photo courtesy of gonewport.com
Newport!
That's right.
It was Newport, Rhode Island.
Janie was the clever girl who guessed it first. Your little gift will be on it's way amica mia!
Thanks to all of you for your participation!!
Since there is so much more than one posts worth to tell about Newport (and only about 200 photos), I think I will have several Newport features over the next few weeks.
Stay tuned!
Well, maybe not actually fishing. But, I am celebrating the Fourth with a four day weekend away.
Whoohoo!! Lord knows, I need it!
The picture above was taken a few years back in Booth Bay Harbour, Maine.
It is not where I am, but it is quite similar. And you know how I love a good guessing game.
So, I thought we might have a little Fourth of July fun (yes, I know it's the fifth), but bear with me.
Here are some clues to my whereabouts....
So, there you have it. I hope I have given you enough info, but haven't given it away!
Think you know where I am?
Leave your answer in the comments. The first person with the correct answer wins a little prize. Maybe it will be a little souvenir from my trip.
And of course, I will give you a full report on my weekend destination when I get back.
Have a great Holiday weekend and good luck!!
As we left Lord and Taylor, I glanced behind me to see the Chrysler Building.
Then we headed to Bryant Park. During the Holidays lovely gifts, many handmade, are sold at a European Style Market which surrounds the park. And of course, I bought a scarf. A lovely tree greeted us at the entrance of the park.
Ice skaters on the pond were out enjoying the warm day.
I can find just about anything to remind me of Paris, everywhere I go. Like these...
Or how about the carousel. Remind you of Montmartre perhaps?
Just look at the Frenchiness of this sign.
From Bryant Park, you can sneak a peak of the Empire State Building.
Rockefeller Center was our next stop. I usually like to spend time here watching the skaters, but since the crowds were about 20 people deep and the military was out in full force, complete with machine guns, we just took a few shots of the tree...and moved on. Isn't she a beauty?
During our travels we came to another shop window. This one was of a hip-shakin' Santa. Unfortunately you can't appreciate this unless we took video. But you get the idea.
No trip (of mine) to the city would be complete without a trip to Little Italy. This was a wonderful sight as we came walking upon the area on foot.
I guess those little teases of Europe in NYC will have to hold me until me next trip across the pond.
We went to New York City on Chris's Birthday. Even though Christmas was over, the store windows did not disappoint. We headed on over to Lord and Taylor, and they were still all decked out...
They had some window displays depicting scenes from around the world. This one was Paris, France..
I love the cakes, poodles and the cute little cafe tables with fresh flowers and china cups.
Further down was Venice, Italy.
The gondola, the bridge and the buildings in the background all looked so real and inviting. They did such a great job with this one!
Around the corner, we are invited to a very French looking, elegant dinner party.
Check out the gowns in the living room..and those lovely cane chairs.
That settee is divine. I just love the French colors and the wallpaper.
And the chandelier. Oh my.
How about this as a table top display?
Even the little love birds look happy to be invited.
And the Pug looks like he is dressed for the party. Or is it a she? Maybe that lovely collar says *she*.
More shots of NYC around the Holidays to come.
Fall. My favorite time of year. The humidity has gone and left behind cool, crisp sunny days, and clear chilly nights, perfect for sleeping and snuggling. Orchards are brimming with visitors, many from New York City buying up every pie or zucchini bread in sight. Many come to take part in the apple-picking ceremony. The thick branches of the apple trees are blossoming with clusters of the red globes and are gracefully drooping with the extra weight of the ripe juicy fruits. They are bowing, almost as if they are offering themselves to the first *picker* who comes along, making it quite an easy task to snap them from their homes. Children also excitedly search the rows and rows of big orange gourds with green leaves, looking for the perfect pumpkin. Should it be small and plump, big and round or tall and oval? Back at the farm-stand, you can sample the best of everything. Everything Apple. Apple Cider, Apple Pie, and my all time favorite, which I only treat myself to at this time of year...Apple Cider Donuts, which are homemade right before your eyes and dusted with cinnamon sugar and devoured immediately. Have mercy.
Back home after the picked bushels are carted in, every kitchen in New England is filled with the fragrance of Fall. Homemade applesauce, pies, crisps, crumbles and of course mulled cider are lovingly prepared during these Fall weekends. Those pumpkins now dot the porch steps of many suburban homes. Many mingle with colorful pots of button-topped mums and others have smiling or spooky faces carved, which are illuminated at night. Those are the houses with small children.
