Upstate NY?

[eli1126]

Hi! I'm Beth I live in the Albany area with my DH, Ed, a firefighter and our two kittens Beau and Belle! I am currently in school full time at Russell Sage College in Troy, NY for Elementary Education. When I was wedding planning they had an upstate site which I found very helpful. My older sister lives in the Rochester area (Fairport) so I am somewhat familier with that part of the state. Anyone else?

Beth

[Photobug]

Hi Beth,
I don't live in upstate NY anymore, but I did go to college in Rochester and my best friend still lives there. It's a very nice area - I lived in Henrietta and Chili during my college days. I currently live in Western Mass, not more than two hours from Albany, which also seems to be a pretty nice place (the outskirts, anyway. I try to stay out of cities if possible.) Okay, I'm finished hijacking your thread now. :o

[elladee]

Hi Beth! Nice to see a fellow upstate new yorker. I'm Lisa. I live in Buffalo right now, but I grew up in Rochester. My brother is in Troy right now at RPI.

[nekopie76]

Hi! I live in Waterloo, NY. It is slack dab in the middle of Rochester, Syracuse and Ithaca (all within 45 minutes of me). I have lived in this area my whole life (which could be good or bad :p ).

I look forward to meeting and getting to know all of you.

[fuzzy]

Hey ladies.

Another Upstater here. I live in one of the teeny tiny towns somewhere between Syracuse and Utica. I work at a college, live with that one guy I married, our dog, and four cats. :D

Who's ready for a break from this oppressive weather?

[nekopie76]

Who's ready for a break from this oppressive weather?

*Raising Hand!* I hate this weather. Just a couple more days and it will be in the 70's and low 80's. Can't wait! My poor AC needs a break. :D

[eli1126]

I'm so excited!! We have posters!! I am so ready for this weather to be over! I actually turned off the AC yesterday even though it was hot because I was so sick of hearing it! For us in Albany they say Saturday is suppossed to be beautiful...we'll see. Photobug Where abouts in Mass? My sister who is in Fairport also lived in Concord for a time. Her husband in a tennis Pro and they moved a lot until he got a Director's job.

Beth

[Oakley]

Hi! I'm Kate and I also live in Upstate NY (Buffalo area). My husband, two mini- dachshunds and I just moved here from West Palm Beach, FL at the end of March. The weekend we moved up- 18 inches of snow! EEK! :eek: We were clueless. Now it's so darn hot I'm looking forward to it cooling down (NEVER thought I'd say that)! We're renting a little house with no a/c and it's painful!

It's nice to see so many ladies in this area!

[jellybeany]

Hi everyone! I'm also from Upstate NY. I grew up near Syracuse and now I live near Buffalo with my DH. I work as an Application Developer. We are renting an apartment right now but we are in the process of buying a house! We plan on sticking around the area because my family is west of Syracuse and DH's family is near Niagara Falls. :)

[PeanutButter]

I grew up in upstate - Saratoga Springs - and am headed up there this weekend. My dad still lives there. I hope the weather is good!

eli I went to HS right up the hill from where you are going to college - I went to Emma Willard! (and got married there, too.)

[KrissyCat7]

I grew up in Rochester (Webster).....now Im down in Florida and boy do I miss NY....well except for the winter driving.

[2kCougar]

I'm from guilderland, right outside of Albany. I teach HS science. Beth, if there's anything you need to bounce off of me, feel free. I know that most ed programs have you write papers about topics you haven't addressed yet--since it's early for you to have a lot of experience.

[gnatters]

Hello ladies. I'm Natalie and I'm currently living in Buffalo. I'm so glad the temperature FINALLY went down these past couple of days. I can't complain too much because of the horrid summer we had last year.

Beth
My sister graduated from Russel Sage last spring. She was in the Nutrition program there.

~Natalie

[eli1126]

Thanks 2kCougar ! Don't be too alarmed if I take you up on the offer!! If you don't mind me being too nosey, was it really difficult to find a teaching position after graduating? I know our area can be really tough with Sage, St. Rose, SUNY all having teaching programs. I have been very successful in my programs at school and am lucky enough to have had classroom experience before, but I know the competition is fierce :( I will be student teaching in the Fall in Troy and then in Latham, hopefully I'll make an impression somewhere :)

Beth

[2kCougar]

Beth, it wasn't too difficult for me to find a job b/c I'm secondary ed (science). I went to Union for my MAT. I was a great program with a full year internship. I have a friend who worked as an aide for 2 years while looking for an el. ed. job. She ended up getting a job in a private school. Since you have experience, you're already ahead of most grads. Don't hesitate to drop me a line!

[eli1126]

Hi All! I hope I am not a thread killer :) Here in Albany we are supposed to get hit with the what's left of Tropical Storm Cindy :( I am a little bummed because DH and I are supposed to go down to the Yankee's game tomorrow night, but if it's pouring we obviously won't go. How was everyone's 4th? We went to The Great Escape with my nieces who were visiting from Fairport.
2kCougar I have heard that El Ed jobs can be difficult even with experience, but hopefully it may give me a little edge over another canidate who has never been in a classroom! That does annoy me about Sage, there are so many young women who have never stepped foot insode a classroom and when they realize they actually have to work with children they drop out like flies...usually having wasted all our time on the process :rolleyes:

Beth

[dionysia]

*butting in* ;)

DH is originally from Rochester (Hilton/Hamlin).

His folks live in Plymouth (outside of Norwich) now.

Di

[fuzzy]

Di! Plymouth!?! Really? I'm about 15 minutes from there. :D

[dionysia]

Di! Plymouth!?! Really? I'm about 15 minutes from there. :DHoly cannoli!

Maybe one of these visits I can actually meet you! ;)

Di

[nuhmah]

Another Upstate NY'er here. I grew up in the Lake George area, went to school near Buffalo, and then lived in the Poughkeepsie area for a few years right after college. DH and I moved to Oregon 2 years ago for his job. I NEVER ever thought I would say that I missed the weather in my neck of the woods, but I do.

The rain all year makes me depressed - I have put on 10 pounds since moving here that I can't seem to shake. I miss the snow sports (skiing, snowmobiling and such), as most of the winter here is spent doing nothing because of the rain.

Boy - I am a cloud of happiness, huh?

[tinkerbelljenny]

I live in Montana but I own property in Pitcher which is right outside of Cortland. My cousin is a police lieutenant in Cortland and I have another cousin that is an officer in McGraw. My aunt lives in Norwich. Just about all my relatives live in upstate New York. I love it there.

[eli1126]

Oh Goodie! I'm not a thread killer!! We didn't end up going to the Yankee's game because of the rain :( They still played, but when we saw the game on TV we realized it was pouring there and we were glad to be in our nice, dry house :) Where are Plymouth and Norwhich NY? I have heard of Plymouth Mass :D Who Hasn't? And Norwhich CT... How far from Albany?

"Another Upstate NY'er here. I grew up in the Lake George area, went to school near Buffalo, and then lived in the Poughkeepsie area for a few years right after college. DH and I moved to Oregon 2 years ago for his job. I NEVER ever thought I would say that I missed the weather in my neck of the woods, but I do." Posted By: nuhmah I can't blame you for missing the Lake George area! It's a beautiful place to be! Is your family still in Lake George?

Beth

[nuhmah]

I can't blame you for missing the Lake George area! It's a beautiful place to be! Is your family still in Lake George?

Beth

Yes, they are all there - we got married up there this past December. The weather was fantastic. It was about 40 degrees and sunny all day, and then the next day (about 2 hours after everyone left), the cold snap hit and dumped snow on us all.

Its tough being 3000 miles from every member of your nuclear family, but we may be here in OR a few years longer than planned, so I might as well make the most of it - right? ;)

[dionysia]

Norwich, NY is about an hour or so outside of Oneonta. NW maybe? I'd have to look at a map. ;)

Coincidentally, I grew up near Norwich, CT.

Di

[Oakley]

Do any of you go to the Erie County Fair? I'm getting SO excited about that and the Eden Corn Festival. Growing up, the fair was the BIG thing around here and now that I'm back I can't wait to go again. I think it's been almost 4 years since I went.

[eli1126]

Is Erie County near Buffalo? I know there is the state fair in Syracuse, but I've never been to that one either :(

Beth

[Oakley]

Yes, Buffalo is in Erie County. I've never been to the fair in Syracuse, but I've heard it's great!

[elladee]

Oakley ~ I have lived in Buffalo for 5 summers now, and have yet to make it to the Erie County Fair. Isn't is supposed to be one of the biggest county fairs in the state or something like that? Maybe this year will be the year.

I have been to the State Fair in Syracuse a couple times. That is a huge fair and tons of fun.

[Oakley]

elladee- You should definitely go! It's by far the best fair I've been too. I'm probably really biased though b/c I have a ton of awesome memories of the place. The best thing about it is the fair food- at least that's the bset thing about it for me!! Cannolis...yum... :D

[IrisHope]

So you all know Roscoe Diner? I used to go there everytime I visited my friends in college!

[twainny]

DH is from upstate (Rochester area) we come up there all the time, ILs have a place on Seneca Lake.

I love the lake... can't wait until Labor Day weekend!!!

[nekopie76]

twainny where on Seneca Lake do you go? I live in Waterloo (right between Cayuga and Seneca Lakes - north end). I am actually going to the lake this weekend to hang out at a friend's house while we read Harry Potter. I can't wait! :D

[sunmoonstars75]

All of my extended family is in the Utica/Syracuse area, and we are headed there with the girls for a family reunion in Boonville next month. I have always loved visiting, especially when my parents would rent a house on one of the small lakes on the way to Old Forge, such a beautiful area. Plus, we just don't have much in terms of hills/mountains here in WI.

Ending hijack now...

[hub1176]

Me too!! I live 20 minutes east of Saratoga Springs. Went to SUNY Cobleskill. I am so sick of the humidity but hopefully someone (eli)will close on their new house that has a pool.... :D

[eli1126]

Hoping to close Friday..that is if DH can get out of work any time soon. :mad:

Beth

[eli1126]

Yippee! DH is home today! Tonight we are going to Carmine's in Albany. Carmine is on a lot of local cooking shows and the news specials so I am excited even though I have heard mixed reviews about the food. I'll be sure to post my review.

