Summer Fun At The Long Island Aquarium

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August 6, 2017

Victoria is an accomplished animal educator and journalist who's been recognized by Dowling College and awarded by Congress for her work. Victoria also teaches in schools and libraries where she shares firsthand her knowledge and experiences in a series of educational programs that she’s developed.
VictoriasAmazingWorld@yahoo.com

If you're looking for something fun and exciting to do this summer, I suggest the Long Island Aquarium. The park is loaded with exciting and unique exhibits that are fun for the entire family. From snorkeling with tropical fish to getting kissed by a sea lion, the Long Island Aquarium has a wide variety of activities to keep you busy throughout the day. This year, the Aquarium is featuring a new exhibit called Creature Feature at Critter Cove. It’s a great way for kids to get up close and learn about the different animals at the Aquarium. Every day, they bring two animals out for an educational lecture. During my recent trip to the Aquarium, I got a chance to see a cool penguin named Jim and a very interesting milk snake. The educators are full of information and are happy to answer any questions you might have.

I also had a blast snorkeling at the Pirates Snorkel Adventure where you get to swim up close with tropical fish and stingrays. All the fish are safe to swim with and there’s always trained lifeguards standing by. Snorkeling is a great way to cool off on a hot summer day. You can also take part in a treasure hunt for puzzle pieces. At the end of the session, everyone gets a prize.

The aquarium has lots of other exciting activities, including animal feedings, an amazing sea lion show, penguin encounters, boat tours, and much more. They even have a really cool Shark Dive. Another favorite is the Atlantis Explorer Tour Boat, a peaceful and relaxing pontoon boat ride down the Peconic River and into Flanders Bay. Conducted by Aquarium Educators, the adventure offers plenty of opportunity for hands-on exploration and information about the many animals that live in the area. The aquarium also has a ride called Discovery Tower. The Tower allows you to see the whole park from high in the sky, just like a bird.

Victoria’s Fun Facts and Tips:

• At the Pirates Snorkel Adventure you can swim with Dory and Nemo.

• A giant grouper from one of my favorite pet stores, BTJ's Jungle, now has a new home in the Aquariums huge Lost City of Atlantis Shark Exhibit.

• The Long Island Aquarium has one of the largest living insect exhibitions in North America.

• The LI Aquarium has been featured on many TV shows including Tanked, Allstars, Project Runway and Sesame Street.

• The LI Aquarium is a great place to have your birthday party or other special event. I got to see a beautiful bride while I was there.

• You can see my visit, and Jim the penguin, on my YouTube channel Victoria’s Amazing World.

• Go to LongIslandAquarium.com for info on their education and volunteer programs, schedules, special events and coupons. Admission is FREE on your birthday.

The Willingness Principle The Ultimate Secret To Realizing Your Dreams

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August 6, 2017

Dr. Gold, Ph.D, LMHC, is a Licensed and Board Certified Clinical Mental Health counselor, with a Ph.D in psychology, clinical practice. She’s in private practice at her home office in Fort Salonga, specializing in relationships. A sub specialty is in integrating holistic methods with traditional ones. She is founding president of Happi Act for autism www.happiact.org
a non- profit organization. She can be
reached at drgold6@optimum.net

In the Life Coach aspect of my psychotherapy practice my approach is, “The past is over, forget about it.” Sometimes we do visit the past to better understand present feelings and behaviors. The future isn’t here yet, don’t worry about it (Plan yes. worry, no).
   The present is here; be in it. With this philosophy and some terrific tools, many of my clients have soared to successes which before they dared not dream of.
   l’d like to share just one such tool with you. It is the Ultimate Secret to Realizing Your Dreams. It is so simple, yet so key. I call it The WILLINGNESS PRINCIPLE
   In order to reach any goal, we must have WILLINGNESS. We must be WILLING to do whatever it takes (that is legal and moral) to get there. A definition of WILLINGNESS is: “A frame of mind that is open to every possible demand without judgement, refusal or reservation.” You may be thinking that what you dream of achieving is so far afield that only a miracle could bring you to it. So, let’s define miracle: “An extremely outstanding or unusual event, thing or accomplishment.” Note: nowhere is the word “supernatural” in that definition. Today’s fantasy can be tomorrow’s accomplishment, or miracle.
   The secret of WILLINGNESS is that intention is more important than action. What we make up our minds to do is acutely more important than what we actually do. When we form an intention and hold fast to it, we will eventually be presented with the right actions to achieve our goals. Presently I can’t absolutely prove to you scientifically why this secret works (although scientists are working on that). I can just tell you from my experience and that of many others that it does. Once we commit ourselves to be WILLING to do whatever it takes, every single step necessary, often we simply don’t have to do all the steps. Imbibe the words of the great literary giant Johann Wolfhang Von Goethe: “At the moment of commitment, the entire universe conspires to assist you.”
   With THE WILLINGNESS DECISION, often we’ll encounter a whole set of obstacles for awhile- money scarcity, time-challenges, frustrations in our best efforts. I said, “For awhile.” Through it all, keep the WILLINGNESS. If we do, then we’ll have to learn how to handle success. It might come sooner than we thought! The present is a gift. That’s why it’s called “the present.” It’s here – be in it!

