A Good Day for a Tea Party

Anyone else feeling like they're living in the movie, Groundhog Day?   This crazy cold weather seems to be stuck in the "ON" position!!   I was born and raised here and I know it's winter and all, but I'm ready for a 70 degree day, aren't you?     I must be getting old, because normally the winter doesn't phase me, and this sure has been a more traditional northeast winter, but I'm ready for spring - the kind of spring that sticks around.  Are you?  You know what I mean...the kind of spring when the grass turns green and the trees bud out, the kind that involves daffodils and forsythia.  It seems one group doesn't seem to mind the weather too much - perhaps that's because they're enjoying the constant buffet we're supplying for their dining (and warming) pleasure!  And what better way to spend these cold days than at a Tea Party!

 My mom cleverly fashioned this little tea pot into a bird feeder last summer and my neighborhood birds have been loving it ever since!

"Comin' in for a landing................"

"Hey, who turned down the heat?"

Long before winter arrived, birds enjoyed a little afternoon treat from this unconventional feeder.  In fact, this little guy might have misread the "Welcome" sign and took the opportunity to have a little (large) snack!

It seems our feathered friends are opportunists when it comes to making the most of less than perfect circumstances.  As long as they have a little safflower seed, a little sunflower seed, some suet and a cool drink from their heated birdbath, they are cheerful and appreciative party guests.  Tea anyone?

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Part II of Roamin' the Back Country Roads of Buskirk, Eagle Bridge and Hoosick NY

Here it is - as promised, Part II of our drive through the back roads of Buskirk, Eagle Bridge and Hoosick NY.  As I mentioned in Part I, it was difficult to know what town we were in at any given moment, or county for that matter.  I'm pretty sure we covered a number of towns and at least three counties on our short drive!  As you've probably figured out, that doesn't mean I didn't find plenty to photograph.  In fact, I think that afternoon I took about two hundred photos.  Don't worry, I use a little self restraint and only share what I consider the best of those.  So without further ado....

Well, that's it for now.  If you know of a particular scenic road or town we should visit, please let me know.  You can bet we'll be returning to this beautiful area once the snow is gone and is replaced with lush green grass.  Until then, thanks for reading.  Please come back soon to Life As I See It where we collect moments and turn them into memories!

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Roamin' the Back Country Roads of Buskirk, Eagle Bridge and Hoosick, NY

John and I have a pretty fun time exploring, trying to check out new destinations not too far from home.  While we tend to return to our favorites, we're always looking for new destinations.  We were recently given a tip to check out Buskirk, NY and last Thursday we took to the back roads to check it out.

I was hoping to do a little research to find some interesting tidbits about Buskirk but the first thing I discovered was that there's not much in the "tidbit" department about this hamlet of Hoosick.  Also I realized that our travels through what didn't seem like a vast area actually covered a number of places which are scattered in both Rensselaer and Washington Counties.  Some of the roads we took were in Buskirk, some in Hoosick, some in Eagle Bridge and some in Cambridge....all tucked neatly into a fairly modest radius. What does this mean to you?   It means that this is somewhat of a mystery trip...one where I know some of the roads we were on, but not necessarily what town we were in on any given road.  In the end it doesn't really matter.  What mattered was the beautiful scenery we found, the numerous old barns and farm estates and the history we enjoyed, even without knowing all the details.  I hope as you see these photos, if you know some history or fun facts, you'll share them with me in a comment here on the blog or on Facebook.  If not, no worries...sit back and enjoy our ride on the back country roads off of Route 67 in Buskirk.

On the south side of Route 67, we traveled on Buskirk-West Hoosick Road, Nickmush Road, Sherman Road, and Eddy Road.

One of the historic barns of Nipmoose.  More in the next photo.

A view of Nick Mush Road from Sherman Lane

 Be still my heart...this masterpiece on Eddy Road was amazing!  I'd love to hear the histories behind so many of these beautiful farmsteads.

So pristine!

 This spectacular yellow farmstead was at the end of a very long, private road.  I was proud of myself for not forcing John to drive down it so I could get a closer look.  I definitely could have spent several minutes photographing this one.  If you know the owners....put in a good word for me!

 From here we crossed the Buskirk Covered Bridge and turned right on Stage Road and maybe Oak Hill Road.  We eventually ended up in Cambridge.  This photo of the bridge was not from this trip, but I felt it belonged in the post anyway ;)

The first covered bridge built in 1804 by Martin VanBuskirk gave this town its name.

Such a stark contrast....from the well kept and pristine to those who have seen better days.

 This next property was just beautiful, so well kept and pristine.  I couldn't stop photographing it!

This is not the end of our travels, in fact, it's only half of the photographs I want to share with you.  If any of these are familiar with you, please share your stories!  This area is so full of beautiful farms. Stay tuned for Part II to see more!  Feel free to share this post and don't forget you an sign up to receive all my posts in your email.  Never depend on Facebook again!

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