Waiting for Favor Season: Part 2

It had been a while since my husband and I were able to spend time relaxing in a restaurant.  Without fail we would rush through dinner or even have to skip it in order to be at some after work activity.

Whether it was out on the ball field as coaches to a few dozen Little Leaguers, choir practice, teaching Sunday School, Advanced First Aid classes, graduate school or social events, life was pretty hectic with calendar overload.  Having the opportunity to sit down at a table without papers to grade was a “real” blessing (as the saying goes) and God made a way for that to happen.

Let’s continue with the story on how hubby and I went from waiting on God for a favored season to waiting in line for a table …

Haven't read part one?  Click here.

Thanks for joining us on Daily Favor Blog. 

Be sure to read News from Fay, updates and visit the Q & A or other sections. 

Food Glorious Food

You didn't have to drive far to find a good place to eat.  One of the first places we tried was Luigi's Italian Restaurant.  How could it be anything but Italian with a name like Luigi's?  It had a romantic atmosphere and our table (by a side window) had the view of a small waterfall that flowed off a creek on the mountain and down into Lake George.  Beautiful!

The Log Jam Restaurant was (and is) probably the hottest place in town.  It's always busy, crowded with lines reaching out into the parking lot.  

However, once inside, you are greeted with logs and timber and the feeling of being inside of a giant cabin with antler chandeliers. 

The food was jammin' (get it?).  It made you glad that you braved the lines and waited for a table.

Our hands down favorite restaurant was The Coachman, located between Lake George and Glens Falls, New York.  They extended such favor to us going out of their way to make sure we thoroughly enjoyed our dining experience.  Plus, their buffet was excellent with desserts to match, making it a “have to eat there” place every time we visited the area.

Fun ‘till Daddy Takes the Skee-ball away!

Being able to take a deep breath and not have it followed with needing to be anywhere in particular is calming in itself.  It makes my heart happy and it’s pleasing to the Lord.

“A happy heart makes the face cheerful, 

but heartache crushes the spirit.” (Proverbs 15:13)

Adding a few of my FAVOR-ite game activities sends me merrily on my way and sure makes hubby’s life happier without taking meds!  We all know the phrase: “Happy Wife, Happy Life!”  Research has proved this is pretty much on target, but since God said it first, I’ll take His Word as truth for everyone.

“A joyful heart is good medicine, 

but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” (Proverbs 17:22)

Canada Street (the main street in Lake George Village) is one of my favorite places to stroll for popping in to some fun spots and arcades.  Since hubby got to do a few of his fav’s it was my turn to let loose.  My idea of exciting includes playing indoor miniature golf. 

(It’s not in NY, but on my Facebook page you can see the video of us playing Glow Miniature Golfing.)

Although that was pleasurable, whack a mole was on the agenda before settling into a game series of Skee-Ball in the arcade. If permitted, I could play it for hours and hours or until hubby took the tokens and said it was time to leave!  Who knows where my love for the game came from, perhaps it was because the inventor Joseph Simpson was from Vineland, New Jersey! 

The Sweet Life

I know that this is probably a stretch, but it definitely was a heavenly idea.  The Bible tells us in James 1:17, that every good and perfect gift comes from God.  

He certainly was in our plans during all our recreational activities and the next stop was one place where thanksgiving always came out of our mouths!

After a vigorous golf game (not really, but I am VERY competitive) or time at the arcade, we made sure to finish out the day at Wagar's Soda Fountain and Confectionery Shop stepping back in 

time as we entered the nostalgic styled ice cream parlor. The day only got better relaxing in that “old-time” atmosphere eating freshly made hand-dipped ice cream.

It was easy to forget about the rest of the world and get caught up in the moment, while inside listening to the Nickelodeon player piano tunes of the twenties or thirties.   

You can hear what the piano sounds like and see the style of the one in the shop here: Player Piano Demonstration

A large scaled train circled the perimeter of the store from the suspended tracks on the ceiling.  You could see it make its way around the room as you dipped into your sundae.

The entertainment didn't stop there.  Before leaving we’d browse through their selections of candy.  A must try was their signature Adirondack "bear claws" with your choice of almonds, cashews or pecans (my favorite for this candy) smothered in their famous caramel, then hand dipped in the finest milk, dark or white chocolate.  You just had to try them all ... it was a no brainer!

