A Small-bany Hiatus

Adoring Readers.... just a little notice that I will be taking a little break from posting for about a month or so, but hope to back in full swing sooner rather than later.

In the meantime, have a great holiday season, new year, and enjoy the cold.

Three ways to freeze you patootie off

Tis the season to pretend that you like the cold.

Saratoga Springs Victorian Street Walk. On Thursday, December 3rd from 6-10pm, Broadway in Saratoga will be closed off to traffic so that you can revel in some good olde fashioned Victorian holiday cheer. Street perfomers, treats, and of course, that old dude in red.

The Hudson Winter Walk. Held on the 1st Saturday of December for the last 12 years, this event has become our family tradition. There is something really nice about sipping hot chocolate under the twinkling lights of downtown Hudson...listening to street performers, catching a glimpse of Saxaphone-Santa, real reindeer, and the live mannequins in shop windows. 5:00-8:00pm.

The Troy Victorian Stroll. If you didn't get enough of it in Hudson or Saratoga, head to Troy on Sunday for the 27th Annual Victorian Stroll from 11 - 5pm. (If you are feeling really festive you can do this and then still be in Albany in time for the tree lighting on the plaza, then you will have done all you need to do to be considered 'full of holiday cheer') Here you can see over 100 free attractions including the region's top performers, ­ musicians, dancers, magicians, and storytellers. And it looks like Saxophone-Santa comes here too! You can also pick up some cool wooden Victorian toys (yo-yo's and tops) at the Chamber Office at 225 River Street.

Sippy Cups, Chocolate, Trees, and Fireworks

If you have been outside today... and I wouldn't blame you if haven't (it's fuh-ree-zing), you would have seen your breath and some flurries and felt that winter has finally arrived. To get in the winter mood you should head on down to Empire State Plaza this Sunday night for the Holiday Tree Lighting and Fireworks Festival. The fun begins on the plaza at 1pm. Here's a sampling of what you can experience.

-The Sippy Cups with a free concert performance at The Egg at 3 p.m. as part of the Family Wonders series at The Empire State Plaza. Admission to the concert is free of charge, however tickets are necessary and will be available beginning at 2 p.m. at The Egg box office in the Empire State Plaza.

-The Chocolate Expo and Holiday Gift Market in the New York State Museum. The Expo runs from 11 a.m. 4:30 p.m. and features some of the finest chocolates, desserts and specialty foods the region has to offer.

-The Great Train Extravaganza in the Empire State Plaza's Convention Center from 10 a.m. 4 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults, children under 12 are free. This unique event, hosted by the Upstate Train Associates, features actual operating model O and HO gauge trains, and layouts and displays with more than 300 tables of model trains, train parts, books and related merchandise for sale.

Thanks, Joyce!

Pigeon Party!

If you haven't read this book to your kids, may I suggest that you do. This thing is reaching 'Pat the Bunny' status (mmm... I can smell the flowers now) and who doesn't like a talking pigeon? Actually, come to think about it, I don't....you know, the whole 'flying rat' thing, but this one has a certain je ne sais quoi and you have got to give him some credit for being just so darned persistent. Anyway, here is your chance to see the bird, the myth, the legend on stage. This one is worth the drive to beautiful, downtown Hudson.

From the site:

Pigeon Party!
Big Wooden Horse Theatre, England

Thanksgiving Weekend!
Saturday, November 28, 10 a.m. & Noon

Mo Willems pigeon is back and ready to party! Squeezing all the fun of the first three Pigeon books into one raucous production, this lively show for children 3 and up is full of fun, feathers, laughter and excitement and features original music and lots of audience participation. Performances take place at the Montgomery C. Smith Intermediate School Theatre, Hudson. $5 children, $10 adults.

To buy tickets, go here...or you could just wing it (get it??? wings, pigeons...awesome) and buy them at the door.

Discount at Parent Teacher Store in Latham

Heard from a very reliable source...The Parent Teacher Store in Latham will be having a sale on everything tomorrow. 20% off of all the edu-ma-cational doo-dads you can get your hands on.

