One last sunset....

The sun is setting on my final eve of this amazing summer adventure, I take a deep breath, and as I exhale I let go of all my worries and know that it's been another wonderful day in Bop's company.  I started this journey not knowing where I was going or who I would meet. I can honestly say, I have been to more places in 41 days than some people have or will in a lifetime. I have traveled 4,551 miles this summer, and left the country 5 times. I have met people twice and three times my age, as well as a few little ones. I have grown for the better! The sunsets will remain here, Bop will be in Charlotte in a week and then return to Florida, and tomorrow I will go back to life in York, South Carolina.  Although we're never really sure of how our days will go, I am CERTAIN that everyday should be filled with laughter, cocktail hour, and gratefulness for another day of life! 
I used to be a pretty rigid planner, and one of the most important lessons I've learned from Bop this summer is how to be spontaneous, go with the flow, let go of my fear of the unknown, and trust that I am right where I am supposed to be!
I am forever grateful to Bop for planning and executing such an amazing road trip! I am also forever grateful to Kevin, my hubby who let me take the summer completely off to just enjoy life ( even if it meant being away from him for  4 out of 6 weeks)!
I am one lucky, very lucky girl!!!!!!

The End of the Road

My trip with Bop is quickly coming to an end.  I fly home on Sunday and it is bittersweet.  Yes, I miss my husband and friends, and am excited to get back to my life as I knew it before.  However, I most definitely will miss my funfilled days with Bop... days consisting of small road trips, lunch and dinner outings, useful lessons, tricky card games, and his sense of humor.  I've been trying to find just the right words to describe this experience with Bop:

Yep, that's right... there are no words to describe this trip...

I hope I've created as many fond memories for Bop that he's created for me! 

Kingston Attractions

For the past few days,Pam (my mother in law, Bop's youngest daughter) has been visiting.  Her visit was two-fold, a vacation away from the nursing job she works VERY hard at, and to attend Bop's follow up doctor's appointment and check on his progress. Bop has been moving around and on the go, joke cracking included all along! I don't think anyone needed to worry, but of course we all do because we love him so. As soon as we left the doctor's office on Monday morning, Bop suggested lunch in Kingston, Canada.  So what did we do?  Of course we drove over the bridge to Canada (again) and lunched  in Kingston! On a side note, I don't know why, but every time I get to the Customs agent over the bridge in Canada, I get anxious... they ask different questions everytime, and the fact that Bop lives in Florida, I live in South Carolina, and the car is registered in Florida, and we're "just going to lunch in Canada" seems funny to them.  Back to my story...   I didn't know anything about Kingston, so having a free afternoon we ate lunch at a cute little Irish pub in the old St. George Hotel followed by a one hour trolley tour.  Who knew Kingston was actually the first capital of Canada?  Who knew Kingston had a Penitentiary with a waterfront view?  Who knew their water treatment plant used to be a LaBatt's Blue Brewery?  It actually is a very quaint old city, and because it's on the tip of Lake Ontario there is plenty to do.  However, if one looks up a description of Kingston, here is what you might see....
"One of the oldest cities in Canada, originally Fort Frontenac, settled in 1673, Kingston is home to many beautiful buildings, churches, 2 universities, site of the 1976 Olympic rowing events, and several  prisons."  Seriously?  I don't know about anyone else, but when I'm looking for something to do in a new city, touring the prisons is not on my list!  On top of that, they even have a Penitentiary Museum... REALLY!  Our time did not allow us to visit the museum, but I suppose the artifacts might consist of inmate's possessions confiscated upon arrival?  So the next time you're planning a trip, consider your options for sightseeing,I think I'll stick to pubs and souvenir shops!

