Keuka Lake.

Today, Jewel and I drove to Keuka Lake to spend a couple days with friends of my aunt and uncle (who are also here). We had a nice scenic drive up through Watkins Glen and around two of the Finger Lakes -- Seneca and Keuka. Lots of hills; Jewel kept complaining that she couldn't get her ears to pop. Still, a nice drive.

When we got to the house this morning, things were already hopping. The host's extended family was coming right behind us for brunch, and there were three dogs in the house (not including Charlie, who came with). There was much bustle, but also good food (eggs, waffles, assorted bagels and breads, coffee, fresh juice) and good conversation.

After the brunch crowd dispersed, we finally headed down to the lake. The house here is actually up the hill from the water, so we caravanned down using my uncle's Jeep and a Bobcat UTV (both full of people, animals, and coolers). Once at the water (which was perfectly warm), there were a plethora of options:

• Swim, naturally;
• Ride on the boat;
• Go tubing using the new tube my aunt bought today;
• Ride the JetSki;
• Swim out to the floating raft;
• Hang out on the dock;
• Watch the various dogs swim around like so many fishes (save Reagan, my aunt and uncle's schnauzer, who prefers to bark and attempt to eat waves while standing on shore).

Lots to do and lots of fun. I discovered that (a) Jewel is a much better tuber than I am (one who tubes, that is -- not a fleshy underground stem), and (b) JetSkis are one of the most awesome things ever invented, behind sliced bread and the Internet.

Later on, after we all cleaned up, we took the boat up the lake to a restaurant called Lakeside. Pretty neat to travel to dinner and park on the water. They were busy, but the food was decent. I had a gin and tonic, which always helps a meal. Besides, service doesn't much matter when you can cruise across the open water at dusk as you go home. Jewel and I sat in the very front of the boat and soaked it in.

At dinner, Jewel said that if these two days were the only vacation we had, she'd be pretty satisfied. I have to agree. It's a beautiful, relaxing place here, and I thank Tom and Mary profusely for inviting us up.

Back to the Valley tomorrow evening to take care of the dogs while my parents are gone on a mini-vacation of their own. I'll work on getting a video of our lakeside exploits put together for your enjoyment. Also Jewel will be posting some pictures soonish.

Until then, enjoy your own summer fun.

-- its