Take Time...

While I enjoyed relaxing with my sister in Western New York, I'm on the road again...heading south. Although things get hectic in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, just remember to take time to smell the roses. This is me in my hostess' rose garden. Isn't this one gorgeous?

Under the Erie Canal!

While many people cross over the Erie Canal, Amelia and I got to do something special-we
actually drove under the canal! Many bridges cross the Erie Canal, but near Medina they decided to make crossing the canal a little different. Here, instead of going over the canal, the road goes UNDER it! In this spot the land surrounding the canal is some 20 feet lower than the canal itself, so it was actually cheaper to use a culvert. Built in 1823 this is the only place in the whole New York State Canal System (not just the Erie Canal) where a road goes under the canal. How special is that?

Lyndonville, NY

Amelia and I took a drive through some of the country roads of Western New York. This area is so picturesque. I couldn't believe how many farms there were. Amelia told me that many people don't realize how important agriculture is to New York State. The bright lights and hard streets are only a small part of this beautiful state. We stopped in Lyndonville and took these pictures.



Lyndonville is a small village in Orleans county.








These small falls make a pretty place to stop.








Isn't this barn neat?

Cabot Arrives in Western New York

I made it safely to America, arriving late yesterday afternoon. It was so nice to see my sister Amelia. Today was our hostess' birthday-so we took a nice drive and explored some scenic byways of Western New York. I'll post pictures tomorrow of some of the special places where we stopped. Tonight we went for a special birthday dinner at The Johnson House, in Churchville, NY.

Amelia had a Cosmopolitan. I was more interested in the French Onion Soup! Look at that glorious cheese.



Amelia said the lobster reminded her of her trip to Maine. What a wonderful start to my adventures as a traveling rat!

Hello from Cabot in Weymouth!

Hello! I'm Cabot Ratkins. I can't tell you how excited I am to become a Traveling Rat. Right now I'm just relaxing in the garden, enjoying some quiet time before I set out on my adventures. I am in Weymouth, which is in Dorset, in the United Kingdom.

Before I left England, I thought I'd show you a bit of Weymouth. The house in the background is where Amelia was born. Isn't this a lovely place? And this is the street she lived on. Although I too am from Weymouth-I was born in a different house. I was going to take a picture, but I had to get ready to leave for America. Never fear-one day I'll return to Weymouth for more adventures...and more pictures!

A Day at the Races

When I retired I decided to spend a day at the races. I went to Finger Lakes Gaming and Racetrack in Farmington, NY to watch thoroughbred horses race.






Down the track they go, racing for the finish line! Then, getting ready for the next race! The Finger Lakes Race Track is unique. Many people are concerned about life after the track for thoroughbreds, but few people do much about it. After my visit, the Finger Lakes Thoroughbred Adoption Program was founded. Located right next to the track the facility helps retired racehorses find new homes and new careers: Giving Horses a Second Chance to be Winners! According to their website The Purple Haze Center at the Finger Lakes Racetrack "is the first Thoroughbred adoption facility in the country to be run as a collaborative effort between racetrack management and horsemen". Hopefully all horses will have wonderful new homes when they retire from the track.