Beth

[jenn0911]

Rochester isn't any better...although farther away from complaining parents!

[dionysia]

Went to SUNY Cobleskill.MIL went there! :D

We'll be in E. Durham this weekend at a rental house for a long weekend / annual get-together of DH's college friends. They went to Alfred.

Di

[jellybeany]

Norwich, NY is about an hour or so outside of Oneonta. NW maybe? I'd have to look at a map. ;)

Coincidentally, I grew up near Norwich, CT.

Di

Its funny to hear someone use Oneonta as a reference point. I went to school in Oneonta and I'm usually trying to tell people near cooperstown, near albany etc. :D

[eli1126]

If anyone is in the Albany area and is looking for a place to go to dinner that takes reservations, Carmine's is out of this world! The food was excellent and I liked that we got to go right to the table. A lot of restuarants around here don't accept reservations and the wait at some is ridiculous!

Beth

[tinkerbelljenny]

JELLYBEANY Did you go to college in Oneonta? My dad graduated from Hartwick. The soccer museum is really nice there, we always go there when we are in town.

[Rico'sAlice]

I live in Western Mass, but seeing as I'm only one hour from Albany, while being over two hours from Boston, this is probably the most appropriate place for me.

I have to go to Albany early on the 31st to pick up a rental van and then we are getting my husbands family from JFK later. They will be with us constantly until the 16th after that. So I was hoping to have a "special morning" to ourselves. Any suggestions for a great breakfast/brunch in (or slightly east of) Albany?

[2kCougar]

Rico'sAlice--I love Peaches Cafe! It's right off of I-90, 87, and the thurway. It's located in Stuyvesant Plaza: http://www.stuyvesantplaza.com/

[jellybeany]

JELLYBEANY Did you go to college in Oneonta? My dad graduated from Hartwick. The soccer museum is really nice there, we always go there when we are in town.

I graduated form Hartwick (dec 2003) as well! :D Its such a small college you don't really hear much about it.

[Heather719]

Hi Ladies-

Just wanted to introduce myself. Born and breed in Binghamton, went to college at Ithaca and now live south of Syracuse! :)

-Heather

[tinkerbelljenny]

I graduated from Hartwick (dec 2003) as well! Its such a small college you don't really hear much about it.

That is so cool! It is such a beautiful college, I love it.

Heather I have been to Binghampton so many times. Did you go to school at Cornell? My cousin works there.

[Heather719]

Hey Jenny- I actually went to Ithaca College. Graduated in 2000 with a degree in TV/Radio.

[hub1176]

dionysia MIL went there!

We're practically related!! :D

Anyone vacation at one of the "Great Camps" in the Adirondacks? I am looking for a spot to make a annual family vacation out of. Any recomendations?

[twainny]

Nekopie76 - I know waterloo... DH and I got married in Geneva (Belhurst Castle) and everyone stayed in Waterloo at the Holiday Inn. ILs cottage is right in the middle of the lake on the western side. near the camp by Long Point.
SIL is getting married at the Inn on Canadaquia (sp?). But not until next year. Do you know of any good flower shops around? Or Photographers?

[nekopie76]

twainny ~ I am so jealous! :p Belhurst Castle is so beautiful. I would love to see pictures. When did you get married? Any time of the year would be beautiful there. I am just in awe over here! :D

The Inn on Canadaguia (I can never spell that) is also a beautiful place. I don't know of any photographers/florist in the Canadaguia/Rochester area. I won't suggest my photographer b/c I was very disappointed with him. If you want names or info, let me know and I can e-mail you. I know someone that is getting married in September. I should be seeing her tonight so I can ask who she is using and then give you a "review" after her wedding.

I used an on-line florist. But I have heard wonderful things about Don's Own Flower Shop in Geneva. He did the flowers for my DH's best friend's wedding. I thought he did a good job.

Sorry I wasn't that much help but if you want any other info, let me know and I will try my best.

[swcolleen]

Hi! I don't live in Upstate NY right now but I went to college in Buffalo (canisius) and grad school in Albany (st Rose) and so I thought it might be fun to chat around on occassion with some people from the areas I miss. Plus-who knows maybe I will run into someone I knew in college!

Currently I live in Central NJ...work as a computer instructor for the blind and Visually impaired...I noticed a few education references so who knows-maybe I can help!

If I am intruding since I don't LIVE there anymore-just let me know!!!

Ta ta!

Colleen

[twainny]

nekopie - we got married in June of 2003. It was nice. We saw the "new" belhurst... I am sooo glad we were married before they added that HUGE building!!!! I HATED my photographer too... he SUCKED, which pisses me off, the best pictures were taken by my family.

Yes, please send any info. you have. (oh, I too did my flowers via the internet!) I would like to help my SIL if I can!

My sil is getting married in the tent outside... I hope it doesn't rain!!

[PeanutButter]

hub1176 - there was an article in the most recent Real Simple about one of those camps in the Adirondacks. Of course I can't remember the name of it now... It looked beautiful!


We went to a concert last night down here (DC-area) and the opening act - Ben Lee (used to date Claire Danes!) was wearing this tshirt that said "Albany is Egg-cellent." I thought it was soooo funny.

This is the site where you can get them - I think they are all really cute!

http://www.newyorkoldschool.com/

[brenda]

Hey all -

I grew up in a little town outside of Utica, but went away for college and never returned full-time. I definitely miss it, at times. It's such a beautiful place.

Has anyone ever spent time in Raquette Lake? There's a Great Camp there that is owned by a college (Cornell, perhaps) and does a lot of group activities. My high school sent the ecology classes there every winter. It was great fun.

For info about great camps that are open for rentals, check out http://www.greatcamps.com. In general, just type the name of what you're seeking in google - you'll usualy find what you're seeking. That's what I did.

[nuhmah]

Hi! I don't live in Upstate NY right now but I went to college in Buffalo (canisius) and grad school in Albany (st Rose) and so I thought it might be fun to chat around on occassion with some people from the areas I miss. Plus-who knows maybe I will run into someone I knew in college!

I went to school at SUNY Fredonia - pretty darn close to Buffalo! I did my student teaching in Orchard Park, right across the street from the Bills stadium. Boy, I hated game weeks...Fridays were impossible!

St. Rose is a great school, as well. I am pretty good friends with people from the music department over there. :)

[houseblend]

Hi upstate NY ladies! DH is from Albany and is really pushing for us to move there. I've visited there a number of times and am just very torn right now. We're in Texas now, so I'm a bit nervous about how well I would handle the winters. Anyway, I'm trying to do as much research on the area as I can. We don't want to say anything to DH's family because if we were to mention we are considering it, they would blow it up as if we are in fact actually moving there. LOL - that would not help the decision!

Can anyone tell me if any of the colleges in the area offer continuing education classes (like on knitting, cooking or gardening, etc.)? I've looked at the SUNY Albany website and they don't appear to offer anything like that.

I'm also wondering, are there any grocery stores that offer organic fruits & veggies?

We actually have to take a last minute business trip to Ithica, so we're going to spend a couple of days hanging around Albany so I can look at it from the "moving there" perspective.

Any other advice or tips about living there would be appreciated, too!

[2kCougar]

houseblend--
con. ed courses: HVCC (hudson valley community college) offers no credit courses. this would be your best bet. I think it's www.hvcc.edu . Also, some of the school districts offer courses too. I know that when I worked at niskayuna, our secretary taught cake decorating.

organic foods: most grocery stores have a small organic section. There is also 1 store in guilderland, where I live, (paradise foods), one in latham (15 min outside of albany) and there is an honest weight food co-op in albany

The winters aren't as bad as most people think. DH's parents live in long island and they think that we're covered in snow 6 months out of the year. We may get 2-4 really bad storms a season, but most people up here can handle the snow. Last year we had unusually brutal cold and this summer we have had record heat--go figure!

[houseblend]

Thanks for the tips 2kCougar. DH and I checked out Paradise Foods and the grocery stores. It seems Price Chopper has a decent selection of organic foods.

I'm glad to hear you don't think the winters are so bad. We usually come up around the holidays and it is true that there is not always snow on the ground when we visit. I think it is just such a change from the hot weather I am used to (of course, I complain about that, too!). Thanks again!

[fuzzy]

I admit I'm not a pro-Upstate person, but its more of a unfavorable attitude towards the Upstate cities. The quaint little towns and hamlets have my heart.

I'm also wondering, are there any grocery stores that offer organic fruits & veggies?

The cool thing about this area is that there are plenty of organic farms right in our "backyard." We buy all our meat from a local free-range/natural/organic/whatever the hell you want to call it farmer. She raises the animals and processes them right there. We sometimes get our eggs from her, but usually we get them from our neighbors. Very much organic. :D

We grow most of our own food, but there are dozens of organic farms in the area that we'd patronize if we didn't grow our own. Upstate NY might have a lot of negatives, but one thing they have PLENTY of is really, super, great farmer's markets that you should take advantage of.

No, we don't have Whole Foods or Trader Joes (at least not in Syracuse or Utica), but I think its cool to avoid all that corporate crap and buy it direct from the growers.

The best place for cont. ed, IMHO, is BOCES (I think that stands for Board of Continuing Educational Services or some thing like that). They offer the coolest classes on a whole host of subject areas. Each county has a BOCES.

Winters? I dunno know. I grew up in Chicago and thought I was all prepared. Then I came to Upstate NY. The winters aren't BAD, its just that the sheer *volume* of snow caught me completely and totally off guard. NEVER does Chicago have snow like that. The farther you get away from the Lake, the better (Albany usually has an easier time than, say, Oswego). We had just under two hundred inches of snow my first year up here and I was totally and completely unprepared for that. Totally.

