The Frederic Remington Museum Ogdensburg, N.Y.

June 26, 2023June 18, 2023 / youngretireeneedsalife / Leave a comment

Have always been a fan of this man’s work, and thoroughly enjoyed this Museum. Also, the docents provided much insight. If in the area make time to see this amazing collection, and those of others who he mentored. It was a fascinating exhibit. The home where the Museum is housed is also of particular interest and beauty with its richly carved woodwork and fireplaces. While Remington never lived here it was donated by this industrialist owner as a Museum.

The house also held Tiffany lamps, windows, and a Grandfather Clock. Was unaware Tiffany made clocks.

Hand Carved Fireplace

Then the Museum

Remington’s sculptures always had a variation. This is seen in the 2 sculptures below where the horses’ tail varied, as did the rider’s stance, his saddle, the hooves of the horse, etc…

My favorite – The Stampede.. If anyone wants to give me a gift – ha! ha! However, I did take a raffle ticket for a sculpture that the Museum was raffling – fingers crossed..

The Remington Camp on 1000 Islands

Remington drew much of his inspiration from nature and summered on 1000 Islands at his camp.

He was also a hunter and several of his trophies were on display at the Museum.

Then there is the art work. He was a self taught master colorist and drawer.

First Draft Sketch..

Final Draft..

Frederic was the son of a newspaper man. As a child he was always drawing, and knew he wanted to work in the arts. He was self taught and lived his adult life in New Rochelle, N.Y. and Ridgefield, Ct.

His family lived in Ogdensburg when he was 10-11 years of age, (this was the beginning of the Civil War), and from there he attended Yale for 3 semesters. As an adult he continued to summer in the 1000 Island area, and was known to love people and be an avid hunter. He traveled constantly, and worked feverishly. As I travel I find his work worldwide. Befriending Teddy Roosevelt in his travels he even illustrated a book for him.

Though he was married he and his wife Eva had no children. Frederic died at 48, of a ruptured appendix and Eva 3 years later. She lived the last 3 years of her life in what is currently the Museum at the generosity of the home’s owner.

Next: More Museum

The Antique Boat Museum of Clayton, N.Y.

June 25, 2023June 18, 2023 / youngretireeneedsalife / Leave a comment

Though not a boater received this ticket free when visiting the Remington Museum (later blog). Did find the Museum interesting, and if not a boater worth a visit. Let’s take a look..

Was unaware of this sport and how fast these beauties travel using an airplane motor.

The Motors

The Powerboats

Some Antique Boats From the Collection

The George Boldt Houseboat

But perhaps the most interesting part of the Museum was the La Duchesse. This houseboat was owned by George Boldt of Boldt Castle. It sunk, and then was raised, and renovated by the owner of the Rand-McNally Map Corporation and fortune. Little is known as to the cost of the renovation but here are pictures of the final renovation. It is on permanent display at the boat museum and several times a day a volunteer docent gives tours. Sign up when purchasing your ticket as it is a rare event to see such a houseboat.

Many parties and occasions occurred on this deck. The Steinway Piano pictured below was also renovated, and played during these events. This piano is a one of a kind as it has less keys than a normal piano, and only a few remain in the world.

Family Dining Room and Kitchen or is it Galley?

Some of the bedrooms and a bath..

The Owner’s Office

The owner had a flair for fashion and one of his party slacks were on display, note the flags and canoes painted on the slacks. Understand he held quite a sense of humor and my wasn’t he slim.

The Living Room

And a stained glass dome..

Will close with a picture of a monster ship, which passed by while touring. Ships pass often through the St. Lawrence Seaway. The Seaway carries ships from the Atlantic Ocean to as far inland as Duluth, Minnesota.

Next: The Remington Museum

Cornwall Museum

June 24, 2023June 18, 2023 / youngretireeneedsalife / Leave a comment

Thousand Islands has a fascinating history and knew little of it so followed my nose when I saw this sign.

Here at this free museum learned much of the area – its role in the War of 1812, the Gilded Age Hotels, their role in the boating industry. All this was contained in a former Alexandria Bay Store, Cornwall Brothers. Built in 1866, this building was the main commerce center of the area providing for fisherman, and tourists.

The original telephone is viewed below, and also stop to see The Cornwall Workhorse, an elevator which began as a rope pull device, and electrified by Otis Elevator in 1902

There was much information on the boating industry which flourished in the area during the early 1900’s.

And a fascinating exhibit on the Golden Age Era. Much to read but worth the read.

If in the area this is a must see..

