Sisters

The sisters are gone and with it all the daily activity. It was a whirlwind when they were here Each day was busy and still we didn’t get to do all the things we had planned. Just think of all we could do if we lived closer to each other. Everyone is back home and back to our usual routines now. 

  Yesterday was a day of “catching up”. I went to the grocery store to replenish supplies, cleaned out the refrigerator, and washed the sheets. Today is laundry day, remaking the beds, and getting things back in order. I tried going for a small walk yesterday but found my hip was in pain. I probably walked too much last week so I will try to rest it for a while and hopefully it will come back and not hurt. Oh....it’s age I guess. Our bodies don’t take to abuse like they used to. 

The above picture is in Buffalo when we went out to dinner. While we were waiting for our table we were entertained while sitting in chairs surrounding a fire pit. The atmosphere was great. It had been a long time since I was in a bar like setting and I enjoyed the flurry of activity. The pizza was good too. 

The gals entering AC Moore crafts. I found some outstanding fall decorations which I will put away till a later date. It was so fun to see pretty things and shop. At home I rarely go into the stores unless I need something specific. I’ve been trying not to buy a lot lately.

  I’ve had a chance to sit and read...currently Ruth Ware’s The Turn of the Key. She wrote The Woman in Cabin Ten which I recommend and this one seems to keep the pages turning too. I’ve been binge watching Orange is the New Black which is in its final season. You wouldn’t think a series about women in prison would be interesting but I found it fascinating and it is based on a true story.

   My goal for today is to change my tablescape. I have had the shells and starfish on the table for a long time now and I’m ready to see something new. I will tuck them away in their bin till next summer. When we were at Hurd Orchard Diane bought me some French napkins in a brilliant green pattern that I can’t wait to use with the artichoke napkin rings that she had given me last year.

I hope that you are enjoying every single lovely summer day left. 

HURD ORCHARD

Hurd Ochards is a family fruit and flower farm and canning company nestled in the fertile lake plains of Western New York between the banks of the Erie Canal and the shores of Lake Ontario.Their farm philosophy centers around their love of the history and development of fruit growing in rural America and appreciation for the earth’s gifts. To share their bounty they offer programs, luncheons, tastings, teas, and classes which are radiant with the colors and flavors of the seasons. 

My sisters and I were lucky to attend a herbal luncheon in their old barn which was moved over a hundred and fifty miles and reassembled on the property. Before the luncheon we enjoyed shopping in their lovely gift store which sold preserves and French table linens as well as baked goods. 

The flower arrangements and all the displays were just beautiful and done by color or themed by the fruit. As soon as we arrived a huge thunderstorm blew in and they had to close the doors to the fruit market/store and we were delighted to be in such a beautiful place to spend the time till it was lunch time. The owner led us down to the barn after the storm was over and we found our table. 

The first thing we noticed was the outstanding harp music played by Grace Wong. She continued to entertain us all during the luncheon with familiar tunes. 

The tables were set with gorgeous flower arrangements in antique bowls. Flowers were all around and we enjoyed the huge arrangements. 

The owner and her mother gave us a history of the farm and then it was time for our first course..cherry lemonade which was Devine. Our salad course followed with fresh blueberries, blackberries and a special homemade herbal dressing. 

The bread basket consisted of apricot bread with an apricot jam and a wheat bread with a cheese spread. 

The main course was chicken with a blackberry sauce, applesauce made with a special apple which was just coming in at that time and couscous with blueberries, almonds, apple and a tangy dressing. 

And then came dessert. 

This was probably the best biscuit that I have ever tasted along with lemon curd, blueberry and blackberry sauce and homemade whipped cream. It was such a special experience. 

It was a perfect way to end my sisters’ visit. I miss them already. 

The table is set

Today I had my coffee friends out. I didn’t even have to make the treat because Don volunteered to make his Black Forest cake. He has been making the same chocolate cake from scratch since we were dating and he made it for me at my house when he came up. Recently he has added cherries to it and likes it even better. And so did the girls. They loved it and we topped it with vanilla bean ice cream, chocolate and caramel toppings, whipped cream and even a  cherry. 

I love the Christmas Tree shop and found these crab napkins there. The placemats I found on my travels. After our treat we played a round of Five Crowns and laughed and laughed. I love having my sisters and my friends all together in the same place. Tonight we are out to dinner at Perkins. Tomorrow we plan to each go our separate ways. Diane and Don will go to the casino while Linda will visit her sister in law. I plan to stay home and paint a picture for Linda of Hanayuma Bay in Hawaii for her newly decorated bathroom. We will meet up later at the Beef and Barrel. Wednesday we are off to Buffalo to shop and spend the night so we can travel to Hurd Orchard on Thursday for a herbal luncheon.  We have been busy ever day and loving it. 

Sister shopping

Shopping with my sisters is always a hoot!  We went to Erie for some great shopping. Boscov’s  is one of our favorite stores. I didn’t buy much.  I got some velvet hangers to give me inspiration to clean out my closet. I didn’t wear half the summer clothes in it.  I also bought some fall eucalyptus. 