Here's the site (which they have apparently not updated since before June).

It is located at 515 Troy-Schenectady Road in Latham. (518)-785-6272

Thanks, Leanne!


On a totally unrelated note, does anyone remember when Toys R Us used to have those contests where the winner would get 5 minutes in the store to grab anything they wanted. Do they still do that? I used to dream that was me and would walk through the store mapping the route I would take if I won.

Delmar Open Studios

Visit the studios of Liz Vigoda and Loretta Fontaine this weekend and get a behind the scenes look at how they create their jewelry and pottery. They will be offering studio tours, demonstrations, refreshments, and a wide array of new and special sale pieces. (Sounds like a good place to pick up some holiday gifts). Liz also offers classes for adults and homeschoolers.

From the website:

November 21 & 22, 2009 10 am-6pm

DELMAR OPEN STUDIOS 2009, An opportunity to peer into the creative spaces of two studios in Delmar, NY, and to buy local art from the source! With a background in architecture, studio jeweler Loretta Fontaine creates award-winning fine artisanal jewelry in sterling silver and 14K gold with miniature original photography. Liz Vigoda’s (www.lizvigoda.com)functional high-fired ceramics are influenced by her studies in anthropology, with exquisite hand painted surfaces celebrating culture and history. 10% of Liz’s sales will benefit the Schenectady Free Clinic, and 10% of Loretta’s sales will benefit The Ben Fund, in honor of Benjamin Stowell.

Free Kindermusik Demonstration

Gulp.... I am remiss in my posting, but hopefully am back on the proverbial Big Wheel.

Here's a little something that might suit your fancy.. a little bit of short notice, but I know you all like to live in the moment.

Free Kindermusik demonstration class on November 18th at 10 am at the Albany JCC. (oops. that IS really short notice, I thought is was at night. Anyway, I tried).

You need to pre-register, so if you think you'd like to go, send an e-mail to the address below.

Here's more info on the class.

Kindermusik by Josalyn
Age: Newborn to 3 years
Schedule: Wed., 10-10:45am
Offered: Jan. 20, 2010-May 12, 2010

Kindermusik is an interactive, adult-participatory, "whole child" development program that uses music and body movement classes and a carefully crafted At-Home Materials Kit to build a strong foundation in the six core areas of early learning: cognitive, language, social, emotional, physical and musical. Call 269-1093 or email kindermusikbyjosalyn@gmail.com to register.

New Pottery Studio at the Albany Art Room

The Albany Art Room is opening a new pottery studio and YOU are invited.

A grand opening ceremony will take place on Friday the 6th (1st Friday) from 5-9 with a ribbon cutting at 5pm. (Ooh...do you think they will have a pair of those really big scissors?)

There will also be demonstrations, tours, and refreshments.

My friend Janine is one of the instructors, so when you go, tell her Dawn sent you... You won't get anything for it, but haven't you always wanted to do that?

More details:
POTTERY STUDIO
Hours
Pottery Open Studio
Sat 10-5, Sun 10-1
for adults and kids 9 + up
Use of wheels in open studio is
limited to people taking classes or
people with previous experience
and approval from an Albany
Art Room pottery instructor.

Advanced Open Studio
T-F 11-6, Sat. 10-5, Sun 10-1
(except for when there are classes scheduled)
Open studio for experienced
and approved potters
(must get approval from one
of our pottery instructors)

Prices
$7/hour (min.1 hour for clay work)
$60/month
Clay: $2/lb.
Glazing Fee: $3/piece, $5/lg piece
(minimum open studio time:
15 minutes for glazing)
--
Albany Art Room
457 Madison Ave.
Albany, NY 12210
518.427.3910
518.527.6218 (cell)

The Hungry Caterpillar...LIVE

The Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia is back at the Egg with their interpretation of the Hungry Caterpillar & Other Eric Carle favorites. I saw this performance when they came here two years ago. My then two year old sat through the whole thing, no problem (with the help of some snacks and her blankie), but it is very appropriate for children who are familiar with the book(s). If you are worried your little person can't sit through a theatrical experience, don't be. The audience is filled with the goldfish cracker eating set chattering through the whole thing and no one seems to mind.