A True North Country Experience

I like to pride myself on being a pretty diverse thinking individual, and I think that growing up in Southern California I was exposed to a wide variety of lifestyles.  However, one thing is for sure, I was not exposed to "Country living" or "God's Country".  I have to digress and tell you a little joke that Kevin thinks is REALLY funny.  The very first time he brought me up to camp, as we drove into NY state and stopped at a rest stop, he said, "Welcome to New York!"  My response was a shocked one.  I'm embarassed these days to admit the only image of New York I had was that of NYC (which I had never been to until this summer) and in reality, there are more farms in the state of NY than the media ever tells about.  So as we drove further north, I got a first hand view of what is known as "God's Country".... blue skies, puffy white clouds billowing over green pastures and of course, my favorite animal... the cow, tons of them roaming roadside!  I think my exact words were,"There aren't cows in New York!"  Kevin also gets a kick out of my first sighting of an Amish family on the road up here.  Again, these were not things I saw in California.  I have come to appreciate this part of the country, and although I am not a religious person, I do find something very spiritual and moving about the scenery in the North Country!  There is another piece of the North Country lifestyle I had not yet seen.... until yesterday..... a parade!  I will honestly admit, I am not a fan of carnivals, parades, fairs, or festivals.  This past week has been the International Seaway Festival which has been held for the past 50 years along the St. Lawrence River.  Bop and I did not partake in any of the festivities until yesterday, we decided to venture into "the Burg" (downtown Ogdensburg) to watch the parade.  For one, I cannot remember the last parade I attended, and I'm pretty sure it didn't last more than an hour.  Well, the 50th International Seaway Parade is quite the production!  For starters, we got there at 10am to find our seats that some friends of the family had set out for us, and to make sure I could find parking. Then we sat there reading the paper for about an hour until the parade started.  But it started miles away from our station, so it was another 45 minutes until we actually saw anything go by.  However, the people watching alone was entertaining.  Ask Kevin, I can people watch anywhere.... and I do!  This parade lasted almost 3 hours and was composed of  fire trucks, rescue squads, school bands, Canadian bands, politicians, horse carriages, cows, goats, and several floats created by local organizations competing for first prize. I know, I'm pretty sure these ARE the things that make up most parades in small towns across America, I just haven't endured them!  As I told Bop yesterday, my North Country experience is COMPLETE now. I've been on the back country roads, bought an Amish-made basket in a General Stroe, had fish 'n chips from Canada, licked a local soft serve cone, eaten at several local eateries, swam in the St. Lawrence River, taken day trips to Canada, and watched the parade.   Is there anything left?

Lessons Learned

On my trip, and in the time I've been blessed to spend with Bop I've learned more lessons than textbook could ever teach. Which these are the types of lessons that only come from life experience and are the kind I believe many students thirst for while sitting in a classroom. Think of Huck Finn!   Lessons about life, love, and family.  I've also managed to learn a few things about the law that I really wasn't aware of, thankfully Bop taught me, rather than a law enforcement officer!

Lessons about Love:
1. Love is unconditional
2. Love can hurt (sometimes even hurt others)
3. Love everyday you have
4. People show love in different ways.
5. Absence REALLY does make the heart grow fonder.

Lessons about Family:
1. Family IS important
2. Make your own family a priority
3. Dealing with family is a balance.
4. Communicate with your family, even if honesty is tough.


Oh, I suppose you're still wondering what lessons about the law I learned? How many of you know that you are supposed to move over a lane on the interstate when you see a law enforcement vehicle parked on the shouder issuing someone else a ticket?  Did you also know that it is illegal to drive and talk on your cell phone in the state of NY? No worries, I know better now, and didn't get caught! :)

Lessons about Life:
*I know these things, I read them on quotes, artwork, and places all the time,  I think I am actually beginning to make them  the day-to-day routine of life!
1. Life is short
2. Everyday is a GREAT day
3. Find pleasure in the little things
4. LAUGH OFTEN
5. Don't stress

Not only have I learned useful lessons,I've also learned some pretty useful skills from Bop!  To date, I've learned how to use a sewing machine, bleach mold off of dishes and oil wood, put together a grill, play solitaire (2 ways), calmly drive someone to the ER ( wouldn't recommend it, but it IS useful), and best of all, how to take an amazing road trip! I only hope I can take someone else on a trip like this one day!

