Adirondack Family Time™

My family tries to attend Ottawa’s Wi nterlude , which starts this weekend January 29-February 15, 2016, each year to skate on the canal.  From end to end the whole maintained portion is about 5.0-miles. We’ve rented sleighs, stopped for picnics, and enjoyed hot chocolate at one of the stands. Now Lake Placid has a smaller version of the Rideau Canal, with less fuss.  I’ve skated various segments of the 2-mile weaving path over a frozen Mirror Lake a few times now and with each opportunity I see people utilizing the ice track differently. Two young hockey players passing the puck to each other the length of the track, certainly put me to shame. A dog the size of a small stuffed animal pulled another woman around. Other people have walked around the lake without skates, sticking to the unplowed edge. I love how it isn’t for just one purpose. Everyone has managed to make the place another way to interact with winter sports.

 I Have A Dream ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.  " I have a dream that little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin,  but by the content of their character.  "

Our tradition is to take down the Christmas tree on Three Kings' Day (January 6). The kings have been traveling around our house, searching for the Creche. When they arrive we will all celebrate with bread and hot chocolate while packing up ornaments.  There are healthier versions of sweetbread but I feel the treat of of this bread combined with the sadness of taking down our tree is worth the extra crunches.   I hide a few pieces of chocolate in the bread. Traditionally a porcelain doll (symbolizing the baby Jesus) is used and the person finding it has to throw the next year's party. In our house who ever finds a piece of candy gets a special wish. Surprisingly enough each of my children usually find the lucky gift.  Three Kings' Bread Recipe

By Diane Chase Here is the cover for the 2nd Adirondack Family Time™ guidebook. This guide for the Adirondack Champlain Valley and other Adirondack Family Time guides can be found at Barnes and Nobles , Amazon and a local book store near you! This guidebook for the Champlain Valley from Plattsburgh to Ticonderoga covers the towns of Plattsburgh, Ausable Forks, Elizabethtown, Keeseville, Willsboro, Essex, Westport, Port Henry, Crown Point and Ticonderoga. The four-season guide has  over 300 activities 58   easy hikes  and walks 33 swimming areas and waterfalls 30 museums 46 playgrounds/parks 75 trivia questions 15 inside or nature games  40 ice cream parlors and bakeries with sleigh rides, snow shoe trails, farmers markets, performing arts and more © Diane Chase, author of Adirondack Family Time: Tri-Lakes and High Peaks (Your Four-Season Guide to Over 300 Activities) for the towns of Lake Placid, Saranac Lake, Jay/Upper Jay, Wilmington, Keen

We don't leave just cookies and milk out for Santa. We want to make sure the reindeer have enough energy to travel around the world in one crazy night. We are always looking for ways to get Santa's reindeer off the roof and into our backyard. Honestly, I believe that the reindeer are a bit intimidated by all of the wild deer. One way to bring the reindeer a little closer would be to set off some of their favorite foods. Since reindeer are similar to regular deer, we made a mix that would be good for the reindeer, birds and whitetail deer. Please make sure you sprinkle reindeer food only on your own property because it will attract other wildlife such as birds and larger mammals. Also check on your area regulations on domesticated animals or wildlife, including Santa's reindeer. First to make sure you don't put out items for animals that kill, choke or harm them in any way. That includes processed sugars, glitter or plastics. Reindeer Food Recipe