Week in Review: Week 235
Warning: so many pictures
MONDAY
Got up early early to shoot in The Enchanted Forest. Not as enchanted as I had been led to believe, but whatever. Had breakfast in the lodge then packed up and headed to the day’s main event, Watkins Glen. For years I have heard of Watkins Glen, the beautiful waterfalls and natural pools, I’ve seen pictures of people splashing in said pools, cavorting under the waterfalls, etc. I was excited to go. I have NEVER seen the 27,000 steps (slight exaggeration for dramatic effect) going up 800 feet (legit stat) to the top. And apparently the splashing pools and cavorting under the waterfalls is at places “similar” to Watkins Glen, not at Watkins Glen. SO – while I was not disappointed in it, it was not at all what I had expected.
When I saw the first run of steps, how steep they were, I almost didn’t go. I was this close to saying to my friend, YOU go, take all the time you want, I’ll wait here. Because…those steps were daunting. And those were only the ones I could see. Who KNEW what lay beyond?? But…we decided to do the first steps and then re-assess. And I think we did that for the next couple flights. And at some point, we just decided to go to the halfway point where there was a separate return trail. I’m not sure how it normally is, but due to Covid, all the paths were one way only. So there was only spot at which you could return…prior to that point or after, you were committed to doing the entire thing.
Anyway, I won’t lie. It was rough. But we did it! Go Us! Later, driving, I said, you know…I think we could have it made the whole way. My friend agreed. But…in the moment, I was very grateful to arrive at the halfway point and be able to return to ground level. And going down was scarier than going up! I have some “going down stairs” balance fears, and once you hit the steps portion of the return trail, it was just a never-ending curving flight of inconsistently-spaced steps. Sometimes with no fence or railing to hang onto. So I was very slow going down. But I made it.
Last Big Feat of My 50s!
All that said, it was lovely. I understand the falls and creeks are fuller in the spring than in August, but there were still some nice views, the rock formations were stunning, and there was a “walk behind the waterfall” spot which was fun. I said we should make a goal of preparing ourselves to return next year, ready to do the whole thing.
And all that ^ was just the morning!
After WG we headed to Corning, NY for a night. We went to a Corelle outlet and saw the largest Pyrex measuring cup in the world. I got a new egg pan and glass baking dish for super cheap. We had lunch in an open-air marketplace. After checking into the hotel and showering and resting up, we went to the Corning Glass Museum that had a lot of, uhm, glass. My favorite part was the contemporary art gallery. My friend made the alarms go off, so that was exciting 🙂 Then back to the hotel bar for a light dinner, a wonderful bath (I so miss a bathtub and this was a good one!), and bed, exhausted.
TUESDAY
Got up, lower back and backs of calves a little sore, but that’s to be expected after going up (and down!) about 400 steps. Got mostly packed, got dressed, went downstairs for breakfast in the hotel, went back up, went into the bathroom to take my pills, reached over the slightest bit to turn on the water and BAM STARS PAIN CURSING OW. And that was it. I was crippled. I’ve had sciatica on and off for years…I’ve had slipped discs in the past, so I’m familiar with this sudden pain. Wow. Now I had to get all my luggage downstairs (ow) and into the car (ow) then ride 5+ hours home (ow ow). Got home, made two trips up the steps to get my stuff inside, left it all right at the top of the bedroom steps, got into my nightgown and got into bed. Goodnight.
Somewhere along the way home, we stopped at a nice farm stand that had the most beautiful selection of pumpkins I’ve ever seen – white ones, yellow ones, grey ones, striped ones, speckled ones, bumpy ones, super big and super small ones…and the prices were so good. If it wasn’t only September 1 and there was more room in the car and I wasn’t mostly focused on avoiding OW, I would have gotten a couple. Also, big beautiful mums, like half the price they are on the Island. I did get some pretty corn and two yellow plums that were supposed to be extra sweet. They were not. But the corn was as delicious (and fresh) as it was pretty.