November 7th at 11:00 am at the Egg.
$15 a ticket. (I know, kind of pricey for a puppet show, but it's really something worthwhile).

From their website:

Three whimsical tales by Eric Carle - "The Very Hungry Caterpillar", "Little Cloud" and "The Mixed-Up Chameleon" brought to life with the magic of black light and original music by the award winning Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia.

Put that bite sized Snickers bar down....

and step away from your kids' trick or treat bag. I don't know about you, but all 'dieting' rules get thrown out the window when there is a surplus of candy in my house. And with two fully functioning trick-or-treaters in my house the amount has doubled this year. I have to keep reminding myself that just because the bars are smaller does not mean that I can eat three times as much (she types as she opens another peanut butter cup).

Here is a link with some suggestions on what to do with all the extra Halloween candy. It might be helpful for all of you, but as far as I'm concerned, there will be no 'extra' candy by tomorrow afternoon. Just extra wrappers.

Simpler Living: 5 things to do with extra Halloween candy

More Kids Stuff for Halloween

Here is a list of some more stuff to do for Halloween with the kids spanning over the next two weekends.

What: Monster Mash & Bash
Where - New York State Museum

When: October 24, 25, and 31^st, Noon - 4PM
Cost: $2.00 Admission

Extra Info: Be sure to wear your costumes for a parade around the museum each day at 1pm. There will be face painting and other Halloween style fun… with a special guest from the Smile Monster (smilemonster.com on 10/25 and 10/31). Ages Toddler – 10 years. If you are an adult (duh!), check out the spooky haunted house they have for you.

____________________________________________

What: Halloween Hayride

Where: Ellms Farms, Ballston Spa

When: Friday and Saturdays in October from 7-10pm

Cost: $8.50, online registration required

Extra info: This ride is designed for everyone, so it’s not haunted. Cider and donuts included. If you can’t do the hayride, Ellms Farms has a ton of stuff to do. Check out their jumping pillow, corn maze, and moo-moo-choo-choo. One of my family’s favorite places to go this time of year.

What: Halloween Trick or Treat

Where: The Children’s Museum at Saratoga

When: October 31^st, 1:00PM – 4:30 PM

Cost: $5 for children, adults are free.

Extra Info: Children can trick or treat around the museum and then do join in on some games and activities. Children and adults are encouraged to come in costume. The museum will not open until 1pm on that day.

What: Malloween

Where: Crossgates Mall

When: October 31^st, 12-3pm

Cost: Free

Extra Info: Safe trick or treating for the kids hosted by Radio Disney
__________________________________

What: Halloween Trick or Treat

Where: The Children’s Museum at Saratoga

When: October 31^st, 1:00PM – 4:30 PM

Cost: $5 for children, adults are free.

Extra Info: Children can trick or treat around the museum and then do join in on some games and activities. Children and adults are encouraged to come in costume. The museum will not open until 1pm on that day.

What: Halloween Open House
Where: Five Rivers Environmental Education Center
When: October 31st, 1-3:30 PM
Cost: Free

Extra Info: Family fun combining the magic of nature AND Halloween.

APL Monster Mash

Another Halloween event for your little ghouls. We were at the library earlier today and saw the staff setting up the room. It was so cute. It looked like teachers setting up the high school gym for a homecoming dance. They were actually hanging up a DISCO BALL! I vowed then not to miss this party. I wonder if they rent the ball out as well. Happy Haunting.

Here is the info. from the Albany Public Library website:

Looking for a fun, free, safe Halloween event for your kids this year? Then head on over to the Main Library on Oct. 23 for our Monster Mash Halloween Bash!