But, you get used to it. Quickly. I took up snowshoeing as a hobby and now really celebrate the snow. We also have a house policy of trying, when finances can be arranged, of taking a trip someplace warm in Feb./March. That's the worst time of the year for me, so a week in the sun (I'm not talking anything fancy here, just ANY place warm) really helps.

The best thing? Real estate is pretty damn cheap. You can get some nice digs up here for close to nothing.

:D

[houseblend]

Fuzzy - Thanks for the feedback! I would love to be able to buy produce from the farmers - something that is not much of an option around here - so I'm glad to hear that is an easy option. I also think it would be easier to grow my own there. Texas summers are so hot and the soil is not so good, it makes it tough.

I'll have to look into BOCES. I've never heard of that, but it sounds very interesting! My MIL mentioned she plans to take cooking classes at Schenectady Community College, which looks interesting as well. I feel better knowing there are such options there.

Real estate is cheap there compared to a lot of places, but it is unfortunately more expensive than Texas (Texas is very cheap!!!). That's actually one of the downsides to us, especially since the income tax rate is fairly steep on top of property and sales. Of course, you seem to get more for your money that you pay in taxes (better roads, better schools, etc.), but it would make us seriously rethink our budget.

Glad to hear you have gotten used to the winters. If we do decide to move there, I think planning a trip to Florida every February would definitely be a requirement so I can get my sun-time in.

Thanks again for the feedback!

[elladee]

houseblend, in addition to BOCES, some towns offer continuing education through their school departments. For each quarter, my town sends out a brochure with their various classes - things like cooking, crafts, ballroom dancing, personal finance, car repair, etc. They generally aren't more than $100 per class, some quite a bit less.

The access to farms is great. You can drive down amost any road around here (once you get a little bit out from the city) and find a fresh produce stand. In Buffalo, we must have a dozen different farmers markets. Unfortunately that dries up during the winter.

Taxes are exceptionally high here. That's the one thing I really don't like about NYS. (Well that and the sad citiess, like fuzzy said.) Some of it is well spent (although if you think we have better roads, yours must be not much more than dirt), but we have lots of waste issues, too. That I like to not think about. :rolleyes:

[FallBlanch]

Hi everyone, I'm from Upstate NY too, a little north of Amsterdam. DH works in Albany and I work in the Adirondack. Glad to of found a place to chat with New Yorkers who aren't from the city

[elladee]

Welcome, FallBlanch!

[neenbean]

Fellow Buffalo-area newbie. Grew up in MA, but DH's job brought us here just over a year ago. Hated it for a month or two, but now I am so glad we are here! Lots to keep us occupied, especially with a six month old baby. We aren't home-owners (DH's job will only keep us here 3 years), so we get to avoid most of the tax problems. Though sales tax is a killer!

We are loving our BILLS season tickets, despite the losses. It is so much fun! It would have taken forever to get Pats season tix, so we are grateful for the cheap price and availability. DD comes with us to every game and has a jersey! So cute!!! Our friends back home think we are traitors, but we are just having fun. :)

[Oakley]

neenbean- we have season tix too! Where are your seats? Are you going to the BIG game next week? I don't know if you know, but Miami and Buffalo are total enemies! So much fun! I just moved from S. FL and my husband has always been a Miami fan- should be fun!

[neenbean]

Cool! We are in the family section (ie. no alcohol). With DD, we knew it was probably best for her. The pre-season games were a snore in our section, but since the regular season has started, we are having a blast with the other people in our section. :) Where are you guys???

Yeah, I have heard about the rivalry and we are definitely going!! Are you rooting for Miami??? I am excited about every game- especially when the PATS come to town (12/11/05)! Life-long Patriots fan here. I just hope the snow cooperates or at least doesn't snow too much right before or during any games- yeah right! With DD in the Bjorn (like a baby back-pack for the front), the weather is a big concern for later in the season.

Where do you watch away games?

[Standrea]

Hello!

DH and I live right outside of Albany! I went to Russell Sage College, and he went to RPI, that's how we met!

I'm so excited that there are so many from upstate new york on here!!:D

[{b}]

I've lived all across NYState. We're downstate now, but there are days I miss Upstate! Not, like, in the snow or anything, though! I HATE winter!

[nuhmah]

For anyone from the NE area of New York, and haven't heard yet, there was a rather fatal boat accident on LG.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20051003/ap_on_re_us/boat_overturned

[neenbean]

So sad about that accident.

Any western NYers want to plan a get together?

[Oakley]

I would be!

[gnatters]

Sure! Just need to figure it out around my work schedule.

~Natalie

[neenbean]

When works for others? Maybe a weekend day after the holidays? Or possibly a weeknight in November?

Also, where? Buffalo? Rochester? Somewhere in between?

[nekopie76]

I am closer to Central NY but would be willing to get together (depending on my schedule and the weather).

I wish I would remember to come in here more often. neenbean & Oakley - I just went to my first NFL game a month ago. It was the Buffalo/Altanta game. It was AWESOME!! We had great seats but they were on the Altanta side. We are hoping to go again. It was a blast.

[mrs_pell]

Totally NOT from upstate NY, but just wanted to pop in and say that some of my favorite memories from jr high and high school came from a summer church camp up at Schroon Lake. It's just soooo beautiful up there, and much better weather than in southern Indiana, where I lived. :)

[Deanna1018]

Nekopie...You asked alittle while ago about florists in the canandaguia. We got married at St.Mary's Church in Canandaguia and we had our reception at Bristol Harbour. Our florist was Rockcastle florist. They did an amazing job. They are located on route 332 (next to TOM Wahls) just before you get into town (if you are coming from the thruway). We had Jim work with us. He really worked within our budget. People couldn't stop talking about our flowers. Hope this helps.

[Deanna1018]

OK made a mistake..twainny you were asking about photographers in Canandaguia.....read the post above....LOL. Twainny I think I remember you from WC.

[fuzzy]

Who else heard their weather person utter the S-word today?

*shivers*

[elladee]

Who else heard their weather person utter the S-word today?

*shivers*

Unfortunately I did. :(

There have been three mornings so far where I've had to scrape my car windows. Not happy about that.

[gnatters]

Yeah, they were talking about the S-word this morning to occur tonight in the county south of here-in "ski country" where the elevation is a bit higher than it is along Lake Erie. It is getting mighty cold, and I am getting sick of the rain. It's too wet to take out my wool coat, but almost too cold to wear my raincoat.

~Natalie

[fuzzy]

We're in/on the "Route 20 corridor" in central NY...and my husband can't get home right now as there's a white out.

Ugh. So, so, so soon.

[Standrea]

It was snow mixed with rain on my way home from Albany tonight...

We are supposed to have a few inches tommorrow though I think!!:eek:

[neenbean]

YIKES! I don't need snow tomorrow! I supposed to be driving on the Thruway.... Hoping it is all over with by noon. :)

[elladee]

((((Hugs)))) to all you who got snow. :( It's just to early for this! fuzzy, I hope your DH made it home eventually. We managed to escape with just rain. Sometimes the lakes do come in handy.

[Standrea]

Ok-this is rediculous! There were SCHOOL CLOSINGS this morning because of snow!!:eek: It's not even halloween yet!

[neenbean]

*bump*

How did everyone fair with the snow last week?

[neenbean]

Are there any wine people around? I need a local western NY or upstate wine recommendation. We want to buy my cousins a bottle for Christmas to go in a basket of all WNY goodies, I would love a red for them, but white is fine, too (for me! :D).

eta: I would need to be able to purchase it at a retail store as I won't have time to visit an actual winery.

Thank you!!!
N.

[SweetRed]

Neen? Is that you?!?!? :D

DH and I have very different wine tastes, but there is one wine we both love. And even though we buy it here in MA, it's from WNY! Roaring Red:

http://nywinecork.com/Merchant2/graphics/00000001/Roaring%20Red.jpg

http://www.nywinecork.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=NYWC&Product_Code=745953100505&Category_Code=ChLaR

Sorry I can't point you to a particular store, but a quick call to Premier Liquor (my favorite when I lived there) mght yield something, especially since this seems to be a widely distributed wine.

Also, my family in WNY swears by Ice Wines as something uniquely WNY. I have yet to try one, but they all swear by it if you like something sweet.

Hope that helps!

~ Kay

[elladee]

neenbean, I don't have any specific recomendations since we're not big wine drinkers. If I were you, I'd head into one of the bigger liquer stores - either Premier or one of the Global Group stores - and talk to the people in there. Anytime I've needed to pick something up, I've found the people in these stores to be pretty knolwegable. You may even get to taste some.

[Oakley]

neenbean- Definitely check Premier. They have an entire wall devoted to NY wines. Someone in there will be able to point you to a WNY one. Since we just went on a wine tour of Seneca Lake, I can tell you a few vineyars off the top of my head:

- Hazlitt
- Red Newt
- Standing Stone

Those are the biggest ones I can remember.

Oh, I also recommend the ice wines!! Very unique and people love 'em!

[gnatters]

Neen,

I have to agree with everyone else and say that the Ice Wines are defiently a WNY and also Southern Ontario specialty. One I really like is by Wagner Vineyards in the Finger Lakes. I volunteered at at wine tasting (and got to enjoy sampling for free!!!) and their ice wine was the best. I think it was their "Vidal Blanc" I sampled. I found it at "Wine World" on Niagara Falls Blvd, just north of Robinson, right next to Wegmans. In fact, it was cheaper there than it was at Premier!

~Natalie

[fuzzy]

Also check out Standing Stone wines. They are my absolute favorite. They are a smaller winery, but I really thought their wines were far better than many other wineries.

[neenbean]

THANK YOU ALL!!!!!! I really appreciate all of your recommendations. I will try to get to Global tonight! There is one right down the street from us.

Since we moved here, I have either been pregnant or nursing and only began drinking again last month- so needless to say, I have yet to enjoy the local adult beverages. We go to Niagara-on-the-Lake a lot and keep meaning to do a tasting (we haven't been since October), so the next time we are up there, I will definitely get some ice wine!



Hey Sweet Red! Yes, it me. :) Hope you had a fabulous wedding!!!

