When Bliss Is Gone

Dear Ones...

Just a quick note to let you know that I am still here in this thing called life.

However, life as I knew it is no longer. I've struggled to write this post, but perhaps by putting this out there to you all, it might help me somehow, someway.
2016 has taken my loves. My beautiful fella and my sweet boy Mr. Knightley are no longer in this world, but on the other side.

Needless to say, I am lost and trying to find my way.

I'm so glad that I was able to share my joy and my bliss with you all. I truly knew happiness and was the luckiest gal in the world to have loved and been loved by my fella. He truly was my world. He gifted me an amazing six years...all filled with BLISS. He took my heart with him this past March, then Knightley followed on October 21st. Needless to say, I was blessed to know and have the best kitty cat in the whole world.

I miss my loves. I miss my life.

Thank you for having been there throughout my blogging years. I wish you all love.  xo

Sandra

I'm here! Really, I am!

My Dears...

Yes, it's really me! I'm not running on auto-pilot. *smiles*

How quickly time flies when one steps away from blogging. Can it really be that I've not posted since October of last year? Well in that case, Happy New Year to all my friends in blog-land. I hope winter has been kind to one and all. I find it's been too kind but then again, I'm a winter gal after all.

Where have I been? I've been here...mostly suffering from lack of blogging inspiration. Perhaps that's not really a good excuse, but I'm the sort who would rather blog wholeheartedly or not do so at all. Granted, there have been many instances I could have blogged. There was Halloween, Christmas time, our trip to Lake George for our anniversary, etc. Heck, even Mr. Knightley could have sat in for a post or two. I guess he follows Mama's mode. Silly kitty.

Well, allow me to get you all caught up. How about it?

Since my last post, we were hit with hurricane Sandy. Thankfully Harmonie House only suffered the loss of a few shingles and a blown off chimney cap. My fella lost power for about a week. Sadly, many others were not so lucky. I do hope and pray that recovery/rebuilding efforts have been constant and that aid has been provided for all in need.
Halloween was postponed in my area till the following Monday after the storm. It was pretty strange.

 Halloween decor.

Then in rolled the holiday season. Thanksgiving was, as always, delightful. However, I must learn to forgo seconds...or perhap it was thirds. Hmmm...you get the picture. I could barely move by the end of the night.

 When my birthday rolled around...the fella gave me these lovely red wellies!

Harmonie House was dressed in its usual Christmas finery. The mantle was dressed in greenery while nutcrackers convened upon it, guarding the nook area and all who sat by the hearth. The stairs also donned a garland of green with colorful baubles to add pizazz. The two villages were nestled upon their cotton snow while the skaters glided on the plastic ice and the homes/shops glowed in wintery warmth. How many a time I have imagined myself ensconced within the comfort and joy of my Christmas villages.
The tree...oh the tree! Standing in its usual spot in the library/music room, it glowed and sparkled in all its merry splendor. However, by the time Christmas Day arrived, many a light had blown out and dim spots could be seen. Regardless...it didn't take away from its beauty or magic. Our traditional meal of rib roast, Yorkshire pudding, and fixings completed our lovely day.

A corner of the tree and presents on Christmas Day.

New Year's Eve was a bit more quiet this year. My honey and I went out to our favorite restaurant and feasted upon the most delicious cuisine. There is nothing like succulent duck breast, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside...placed upon a bed of red cabbage. Add a drizzle of fig and wine emulsion, and a yummy caramelized turnip. I call it mmm..mmmm good! Granted, that was just one of the fine dishes enjoyed that evening. I didn't even mention the butternut squash risotto, the seafood dumplings in yummy sauce, the pasta with lobster, the swordfish, the tender filet mignon, or the polenta that was pure buttery bliss. Oh..I guess I have mentioned it. *winks* Enough about the food.
The fella and I welcomed the New Year at home with Knightley by our side. It was lovely.

 New Year's bliss.

As most of you may know by now, I greet winter with open arms. January is one of my favorite months. The colder and snowier it is, the happier I am. This past January, the fella and I celebrated our 3rd anniversary. As has become tradition, we visited our favorite inn in Lake George and had a most lovely celebration.

 Our view from the window of our room at the Inn At Erlowest in Lake George.

Needless to say, I wasn't pleased with the groundhog's prediction this year. Don't get me wrong, I do enjoy springtime and the floral beauty that comes with it. However, let's have a nice, long, old fashioned winter. Then I'll be more than ready for spring when it does arrive. I know many of you would beg to differ...and that's all right. I was quite thrilled when we had a most lovely snowstorm the beginning of the February. Hooray for snow angels and snowmen and winter! I must admit though, I've been thinking about my garden quite a bit and I'm looking forward to working in it and making some changes this spring.

