Sunday morning walk

Are you looking for that perfect Sunday morning walk that just refreshes and reenergizes you for the wonderful day ahead?  Then I have just the spot.  It starts at Blatnik Park, which is located in the Town of Niskayuna.  You drive to the back of the park, lots of parking to be had and then begin your walk on the wonderfully kept bike path.  Here is a view from the top of the path.  No matter what lies ahead for your day, this is the perfect view to start the day with.

You walk approximately 1.5 miles (it might be less, takes under a 1/2 hour) and then you run into Niskayuna Lock 7.  Now there are picnic tables set up and you can bring the family for a day of fishing and it is also just fun in the summer to watch boats go through the locks but if you happen to be there and it is not yet quite the picnic season, it is just the perfect place to sit and relax.  Below is a photo taken from the Lock.

Now I don't know about you but I know this was the perfect start to my Sunday morning last week and tomorrow is looking like another gorgeous day.  Give it a try, it is a nice walk and if you really want to get that heart racing, my friend Scott and I on the return walk, powerwalked up the hill back to the parking lot, that will surely get your heart up.  Enjoy the day!

Empire State Youth Orchestra at Troy Music Hall

On Saturday I had the pleasure of attending the Empire State Youth Orchestra’s (ESYO) Gala which began with lunch at Franklin Plaza and then continued to a show featuring the ESYO at Troy Music Hall.   The Troy Music Hall is one of those other wonderful gems that so many don’t seem to know about.  While the seating is not the most comfortable, the acoustics are amazing and you can tell how much work went into creating this venue.  Find out more about its history by clicking the link above.

ESYO is a group of more than 300 very talented students between grades 4-12 from more than 75 schools in the Capital Region.  The performances given by these amazing children are so memorable and it is such a treat to listen to them create their own special magic.  Perhaps you have heard these children if you have ever attending Melodies of Christmas at Proctors.  If you cannot catch one of their performances at Troy Music Hall, I encourage your attendance at Melodies.

Below is a photo of my fabulous dates for this event, my little sister Emily and friend Thomas.  Thomas plays the trumpet so was very interested in the music and Emily has now indicated an interest in the violin, perhaps inspired by today’s experience.  Thomas was also very excited to be the happy winner of a nook from the silent auction held to benefit ESYO and their many musical programs.

Cafe Madison (Albany)

With Albany being just a hop, skip and a jump away (my grandmother's words), I met my friends Norman and Peter for breakfast at this amazing little cafe.  Cafe Madison is located at 1108 Madison Avenue, Albany.  So we arrive at 9:15 for breakfast and were told that we had a 20 minute wait for a table (they don't accept reservations).  While waiting I ran into my friend Amanda who frequents the restaurant and she gave me the best tip of the day when I asked what she believes the best breakfast is, she, without hesitation, said "you must try the oatmeal raspberry pancakes".  The wait was exactly 20 minutes and we were seated at a front table and the staff and the service was fabulous.  Taking my friend Amanda's suggestion, I ordered the oatmeal rasperry pancakes and if you decide to try this little cafe, I suggest you try them as well, absolutely delicious.  I am sure I will run into there as I definitely will be adding this locale to my list of favorites. 

Their website says they are a culinary gem in the heart of Albany and I certainly agree.  Take a trip to Cafe Madison and share your experience with me, I would love to hear what you think.

Jersey Boys at Proctors

I often talk about how much I love Schenectady and this region and this weekend was another one of those great weekends filled with friends and fun.  Friday night was spent with my friends Amy, Scott, and Sue.  First we started with dinner at Bangkok Thai and instead of ordering entrees we decided to try an assortment of appetizers for our dinner.  My personal favorites were the crab angels and the curry balls, so if you decide to stop over, I suggest an order of those.  Next we were off to see Jersey Boys at Proctors. 

If you haven't gotten your tickets yet to the show then I suggest you run not walk to the box office at Proctors'.  The show is about the life and times of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons and their trials and tribulations on the road to fame.  I am one of those people that see a show once and am happy but don't really ever feel the need to see it a second time but I must say that Jersey Boys is one of the shows that I would see again.  The music and actors, the social environment, all of it, is worth a second go around.  I did purchase the sound track just to hear that wonderful music over and over again!

Getting excited for Jersey Boys

In less than 24 hours I will be sitting in the third row watching Jersey Boys at Proctors.  I have heard so many positive reviews, I am sure I will enjoy the show.  Additionally, I was at the preview party several months ago, so I have been very patient in waiting for my night to arrive.  Will give a full review after the event but in the meantime, I just have to say how wonderfully lucky we are to have such an amazing venue in Schenectady where we can see Broadway shows just minutes from our homes. 

Just a little bit of history about Proctors Theater:

Proctors began as a vaudeville theatre in the early 20th century is now the Capital Region’s destination for major Broadway shows, cutting-edge film festivals, exciting special events, and everything in between.

Built in 1926 by F. F. Proctor, the “Dean of Vaudeville,” Proctors on State Street in Schenectady was a popular theatre that used a method of continuous performance to draw huge crowds and numerous famous vaudevillians of that era. In 1930, Proctors hosted the first public demonstration of television with the help of General Electric. Learn more about the history here.