To the Catskills

We spent two days at Octobers end leef-peeping and exploring the Catskills area of NY. It was a beautiful region, with a concentration higher than normal of artist colonies and monasteries. Seriously, you couldn't turn around without seeing a "spiritual retreat." Also, they seem to call creeks or streams "kills" (maybe from the Dutch?), as in "Fish Kill" or "Saw Kill." We stayed at a superlatively tranquil bed and breakfast, Onteora Mountain House, which was lovely; we had the place to ourselves, because it was mid-week, and thus they made an exception to their no-kids-allowed rule. Orion's newly-potty-trained presence along with the oriental rugs and antique pottery made it not quite a relaxing locale, but sans bebe it would be quite zen.



A theme emerged--we would be told something was open only to find it closed. We tried to look on the bright side. For example, we went to a Buddhist monastery to unreverently gawk at a huge statue of the Buddha; although it was closed, a satisfactorily large front-loader on the grounds proved to be quite as attractive.

We went to a "petting zoo" which also included non-pettable creatures such as emus, bison, and a tiger; Orion enjoyed seeing the animals, especially the rabbits; but the place seemed to my mind completely unsanitary and inhumane, and thus quite uncomfortable to me. (Avoid the Bailiwick Ranch.)

Sadly, the Thomas Cole House was closed for the season, so we wandered about the grounds and admired the view.


We hiked to the highest waterfall in NY, the Kaaterskill Falls. They were sublime.




Also closed for the season was the Old Rheinbeck Aerodome, but the old mechanics working on the old airplanes let us look into the hangars. They give airshows, with the real antique aircraft, just as they did in the 1920s and 30s...we'll have to go back for a real show in June. It was completely fascinating and transporting...they also had old cars and a little red caboose, that apparently is their dressing room. It was unlocked, so we snooped around the vintage clothes in a self-guided behind-the-scenes tour.

young Tigers' fan, autumn leaves, and "Tall!"

The Reluctant Dinosaur

Although never habituated, Orion had been fascinated by his borrowed dinosaur costume (dazaza Apuhm) for nearly a month. He refused to put it on, until I rigged up a costume (also of borrowed parts), incidentally of Queen Elizabeth II in the 1950's. Then he wanted a costume, too, but screamed or complained the entire time it was donned.Even the presence of beloved neighbor children in costume didn't convince him.
You see, he prefers (demands) all extremities to be free from encumberances.
The new-to-us car (from another n.c.) was his only solace.

He really would rather wear a flower or leaf behind his ear; he just wants to be like his Mama.

Mamu Azazah

...is Orion's way of saying Nemo Underwear. We're not at %100 yet, but Orion is doing pretty darn good at potty use. It took one day of intense training (with "Toilet Training in Less Than a Day" as my guide) and he got the motions down, another week for a successful #2, and an IKEA potty for both floors and the car. Orion is proud of himself, and I'm proud of him. He still needs several reminders a day, sometimes insistent reminders, but we're down to a diaper for nap and bedtime and that's it. He loves his Pixar underwear, proudly proclaiming "Mamu Azazah DAH!" when asked if it's dry.
He also loves his dinosaur boots (Dazazah boof), wearing his parents' shoes as well, and treats many objects as phones. Here a kaleidoscope branches to another sense.

Way to go, kiddo!

IN THE MIDST OF POTTY TRAINING

I didn't sign up for this much toilet talk. Orion initiated it and is doing really well for such a little guy. We're doing nothing but practicing....no blog updates for awhile.

The best water game

still can't figure out how to post videos...go to http://www.youtube.com/v/Vq2_Cb-G3ao&hl=en&fs=1
for the next internet baby laughing Youtube phenomenon. Or at least to see Orion cracking up (and groaning with laughter) by throwing rocks in the water while I say "Kerplunk" or "wejuwejuwejuweju"

He was getting all wet, so eventually all the clothes came off....(viewer advisory: bebe au natural)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RjwtSt9XqcY

Thanks, Samantha!

farewell summer/lake compounce

in late August we visited the oldest amusement part in America, Lake Compounce. Although we didn't get to ride the wooden roller coasters, we all had a great time on the kiddie rides with Orion. Goodbye Summer!