 After the snowstorm.

Omar the snowman.

I hope you all had a wonderful Valentine's Day. I enjoyed it very much. I made a nice dinner for me and the fella. Candlelight, flowers, chocolate, wine, and most importantly love...yes, twas indeed a most lovely evening.

The glow of the evening of February 14th.

My honey gifted me the red tulips with the single red rose.

I baked a yummy Valentine's cake for me and the fella.

On another note, like many of you out there, I was taken on the roller-coaster ride that is Downton Abbey. Every season has had its twists and turns..enough to make one dizzy with anticipation for the following season. This time around...the words heart wrenching come to mind. Add to that angry, disappointed, surprised, shocked...and shocked some more. I will not elaborate...just in case some of you are still catching up. Let's just say that I'll be prepared for Season 4 and keep some Dramamine at hand. *winks*

Darn you cast of DA for toying with my emotions!

I must say, through all of the ups and downs (mostly ups thankfully), I've held on to one constant...bliss. Bliss is my companion in this merry-go-round called life. It's a feeling that taps you on the shoulder to remind you of its presence...it's the sound of the sweetest sonata...it's the sigh elicited by a kiss...it's the scent of spring and the cool kiss of frost...it's the purring of a kitty...it's a warm bath at the end of a long day followed by a cuppa tea...it's a poem written in the language of love. Most of all...it's a promise. It's bliss.

I know I've rambled on and on, but it's been so long after all. I always have plenty to say...now if I could simply condense it by blogging more often. *winks* I make no promises, but will do my best.

I hope you've all been well. Mr, Knightley sends his regards in the form of purrs. Till soon!

Blissful Tidings,
Miss Sandra

It's Meeeee!!!

 from here

My Dears...

I'm back! I didn't really go anywhere, but I'm back. *smiles* I do hope you have all been well and enjoyed a most enchanting summer. No doubt some of you have been wondering...where have I been all this time? Well, I was in a place called Hiatus. Mind you, there was no reason to go there, but I ended up in Hiatus just the same. I guess one can say that my writing motivation waned during the summer months. By the same token, those of you who've been visiting Harmonie House for some time will know that if anything will inspire me to write, it will be the changing of the seasons...especially coming into autumn and winter.

I've always felt that summer put me in a state of hibernation. Yes, I do function on a day to day basis and live life moment by moment all year long, summer included. However, it seems that when autumn arrives, I feel like I'm coming out of a deep sleep. My senses come alive and I feel giddy...just because! I can smell the change in the air. I can feel it stirring, almost crackling in anticipation of the comfort season. Autumn has arrived! Halloween is upon us! Let the festivities begin!

But first, perhaps I should recap. After all, it has been quite some time since I posted. Last I chatted with you all, I was singing the praises of those yummy scallops in a smoked gouda cream sauce. My fella and I ventured to the restaurant since then and enjoyed our favorite dish. Even better...one day the fella came home with all the ingredients and pretty much recreated it from scratch. Yes...I was smiling throughout the meal. *sigh* Needless to say, I'm a pretty lucky gal. *winks*

 Here's my honey pan searing the scallops.

 Making the smoked Gouda cream sauce.

 Here is the delicious result! I think it's time he makes them again. *winks*

Let me trace back a few months if you please...if you recall earlier, in my April 24th post, I was gushing over a pair of lavender Hunter wellies. Remember these???

 

Guess what the fella bought me......

 TADA!!!! Okay, they don't match the dress, but I just

couldn't wait to try them on and pose in them.

Let's fast forward. We visited Lake George in June and had a lovely getaway...we put up our summer gazebo and spent many a lovely evening dining and relaxing there...I hosted my annual 4th of July Edwardian picnic and a delightful time was had.

 At the Sagamore Inn in Lake George. 

Oh! I also celebrated my fella's birthday in June.

He loves homemade pistachio cake!

 The summer gazebo...

 Yet another of the summer gazebo. Directly behind is my fairy garden.

Not a very clear image of the fairy garden.

 Hmmm....in between then and now we entertained friends, worked, and pretty much counted the days till autumn. That brings us to now!
*happy sigh*

Well you can imagine by now that Harmonie House is dressed for Halloween and that the comforts of the colder season have been brought into play. Afghans, sweaters, woolies, and firewood are at the ready. The tea and cocoa cupboard has been replenished. Scented candles, of autumn harvest and pumpkin spice, burn slowly emitting the essence of the season and intoxicating my senses. Comfort food is the order of the day... everyday.