Standing in front of the glass cabinet full of goodies we watched the owners making their homemade fudge, offering each onlooker a piece of the creamy delights.

I was so sad when they closed in 2011 with the passing of the owners.  Visiting them was always the sweetest part of our day.

Making it Educational – A Bit of History

What is a trip for an educator if we cannot find something of interest for our classrooms, especially when it comes to the subject of history!  Each time we visited this part of New York we always found new sites to visit and learned something different about our country.

Fort William Henry was built in 1755 and sits at the southern end of Lake George.  Those interested in International war history surely would find it a point of interest. 

There are quaint shops at the bottom of the hill in front of the fort, one where I indulge in my only soft caramel candy apple of the year and a container of hot Mr. B’s tater tots.  As people come in and out of the stores its’ hilarious to watch the ducks quacking with disapproval when folks walk their dogs along the waterfront.

The Minnie-Ha-Ha Paddle Steamboat

Full Steam Ahead

At the head of the lake you can gather a boatload of information and knowledge concerning the three steamboats that cruise along Lake George - the Mohican, Lac du Saint Sacrement and our favorite, the Minne-Ha-Ha.  (You can see all three in this short clip from the company.)

Lake George Steamboat Company Ships

All three steamboats traveled back and forth in front of our chalet on the lake at Sun Castle.  We loved to watch them pass by and wave to the people as we sat out on our villa deck in the crisp October air. 

View as the Minnie passed by our deck.

This is a sample of what we saw and heard from our villa.

Minnie-Ha-Ha Playing Along

There was something really special about the Minne-HaHa.  She had a steam powered calliope (a paddle wheeler) that played old time songs at various times throughout the day. 

Calliope on the Minnie-Ha-Ha

As more and more outsiders purchased property along the lake, they failed to appreciate the music or “carnival-like” atmosphere it evoked and petitioned to have it shut down from operation. Unfortunately for visitors of this historical vessel, the Minnie-Ha-Ha became silent!

To see what the fuss is all about concerning the famous Lake District, here is a new video of a family who just finished their summer Lake George trip ending it with a ride on the famous Minnie-Ha-Ha.  No music, just a few whistle blows.  You can see people waving on the shorelines, while watching the glorious majestic view of the lake and mountains.

Minnie-Ha-Ha Cruise Summer 2019

Minne's calliope was dismantled and all she does now is puff a little steam like any other ship of her kind.  Disheartening ending, but our memories of her play loud and free. 

There’s Always More to It

Being able to get away for a few days every so often isn’t what this article was about, nor was it to promote some fun sites (even though they were cool).  With everything I write, there is an underlying purpose and I’ll get into that more next time.

I’d like to leave you with this thought when it comes to waiting on God for your favorite season, or whatever it is you’re hoping for in prayer.  No matter what I was doing whether making my bed, cooking dinner, doing homework, slipping away a few days for a mini-vacation – whatever it was, my mother would quote this passage of scripture to me:

"And whatever you do or say (no matter what it is), do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father." (Colossians 3:17 NLT)

Whether we are at work, home, relaxing or out having fun even on a mini-vacation ... "whatever we do (or say) should always be pleasing to God.  He has provided means of clean amusements as gifts.  They should not be taken lightly, but are to nourish our relationships and reflect the joy of the Lord that lives in those who have received the favor gift of salvation.

" ... I will rejoice in the Lord.  I will joy in the God of my salvation."

(Habakkuk 3:18 NKJV)

I hope you’ve enjoyed reading about some of our weekend excursions from over the years. Come back next time for part 3 and final part of Waiting for Favor Season and learn what happened as a result of our Columbus Day weekend lake trips.

… but before you leave, I’ve listed some information below about the places mentioned in this article.

If this article has encouraged or helped you, please share it by using the social media icons provided at the end of this post.

Until next time, your favor season is coming!

"Seasons of favor take patience." - Jesus Christ

Helpful Points of Interest & Information:

Places to stay, where to eat, shop, activities and enjoy the view.

