.
On Monday October 6th my friends, Nancy, Cindy, Marcia and Glayd’s stopped over for a visit at the RV and then we went off to Uncle G’s for ice cream.
Since Uncle G’s is right next to the Erie Canal Bike Trail so we took a walk along the canal.
Look an alligator in the canal! 🤣
“I felt my lungs inflate with the onrush of scenery – air, mountains, trees, people. I thought, ‘This is what it is to be happy, walking with good friends” -Sylvia Plath~
Dave, groovin, playing the drums to Elvis Presley tunes. The radio station that came in the best surrounded by all the trees is WEBR and every Sunday evening the play old Elvis tunes. It was fun listening to themand watching Dave. “Thank you, Thank you very much.“
Dave was always keeping Steve’s property neat and tiddy. 👍
On Wednesday October 8th, My sister and her husband had us over for a farewell dinner. It was delicious as always! I forgot to take a picture and the picture above I think is great! It’s their picture from last Halloween, you gotta Love it.
On Thursday the 9th Dave’s sister and husband had us over for a good-by dinner. Lots of good food and I didn’t forget to take some pictures!
On Saturday the 11th, we met our friends Judy and Phil at the Big Ditch Brewing Company in Lockport. There is a Big Ditch Brewing Company in Buffalo, they must be doing good so they opened a second one here in Lockport in the Old Post Office building.
The One East Avenue Historic Post Office was opened in 1902. The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1989. The old post office looks really nice, they did a good job with all the renovations.
The Ditch is right across from the Palace Theatre which opened on July 18, 1925, which is a very charming old theatre building, which also had some renovation done to it.
If you happen to be in Lockport NY check out the Ditch Brewery. The four of us enjoyed our dinners muchly!
We arrived in Newfane on May 20th and are leaving tomorrow on Monday October 13th. Thank you everyone for lettings us share our time with you, It was a lot of fun and we had a wonderful summer!
Lucky Soul
I am such a lucky soul To have family and friends as good as you ‘Cause when worries find their way to me And I’m unsure what to do… I just think of you and remember Something you said or a story you told. It makes me laugh and gives me joy That you should be so bold. You’ve taught me many things That I did not know before, Brought clarity, enlightenment, That I must thank you for. Your kindness is revered, And this I have no doubt, That we’ll be friends eternally And that I cannot live without… I admire you and that is why For now it’s hard to part, But it won’t be long that I’ll be gone, And you’ll be in my heart.
~Brittany~
ROADS OF DISCOVERY 