I Love New York Travel

Isn’t this a pretty picture? Taken in Paris, New York. It’s an old Episcopal church. I don’t remember how far back it dates; the neighboring Congregational church has “1791″ on its pediment. Yeah. Gimme that old time religion, you bet. There are very few “old time” religions around here anymore. So many churches have become mere social clubs or Bingo halls, where yoga, best hemorrhoid treatments, and town gossip rules the conversations. :-p I was never much of a team player, anyway.

I am not quite sure of this particular little church still holds services. There’s a very old graveyard in the back. The remains of Isaac Paris, for whom the town is named thanks to his starvation-saving heroism, is buried here. I wonder what those ancient folks would think of life as it has turned out in our modern times. It’s silly speculating, I know. But I wonder…

I hate these things. Oh sure, they look so quaint in Currier&Ives prints, but I dislike them. For one, they are a horrible hazard to children and pets that get too close to the house. A falling sharp icicle…. *shudder* I don’t even want to think about it.

Secondly, they pose a danger to my poor old house. Their presence stimulates the growth of the dreaded ice dam. The thaw-freeze cycle of ice on the roof works its way under the shingles, dripping down into the interior walls of my rooms. What horrible damage this causes!

I know, I know! Spring is coming! It’s mid-February and we *only* have two more months of cold weather to endure! As I get older, I tolerate the cold less and less. I may be one of those snowbirds who will take off for Branson vacations every winter, at least, I wish!

Alack, for now, I must endure the icicles. I can’t wait til they are all gone!

Another oddity at the Utica Zoo. It’s a goat form made from wicker. It’s one of the first things you see when entering the Zoo.