[gnatters]

Neen,

IIRC, Niagara on the Lake has their annual Ice Wine festival sometime next month. Might be a good time to check it out!

~Natalie

[neenbean]

Gnatter! Thank you for the info! I definitely think DH and I would like that!!!


We ended up buying Wagner's Estate Red (I think) for my cousin and a Brut from some Finger Lakes vinyeard for my mother. It was the only champagne carried by Global from a local winery. I *wish* I could remember the name! The champagne was really good! I did not try the red we gave to my cousins. They served a red from Napa Valley with dinner last night. I was a little disappointed they didn't open our bottle, but whatever. I hope they enjoy it. :)


Happy New Year!!! I hope 2006 is fantastic to everyone! :)

[eli1126]

Ladies in the Albany area, we're getting a PF Chang's Bistro and hopefully a Cheescake Factory!! Colonie Center confirmed that PF Chang's is coming and that they are still in talks with the Cheescake Factory. My sister has a PF Chang's Bistro in Fairport, NY and we went while I was there. I thought the food was pretty good. I've heard great things about the Cheescake Factory, but have never been to one. Of course, being on Wolf Road it will be really crowded, but at least I won't have to drive to Fairport to go!

Beth

[neenbean]

I am so jealous about the new PF Changs! :D We went to one while in FL and it was delish!!! No PF Changs here in BFLO yet. :(

[Oakley]

I heard that here in Buffalo we're getting a Ruth's Chris (awesome steak house) and a Cheesecake Factory!!! I would love a PF Changs though!

[gnatters]

Yet, we might get a Cheesecake Factory once the expansion at the Galleria Mall goes through. WHEN the expansion goes through, so I wouldn't hold your breath on it.

~Natalie

[Oakley]

Ooh- I didn't hear that part of it! That stinks... :rolleyes:

[allyray231]

HI ladies--orginally from Albany and trying really really hard to get back up there with DH and DS!! Anyone wanna hire me :)

[Standrea]

Ladies in the Albany area, we're getting a PF Chang's Bistro and hopefully a Cheescake Factory!! Colonie Center confirmed that PF Chang's is coming and that they are still in talks with the Cheescake Factory. My sister has a PF Chang's Bistro in Fairport, NY and we went while I was there. I thought the food was pretty good. I've heard great things about the Cheescake Factory, but have never been to one. Of course, being on Wolf Road it will be really crowded, but at least I won't have to drive to Fairport to go!

Beth


Eli-How ever did you find this out? We have researched this for DAYS last month...Since i work on Wolf Rd., we have been dying for a PF Changs!! This is SOO exciting. I thought it would go into Crossgates, since Filene's is moving out!! YES!! Thanks for making today so wonderful!!

P.S. Wolf Rd really isn't that bad...only during the holidays...It took me 3 minutes to get from my office (across from Denny's) to the northway yesterday...Driving PAST the mall...

[Standrea]

Oooh, Allyson...I think i am leaving work after DC is born...leave me A PM and we can see if i know of anything for you!!

[eli1126]

Standrea! How are you? I followed your story on the WC and was happy to see your post about the addition to your family!!

I found out about the PF Chang's through a friend who works in Crossgates management. He said they had lost out to Colonie Center for PF Chang's and that the Cheesecake Factory stopped talks with them when they realized that the biggest restuarant draw at Crossgates, Houlihans, didn't draw enough to get them to commit so they went to Colonie. It was also on the news the other day. Mmmm! I can't wait!

Allyray, Hope you find something close to home!! Unfortunately I am going to school for Education and with St. Rose, Sage, Siena, SUNY Albany, etc... in the area I'll be hunting for a job in a few months too :(

Beth

[tinkerbelljenny]

Does anyone know how long it would take me to drive from New York City to Syracuse?

[neenbean]

TinkerbellJenny, I *think* it will take you about 4 hours, but I could be very wrong. I have done the trip with a newborn and needed to stop A LOT, so I am guessing it would be that amount of time depending if you are coming from Manhattan or another burrough. I would take the Lincoln Tunnel out of the city and get onto the NJ Turnpike to bring you to I-80, as you pass into PA, loop onto I-81 which drops you right into Syracuse. You can get WAAAAAYY better directions from www.mapquest.com, this is just from memory and I know I am missing a couple turns.

HTH! :D

[tinkerbelljenny]

Thanks neenbean! I drove it years ago but I couldn't remember how long it took. Sounds like a plan.

[fuzzy]

It depends on traffic -- usually near the city. I've done it in four hours, but it has taken as long as five when I hit rush hour near NYC.

FWIW, the train trip is wonderful and takes about as long.

[jellybeany]

Just though you ladies from Buffalo might enjoy this - My SIL sent it to me :)

Buffalo Style

While living out of town, you've said to your friends....
"back home, you could get a case of Labatts for twelve bucks"
"back home, you could get a 30 pack of Genny for nine bucks!"
"back home, this house would go for only 80K!"
"back home, you could get a large cheese and pepperoni pizza for seven bucks!"
"back home, the bars close at 4:00 AM!"
"you call this snow?" "you call this cold?" "you call this a supermarket?"
"you call these wings?" "you call this pizza?" "you call this beef on weck?"

You know that "uppers" and "lowers" aren't drugs.
You take real chicken wings, subs, beer, hot dogs, and pizza back with you after a visit home to Buffalo.
You don't let a blinding snowstorm stop you from driving 70 MPH down the Thruway during rush hour.
You believe snow on Halloween is good because its bound to warm up in November (Mom's will say you need the first freeze before Indian
Summer.)
You hate Genesee Cream Ale, but crave it when you're in another state.
You don't put away the winter clothes, they stay in the front closet year round.

You've fallen asleep waiting for the light to change at the intersection of Niagara Falls Boulevard and Sheridan Drive.
You think the idea of "California pizza" is as sacrilegious as cheering on the Miami Dolphins.
You watch the Bills on TV with the sound turned down, and the radio turned to the game.
You still can't say Interstate instead of Thruway when you relocate to another state.

You've been around Buffalo a long time if you've ever called...
Bon-Ton - "AM&A's"
Kaufmanns - "Hengerer's" or "Sibley's"
Quality Markets - "Bells"
Buffalo State College - "State Teacher's"
Daemen College - "Rosary Hill College"
TCI -"Courier Cable"
Adelphia - "International Cable"
Super Flea - "GEX" (or I.D.S.)
Jubilee - "Super Duper "

Half of your friends moved to Charlotte, North Carolina ... and the other half went to Florida.
You use the word "the" before the numbers of expressways, like "The 90", "The 400" and so on.
You save Canadian coins to use at tollbooths and parking meters.
You've held a "wave-a-thon" at four way stop intersections ("No, you go...")

When someone speaks of "family restaurant,"you think of names like "The Olympia," "The Hillview", and "Your Host." (not Denny's or
Perkins)
You can tell what part of town someone is from because of their accent (especially dem der Chickatavagas town der,an' de Wesside).
You've ever feasted on these treats ... Real chicken wings (not "Buffalo wings") real beef on weck (and you call it "beef on wick") real
pizza, with no crust, cut lengthwise into strips (ala "Bocce's"), charcoal broiled hot dogs (ala "Ted's"), Niagara Street clams, Anderson's
custard, pierogis, Weber's mustard St. Joseph's day bread, Miller's Horseradish! and washed it down with .. Genessee Cream Ale, in a 16
ounce bottle ("'da pounder") loganberry, Vernor's OV, Labatt's Blue, Visniak or Black Rock pop.

You slam on the brakes and slow to a crawl whenever you see the "Village of Kenmore" sign.
You watched Canadian television, just so you could see U.S. shows a> day or two earlier than they would appear in the States.
You can make the coins land perfectly in the toll basket at 20 MPH or higher.

You think it's quite acceptable to take a day off work on .. Dyngus Day, St. Joseph's Day, St. Patrick's Day, St., Stanislaus Day, Ash Wednesday, the Monday after a Bills victory.
You use your garage as the living room during the summer, putting a big screen over where the overhead door would be.
You still go to all the neighborhood and ethnic festivals, even though they're really all the same.

You don't really think there's anything wrong With Pat Gambino Ford commercials.
You know the lyrics to .... "You Know We're Gonna' Win That Cup" The Bills "Shout" song Any song by Rush, Kim Mitchell or Honeymoon
Suite, "Talkin' Proud" The Crystal Beach "pay one price" jingle The Tops "Tops never stops saving you more" jingle The Sattlers "998
Broadway" jingle, even if you weren't alive when they were still open

You've nearly gotten into fights over topics like.... Malecki vs. Sahlen vs Wardynski vs. Shelly vs. Redlinski vs Zwiegels, Anchor Bar vs.
Duff's Bocce Club vs. Leonardi's. Tops vs. Wegmans
You go to Niagara Falls for the outlet shopping and the Italian food, not the scenery.
You spend hours planning drives to avoid toll booths.
Your snowblower has more horsepower than your car.
You've ever sarcastically said "Fun? Wow!"

One of your friends claims to have known Ani DiFranco, a Goo Goo Doll or Baby Joe Mesi from high school.
You have more than one shovel in your garage.
Your car has more rust than exposed paint
You stocked up on Malecki hot dogs after you heard the company was going out of business.
You know several people who have hit deer more than once.

[neenbean]

Jillybeany, I have not even lived in the area 18 months, but I half to agree with nearly half of these!!!! I highlighted my favorites. :D Thanks for sharing.


"back home, this house would go for only 80K!"
"back home, you could get a large cheese and pepperoni pizza for seven bucks!"
"you call this snow?" "you call this cold?" "you call this a supermarket?"
"you call these wings?" "you call this pizza?" "you call this beef on weck?"

You don't put away the winter clothes, they stay in the front closet year round.

You've fallen asleep waiting for the light to change at the intersection of Niagara Falls Boulevard and Sheridan Drive.

You watch the Bills on TV with the sound turned down, and the radio turned to the game.

