Surprise, Surprise, Surprise

We were happily surprised with an unplanned visit from Susan's 6'3" little brother Sid from North Carolina. 

Susan (l) and Sid (r) (Obviously, children of a dentist.)

He intrepidly ventured North to visit friends and family in a Prius (a replacement after his first vehicle lost a tire somewhere in Virginia).  Sid valiantly braved storms, the NJ Turnpike and Manhattan gridlock.  We visited Roosevelt Island (tram and walking), watched a photo shoot and toured the FDR Four Freedoms Park.  (Does anyone know the Four Freedoms?)

FDR Four Freedoms Park

Next, we joined Sid and dental school classmate Stevie and his family for an amazing multi-course dinner that featured lobster, beef, duck and a closing cheese course.  As good a dentist and businessperson as Stevie is, he really should be a chef.  And Stevie is a very fortunate person to be blessed with such a wonderful family.

We ventured with Sid to the upstate towns of Woodstock and then Roxbury to see the Fall colors.  The photo below says it all.

While in Woodstock and Roxbury, we roamed and discovered.

The Cupcake Revolution has even found its way to Woodstock.  (Of course, there are some unique flavors offered there.)

Happy to know Peter is alive and well. 

Trends can start anywhere.  Will combination library/thrift shops take the country by storm?

Near Roxbury, we discovered John Burroughs, a prolific writer very popular in his day.  He hung out with the likes of Ford, Edison, T. Roosevelt, Whitman, Firestone, Muir and Harriman.  

Woodchuck Lodge.  (This photo answers the proverbial question: The answer is a lot of wood, enough for a sizable house and shed.)

 Random hottie in Roxbury. 

Sid preparing to juggle some fresh apples.

A Night at the Roxbury.  We overnighted in Stevie's cabin.  (Thanks, Stevie!)  Roaring fire, food actually cooked over the fire and a very fine albeit now smaller wine collection.  Young Man Sid then ventured West in the Prius to visit more friends and family in Pennsylvania and Ohio.  We look forward to his return. 

Another surprise visit.  Greg's mother happened to be connecting through New York City on the way to Orlando when she was bumped from her flight.  So, we had a second unplanned guest last week.  Although too short of a visit, we ventured out to take in the sights, sounds and smells of New York. A return visit is planned.