Join us at 161 Washington Avenue from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 23, for this fun event for children and their families. Everyone is encouraged to wear a costume and enjoy:
• Ghostly tales for a family audience by Mary Murphy, a local writer and storyteller
• Dracula’s dance party where kids can do the Monster Mash, Thriller dance, and more
• Scavenger hunt to find Halloween memorabilia around the library
• Kooky crafts and face painting
• Bounce house for the little kids
• Kid-friendly Halloween short films and movie clips
• Ghoulish goodies and treats for everyone (Hannaford is our hospitality sponsor for this event)

The Halloween party takes place after regular library hours. Lots of library staff and volunteers will be on hand to help families make the most out of their time at the Monster Mash. Please join us for the festivities!

Haunted Bookstores

Here are what Border's and Barnes and Noble are doing for Halloween. I'm always on the lookout for things that allow me to get my money's worth out of these costumes.

Borders

Kids Halloween Spooktacular

October 24, 2009 2:00 PM

Albany - Borders
1 Crossgates Mall Rd.
Albany, NY 12203

Bring the whole family to celebrate Halloween with fun games, spooky music, scary crafts and more! Ask a bookseller for more details.

__________________________________

Barnes & Noble

More Halloween!

Storytime
Join us for Halloween fun as we read stories about masks, make our own masks, and do face painting following storytime!

Friday October 30, 2009 11:00 AM

Colonie Centre
131 Colonie Center Suite 355, Albany, NY 12205, 518-438-1728

________________________________________

Halloween Is Here!

Storytime
Trick or treat, the big day is finally here! Join us for stories of masquerades and other Halloween adventures! We will make paper plate masks following storytime!

Saturday October 31, 2009 11:00 AM

Colonie Centre
131 Colonie Center Suite 355, Albany, NY 12205, 518-438-1728
_______________________________________

Necklaces you can't eat

As I was meandering around Stuyvesant Plaza the other day (after my weekly Pumpkin Spice Latte indulgence) I poked my head into The Pottery Place to see what kind of stuff they have going on. I have made a couple of things in there with the kids that we have given as gifts to the grandparents... gifts that only grandparents could love. You know, mugs, picture frames etc. that either have handprints all over them or are painted brown (because all the pretty colors mixed together make brown).

Anyway, I noticed that, in addition to pottery, they now have the cute silver charms you can design yourself. What caught my eye were the really sweet ones that your child can fingerprint into and and add their intials or other designs. (having the fingerprint around your neck might come in handy... might save you the trip for the Safe ID)

My first thought was, 'Now this is some kind of child-made jewelry I can get into.' Not that I don't love the pipe cleaner bead bracelets or the cheerio necklaces...but I find these are probably more durable, and less perishable for that matter.

The prices are pretty reasonable, I guess. I don't really know because I don't make my own jewelry. There are a couple of different options, but you can get enough silver clay for up 4 little charms and studio time for $40. I think they might make a really sweet gift for yourself or relatives.

Their website is under construction, but you can read a little more in the Stuyvesant Plaza newsletter or go to the Lilly Ollo website to find out more about what you can make.

The Pottery Place also offers classes if you feel like you'd rather have someone helping you. You can find their contact info here.

You lose sir... you lose

Ok. I am kind of annoyed at myself for letting myself get annoyed at this, but hey, it happens.

Today at the Thacher Park Fall Festival (which seemed sadly quiet as opposed to last year... maybe because it was so bloody cold) they added a little choo-choo train ride for the kids which was basically some souped up barrels pulled by a tractor. Anyway, it was a popular ride and there was a line forming. As the children from the previous ride got off, my kids lined up to get on. There was a little boy who didn't get out of the car my son was in line for. I figured he just needed a few moments to say good bye to the train, no big deal, but his dad walked over and said he would be riding on again. I very politely asked him if he could ask his son to get out and wait in line again so my son could get a ride. It seemed fair enough to me. Apparently, not to him. He basically spazzed out and refused. After a few more comments, he ended up yelling at me (in front of a line of children and parents, mind you) "Jesus... why don't you get a gun and shoot me!"

