Don’t you LOVE a good anniversary? Farmboy and I celebrated our 18th this year. When I hear other people say 18 yrs- I’m like, WOW. That’s amazing. When I think we’ve been married 18 yrs- I think… cool… that was fast… 18 years is no big whoop. Seriously, isn’t that weird? I love that 18 years feels like nothing- in a way. Don’t get me wrong. In today’s day it seems over 10 is a big deal and when I hear other people say it I think it is. But with us, I feel like 18 years isn’t very long… maybe because in the context of a lifetime- perhaps it’s just the beginning.

It really was yesterday that I hopped down the isle to the back of the church in my wedding dress not realizing that the entire church was still standing and watching. I was so excited to be married to “the one whom my soul loves” and glad that the wedding-planning hoopla was nearly over.  I heard the congregation giggle at each bounce. I kid you not. Maybe hopping wasn’t the most dignified way to express myself, but it was me and my heart was full, happy and thankful.

Every year Farmboy plans a trip. Most years we have celebrated by driving through New England in the Fall to enjoy the foliage. Last year I planned it… a little jaunt to Cape Ann. A smash I must say. This year Farmboy planned the trip only to share that we were having lunch in Saratoga Springs. I do LOVE a surprise!

If you know us you will know that we didn’t leave here until 12:30 pm which makes lunch at Saratoga Springs actually… dinner.  After showing Farmboy the racetrack (I had done a show there a number of years ago) and visiting Yaddo Gardens (always wanted to visit there!) we had a lovely dinner at DUO- a Fusion-ish Japanese restaurant with a Techno vibe. I had the Chilean Sea Bass with Black Bean sauce and Farmboy had seared Sesame Tuna with Seaweed Risotto. Seaweed Risotto… who knew?! Memorable and delicious.

To my delight and surprise the evening ended at The Interlaken Inn in Lake Placid, NY. Did you know that I have always wanted to go to Lake Placid??!!! The Interlaken Inn is such a find! In fact, I may have to do a Fabulous Friday Find about it! If you go to Lake Placid… stay there. Thank me later. Luxury linens, cozy room, dormered ceiling, claw-foot tub, pedestal sink + sky light = Room #20.  As if the grand piano in the foyer didn’t have me at “hello”. Just sayin.

Olympic ski jump festival… check. Fall foliage… check. Beautiful views… check. Romantic picnic… check. Delicious breakfast… check. Keys locked in the trunk… check. Huh? YEP. On the way out of town. 5 hours from home on a Sunday morning. Everything in the car… including the keys. Ran out get the proprietress some cards as a little thank-you.  Slam goes the trunk… you know how it feels. Noooo! I think the keys were in there. No big deal, right? “Honey, I think I locked the keys in the trunk”… “Why?” was his response. Hmmmm. “Because I no longer have the keys.” Thankfully Farmboy’s reaction is “it probably kept us from getting into an accident on the way home”. Love that guy! So… we went to town and bought the kiddos a happy while Mary, the proprietress, took care of everything.

Did I mention the breakfast at The Interlaken Inn? Morning light. Lovely. Refined.

The local garage couldn’t get into Farmboy’s fancy dead-bolt “Fort Knox” car. A couple of hours later, an old-timer locksmith did the trick and we were on our way home only 4 hours past what we had planned. There was still time for a “plein-air” painting on the way home even though I did leave my tube of Cadmium Yellow paint in the studio!!!! It’s hard to paint a landscape (trees) without YELLOW people! Yellow and Blue make Green!!!!

Nevertheless, put Lake Placid/Mirror Lake on your “to see” list. It really is spectacular. We will be going back and staying at The Interlaken Inn. For more information visit their website: http://theinterlakeninn.com

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What a delight our stay in Lake Placid was. Having never been, I was thrilled when Farmboy revealed our anniversary trip destination! We arrived around 9pm on Friday night to a lovely, old historic Inn- steps away from both Mirror Lake and Lake Placid.

I loved the beautifully decorated grand piano in the foyer and the heavy architectural mouldings/woodwork throughout the inn.  Once we were settled in our room (I’ll come back to that) we went downstairs to the pub style bar to have a glass of wine. All of the dark stained wood paneling and the copper ceiling tiles created a wonderful ambiance in the pub. Of course, the giant moose may have had something to do with it too.