Enjoy your success!

Warm Regards,
Phyllis-Terri Gold, Ph.D

Busch Gardens, Colonial Williamsburg and Water Country USA, Virginia

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August 6, 2017

Kathy Horowitz facilitates a monthly women’s writer’s group at the Life
Center in Huntington. Her work
has appeared in The Long Islander,
Long Island Woman, Calyx, Blue
Unicorn, and Seventh Quarry. Kathy
offers freelance writing, editing,
and proofreading services
(kahorowitz@gmail.com)
www.kathyhorowitz.com.

Years ago when I was a teen, my sister and I camped out in the backseat of our parents’ Chevy Impala with Barbie dolls for her and a journal for me as we made a road trip to Williamsburg, Virginia. Mind you there was no Busch Gardens or Water Country USA back then. And there was a lot less traffic too. Here are some key attractions you and your family won’t want to miss. Buy tickets for all 3 and save.

• Busch Gardens
(www.seaworldparks.com/BuschGardens/Williamsburg). This 383-acre kid-friendly park is surrounded by Colonial Williamsburg, Yorktown, and Jamestown. New this year is the wooden coaster, InvadR, or drop 90 degrees from 205 feet on Griffon or launch 63 mph on Tempesto. The little ones will love to explore the Sesame Street Forest of Fun and Land of the Dragons. In the fall the park turns into a scary place for spine-chilling fun at Howl-O-Scream and during the holidays view the 8 million lights at Christmas Town, one of the largest Christmas light displays in North America. Since 1990 Busch Gardens has been voted the world’s most beautiful theme park as you can stroll down Parisian streets, through the hamlet of Scotland, and celebrate Germany’s Oktober Bier Fest. But don’t forget that it is also a place for learning about wildlife. Visit and learn about the bald eagles, Clydesdale horses, and gray wolves. See website for a list of special events.

• Colonial Williamsburg
(www.colonialwilliamsburg.com). Families will enjoy exploring the 18th century by engaging with the community firsthand. Take a tour of original 18th-centruy buildings, beautiful gardens, two museums, and more. Kids can be Patriots at Play for hands-on activities or be an archaeologist alongside some of Colonial Williamsburg’s experts as they excavate the cellar of Archibald Blair’s 18th century store. Children can bring their favorite dolls to Mrs. Campbell’s Tavern for an all-American Tea Party and dine on delicious treats and teas. Or go on a behind-the-scenes stable tour to learn about 18th century carriages and animals. Kids will love “The Toy Workshop of the World,” German wooden toys from dolls to soldiers to arks and animals.

• Water World USA
(www.watercountryusa.com). Just three miles from Busch Gardens, this water park is Virginia’s largest offering water slides (Meltdown, Nitro Racer, Jet Scream), rides (Cow-A-Bunga, Aquazoid), lazy river (Hubba Hubba Highway), and a wave pool (Surfer’s Bay), and more! Be sure to check out the park’s newest thrill ride, Colossal Curl.

Happy riding and exploring!

Savory Eats: Verde Kitchen & Cocktails

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July 23, 2017

Joanna Adduci is a Northport resident,
currently working as a writer. She has a B.S. in Journalism from St. John's University and is active within her community working as a blogger and musician. She enjoys cooking, traveling, hiking and performing with her dad in their LI-based cover band, Next Generation. Joanna can be reached by e-mail at: joanna.adduci10@gmail.com.