The triangular eyes glaring at you and the eerie jagged tooth smiles are reminders that Halloween is just around the corner. For the little ones, the costumes are sewn or purchased, the children gather, the route is carefully planned, families stock up on candy, doorbells ring, "trick or treat" is shouted...and later candy is traded, deals are made, bellies are full. For the older kids adults, Halloween means candy corn spilling out of bowls on the kitchen table, horror flicks, Haunted houses, scary haunted hayrides and corn mazes.
But the best part of fall for me is the foliage. I just love the change in colors of the leaves. A brilliant tribute to Mother Natures talent. I am lucky enough to live in an area where the spectacle never disappoints. Since we are close to a river and have hills and valleys, it is a sight to behold. The colors change from weekend to weekend until the trees are bare and the ground is covered. Lemon, lime, amber, gold, peach, orange, ruby, burgundy are the colors I see. Come, let me show you. It's the perfect day for a drive.
This is what I see from the bank of the Hudson River, just 2 minutes from my house in Poughkeepsie, the bridge is the Mid-Hudson Bridge.
The rusted bridge in the background is the Historic Poughkeepsie Railroad Bridge, no longer in use, but about to be restored for a use as a walking/biking path...
Further exploration uncovers the last of the season's wild berries...
It's time to cross, quick, a shot from the bridge, looking North...
Signs off the New York State Thruway at the New Paltz exit confuses tourists. Geesh, I am a local and I'd be confused too, wouldn't you? I wonder how many horns blow or fenders bend at this crossing...
My favorite trees are the graceful red maples...
Their leaves seem to shed, glide down and cover the grass, rolling out nature's red carpet...
The railroad bridge extends into the next county. Here is another view some 15 miles away...
Time to head home. As we cross back over the bridge, the sun is starting to slip behind the mountains, casting more of an amber glow on the scene and drawing our weekend to a close. This is the view to the South.
Wait for it, wait for it...here is the break in the railing..
Thanks for taking a Sunday drive with me. Now it's your turn. What do you love about the Fall? What is your favorite area in the Fall and what do you love to do in the cooler weather? Apple picking, pumpkin carving, cooking hearty soups and stews, raking leaves? What are your Fall favorites?
Photos around the Hudson Valley by Christopher Lacey, someone had to drive.
One of the things I love most about Paris is that you can find a Patisserie just about anywhere. They display lovely confections, chocolates, tarts, and pastries. You will see such wonderful displays, rich colors and very inventive delicacies. Pierre Herme, Gerard Mulot and Lenôtre not only has shops, but even a school. (Lord knows...I would never be late to those classes!)
Laduree is famous for their delicious macaroons...
And I love their signature packaging. Tres Elegant! That French Green just whispers Paris to me...
Fauchon has lots of strawberries for color...
How can I possibly find anything that beautiful....that delicious...that French in my area? Well, it hasn't been easy. That brings me to my latest discovery... Belgique Patisserie. We were in Connecticut and happened upon this jewel in Kent. It's a sunny little yellow carriage house with a bright red awning. Just like a French Patisserie, they carry handmade chocolates, glistening fruit tarts, pastries, cakes, and coffee...any which way you want it. We decided on a black current mousse tart adorned with a kumquat, kiwi and blackberry and a special Belgian ice coffee. The coffee was so classy that even the ice cubes were frozen coffee, so it didn't water down the flavor. You can imagine from the picture below, why we would not want to eat it....but that didn't last long.
So, although my favorite Patisseries are in Paris, Belgique will do until I can get back.
Belgique
1 Bridge Street
Kent, CT 06757
860.927.3681
While we were at the Elephant's Trunk Flea Market, we decided to go into the village of New Milford. It is a cute little historic town, with lots of shops, places to eat, an apothecary pharmacy and a even a farmers market on the green on Saturdays. One of my favorite shops is called Homeward Bound. It is a home interior store and they carry a variety of things I adore. Red Flower candles, Bella Notte linens, Juliska ceramic and glassware..just to name a few. Needless to say, since I am a bargain hunter, I can't afford the majority of priceless items in the store...but I love to get decorating ideas and just browse. I especially love to visit after my trip to the flea market...maybe I'll find the perfect way to use those one of a kind treasures I just unearthed!
