by Ryan

My mom's friends from high school took her to her radiation treatment today. They had been planning to do this for a while, and mom had a great time seeing them. For me, it was great to spend some quality time with my grandparents, Michelle, Darrin, Zoe, and Ethan today. We hit the road at 11am en route to South Bay, in Clemons, NY for some ice fishing. Grandpa has taken me ice fishing since I was a wee lad, and occasionally we actually catch some fish. There's something to be said about the comradery of the experience that makes up for catching no fish. I told grandpa that we were fishers of men, and he was also impressed with my latin. He decided to repeat the sign of the cross over each one of our tip-ups. As he would say, "in the name of the father, and of the son, and of the holy spirit," I would repeat, "In nomine patris, et filii, et spiritus sanctum." Perhaps we should try praying in Italian next time... Regardless, it was great to brave the cold and learn just that much more about life.

On the road to Clemons via Putnam

4-wheel drive is a necessity to get up Michelle and Darrin's driveway

Darrin towed the shanty onto the ice so the kids could have a refuge from the cold

Driving out on the ice

We drilled 8 holes with the auger to no avail

Darrin & Michelle's house as seen from the ice. (Camera in full zoom)

Zoe was awesome today. She would have stayed out on the ice all day if she could.

We then returned to eat a great dinner provided by one of mom's friends. We watched the olympics, and Shaun White take it home for team USA. Another great day in the north country. PEACE