New Jersey Friends & Family

Cousins Adele & Michael, aka Jack O'Lantern, Merson.  Below are their children, Jill, David, and Rachel, and below that are Rachel and her boyfriend, Nathan.  We were there on Halloween, eagerly awaiting the Trick & Treaters.   Thanks for everything, Adele & Michael! 

Cousins Carol, Matt, & Nelson Montero.  It took 3 shots to get their heads on straight.  Below them is Annie Montero, who just started college.  I tried to catch her with a milk mustache.

Cousins Joe & Barbara Piascik and my cousin Pumpkin Head Piascik.  Joe & Barbara have 5 children, all busy at work or at college and not able to visit this time. Their oldest, Albert, will be getting married next June.

                                                                             

Uncle Mike & Rita

John & Mary Ann (aka "Plish") Dorer at Mario's.  I've know Plish since junior high school.

Brian & Judi Mutchler, Anne Veliky, Anne Rose, me & Dean Mutchler (cousins on my dad's side).  We had a wonderful visit, not to mention delicious meal at Judi & Brian's!

Garrett Mountain Reservation

When I was young, my family often picnicked at Barbour's Pond at Garrett Mountains in the summer, and I ice skated there in the winter. The mountain overlooks Patterson, Passaic and Clifton.  We used to be able to watch the fireworks from all the cities there on the Fourth of July. The park is a little over 500 acres with equestrian trails, two levels of picnic areas, a large field where concerts are often held,  and Lambert Castle.  In the castle is a museum, but it is closed October 15th thru December 15.  Were were  able to get a picture of only the back of the observation tower.  Next trip, we hope to be able to tour the castle.

Dey Mansion, Wayne, NJ

Thursday, October 28th, we went to the Dey Mansion in Wayne, NJ.  It was a gorgeous day, after a day and a half of overcast skies and rain.  It was also the second time we went there.  The first was on Monday, only to discover it was closed Mon & Tues.  Part of the home was used by the then General Washington as the Preakness Headquarters during the Revolutionary War.  The docent, Arlene, who gave us the tour (and once again we were lucky to have only 2 others there), was truly an "old soul".  The home, built in 1740, will be undergoing some repairs in a few weeks, and she is concerned it might upset the past inhabitants.  She did allow us to take a couple of photos inside.  There were two stories with 2 rooms on each side of a "great hallway" on each floor, and an attic, where during the Revolution,  sentries stood guard around the clock.

Mahon Dickerson Reservation, Jefferson Township, NJ

This is the county park where we are staying in New Jersey.  The reservation consists of 3,000 acres of woods, trails, picnic, camping and an 18 site rv area.  Couple of drawbacks--no campfires are allowed in the rv section, cable tv reception is impossible due to the woods, bear warnings, and due to the drought, acorns the size of golf balls have been dropping on the roof of our unit and heads!  It is really beautiful here.  Last week the temps were in the 50's and hit a low of 33, but today and the next few days are supposed to be in the 70's.  We were hoping for some snow!!! 

Ringwood Manor, NJ

On Wednesday, October 20th, Bob, my cousin Carol, and I drove to Ringwood Manor, a state historic park comprised of 582 acres.  The manor was built in 1807 and then additions were made to total  a 51 room dwelling owned by Peter Cooper and Abram Hewitt, successful iron foundry magnates.  We were the only visitors there, so we got a great personal tour of the manor.  No photographs are allowed inside. Too bad, the wood work and furnishings are absolutely gorgeous.  The grounds have many trails and picnic areas.  It is a must see place if you ever get a chance.

 

North Jersey

On Friday, October 15th, we got to New Jersey.  My home town is in Clifton.  My parents and other family members are buried there, so I try to get "home" at least once a year.  Clifton is about 11 miles west of  New York City.  You can see the sky line from most of the hills.  We are staying in a campground about 35 miles from Clifton in the Jefferson Township area where some of my cousins live. As you will see, New Jersey is a very beautiful place. Hard to believe that there are bear and deer so close to the metropolis!

Hudson, NY

Thursday, Oct 14th, we headed into Hudson, about 10 miles from our rv park.  The brochure we had showed about 140 stores including boutiques, antiques, bistros and curios.   We left Charlie Dog at the unit and planned a walking tour to window shop and stop when something caught our fancy. However, most of the shops were closed and the buildings in disrepair.  We did find the Hudson River Park and stopped for a little while there.