WEDNESDAY
Just taking it really slow and easy today. Pain is a little better. During the night when I had to get up to pee it took a really long time to get out of bed. Every tiny little inching over movement is painful. But by the morning it was a little better. Made the soonest chiropractor appointment I could, which is not til Friday.
THURSDAY
Just took it easy again today even though the pain is much better than yesterday. Moving isn’t scary today, I’m just continuing to be careful – walking gently, avoiding the steps, etc. Read for a bit on the sofa, sitting up, with big pillow behind my back so I was very upright.
FRIDAY
Got up at crackadawn to be at the chiropractor at 8am. The pain is significantly better after three days, but I wanted to try and get it knocked out completely…AND I’ve been wanting to talk to him about my unbearable-burning-pain-inside-behind-my-ribs-when-I’m-on -my-feet-for-2+-hours-at-a-time…aka Work Event Pain, because that’s the only time I ever AM on my feet for 2+ hours straight where I can’t just sit down to relieve the pain when it starts.
The general dr didn’t really give it much thought when I told him about it, just said it sounded like maybe a pinched nerve in the back, and me, knowing I have a history of slipped discs, thought that sounded reasonable. He did not, however, suggest a scan or MRI or visit to a chiro or anything. It was another one of those “oh, well, your weight” things that he was dismissive of.
Anyway, Dr. Cutie Patootie Chiropractor (I haven’t seen him in 4 years and had forgotten that I and every other man and woman in there has a big crush on him) wasn’t able to make any assessment of what it could be without a scan (obviously. he’s adorable but he does not have x-ray vision) so he suggested a thoracic MRI of the somethingsomething vertebrae and now I have to convince General Dr. to give me a scrip for that. Ugh. Way too much contact with General Dr. this year.
SATURDAY
IT’S MY BIRTHDAY!!! I was feeling a little off so canceled faraway plans and just had easy day at home instead. The child had some goodies and flowers delivered, and my niece sent some fun gifties. She was also responsible for the 60th Birthday tiara! I met a friend at the park in the evening, it was a lovely night to just sit outside.
SUNDAY
Went into Queens/city with a friend. We rode the NYC Ferry up and down the East River from Astoria to Wall Street, which allows for Queens, Brooklyn, and city views from a very different perspective than you normally have. It was sunny and just slightly warm but dry and every single person everywhere was wearing their mask.
I hadn’t realized how much I’ve missed the energy of the city. It just always hits me that way as this is where i should be.
Then back to Astoria for dinner. There’s a central location with All The Restaurants and a couple streets were closed off to allow more space for outdoor dining…and the weather was perfect and the people watching was good and it was just a really good day.
In all, other than my back, a very good week. A good vacation. And tomorrow is Back to Work – BUT, some good news…my office is going back to alternating days in the building, so it looks like one day in, one day work from home, which I appreciate. All the kids are coming back, no more alternating schedule for them. Hopefully, things will go smoothly as the school itself has had no cases of C19 so far.
Happy Labor Day – the unofficial marker of summer’s end, though I never give summer up lightly.
WHAT I’VE BEEN READING
Nothing to See Here by Kevin Wilson. Recommended here by Pamela Gray. Quirky, for sure. And while I don’t usually like having to “suspend belief,” this felt so…within the realm of possibility (even though clearly not) that it just read like a regular story where regular people have regular challenges. Like we all have nanny jobs caring for children who can set themselves on fire. I liked the main character who was really nothing special, no one believed that more than she, and yet she was able to rise to this overwhelming challenge that everyone else felt was insurmountable. An underdog’s underdog. 4/5
WHAT I’VE BEEN WATCHING
I feel so strongly that I already wrote this review but…I don’t see it anywhere so I’m writing it again.