I have often heard that when you bring up Hitler or the Holocaust in an argument, you automatically lose. Well, I am now extending that rule to saying things like 'get a gun' and 'shoot me'. Especially in front of kids.

Well done sir. Not only did you teach your son that he is entitled to get things regardless of how it affects other people, you also taught us all how to fly off the handle.

Thank you dear readers for indulging me. I feel better now. Moving on.com.

Safe ID's

Safe IDs... It's just one of those things you do to fulfill your role as a responsible parent.. You know, like getting them a car seat, and bibs, and stuff.

We got one made a couple of years ago for my first born. Honest to god, this is a conversation I had with my husband the other day:

Me: Hey, we never used that Safe ID we got a few years ago.
Husband: Uhh...that's a good thing.

Here are some locations you can go to get this card made, if you so desire. And here's to you never having to use it.

October 16, 2009

Albany County Sheriff's Department
Family Fall Festival
Cohoes Community Center
22 Remsen St.
Cohoes, NY 12047
Hours: 5:30pm - 7:00pm

October 17, 2009

Albany County Sheriff's Department
SHOP FOR A CAUSE
Macy's - Colonie Center
200 Colonie Center
Albany, NY 12205
Hours: 10:00am - 4:00pm

Albany County Locations with Walk-in hours

• New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services
  4 Tower Place
  Albany, New York 12203
  1-800-FIND KID
  Hours: Tues, Wed, Thurs 9:00am - 4:00pm

• Sherree Sebast
  Albany County Sheriff's Department
  75 Remsen St
  Cohoes, NY 12047
  518-720-8006
  Hours: Mon - Fri, 9:30am - 3:30pm
  

• Police Officer Kelly Kimbrough
  Albany Police Department
  126 Arch St
  Albany, NY 12202
  518-434-5173
  Hours: Call for hours of availability
  

• Police Officer Carl Duda
  Town of Guilderland Police Department
  5209 Western Turnpike
  Guilderland, NY 12084
  518-356-1501
  Hours: Call for hours of availability

Ain't no party like a Play-Doh party...cuz a Play-Doh party don't stop

...unless you forget to put the lid back on it, and it dries up... that's pretty much game over.

Anyway, Get your Fun Factory sculpting on at the Albany Public library. Join in on the Play-Doh party!

From their website:

Event: Play-Doh Party at Main

Location: Main Library

Begins: 2:00 pm (Sunday, October 18, 2009)

Ends: 3:00 pm (Sunday, October 18, 2009)

Description: Toddlers, preschoolers, elementary children and their adults are encouraged to play sculptor in the Children's Room using provided Play-doh, Fun Factories and various household kitchen tools. Who doesn't like Play-doh?

It could be as fun as this:




*Ding! From Kenner.

Vermont is for Mothers pt. 2

Leaf-peepin' at its finest

Heading from the Vermont Country Store to Manchester is one heckuva fall drive. The town of Manchester, from what I saw, was filled with outlets, cute little shops, a fancy, schmancy ORVIS etc. Let me put it this way...according to their website, they are THE Vermont experience... so close your eyes, imagine Vermont, and you are probably picturing Manchester...only, with a Gap Outlet .

The highlight for me is the Northshire Bookstore. I always heard about them from their underwriting spots on WAMC, but didn't know what I was missing. It's like The Book House on maple syrup flavored steroids. Overall, a really great independent bookstore... lots of cool books, stationery, unique gift items, nice cafe and a second floor dedicated to the kiddos. Check out their website for their literary events or their blog.

Get it??? Nothing IS written in stone. Wah, wah, wah.
(Right before the entrance to the bookshop)

Final stop before home found us at The Village Peddler and Bearatorium in East Arlington. It's a cute little shop filled with teddy bears and chocolate, chocolate, chocolate (AAACK!) I got some homemade fudge (Almond Joy and Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip... because sometimes you feel like a nut etc..) and enjoyed it all the way to the car. Look here for some chocolate math. Random.

Holy Carp! That's a chocolate bear!