The staff was very helpful and friendly encouraging us to visit various places to best take in the scenery. We asked to see the Inn’s dinner menu. Known for its world class cuisine… here are a few offerings from the menu that sounded particularly interesting:

Buck Island Crab Cakes- with orange basil beurre blanc

Bison Meatloaf- over roasted garlic Tucker Farms mash potato, with thyme scented veal jus

Shrimp and Pasta- with asparagus, plum tomato and sweet Thai basil sauce

Puff pastry wrapped creme brulee’  (Tried this Friday night… Excellent!)

 Our room- The Hibiscus Room #20, was wonderful. Quaint with many dormered walls/ceilings creating a sense of being in a cozy nook.  Keep in mind its on the third floor (no elevator so don’t accidently leave something in the car!). Luxury linens and a spacious comfortable bed created a cloud that I did not want to leave! What a relaxing way to start the day. Although there was a TV in the room we never turned it on.

 The bathroom was simple and refined with tile floors, a pedestal sink, claw-foot tub, skylight and luxury, plush robes and towels. Ahhh. Uncluttered.

The grounds around the inn were charming as well. Stone walls, a private garden, a flagstone patio, little baskets of herbs containing the beginnings of what was to come from the kitchen. Located one block off the main street there was no traffic or noise from passing cars.

Saturday morning we met Mary the proprietress as we left for our 2.7 mile walk/run around the perimeter of Mirror Lake. She was friendly and inquisitive about our plans for the day. Little did we know how she would save the day on Sunday!

I do wish that we had gotten back to the Inn in time for dinner- the menu sounded so good! Maybe next time. Sunday morning we started the day with a hearty Adirondack breakfast in the front dining room. Baked goods, clean crisp linens, polished flatware and Brazilian coffee that was so smooth I drank it black.  Farmboy and I chatted with some of the other guests and learned more about the 100 year old house’s history from the owner. Her carmelized onion and red pepper omelet was scrumptious! In the light-filled breakfast room Farmboy and I gathered our thoughts and plans to make the most of the day. After the car was indeed packed I rummaged through a bag in the trunk to find some notecards to give to Mary as a little Thank-You gift for her hospitality…

Did you hear the one about the couple celebrating their 18th anniversary? You know, a perfect weekend… only moments to go before they continue their romantic drive home through the Fall-colored mountains? That one. Where she locks the keys in the trunk by accident while in the process of getting a goodie out to give to the Inn owner. Hysterical, isn’t it? Not. Needless to say, our lovely hostess went “above and beyond” to help us be on our way and keep any disasterous anniversary memories away. She took such great care of us- making all of the calls to help us find a way to get into the car and on our way home.

Heading to Lake Placid? Stay at The Interlaken Inn. You will be so glad that you did. Tell Mary the artist who locked her keys in the trunk on her anniversary weekend sent ya. She’ll remember. For more information visit their website here.

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Linwood Gardens were created by William Henry Gratwick II from Buffalo, New York as a country home in the years between 1901 and 1910. Architect Thomas Fox designed portions of the craftman style Big House and all of the original garden areas.

In 1933, William H. Gratwick III moved to Linwood with his family and set up the Rare Plants Nursery. The Japanese Tree Peony became a feature of the nursery and the gardens. As an artist, landscape architect and horticulturist, WHG III contributed sculpture and new garden areas to the Linwood landscape. His wife, Harriet Gratwick, directed a community music school on the property from 1946-1963. Linwood also hosted a wide variety of cultural activities during those years.

Lee Gratwick, WHG III’s daughter, is now living at Linwood and is working to preserve the Tree Peony Collection, the gardens, and the Big House.  (From promotional literature.)

The Craftsman style Big House. The interior spaces are sparse with wide wood floors, large mouldings, a beautiful fireplace and craftsman style furniture-  simple, weighty and honest.

The view from the house looking through the side portico.

The Italian Garden with a stone sculpture by WHG III.

Inside the Italian Garden.

The arbor next to the swimming pool.

The stone Labyrinth on the grounds of the old tennis court.

The Perennial and Vegetable Gardens.

The Lily Pool with a sculpture by WHG III of a tree peony blossom.

The view from the Italian Garden.

And… last but not least Oscar, the energetic people greeter.

For more information on the Tree Peony Festival of Flowers and Linwood Gardens click Here.

