my own words

The Next

Chapter

Starting a new chapter in life can be very exciting. The uncertainty of what’s next can also provoke feelings of anxiety and a little trepidation. But the only constant in life is change, and to embrace that concept means that you can always be growing and expanding.

I recently purchased a new-to-me home in the Finger Lakes. It’s not very large, but it’s got good bones and, quite frankly, I think it looks great! After doing some cosmetic work inside I was ready to move in. I’m very excited to have a home in one of the best spots in the region.

Once upon a time it was my dream to live in the Adirondacks. The first time I visited that region I was amazed at the wilderness that was not very far away. Don’t get me wrong, I still love visiting there and spending time hiking, camping and exploring that region. But after moving to the Finger Lakes in 1993, I have completely fallen in love with the region. It has everything here – metropolitan areas, villages and hamlets; farms and forests; lakes, rivers and streams. And its history, culture and arts in this area is second to none.

One of my goals this year is to create a backyard that’s cozy but low maintenance. It’s not a large area, and I’m excited to create some gardens that attract flying friends such as hummingbirds, butterflies and songbirds. Carol and Derek Doeffinger give us some really good tips on how to create such a garden on page 36.

I’m also excited to be in a neighborhood where walking on safe paths and sidewalks will enable me to get outside more often. Plus, I’ll have easy access to country roads for cycling. Outdoor activities really became popular in the last year with a lot of people, and I don’t anticipate that to be changing anytime soon.

The sun is out, the birds are chirping, and the temperature is much more comfortable. Here’s to a beautiful spring and early summer!

mark@lifeinthefingerlakes.com

The Finger Lakes Museum inspires appreciation and celebrates the cultures and ecology of the vast Finger Lakes Region

ACA Kayak Instructor Training Course Designated Trails

Interpretive Signs

• Wetlands open to the public with direct access to Keuka Lake. • Enjoy several designated trails maintained by staff and volunteers, a 200-foot boardwalk and interpretive signage.

FINGER LAKES MUSEUM

Finger Lakes Museum 3369 Guyanoga Road Branchport, NY 14418 www.FingerLakesMuseum.org 2021 Program Calendar

May 15: Bird Walk May 15: Volunteer Site Clean-Up May 22, Sept. 11: Open House May 22: The Earth and I – Compost Workshop June 5, June 22, July 23, Aug. 21, Sept. 18: Evening, Full Moon Paddle June 12, June 26, July 3: Kayak Lessons June 17: The Earth and I Lecture – Salamanders and the Land Use History of the Finger Lakes Region June 19, July 17: Community Paddle July 8-10: ACA Kayak Instructor Training Course Aug 7: 2021 Paddle Keuka 5K Oct 2: Fall Foliage Paddle