Shiny diner people

Taking advantage of a fine, sunny morning we made a return visit to the Pine Hollow Arboretum.  My parents were lucky enough to have a long conversation with its founder, Dr John Abbuhl, who has personally planted more than 3,000 trees over the last thirty-five years. 

 We also chanced upon this chap out in the woods:

The main family event of the day was lunch at "the shiny diner" (aka Capital City Diner near Crossgates Mall).  It was the first time going there that we had to wait for a table - but it was Sunday lunchtime, after all.  The place was packed.

However, service was prompt and friendly, and we soon had a table groaning with food.  The Girl has now added Greek to her growing list of world cuisines.  We all filled up nicely before heading out into an increasingly blustery afternoon.




We spent some time at the Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center at Thompson's Lake - peaceful as ever, and full of imaginative displays.  We watched the birds visiting the feeders.  The boy quizzed the centre staff person about bees.

Then we explored Thacher Park a little, and found some new views.  A hike was mooted, but as the wind whipped up most of us voted to get home to the warm and cup of tea instead.