3-07-2023 7:08pm

Going Up To The Country

Christine Larkin Editor

SKYLARK'S FEATURED ARTICLE OF THE WEEK - HEADING UP TO THE COUNTRY

Spring is just around the corner, and what better time of year to go up to the country. Crocuses are blooming and so are daffodils. And if you listen closely, the sounds of Spring in the tweeting of the birds are casting their spell throughout the trees. Daylight Savings Time is next weekend. What a sublime transitional time of year it is. Primavera (Spring in Italian).

Upstate New York is a relaxing destination if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of a big city or parts of Long Island that have become overcrowded. It’s a canvas of farmlands and charming towns nestled between mountains and lakes. Once you hit the open road, you feel unleashed from your daily routine. Driving is less of a hassle on the open road. There's something about a drive on a big, open highway that is surrounded by tall trees and waterways. Your mind is free.

Traveling is good for you because it can benefit your physical and mental health in various ways. It can promote physical activity, lower blood pressure and heart disease risk, and boost your immune system. It can also help you reduce stress, improve mental clarity, and experience joy and happiness. We all need more of that, don't we. Traveling can also expose you to new environments, cultures, and knowledge that can stimulate your mind and body.

Last March, my boyfriend and I took a ride up to Rouse Point in New York to visit a friend of ours. It was Daylight Savings weekend, and I wanted to take a winter trip. Go figure, me, the beach bum wanted to experience winter at its peak. The choice of weekend was deliberate. I wanted to experience the shift in sunlight as we set our clocks forward one hour on that Saturday. The drive up was gorgeous as we drove through the snow-capped mountains of the Adirondacks. Their majestic beauty with towering rocks that climb up to the sky are awe inspiring. Big pine trees line the roads, and you feel like you are transported into a winter bliss. We stopped at Lake George for lunch. There was a lone skater on the fozen lake. This was the perfect mid-point pit stop.

Our friend lives on Lake Champlain that looks out on Vermont. We spent just a few days there. One afternoon, we headed out for a walk. It had snowed the night before and everything was covered in a thin sheet of fresh fallen snow. We got two blocks away and had to turn back. Cold takes on a new meaning in this part of the state. I even had my warmest winter coat on. The air felt so good though. On the day we were set to leave, the sun came out and the snow started to melt. The sunlight was a little brighter and we had more daylight time to drive in. It was the perfect road trip up to the country towards the end of one season into another. Inverno - Winter.

Viaggiare in questo periodo dell'anno è meraviglioso - traveling this time of year is wonderful.

Peace and Love,

Skylark

At 60 and Beyond, road trips are easier on the mind, body, and soul. It's the best way to take in the scenery.

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SKYLARK'S PICK OF THE WEEK - SARATOGA SPRINGS

Saratoga Springs. Such a beautiful, historic place just a few hours away in upstate, New York. The name reflects the presence of mineral springs in the area, which has made Saratoga a popular resort destination for over 200 years. It is home to the Saratoga Race Course, a thoroughbred horse racing track, and the Saratoga Performing Arts Center. I've been to both and they are jewels in this area. The British built Fort Saratoga in 1691 on the west bank of the Hudson River. Shortly thereafter, British colonists settled the current village of Schuylerville approximately one mile south; it wasn't known as Saratoga until 1831. The city's official slogan is "Health, History, and Horses." How fitting.

Visit www.saratoga-springs.org for more information.

SKYLARK'S INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE OF THE WEEK

Stay patient and trust your journey.

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SKYLARK'S SONG OF THE WEEK - GOING UP TO THE COUNTRY by CANNED HEAT

Hello and welcome to my weekly newsletter, Skylark Live Town News, representing Bay Shore and beyond. My articles are about human interest, nature, general observations, inspiration, music, and places I've been. There is also a calendar of upcoming events. Please consider becoming a subscriber. There are several levels, and it’s easy to do. Just open the newsletter and the subscribe button is there. As a subscriber, you will receive a copy of my newsletter each Wednesday morning in your email. You can also advertise your business or event here as well. You can do it yourself or email me to discuss this at christineskylark@aol.com. You can also PM me. Please follow me on YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn under my brand, Skylark Live.

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Thank you for your love and support. Andiamo! Let’s go!