A quick visit to Wilson, NY, not birthplace as that was Cuba, NY, but where Jim and his siblings spent their formative years. July 17/18 was Jim’s 50th HS Reunion. I will not bore you with many pictures of his classmates, but will regale you with stories from our mini vacation.
Traveling to Wilson
Oh, Wilson HS colors? Orange and Black… did I know? Probably, but did I remember, NOOOO. So I did not pack many of my orange things, which I have less of since I did a major closet clean out, but I was able to only pack one small weekender bag… except for shoes 🤣. Now on to our adventure, which started at a reasonable hour since we were scheduled for eye appointments on Fort Drum at 10 and 10:15. The doctor had us in and out and we did not venture into the frame shop as we had places to go, people to see, and miles to go before we sleep. That and we had to turn around and drive back to Carthage to get Jim’s ears. Did you know he has hearing aids now. Makes life so much easier, but now we have to add ears to the “Hat, wallet, keys, and phone (sung to head, shoulders, knees, and toes). I will be rewriting that song for when we depart ANYWHERE!!!
That being said, we had several stops to make along the way to Wilson: A new cheese store; Embark Cider, which the tasting room is not open but usually the farm store is open… not today; we tried another cidery with no luck; finally found Blue Barn Cider-by this time we had a horrible thirst and much hunger. Luckily for us, yep, they were able to service all our needs. A little further down the road, Schulze Winery. What a great place! The wife of the owner, a local lady-her husband, well we didn’t meet him, but being the shy, unassuming customers found out that his family emigrated to Wilson from Berlin in 1941/1942. Mrs. Schulze had gone to help pick grapes and met her husband… and that is the rest of the story.
Now on to Wilson… We drove by Jim’s home on Galewood, we then went on to our AirBnB down in the harbor. After unloading, we both needed a walk, not that we live by my watch and I need to close all 3 rings 20/31 days this month to get my July badge… of course Jim already earned his monthly badge, but being the good husband he is he indulges me. Jim worked at The Boathouse in his younger years, before college and army, so we went by and maybe had a drink for old times sake. Walking is hard work and we had worked up a horrible thirst.
We have walked everyday since we arrived. We have gone by the Veteran’s Memorial where Jim found his name and his dad’s, we walked by his dad’s grave, I don’t know how many times before it jumped out at us. So many trees have grown up. The town has grown up. We walked passed Jim’s friends’ houses. We ambled passed Jim’s other childhood home! Always a new story to share.
Friday Activities
Friday morning the festivities started: first up-tour Wilson HS. Some of us went out to lunch afterwards and I don’t know how I didn’t get pictures, but…I did get one selfie! I found out at lunch my website was not being friendly and while Jim napped, my friend George Google helped me get it back on track. He even told me what to say to the live person on the phone… They had it fixed in no time. Jim woke up from his nap and we walked the 200 ft to the Sunset Bar and Grille for an informal get together. I met some new friends, Jim met some old friends and I was in bed and asleep by 8:30.
Saturday Fun Day
Up and at em Saturday morning. We went for a walk, then back to shower, and off to Gail and Dan Farley to visit. They have done so much with their house. There is a bird sanctuary outside the kitchen window. I don’t know how she gets anything done…
Back to the house and a little nap before the big rain storm… I mean outdoor function for the reunion.. Actually there was a torrential downpour while we were visiting with Dan and Gail. Luckily the reunion committee had planned ahead and moved the event inside The Boathouse. Wings and Beef on Weck were served as everyone roamed around visiting with each other. The spouses also visited with each other. A band played in the corner. Some of us danced, some were forced into lining up for a group picture. That was like herding cats. After the gathering wrapped up, a new band was playing out on the porch. The rain had left and life was good. If you ever have a chance to see Nickel City out of Buffalo, DO IT. I would have gotten pictures, but I was dancing my heart out!
Sunday, a day of rest
Sunday was a DONSA or day of no scheduled activities. We were lazy and slept in, then found out that the rain storm from the day before had killed not only the wifi and ac, but also the hot water. After our walk, Jim and I took very quick spit spot cleaning action before heading to Lockport to the New York Beer Project for Brunch. This was a restaurant/brewery Jim had tagged in his google, but it never was convenient to go when visiting Buffalo. The food was good, the beer was good. Then we were off to Olcott Lighthouse (it was Christmas in July, parking was terrible down by the water) and the Van Horn Mansion.
When not running to events, walking the town, or napping, we sat on the back porch. The air quality wasn’t too bad and if there was a breeze the bugs stayed away. We could hear the bands from the Sunset Grill, today’s was actually good and was still loud enough to feel like we were right at the venue. There is a Swan couple with two cygnets that swim the harbor. Today, dad swan got mad and was chasing off a Canadian goose. I wish I had gotten a picture of him as he swam with fluffed up wings and then when he went on the attack and looked like he was going to take off was pretty amazing to watch. We have also had a red headed woodpecker visit. I have always thought I knew what a red headed woodpecker looked like, but I do believe I was mistaken… I have never seen one like this. All in all this was a great weekend. Tomorrow we head back to Carthage to wash clothes and repack for our next adventure, come join us for the Wood Family Reunion in Banner Elk!
#HowFortunateWeAre #MakingOurOwnSunshine #RetiredAndLovingIt