You use the word "the" before the numbers of expressways, like "The 90", "The 400" and so on.
You save Canadian coins to use at tollbooths and parking meters.
You've held a "wave-a-thon" at four way stop intersections ("No, you go...")

When someone speaks of "family restaurant,"you think of names like "The Olympia," "The Hillview", and "Your Host." (not Denny's or
Perkins)

You watched Canadian television, just so you could see U.S. shows a> day or two earlier than they would appear in the States.

You still go to all the neighborhood and ethnic festivals, even though they're really all the same.

You don't really think there's anything wrong With Pat Gambino Ford commercials.

You spend hours planning drives to avoid toll booths.

[gnatters]

You use the word "the" before the numbers of expressways, like "The 90", "The 400" and so on.

I'm not native to here, but this is one of the first things I picked up on. My sister (who lives in Cleveland now) makes fun of me every time I say "the 90" and I have to watch what I say when I give her directions.

~Natalie

[eli1126]

Where is everyone?! Hopefully the wonderful weather :rolleyes: we've been having isn't keeping you all away! I was in the Rochester area 2 weeks ago and it was so cold I had sweats on all weekend! I won't be going out that way anymore though, my sister moved to NC yesterday. I'm a little bummed as they don't have a Wegman's where she is going :( That alone is worth the 3 hour drive...and Tom Whal's root beer :) They should market that online so I can buy it! Hopefully I didn't chase anyone away! What is everyone doing this summer?


Beth

[elladee]

Hi Beth. I'm still around. I thought about bumping this up the other day, but couldn't think of much to say. :rolleyes:

I was in Rochester a couple weeks ago, too, for DD's baptism. Couldn't believe how stinkin' cold it was. My best friend who's now down in NC (why do these people all go to NC) came up and we were so looking forward to taking DD swimming in the lake. Alas, it was not meant to be. We did still go to Schallors for dinner. That was heaven. :)

For all you Buffalo area folks (and anyone else who's interested), I'm currently reading City of Light by Lauren Belfer. It's a historical fiction book set in the Buffalo/NF area in the early 1900's when Buffalo was prospering (I know it's hard to believe, but at one point Buffalo really was the wealthiest city in the country). The stoy's ok so far, but it's really neat to read about how grand all these streets, houses and other buildings might have been back when they were new.

[fuzzy]

Any of you gals dealing with the flooding? We were under a state of emergency for a few days there...but our house is fine. Some of our neighbors are still pumping water out of their basements!

[skraus75]

Hi there! Just saw this thread and had to respond. I'm originally from Buffalo, went to Fredonia State for college and Buff State for grad school. I'm currently in Philly but have to say, after everywhere I've lived, WNYers are the best. :) Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

[neenbean]

Yesterday, I heard on NPR that the Thruway is closed from Syracuse to Schenetady... Anyone know for sure?

[gnatters]

From what I heard, they re-opened the thruway from Syracuse to Schenetacy today.

Dunno if anyone else is around the Buffalo area, but could you believe those storms that came through this afternoon, especially with that tornado in Cheektowaga?!

For the people who didn't hear, there was an f-1 tornado that picked up a tractor trailer on the thruway, and threw it sideways against the concrete median, so it blocked all but one lane in either direction. THANK GOD the driver wasn't seriously hurt.

When this all happened, I was at work in Amherst, and we just had loud thunder and heavy rain. No hail, no strong winds.

~Natalie

[elladee]

That was pretty ugly. I was downtown. We had some crazy rain and ugly clouds. The guys at work were joking about it looking like a twister was about to pop up. Then we all couldn't believe when we heard the news that it actually happened. Tornados aren't supposed to happen here. We get snow. Snow's not scary. I'm glad no one was seriously hurt.

[Standrea]

The thruway was closed at exit 25a up through like 35 or something like that. I got lucky though, i live at exit 25!

Sorry to hear about the bad storms out your way in buffalo!

[eli1126]

My parents live in Waterford (aka flood city) and they had the water come into their yard, but thankfully not in the house. It looks like with the exception of occassional thunderstorms we will have a drier week. Does anyone else have to deal with renegade neighbors letting off fireworks?! I swear I think that every night I've been treated to some type of fireworks display :rolleyes:

Beth

[Standrea]

Of course I do! We have railroad tracks a block and a half away, and they seem to like to set them off there!!

Beth-I drove to Lansingburgh the otherday, and the river was SO HIGH...it was right up to the people's houses...I can imagine what your parents house was like. I remember when it flooded a few years back, your family on the news!

I am getting really tired of the rain...

[eli1126]

Of course I do! We have railroad tracks a block and a half away, and they seem to like to set them off there!!
Beth-I drove to Lansingburgh the otherday, and the river was SO HIGH...it was right up to the people's houses...I can imagine what your parents house was like. I remember when it flooded a few years back, your family on the news!


I hope it was at least my relatives with teeth :p :D

I want to begin a campaign to bring Wegman's out to Albany! My sister who lived in Fairport moved to NC and no I can't get my Wegman's fix :eek: It's pretty sad that I would drive 3 1/2 hours to go to a grocery store :o We have No comparable stores in the Albany area and because Wegman's is such a great employer people around here wouldn't know what to do with themselves. I can't believe Krispey Kreme is gone already! Remember the hoopla it came in with! For such a large area with a decent population it seems like we tend to stick with the same chains like Olive Garden and really aren't that into anything new. I hope PF Chang's and Cheesecake factory make it here. Of course they will probably turn out to be like Olive Garden where you can't go anywhere near it without waiting an hour :rolleyes:

Beth

[jeneca128]

A question for the NY girls!

I was born in Amherst...still have a lot of family in the Cattaraugus county area. DH and I are considering moving back that way in the near future.

The housing costs are making it extremely attractive...but the more I look at the state and property taxes the more frightened I get.... How do you all feel about the taxes out there?? Are they as bad as they look?

I'm coming from a place right now where the average home price is about $300,000 ...but we don't have any state income tax..... I don't know what makes more financial sense. Perhaps you ladies can give me some perspective on the cost of living there?

[elladee]

IMNSHO, New York State taxes suck. The state govenrment is about the most dysfunction governement in the country right now. It's a joke. Except it's not funny because it's my money they're taking. Oh and don't get me started on Erie county.

That said, we're looking to buy a house, too. Mostly we stay because of family. I grew up in Western NY, too. I love the area. I love the lakes, I love all the wilderness that's not a very far drive. I love that we can afford a nice sized house of a few acres of land, despite the taxes.

So I guess I think that there are probably good points and bad points about living anywhere. Taxes are the thing we have to put up with in New York. If you can come up with enough positives about moving back here, the taxes will irritate you to no end, but you'll accept it.

[eli1126]

Like elladee said the taxes here suck. And if you live in a "good" area with "good" schools, well it can get ugly! Unfortuantely, for DH and I we live in a city area with a crappy school. So our taxes are a lot less than our friends who live 20 minutes north of us. Which is great seeing as we will have to pay for private school. But also as elladee said there are pros to living in NY. We don't live in Western NY, but we are 30 minutes from Saratoga, 50 minutes from Lake George and the Adirondaks, and 2 1/2 hours from NYC.

Beth

[Standrea]

Beth-Weggman's will never come here. Price Chopper and Weggman's have an agreement that neither will "trespass" into eachother's territory. But I agree, Weggman's is awesome!

I will have to agree that NYS taxes suck, and as Beth said, depending on your school district, they can be significantly raised. I live 10 miles from Beth, and Our school taxes are one of hte highest in the area.

[jellybeany]

Just wanted to check and see how everyone in Western NY is fairing?

I'm still without power at home but here at work we are up and running today. We lost most of our big maple tree behind our house and one of its limbs took out the power line that runs to our house. The rest of our neighborhood is still dark too. I can't wait for everything to be back up and running!

[elladee]

What a mess! On Saturday we still didn't have power, and managed to collect about 6 inches of water in the basement (luckily we saw it coming up and brought everything upstairs before it got damaged), so I gave up and took DD to my parents house in Rochester.

DH called last night and said the power came back on and the water receeded, so I'll head home tomorrow, I think. We lost branches off the tree in the front yard, but the big tree out back had actually lost it's leaves already so it was ok.

Hope everyone else is ok.

[jellybeany]

We have water in our basement too! We are right around 5 inches or so. We also scrambled to get everything up off the floor. I'm just hoping it doesn't get any higher so it doesn't ruin our furnace, hot water tank, and washer! I hope we get power real soon!

Glad to hear you guys are ok and have power! :)

[KrissyCat7]

I can't wait to be an upstate girl again! My DH and I are moving back to Rochester this February. There are so many things that I miss about the area...including the snow. I know I must be crazy!:o

[gnatters]

I was lucky during the storm. I only lost power on Grand Island for a few hours on Friday, and have had heat and power the entire weekend. I work in Amherst and as of last night when I drove past, they STILL didn't have power.

~Natalie

[jellybeany]

Still no power here either....I'm on the border of Cheektowaga & Amherst.

[jellybeany]

We finally got power back Thursday night!!! :D

[Standrea]

Wow!! That must have been some storm! That's along time to be without power!

I did hear that this winter is supposed to be just as mild, if not milder than last winter...we'll see!! They never seem to be right about those things!

[nuhmah]

Well, DH and I have gotten word that we will be returning to NY after being here in Oregon for 3 years! :D :D :D I am ecstatic!

My parents live up near Lake George, and his parents and family are all down in Wappingers/Poughkeepsie - so we have decided to look in the Greenbush/Nassau/Chatham area. Maybe even a little closer to Albany.

I'm glad to hear that those you in Buffalo fared well with the snow - I was student teaching the year that the storm hit and the schools didn't close in time. School buses were stranded and many people I worked with didn't get home for 2-3 days. That was pretty scary - it was in 2000.

[allyray231]

HUmm must be a trend

I am moving back to Albany with my DH and DS after being in NYC for 6 years. We are happy and sad about the move all at the same time. ANyone know good daycares around the area??

[fuzzy]

Wlecome home, ally and nuhmah!