We also wanted to try a new spot for lunch called Forsythia right on Bank Street. We didn't realize it, but the chef trained at the Culinary Institute of America. Yes, the one I constantly tell everyone I live 5 minutes from. But their best claim to fame is that it's the home of the $3 Cosmo. Nope, not a typo. Three bucks! Uhh...I can't even get water for $3 at the movies...so this quickly becomes my new favorite place in New Milford. The Cosmos were not even watered down...they were full strength. They were served with homemade potato chips that were light and crispy!
We wanted something light, not too filling. We each ordered a salad. I had the Chinese Chicken Salad, which was delicious, though a bit disappointing. The waitress had told me it came with red peppers..which I love, but out it came...sans red pepper, with zucchini in its place. (Did I happen to mention that I don't really like zucchini?) But it was still very good..the dressing was one of the best Asian style dressing's ever...I could really taste the sesame oil.
Chris had a Crab Cake Salad, which was perfectly cooked, light and crispy on the outside and loaded with real crabmeat. It even came with a side of lemon, smartly wrapped and tied with cheesecloth so your seeds would not wind up in your salad. Very clever!
We were so full and for $37 for 3 cosmos, 2 very large salads, tax and tip...it was a great bargain! We will most certainly be back.
PS...did I mention the $3 cosmos?
Homeward Bound
20 Bank Street
New Milford CT 06776
860.350.0060
Thomas Morans Forsythia
31 Bank Street
New Milford CT 06776
860.355.3266
After about a 6 month hiatus the time had finally come for my first flea market outing of the season. I can't tell you how much teasing and tempting I have had to endure from my friends Corey and Tara. They are both Flea Market Junkies...one of many things we have in common and have been showing me their excursions and adventures in France for the last few months. But now it was finally my turn...
First thing Sunday morning I was up by 7:00am. This in and of itself is a momentus occasion. Flea markets, breakfast in bed and Ed McMahon ringing the doorbell are the only things that get me up that early on a Sunday. I usually don't sleep well the night before...I have visions of sugarplums treasures, dancing through my head! I grab my list, my camera, my hat, my sunscreen, my cash and my old granny shopping cart...and I'm off.
This flea market is one of the best in my area. It is Sunday only. Last year, I made the mistake of driving the 90 minutes out there.....just to arrive to an empty lot...on a Saturday! Boy did that hurt...bad. I was almost reduced to tears...the price of gas is not cheap here. Needless to say, I will never make that mistake again.
This time, the place was hopping. Lots of treasures. Everything from fresh fruit, herbs, flats of flowers, food, linens, antiques and...junk. Prices here are more than reasonable, and the longer you stand at the booths, the more the prices just keep coming down. There is an advantage to the market being only one day!
I am the one who has to see every booth. I spend about 3 hours there. The weather was a bit gloomy...threat of showers..but that doesn't stop me. Some were packing up early...didn't phase me. Just as I was coming into the home stretch...one of the dealers engages me..."Grape crusher?" he asked.
"What is a grape crusher?" I replied.
"You know, the person who comes at the last minute and tries to squeeeeze the best price out of us!" He jokes.
"Nope, I am just a die hard" I told him. Silly me, I got excited at the thought he was trying to sell me some old antique wine paraphernalia. Guess you learn something new everyday.
Elephants Trunk
Route 7
New Milford, CT
508.896.1975
www.etflea.com
Open Sundays April - December
Early admission $20, 5:45 - 7:00am
General admission $1, 7am - 2pm
Pictures of treasures to follow.
One of my favorite examples of European architecture is located right in Hyde Park, NY It was built by William Frederick Vanderbilt in 1898 and is representative of the 'Guilded Age' Vanderbilt appropriately referred to the property as 'Hyde Park', but locals call it 'The Vanderbilt'. Uh...and in case you can't tell from the name or the glorious pictures....he was rich. His family was considered American royalty. It was the first house in Hyde Park to have electric, which was accomplished through hydropower. This 211 acre estate, now operated by the National Park Service, is located right on the picturesque Hudson River. On a clear day, you can see the ridge of the Catskill Mountains. You can make them out in the photo below...