   Verde Kitchen & Cocktails is reinventing the Long Island dining experience through the use of local, quality ingredients and a warm, inviting atmosphere. A local oasis for foodies and novices alike, Verde offers something for everyone. Whether you're searching for a bold, seasonal entree or quick after-work bite, you've come to the right place. Verde brings me back to the days of exploring up-and-coming, back-alleyway eateries in Williamsburg and Astoria, where owners and chefs were aiming to revamp the quality of the characteristic dining experience. Owners, and brothers, Andrew and Anthony Tartaglia are choosing local, quality ingredients and that has made all the difference.
   Patrons at Verde can choose from a wide variety of artisanal cocktails – complete with herbs and garnishes grown in their on-site greenhouse. I opt for the Blood Orange Margarita, while my guest selects the El Magico. Both contain aesthetic, personalized touches such as black lavender sea salt or coconut jalapeno rim. The cocktail list is impressive, and offers a wide variety of carefully constructed libations. Their beer and wine list is also noteworthy and diverse, containing authentic favorites and suggested pairings.
   The menus at Verde include: Tacos and Ceviche, Little Cravings, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Cocktails and Margaritas, Beer, Wine, Tequila and Mezcal Flights, and Dessert. Our gastronomic marathon was comprised of appetizers from the Little Cravings menu, tacos and seasonal entrees. For appetizers, we selected The Guacamole Trio, consisting of three different guacamoles: Traditional, Rajas – roasted poblano, pomegranate seeds, pepitas and almonds, and Ostra Fritas – uni and local, fried Sexton Island true blue oyster. We then ordered Chicharrón, complete with Valentina hot sauce and fresh herbs.
   The taco menu at Verde is nothing short of audacious. Daring combinations of fresh, grass-fed meats, locally sourced fish and seafood, and authentic, bold toppings. First, we tasted the Carnitas, a seamlessly delicious combination of roasted pork shoulder, pork belly, coriander, cumin, salsa verde, and salsa arbol. Next, the Barbacoa. My personal favorite, this taco is savory and sweet, containing slow-cooked chile rubbed charred brisket marinated in Negra Modelo Mexican Lager & Mexican Coke, topped with pickled serranos. Lastly, the Camarones. A blended mix of guajillo and grapefruit marinated shrimp, cabbage, crema, and pineapple cucumber salsa. Verde’s tacos are made using freshly ground corn masa making them naturally gluten-free. The establishment suggests enjoying them traditionally, as a snack before the meal.
   The entrees at Verde are artistically designed, and seasonally inspired. My guest and I opted for the Pato a la Plancha, a delightful dish comprised of pan roasted duck breast, duck confit, roasted brussels sprouts, and black bean puree. Truly magical, savory, and cooked to perfection, I will definitely be ordering this again on my next visit to Verde.
   While many restaurateurs choose to head in the same culinary direction as their competitors, Verde Kitchen & Cocktails aspires to something greater – maintaining a vision of bold authenticity within an industry that appears to be playing it safe. I whole-heartedly recommend you visit this ambitious eatery and reinvent your routine dining experience.

Caring For Your Aging Parents As Well As Caring For Yourself

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July 23, 2017

Kathy Horowitz facilitates a monthly women’s writer’s group at the Life
Center in Huntington. Her work has appeared in The Long Islander, Long
Island Woman, Calyx, Blue Unicorn, and energyofnewlight.com. She recently self-published her first collection of poems available at Huntington’s Book Revue. Kathy offers freelance editing, writing, and proofreading
(kahorowitz@gmail.com).

Let’s face it. Many of us are in what is called the “sandwich generation” and what I like to call the “Panini generation.” As parents, many of us are either worrying about our children or caring for our aging parents. I lost my mom almost two years ago after she broke her hip and then developed an infection. She had suffered with rheumatoid arthritis for decades and had five spinal surgeries, a knee replacement, and then some. She was valiant and never complained. Now it is time to care for my father. …

Let’s face this, too. Some of our aging parents are not willing to relinquish their freedoms such as driving (and driving at night) or making healthcare and living situation decisions. Who can blame them for wanting to maintain their autonomy? They may flinch at the idea of Life Alert or any other device that would give their children peace of mind when distance is an issue. My Floridian father jokes that he’ll take his cell phone with him even to the bathroom. But will he remember to keep it on and not on vibrate?

Recently, I’ve had conversations with friends whose parents are developing memory loss. One friend called it “pre-Alzheimer’s,” but I am not here to judge anyone’s memory loss as mine isn’t always up to par. For peace of mind, we have to give our parents options so that they feel in control. And if they’re so resolute as to not want any help, then we have to simply realize that it’s not in our control despite our best intentions. We have to learn to trust and “let go.”