So basically, the purpose of these two posts was to say: Quick! You have to go to Vermont now, before it gets too cold and annoying. (Can you tell I'm not a skiier?)

Vermont is for Mothers pt. 1

...and lovers, kids, friends, pets, moose, etc...anyone who really enjoys a fall-tastic drive through the foliage. Last week, my friend and I took our annual fall pilgrimage to The Vermont Country Store and Manchester. It's a bit of a drive, but let me show you why it's worth your while. Here is the first of my posts dedicated to the Green (but currently multi-colored) Mountain State.

Purveyors of the Practical and Hard to Find

The Vermont Country Store puts the sundry in 'various in sundry'. This place is crawling with sundries. It feels like Mr. Olsen's Mercantile Shop.

Clean up in style.

Scrum-diddly-umptious candy store. Willy Wonka would be tipping his velvety top hat in approval. Rows and rows of glass jars filled with candy. I'm a big fan of anything you have to scoop out into little bags so that put me in the right place.

They also have tons of free samples of cheese, dips, jams, jellies, common crackers etc. If you don't mind crowds dipping en masse, I don't see why not you couldn't fill up here and skip lunch.

One thing that caught my eye was brown bread in a can... and despite my friends assurance that this was totally normal, the concept of baked goods in can seems to be going against nature. Call me olde fashioned...or new fangled... but I just can't wrap my brain around that one.

The Country Store ain't afraid of a little controversy. Here is proof that they are 100% behind the Right to Dry campaign.

(For even more VCS controversy...or should I say 'scandal'... check this out.)


In the apothecary section you can buy balms, ointments, soaps, perfumes (like the ever popular Ben-Hur and Wind Song) and other hard to find beauty items.

...and toys, toys, toys. Rock 'em, sock 'em robots, potato guns, squirting nickels, and loads of other classic toys that are hard to find. Smurfy.

You could spend hours in hear browsing around. Don't forget to check out the discounted section upstairs. But beware, order something from their catalog and you will be getting a new one in the mail every other week. They are fun to look through, though.

There is also another shop across the street that sells some other Vermonty items as well as some delicious fudge. (Sorry, the name escapes me right now, but you can't miss it).

Henry Hudson Puppet Show - All Ages Show

This is a bit of short notice, but if you are free on Thursday, October 8th at noon, head over to Hudson Valley Community College for a free performance by the Arm-of-the-Sea Theater entitled:

"Mutual Strangers: Henry Hudson
and the River that Discovered Him”
Noon
Thursday, Oct. 8
Maureen Stapleton Theatre, Siek Campus Center

Here is a description from the website:

A large-scale mask and puppet theater performance, “Mutual Strangers” marks the 400th anniversary of Hudson’s world-changing voyage in September 1609. A small ship sent from Europe to find a northern route to the Orient sails 150 miles up a river on the “unknown” North American continent. The events that transpire on that voyage – the encounters of European sailors and indigenous people and the information brought back to the Dutch East India Company in Amsterdam – prefigure the interaction of cultures that will shape a new nation. “Mutual Strangers” re-imagines from multiple points of view Hudson’s voyage on the river that now bears his name. The play is based on the log of first mate Robert Juet, and the oral traditions of the Lenape and Mahican peoples. It is designed for audiences of all ages.

Campfire Ghost Stories

The Brown Lady

"Specters, Strange Sights, and Visions"

What: 200 year old ghost stories told around a campfire.

Where: Schuyler Mansion State Historic Site (32 Catherine St in Albany)

When: Saturday, October 10th, 5:30 - 7pm

Cost: Free ($2/person donations are appreciated)

From their brochure:

Do you believe in ghosts? The people of the 18th century did! Join us around the campfire as we read the same ghost stories that our Founding Fathers woud have over 200 years ago! We will examine what visions of "specters" and "appartions" tell us about the lives and beliefs of early Americans.

Mulled cider and refreshments will be served. BYO blankets or lawn chairs.

For more information call 518- 434-0834.