Where to Lodging & View

Adirondack Region https://visitadirondacks.com/

Sun Castle Chalets: 3178 Lake Shore Dr, Lake George, NY 12845 (518) 668-2085

Sagamore Resort 110 Sagamore Rd, Bolton Landing, NY 12814 (518) 644-9400

Where to Shop & Outlets

Lake George Village Mall 204 Canada St. #1442, Lake George, NY 12845 phone (518) 685-5331

Shopping at Bolton Landing, NY 12814 518-644-3831

Glens Falls Mall Shopping Outlets https://www.glensfalls.com/shopping/malls-outlets-plazas/

Aviation Mall 578 Aviation Rd., Queesbury, NY 12804 phone (518) 793-8818

Where to Eat – Food, Food, Food

Log Jam Restaurant (always packed) 1484 U.S. 9, Lake George, NY 12845 phone (518) 798-1155

Coachman Restaurant (our favorite outside of town) 99 State Street, Glen Falls, NY 12801 phone (518) 793-4455

More romantic and the view was fabulous.

Luigis (personal waterfall outside the window while you dine.)

Now closed, but it was fun –

Wagar’s Soda Fountain & Confectionery Shop on Canada St.

Lake George, New York with the Nickelodeon Player Piano

Activities & Entertainment

Minne-Ha-Ha & Steamboats, Lake George,

Adirondack Mountains, horseback riding,

Historical, Educational and Family Fun

Fort Ticonderoga, Lake Champlain, Vermont, New York Regions,

Lake Placid Olympics, North Pole New York Santa’s Workshop.

*Unless noted, the names in articles are changed to protect the individual(s) privacy.  

Note: When used, the words satan or devil are not capitalized deliberately, because we give him no place in our lives. 

Disclaimer: Article information is not meant to be used as treatment for mental or physical issues, but geared toward spiritual awareness. 

What’s New This Week: Click on link.   

The Trails of the Adirondacks: Hiking America’s Original Wilderness

by Carl Heilman (Hardback/ full color)     

Favored1 on Facebook, Twitter, You Tube, Pinterest and Articles.  

Maybe you don’t know the Living God that I know, but would like to have this kind of favor in your life also.  Click on the above tab “Tell Me About Jesus” for more information on becoming a child of the Savior.

Content and Image Copyright from Favored1. Do not copy.

Disclaimer Notes: Results may vary due to lack of belief.

Scripture reference was taken from the New King James Bible Version provided by Bible Gateway.

Image credit: Google Images Creative Common License if not specified.

Image: Calendar Overload  The Log Jam Restaurant  The Log Jam Restaurant Inside Wagar's Store  Wagar's Soda Fountain  Wagar's Candy Demo  Minnie-Ha-Ha on the Lake  Minnie-Ha-Ha Calliope on the Minnie-Ha-Ha

Labels: Daily Favor Blog, Favored1, Waiting on Favor Season Part 1, Holidays, Columbus Day Weekend, Columbus Day, Seasons of Favor, Waiting on God, Steamboats, Lake George, Adirondack Mountains, Horseback Riding, Fort Ticonderoga, Lake Champlain, Vermont, New York Regions, Lake Placid Olympics, North Pole New York Santa’s Workshop, Vacation

Waiting for Favor Season: Part 1

It's October 12th, the "traditional" or real Columbus Day everyone and why I specifically waited to post on the actual holiday!  Does anyone even remember anymore?

Columbus Day Weekend is a favorite time of year of ours, especially when I would get a few extra days off from my hectic teaching schedules.  

Wherever I’ve taught, the school districts have workshops for the staff before releasing us for a three or four-day break from classes.

Normally I don’t have a post for this weekend, because, well … I’m usually in workshops (but this year I only have one).  The good thing however, is that I’ve planned ahead!  

Although this is a little different in my regular posts, I thought you might like to know what types of things I’ve done when away from my regular duties.  The descriptions may be brief, but it all comes together with a purpose.

Thanks for joining us on Daily Favor Blog. 

Be sure to read News from Fay, updates and visit the Q & A or other sections. 

Driving with Mr. Daily

I suppose for most, Columbus Day Weekend was like any other long weekend, but not for us.  Anticipation began every year in late September, as temperatures start cooling down.  My husband regularly called upstate New York to hear the changing leaves reports in the Adirondack Mountains and Catskills.

