Eclipse Day with Amelia

Today North America was treated to an eclipse. Here in Western New York we only saw a partial eclipse, but it was still something special.  We went out to Lollypop Farm, the Humane society of Rochester and Monroe County New York, and sat with the goats.

Here I am at the entrance to their field.

The goats were smart. For the most part they stayed in their enclosure with a fan!

They sold out of the special glasses, but I had a cereal box viewer, as well as a paper pinwheel thingie, and a colander!

A nice couple let me look through their special glasses. It was an amazing sight. It didn't get as dark as I thought, even though I know it was only a partial eclipse, but it was peaceful and the people were nice. And so were the goats and sheep!

Kutter's Cheese Factory

While driving through Corfu, NY I just had to stop at Kutter's Cheese Factory. They make and sell CHEESE here! The factory began in 1923 and moved to Corfu in 1947!

In addition to their own cheeses, Kutter's works together with Yancey's Fancy. Even more great cheese! Yummm.

Look at all the amazing choices! Today I picked Grilled Bacon Cheeseburger and Fresh Killer Dill!

Heaven! I'll take them all!!!

Bees, Teas, and Cheese

Today I went to The Little Bleu Cheese Shop in the South Wedge in Rochester, NY. They are hosting a  special event - Bees, Teas, and Cheese!

The bees part of the event was HONEY!!! Yummm. This honey was from Seaway Trail Honey. I didn't realize there were different flavors of honey, depending on the season the honey is collected.

Teas were selected by Niraj, the owner of Happy Earth Tea. These teas are amazing. There was a cold brewed black tea (Himalyan Spring) as well as a heartier Darjeeling (Muscatal Valley) and a Spring green tea (Jade Mountain).

Kyrie brought some delightful cheeses from the Three Village Cheese Company. I LOVE CHEESE! The Nokkelost is a Norwegian type of cheese flavored with cumin, caraway, and cloves. It's traditionally served around the holidays. I say EVERY day is a holiday, so we can always eat this delicious cheese!

The Halloumi is an amazing Greek style cheese. It doesn't melt when you fry it, but transforms into amazing solid cheesy goodness.

Here is the Halloumi fried and made even better with a drizzle of Spring honey. Mmmmmmmm.

Thanks so much to the gracious hosts for the event. Here I am with the owners of The Little Bleu Cheese Shop.

Another peek before I leave of some of the amazing cheeses here.

St. Mary and St. Moses Coptic Orthodox Church Egyptian Festival

Today I took a drive to North Tonawanda, NY for the Egyptian Festival at St. Mary and St. Moses Coptic Orthodox Church.

The church is consecrated to Saint Mary and Saint Moses the Black.

The church is very warm and inviting.

Here's St. George. I enjoy looking at all of the saints. The artwork is beautiful.

The Coptic Church was founded by St. Mark the Evangelist in the city of Alexandria, Egypt approximately 43 A.D.

Here's a closer view of the altar.

These guys served the wonderful food. I had kofta-ground beef that’s seasoned with puréed onion, cilantro, parsley, garlic, black pepper and more, then grilled and served with a garlic sauce and rice. Delicious!!!

That's me and my friends and Father Mark. He made us all feel so welcome.

Amelia Goes to Wedgestock

As Nathaniel Rochester reflects on the development of his city. I'll reflect upon the fun I'll have at Wedgestock!

Located in the South Wedge of Rochester Wedgestock is a neighborhood arts, music, and food festival.

Isn't this a cool car?!? Petpalooza is a local animal magazine.

Did you know Rochester has its own roller derby league? The ROC City Roller Derby: because tough girls run in tight circles! I'm practicing a to cheer them on.

Time for ice cream at Hedonist Artisan Ice Cream!

Peach Brandy Blueberry Sorbet-oh my. It's unbelievably fantastic!

I'm having fun at Now and Zen. Can you see me?

My friend, Brian of Now and Zen, and I have an important discussion.

Human kids have camp-why can't dogs?

This neat building actually sells historic house parts! I always enjoy visiting the South Wedge-you should come visit too!

Amelia's Birthday

Today is my birthday! I started my celebration at Leonard Oakes Estate Winery. Their tasting room is just gorgeous.

Mmmm Steampunk cider. It's delicious and the carbonation makes it even more celebratory.

I had a glass of sangria too!

After the wine, I went to Zambistro for lunch.

I had the Mr. November: turkey with cranberry chutney and brie on foccacia with fresh potato chips.

It's fantastic! Mr. November is just perfect for an August afternoon!

I ate the whole thing!

After that scrumptious lunch I took a stroll down Main Street in Medina, NY.

I love the architectural detail.

They're trying to save this building.

This is the opera house. There are so many neat buildings here. I had a great birthday. Thanks for joining me. Here's to many more years of travel and fun.

America's Grape Country Wine Fest

For the third year in a row I traveled to the Chautauqua Country Fairgrounds for America's Grape Country Wine Festival. I met Craig from Thousand Islands Winery on my first visit here. He makes great wine.

These fun loving guys are from Miles Wine Cellars. They have great wine too. They also told me their winery is haunted! I think I'll have to visit.

What's wine without cheese? Look at these delicious cheeses from Yancey's Fancy.

Here I am with Chef Paul Mach. He let me help him make a chilled tomato shooter with shrimp!

All this wine and food talk made me hungry. I decided to grab a bite from this food truck-The Roaming Buffalo.

Maybe I could work in a food truck?!?

Yummm. A durty bird, fresh cut fries and a loganberry to drink. I love coming to this festival-great wine, great food, & great people!