So here’s what we can do to keep calm through these sometimes stormy days, but first remember to breathe deeply:

• Check in once a day. Visit or have a conversation with your loved one to let them know you care. After all, we all yearn for human connection.
• Go for a walk. Get some fresh air when the stress becomes unmanageable.
• Watch comedy before going to bed. Nobody wants to be reminded of life’s/the world’s troubles by watching late-night drama and the news.
• Write your troubles away. If you don’t want to have that hundredth conversation with your parent, write a letter and then tear it up. Nobody will be the wiser and you’ll feel a lot better.

Like a Panini, we are squeezed for time and with worry. But first we must put that oxygen mask on ourselves so that we can care for our loved ones as we, at some later point, will want that equal care and respect when it is our turn.

Summer Hairstyles

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July 23, 2017

Morgan has been a Stylist for over seven years. She specializes in color, cuts, and styling. She has passion for each and loves doing it all because she looks forward to the end result. Her favorite part about working on a clients' hair is making them feel beautiful and seeing their overall transformation from start to finish!

Just when you’re about to throw out that horrible 80s outfit for a wardrobe revamp your friend says “are you crazy?! Don’t get rid of that, style always comes back around!”

Well guess what, the same goes for our hairstyles; This summer is all about bringing back what has been for years, while just adding that edge to keep it fresh and current, and its super exciting!

Braids:
Braids are such a fun and easy way to add some diversity and texture to your hair. Whether you’re on the beach or at an elegant wedding, braids are very versatile. If you’re wearing a low-slung pony you can even add some micro braids to those feathered pieces hanging out of the sides to give it a little something interesting.

Ballerina Buns:
What’s more sleek and classic than a perfectly constructed ballerina bun? Not much! High or low ballerina buns show the beautiful structure of cheekbones, jawline and can even give the illusion of being taller. This is a great style for business casual as well as an elegant evening affair making it a great day into night style.

Textured Beach Waves:
Remember in high school when a bottle of mousse was your go to if you didn’t have time to blow dry and flat iron your hair that morning? “Scrunched” hair has evolved into the effortless beach waves you see on celebrities and models. It’s a quick style for the summer when you don’t have time or it’s just too hot to sit there and blow dry your hair. The best tool for this look is a great salt spray and your hands! Spray the salt spray in, flip your head over, use a scrunching motion with your hands and you have full, textured volume like you walked off the beach. My favorite go-to salt spray is Beach Day by UNITE, it’s a summer must have!

Ponytails:
This summer is all about embracing the ponytail, all different types too! Whether a high pony, side pony or low-slung pony it’s a great way to get your hair up and out of your face while still drawing focus to your hair. You can wear a super sleek dressy high ponytail or you can wear an effortless low pony with whimsical pieces. A great way to dress a pony up a bit is to cover you hair tie with a piece of your hair. You just take a small piece and wrap it around the pony and pin it with a bobby pin, giving it a sleeker look.

A great way to see what works for you and help you achieve these looks is to confide and trust in your hairstylist. They can give you realistic ways to achieve certain looks as well as their honest opinion of what looks best on you. Your hair stylist is your best friend, so don’t afraid to use his or her knowledge and advice!

Dishin’ With Denise… Flower Power

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July 23, 2017

Denise Gianatasio is a Northport
Village resident and freelance writer. She
is a licenced agent at Signature Premier
Properties, Gold Circle of Excellence,
172 Main Street, Northport 631-754-3600. Denise enjoys cooking and sharing her recipes and family stories, as she wants to inspire a warm sense of home with her readers. Please feel free to contact her for any advice you may need at dishinwithdenise@yahoo.com.

There’s nothing like these beautiful summer days and the beautiful colorful blooms that surround us. Last summer I gave you a fried zucchini blossom recipe~ and you hopefully discovered there’s more to a flower than “meets the eye”~ the crunch, the delicate salty flavor, and a truly incredible addictive treat! Zucchini blossoms offer even more flower power as you can try them in a variety of ways. I couldn’t resist buying them and adding them into a frittata~ delicious! This fresh edible zucchini blossom not only adds color to your dish but a powerful dose of vitamins including A,C E, and K with many powerful minerals like magnesium, potassium, and calcium, and lowers blood pressure too~ powerful! Here’s to taking the time to smell the flowers~ and eat them too! Enjoy! XO Denise