This is Where I Leave You…the movie from the book by Jonathan Tropper I reviewed last week. I loved it. As much as you can love a wonderful book made into a movie. Trying to smoosh almost 300 pages of story into under two hours of movie…there are going to be things hurried through, glossed over, or left out. BUT – this cast is fantastic, they truly did justice to the original story. I low-key cried through the entire thing even when I was laughing. It was a $2.99 rental on Amazon Prime but well worth it. Two thumbs up.
And that’s all she wrote, folks!
Danai @ Living, Learning, Eating
Oh my goodness, what a gorgeous hike and what a cute kitty! It looks like you’re making the most of the rest of your summer, enjoy!
Linda Root
Enjoyed reading this. Your photos are: WOW !!
Donna M
Wow, Bettye! I’m new to your blog, and got it from Jodie Filigomo (Jodie’s Touch of Style). Your photos are amazing! I wasn’t surprised to read in your “bio” that you’re a photographer, because your attention to detail, the colors in your photos- all just beautiful!
I’m 64 years “not exactly” old and have found my 60’s to be a bit liberating and a bit sobering, so I hope you find some joy in yours, now that you’ve hit the big 6-0. I’m happy to read a blog I can identify with, both with the age of the blogger and their size. I’ve been overweight all my life and, from your pictures, seem to be around your size. I like your sense of fashion and can relate to wanting to have comfort in your clothing, but also style. I’m on a never-ending search to find clothes that look nice on me, and yet don’t pinch, stick or cling!
Also want to say KUDOS to you for getting up (and down!) ALL those steps at Watkins Glen!! I was in the Finger Lakes last August for a vacation, but did not venture near any hiking trails or steps!! Total applause for YOU!
Anyway, it’s a pleasure to read your blog and I’ll be back!
Hugs, Donna
bettyewp
Yay! New friends! So glad you came over, Donna! Oh yeah, I’m liking 60 already. I don’t think I’ve been this excited about a new decade since I turned 20!!!
The ongoing search for cute COMFORTABLE clothes, I know it well!!!
Hope to see you here again!
Jaynn
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! I KNOW IT’S NOT TODAY BUT YOU CAN HAVE EXTRA!!!! Love love love all your pictures. My mom used to always say, “why are you taking pictures with no one you know in them?” So I usually only take photos with people that I know in them. But I am a people watcher so I like the idea of snapping photos of people I don’t know and who don’t even know they are being photographed.
Your photos always elicit feelings, and that’s what real life is, baby, good stuff! Sounds like a fun birthday week and trip! Here’s to 59 more! =)
P.S. Was there cake? Ever?
bettyewp
Oh, I can always have extra birthday. I have been known to have month-long birthday celebrations 🙂
Oh! Cake! Yes! Shoot! The friend I went upstate with last weekend snuck two giant pieces of chocolate cake into the hotel with us, with a 60th candle…I took a picture and meant to post it in WIR…that was so many pictures ago at this point, I didn’t go back far enough! I may have to do a Birthday Part II post (ha ha, of course I do) cuz there was a photo project I’d been working on that I just didn’t get done in time…we’ll see just how self-centered I can be at 60!!!
Melissa
Beautiful pics as always! I love the NY scenery since I’ve never experienced it myself. Maybe one day. It’s a bucket list item for me.
I hate your back went out! Hopefully, your GP will write the Rx for your scan. Doctors are such sticks in the mud most of the time in my experience anyway.
I’m ready for fall! The lovely pumpkins and talk of mums make me want to pick some up for around the house, but moving! Ugh. I had forgotten how stressful buying/selling can be.
bettyewp
My back is much better…I’ll still go to my chiro appt tomorrow (cuz it’s fun ha ha).
I do have a couple pots on the patio that are looking a little late summer sad, they could do with a colorful mum or some pansies. I don’t know what I’m going to do with the bigger plants come cold…if I bring them inside I will surely kill them (it’s what I do). But I can’t really make a messy pile-of-leaves-inside-burlap-cage on the patio cuz she’s asked me to keep it neat out there. Ideally, I could insulate them right up against the house, they’d be a little protected and get some warmth from there and MAYBE survive the winter. I feel they have a better shot out there in the elements than they do indoors with me 🙁
When’s the big move?