As our time is winding down,  I am relishing and trying to put to memory all of the wonderful experiences I've had with Bop this summer.  We have just over a week left together before I have to head back home and gear up for the school year.  Tomorrow we are off to Ottawa, Canada for a day trip!

Just Another Day on the River

We've had several visitors at Camp Murray the past week, and only 2 more until Tuesday.  Meghan (Kev's cousin) came up the day Kevin and I left for Quebec a week ago, but left this past Friday.  Friday, a friend of Kev's from college and his wife came up for one night. Yesterday, (Saturday) Jill, Kevin's sister arrived.  It's been a bit of a revolving door around here and I have a whole new appreciation for Aunt Pat and Uncle Gus's hospitality all summer long! When we first arrived at camp, there were an abundance of chores to do, but lately it's just been one relaxing day on the river after another.  Here's a typical day on the river...
8-9am Wake up ( after an incredible night's sleep)
9-11am  Enjoy coffee, breakfast, a run, and some easy reading (on the deck when weather permits)
11am-5pm Lounge/sunbathe on the deck with a book, ride the waverunners, and if it's hot enough "swim" in the river.
5-6pm Coktail hour ( a camp staple)
6-7:30pm Prep and cook dinner, eat dinner, clean up, look for how the sunset will be that evening
7:30-???? Play dominoes, a card game, and hang out

It's no wonder why when Kevin first described "camp" to me that I was intrigued, but you just have to experience it to truly know what an amazing place it is.  Don't get me wrong, I've been to Greece, Amsterdam, the Carribbean, and those are all amazing places in their own right, as are so many others on my travel list.  Camp is just a place where I truly DO forget about the routines and annoyances of day to day life, and I'm able to completely relax and step outside my own head for quite awhile.

Celebrate!

After an eventful week of some concern and calming everyone's worries about Bop's health, Kevin and I escaped for 4 days to celebrate our 2 year wedding anniversary!  All I can say is, Kevin totally caught me off guard when he proposed here at camp 3 years ago, and he blew me away this year with all his planning!  Kevin is an easygoing man, and has very few requests, so sometimes it amazes me that he puts up with so many of my requests.  Knowing that I really wanted to take a trip to Europe, but is wasn't possible this year, Kevin went for the next best thing... Old Quebec City in Canada!  It really was like walking around a European country, with tons of little shops, sidewalk cafes and bistros, and a pub on every corner ( or just about).  The fact that they speak French first, and English second gave it the European ambiance even more!  I have to pinch myself sometimes to make sure this really is my life.  When I took the leap to move across the country 5 years ago, it was hard to imagine I would meet such a wonderful guy that would eventually become my husband.  Two years isn't very long, but it sure has been a great ride! I can't imagine my life without Kevin, and everyday I wake up excited to see where our journey will take us next!