Yum

Today we gals stayed home after meeting the coffee girls for breakfast. We made chicken corn chowder for dinner and peach cobbler for dessert. A little nod to our Georgia mother. 

Our cousin’s wife came down to visit and we had a nice long chat. She brought us some jewelry from our cousin Sandra who passed away. 

The sisters have arrived

It’s always a good time when the three of us can get together. Our first day was filled with activity. We did the local things and started out with going to Zippo. For those of you who don’t know Zippo lighters are made right here in our hometown. The greatest thing about Zippo is that if something goes wrong with your Zippo they will repair it for free. No questions asked.  Linda had two table lighters that needed repaired so we dropped them off.  Diane had never been to the Zippo museum so we walked through there. One of the interesting displays was short movie clips which featured Zippo lighters. 

  After we left there we walked around downtown to the Tin Ceiling and the Mercantile before having lunch at Kabob’s my favorite Greek restaurant which has the most delicious filet mignonette kabobs and homemade pita bread. 

   After we went home for some relaxing we went in the evening to Linda’s sister-in-law’s house where she had arranged for a medium to give us readings. I am definitely a believer and some of us got specific things. I was harder to read and didn’t get a lot but one thing was spot on. She heard from my dog and said that she was very smart...human smart she said.  The dog said “you can’t replace me” and that she was very strong willed. That fits Sadie to a t.  

We fixed a cheese platter to take over. 

  Tomorrow we will join my friends for coffee in the morning and have a visit from my cousin in the evening. 

Wendy

Wendy stopped by on Monday to have lunch with me since she was in the area on business. She lives in Port Allegany which is about an hour away. She and Chris met on a meetup of people who enjoyed outdoor activities. They had gone on a weekend camping and kayaking and the first night they met they stayed up the entire night talking. The next weekend Chris came up here and took her to Allegany State Park.  After that they have spend almost every weekend together and will be getting married in September. I have enjoyed that she lives so close and they come over and stay all night with us quite often. I will really miss that once she moves down to Carlisle. She is a sweet gal and we always have a good time. 

Summer time is a fun time

Is it just me or this summer passing by like a whirlwind? These past weeks have been full of activities that keep me hopping. I love having company and having the whole family here made my heart sing. Ryan and family left on Wednesday and I had just enough time to change the sheets before Wendy and Chris were here for the weekend. They went to Letchworth to hear the Buffalo Philharmonic and see the the fireworks. While they were here they helped so much by cleaning out the gutters, a chore that was sorely needed. I don’t know what I’d do without their help.

Ok....you can have a laugh on me. There was algae in the pond so I put some Clorox in it. How was I to know that it didn’t take that much and that it would bubble like this? So funny!!

Saturday night we all went to Applebee’s for dinner before they left for the park. Then Don and I went to his step mom’s to visit. When we got home his sister from Tennessee and her husband stopped by for a great visit. 

Now I am getting ready for more company as my two sisters will be here on Wednesday. We have so much planned. I always think there is not a lot to do around here but we will fill up every day with fun. On Thursday evening we are going to her sister in law’s to have readings by a psychic. I have had great experiences in the past and am looking forward to maybe hearing from some of my family and friends once more. Then the following Thursday we are going to Hurd Orchard for a herbal luncheon complete with a harpist. 

It has been a wonderful summer so far. 

Kids

Having a ball

Uncle Chris brought his kayaks and Sean and Sara kayaked on Marilyn Resevoir. Chris had just come back from a week in Canada where they kayaked on Lake Huron. 

On Sunday we packed a huge picnic lunch and all the kids went to Allegany State Park. To swim and kayak. Friday they spent the day at Letchworth Park and tomorrow are headed to Niagara Falls. They are having a ball on their vacation. There is a lot of playing Five Crowns, marbles and Pictionary when they are home long enough. 

Family time

Love being witty the family!

Mid the hills of Pennsylvania

Fog settling over Bradford.  Photo by Tom Huntoon. 

I always talk about our small town tucked away in the valley of the mountains and a local photographer has captured it perfectly with this photo. I love my hills and our cool crisp mornings. I love how green everything is in the summer. I love how my back yard melts right into the woods beyond. Our weather has been very warm lately but I am enjoying it knowing that we have a long winter of coldness. I so appreciate where we live. 

The French LIfe

Ever since I went to France I have know that the French know something we don’t...they live the French way. Both times I was there I found myself leaning into the relaxing way the French live their life. One of my favorite blogs..Cedar Hill Farmhouse...also leans this way and in her blog today she shared how to live the French way.This is how I adapt it to my life. 

1. Slow Down

  Even though I like to keep busy I try to remember to pause and just stop to enjoy my wonderful life. I do the things I love and if I don’t want to do something I just don’t. It’s all about appreciation and taking the time to live in the moment. 

