July 4th, 2008 in Findley Lake

Managed to catch a quiet supper at the Blue Heron Inn. We hit the lull before the reservations start arriving for the evening. Their deck will be a prime fireworks watching spot. Sometimes we have a low-key 4th and just catch the tops of the fireworks from our front porch. Tonight we are invited to a friend's house down on the lake. Should be a great display since the weather is perfect. Took a drive around the lake after supper and were amazed at the number of cars lining the roads. Lots of parties and family get-togethers, plus beautiful weather equals a great July 4th in Findley Lake. Looking forward to the fireworks display.

Friday Night Happy Hour

Spent a nice evening last Friday at the Blue Heron Inn enjoying Happy Hour. While we live off of the lake, it was interesting to see so many people from Shadyside that night. They are great people and it's fun to chat with them over a drink. We stayed for supper and, as usual, it was a real toss-up as to what to eat. So many good dishes, so little time.

On the food front in Findley Lake, there is news to report. Vinnie's Pizza is serving breakfast starting at 5am. We tried it out on Monday and it was pretty good. Plus it's local and we support local eating establishments. After breakfast, I browsed the grocery section, which has a nice selection of oriental condiments and food. There were several bottles of shrimp paste, lots of different kinds of chili pastes, rice noodles, and hot sauce. If you do any kind of Chinese, Japanese, Thai, etc. cooking, take some time to browse the shelves. It's really nice to have such a varied selection here in Findley Lake.

Also on the food front, the former Lighthouse Point is to reopen under new ownership. Rumor has the opening set for May 15th and definitely by Memorial Day. This will add to the restaurant scene in Findley Lake.

Remember, you don't have to cook and clean up when you can eat right here in town. Three restaurants within 1 mile provide a lot of choices but only it we patronize them regularly.
Enjoy the variety and eat out this Friday !

Bitter Cold Day

For those ex-pats who miss Findley Lake, today it's 11 degrees, blowing wind (15-25mph forecasted), and over 15 inches accumulated over the last two days. My husband plowed our parking area yesterday and is headed out to plow again today. Even when the snow isn't falling fast, the wind is blowing it off of the fields across the street and into our yard.

Check out the new photo, taken today, at the south end of the lake. It was 6 degrees there when the photo was snapped. Weather not fit for man or beast.

As usual, had a congenial breakfast at the Blue Heron Inn. Wide ranging discussions with other diners covered Sicilian Meat Balls with mint in them, the state of the economy, Raynaud's Disease, farm animals including a seven year old pig (pet), three kittens, fallow deer, and a dog named Shep.

For the first time this winter, we have run the pellet stove all night. No point in paying for natural gas when we've already paid for bags of pellets. I must say that it is a pleasure to be warm in our family room while the wind blows and the temperature drops to 10 degrees outside.

Friday Night in Town

Friday night saw us out to supper in greater downtown Findley Lake. It's so nice to have restaurants open during the winter. Lights shining from the windows, cars in the parking lot, warmth and convivial conversation inside, like an oasis in the dark, cold night. Having hustled through shopping and familial duties in Erie during the day, I was happy to relax in bustle of friends greeting friends, waitresses taking orders and getting drinks, and the company of my husband. Admiring a new baby, chatting with neighbors, and just talking with my special someone was a great way to wind down from a busy day. I was tempted to take a ride around the lake after supper but my lounge chair was calling, so we called it a day. As I write this, my mind is humming the theme song from "Cheers". It's nice when people know your name. Of course, I've found that strangers can become friends as soon as you introduce yourself. Hope to see more friends and soon-to-be friends downtown soon.

Sixteen married years in Findley Lake

Absolutely gorgeous day in Findley Lake NY today! While the ice is still covering the lake, the sky was a beautiful blue with cotton ball clouds and the SUN was shining. A banner day to celebrate our 16th wedding anniversary. Nothing beats starting the day here with breakfast down by the lake. Fortunately the Blue Heron Inn was open for business. After a congenial breakfast, (and a surprise anniversary gift of a large red onion), we took our normal "ride around the lake". I don't think I'll ever tire of riding around the lake. Early in our marriage, my husband couldn't believe that I would ask for a ride around the lake after dark. Today, we admired the various remodelling/construction projects as we rode. Keeping tabs on what the other residents are doing is a time honored activity in a small town and we've learned how to do this. We checked out the new skating rink on Shadyside. Wonder if they will rent skates? Three new houses being built on Sunnyside, plus a number of major remodels. Nice to see the neighbors improving their property. All in all, had a lovely anniversary. As for the red onion, I think it's a commentary on our marriage, colorful, spicy and sharp, many layered, and an acquired taste. And yes, I do love onions!