   Sauté ¼ of a large Vidalia onion chopped until soft and golden with ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
   Add 12 washed and sliced baby portabella mushrooms and sauté until soft.
   12 yellow and orange cherry tomatoes~ diced
   10 roughly chopped washed and dried zucchini flowers (pistons removed)
   Handful of chopped fresh basil
   1 T Fresh chives
   2 T grated locatelli cheese
   ½ ~ ¾ cup shredded mozzarella
   Fresh black pepper and sea salt
   12 eggs beaten with 2 T water
   Bake at 350 degree oven in a greased casserole or pie dish

Must Have Crafting Tools

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July 23, 2017

Kim Montenero is a freelance writer and craft designer. Her work has been featured in Reloved Magazine, Parade.com and
The Huffington Post. She blogs at
www.exquisitelyunremarkable.com where she encourages individuals to feather their nests with super easy and elegant DIY and craft projects regardless of their skill level. She can be contacted through her website.

Think you need a bunch of fancy crafting tools to enjoy your hobby and decorate your home?

Nope. This girl gets creative without the machines or the mats. My list of most used, must haves are just a bunch of items you probably
already have on hand, and if not, you can pick them all up and get your craft on without breaking the bank.

MINI GLUE GUN
Glue guns are an easy way to bond just about anything, without worrying about drying times and fumes. The mini version is easier to handle than the big boys and you don’t have to mess with temperature settings. Plus, you can pick one up for less than three dollars. If you’re only going to invest in one craft tool, this is the one hands down.

SCISSORS
Scissors are a crafting necessity and while everyone probably owns a pair, I recommend three.

When it comes to creative endeavors, you never know what you’re going to need to cut. Some of those items will wreck your nice scissors, so an older pair is great to have for that kind of work.

The third is a dedicated pair of sewing scissors if you plan to work with cloth. I never, ever cut anything but fabric with mine, otherwise they’ll never be the same.

RIBBON
Ribbon is a multi-purpose tool. The possibilities are endless, whether you use it as an adornment, a hanger or as a direct part of a craft, like a banner.

WHITE CRAFT PAINT
Nine times out of ten, when I reach for paint, it’s white. When I want color, I can go out and choose a hue on a per project basis, but as a
general rule, white is sufficient for the majority of my needs.

NEEDLE & THREAD & FUSIBLE WEB
Not a seamstress? That’s ok. You can still craft with fabric or repair a tear without any sewing knowledge whatsoever. Anyone can master a
needle and thread, a basic stitch is just up and down.

Don't want to go there? No problem, fusible web tape can help you accomplish anything from hemming pants to creating a custom piece of
upholstery.

Fabulous results and nobody will ever know that you don’t sew!

And there you have them, my list of super unsophisticated (and super cheap) crafting tools.

They're not fancy but they get the job done every time.

Happy Crafting!

Buying A House? Beware

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July 23, 2017

Bill Lauto is an Environmental Scientist and Energy Consultant who has been teaching how we can save our money, energy, environment, and health, since 1982. Mr. Lauto operates GoingTrueGreen.com and his work has been published in magazines such as: Consumer Report, Kiplinger's Financial and Business Ethics.

Are you looking to buy a house? Even if you find your dream house, you must always get an engineer's report done before going to the Closing. There are many reasons to spend $500 plus for this type of report. For example, unbeknownst to you, there can be a silent threat lurking in the attic. Wouldn't you take swift corrective action once you learned of that threat?

Yet, that is the Rub without an engineer's report on the house, you may never know of the problems. So, year after year, the issue(s) will cost you more and more money.

Our example with the attic is a common issue regarding the insulation and if the job was done correctly. At times, the errors with attic insulation made by professional contractors, handymen, or fly-by-night individuals, is almost an epidemic.

Below is just another TRUE story that proves we must always live by the adage: Buyer Beware

I was contacted by an attorney for a couple looking to buy a house. Their engineer's report came back stating that the insulation in the attic was installed upside down. The foil Vapor Barrier had to be on the floor of the attic or in other words, at the bottom of the insulation. When the Vapor Barrier is on the top of the insulation, moisture will be trapped in the insulation, thus sacrificing the integrity of the product. Mold and mildew will accumulate to the point that after so many years, the insulation has to be removed and replaced.

