Thanks Toban! You and your husband are truly delightful and I enjoyed every minute of our time together! You captured our experience perfectly!
When I saw that Toban was coming to Syracuse, I knew I would find a way to meet her. The Iron Girl mostly attracts local athletes so it’s great to know that it’s drawing others to our community. The swim at Oneida Shores Park, is cold and choppy, but Toban feels confident and looks strong, plus she’s prepared with a wetsuit. She said many of the racers were scrambling at the last minute to purchase them.
Shopping around here is limited to the mall or a few small boutiques. The community is made up of a series of small historical villages cobbled together along the original Native American trails that have now become our roads. The villages spread mostly east and west around the city of Syracuse. They mostly coincide with lakes, some of them finger lakes, but not all of them. Ithaca is about an hour drive south, Cortland is about 30 minutes. Apples are a major farming product to the south, and onions, potato’s, and corn grow in most of the fields around the villages east and west of the city. Dairy farms are also very common. Syracuse itself has an interesting history because the Erie Canal went right through it at one point, it had a major salt mining industry in the past, and there was a lot of other industry here in the past. Among the interesting things produced here were the Brannock device, Smith-(Corona) Type Writers, and Carrier Air conditioners. The city has lots of old and sometimes abandoned factory/warehouses mixed with tons of Sears Catalog homes, Victorian style houses, and Craftsman style homes as well. The Stickley furniture factory is still operating in Manlius, one of the small villages. From downtown Syracuse, it’s a 15 minute drive to a completely rural area in any direction.
Knowing we had only a couple hours, I suggested my favorite shoe boutique and the surrounding shops, with a plan to head to the next village if there was time. Toban found plenty in the shoe boutique and I was happy to catch up with the owners of the shop, a husband and wife team, whom I have known for many years. I didn’t risk trying anything on, because they know my feet, and my taste, and as soon as I jump down that rabbit hole, there is no climbing out! They also sell coats, handbags, and some jewelry.
I found the necklace Toban mentions, at the third boutique. I have no clue what drew me to the necklace, because I wasn’t looking for necklaces, but I picked it up, put it on, and it was just right. I love it! It works great with my earrings. It’s true that I didn’t take it off, I wore it right out of the store! That’s true team wear!
I also purchased a pretty top, a dress, and a loose knit cardigan to go with the dress. I know I said no loose knit cardigans, but it looked great with the dress, so I have already violated my “don’t buy” rule! I have no shopping willpower.
Toban and I found much common ground, not only our love of color, and it was truly wonderful to meet her yesterday! I had hoped to go cheer for her and some of my friends who are also participants today, but DH and I are heading early this morning for Albany to meet up with my two SIL, niece and nephews for a mini family reunion! I think I will wear my new dress!
Pictures?! LOL! Toban! We only have one picture!
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