JUST US AND THE BUS

Sunday, October 25, 2009

GREEN TO ORANGE - SUMMER TO FALL - 2009

It's been a couple of months since our last post. During that time Bill and Jane moved from the KOA in Canandaigua to Southwood's RV Resort in Byron-Bergen. Bill got a part-time job driving for a parcel delivery service that takes Red Cross blood to all parts of NY State and Jane has been busy working on her quilting projects. They both continue their jobs as Goodwill Ambassadors for Camping World. They have taken several day-trips in the beautiful Fingerlakes area and in Western New York.

The Birthplace of Mormonism - Palmyra, NY

Our wayward travelers decided to explore Palmyra, NY, the place where the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints was founded. Back in 1820 a young Joseph Smith prayed to God for wisdom to choose the correct religion. While walking in a wooded area (the Sacred Grove) near the family log cabin God and Jesus appeared to him and told him to wait, that none of the local religions were what he should choose, and the true path would be shown him. Three years later "Moroni", a heavenly messenger, appeared to Smith in the upstairs of the cabin and directed him to the Hill Cumorah nearby where gold plates were hidden. The next day Joseph found the plates which contained the Book of Mormon, and he spent many years translating the plates from ancient Hebrew to English. The Book was later published in Palmyra. This was the beginning of the Mormon Church.

The Visistors Center, located in front of Hill Cumorah. Beautiful inside, with lots of information on the new religion.

The statue of Moroni, located near the summit of Hill Cumora. The names of all the witnesses who observed the gold plates are written on the base.

View from the top of Hill Cumorah. The annual Hill Cumorah Pageant is held right here.

The Smith family cabin where Moroni appeared to Joseph Smith. The Sacred Grove is seen in the background.

A Trip to the Buffalo Zoo

Bill, Jane, Nick, Ellen and Eli spent an afternoon at the Buffalo Zoo which is located in Delaware Park, a short walk from Greg's house. It is an outstanding zoo which Buffalo is very proud of.

Jane, Nick and Eli near the main entrance.

Grandpa and Eli checking out a mini-cow.

This polar bear was rescued by Al Gore from a melting iceberg.

Huge brown bear smiles for the camera - trying to lure humans into his living area.

Rhino in his bathtub.

Nick and Eli near the zebra area.

BBQ in Honeoye Falls

Bill's sister Madonna and her husband John had a mid-summer bash at their home in Honeoye Falls, NY. Fresh sweet corn, delicious desserts - ooh it's sooo gooood!

Front row - Dad and Mom Lefort, Madonna. Back row - John, Nick, Jane, Mike, Hugh, Mary Ellen and Megan.

A Trip to the New York State Fair

Bill and Jane teamed up with Greg and Tracey for a trip to Syracuse and the State Fair. A sure sign of the end of summer and back to school time.

The Little German Juggler Guy, an old friend from past vacations, performed in front of a packed sidewalk.

Pig races - here Dolly Porker edges out Barack Ohama.

Butter sculpture in the Dairy Building.

Tracey poses with ice cream - life is good!

Greg and Tracey in front of the sand sculpture - it is a tribute to the victims of 911 and features the recently christened SS New York built from steel recovered from the World Trade Center ruins.

New Cell Tower Constructed in Elaine Dougan's Backyard

After years of study, meetings, permits and discussion, a new Verizon tower was finally built on land behind Mom Dougan's home.

The last section of the tower put in place by workers utilizing a large crane.

Buffalo Bills Home Opener vs. Tampa Bay Bucs

Another sign of autumn - football at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Bill got a ticket from Greg who was busy on a cruise in the Carribean. A beautiful day for tailgating and a huge Bill's victory! At this posting the Bill's are 3-4 and clawing for a playoff spot.

Brad and his friend Kevin who coaches soccer at Buffalo State.

Jon and cousin Jeff prepare to be the 12th man at home opener.

A Boating Cruise on Canandaigua Lake

Bill and Jane were invited on a boat trip to see beautiful Canandaigua Lake. The glacier that cut out this lake in the Ice Age was quite an artist!

The boat as it departs Canandaigua harbor.

Danny Wegman's house as seen from the water - parking for only six boats.

Four Generation Photos

Nick and Ellen travelled to Strykersville to visit the great-grandparents and get some four generation photos.

Eli looks pretty bored.

Four generations of Lefort's.

Senior Day at Brockport College Soccer

Brockport College Soccer is nearing the end of another great season, going 7-2 in the SUNYAC and 9-4-2 overall. Bill and Jane have followed the team around New York State to support the Golden Eagles. There are two seniors graduating and they were recognized at the final home game. Brockport has qualified for the SUNYAC Final Four to be held at Plattsburg College in early November.

Headcoach Gary Lapietra, Steve Abgarian, Brad and coach Mike Domm

Brad, Jane and Bill - proud parents on Senior Day

The team prepares to take on the Buffalo State Bengals.

