When I hadn't received a reply from my second e-mail requesting a reservation for the Victorian Tea at Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion, I resorted to phoning. Too bad, sold out. I hate when that happens. I made reservations for the following week.

I didn't do an event, but I did do something eventful. I went peddle boating, my absolute favorite summertime activity. There are just so many things I love about it, beginning with it being something I can do with only one other person, as they are typically two-seaters. I love one-on-one interactions. So, I gathered up a friend and we headed toward the Mid-Lakes Erie Macedon Landing.

First we stopped for supplies, which always include water, Pringles, M&Ms, Starbucks DoubleShots, and alcohol -- usually beer, usually Guinness. This day we also picked up some tuna and chicken salads and crackers and some iced tea. We added two small cartons of chocolate milk from the "Got Milk" campaign outside the store. Everything packed in the cooler, we headed to the marina.

At this point, I've got the activity down to a science. Dropping the supplies dockside, we parked the car and went in to sign the release. They know me, and know I never know how long I'll be gone, so we always tally up afterwards. This week the owner told me he'd be closing at 5 p.m., but he'd be around until at least 6 p.m., but not to worry because we'd work it out the next time I came around.

This marina is on the Erie Canal outside the city. Framed on both sides by trees and greenery, it's really beautiful and quiet. Once outside the dock area I decide which way the wind is blowing and head into it. This makes the ride back easier, which is good, because I'm always very relaxed, tired from being out on the water and in the sun, and not up to fighting the current. We headed east and pulled into the first station. (I've been back and forth both ways many times, and on each way I've found stations. They're what I call the places that are perfect to pull over, tie to an overhanging branch, and float. Which is why I call it "peddle floating" rather than boating.) It's at this first station that we always disrobe. Off come the overclothes and we're down to our swim suits. We broke out a beer and peddled onward.

This week there were many baby turtles on logs sunning themselves. And this week I was so in need of doing nothing that I headed straight to a little cove with a beautiful tree with branches that curve over and touch the water. Tied up, we opened up our snacks and had our picnic lunch. We talked and talked, and ate, and loosened and tightened the rope to be in the sun or in the shade, and did nothing. Absolute bliss.

That nothing is what I like best about peddle floating. It takes a bit of time, but at some point you realize there is nothing else you can do but what you are doing. All the coulds and shoulds and will-dos peel away. Even the conversation changes from past events and future plans, to what you're experiencing in the present.

After rejuvenating with our DoubleShots, we took our time getting back with at least five station stops. No one was around so we unpacked and were just about to pull the boat up off the launch when the owner arrived. We had a lovely relaxed chat about his plans - campgrounds, snack bar, swimming pool -- and we'll tally up next time. Hopefully, there will be many next times. He's open until the end of October.