Trip to NY Summer 1997
 Just got back from a trip to NY to see the family again. The first thing I did was drive into a little ditch on the way home. I was tired and it was raining and there was a big truck behind me and it did not look like it was going to slow down so I took a turn to fast. Boom! I was in the ditch and the airbags went off. The insurance should cover the damage but it was rather a drag. The first night we stayed at the Clarkson Inn and it is a pretty nice hotel and much less expensive than a comparable one in California. Another night we stayed in this totally 50's hotel out on the edge of town. The room was done in orange, orange of all colors! With a big orange sofa and bed spread. Ah! The best part was the starburst chandelier - this shiny gold ball surrounded by dozens of different length gold spikes ending in tiny lights. It was so insane.

Anyway, after the car disaster things went much better. My mom and dad seemed to be doing well. The third night we were back in the Clarkson Inn and the man left to return to work. We took some time to do some shopping and I bought some more earrings. I like putting money into the local economy - not that I bought a great deal but I like to think I am contributing at least a little bit. The next day I went camping with my dad, sister and her family. We cooked out and went boating and had a great time. I spent a few days just hanging out with my mother and talking with her. I tried to get a hold of my friend Bobbie Joe but I guess she was not in town that week.

We all went to my Aunt CaroleĖs for a party on the 4th of July. It rained pretty hard most of the day but that did not really bother me because I was really there to see everyone. We had good food and talked and played some games. My man, my sister and I did very well at Pictonary Ō but not so well at the other game. I forget what it is called but you have to sing the first couple of lines to a song. We left before that game was done. The other teams were quite disgruntled with us for doing so well at Pictionary - saying it was unfair because we thought alike. I was just there to have a good time and it kind of took some of the fun out of it that they were not having fun because they were not winning. It was nice to see everyone though and I hope I will be able to get back for Christmas.

During the party my cousin pointed out to me that my web page was not allowing AOL folks to view it. I apologize to anyone who had tried to view my site and could not. I did not realize that the AOL browser did not recognize the code I was using. As you should have seen I have added a button to the front page so all can view my pages.

We had a second party the next night for my Aunt and UncleĖs 40th Anniversary party. There was music and dancing and I got to dance with my dad who likes to dance even more than I do! At the beginning of the party they had a little part where you could talk about your memories of the couple - I wanted to thank them for all their support through the years but I was too shy. As long as I can remember my Aunt and Uncle have been very supportive and kind to me. I am sure I mention this somewhere else in my pages but I not saying it at the party made me realize the chance I had missed.

Also, at the party were two girls that I graduated with. I did not get the chance to talk to them much, since they were busy being great waitresses, but it was nice to see them. I looked around my house for my yearbook but could not find it. That bummed me out since I designed the cover. I will ask my mom to take a look around the house to see if it is still around.

We went back to my AuntĖs camp for a smaller gathering a few days later and my cousinĖs wife Pam took me Sea-dooing on the new Sea-doo that my Uncle bought. It was very fun and I was happy for the chance to spend more time talking to Pam then, "Hi, how have you been?"

I had a hectic next couple of days helping my sister and my Aunt (different Aunt) with their computers. I helped my sister set up her Mac to get online. She has since sent me some email and I am very excited! I will be able to send her things and she will be able to show them to my mom. Pretty neat. I am waiting for her to write me back. My Aunt has a web page for her Gift Shop. You should go take a look at it and call her and order something. (No pressure) I helped her out with a mailing list and with her email. She did really well! She is a clever woman and once she gains some more confidence should be doing great with her online and computer stuff.

While I was home I also went through every photo album and bag/box of photos my parents had. There were tons of them. My father has kept tons of pictures from his days in the Army, which were quite fun to look through with him. I think he was saddened because many of the people that he knew in the army are gone now but I think he was happy that I was interested. While I was going through the pictures I sorted out some to scan in and put online (oh, I can sense your excitement). I might start the process soon but since it was been so beautiful here since I have gotten back I hate spending it inside.

I also got to go to the Potsdam Days for a little while. Potsdam Days are a yearly festival of Arts, Crafts and Music held in downtown. It usually coincides with the Potsdam College and Clarkson College reunions (coincidence? We donĖt think so). I did not see anyone I really knew at the festival but it was nice to see all the people out having a good time. I missed it last year so I was happy to get the chance to go.

Sad news though. Upon my return I found that my mouse, Howard had died. I am quite depressed since he was a nice mouse but I have decided that mice are dirty little creatures and I will probably not be getting a replacement for him.