Next Visit -1000 Islands New York -EV Concerns

June 23, 2023June 18, 2023 / youngretireeneedsalife / Leave a comment

Every 10 years like to visit this area as it is beyond words in its beauty and people. Was unsure if Clemmie, the EV, would make it but found a charger at a Pulaski car dealership on route – a slow one, but it worked, and another, a fast one, in Watertown, New York. This helped.

Also what helped was this fast charging station at the 1000 Island Welcome Center..

While charging at this Welcome Center one can sit, be cool or warm depending on the season, and wait the hour while the car is fast charging. Open 24/7 it also is situated near a park to walk about, or one can even walk across one of the 1000 Island Bridges, (I was told this but didn’t do it). More areas need to incorporate these points into their charging areas.

Nice touch 1000 Islands!

Don’t know if I’ll be up again as getting up there in age, but glad to see you are on the way with EV charging.

Canadaigua, New York

June 22, 2023June 18, 2023 / youngretireeneedsalife / Leave a comment

This town is located on the fourth largest Finger Lake approximately 30 miles south of Rochester, New York. It is one of the most beautiful small towns I have ever visited and a jewel. Take a look at the pictures, make your decision, and if in the area stop by.

Relax on a bench overlooking the Lake.

Grab an ice cream near the Park. The line moves fast.

Many beautiful hotels overlook the Lake are in the area – and this one even has an EV charger!

There are a variety of restaurants – even one with cooking classes and wine tasting.

The grounds of this restaurant prepared for a wedding.

Another picture…

Makes you almost want to marry — on second thought, no, but nice to appreciate.

What a lovely visit – there also is a steam boat cruise on the Lake – contact Auntie Google for particulars as it looks like much fun.

Granger Homestead

June 21, 2023June 18, 2023 / youngretireeneedsalife / Leave a comment

The Granger Homestead and Carriage Museum was another fascinating site to see in Canandaigua.

It was the home to 4 generations of Granger’s. The 1816 Federal style mansion is in pristine condition with a carriage house containing almost 100 antique carriages and sleighs.

The grounds also provide a perfect spot for a picnic and will be enjoyed as a family event with children learning much of the area’s history.

The Law Office on the grounds

The Gardens

Enjoy!

Ganondagan Historical Park

June 20, 2023June 18, 2023 / youngretireeneedsalife / Leave a comment

Took a visit to the Canandaigua area again to finish visiting spots I had missed. This Historical Park was my first stop. This Indian tribe lived in the area for centuries and were discovered in the 1600’s by Europeans exploring this area. Here are some pictures of what you will see on your visit.

This is the Museum which sadly was closed on the day of my visit. Contact the site for hours.

However, there was much on the grounds to visit, and learn from. Placards explain the way these indigenous peoples used the land to live by, eating the greenery, and using bushes to make rope.

The Seneca Long House – this full sized model depicts how the peoples lived in the 1670’s and 1680’s.

These pens held animals and provided protection for them.

A spiritual protection for the animals.

The tribe had their location on the top of a great hill near a water source which I later discovered in the walking trails on the property. According to one of the explorers of the area there were 150 houses with visibility on top of this hill 72 miles.

There are extensive trails on the property.

Take a picture of signs like this, however, as a warning signage was challenging to follow. A charged cell phone assists your hike, and there are many on the trails who can guide you. The trails are for the seasoned hiker with many hills and ravines. I became lost so travel in 2’s if possible, however, the trek is one of great beauty on the stellar day I visited.

Let’s end with a picture of the nature garden.

Closing Thoughts On The Trip

June 19, 2023May 25, 2023 / youngretireeneedsalife / Leave a comment

Here’s a quick read of some after thoughts from the trip..