Leeanne
Waktins Glen and the surround area is super high on my bucket list. I would love to take a week long trip out there so I can really explore the area and hike a lot. I love your pictures they are so beautiful.
bettyewp
I think there are a LOT of waterfalls in the area, and super great hiking. And lakes for water fun! Hope you get to go some time, Leeanne!
Thanks for stopping by!
jodie filogomo
Your description of your chiropractor just cracked me up!!
You know I’m always in awe of your photos and it looks like I’m not the only one.
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Rhonda
Such wonderful pictures!!! It certainly looks Enchanting to me!!! I’m in Colorado, where it was 93 degrees yesterday and SNOWING TODAY!!! Take me away…….!!
Your stair steps gave me flash backs from 10 years ago, when I was in Italy, at the Vatican, just broaching the 551 stairs to climb the VERY narrow (and slanted) Duomo to the top overlook at St. Peter’s. At the time, I was suffering from a horrible case of bronchitis and could barely breathe …I realized, once I took the first step into the corridor it would be the last, until the top—NO turning back! I also knew I DID NOT want to go, but would regret it, should I not! Sure enough, what seemed like an eternity and several failed attempts to breath deeply, I emerged, to view the most spectacular 360 degree view of the Eternal City! A profound sight and feeling I will never forget, or regret! But boy, I DO NOT want to do that again!! (did I mention it was a VERY small, narrow staircase? And I suffer from a fear of heights?)
It looks like you had a very wonderful trip, and birthday! Thank you for sharing the photos, I especially loved seeing all of the beautiful scenery and glass displays! And hope your back is back to “normal” soon!
bettyewp
Ha, Colorado! WE’ve been hearing the stories of your crazy weather all the way in NY!
I’m so glad you got yourself up those steps in Italy. I know most of my regrets are based on things I DIDN’T do, more than things I DID.
My back is feeling terrific after my appointment yesterday!
julia
Happy birthday! I know I’m a couple of days late but you did say you were stretching birthday time right? I loved your photos as usual and just got lost in your trip. I’m so glad you’re able to work from home more often. Have you considered moving back into the city when this pandemic is over? Or is it too far for work?
bettyewp
Yeah, the city (even Brooklyn/Queens) is just not a good plan as long as I’m at this job. It’s much further, so gas expenses go up, wear and tear on car increases faster, my car insurance increases because of the greater driving to and from work distances, there are city taxes to pay (it was $100 a month 10 years ago, so…), and rents are higher.
I DO want to take another stab at city living when distance to work is no longer an issue, but it might have to be a basement closet or a shared apartment. Rental prices are actually down right now as SO many people are moving out of the city due to covid (seriously) but I doubt they’ll still be down in a few years. Maybe. Time will tell.
Iris
Great pics! So glad you had a nice week (except the pain). I’m proud of you for making all those steps – but that probably contributed to the pain. I surely couldn’t have done it. And, I don’t go up and/or down steps without railings, just to scary in my old age.
Congrats on the milestone birthday! You know 60 is the new 30!
I’m praying for your back pain. Hope they can get it figured out. Doctors drive me nuts sometimes.
Grace & Peace,Iris
http://www.IrisOriginalsRamblings.com
bettyewp
Back pain gone. He is a miracle worker.
Penny
I’m late commenting, but this post is so interesting for me here in the UK. Love your photos of your travels. Btw, to me, a 5 and 1/2 hours drive sounds so very very long – I’d need to be away for a week for that!
I think I’ve already wished you a Happy Birthday but here’s another from me. Happy Birthday!
Glad to hear the back pain has gone x
bettyewp
Thanks, Penny! I’ve always loved a day trip. And I don’t mind driving a good distance to do something I want to do, time permitting.
Thanks for the birthday wishes!