My Sussex County Week 5

 

 

Holiday Time

 

Tonight we started our holiday excitement.

After a weekend in holiday cheer at church I was all ready for some back at home.

After some discussion I talked Jeff into heading out to see some  lights.

These aren't just any lights these are drive through Christmas lights!

 

Yes Sussex County has a one mile drive through light show.

For the first time Skyland Stadium is hosting this light spectacular.

So corny ass me baked up some chocolate chip cookies for us to snack on.

Well kind of ADD me was so into the lights I forgot to eat the cookies.

 

I'm a sucker for Christmas lights and Christmas music so tonight was perfect.

I'm now just waiting for that amazing white piece of heaven to fall from the sky.

Can you imagine my excitement to have snow, lights, and music?

I'll load Winnie back into the car to drive through again to enjoy the show!

 

 





 

My Sussex County Week 4

 

 

 

Undisturbed Wilderness

 

 

 

I know I know it's November!

This picture was taken in May.

The reason I'm showing you it today is simple.

Right now it is 34 degrees outside.

That doesn't say come explore my wilderness.

But the beauty of the wild flowers does.

 

Many of you probably haven't heard of the Tocks Island Dam Project.

It is the perfect movie of the government having to much power.

Entire towns taken over by the government for one single reason

Build a dam at the Delaware Water Gap

And make a reservoir for water supply, sports, and electricity.

 

To do this thousands of acres of lands were bought out.

Families who had lived and worked the land for generations were told to leave.

Only a few with money could stand their ground and fight.

Meanwhile houses sat falling apart, road became over grown.

Luckily the Tock's Island Dam Project was abandoned.

 

Now we have the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.

We have 100 year old houses falling away to the ground.

Old farms turning in to forests and road becoming deer trails.

It is as if someone pushed a pause button and time stopped.

 

I've have become in love with the history,

Learning as much as I can about this amazing land.

The government has forgotten this land and along with it the history.

There are still a few who celebrate it but many in our state have no clue.

 

You would think something like this would have happen in the early 1900's

It didn't instead it happen from 1965 to 1974.

The goal get more water to New York City and Philadelphia.

But make it look like the surrounding areas would benefit also.

 

Now these amazing woods beg to be explored,

The history to be rediscovered.

Town even our government have forgotten.

So look close and maybe you will see the locale kids running free!

My Sussex County Week 3

 

 

 

Lakes and Planes!

 

 

 

I have two great loves since childhood.

I love water preferable fresh water.

I love things that are man made that fly.

 

I grew up fishing and swimming in a lake in New York State.

I would sit on the rocks looking out over the water to calm my mind.

I would rush down with my fishing pole and radio to escape work.

I would jump in or row across as much as I was allowed.

 

I also grew up sitting in my back yard watching the planes.

On average we would have a new plane over our property every 15 seconds.

Big planes, little planes, helicopters and blimps.

I even became an aircraft mechanic because of this love.

 

So imagine my joy when Jeff introduced me to Lake Aeroflex.

Nestled in the heart of Andover this lake takes your breath away.

Then the antique planes start to take off and land.

It is like going back in time of the great classic movies.

 

You lose yourself in the quietness of the lake and all that nature truly is.

Then in the distance you see a plane coming closer and lower.

The beauty of the movement brings you to a time long ago.

It is a simple sight that I can only find here in Sussex County.

 



My Sussex County Week 2

 

 

Quiet Lunches

 

 

When I lived in California my Uncle Dennis introduced me to real Mexican food.

Not Dell Taco or Taco Bell but the small privately owned Mexican restaurants of the desert.

When I moved to Texas I learned the difference between CaliMex and TexMex.

Seasonings vary across the south west giving your palette an exciting trip.

But the one thing I did learn was that there is so much more then food in shells.

 

When I came back to Jersey the hunt for the Mexican food I learned to love.

But all I could find were tacos and burritos served counter style.

They weren't half bad but I missed that sit down home cooked taste I grew to love.

Then I moved to Sussex County yes boys and girls I found good Mexican food in the hills.

