Cars that are parked on the side of the road and other adventures

Here in New York and in many other states I've visited, I always see an overabundance of cars parked on the side of the road. A rambling,twisting road, a forest and a random car parked with no one inside. I always wondered where are these people? Who are these people? What adventure are they on now?

Well the other day, I was driving on a road I drive at least once a week and I saw this sign, one I had never noticed before.


Had I not been on route to meet a friend, I would have pulled over- put the babe in the Ergo and checked it out. But instead, I dragged Zach and Hazel there on Saturday. This is one of the cemeteries, that is associated with Letchworth Village, which was a home for epileptic,"feebleminded”,mentally ill,and homeless.

more photos here.
I remember in high school there were always scary stories about this whole complex in general. growing up in North Rockland, I think everyone has had some thought driving by and wondering what the heck went on there? The gorgeous brick buildings with air conditioners still in their windows,curtains and furniture. Like something out of a true horror film. From online photos I've see the decomp inside, peeling paint and wall paper,rust which all adds to the village's creepy vibe.

The cemetery is located a few miles down from the actual village on Cal Hollow. There is a NO TRESPASSING sign, next to the cemetery sign, but alas we parked our car on the side of the road. Zach was concerned we might get a ticket, so he and Hazel stayed in the car and I trekked, alone. It was broad daylight out, even though I am a huge baby and of course was trying to remain calm and not run from the forest like a mad woman. It helped that the forest is very thin and I could see the car basically through the clearing. The spot is also pretty serene, even though those who died were not given proper gravestones, but a mere number. Later a stone was erected to "Those Who Shall Not Be Forgotten". Not knowing anyone who was buried here, it still felt to be a sad place, but I am happy I visited. It just felt like something odd I needed to do. When I arrived back, Zach was in the driver's seat ready for a quick getaway! Here are a few of my photos and the NY Times article published several years back on the cemetery.
















Do you have one of those old,creepy places you dream about visiting?!

veg city

Veg City Diner, was one of my most favorite places in the world to go to. It was located around 14th street in NYC. One of the only places in the area where you could get a vegan meatball parm hero at midnight! Then one day they were gone. But don't let me fool you, I was speaking entirely about myself. I am- veg city. Veg city is the glazed eye, TV on,do nothing look I've had the last few months. Some also use the word couch potato. Running around after an almost-toddler is paying its toll and I'm beat! So when Zach gets home at 7- it is all I can do to hand him the babe- hopefully make us dinner or be smart enough to have something cooked or on the stove and then put her down to sleep. After that the TV goes on (in my defense, Zach works for Television Without Pity and needs to watch in order to edit content and write reviews). I have no real excuse.

So tonight, I will bring the sewing machine into the kitchen and begin. A ritual? I don't know yet, but something I would like to try every week. Shop projects and handmade gifts for the holidays and for our home. I am so inspired and read so many crafty blogs and then feel frozen.. almost overwhelmed by the amount of energy so many people exhibit. With kids? How? Even without kids- working full time?! You are my hero!

I am also going to stop the consumerism. I have been telling myself "oh this is OK, this little thing was on sale". But in the end it all adds up and it all comes from our little nest egg we are guarding.. ( in order to own our own nest some day) so if I can push myself forward through this lump of a moment and learn something- we'll all be better served.

With that said here are some pictures I took for inspiration, yesterday on an adventure with Hazel. Maybe not a traditional place one might look for inspiration, This is Letchworth Village, located in Thiells NY. Built in the early 1900's it was used as a home for disabled,epileptic, and other illnesses or disorders doctors didn't understand. It closed in 1996. We didn't even get out of the car, but as you can see there was some real history here- a lot of it sad, unfortunately. My sister worked here briefly, years ago and she had some happy tales to share. Now it is closed up and a source for ghost stories, double dare ya's, and the unknown. From photos of what I've seen inside, there is water damage, rot,graffiti and everything else you would expect from an abandoned building. It calls me every time I drive by. The piece of a curtain blowing out of a boarded window, the broken glass panes, the old stone. I'm no photographer, but I was happy with what I got from a car window. Zach has said he'd go walking around with me, because it is all paved.













Hopefully next time I'm back I'll have some sights to share- no pressure though!