by Karon -

Fall Fun with Family

Fall has a way of bringing joy in the simplest of moments, and this October, I got to experience it in full with my daughter Amy and her family. My grandsons are amazing — curious, playful, and absolutely adorable — and spending time with them felt like a warm hug from the season itself.

We started the month with a trip to the apple orchard in Mexico, New York. The crisp air, colorful leaves, and scent of ripe apples made for a perfect autumn day. The boys ran between the trees, searching for the best apples, while I wandered slowly, soaking in the quiet beauty of the orchard. Of course, a few apples made their way into our bags — sweet reminders of a day well spent.

Halloween brought even more excitement. We went to Boo at the Zoo, where the boys giggled at the decorations, met costumed characters, and soaked up the festive fun. Then we headed to Halloweenville in Sackets Harbor — a charming event filled with Halloween fun, laughter, and community spirit. Watching them explore, marvel at pumpkins, and admire the displays made me feel like a kid again.

One of my favorite moments was seeing them in their school’s Halloween parade — so proud in their costumes, waving to family and friends. Their smiles were pure joy, and I couldn’t help but think how lucky I was to be there for it.

No autumn is complete without apple cider donuts, and we found the perfect ones at Burrville Cider Mill. Warm, sugary, and perfectly spiced, they were the ideal treat on a chilly fall afternoon.

Some days were quieter, and I cherished those just as much — walks on cool afternoons, cozy meals out, and playtime at home. I even got to see the grandsons in their Halloween costumes again, full of energy and imagination.

Amy and Corey are doing a wonderful job raising these little sparks of joy. Being there with them — sharing in simple pleasures and the magic of the season — reminded me once again that family, laughter, and love are the truest heart of fall.

— Kari

by Karon -

Three Beaches Within 25 Minutes of Sackets Harbor

Beaches are definitely one of my happy places. I love to walk in the sand — to feel it shift beneath my feet and connect me to the earth. On coastal beaches, I’ve always loved looking for seashells and driftwood. But here, along the lakeside shores near Sackets Harbor, I searched for heart-shaped rocks instead. I only found one, but the walks were peaceful and grounding — the kind that clear your mind and fill your soul.

During my stay, I visited three beaches within about twenty-five minutes of Sackets Harbor. The days were cool and sunny, perfect for slow walks and quiet reflection. Each beach had soft sand and gentle waves, with beautiful sand dunes edging the shoreline. The dunes were covered with tall grasses and old wooden fences that swayed and creaked softly in the breeze. Behind them, trees painted in shades of gold and amber framed the horizon, their autumn colors glowing in the afternoon light.

One beach had a long line of rocks brought in to prevent erosion — a rugged but beautiful contrast to the smooth sand. A few of the beaches had benches along a path that ran parallel to the water, inviting you to sit, listen to the waves, and watch the light dance across the lake. In some spots, the forest reached all the way to the beach, where roots tangled near the sand and the air smelled faintly of pine.

And then there were the seagulls — another surprise. I had always thought gulls belonged to the sea, yet here they were, soaring over Lake Ontario, their calls echoing softly across the water.

Walking barefoot in the cool sand felt like coming home to myself — a simple act of grounding, of reconnecting with the rhythms of the earth. Even though I only found one heart rock, I left each beach with a sense of calm and gratitude. These quiet, lakeside moments reminded me how peace can be found anywhere — sometimes just twenty-five minutes away.

— Kari