(Event will move inside if the weather gets nasty... seating will be limited)

Omi Fields Scultpture Park

Beached iceberg

Last week the kids and I headed on a little road trip down to Ghent to visit the Omi International Art Center Fields Sculpture Park. It was a beautiful fall drive and a great place to take the little ones. Imagine 100 acres of farmland dotted with contemporary sculptures...out in the open, hidden in the woods, and part of the landscape. We were the only people there that day, so that added to some of the surrealism of the place. The website says you should plan for at least an hour to walk around and view the sculptures, but we spent three hours there without even thinking about it. We wandered from fields to the forest discovering some really whimsical scenes... overall a beautiful day.



From their website:
The Fields was founded in 1998 as public grounds for viewing contemporary sculpture with over 80 works of art on view. Several new pieces are added every year and temporary curated exhibitions are opened to the public each June. There are six distinct areas for viewing sculpture comprised of rolling fields, wooded knolls, and wetlands. A path for viewing the sculptures follows the edge of a natural pond surrounded by trees, providing a shaded backdrop to view the pieces.


Visitor Center Hours:

Thursday through Sunday 11am to 5pm

Sculpture Park hours: Sunrise to sunset every day

Picnic Area and Bicycles: You may choose to view the park on one of our bicycles or on foot. Picnic tables and seating areas are located throughout the park for your enjoyment.

The Fields Sculpture Park
at Omi International Arts Center
1405 County Rt.22
Ghent, New York 12075

Thacher Park Fall Festival

Fall. That's what it's all about.

The Thacher Park Fall festival is as autumny as pumpkin pie. Join in on making your own scarecrow, live music, hay mazes, pumpkin painting, scavenger hunt, and even get a tea reading. There's also a little visit from Buzzard Bill and Helderberg Hilde..haven't heard of them before, but they sound like a legit addition to local lore. Don't forget your cameras!

Helderberg Hilde?

Saturday, October 17, 2009 10:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Parking fee is $5 parking per vehicle. Rain date is Sunday, October 18. Call 872-1237 for additional information or visit here.

Here's the full schedule for upcoming events at Thacher Park. There is a cool bat-themes Halloween event that looks fun for the kiddos.

(Pictures courtesy of 2008)

Arts and Crafts

Make your own scarecrow, but be prepared to take him home with you.

The Haunted Capitol

Halloween is here and it's time to get spooky. I don't know how appropriate this is for little ones, but adults might really enjoy this. The OGS is offering a free 'Capitol Hauntings Tour' which allows you to explore the spooky legends and history of the historic capitol building.

Hours:

Daily tours will begin on Monday, October 5. They will be offered Monday through Friday at 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m., until October 30. Evening tours will be offered on October 21-23 at 7 p.m. and on October 27-30 at 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday tours will be offered on October 17, 24 and 31 at 3:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Due to the popularity of this event, those interested in participating in the tours are asked to reserve a spot by calling 473-7582.

You can find out more information by going here.

Buckingham Pond

I haven't done a playground review in a while and as I was looking back at pictures from the summer, I realized that there were a bunch of places I visited that I love and needed to share before it gets too much colder and less inviting.

Buckingham Pond (officially Buckingham Lake) is one of my favorite playgrounds in Albany. It's one of those quiet, breezy places that makes every day perfectly seasonable. Everytime we visit we end up spending way more time there than anticipated... not because of the playground, which it does have, but because there is a great walking path around the pond (.72 miles around, perfect for little legs), plenty of pebbles to throw, and lots of wildlife to spot. It's just a really nice quiet spot in Albany. I'm also a big fan of playgrounds where all the equipment is pretty close together so you don't have kids running miles away from you to get to the swingset. Another cool little feature is that people often ice-skate on the pond in the winter.

Pea Soup... or as Runny Babbit likes to say 'Sea Poop'

Here's a map.



*Purple Dinosaur Rating - 0
But..as you can see, there are three perfectly lovely green dinos (purple's less carnivorous cousin) and these babies do just fine.