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Do you ever just need to hear the ocean? I do. Having been raised in Mississippi, the Gulf Coast and its ocean-like waves and breezes were never very far away. Living in Upstate New York on a farm feels pretty land-locked. Last year I NEEDED to hear the ocean. Needed to, I tell you.

It was my turn to plan our anniversary trip. Ocean waves were a priority… preferably within hearing distance from the hotel with the window open. After much research we packed our bags, made sure kids, dogs, cats, horses, rabbit and everyone else was all set and headed East. While traveling across I-90 towards Albany I informed Farmboy that we had important dinner reservations that evening outside of Boston… step on the pedal, Gretel!!  He freaked out because of course we left later than we planned- not uncommon.

Luckily, we found a lovely historical grain mill erected by Thomas Edison on the way wherein we changed into our dinner clothes and later pulled up just in time for our reservations at Blue Ginger in Wellesley, MA. Having watched Top Chef Masters last season, it was fun to eat at Ming Tsia’s restaurant!

Our final destination was still a surprise for Farmboy. We drove an hour or so northeast… until the land was nearly gone. Only crashing waves were visible in the cast light of the streetlights.

Bass Rocks Ocean Inn. I highly recommend it- more family oriented than romantic getaway. We hope to take the kids back there one day. The propritores were delightful. Helpful. Kind and funny. Our room was basic… what can I say… after my stay at Hotel le Germain in Toronto I am positively ruined for most normal travel. Nevertheless, with the windows open I COULD hear the waves and it felt like we were on the edge of MY known world.

Breakfast in the Inn was included and substantial. Farmboy was delighted at our location and we left to find our adventures for the day. I read online about Babson’s Boulders… created in an old abandoned settlement called Dog Town. It was rather bizarre but a nice hike, good exercise and pretty foliage even though there was a good possibility of getting lost out in the middle of nowhere. What are adventures for!?

There was a Fall festival in Rockport and we had a great time listening to a band that we had never heard: Brad Byrd. Saw some amazing artwork in the local galleries and  just had a good time shopping, looking, taking it all in and being in the present.

That evening we went to a small beach up the road from the hotel called Good Harbor Beach (pictured below). A beautiful beach protected by a little cove. Can’t wait to play with the kids there one day.

We ended the evening at a small restaurant in Gloucester- The Franklin Cafe, that we found on TripAdvisor or Yelp. Oh my goodness. One of the best meals we’ve ever had… who knew?! Dare I say that it was better than our meal at the acclaimed chef’s fancy restaurant?? I do dare!!!

So the next morning our hostesses at the Inn encouraged us to take the Captain Bill’s Whale Watching expedition out of Gloucester Harbor. Now, mind you… earlier in the year I had been working on some new designs for the Bar Harbor Whale Museum in Bar Harbor, Maine. I studied and learned all about whale flukes, markings, various species to come up with the following designs. One of the reasons I love being an artist… I always get to be a student through research.

Imagine my delight at the idea of going whale watching!? Have I ever told you about my fear of open water? That being said… Farmboy and I are all about making memories and new experiences. So we did it! Really… it is amazing- their size, their grace. I was afraid that we wouldn’t find them. But we did and it was truly unlike anything I have ever experienced before.

Distant view of Boston skyline.

A spray/blow sighting.

A female and her calf.

A memorable trip for sure.

For more information on Cape Ann, Bass Rocks Ocean Inn and Captain Bill’s Whale Watching please click on their names for their individual websites. Happy Whale Watching!

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What’s on your nightstand these days? I’ll tell if you will! Reading is one of my favorite pastimes but 2 to 3 pages is the most that I can handle after 10 pm; hence, it takes me forever to finish a book. Nevertheless these are the ones that I am working on or have recently finished.

Currently I am reading The Other Queen by the author of The Other Boylen Girl, Philippa Gregory. A fascinating book about Mary Queen of Scots and her time being shuffled around England by Queen Elizabeth. I think my favorite genre of books are historical fiction. I love learning about history!

I just recently finished two fun books that I purchased used on Amazon. Run Like a Mother and French Women Don’t Get Fat. After being asked to join a local group of women to run/train for a 5k at the beginning of summer, I have a new found like in my hate/hate relationship with running. I usually get winded jogging down to the mailbox (we have a long driveway… seriously). I have never run a mile in my life and I honestly didn’t know what I was getting myself into but I knew I needed to do something for my own health these days.