Make The Call

Wednesday, July 7th  I had stayed at the hospital with Bop as long as visiting hours would allow.  Kevin arrived late that night, and I had managed to avoid answering the phone, however the next 24 hours were tough.  Immediately, Thursday morning, Kevin and I went to the hospital to check in with Bop and that's when we had to make the call.  Upon arriving to the hospital, Pam called on Kevin's cell, Kevin dodged where he was, but it wasn't long before Bop told Kevin just to go ahead and call her.  There the three of us were in Bop's hospital room, Kevin dialed Pam, and handed the phone to Bop.  Bop said something to the effect of this: " The good news is I get dishcharged tomorrow.  Where am I? I'm in the hospital... I needed a vacation from Kristen."  Kevin and I were laughing,  but could hear Pam on the other end of the line... needless to say, she wasn't laughing.  We gave Pam all the information, as well as the contact information for the nurse... and thought we had things under control.  Meanwhile, Bop kept cracking jokes, making us laugh, and flirting with the nurses.  That afternoon, Kevin and I let Bop get some rest, and went back to camp.  I told Kevin we needed to try to convince Bop to call Aunt Pat, not to cause her to worry, but because I knew she would worry if she didn't hear from Bop in 2 days.. they check in just about everyday.  So after some dinner, I had Kevin convinced, who was ready to convince Bop when we got back to the hospital.  About 10 seconds after we arrived, the nurse, Jody, came in the room and asked Bop if it was okay to give out information to his other daughter.  We'd been had!  Pam had called Pat, Pat called the hospital, and Bop was in for an earful.  Rightfully so, it's a hard balance between grown child and parent... parents worry about their children, so Bop didn't want to worry his daughters.  Children worry about their aging parents, and that's exactly how it all played out.  Bop joked with his daughters, who didn't laugh too much, but then the biggest surprise occured.  Pam flew up on Friday, the day Bop was getting discharged.  Things happen for a reason... most of the time we don't really know the reason behind everything, In this case, the doctors couldn't find a reason for Bop's stroke, all I know is that he's okay and we're going to enjoy the rest of our summer on the river! There is a lesson to be learned...  we all just want to know that our loved ones are okay, even if there is nothing we can do about the way things are, so make the call!

To Call or Not to Call

I surprised myself at how calm I remained getting Bop in the ER, and sitting there while they hooked him up and checked him out... he answered every question the nurse and doctor asked, as well as cracked some jokes with me, this is when I knew he was okay, but we just needed a medical professional's confirmation.  After they took him for a CT Scan and an MRI, the doctor said he had indeed had a small stroke, and there was no bleeding, but they would like to admit him to the hospital for 24 -48 hours to observe him and make sure nothing progresses.  The doctor looked at me and said, "Would that be okay?" I looked at Bop, knowing that he's the one who would have to stay there, and thankfully he replied, "It will have to be okay."  So the process began to admit Bop for a short vacation, as he called it. I need to backup for a minute, when they took Bop in for the CT Scan, I asked Bop if he wanted me to call anyone.  Bop's response was, " Don't call Pat and don't call Pam... no need to worry anyone."  So once again, I followed Henry's orders, and didn't call either of them (all the while knowing I'd be in trouble eventually).  However, I did call Kevin.  Kevin was set to drive up part of the way that night anyhow but he was a supportive husband and said he'd leave immediately.  Here's where responsibility comes to play... Bop is my grandfather, but I don't feel that I am the family member to make these kind of important decisions... so I wanted Kevin here and I'd pass some of the responsibility onto him.  Kevin said he would make the call to his mom, Pam, so I left it at that.  Meanwhile, Bop was getting admitted, I had a book in my purse, and we were officially in the hospital.  Another doctor came to evalulate Bop and I spoke with him to get clarification on things.  He said there was no major concern, it just was standard procedure to keep a stroke patient to make sure his mobility was safe and blood pressure was down. I gave Kevin an update, and he had chosen to wait until he got here before calling his mom.  Meanwhile, I had to avoid answering the phone at camp and prayed that Kevin and Bop would make the call sooner than later. Tune in later for the next update... THE PHONE CALL(S)!