[nuhmah]

That is great, Ally!!! (BTW - do you remember me? I was Porter2Be over on the WC and you used to post in my journal)

Thanks fuzzy!

[allyray231]

Oh HI!! How are you! Wow you have a little man now! Congrats

[Standrea]

Welcome home ladies!!

Ally-where in Albany are you moving back to? A bunch of my new mom friends have just returned to work, and they all rave about their daycare!

[allyray231]

Ohhh I would LOVE any info! THANK YOU THANK YOU!!! We will be living right in Albany but I will be working in Troy.

[doubleR]

hi :) my name is Robyn, we live in albany, relocated here from westchester / putnam / dutchess 2 years ago. got tired of paying astronomical rent in westchester, moved to putnam and then that got just as insane pretty much... i grew up in dutchess, most of my family is there... we started looking to buy a house and just kept going further and further north. so, here we are!

standrea and nuhmah I was bri's bride on WC and kind of knew you guys ;) hopefully you remember me? anyway, I just found this thread and thought I'd say hello!

I'm also a new mom, although somehow, my little man will be turning 1 already, later this month. that completely blows my mind...

regarding daycare suggestions, I'm really happy with mine, but it's in Latham ~ north country academy ~ so I don't know if that would help you at all, allyray. there do have a few locations, one being in delmar, but it's in the hannaford plaza, which I thought was kind of odd, I'm not sure what sort of a playground set up they could possibly have - I'm in that hannaford's all the time, but never drove around back of the plaza to check it out... depending on where you are in albany, there is a great jewish community center that offers daycare, on whitehall road. I've heard wonderful things about it and they have a full gym that you could hopefully/possibly take advantage of, too. you do have to buy a membership / be a member, to use the daycare. but if you'd be looking to join a gym anywhere else anyway, it's definitely worth it. we'll probably move our son there eventually - right now he's a few doors down from where I work and it's just way too convenient. also, anyone is welcome, which I think most people realize, but I did have to let a friend know that no, you don't have to be jewish to belong. it's a great community center, lots of young families...

hope to *see* you guys around, I'll check back and am glad to have found this thread :)

[allyray231]

oh I am so excited to meet all these mommies and people!!

I know the JCC well I will check them out!!

[doubleR]

we live in that neighborhood and I would *love* to meet some other mom's in the area.

it seems any of the mom's groups I've found, well, they all do things while I'm at work :( and while I know Brady gets plenty of interaction with other kids his age at daycare, I've been hoping to find a group for my own selfish needs of wanting to hang out with some other moms :p

[doubleR]

ok, clearly not thinking straight while at work, but wanted to say

congratulations :D :D :D to standrea and nuhmah on the new babies. very exciting news!

[allyray231]

doubleR PM me!! maybe we can get together!!

[Standrea]

I'm all for a playgroup too! I love Abbie to be around "Older" children. She seems to learn so much from older kids!

And OF COURSE i remember you Robyn & Allyray! Robyn-I was just actually thinking of you the other day. The last I remember hearing from you, you were pg!

AllyRay-The JCC is one of the ones I have heard alot of great stuff from. There is a daycare center at Samaritan Hospital in Troy that my girlfriend used to work at. There are also a bunch of independant household daycares around RPI. HTH!

[doubleR]

standrea I can't believe that a full year has gone by. it's crazy! are you working or are you home? hopefully we can figure something out ;)

allyray you should have mail. should being the key word here :rolleyes:

[Standrea]

Sahm! :)

[nuhmah]

Hi doubleR! I remember you, too!

Ally - yep, a little man who just turned 4 months last week! Eek! Where does the time go!?!?!

We are meeting with a friend of mine who just turned realtor last year to determine a good listing price on our house! I am excited to get a move on and get going. I would LOVE to be in Albany sometime between Easter and Memorial Day. Sooner, if we can, but it all depends on the house!

[allyray231]

Thanks Standrea. I actually saw the one at Samaritan Hospital on RPIs website so I will totally check them out.

Oh this is exciting to talk to all of you guys!!

[allyray231]

Hey Albany moms-do you guys know of a good pediatrician???

[doubleR]

hi there :) short on time... but I love, love, love my ped:

Doctors Giombetti & Brady - it's a father, son and daughter-in-law and they're all really great. well, IMO ;) they're on delaware ave in delmar, very close to us though and we're in albany.

[doubleR]

ok, so... I'm getting really frustrated. last week, we were hit by the "bug" that is (hopefully was) going around. we were planning on going up to Saratoga thursday night for the Victorian Street Walk, holiday lighting thing that they do, to kick off the holiday season, get in the spirit so to speak, but also to meet up with some local mom's in the Albany Hip Mama's (and Papa's)Mom's group that I check out online. and belong to, I just have not made a single even yet, b/c I work when most gtg's are happening. SUCKS. so, we missed out on that. it was also a 'sling out' event, part of the NINO group I recently joined, mostly asking questions b/c I'm in the market for a baby wearing device, of some sort, to cart around my *heavy* 1 year old. I'm now thinking I'll just get a ring sling, try it out, if I don't like it, I can always sell it on ebay, right? ring sling seems to be the one most people are suggesting, knowing Brady's weight - 26 pounds. yup, at a year. he is my little BIG boy ;) I can't even make the NINO meetings to try something out, b/c... when do they meet? oh yes, when I'm working.

anyway, I guess I'm just venting. because I hate having to work and leave DS in daycare all day. I feel like I'm missing valuable time with him. and then I'm also missing out on all these fun things that local moms are doing with their little ones, missing out on the chance to meet some local moms.... POOR ME, HUH? :p

I was just really looking forward to meeting some mom's last week and it didn't happen. I feel like most of my friends IRL stay home with their babes. and they're well over an hour away anyway, but still, they don't have to deal with the guilt of working and daycare, never mind the scheduling, routine, preparation... I mean, I know it is NOT easy to stay at home. but I would rather face that challenge any day of the week :)

ok, vent over. I was just having a moment.

[Standrea]

Allyray-Shaker Pediatrics in Latham off of rt. 9 is awesome. I went there when I was a kid too! PM me if you want their number! :)

DoubleR-I'm a hip mama too!! How Ironic!! I was supposed to go but didn't because of the weather! I'm a Nino member also...do you work on weekends? Because there are meetings on weekends as well!! If you want, we can try to make a GTG when you are available...maybe the other local moms might want to come?? How far away do you live? There is a sling out at Crossgates soon, I don't know the date off the top of my head.

***As for the ring sling...I say try it out. I love mine, and have made one. It literally took me all of 25 minutes to make. You just need 2 yards of cotton fabric, and 2 3mm rings. I know that some of the moms with bigger babies have had luck with MeiTai's, and wraps as well...hths!

[doubleR]

ok, I swear I'm not always such a whiner ;) Standrea I'll have to live vicariously through you! how is that group of Hip Mama's, they seem like they'd be a fun group of women to hang out with. and yes, I know about the sling out at crossgates - it's either a thursday or friday morning. nope, I don't work weekends, but my husband travels a lot for work and our weekends are busy since it's our only time together, you know? we go to vermont a lot, actually most weekends this time of year and all winter. and it's my own fault too, there are lots of things going on on the weekends, I just haven't made an event *yet* and was feeling pissy about it :rolleyes:

this weekend, if it's nice out, meaning if it's not freezing cold, we do plan on going to the Indian Ladder Farms thing - with santa and his reindeer. so that should be fun and hopefully we can coordinate it with some of the group... if not, no big deal. seriously I was just in a lousy, emotional, poor-me type of a mood yesterday. I was *really* wanting to go to that Saratoga event, was also hoping to do some shopping for ME while in Saratoga ~ so selfish, I know, but it was just a huge disappointment and... well, I'm a brat :p

I live right in Albany - so close to St. Peter's Hospital. hackett, whitehall, new scotland area. you can tell I'm not from around here b/c I'm sure there is a better name for that neighborhood/area, lol! we're a short drive to colonie center or crossgates... or pretty much anything in the capital district for that matter :) but I'd love to try and meet you and Abigail some time. and whoever else for that matter. I'm a poor organizer for these types of things though, just warning you!

[KrissyCat7]

Hi girls,

Im not sure if any of you are from the Rochester area but I received an email from Ticketmaster offering free tickets (they actually end up costing .75 cents per ticket...service charge) to see the Rochester Razorsharks play on December 28th. They are Rochester's basketball team. The game is at the blue cross arena at 7:05 pm.

If you want the email, and access to the free tickets (I believe you can get as many as you want...I got 16 for all of our friends and family), PM me and Ill email it to you.:)

Happy Holidays!

[allyray231]

I never came in an updated!!

We made it to Albany in one piece. I have been at my job for a little over a week and love it.

DS decided to get an ear infection the first week we moved here! Luckly we found a great ped (Delmar Peds) and they were great.

Still looking at daycare and I have to try and make time to get my butt to one and check them out. Of course they ALL have waiting lists!

we are happy to be here!

[allyray231]

Hey Albany ladies-know a good place to get a childs haircut

[L-O-V-E]

Just wanted to introduce myself as another Albany girl! :) I just found this thread today - I didn't realize there were so many of us in the area.

Ally - Welcome (back?) to the area! Not sure exactly where in Albany you are, but a new kids place opened up in Clifton Park called Snipits (http://www.snipits.com). We went last night - it was very cute. They have tvs for cartoons at each station, and when that didn't work there was a whole slew of people entertaining Ethan with bubbles and songs, etc. Really helped to get him through it!

I'll be checking back soon!
Lori

[nuhmah]

Standrea - did I meet you the other day at the sling-out at the mall? I was there with DS in my Kozy. :)

Well, DH and I made it back east... we drove from Portland to my parents' house in Hudson Falls in 4 days. We did it with boy and dog, and managed to stop in Buffalo to visit a college friend. It was hard, but worth it. Our dog is a Boxer, and doesn't fly well because of the short snout, and this way we got to spend some great time together!

