Adirondack Family Time™

* Please note at the end, comments regarding blow down and conditions on the rest of the Deer Pond Loop! So many sweets have found the way into my home lately that if I didn’t know better I would think it was some evil plan of my dentist to keep himself in business. Plates of homemade treats line the counters and bowls are filled with brightly wrapped candies. I look at the bounty and rub my hands together with glee. I am the willing recipient of homemade goods. Since I have no shut off valve and devour the treats with wild abandon, I also need an outlet to work off my sugar overload. One way to work off those holiday treats is to go for a ski or snowshoe. There are many options and guidebooks available to venture outside and enjoy the snow. One cross-country ski my husband continually informs me I “have to” do is finally complete the 7.3-mile Deer Pond loop. There are two entrances for the Deer Pond area and I have always taken the less popular path near Bull Point on R

By Diane Chase New York State Ski Discounts for the Adirondack Mountains. Alpine skiing can be expensive for a family. The great thing as that so many downhill ski mountains offer discounts and special events that if you plan ahead you can save money. Please keep checking back as discounts become available I will list them here.  Keep money in your pocket while enjoy all the Adirondack ski resorts have to offer. Ski Olympic mountains or small family-size hills.  Below are just a few savings so go to the websites to see if lodging and other discounts fit more to your family's needs. Besides discounts I have listed those mountains that offer night skiing and tubing as well. 

By Diane Chase Did you know? Charles Dickens • Charles Dickens was born in 1812 • At 12 he was forced to leave school and work in a factory to help get his family out of debt. • He is considered a Victorian author because he wrote during the Victorian era • He was the most popular writer of his time • Dickens began his writing career as a journalist • He wrote plays, journals, travel books, and weekly periodical called Household Words and All Year Round as well as numerous novels • He also traveled to the United States to speak against slavery • He had ten children with his wife, Catherine • Dickens wrote five Christmas books but A Christmas Carol is the most popular. • He died before his last book, The Mystery of Edwin Drood was completed • He used his writing to highlight poor working conditions and the atrocities of child labor • The characters from his books were inspired by real people from his life Like the character Mr. Micawber in David Copperfield, Dicken

Photo from MrEclipse.com What to do with kids in the Adirondacks, Lake Placid, Lake George, Saranac Lake, High Peaks Tuesday, December 21, 2010 EST  Total Eclipse of the Moon time frame partial eclipse = 1: 33 a.m. total eclipse begins = 2:41 a.m. mid eclipse = 3:17 a.m. total eclipse ends = 3:53 a.m. partial eclipse ends = 5:01 a.m. Be a Nature Detective: What is a Lunar Eclipse? • An eclipse of the moon can only take place when the moon is full and if it passes through part of the earth's shadow. • A lunar eclipse is safe to view with the naked eye while special filters are required to view a solar eclipse.

Santa is making those last minute rounds around the area so there will be plenty of opportunity to get any last minute letters and whisper into the ear of the merry ol’ elf. The area business communities have once again pulled together to bring Santa out and about. Last week had its own special events for children while this weekend provides even more activities to ensure every child the opportunity to get a gift from Santa. For the 34 th  year, Santa will be at the Department of Environmental Control (DEC) in Ray Brook on Friday, December 17 th  from 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. and it only makes sense that Smokey Bear will be there as well. Don’t try to get Smokey to talk; I’m told he doesn’t give interviews. Elves will be passing out treats. Face painting and cookie decorating is available with a special holiday concert from the Saranac Lake High School Chorus.   The Saranac Lake Youth Center has managed to grab Santa from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. on Saturday for those last minute photos

Don't be a Scrooge! Check out Pendragon Theatre's performance of A Christmas Carol.  Call 518-891-1854 for reservations. Tickets are $10.00 for adults and $8.00 for those under 17 At the Pendragon stage December 18 and 19, 2:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m.  December 21, 22, 23, 7:00 p.m.  At the Lake Placid Center for the Arts December 27, 28, 7:00 p.m. 

By Diane Chase I  want that simpler time with Adirondack carolers, hot chocolate and exchanging friendly greetings on the street. I want to alleviate the holiday stress and just enjoy being with my family. On December 10-12, 2010, the village of Lake Placid will turn on its old world alpine charm and celebrate its annual Lake Placid Holiday Stroll. Santa will kick off the event with  free  skating at the  Olympic Center  on Friday the 10th starting at 6:30 p.m. Read More of my Post on Lake Placid.com