2. Buy quality.

  I still struggle with this one. I like nice things but I also like costume jewelry and cheap purses. I like to change my mind and not carry the same purse year after year. I would rather have six different ones to change up. 

3. Savor your meals.

   I’m working on this one too. I should take the time to eat al fresco during these summer months and take my time enjoying my meals. I tend to eat while watching tv...bad habit. 

4. Simplify your life. 

This I have done. I’ve eliminated all the things that are obligations and do what I am happy doing like painting and photograhy. I’ve cleaned out the house of old things I am tired of and tried not to replace them so I can truly enjoy what I have. 

5. Dress up

   I have no problem with this one. I’ve always loved to dress up and put on jewelry and makeup. Even though I am just meeting my friends for coffee I like to look my best. 

I hope that I learned from the French that this one life we have is just what we make it and we need to make it good. 

The early morning sweetness

I love to go out to the courtyard in the early morning when there is a freshness in the air. The day is just beginning and the coolness feels refreshing on my skin. The air I breathe sends energy to my body as I start another summer day knowing that later the heat will drive me inside. 

The days have been busy. Yesterday we attended a graduation party in Gargoyle Park in Olean. I had never been to this small park and as we drove back towards it I wondered why I had never seen it before. Even though the day was 85 degrees this large building was cool inside. Behind the park is a paved trail that winds along the Allegany river and I plan to explore it someday. It would make a delightful walk. It was nice to be with family and sit and talk.

This week will be busy as I get ready for company. Ryan and his family are coming on Thursday and will arrive late since it is a twelve hour drive. Chris and Wendy will also be coming here from their vacation in Canada the same day. I love having my family together and am looking forward to good times while they are here. 

Wendy and Chris stopped by on Saturday to deliver this zero gravity chair that Wendy had bought me. She knew how I liked the one they had and wanted me to have one too. She is so thoughtful. I know I will spend a lot of time reading here.

Tomorrow I will go with Don for his firsat appointment with the new lung doctor and Tuesday I will go to Mayville to watercolor. On Wednesday is our annual summer picnic for Circle of Friends so this week will be busy. I will find some time to make some food ahead, get groceries, make up the beds, and get ready for visitors. It will be a busy week.

I’ve been reading

I have been sitting with a book in my hand all week.  I just finished the new James Patterson’s Unsolved, one of his best yet. Some people keep records of the books they read. Not me, I enjoy them and move on quickly to the next. 

My, my, my

I can’t believe that I’m not blogging daily. After years and years of writing my daily happenings I find that I am too busy to blog. There seems to be a lot of gardening and reading and chores and painting that keep getting in the way. I’m taking time to enjoy the summer. I will still post hit and miss but apologize if you stop by and there’s no posting. Next week Ryan and his family will be here and my sisters visit in August. I hope you are having a great summer and I’ll get back when I can. 

Flowers and Friends

 

This glorious gladioli was a gift from Linda Coons, Wendy’s mother. We had the pleasure of visiting Linda and Rich at their farmhouse in York, Pennsylvania on Saturday. They had purchased this home in the sixties as a run down farm but have made it their own with personal touches such as boards from an old corn crib on the walls of the dining room and a solar heating room in the back end of the house which provided a lovely place to sit and read during the winter. The large property included a big barn and many flower and vegetable beds. I loved touring the grounds with Linda as she pointed out some special flowers and a beautiful patch of asparagus. After chatting a while Linda and Rich took us to a local diner and we enjoyed a delicious dinner. We went back to Linda’s where she served us our dessert....vanilla ice cream with berries. The strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries were all picked by Rich from their own bushes. As we finished dessert a huge rainstorm came up so we sat with the lights dimmed and the party lights on and talked and talked. As the rain let up Chris drove us back to his house and we played a game of Five Crowns and another of Pictionary before bedtime. It was such a lovely day

Time to relax

Last night we dined at Huckleberries in Lancaster, Pa.  We are visiting Chris and Wendy for the weekend and I wanted to eat here ever since I saw it when we were in Lancaster to see Jeanne Robertson.  This is the restaurant of the Fulton Inn a huge motel that looks like a steamboat. 

The restaurant was made to feel just like you were dining on a steamboat. It had low ceilings, chandeliers, and drapes at the windows. You almost felt like you could look out and see the river. 

To add to the ambience a piano player sang and played familiar popular and old tunes.

The menu was diverse and the chicken pot pie that I had was encased crust that was so flaky and delicious. 

It It’s always enjoyable being with this fun couple.

Life’s troubles part two

Soooo...that didn’t work so I’m taking the good advice given to me by Judy R.  Thanks Judy.  Now we are waiting for the vents to thaw. The good news is that I told Don that my kitchen wasn’t conducive to cooking to tonight so he has gone off to get subs to bring home. 

Life’s little troubles

Ice in the refrigerator......has it ever happened to you?  Don is thawing it out with a hair dryer. Let’s hope I just blocked one of the vents.