Now I am here staying with my parents, and I am ready to poke my own eyes out. I am so bored, but drowning myself in sewing projects to keep busy. I have made 3 Mei Tai's, sewed a dress, and got some stuff to make some cloth diapers.

I had forgotten how cold it was this time of year! LOL

[Standrea]

Yep-you did! I went to potterybarn with you! How funny!

Ok, didn't know that you were making cloth diapers...that may be one of my projects soon too...we definately do need to get together again soon!!

Hope you all had a great holiday!

[nuhmah]

It was great to meet you, too! We are headed down this afternoon to get some pictures taken at JCPenney's (of DS, DH, and myself). I may stop into PBK and check out their Christmas sales. :) Who knows what they might have left!

And yes - let's make some cloth diapers! I traced Courtney's FB pattern, but I may try to print out another one off-line instead.

Hope you had a Merry Christmas!

[Standrea]

I went to PBK and bought 3 more stockings for $25! I was so excited! They had that cup that you bought for DS at 50% off too!! Now, if the christmas bedding would just go on sale!! ;)

[doubleR]

hi ladies :) I would have loved to have made it to the sling out event... have to chalk it up to another reason work sucks, lol! hope you ladies had fun!

ok, numah, you're making all these Mei Tei's, do you mind if I pick your brain? are they wraps? ring slings? I have *yet* to try something, but I am so wanting some sort of carrier for my heavy 13 month old boy. he last weighed in at 26.8 pounds and that was a month ago. I'm hoping that as he becomes more active he kind of balances out b/c he loves to be carried around by his mama and at that weight, he gets heavy really fast. we had a bjorn and a pouch that we used when he was smaller, but... I really would love some sort of hip carrier at this point - or so I think anyway :), but I just haven't found it in me to shell out $$$ without even knowing if it will work, kwim? I'd love to try something before buying it - and I haven't been able to find anything in any stores around here. I might be making a run up to Glens Falls to stop in that Great Expectations store, I think they have a selection, just not sure of what, but I figure it's a start. the girls in the local NINO suggested I try a ring sling, that's really the only thing I'm basing any of this on ;) and that's just thru e-mails, I haven't made an actual event.

so... does anyone know any other places in the area where a girl might be able to find ring slings, hip carriers, maybe an ergo even, I've heard good things about those, but I think I'm more interested in something without a structured frame at this point... but again, I don't know much (anything, really!) about any of this, I just know I would LOVE to carry around my boy, hands free. if I have to buy something online without trying anything first, I will, but I just thought I'd ask... TIA! we do have one of those backpacks for more outdoorsy type stuff, but I'm looking for something for everyday use. around the house, quick errands, whatever... ok, thanks!!

and welcome allyray :) so are you all moved in? congrats!!!

[Standrea]

DoubleR, if you want to try a ring sling, I'd be more then happy to let you borrow mine. A Mei Tei looks like this http://www.sweetnsimpledesigns.com/gpage1.html


I use a wrap for my DD, who is about 20 pounds, and I love it. I can hardly feel her weight, because its distributed so nicely everywhere!

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~*~*`*~*~* ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Here's hoping we actually get some snow tonight! ;)

[nuhmah]

double r - you will have to let me know if you come up to GF. I am pretty free to meet up, and can lend out my Kozy for you to try. Free lesson included. ;) I have only heard of MT's as referred to as carriers (although I think I read on TBW (www.thebabywearer.com) that someone called it a sling once. It is a 2 shouldered carrier that evenly distributes the weight, so you really don't feel all the weight on one shoulder (like a ring sling or pouch). The other thing I like about it, is that the "x" on the back is much more spread out than the "x" on a Bjorn, which is why many people can wear a child longer in a MT. It just feels totally different. Sarah at Great Expectations carries Hotslings in her store, but if you are up my way, please drop me a line!

Standrea - oooh, what a deal!!! I ended up not being able to go - DH has had a fever and a pretty bad cold. We have tried to hunker down and get it to pass before the baby got it, and so far we have been doing pretty good. One of these days, though!

[Standrea]

Just dropping by to say have a happy and healthy new year to everyone!!

:)

[filmgirl7]

I just found this thread! I am originally from Dutchess County, lived in Rockland for awhile, and now DH and I just bought a house back in Dutchess. I work in Putnam county. I haven't had a chance to look back through all the posts but I bet I have some neighbors here. I'm not sure if this is even considered "upstate" (I don't really) but I'm still joining. I hope you're all having a great holiday! We'll be celebrating in Poughquag tonight!:)

[nuhmah]

Hi filmgirl! My SIL bought a house in Poughquag last year - she says that she loves living there. She used to live in the city of Poughkeepsie, so it has been a nice change for her. :)

Happy New Year!

[filmgirl7]

Numah - I grew up in the city of poughkeepsie and went to college there. I wonder if I know your sister!?!?

[nuhmah]

filmgirl - DH's family moved all over New England before finally settling in the Wappingers/Poughkeepsie area after they were all grown up. They got in not too long before the big housing boom and got lucky! If only we could all be that lucky, right? ;)

Ugh, another depressing day with no snow. I feel like we are in the midst of March with all this weird weather, mud, and dankness. Hopefully when I head back to Portland next month, I will take this weather with me. My snowmobiling family is beginning to grow frustrated - not much riding last year, and definitely not this year. :(

[doubleR]

hi girls :) ok, i may be dating myself here, but i remember when Poughquag was unheard of, even within Dutchess County ;)

welcome filmgirl :) I also grew up in Dutchess - LaGrangeville. and I never really considered it upstate either! of course to family in westchester though, we lived out in the boonies, up in the sticks, in the middle of no where... congrats on buying a house, that is great!

and happy 2007 everyone!

standrea and numah you guys are too sweet! I was like obsessed with this whole thing last week, could you tell? :p DH thinks we should get/try the Ergo, he fears that it might be "too late" for this whole wearing thing at this point. DS is 13 months. he may have a point? I really hope not. If anything, I've learned from my mistakes for next time around ;) from what I just read in both of your posts though, I think a wrap is probably the way to go and would work best at this point, if anything at all does work.

ok, so... can we meet up, get together at some point in the near future? not sure if/when I'll be in GF, but it's not too far, I wouldn't mind taking a ride up specifically for this? I mean, really, I just would love to try something on and know that OK, yes, this could work for us, I should definitely BUY one. If DS seems way too heavy in it, squirmy, doesn't seem to like it... is it a lost cause? I don't know, but I probably wouldn't be too eager to spend any money on one. right? does that make sense?

I work til 4 and DS's daycare is literally 2 minutes from my office. I could actually be pretty flexible too, any day next week... and possibly be somewhere by 4? well, I'd have to say 4:30-ish for GF... so, not sure what either of your schedules / plans look like, but would that maybe work for 1 of you? and where do you want to meet?

OR, I could host a sling-IN event at my house for all the local upstate NYers :p that would mean people coming to me though and since you're already doing me a favor, well... whatever, just throwing that out there as an option. I live in albany. what are your thoughts on a place, time?

and thanks so much!!

~ Robyn

[Standrea]

Robyn-I'm in Rotterdam, so anything works for me. I'm a SAHM. I'm available anyday but thursday, because


I WON TICKETS TO RACHAEL RAY! I'm so excited! 104.5 held a contest before christmas, and just called me last night saying that I had won. The limo is picking me up Thursday morning!! I'm psyched!:)

Just let me know what's best for you and Nuhmah, and I'll be there with my carriers. I dont think it's too late for you to start carrying DS. People carry their children until they are like 3!!

[doubleR]

yay STANDREA, woo-hoooo!! so where is it, NYC? that is awesome!

why don't we shoot for tuesday next week? something around 4:00? does that work for you and your little girl or is that interrupting nap time? and I don't care where we meet, really... but we can figure that out, I'm just thinking if we set aside a day/time, it might actually happen ;)

if we can't do it next week, for whatever reason, I'm seriously thinking that I'll need to call in sick on the 18th, in order to make that NiNo meeting in Saratoga. hey, don't make fun, I already owned up to being obsessed, didn't I? :p

[allyray231]

Hey I would love to get together too but I work till 5 :( But let me know when you are free!

[doubleR]

allyray we can totally get together, whenever... I just really want to try on one of these slings / wraps baby carrier contraptions with some experienced mama's and am trying to plan around them, since they're SAHMs. that and the fact that my boss is traveling all next week and I'm always looking for ways to skip out a little early :p

but seriously, whatever works for everyone, I will do whatever... and I really would have everyone over, I just don't know that standrea and/or numah would want to come all the way into albany so late in their day. is there a place to meet where the kids could also hang out? the big thing for us with that timing and meeting after work, would be that Brady *needs* to eat somewhere between 5 & 6. OR ELSE. yes, the or else is mostly for me and how the rest of my night would go ;) but I swear, he's a great little guy :)

And of course we can always plan something else. once I get past this fixation of finding THE baby carrier, heck, I'm pretty much free :D and it will also be really great to meet you ladies!!

[Standrea]

Albany is like 10 minutes from me. I can make it to Crossgates in 7 minutes ;)

Just let me know when and where...your house is fine for me if that's what you want!!

[doubleR]

oh wow, for some reason I thought rotterdam was further out ;)

and crossgates is very convenient for me, if that's what you want :p i work in latham, so i really am cruising right that way as i'm headed home. if that sounds like a better plan, like i said, it really doesn't matter to me, i'm up for pretty much anything.

i live right near the albany academy, so... it's not far from crossgates, but can sometimes take @ 15/20 minutes as it's a lot of stop & go. i should also say that i'm a very impatient driver :rolleyes: and in reality, it's probably more like 10 minutes!

well, does anyone else want to join us? we could figure out the 'where' based on that...

[doubleR]

happy monday :rolleyes:

standrea, I just sent you a PM... in a nutshell, Brady has a cold. his nose is running like crazy and I hate to be the one to pass it on. he's in daycare and I sometimes feel like colds are a constant battle, but... I just wouldn't want to get your little sweetie sick, you know?

let me know what you want to do, when we can reschedule, etc.

and although I still haven't ordered anything, I think I have narrowed my choices down to a babyhawk or kozy. still considering the ergo, too, but since it's structured, I feel like it's in a different category altogether. we're going to mexico in march and I'd really like to have something and be comfortable wearing it by then. we'd take a stroller too, but... I think a carrier would be really convenient.