The couple's lawyer, who is familiar with my work at ET Weekly and GoingTrueGreen.com, queried me on the response he was given by the current home owner's representative.
Our conversation went like this:

"So Bill, he told me that the insulation was installed correctly and to code at the time the work was done so many years ago."

I replied by saying, "I never heard of the Vapor Barrier being approved in a different position no matter what year the insulation was installed. They are telling you a lie, hoping that you would accept what they are saying and that you would take no more action."

Many times we find it hard to believe what kind of world we live in. Rest assured, this world is still God's Green Earth. So help with taking care of our world by getting an engineer's report on the house Before you buy. Also, if you want GoingTrueGreen to do an environmental and energy report, we are just an email away. Best wishes to all the new house buyers.

Social Media The Experiment

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July 23, 2017

Tracy Rebentisch has a Bachelor’s Degree in English and enjoys to write as a creative outlet. Her love of writing began at a very young age and her writing style portrays humor and truth in relaying her real-life experiences to her audience. Her email address is:
redmelodee@optonline.net

It is what it is. We live in a world of social media surrounded by constant scrutiny and surveillance 24/7. While this definitely has its advantages at times – reconnecting with old friends, shopping, reading the news, entertainment – why not turn social media off for 1 month in order to stop and smell the roses, pay more attention to life and yes, pay more attention to your kids. Sounds easy, right? It is much harder than you think! Many of you might even be cringing right now at the very idea of trying this. C'mon, put down that cell phone, you can do it! It would also come with bragging rights because those of you able to accomplish this "feat" would be in the minority. I've chuckled in the past while reading such Facebook posts as, "Ok, I won't be on Facebook anymore" or "You won't be seeing me for awhile" thinking they will never make it for one whole month. They are simply garnering that last morsel of attention before riding off into the sunset. I wish them all the luck in the world. Crazy as it sounds, it does take courage. We’ve become a society of no longer having conversations, either on the phone or in person. Social media, emails and texting make it so easy for us to avoid this which impedes necessary social interaction. There is nothing better than speaking to someone face to face. It avoids anything that may be misconstrued in an email or text and has no feeling or emotion, only emoticons – ugh! And, it doesn’t allow people to use those so called Internet muscles or false courage that they would never have speaking with someone in front of them. For those thinking about it, give it a try and make a list of your newly-found accomplishments and goals while off social media. For those of you with spouses or partners, I would encourage both of you to “exit” at the same time. It will be difficult to watch your spouse checking out their phone while you can’t. Live in the moment and enjoy each other’s company while gazing into each other’s eyes. Imagine that! Now imagine your life and your world before cell phones. So much simpler without all the information overload. I miss those days, but, I think it’s healthy to go back to them, at least for a little while to see what you may have missed. After the 30 days are up, I bet you had a lot more free time on your hands. In our hectic and busy lives, this is exactly what all of us could use. Give it a shot, right here, right now. One of my favorite lines in an older movie (Apollo Creed from Rocky), “There is no tomorrow”. Try it today and be a part of the best Experiment ever..

Paris… Party of Three? Oui!

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July 23, 2017

Claudia Fenner is a writer, photographer and travel enthusiast who is a stay home mom of three in Dix Hills. She loves to plan her family’s vacations and helping her friends and relatives with their vacation ideas.

“I love Paris in the winter when it drizzles” Cole Porter

The recent airfares to Paris (and to Europe in general) have been the lowest I have ever seen. A few months back we grabbed a $418 round trip fare to Paris on Delta and spent a wonderful few days with our youngest daughter dodging rain drops, revisiting old favorites and discovering new ones in the “City of Light.”
Our “go to” hotel in Paris is the historic and beautifully restored Hilton Paris Opera. Originally named The Grand Hotel Terminus, it was built in 1889 to accommodate wealthy foreign visitors of the Great Exhibition that year. It’s opening was actually announced by Gustav Eiffel from his famous tower. Great staff, beautiful rooms and a fantastic location all make for a perfect stay.
It’s also a few blocks walk from the Roissybus which is an easy and inexpensive nonstop bus from the Opera House to the airport (CDG.) The bus runs every 15 minutes, takes about an hour, and costs 11.50 Euro pp each way.
One of the highlights of our trip was eating lunch on the Eiffel Tower. Located on the first level, the restaurant “58 Tour Eiffel” offers a complete lunch with an awesome view for 41.50 Euro pp. There are two seatings; at noon and at 1:30. You should make reservations in advance as your lunch ticket also allows you to skip the elevator line up to the first level. After lunch you are free to walk up to the second level and stay as long as you like.
We took a relaxing and easy day trip to visit the Palace of Versailles, which is located 12 miles southwest of Paris. Direct trains from Gare St. Lazare run about every 30 minutes to the town of Versailles. A 15-minute walk from the train station and you are at the gates of the Palace. Entrance tickets are 20 Euros pp and the audio guides are free. You pass through a lovely farmer’s market on your way to the palace, which if the weather is nice, is a great place to pick up a picnic lunch.
A few tips and random thoughts..
   If you are traveling with teenagers have them bring their student ID. Most of the museums, including Versailles are free for students under 18.
Leave at least 3 – 4 hours to check in at the airport. Security is very tight and there seemed to be long lines for everything.
   We had an early flight home and chose to stay at the Sheraton Paris Airport Hotel, located right in Terminal 2 at CDG. Airline check-in areas are only a 10 minute walk from the hotel’s front door.
   Security was out in force all over the city and we felt very safe to be there.
   As Audrey Hepburn in the movie “Sabrina” exclaimed.. Paris is always a good idea!

