Bear Blog
I want to apologize for my recent absence. I took some time to travel within the blue line and the trip was so exhausting that I slept through my alarm. My hibernation was extended by about a year and I can only imagine how many times I hit that snooze button! The good news is... I'm back! I have missed checking in with our wonderful Hardware customers so I'll do my best to fill you in on my trip.
Christmas is days away and this bear has been counting down for weeks. To be completely honest, I switch gears into Christmas mode as soon as I see Santa bringing up the rear in the Thanksgiving Day Parade. I guess I am still a cub at heart when it comes to the Holidays.
The day after Thanksgiving marks the beginning of Adirondack Christmas on Main Street which runs from 11/25-11/27. If you feel like you have been missing out on the holiday experience because you are too busy preparing for the holiday, maybe it's time to shift gears!?!
The first official day of Autumn is September 23rd but there is already a hint of change in the air. The school buses are back on the roads and soccer is back in full swing (or full kick). The calendar may show it is still summer but the transition from summer to fall is well underway in this small Adirondack town.
My human co-workers have ventured out to compete in some really exciting races in the past year. As a bear I know that being in nature is... well, natural! So why not lace up your sneakers, dust off your bike, or grab your paddle to experience all that there is to experience!
The sun is shining in Old Forge and it is the perfect weather for getting out to enjoy nature. The summer months have brought visitors to the area looking to experience all that the Adirondack Mountains have to offer. For a black bear, hiking through the woods is what I am all about!
It's official... summer is here! The grass is green, the birds are chirping, and the lake is warm enough for swimming (even for those non-bear visitors).
Every once in a while it is necessary not only to accept change but to embrace it. The Old Forge Hardware may be a historical icon in this community but that doesn't mean that we stay the same year after year. As a store we evolve and grow and this website is an example of our desire to change in a way that is respectful to our past while moving into the future. One change that we are really excited to announce is the switching of our Yarn and Clothing rooms.
This Thursday, March 17th is St. Patrick's Day and in my opinion it's a great time to be in Old Forge. Although the holiday lands on Thursday the Annual St. Paddy's Day parade takes place the next day on Friday, March 18th. I will be watching the parade from the comforts of the Old Forge Hardware windows since a black bear tends to spook the Irish Setters that participate in the parade. I don't mind though since The Old Forge Hardware has a fantastic view of the festivities!
It is February 14th in Old Forge and that means one thing... roof shoveling time (you romantics were way off base here)! That's right, the Christmas trees are down, the New Years ball has dropped, and we have come to the realization that those events were just the kick-off to winter. For those that live in the North Country we know that there is an art to shoveling a roof.
We are currently experiencing winter temperatures so cold I have started to rethink skipping hibernation this year. You know when you see a forecast that lists 2 as the expected high it's time to bundle up to avoid the dreaded winter affliction of "paw-sicles".
As the New Year approaches I am starting to think about what my New Year's resolution should be. I tried to take up jogging but found that people became intimidated when I ran by. Apparently a 500 lb. black bear running and panting can be a fearful thing to a tiny human.
Today was a very exciting day here at the Old Forge Hardware as we kicked off the key tree to benefit MAC's Safe Ride. Now through February 14th you can stop in the Old Forge Hardware to purchase a paper key that will adorn our tree. You choose the dollar amount and all proceeds go to benefit MAC's Safe Ride.
There is snow on the ground and a chill in the air. This weekend is a big one here in Old Forge and it officially marks the kick-off of the 2010-2011 winter season! The countdown is on to the 34th Annual Snodeo and the opening of McCauley Mountain Ski Center this weekend. If you enjoy your skis attached to your boots or your motorized sled... this weekend in Old Forge is for you!
Thanksgiving week is behind us and it is time to call the Taxidermist because I am one stuffed bear (just a little bear humor to get this final blog in November rolling)! Over the weekend we celebrated with members of the community and visitors as Christmas on Main Street brought the spirit of the holidays to town!
The leaves have all been raked away and the town is preparing for winter. We have had a few snow showers but nothing remaining on the ground for long, yet:) Hunting season is upon us which means one very important thing to this Adirondack bear... It is time for me to stay tucked away within my hardware home, putting in long hours at work and staying OUT of the woods!
Things certainly are happening here at The Adirondack's Most General Store. The launch of our online shopping has been as exciting as a lifetime supply of honey would be to this Adirondack bear. We have gotten a great response to the launch of our website and are busy adding products every day.
This is my first blog on the new Old Forge Hardware website and I could not be more excited! I guess I should start things off by telling you a little bit about myself. My name is Henry the Hardware Store Bear but I guess I could now refer to myself as Henry the Hardware Store Blogger too. I was named after Henry "Hank" Kashiwa who was the hardworking manager of The Old Forge Hardware for 50 years.