 

The first time Jeff and I tried Riviera Mya I had the lamb.

It brought me back to those little restaurants I discovered on my travels.

I've now had a few of their dishes and I haven't found one I don't like.

Of course I eat those famous shelled foods like tacos more often then not.

 

We aren't the only ones who have found this great place to eat.

The emptiness of the picture was lunch time the best time to grab a table.

Dinner time is usually take out or patients while you wait for a table.

With friendly wait staff and food full of flavors its worth it.

 

 



My Sussex County Week 1

 

MY SUSSEX COUNTY

 

WEEK 1

 

 

 

This morning as Jeff and I were driving I thought of how I haven't Blogged in forever.

I love to express myself but I don't want to be one of those that post about everything.

So in the early hours of the morning I realized the one thing I like to share is where I live.

Each week I'll pick my favorite photo or photo's from around Sussex County.

 

Now a little back ground to My Sussex County.

As most of you know I was raised just outside of NYC in Bergen County NJ.

I spent many weekends away in Sullivan County NY.

I love and will always love both of those counties but those are my younger memories.

Sussex County became my home almost 5 years ago while still dating Jeff.

 

I always wanted to combine my two childhood counties and I believe Sussex is that.

I know Sussex and Bergen are completely opposites but I can find small likenesses.

First I grew up the small town of Rutherford with a great down town, small schools, and a great view of the city sky line. (there is only one city and that's NYC)

Sussex County has great small towns with cute down towns, and great views of mountains, farms, and valley's. (Go with me on this please)

Second Bergen county has amazing historic homes, great small restaurants, and a zoo.

Sussex county is full of historic homes, amazing restaurants, and a zoo!

Finally Bergen county feels like home and so does Sussex County.

 

Sullivan County is truly out in the middle of nowhere.

Sussex County is only one county away!

Sullivan county has plenty of wildlife, woods, and water.

Sussex county has never ending state and federal lands, abundant wildlife, and water everywhere.

 

These are the things that I wanted in a place to live.

I wanted to escape the crowds and traffic of Bergen County.

Yet Jeff wasn't ready to leave New Jersey.

So we settled up here in the Skylands of New Jersey.

A county that has more then double the land of Bergen County but less the a quarter the people.

 

So now I will introduce you to My Sussex County.

This is my point of view and the things that stand out to me.

Family

 

The Kitchen of Grace Church,

Rutherford, New Jersey

 

Unknown Date

 

 

  

"I don't think anyone has a normal family."

~Edward Furlong~

I didn't grow up a normal life.
Then again what is normal?
I was the second child of my parents,
Who are both twins.

My mother is an identical twin,
My father a fraternal twin.
In the picture above is my fathers twin.
Yes that olive skinned brown eyed guy,
Is my pale skinned blue eye fathers twin.

Also pictured is my favorite great Aunt Louise.
We lost both of them years ago.
They both had such major impacts on me,
And losing them both made me grow up.

 As different as they were to each other
They encompassed everything my family was, is, and will be.
My Aunt much like her sister aka my grandmother,
Is a pillar of a modern women before her times.
She was strong minded but very loving.
She didn't take no for an answer or ever pay full price.

My Uncle is much like the men in my family,
Hard worker who took much pride in his job,
But still made time to be with family.
Oh and just like all the men in my fathers family,
My Uncle taught me how to laugh at myself.

As much as I miss my childhood of,
Uncles making funny faces,
Aunts telling stories,
Or cousins playing games.
I am glad I am the women they helped me become.

I will always love my family no matter what goes on,
I will always miss those who have gone before me,
And I will always look forward to the future of my family.



Apple A Day

 

Oches Farm

 

October 5, 2013

 

 

 

 

Oh, the Lord's been good to me.
And so I thank the Lord
For giving me the things I need:
The sun, the rain and the appleseed;
Oh, the Lord's been good to me.

~Johnny Appleseed Grace~ 

 

So I've been away for a bit!

Well I've been here just not blogging.

Why you ask?

Many reasons but now I have tons to share.