A corner of my kitchen.

 Homemade pumpkin pie. Yumm!

 On a cold Columbus Day morning, we had breakfast by the fire.

Yes...Mr. Knightley had top seating priority.

I've been in quite the happy frenzy due to the change in weather. I'm already anticipating November and looking forward to a yummy Thanksgiving dinner and the company of loved ones. I hear we might be getting quite the winter this year. It can only mean one thing...snow angels and snowman in the yard! Okay...that's two things. Well, you get my meaning. *cheeky grin* This gal sure loves winter and snow. I like to think of the Snow Miser dancing a jig while Mother Holle shakes her pillow...sending down those magical snowflakes that make this 41 year old feel like I'm 9 again. Ahhh...blissful winter. 

 Such a lovable character!

 I hear there will be lots of pillow shaking this winter!

from here.

I guess I'm getting ahead of myself, but I cannot help it! Oh well...in the meantime, I shall simply enjoy the beauty of the falling leaves. Red, gold, orange...jewel tones that turn a landscape into a most beautiful scene.

Nature's own palette of wonder. 

I'm happy to be back here in blogland and so grateful that you, my readers, have not tired of waiting for my posts. Do know that though I've been quiet here in my own place, I have been visiting your blogs. I may not comment as I used to, but please know that I do look forward to reading your posts.

Happy Autumn my dears!

Wishing Each Of You Blissful Tidings,

xoxo

Miss Sandra

Scallop Bliss...

 Don't let this happen to you!

My Dears,
When last I posted, I mentioned I would tell you about a most yummy dish my fella and I recently experienced. I use the word "experienced" because the flavors were truly an experience to behold. If there is one thing my honey and I have most in common, it is our passion for food. We love to try new dishes, whether we like them or not. It's always fun to treat our palate to the most unusual combinations of flavors. We love everything from the simply mundane, everyday dish, to the most exotic concoctions created by the most creative chefs. In short, we love food.

Well about this yummy meal I've been wanting to share. It was had at this sweet restaurant called The Victorian Rose Inn located within the Point Lookout Inn...Windham, NY. To quote from their website, "At 1900 feet above sea level, you can experience a sunrise and sunset like no other as well as the extravagant  5 State 180 Mile View of The Hudson Valley in New York, The Green Mountains in Vermont, The White Mountains of New Hampshire, The Berkshire Mountains in Massachusetts & The Connecticut Valley." Needless to say, the view from our table was magnificent!

I shall skip on the niceties of the appetizers, breads, etc. and just get to the nitty gritty. Pan Seared Sea Scallops Topped with a Smoked Gouda Cream Sauce. Oh I forgot...on top of a bed of spinach. No, I did not eat the spinach...not that I dislike spinach, on the contrary, I like it quite well. However, all I wanted needed to have was those scallops! Succulent, decadent, erotic, ...yes, I said erotic but in the purest most culinary sense. Anyhow, where was I? Ah yes, let's add euphoric, and most definitely blissful. Sensory overload for the palate? Indeed not! The scallops were caramelized to perfection! The sweetness and smokiness together created a most sacred experience in dining. Remember Meg Ryan in the movie When Harry Met Sally... the restaurant scene? *smirks* What??? Okay, maybe not that good, but I'll tell you, it comes close!

 These are NOT the scallops I had at the inn.

Oh dear Heavens! These are scallops in vanilla cream sauce!!

Wait till my fella hears about this! Recipe and image from HERE

Where was my fella throughout this "experience"? The poor dear was having surf and turf. He was enjoying it quite much. After all, this place does have good food. There he was smiling contentedly, enjoying his lobster tail...happily dunking it in the accompanying drawn butter. The rib-eye steak was also receiving his devotion. Yes he was clueless...unaware of the delicious turbulence happening across the table. This was Adam in-waiting, and I was going to be his Eve. The poor man. He didn't see it coming. I slowly and tenderly stabbed an apple a scallop with my fork. I smiled sweetly as I reached over, creamy scallop on fork ..."Wanna try one?" My honey, bless him, is not one to turn down an invitation of food. Naturally he acquiesced, and took the tempting morsel from its tines' confines...and right into his mouth. I need not go into detail. I'll go as far as to say that his eyes glazed over and his hands gripped the table. No doubt the imprints are stilled imbedded upon the wood. Thankfully they have pretty tablecloths to hide such things.