[nuhmah]

Eek! I never checked back like a good, faithful thread follower!!! LOL

I almost missed a possible GTG?!?!? I would love to get together... I am actually heading down to Courtney's this afternoon (our NINO leader). Funny you should mention Thursday as the only day not working for you, Andrea! I am heading down to the CCP that afternoon to pick up family pictures we had taken!

doubleR - I hope Brady is feeling better! I am available to meet up later this week. Are you also planning to head down to NYC on the 21st? There is a Babywearing Bonanza in Times Square that afternoon that I am going to. I think you can find more info on www.slingsinthecity.com

[Standrea]

You are going? I want to go, but don't want to go by myself! I'm so jealous!!

[doubleR]

numah please tell me what CCP is :) and maybe it's possible to meet up on thursday? if Brady is feeling up to it, that is, and basically meaning that I wouldn't feel guilty / like a bad mom exposing him to other kiddos ;) and... would you still be willing to let me try out your kozy, with that free lesson? I'd really, really, really appreciate it.

I have seriously become obsessed. can't tell you how many hours I've logged on TBW site at this point :o it is pretty interesting though and I'm just *so* sorry that I waited so long. next time, for sure, my babe will be in something from day 1 ~ which will really come in handy, since it will be DC #2. no, I am not pg, and yes, I am seriously knocking on wood over here :p

NYC for the big event ~ I wish. I'll be in Vermont that weekend, some family that I haven't seen in a really long time is coming in from the west coast and that's the weekend they'll be somewhat local, we're having a mini family reunion type weekend. As much as I'd love to go, they just wouldn't understand... plus I am really looking forward to showing off - I mean, introducing, my little guy! this is the story of my life, everything always happens on the same weekends!

so, let me know about thursday and if it does work for you, I'll keep you posted with the status of our cold. would be so great to meet you. I thought of you the other day when I referred a friend to REGINA'S in LG! that seems like a lifetime ago, doesn't it? a baby really does change everything, LOL!

ok, done writing my little novel for now. geez I am long-winded in my replies!

[nuhmah]

standrea - I am driving down with my mom. I have room in my car for a carseat and a mama if you want to hitch a ride for a day trip. :)

doubleR - Its the former "Clifton Country Mall" - I meant to type it as "CPC" Boo to me! :p I would LOVE to meet up with you and give you a free Kozy lesson! I have to be down there around 1pm, but am free after or before that... just let me know! I just saw your post in the BW thread and wondered if you were going to take me up on my offer. LOL I will also bring my homemade MT with me so you can try that out - because that one is in more of a style of a BabyHawk. Heading down to Crossgates isn't that much further down from exit 9, or we can meet somewhere else. Just send me a PM!

Also, another mama and I are going to be doing an "Intro to Babywearing class" at www.greatexpectationsmaternity.com in Glens Falls on 1/24. If you can make it up, you can also get some help with wrapping. Courtney is more "into" wrapping than I am, and can show you some carries - she has a 14 month old.

Wow... Regina's. Now there is a blast from the past! I had my hair, nails, and make-up done there for my wedding in 2004 and haven't been up there since. Hmmm.... a pedicure sounds good right now!

[doubleR]

numah cool, I will pm you a little later on, once I get Brady settled in for the night. and I am so looking forward to meeting you, skipping out of work & daycare early and yes, of course, trying on a mei tai, finally :) I can head up to exit 9 no prob, I'm in Latham already at that point, so... it's really only like 5-10 minutes north.

and that class sounds great, hopefully you guys offer that more than once. not sure I'd make that one b/c of work, but I'd definitely be interested ;)

[nuhmah]

doubleR - That would be great! To both the meet-up and the class! LOL I think that they are planning to do another one in February - they want to see how this one goes, first. The one in February would be more of an evening one, and hopefully trying to get some mom-to-be's in the door. I look forward to hearing from you!

[doubleR]

wow, I woke up this morning and it actually looked and felt like winter :p

being a skier, I LOVE snow. but, I like to drive to it and/or I like being snowed in. I'm not too crazy about having to do all the usual everyday stuff in it. and I can't stand how people freak out on the roads with even the smallest dusting :rolleyes: but today is a beautiful day - a little bit of snow on the ground, sunny and blue skies... love it!

numah I pm'd you about tomorrow. only minutes after you posted last night. let me know what you think!

[eli1126]

Winter is Here! Tomorrow they are saying it won't get out of the single digits :( I realize we live in the Northeast, but I would prefer snow to the bone chilling cold!

[elladee]

Yay for winter! We have a little snow here. Yesterday we had freezing rain, so everything got covered in ice. Then today we've had snow that stuck to the ice, and it's absolutely gorgeous outside! I love winter when it looks like this.

[nuhmah]

I am so excited that it is FINALLY winter!! For a while I was fearful that I brought the Portland weather with me! LOL

[allyray231]

hey Albany ladies-since you have been so great I need your help again. I am looking for a primary doctor for DH and I. Any suggetions? Thanks

[doubleR]

allyray I'm no help suggesting a doctor since we really can't stand ours. If you find a good one, please share! we picked ours out of the provider book and just haven't gotten motivated to try someone else, make a switch... but both my husand and I have seen everyone (all 3) in the practice and always leave very frustrated and annoyed, so... I mean, if you're stuck and want the name, just let me know, but they're not all that great and I'd hardly go referring them, you know? now, I do love my ob/gyn if you're looking for one of those at some point, though.

how is everything going up here? do you or DH have family locally - you've probably gone into all this and I just missed it, sorry! have you found a daycare you're happy with? there is so much to do when you move and change jobs... I imagine it's only more involved with a kid. hopefully you're settling in and getting used to everything by now. I'd love to get together at some point - we've been battling the never-ending cold, which turned into an ear infection and bronchitis. but I think we're finally on the mend, hopefully for a while. my DH refers to it as daycare disease :rolleyes: only this time, we both ended up getting really sick too. it's been a great start to the new year in our house, LOL!

[IrishEyes]

Ally, I'm snooping in here (as a former Albany resident) and wanted to let you know that my parents' PCPs (who I also went to) are great. Dr. Roberta Flesh (appropriate, no?) and Dr. Mary Rappazzo are both great.
http://www.primecarepc.com/Locations/Palisades.htm

[allyray231]

Thanks Irish! They are both great ( and a few other people have recommended them) but they are not taking new patients!!! But thank you :)

Double Thanks I will let you know!! yes we are actually staying with my parents right now until DH finds a job. So DH is home with my DS right now. DS is signed up for the JCC for Sept so we are excited about that. I am sure we will need a place for him before then but I haven't gotten that far yet!!

[Standrea]

Dh and I went to Troy Family Physicians when we lived on that part of town. My sister and her dh, as well as my parents go there as well. They are wonderful!

[eli1126]

hey Albany ladies-since you have been so great I need your help again. I am looking for a primary doctor for DH and I. Any suggetions? Thanks

I go to PrimeCare Physicians in Latham (located behind the large strip shopping plaza on RT 9 past Hoffman's playland, the side with Brugger's and CVS). I see Dr. Kim Peregrim and I really like her. She doesn't just prescribe pills and send you on your way like my last Primary care Doc, she actually listens to me. And I like the office staff because they are helpful and friendly. They also are customer service friendly unlike my last Doctor's office, which was a complete nightmare.

O/T: Andrea: You went to the same Doc as DH goes to :) He likes it, but he sees the nurse practioner, I'm funny about that, I want to see a Doctor when I am sick.

[Ericka_Jarett]

Hope any ladies in Oswego County area are well.

My mom lives 3 miles into the snow belt up near Richland and Redfield area. They have over 8ft on the ground already and more coming. She is moving from there this year, this year was too much for her.

[doubleR]

ok, who is ready for spring / summer? i cannot believe that we're still seeing snow flurries :eek:

i don't get on here that much these days, but thought i'd say hi :)

and give us upstate new yorkers a little bump ;)!

[allyray231]

Hi ladies! man this weather SUCKS!!

[Standrea]

I have to agree...I'm not a fan of the weather. DD's first birthday party is at a local park, May 12, and I'm SO afraid it's going to snow that day!!

[doubleR]

Ally that picture (your avatar) of DS is SO cute. tell me he has a white tux on? he is adorable!!

and Andrea, if it is still snowing in May, I'm moving :p I think you'll be fine!

[allyray231]

ha ha! No it is his easter outfit

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/172/452687861_5d09894be7.jpg?v=0

[doubleR]

I love it!!

[eli1126]

The only thing that makes me feel a little better about our weather is that my sister who moved down to North Carolina because "New York was too cold and the girls couldn't get outside" is also dealing with the cold :p When it's 70 down there and 40 up here she calls to brag :rolleyes:

[Sol]

Bumping up this thread, since DH got an offer for a PostDoc at RPI and we'll be probably moving there in two months or so (to Albany or wherever there's a big city, I can't live away from cities). Does anyone know how the weather/cost of living, etc. compare to Seattle? I moved here just seven months ago and I haven't even visited any other US city, so I'm rather lost. Also, is there organic produce easily available? We're so used to going to Whole Foods and Trader Joe's here. And since I'm asking, just by chance, does anyone know of a Computational Linguistics Master program somewhat near? It's the only thing left for me to find and be ecstatic about the move.

[allyray231]

Sol I work at RPI!!!

[Sol]

Neat! Do you like it there? We're pretty much set on accepting this offer, although we could also relocate to Paris for a year at least, and it looks so tempting! But the RCI offer is better rounded out.

[Standrea]

Sol-
My DH graduated from RPI, and has considered going back there to teach a night class.

As for organic produce-Hannaford has an ok selection. Troy has a farmers market every weekend, with great prices and great produce! I love going with my DD and wa