 

Above in the picture is my niece Vickie,

And my best friends son Van.

Yes I was apple picking with double V's.

What a fun time we had.

 

I love spending time with them.

Its always interesting when you take

A 6 year old and 17 year old apple picking.

First of all they eat a lot of apples.

Second of all when apple picking on the side of a mountain,

Their voices travel.......far!

 

But we did have a great time.

We searched for the best apples,

A certain someone was up in the trees,

And being held up high to reach the right apple.

Oh and causing it to rain because the leaves were so wet.

 

By the time we left there our feet were wet,

We had more apples then planned for,

And V & V are now "best friends".

As for me I was pulling the wagon and laughing the entire time.

9-11-01

 

 

World Trade Center, New York, NY

 

 

 

"Where were you when the world stopped turning on that September day?
Were you in the yard with your wife and children
Or working on some stage in L.A.?
Did you stand there in shock at the sight of that black smoke
Risin' against that blue sky?
Did you shout out in anger, in fear for your neighbor
Or did you just sit down and cry?"

~Where Were You By Alan Jackson~

 

On September 11, 2001 I was in New York State.

To be exact when I heard about the first plane,

I was standing in front of Ferdon Hall at Camp Glen Spey.

My father and I had woken early to head up and meet with the ranger.

 

I remember telling my father how amazing it was out that day.

The sky was so blue and not a cloud to be found.

We had just arrived at camp when the first report came through

The ranger told us as we walked over to talk.

 

At first my father thought it was a joke.

Country boy trying to pull a fast one on us.

Then his wife said over the radio

"Another plane hit the second tower"

 

I can honestly say my heart stopped.

I at this time had already been working in aviation.

I knew the flight paths around New York City.

I knew that I had friends flying around covering the first crash.

 

Then as we prepared to get to work when the unthinkable happened.

The first tower collapsed.

 

Our long day of helping fix things around the camp,

Turned into a long quiet ride home.

And as we came over the hill on Route 3 in Clifton,

The first signs that life had changed appeared.

 

Thick black smoke could be seen in the distance to the south.

And as we approached Rutherford the highway grew to a stop.

Fire trucks raced past us filled with volunteer's wanting to go help.

People crying in their cars as the reality hit.

 

When we arrived home a creepy silenced filled the air.

You never realize how much air traffic is over head until it's gone.

It was gone for a few days and I welcomed it when it returned.

 

And during all this our country pulled together.

We didn't let it destroy us,

We morn for those who were lost,

And celebrated those who survived.

 

Today we remember that day,

But we don't let that day control us.

We are stronger then the attacks!

 

Missing Pictures

 

 

Well Maybe!

 

Okay so there isn't just one picture on today's blog.

Why you may ask me?

Because my mind can't pick just one to type about.

And it's been to long since I've blogged!

 

Well maybe I'll show you what I've been up to.

 

Picking Wild Blueberries

 

 

Playing in the river

 

 

Running my buisness

 

 

Partying with the family

 

And that was all with in 8 days!

 

I am loving this summer, I'm loving my life,

and I love those who make it so special!

A Lost Mother

 

 

Montague, NJ

 

July 2013

 

 

 

"I'm an outdoors girl - I like to go fishing,

riding four-wheelers, hunting."

~Miranda Lambert~

 

Everyday we get a visitor,

She arrives alone,

Eats alone,

Leaves alone.

 

You can see the weight loss because of over population.

She will either fatten up or pass away.

Its is an upsetting sight to see everyday.

Especially since this spring she had a little one.

Then one morning she arrived alone.

 

The only conclusion I can come up with,

Her little one didn't make it across the street.

You see the amount of deer strikes by cars is amazing.

And this mom must have watched it happen.

 

I'm hoping this fall she meets up with others,

And starts to have something to live for again.

 

And yes my husband hunts,

We eat what he kills,

And I'm proud that he helps control the population.

This mother lost her baby not by a gun,

But by the most common weapon used against them,

Her baby was hit by a car.

MY LC

 

Pittsburgh PA

 

July 16, 2007

 

 

"It take courage to grow up and become who you really are."