Emergency Room Detour

It's been a while since I wrote, we had a fantastic 4th of July weekend with some company here at Camp.  After our company left on Tuesday, things got alittle crazy around here. We shared a lot of laughs while taking a little afternoon joyride, Bop showed me a lot of the old spots he used to stop at in this neck of the woods, as well as had plans to take me out to dinner.  He said I had worked so hard cooking all weekend with company here, I deserved a night off! LOL! It doesn't feel like work, I love to cook, and it's more fun to have people to enjoy the meals, but I will admit, a night off from the dishes is nice! (I'm used to Kevin doing the dishes all the time.) We came home to freshen up and have our usual 5 o'clock cocktail before heading out to Cavallario's in Alex Bay.  All is good, right? Yep, we had a fantastic dinner, Bop insisted I get lobster, and then we shared a HUGE hot fudge, turtle ice cream sundae... Bop drives a hard bargain to turn down dessert when we go out!  Still, all was well.  I went for a run, and came home to find Bop taking his usual nightly nap in his recliner.  When I woke  him up to go to bed, he got up and thought his leg had fallen asleep, but he tried to shake it off, and just went to bed.  I closed up and went to bed myself. The next morning is when everything got more serious.
Let me start by telling you that I am always up and downstairs before Bop gets up... this week on Wednesday morning, it wasn't so.  Here's the replay...
Bop: " Kristen!"
Me: Groggy and waking up
Bop: "Kristen, are you up?"
Me: "Sort of, what time is it?" I look at the clock, thinking I've slept the entire day away.
Bop: " I think I had a stroke, I think you need to take me to the emergency room and get checked out."
Me: Jump out of bed, "Are you serious?" Scramble for clothes, jump downstairs tell him I just need to put my contacts in.
Meanwhile, Bop is sitting at the kitchen table having his normal cup of coffee, sitting calmly.
Bop: "Yeah, I woke up this morning, my leg still feels heavy and my arm doesn't feel right, (and I notice his speech is alittle slurred), but don't rush, have your coffee first."
I skipped my coffee, and pulled the car up closer to the house, asked Bop if he wanted me to get his wheelchair which he declined and used his walker all the way out to the car. Ten minutes later we are pulling up to the ER and getting Bop checked out. Come back later for the next 48 hours of details.  I will tell you that Bop is okay and doing great!

Girl and the Grill

Today I took the luxury of sleeping in late, thinking that today was the first bit of REALLY  nice weather.... totally clear skies, no wind, and temperatures in the 80's, I had big plans to sit on the deck and read my book!  Haha, Bop had other plans for me... while trying to get the grill out and ready to go last night, we discovered that the gas wasn't working and yes, there was gas in the tank! So I had an appointment for a pedicure, and Bop says, " Well, I think it would just be easier to buy a new grill rather than fuss with the old one." Faster than a fish on bait, he tosses me his card and says," Just go by Lowe's on your way back and pick up a new grill."  I know to strictly follow Henry's orders, so I didn't argue with him. About 20 minutes before I was set to leave, I find him on the computer looking up grills and he'd picked one out with raving reviews and onsale!  So after getting a neighbor to help me unload the partially assembled grill, Bop and I finished the assembly and Voila, we had a fantastic grilled steak dinner!

Sights and Such

 Bop and I have taken a few "field trips" in the North Country the past few days.  Tuesday we took a ride south to Watertown,where the BIG mall is so I could buy some shoes! Not Carrie from Sex in the City's idea of shoe shopping, but Bop was patient while I went from one store to another in search of the perfect summer dress sandal,  and I scored 2 cute pairs of brand name sandals for just under $50.00!  What girl wouldn't be excited about that?  Yesterday we ventured down to Clayton, NY which is the "Gateway to the Thousand Islands".  If you're only familiar with the famous dressing, there's a lot more history to the area than just some orange sauce for your lettuce. My history lesson for the day compliments of the Antique Boat Museum... which was really cool!  Being a Pisces and loving everything that has to do with water, I was fascinated by the beauty of these old wooden boats.  Works of art in their own right. The images of life of the rich and not so famous families who used to vacation in the North Country, and how boats were a more common part of life back then were incredible!  I think I took more pictures than Bop,which is a record, but he's been to the museum about a dozen times so he was not as impressed as me.  Today we ventured over the bridge to Canada for a picnic lunch of Fish and Chips.  One cannot come to camp in the summer without atleast one serving of fish and chips, however this will probably be the first of many for me this year.  It's a completely different lunch experience in the park eating greasy fried fish and fries drenched in vinegar than eating them on the boat, both delicious, and only a treat I allow myself in the summertime while in the North Country. Don't let all my indulgences fool you, I've been running in the mornings.... just to keep up with Bop if not to keep my waistline in check!