Finger Lakes Region: New York’s Year-Round Playground

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July 9, 2017

Kathy Horowitz facilitates a monthly women’s writer’s group at the Life Center in Huntington. Her work has appeared in The Long Islander, Long Island Woman, Calyx, Blue Unicorn, and is forthcoming in Seventh Quarry. She recently self-published a collection of poems and completed the 50,000-word novel-writing challenge during November’s NaNoWriMo. Kathy offers freelance writing, editing, and proofreading services (kahorowitz@gmail.com)
www.kathyhorowitz.com.

The Finger Lakes region encompasses 9,000 square miles and rests between Lake Ontario and the Pennsylvania border (www.VisitFingerLakes.com). Named for its series of long, thin lakes (“fingers”), it is home to 11 glacial lakes and one Great Lake. Known for its vineyards with over 100 wineries, the region has been described as an all-year playground for those who love to sail, hike, bike, horseback ride, fish, ski, tour wineries, shop, and visit historic museums.

History: The region is a central part of the Iroquois homeland. Seneca and Cayuga are lakes named after their tribe nations. Some major towns include Geneseo (home to Seneca Castle), Catherine’s Town (near Watkins Glen), and Ganondagan State Historic Site in Victor.

What to do: One of the deepest and longest Lakes, Cayuga, is home to Cornell University in Ithaca. The surrounding area is known for its high gorges and dramatic waterfalls including Taughannock and Buttermilk Falls. Take a boat ride with Canandaigua Lady, a 19th century replica of a double-decked paddlewheel boat. Choose a cruise that features lunch, dinner, narrated history or some other special theme (www.cdgaboatcruises.com). In Geneva, visit the Belhurst Castle at this historic lakeside resort, which boasts an on-site winery. You can cruise the Rose Lummis to these sites. If you love to bike, visit www.genevabikes.com where there’s an endless network of country roads with changing scenery that takes you through apple orchards, forests, valleys, and rolling hills. Visit Ganondagan State Historic Site in Victor, New York’s official Native American historic site, and explore Bark Longhouse and ethnobotanical trails. If it’s shopping you prefer after a day’s activities, the Eastview Mall in Victor has more that 170 stores such as GUESS, J. Crew, LEGO, Lord & Taylor to name a few. For a complete list of wineries, breweries, distilleries, and cheese factories, visit www.WineandBeerJunky.com. If it’s museums you’re interested in visit the Corning Museum of Glass, the Johnson Museum of Art, the Finger Lakes Boating Museum, the Rockwell Museum, the Seward House Museum, and the Women’s rights National Historic Park in Seneca Falls which includes the home of Elizabeth Cady Stanton and the Wesleyan Chapel where she held the first convention on women’s rights in 1848.

The Finger Lakes region has something for everyone. For discounts, visit www.fingerlakes.com. For lodging/camping/spas/hotels/B&Bs/vacation rentals go to www.fingerlakes.org/lodging. Happy Lake Travels!

Ciro's Italian Restaurant

Maria's Mexican & Latin Cuisine

O Sole Mio

Chiddy’s Cheese Steaks

La Piazza

Rincon Criollo

ET Week Media Group

Ciro's Italian Restaurant

Maria's Mexican & Latin Cuisine

O Sole Mio

Chiddy’s Cheese Steaks

La Piazza

Rincon Criollo

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