Hubby kept up this daily ritual of calling for thirteen years, longing for the time when he could actually visit these truly remarkable places he heard about from the time we first met!  It started after I initially shared with him the details of my family holidays that we made back “home” to NY, as my parents would say (both being from there).

“My son (daughter), do not forget My teaching, but keep My commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity.  Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.  Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.” (Proverbs 3:1-4 NIV)

We prayed, waited and continued in our faith. Finally, God opened the opportunity for us to go; hubby couldn’t have been more elated!  We made the decision to trek up to New York and see the glory of the Lord through nature for ourselves.  Packed and ready, with our traveling boots on we headed to the Adirondack mountains.  

You might have thought we were about to take a world tour with all the food and “stuff” we brought for the weekend adventure. This was a long time coming and hubby wanted to be prepared.  Believe me – we were!

Peaceful Villa

Traveling from Southern New Jersey, the trip takes about six hours, but the drive in the fall season is worth every minute of it.  Heading northward you see varying stages of color changes in the “Godscape” around you. 

Nearing the Lake George region, you are surrounded by the mountainous tree backdrop, with the leaves at peak colors of bright orange, red, gold, green and brown.  By the time you see the waterfront you have to stop in awe of the magnificence of God’s creation.

Upon arrival in Lake George District we check in to our weekend accommodations.  Hubby learned to make the reservations a year in advance, because Columbus weekend is always the prime time to view the fall foliage, and the village usually closed down for the winter right afterwards.  

Over the years we stayed at different cottages, cabins or lodges until we found favor at a place called Sun Castle Villas.  It was on a private estate that dated back into the 1800's, and the entry to the mansion house served as the office. 

Waking up to the smells of hubby making breakfast in this warm and cozy chalet was so relaxing for the soul, it revitalized me every time we went there.  The favored cooking part my husband likes to do all the time, but eating and sipping hot chocolate in front of ceiling to floor windows overlooking the lake is something we don’t get to experience every day. 

Our rental chalet was a photographer’s and writer’s dream.  Located right on the lakes edge it offered days of peaceful quiet times, and a fantastic unobstructed view of the "Queen of American Lakes".

A Prayer for Christmas Snow

Among a few of the “recreational” activities Hubby has fished right outside the front porch from our villa on a little deck, and we have gone horseback riding in the thick forests that surround the lake. 

With Lake George as our base, it is a good jump-off point for site-seeing in the Adirondack Region.  One of the things on my bucket list was to travel further north to North Pole, NY and Santa's Workshop. 

The only thing that could make it more special is if it snowed while we were there, but the weather had been exceptionally warm and there wasn’t one flake reported for the season.  Sounds ridiculous, but would God hear a prayer for snow?  Why not?

“Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.” (Psalm 37:4)

Christmas snow came early that year and God answered my prayer with a yes!  The day we pulled into the parking lot at Santa’s North Pole it started to snow! 

The staff at “the Pole” were ecstatic as the people poured in to the village.  As a matter of fact, it snowed so hard that the Forest Rangers closed off the road that led to the summit of White Face Mountain.  

A Gem to Behold

We visited Blue Lake Mountain and a Garnet mine.  Actually, the mine tour was closed for the day when we got there.  We did, however, see how they go about the mining process and view the end result of their labor - the gorgeous deep dark red garnet gemstone.

Olympic Size Travel

Before we made plans for our yearly Lake George trips, we tried to include various places we wanted to go and scheduled each appropriately so we could see as much as possible. Sometimes that meant doing marathon driving to get to a certain place and back to our villa by nightfall on the lake.

An example of that was being able to visit the ski resort and Olympic Village of Lake Placid which is also in the Adirondacks.  The ski jump structure from the 1980 Olympics is still in place. Obviously it's been renovated for repairs.

Hubby always thought that it would be so cool to go off the ski jump.  After seeing this towering structure, he changed his mind.  It’s massive!

Ferrying Along

A day trip from Lake George that became an annual event for us was taking the seven-minute Fort Ticonderoga cable ferry across Lake Champlain into the New England States.  The ferry had tables set up to sell cute little bags of fresh Vermont apples for munching on while relaxing as we saw the shoreline drawing near.