Eli Makes First Trip to Potsdam, NY

Eli, Nick and Ellen visited Grandma Dougan for photos and a great meal.

Eli still looks bored.

Nick, Grandma "D", Eli, Jane and Abbey

That's all for now - Bill and Jane plan on traveling to Branson, Missouri once the soccer season is over. Stay tuned for future adventures!

Friday, July 31, 2009

Summer 2009

Bill and Jane were happy to be back in New York and are enjoying a wonderful summer. They continue to use the KOA in Canandaigua as the home base and are working part time as Goodwill Ambassadors for the Camping World stores in Churchville and Bath.

Elijah William Lefort gets baptized

Little Eli was baptized into the Catholic faith at St. Patrick's Church in Chittenango. Keith and Kate Bryant were the godparents. After the ceremony, everyone congregated at Pete and Colleen Hilts home for a delicious spaghetti dinner.

Eli with parents and godparents

Now a gang of eight!

Eli with the proud parents and grandparents

Doused with water and never made a peep - what a good boy!

Memorial Day in Waterloo, NY

Bill and Jane made the short trip to Waterloo to celebrate Memorial Day. It's a big deal in Waterloo because that is the birthplace of Memorial Day. There is a big parade, craft show, food booths, and a Civil War Re-enactment Campout.

It's official - they got a blue sign!

Union Doctor displaying the medical tools used during the Civil War

Fire truck in the parade

Union Artillery Sergeant demonstrating the types of shot used in Union cannons

Troops moving the artillery piece from the camp area. They camp here for the weekend and live as the soldiers did in the Civil War.

Greg's Birthday at the Pro Football Hall of Fame - Canton, Ohio

Greg chose a day trip to Canton, Ohio to celebrate his 28th birthday. The Hall of Fame is an awesome place and very fan-friendly. It has been renovated four times in its' history. It tells the history of pro football in America as well as recognizing the great players over the years.

Tracy, Greg and Bill at entrance

Jane waving near the entrance

These benches were removed from Rich Stadium during the renovation and are used in a viewing room at the Hall of Fame

Van Miller has been inducted into the broadcasters section of the Hall of Fame

Jack Kemp's jersey - he quarterbacked the Bills to two AFL Championships in 1964 and 1965 and later ran for Vice-President of the United States

Jim Kelly's bust in the Hall of Fame - they are grouped by year of induction

There is a whole wing dedicated to the history of the game

Kelly's jersey - the only QB to take his team to four straight Super Bowls

Bruce Smith plaque and photo - he and Ralph Wilson are being inducted into the Hall of Fame this summer during Hall of Fame Weekend to open the pre-season

Ralph Wilson - original owner of the Bills - this year marks the 50th Anniversary of the franchise

The Taste of Syracuse

Bill and Jane did the Taste of Syracuse with Dave and Pam Hachey. Besides outstanding food, the festival featured the Kevin Costner Band - he was pretty good

Bill, Pam and Dave - the square was packed with revelers!

National Lacrosse Champion Syracuse Orangemen recognized on stage

Kevin Costner in concert - that's his brother to the right

Women groupies nearly toppled the stage

Old Narcs Convention in Sylvan Beach

Bill and Jane met with some old narcs at Harpoon Eddies Restaurant in Sylvan Beach. It was a beautiful evening for a reunion and solving most of the world's problems

Junior Laracuente, Neil Walsh, Amy Honors, Bill, Sammy Serrano and Tito Ruiz (my little Tito)

Jonnypalooza in Syracuse, NY

Jon finally closed on his new home in the Strathmore section of Syracuse in May. Bill and Jane spent quite a bit of time there painting, vacuuming, renovating and decorating Jons' new abode. Jon decided to have a house-warming party and dubbed it "Jonnypalooza"

Ping-pong in the backyard

The sign says it all

Tents, games, food, drink, revelers - where else would rather be?

Jon and his friend Rizzy view the festivities

The Tim McGraw Concert in Canandaigua

Jane got two tickets for her birthday to see Tim McGraw at CPAC in Canandaigua. It was a great show and he sang several brand new songs from his upcoming album.

It was a packed house for the show

Cowgirl Jane and Cowboy Bill

Tour of Keuka Lake with Dick and Judy Cagle

Dick and Judy Cagle from London, Ontario stopped at the KOA in Canandaigua on their way to Maine and the Canadian Maritimes. They are Bill and Jane's next-door neighbors in Florida. The two couples toured Keuka Lake and stopped for lunch in Hammondsport. Winery tours filled the afternoon followed by a Mexican fajita dinner and campfire at night.

Dick and Judy at the Bully Hill Winery

Buffalo Bills Training Camp

Bill and Jane met Greg and Tracy at St. John Fisher College in Rochester to get a look at the 2009 Bills in training camp. Terrell Owens (T.O.) dominated the fans attention as he will hopefully bring some punch to the Bills offense. You don't realize how huge some of the linemen are until you see them up close - their monsters!