SO MANY NAMES...

Last evening and today, we enjoyed a Youth Retreat at Vermontville Camp in the Adirondacks. Although it rained on Friday evening, today was a pleasant, though rather humid, day spent with friends; much was accomplished on the grounds, and our sore bodies over the next few days will remind us of those efforts!

On the way home, we drove through St. Regis Falls, since the Vietnam Memorial Wall replica was on display at the school. Although I had seen it previously (it was in Massena many years ago), it had no less impact this time. In fact, since I'm several years older now than I was when I saw it last, it was probably more meaningful.

I have no close family members who have served in the military, but I have great respect for those who give up the comforts of home to protect our freedom from those who would take it away. From those who sacrificed their lives in years past to those who are on front lines today, in various domestic and foreign locations, I thank you from the bottom of my heart! Here is a small, simple, and no doubt unnoticed tribute from me to you.

THE END OF SUMMER

My fall semester began last Monday, August 25, but summer didn't officially end until today, Tuesday, September 2. The way that we know summer has actually ended is somewhat sad.

Yes, school has started and we're both gone during the days now, but that's not the worst of it. (After all, this "education thing" is how we make a living.)

Yes, the days are getting shorter and the nights are getting cooler, but we haven't seen snow (again) yet.

Yes, the school tax bill has arrived for 2008-09 (and it's bigger than ever).

Yes, I have to get to bed earlier so I can be rested for morning classes and trips to schools.

But, the way we really know that summer is over - the sad reality that tells us there's a potentially long winter ahead - the reason we cried ourselves to sleep last night - DONNELLY'S IS CLOSED!

For those who have never experienced a soft ice cream cone, for which you have no choice of the flavor from day to day (their motto is "you just pick the size, the flavor has been determined for you"), from the Donnelly's Ice Cream store at Crystal Springs Dairy near Saranac Lake, NY, you just can't understand. This is the smoothest, creamiest ice cream you can find, period (with very few days that may be exceptions)!

Last night, we were returning from Albany, NY, where we had been to visit Rev. Andrew J. Whitney on his 90th birthday, and we stopped about an hour before they were closing for the season. Our mouths were all pre-watered for the final experience this year. But alas, they were out of soft ice cream. They had four (hand-packed) containers of frozen ice cream left to sell, and we bought one. There was NO WAY we were going home without Donnelly's ice cream yesterday!

How much? A half gallon.
What flavor? Chocolate.
The cost? $13.00

Yes, that's right. On Monday, September 1, 2008, Wendy and I spent THIRTEEN DOLLARS for a half gallon of ice cream. To be fair, we haven't been complaining too much about gas prices that are hovering around 15% of that amount, so give us a break. And you know what? As we enjoy the servings of our purchase over the next few days, it will be worth every penny. We'd even give you a bite if you stopped by - just call first to make sure we're home.