From there it was a short trip into a town where we visited apple and pumpkin farms that sold their specially made Vermont maple syrup, cider, fudge, jams, preserves and extra sharp cheddar cheese. 

On one particular trip Hubby participated in a taste test between Vermont and New York Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese.  When they asked for his decision of which state won, he didn’t have a favorite liking both selections but smiled and said, "Not sure yet.  You keep cuttin' and I'll keep testin'."   Funny enough – they did!

If you came to pick apples or your own pumpkins the festivities begin with a hayride out into the fields and back.  Along the way you could stop off at the petting farm with turkeys that followed the visitors, chickens, a donkey and a litter or two of piglets.

The family that owned the farm were always so friendly and made our visit outrageously enjoyable with all the activities and goodies they provided.

Shop the Day Away

Making a semi-circle from the ferry lead us back to Glens Falls just south of Lake George and into the shopping districts, where we saw a mint conditioned candy apple red Corvette belonging to someone visiting the area.  It got to the point that we looked for it and without fail she was there ten years in a row.

Shopping was spread out over three areas for us.  The Lake George Village Mall, the quaint shops at Bolton's Landing and the more "citified" Aviation Mall in Glens Falls. 

Things have changed over the years around Lake George.  I guess now it is more of a year-round resort, which sort of takes away from the heritage of it all (at least for me anyway).

Oooo … that’s it for now friends!

Have you enjoyed reading about some of our weekend excursions from over the years?  Come back next time for part 2 of "Waiting for Favor Season".

I’d like to leave you with this thought from the Lord … remain faithful then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man!  

If this article has encouraged or helped you, please share it by using the social media icons provided at the end of this post.  

Until next time, remain faithful and God will favor your heart's desire!

“I delight in favoring the prayers of the Righteous.”

- Jesus Christ

*Unless noted, the names in articles are changed to protect the individual(s) privacy.  

Note: When used, the words satan or devil are not capitalized deliberately, because we give him no place in our lives. 

Disclaimer: Article information is not meant to be used as treatment for mental or physical issues, but geared toward spiritual awareness. 

What’s New This Week: Click on link.  

                        The Adirondacks Season by Season by Heilman Carl (Hardback/ color) 

   

Favored1 on Facebook, Twitter, You Tube, Pinterest and Articles.  

Maybe you don’t know the Living God that I know, but would like to have this kind of favor in your life also.  Click on the above tab “Tell Me About Jesus” for more information on becoming a child of the Savior.

Content and Image Copyright from Favored1. Do not copy.

Disclaimer Notes: Results may vary due to lack of belief.

Scripture reference was taken from the New King James Bible Version provided by Bible Gateway.

Image credit: Google Images Creative Common License if not specified.

Image Columbus Day  Genesis 1:31  North Pole NY and Santa Workshop  Olympic Village of Lake Placid Fort Ticonderoga Cable Ferry

Labels: Daily Favor Blog, Favored1, Waiting on Favor Season Part 1, Holidays, Columbus Day Weekend, Columbus Day, Seasons of Favor, Waiting on God, Steamboats, Lake George, Adirondack Mountains, Horseback Riding, Fort Ticonderoga, Lake Champlain, Vermont, New York Regions, Lake Placid Olympics, North Pole New York Santa’s Workshop.

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"faith and favor meet." 

Every child of God experiences the goodness of the Lord.  Some refer to it as blessings, but in reality it's His Daily Favor and that's why I created this website.

Spend quality time learning and studying about the favor of God.  Check out the current trending favored article(s) on the right, or the top interests of fellow believers under the most popular read posts.  Subject, musical artists or author word searches are listed at the bottom of this site.

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Until next time, Favored Blessings

News from Fay    

Favored1 on Facebook, Twitter, You Tube, Pinterest and Articles.  

Maybe you don’t know the Living God that I know, but would like to have this kind of favor in your life also.  Click on the above tab “Tell Me About Jesus” for more information on becoming a child of the Savior.

Content and Image Copyright from Favored1. Do not copy.  

Disclaimer Notes: Results may vary due to lack of belief.

Unless noted, scripture reference in series was taken from the New King James Bible Version provided by Bible Gateway.  Image Creative Common License if not specified. 

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