Whoa. Farmboy has been shocked to see me roll out of bed to be at the park to run at 7:30 am this summer. Really… it is shocking. I have been the one who drives by those people on the road running, listening to their iPods and I’m thinking… who in their right mind does that to themselves???!!! Little by little I have gone longer and longer and I see what a difference training for something can make. Ooops. Doing a little Happy Dance at the moment… If I can do it ANYONE can. I kid you not.

So my friend who has been running awhile has linked to these authors on Facebook. I finally bought the book. It was a quick read. Good info- some of it was way past me on the running journey ie. marathons and half marathons… WHHHHAAATTTT??? Dude, I just finished running 3 miles and feel like I could conquer the world. You mean people actually run 26 miles at one time. Ouch. Pffftttttpppppt. (My bubble bursting).

French Women Don’t Get Fat. Loved this book. Very practical, doable information. I personally love food, gardening, wine and eating food fresh from the garden with wine! What a lovely coincidence! I’m looking forward to trying some of the recipes in the book- will let you know about those. Healthy eating, excercise with the absence of “dieting” is the way to go and with my new-found love/loathe relationship with running I’m feeling like that second glass of chardonnay is not going to show anywhere.

Recently Farmboy and I traveled up to Toronto for a mini-vacation and concert. Our hotel was… dreamy. To die for. The bomb. It basically ruined me for future travel. Sigh… Where was I? Toronto. Hotel. Ahhh yes. They had a library downstairs wherein I found this book. Brought it upstairs and thumbed through it while relaxing in the beautiful spa-like room with contemporary jazz pumping through the Bose stereo. Did I mention the shower? There was more glass than wall. You have to go there to find out. Hotel Le Germain. The book Labryinths and Mazes is beautiful. So artful and HEDGEY!  Love that. A great addition to my library!

Also picked up this cookbook by French chef Stephane Reynaud while in Toronto at the cutest little shop in Kensington Market. When I lack inspiration on what to cook I can just flip to the date in the cookbook and find a lovely seasonal meal!

So what have you been reading lately? What are some of your favorites? We can have our own little, mini mix-it-up bookclub!

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Whaaaaattt!!?? Yes, you read that right. This southern girl living up here in the frozen tundra of New York State has her fingers crossed for a great big snowstorm this weekend.

Farmboy broke it to me gently the other day. A possible snowstorm on the way for the weekend. He knew I would want to fly the coop so he offered to send me to Mirbeau Inn and Spa for the day if the snow starts to pile up. Clever man, don’t you think…. reverse psychology. I can see right through his offer. Change those negative “winter will never end” vibes to serenity “feel-good” vibes. I’m all over it. Push out the jive… pull in the love, baby.

I bet she’s not thinking about snow.

Mirbeau is located in our quaint little village. A French Chateau themed inn and spa within walking distance to the lake. Junebug and I have spent a couple of spa days there and it is such a treat. The lovely gardens, pond and arched Monet bridge can make you feel half a world away!

So, join me will you in hoping for a snowstorm. I know its a tall order but if you knew what a crazy person I’ve been this winter you would want me to go too.

If you live in a northern climate be sure to have your Vitamin D level checked at some point. I had mine tested last week and it showed a significant deficiency. Normal levels are 35 to 100 and mine was 22. Lack of sunshine and being cooped up in the winter can do a number on your well-being as well as your immune system.

For more information about the scenic village of Skaneateles click here and to learn more about Mirbeau check out the website. Au revoir. : )

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We had the most fun last weekend at the Genesee Country Village and Museum in Mumford, New York. Our party of 24 (!) enjoyed all of these things:

“Enjoy reenactments of Yuletides past; sing along to joyful holiday songs; delight in merry instrumental music; catch the lingering aroma of wood smoke in the crisp, sparkling air; savor a refreshing drink and perhaps step to a lively tune, all the while discovering a little about the roots of our many favorite Christmas customs.”

Six families participated and it was such fun. Seeing the village lit by candlelight and hearing the stories of people during the early 19th century gave all of us a unique window into American history during the celebration of Christmas. The reenactors did a wonderful job as did our guide.

Who knew that celebrating Christmas was ever considered scandalous and controversial in our country. Those crazy Puritans! Shown below is the Mercantile. Isn’t it beautiful… I kept expecting Nelly Olson to walk out into the room!