~E. E. Cummings~

 

There are few people who come into your life that truly change you.

21 years ago one of my dearest friends welcomed such a person into this world.

His son has changed me unlike he knows just by being himself.

 

As I watched him grow up in pictures and rare visits,

This young man took on an important part in my life.

He is and always will be very special to me.

 

I remember our first conversation between just him and I.

It was New Years and I was laying on the sofa late at night.

He hadn't said much to me that night but finally he did.

No one else was awake and we got to know each other.

Over the next few days I slowly gained his trust,

And our friendship began to grow.

 

In 2007 he turned 16 and I wouldn't miss it for the world.

The seven hour drive was worth every mile,

Not only did I get to be there for his first tattoo,

We got to go to the zoo and go on the Just Ducky Tour,

And I took him out for a special birthday dinner.

 

Today he is turning 21 and I can't believe how much time flew by.

I'm so proud of the young man he has become,

And I know he is going to go far in his life no matter what he does.

 

I know life hasn't always been easy,

But know that I love you and will always be here for you.

Happy Birthday My Little Craig!

 

Country State Of Mind

 

MetLife Stadium

 

2011

 

 

 Well its funny how it's the little things in life

that mean the most
Not where you live or what you drive or

the price tag on your clothes
There's no dollar sign on a piece of mind

this I've come to know 

~Chicken Fry - Zac Brown Band~

 

Every once in a while someone has to remind me I'm in Jersey.

See I have a country state of mind and I love that.

To make things even worse go to a country concert at MetLife Stadium.

Located in the Meadowlands of New Jersey

Miles outside of New York City.

 

I got that chance a few years ago when I headed over with a two of my friends,

And my niece Daisy Mae aka Vickie.

What a great show it was even though it rained.

The concert was amazing and everyone had such a blast.

 

Its moments like those that I know I'm a country girl at heart.

See I grew up a mile from that stadium,

When it was Giant Stadium I saw amazing concerts

Such as Rolling Stones and Oz Feast there.

 

I still would go see those shows there,

But deep down inside country music has always been my favorite.

I was that girl that would blast Alabama and sing along

Meanwhile wearing my Ozzy tee shirt.

 

I'm proud to be a country fan!

I'm proud to be a rock fan!

Most of all I'm proud that my niece has a diverse taste in music also.

 

Long Road

 

Sandyston, New Jersey

 

May 2013

 

 

 

"Never give up and good luck will find you"

~Falcor- Never Ending Story~

 

I took this picture one day when I was going to meet up with Jeff.

I always loved the first leaf's of spring,

They have this lime green color and the tree bark is getting dark.

 

You have this amazing feeling driving through these woods,

The land is rough and wild and seems so untouched.

But 40 years ago houses could be found in these woods,

Towns existed and people had lives here.

 

Then our government decided to build a dam,

And flood all this amazing land.

But true American stubbornness won out.

And even though many families sold out and moved,

Some held on and got to keep their land.

 

Now it is a combination of private, state and federal protected land.

Land for us to hike on, fish on, and hunt on.

And as you wander through the woods,

You come across someone's home.

Jake

 

Kemah Lake, Hampton, New Jersey

 

Winter 2010

 

 

"You can be a good neighbor

only if you have good neighbors"

~Howard Koch~

 

In the winter of 2010 we moved next door to Jake.

He became one of the best neighbors a person could have.

 

We met him the day we moved in and through the winter he became a good friend.

Every time the sky opened and snow fell down,

Jake would be out plowing snow in the neighborhood.

As soon as I heard his quad I'd start a pot of coffee for him.

 

With out asking and never excepting money he would plow our driveway.

So I found a way to thank him for all the hard work.

A nice big cup of hot coffee and something to snack one.

 

But snow removal wasn't the only neighborly thing he did.

When our furnace was flooded he gave us fire wood,

When Jeff need help with something Jake was there to help.

We were blessed to have Jake and his wife as neighbors.

 

When we moved out we knew we would miss him very much.

Little did we know how much he would miss us also