Back in the day, the Mansion was only 'lived in' during Spring and Fall, and for a few Winter weekends. They had a staff of 60, mainly from local farm families, to run the house and manage the grounds. The Vanderbilts, spent the rest of their time in Newport, Rhode Island and New York City. They spent their money on sailing yachts, breeding horses and racing cars. In 1938, Vanderbilt's niece, Margaret Van Alen, inherited the estate upon his death. In 1940 she donated it to the Federal Government and it has been open to the public ever since. Many families and couples come with blankets and picnic baskets to lay lazily on the lawns admiring the gorgeous views. Tourists come in busloads to tour the mansion, the grounds and the gardens. It is a place where locals go for walks on the trails and down by the river, alone or with their dogs. To me, this is a wonderful local place to spend an afternoon, but I am always surprised as we walk the grounds, how many tourists we pass, speaking to each other in foreign languages. It is fun for us to guess where they are from. China, France, Russia, Italy, New York City...(it is a different language). This visit, I will focus on the details of the Mansion and the view from the back of the house along the river. There is so much more here, including the Italian Gardens, that we will save for another visit. In the summer, free concerts on Wednesday nights are held on the lawn.
You can see how massive the house is...look at how tiny the people look in the photo on the right! The Mansion is made of Limestone, but I think it is time for a cleaning....
The round portico on the back is stunning! Imagine standing on the balcony as soon as you wake up in the morning. It looks out over the Hudson River...those views are amazing! I hope Jeeves remembers that I take my breakfast on the balcony!
I really love the small details that remind me of Europe...
The wrought iron banister....
The ornate iron lamp sconce...
The plant stand on the portico.....
And a close up of the details on a planter....I love the cherub and the handle...This particular visit, we brought Madison, who always has a great time when she goes. You can tell because she looks so happy when we are running around...after the squirrels!
She also enjoys chasing the squirrels. She is a very good hunter. In fact, she treed this poor squirrel, who had no where to go but up! As far as she was concerned, she accomplished what she set out to do. I am quite sure the squirrels don't look forward to her visits! Can you spot him?
Practical Information Grounds are open daily from 9am to dusk, admission is free. Mansion is open daily from 9am-5pm. Admission $8 adults, age 15 and under,free. For more information, visit the National Park Service or HVNet. For detailed directions, click here. Vanderbilt Mansion 519 Albany Post RoadHyde Park, NY 12538845.229.9115 map it
I decided to highlight my Mom and her Spring Garden. My Mom has always been a gardener. Every year as a child, whether flower or vegetable, she was gardening. She would create new spots for gardens every year. One year, she took out part of the pavement in our driveway, with some sort of power tool, in order to add another garden in front of the bay window in the front of the house. For my Mom, I think gardening is relaxing. When she bought the house that she is in now,she was lucky the house was standing...the yard was a totally different story. Since then, she has added garden after garden, Front, back, side...she even has a water garden in the back, complete with lillypads and the resident bull frog, who seems to find his wayback...year after year. Who can blame him... he has the bestpad in town. All of his froggie friends must be so jealous. Her house has the best looking gardens on the block. Neighbors would stop to talk to the flower lady and compliment her on the yard. At the yearly neighborhood yard sale, customers always ask if any of her flowers are for sale.
It's not only about the flowers. It's also about the design and the placement of the garden ornaments. White picket fencing, garden stones with inspirational words, rockingchairs, birdhouses and birdbath sand garden flags MUST be strategically placed. Bluebirds and Hummingbirds come from miles around. Last year she added a custom built garden shed to the yard. Tons of flowering vines were trained to climb up the sides. The shed company couldn't believe how great it looked after she painted and staged it. They contacted her and she gave her permission for them to snap a photo and they used it as the home page of their website!
And she is so proud of her work. When shooting the photos, she had to remind me "It's still early, it is only the spring garden, give it a few weeks and it will start coming in." When I tried to snap a picture of the side of the house and the adorable potting shed, she scolded me, "You can't go over there, that side is not done yet!" Not done, meaning not raked, weeded, planted, primped...whatever it is that she does!
You see, I have not exactly inherited her green thumb. I used to kill every plant that Iowned. No matter what..I would give them full sun and drown 'em in water, everyday. After all, that's what they tell you plants need...right. Sun and water. I learned the hard way that it depends on the plant. Some want shade and want to be completely dry before you water them again. Huh...who knew?
Now that she is retired, she has even more time to devote to her gardening. For years we have encouraged her to start her own gardening business. She has planted gardens for friends and co-workers. We even came up with a name, Patsy's Posies. Her name is Pat and her cousins and aunts would call her 'Patsy' when she was little. She hated it, still does....but somehow in the context of flowers, it becomes tolerable. Her love of gardening and love for her familycome from the same place in her soul. She likes to care and nuture. She showers with love and we bloom. She exudes warmth anda sunny personality and we blossom. We all benefit from her nurturing spirit.
Happy Mother's Day to my Mom...the gardener.
Photos: My Mom in her garden on Mother's Day
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