Helen Appleseed

I took my camera to "work" yesterday to take some pictures of the orchard I've been working at for the past three weeks. I have actually had a great time learning about NY apples and meeting all the locals who come in for their apples, cider, and donuts. Here are a few pictures of the apple stand I work in and the wide selection of products we offer. All in all, the experience has been a stich.

The orchard is made up of 700 trees, just yonder beyond the fence.

I made this pumpkin arrangement. Isn't it breathtaking? Just a sample of my creativity~

They're delicious.

And a picture of me (and Dodger) at 5 1/2 months

Mary and Ed do Geneseo

Mary and Ed came for a visit last weekend. We had a lovely time by sight seeing at Letchworth State Park and going on a little wine toodle on Senaca Lake - NY wine country. I had a nice time, despite being designated driver. The scenery was fabulous, the wine was tasty, and we found a great little restaurant (thanks Chowhound) overlooking the lake. Here is the weekend documented in pictures.

Ed's hat reads "A bad day fishing is better than a good day working". We all thought it was a perfect fit for Ventosa Vineyards.

John, showing us all how it's done

Belated Yia-Yia Visit Pictures

Here are a few pictures we just obtained from Katie and Karl of our visit to Yia-Yia's (John's grandmother) in Pennsylvania. We went last month so I appear to be less pregnant than I currently am.

Seattle trip and belly update

Last week I went to Seattle to visit Dave, Lindsay, Amelia, and Laura - it was terrific, and a much needed break from my hectic life here in Geneseo. I left Seattle (on a red eye - never a good idea) equipped with my first baby clothes and gear, compliments of Lindsay - at this point, I'm pretty sure Lindsay is more prepared for baby pants than I am. Hopefully I'll catch up over the next 4 months. It was exciting to put everything away and picture a little tot using them soon.

Amelia was so fun - having her around just makes everything better! I miss her very much and am SURE that she misses me too.

I've also included the 5 month belly picture. I feel like baby pants/belly had a big growth spurt over the past week - when I left for Seattle I could still pass as a non-pregnant lady, and now I am definitely visibly pregnant.

John is in New York City this week for his first "sitting" - he left yesterday (Saturday) to spend a little time with Katie and Karl before the week begins. I stayed home because my new job at the apple orchard just started. I'm working 9-5 at this little mom & pop orchard - selling apples and doing anything else they need me to do. I think it's going to be the perfect seasonal job - I'll only be working there through October - after that, perhaps I can find another seasonal job.

Amelia after picking blackberries

We were on a bike ride - Dave and Lindsay don't actually require Amelia to wear her helmet on playground equipment

On a drive through Widbey (?) Island

On a tour of a chocolate factory - what I didn't get a picture of was Amelia, after I gave her a tiny piece of chocolate, which she managed to melt all over both hands and her face, while wearing the hairnet. It was adorable.

Amelia eating pho for lunch

5 Mos. - what a difference a month makes! I feel like a boat. And yes, I'm wearing maternity shorts. shorts!

Here are a few pictures of Geneseo - there was a parade going on - they normally don't have as many American flags, I promise.

Main street

John's office building

Labor Day Fun Times

Over Labor Day weekend, John and I were very busy. We attended both the National Buffalo Wing Festival and the New York State Balloon Festival. They were two great fests. I haven't really figured out how to work this blog thing to get it formatted correctly, so the pictures are a little out of order - apologies.

This is Dodger hiking at Letchworth State Park - you can see my hand comanding her to "stay" so she doesn't fall off the cliff. (Just thought I'd showcase my excellent parenting skills)

At the Buffalo Wing Fest - you bought tickets on your way in the park - each ticket got you 2 wings. It was John's favorite fest ever (possibly a tie with Bratfest). We missed the bobbing for wings in a pool of blue cheese dressing, and the National chicken wing eating contest. Apparently the Black Widow herself was there, she won the contest by downing 173 wings in 12 minutes. That made John and I feel a little bit better about the 40 wings we ate.

John, saucing up at one of the many booths

Back at the balloon fest. There were probably about 50-60 balloons, they all went up within about 10 minutes. It was pretty.