Dress in Layers
Stick with plain bottoms printed shirts
Bring nylon undies to wash out nightly
Wear old clothes – toss once done as it lightens the suitcase, more room for souvenirs
Extra cloth bags that scrunch up to nothing. I have a bag which rolls into a ball with a rope on the end – a life saver as it also attaches to the fanny pack waist band.
Pack plastic bags for food, etc..
Pack a set of utensils
Consider bringing energy bars, nuts, especially for kids – buy low sugar.
Get cell service – if bringing kids check out tracking devices for your kids
Credit cards – the EU uses these more than cash, have 2 cards store in different places
Copy of passport in suitcase in case pick pocketed.
Fanny packs are my go to for everything. Sometimes I wear 2 – also good for storage. I put all my souvenirs in the second one on the return trip, that way Delta didn’t get me for another $75.
Back packs – keep them on the front of the body
Learn a few phrases of the languages of the country visit
Smile, use hand gestures
Visit the tourism office in the airport. Their maps are the best.
2 chargers for the cell phone and carry both with phone cords and wall outlets. There are small items which work effectively. Check out Amazon and the ratings.
Electrical converters – bring several types, read the ratings as stated above.
On medicine – bring extra and always on your person.
Wear extra clothing on the plane. Heavy socks, head gear if you are bald or have short hair, eye covers – as these are no longer given. Any effort to keep warm will help with sleep.
Avoid using the airline baggage service, keep bag with you on the plane. TRAVEL LIGHT..
Take pictures of parking spots, routes you take for a destination, e.g. metro route etc..
Obtain minimal cash, only small bills. Use ATMs for withdrawal in public, lighted spot.
Some banks offer free ATM linkage services – check out your bank, worth an ask at the branch.
Check out Rick Steeve’s web site – he offers much free advice. Auntie Google him.
Don’t bring tourism books, and if you do photo the important pages or buy light weight ones.
Sometimes you have to bring the essentials – I recall trying to find Epsom salts in China when having back issues. No one knew what I was talking about. Find the smallest size of the product if possible to allay your concern. Often difficult to locate particular needs in a foreign country.
Try to find elevators, escalators if you do have heavy bags.
When approached for money keep eyes closed as it sleeping or pretend reading.
Escorted trips may be pricey but worth it, gives you a break if a self-guided traveler. Find the location the night before, or have extensive directions, and leave EARLY the morning of. Use the location bathroom before the trip as tour buses are now discouraging or not allowing bathroom usage.
Always tie a sweat shirt around your waist – warm to cold occurs quickly. Museums can be cold as can buses, trains. Don’t get sick when away. Believe me I know – it’s a horror show.
Extra pairs of sunglasses – I always bring 3. Check out the fold up kind – save space. Buy cheapies as sunglasses break or are easily lost. Hang them on your body in the neck of your shirt or in your hair.
Consider bringing a hat for sun glare – another fold up item.
Some museums still require a scheduled visit. Make the reservation.
READ THE FINE PRINT. I ordered an EV rental car in error. Full charge 4 hours and areas for charging limited. Glad the rep notified me and was able to obtain a gas powered one.
If ordering a car, check for an English manual, get the phone number of the rental office, make sure you get instructions on the GPS system, and for a standard car operate the gears prior to departure. Bring a paper map for back up. Sorry, Generation Z.
Ask the locals, they are helpful, and if they are not, ask another. You are bound to find someone who will help you.

Have fun and Good luck!

Claude Monet Home

June 18, 2023May 25, 2023 / youngretireeneedsalife / Leave a comment

On my last day in France took a tour of the Claude Monet Home in Giverny. Monet strived to develop his career. It was no easy road. He married twice, his first wife was his model, of which he had two sons, and she died at 36. His first son died also, and the second son took a wife Monet did not like and they were estranged. This son was interested in Safaris and traveled between France and Africa having little interest in his father or the home.

Monet befriended a department store owner who was a horrible businessman. At one point he shared his home with him, his wife, and their 6 children. When the friend fled the country due to financial concerns Monet continued to support his wife and 6 children. Monet became involved with the man’s now ex-wife and they lived as man and wife for 14 years till Monet married her. She later pre-deceased him.

When Monet died his son received the home and his father’s paintings. The son would sell a painting to support himself and did not care for the gardens or home. At the time of his death he willed the home to the French government and they stepped in and reconstructed the home and gardens.

Another Garden Photo..

The House Tour

Gardens Surrounding the House

House Tour

Monet in his studio.

His Desk

Monet was quite a gourmand according to our guide. At one point his cook who assisted him with cooking was marrying and leaving. Monet spoke with the man and doubled his salary using him as a chauffeur so he would not loose the cook.

There also is a Monet Museum on the premises. Did not sign up for that portion of the tour, however did attend the Museum’s restaurant which had fast service, reasonable prices, and delicious food.

And did I mention the setting? Around the Museum are pocket gardens each with a varied flair.

Heavenly.

Seine River Boat Tour

June 17, 2023May 25, 2023 / youngretireeneedsalife / Leave a comment

Think anyone who visits Paris should do this tour. Had a spectacular day for this traveling the Seine River which takes you past the Eiffel Tower and under 22 bridges. So much to see and what an amazing guide.

Houseboats line the Seine River.