Around the World in 180 Days
01-Aug-2001Chaumont, NY
Driving from Saranac Lake to Watertown, JoJo and I talked non-stop. I actually got a word in; in spite of the fact that JoJo is affectionately known for her fluent chatter.
The drive back with the family was warm and inviting. Jim, Jay, Jillesa, and JoJo opened up their hearts to me and made me feel comfortable and welcome.
The whole of the trip to Chaumont offered me beautiful countryside. We passed through quaint little towns, some reminding me of the mountain towns I had seen in different movies, some with the two story colonial homes I have seen all over the USA. The forest was green and inviting to this country-loving gal, well what I saw of it, as I was deep in humorous conversation with JoJo most of the time.
My travel weariness was beginning to tell on me, I was tired. Young Jay vacated his room for my comfort; touched by this gesture, I peacefully drifted off to a welcomed sleep.
The next day I awoke to fresh coffee and eggs, sat around eating breakfast chatting more. We had a lot to catch up on. I had spent most of my life without JoJo in it and there was a great expanse of time to cover with her.
The township of Chaumont was small, fed by the Army base not far away. Watertown was known as "The City" to the folk in this little town, even though by USA standards it was NOT a big city.
A summer vacation destination nestled on the shores of Lake Ontario, the many cabins and homes lining the lake varied in size and beauty. I would not mind a little cabin by this lake for sure, the only thing against it is that it gets a great deal of snow. I do declare, after listening to all the people I have met from snowy areas, it would be hard to take, to not be able to go outside without layers of clothes on, and to have your 'nose run' freeze on your face.
Jo's son Jay invited me to be "Show and Tell" at his school. He is in 5th Grade.Nervousness visited me a little but I am so glad I did it. This wonderful group of young kids was just delightful. I spoke to them for an hour; the questions they asked me about Australia were intelligent and full of enthusiasm. They asked me what the most unusual food I had eaten was since coming to their country. I replied with "Well, I have not eaten this food as I could not bring myself to even look at it….Chittlings." I had seen them in the local supermarket and could not look at it for any length of time. The Australian animals were of great interest to them. I have to admit we do have some unusual animals in Australia. Finishing up my talk to them they began to file up to me and asked for my autograph... talk about "15 minutess of fame!" It was so sweet. Jo, my "agent", (hehehe) had to rescue me.
Waiting for me in Sacramento were letters of thanks from each of them. This experience Jay gave me will be a treasured memory, I will keep those letters forever. Jay, with his quick mind and dry humour, kept me mesmerized at times. He reminded me of my son Scott at that age and I relished every minute I had with him.
Jim and Jo drove me around the area; I so enjoyed their company. One day on one of our little jaunts, Jo took me past a hotel called "Pass-In-Wind" I laughed and laughed, wondering if its main clientele was 'bean eating fishermen'.
Jim, spoiling me as he did often, came home from work one day with an Australian beverage I was delighted. A glass or two went down well.
Jillesa was my little shadow. I so loved to receive her hugs and her big smiles, and because of her darling heart she caused me to miss my kids desperately. When Jim and Jo left me at Niagara, that night Jillesa had a dream about me, she awoke crying in the early hours of the morning. She dreamt I missed my train; therefore I would not be able to get home to Australia. The amazing thing is I did miss my train; it was delayed for some time so they arranged a bus to take us to our destination. Her connection with me was strong.
Jennifer (18) was about to graduate from high school and then leaving home to live in Kansas. Jo did not want to think about it. She was not prepared for one of her babies to leave her. I totally understood how she was feeling as it brought back memories of when my younger daughter, Amy, left home at 18. The good news is we do survive this 'flight from the nest' of our 'younguns'.
What a delight this family is. They made me feel like one of the family and I fell into this role very well. Even Ralphie the dog felt comfortable with me. The hamsters did not get a chance as I valued my clothing too much - they chew holes in them.
Jim took a day off work and drove me to Niagara Falls; we spent the day there and enjoyed the Majesty of this incredible show of nature. The awesome power overwhelmed me as I stood at the base of the cascading water. It was exhilarating and uplifting.
The family dropped me at my hotel and said a goodbye that was hard to take. I felt that sadness again of leaving people I had fallen in love with in such a short time. Could my heart take many more goodbyes?
My love and hugs to you all,
Wendy
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