I found the play based on the celebration of Christmas during the Civil War to be very moving. As the townspeople were dancing and making merry in the Town Hall, a messenger brought news of loved ones wounded and killed in the war. The people tried to combat their sorrow and grief with continuing in their holiday traditions.

The last house on the tour consisted of a Scottish family who invited us in to watch as they lit the candles on their Christmas tree. It was a beautiful sight. Our visit with them ended as they played the bagpipes and we danced around in the kitchen. I will pass on the lovely “boar’s head” they were having for dinner.

LaLa was struggling with a cold and by the end of the day she was completely exhausted and happy to be “toted”. I love the way this picture came out. So sweet.

If you live in the area be sure to visit the GCV&M. It is a local treasure. I remember visiting many years ago on the 4th of July- another special event at the Village & Museum. For more information and the event schedule visit their website.

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Oh my, what an amazing amount of ground we covered over the past week. From Lake Ontario in New York State to the Mississippi River and Lake Pontchartrain in Louisiana.

22 hours in the car one-way… I thought I would be a blogging fool.  Unfortunately, I needed the stars to align and pigs to fly before I could “write” in the car. Oh well. While surfing the web via my laptop in the car (Have I mentioned that I am married to the most amazing IT guy not to mention he’s also a charming and handsome farmer? What more can a girl ask for!)… ok. Back to the story.

While driving through Ohio I was reminded by RoadsideAmerica.com of the unusual topiary garden on the grounds of the Old Deaf School in downtown Columbus. It was listed in their Columbus attractions as Topiary French People. Well, I’ve seen that garden over the years in magazines and I couldn’t wait to see it in person.  I love that Farmboy and the kids are always up for a detour.

This amazing garden was created by Columbus sculptor James T. Mason to mimic the famous painting “A Sunday Afternoon On The Ile De La Grande Jatte” (1884-6) by French Impressionist painter Georges Seurat.  Farmboy was completely enchanted. The Bean yelled out while running in and out of the figures “It’s like we’re in the painting!”. What a treat and yes, those are my children running around Downtown Columbus in their pajamas. Please don’t call the Board of Parenting Fashion Police. What can I say, we left the house at 4 in the morning… at least they are wearing shoes.

Our timing seemed perfect to view the garden… almost planned. The sun was low in the sky, casting long shadows from the figures and accentuating the detail in their forms. It really was enchanting and I will always delight in the memory of seeing the kids running around the figures as if in a strange shrubby Other World.

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Last weekend LaLa, Junebug and I took a nice walk through the historic Mt. Hope Cemetery in Rochester, NY. I thought you might enjoy some beautiful images of the fantastic fall foliage in Central New York and some Upstate history as well.

The cemetery was founded in 1838 and covers 196 beautifully landscaped hilly acres. It is one of the first rural/garden cemeteries in the US. Most weekends informative tours are held by the Friends of Mount Hope to educate the public on the importance of Mt. Hope and many of its famous residents including; Susan B. Anthony, Fredrick Douglass, John Bausch and Henry Lomb, Margaret Woodbury Strong and horticulture scientist George Ellwanger.

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But, of course! I have just completed an order of notecards, linen guest towels, sachets and beautiful pillows for the Newport Restoration Foundation featuring what else but three topiary camels.  I am very fortunate to be able to work with some wonderful organizations like the Restoration Foundation.

I was approached to do a design featuring the topiary camels (shown at top) on Doris Duke’s estate Rough Point in Newport, Rhode Island. The topiaries appear to be iron frames planted with soil, moss and various succulents.  They are replanted annually and “dressed” according to the theme of the awards presentation at Rough Point. They have even been known to wear pearls!

Shown above is a completed pillow and the coordinating notecards available for purchase through the Restoration Foundation. The accompanying information provided by the organization reads: The purchase of the items mentioned above will support preservation efforts organized by grants through the Newport Restoration Foundation in Newport, R.I. Along with funds raised at the annual Doris Duke Historic Preservation Awards celebration, this income assists community renewal projects such as brick and mortar restorations, garden revitalizations and planning seminars. Ms Duke’s adored camels, which lived at Rough Point, her home in Newport, have been reproduced in topiary form on the property. Each year they are appropriately accessorized for the awards presentation at Rough Point.

For more information on the Newport Restoration Foundation founded by Doris Duke please visit their website newportrestoration.org

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