Consignment Sale Weekend

There are a couple of sales going on this weekend so I thought I would share. Stock up on winter stuff...it's here already.

Encore Kids LLC
Children's
Consignment Sale

Located at the Saratoga Fairgrounds. Click here for more info. Over 200 consignors. Until Oct. 3rd.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

O!Baby Children's Consignment Sale Click here for more info.

Friday October 2, 2009- Sunday, October 4, 2009 (half price day)

Sale taking place at the Columbia County Fairgrounds

Main Fairhouse in Chatham, NY

Thanks Abby and Leanne!

Ben's Jammin' Art Project

Driving around Albany I have seen these little red signs advertising family fun and crafts this coming Saturday.

Here is website from the sign. http://bensjamminartproject.blogspot.com/

The whole thing is in memory of a sweet little boy who apparently loved art and was pretty creative. There will be live music, food, demonstrations by the fire and police depts. (including a Bicycle Rodeo.. I have no idea what that means, but that makes this event all the more intriguing), crafts, and a farmer's market.

Does anyone know more about this? It looks like fun.

When: October 3, Noon - 5pm
Where: Across from Holy Names, 1134 New Scotland Rd. Albany NY 12208

Don't forget about...

Smithsonian National Museum Day

Five Rivers Fall Festival

Five Rivers Environmental Education Center is one of the best places in the area to take a hike with the family. If you have been there, you know what I mean...the hiking trails are perfect for little legs and there is plenty of wildlife to see, and this time of year... with the leaves changing, its what fall is supposed to be.

If you haven't been, why not go this Saturday for their Fall Festival and get a sense of the place. Here's some info on what to expect:

Celebrate “The Year of the River” at Five Rivers Environmental Education Center, enjoying hands-on-crafts, activities, games, environmental exhibits, and live music! Make a miniature boat to float and go on an “Incredible Journey” that shows the water cycle. Join in painting a “Life Mural” showing natural habitats at Five Rivers. Visit our collection of live native reptiles and amphibians. Go on the “Insect Safari” using nets to capture, observe and release a world of fascinating bugs. Sign up at the Visitor Center for a guided trail walk with a one of the naturalists from 12:30-4 on themes such as rocks and fossils, bird watching, wildlife and tree identification. Enjoy songs, stories and fire lore at the Community Campfire in our outdoor amphitheater. Almost all activities and crafts are barrier-free, and barrier-free trails and the fragrant wildflower garden allow all to enjoy nature. Tasty refreshments, plants, used books, nature guides, T-shirts, and raffle tickets for outdoor gear are for sale.

Free admission and on-site parking. (518)475-0291.
Sat. 9/26, noon-4.

Directions: I-87 (NYS Thruway) to Exit 23 (Albany) to R onto Rt. 9W to R on Rt. 32 (Delmar Bypass) to R onto Elm Ave. to L onto Delaware Ave; R onto Orchard St at Five Rivers sign; L onto Game Farm Rd.; Visitor Center is straight ahead.

You can also visit the Hudson Valley Ramble website for more information and for plenty more ideas on how to enjoy our region in all it's autumnal glory.

Dr. Seuss Memorial Garden

Here are some pictures from our recent trip to the Dr. Seuss Memorial Sculpture Garden in lovely downtown Springfield, MA. No, it was not our only reason to go (The Eric Carle Museum and Trader Joe's were also on the agenda...mama needs her chocolate covered jo-jo's), but it was a great stop along the way.

The sculpture garden is a part of the larger Springfield Museums Complex which, while we did not pay admission for, looked like a pretty decent museum. Something to do on a rainy day.

Why Springfield, you ask? Because Dr. Seuss (Theodor Geisel) was born there. Geisel's step daughter designed the memorial.

The Lorax

Please Horton, don't hurt 'em

Dr. Seuss meets Home Alone

Oh, the places you'll go storybook page.

Thing 1 and Thing 2

What's better than buying it?
Putting it all on and taking a picture of it.
What?? We're in a recession.