To say I ruined his meal would be to exaggerate. To say that he regretted his original choice would be more accurate. Let's just say, had he not had his fill of surf and turf, he would have ordered these scallops for dessert. I kid you not.

So now we're planning to return to the scene of bliss. It's close to two hours away, but so worth the trip. Here's a link to their website, should you want to pay them a visit. Do yourself a favor...be sure to order this dish! Click HERE to visit their site.

 Here's a postcard image of the Point Lookout Inn 

& Victorian Rose Restaurant.

No, the patrons no longer look like that.

On a similar note, I've been wanting to recreate this dish at home. I went net surfing for recipes and found one. Not exactly like the one at the Inn, but I shall try it eventually and let you know how it turns out. In the meantime, during my search, I found a recipe for Smoked Gouda Mac & Cheese. Oh dear, you must know that I was not going to let that one go. So I made it. I loved it...actually, we loved it! The only thing I changed from the recipe was that instead of using 4 cups of milk, I used 2 cups of evaporated milk, and 2 of regular milk. I also added panko crumbs on top. It was creamy and delicious! If you are a fan of mac & cheese, I urge you to try it. Click HERE for the link to the page with the original recipe. You'll be visiting there for a while, for she's got some fabulous recipes you'll be wanting to try.

Mac & Cheese...This was yummy!

Image from HERE

So there you have it my dears! I don't usually blog about food (have I ever?) but I couldn't resist the opportunity to share with you some yummy goodness! I hope all is well in your world and that springtime has been quite delightful for each and every one of you. Until the next...

Blissful Tidings,

Miss Sandra

Blogiversary, Bliss, This..that.

Sleeping through my blogiversary...sans the monkey of course!

My Dears,
It seems I slept through the month of April (not really). Why you wonder? It so happens I forgot all about my 3rd year blogiversary. *pouts* It came and went and I pretty much went on about my business without giving it a thought. Then again, I have been blogging less this past year...so it's natural that it should pass me by. That's my story and I'm sticking to it!

Anyhow, I thought I would go back and share my first post with you! Just click on HERE to take you there.

Since my last post, I've been doing a little of this and that around Harmonie House. I believe the most dramatic change in decor took place in the bathroom. I went from a lacy, cherubic, white shower curtain to a not so subtle, riotous display of...well....color. I find it to be a lovely design and it truly brightens up the room and makes me smile. *smiling as we speak* My fella, on the other hand, thinks the pattern reminds him of the outfits worn in the late 60's and early 70's. He's always smiling when he looks at the curtain too. Or is that a grimace? Hmmm...

Jaipur shower curtain by Echo Design.

Did you wear something like this in the 70's?

*pout* I think it's pretty..don't laugh! Anyhow, moving right along...after adding such a delightful spark of color to the bathroom, I decided to try my hand at something altogether different. Today I did some stenciling in the kitchen. Those of you who have been following my posts for quite some time will know that my favorite word is Bliss. *sigh* Even typing the word fills me with such...Bliss. So needless to say, this bare spot below my clock, and just above the sink, was crying out for Bliss...and dragonflies too! *winks* You must know I simply adore dragonflies. They make me feel rather blissful. Feeling rather adventurous, I decided to heed the call of Bliss and this was the result.

 I rather like it...and the fella does too!

Hanging pans alongside dried herbs...and Bliss.

I'm inspired to to take on every room, however even I know to exercise control in such matters. Heaven knows when I get on a roll, I can get a bit carried away. I may be better off following the decorating muse out into the garden. Hmmm...how would the Jaipur pattern look in the gazebo/tent? 

*Turns to the fella: "Don't worry honey...I'm just kidding!"* 

No really.... How about a set of mugs???

All right...I'll stop!

*smirks* But they still make me smile.

Anyhow...just thought I'd share my latest musings. I can go on and on but it's getting late. Perhaps next time I'll blog about food. I had the most amazing seared scallops in a smoked gouda sauce....*sigh*. That's a story for another time.

Till the next...I wish you Blissful Tidings!

xoxo

Miss Sandra

Yoo Hoo! I'm back!

My Dears...

How have you been? It feels ever so long since I've sat down and chatted with each and every one of you. I know I left you all in a curious mode after my last post. Well since the dust is starting to settle, I shall share with you the latest change in my life.

After 40 years as a storefront, I closed my shop's door for good. I sold the building and moved the business home. So hopefully as of May, I will begin or should I say continue my business as a home based mail-order store. This was quite a decision, but one that couldn't be helped and was necessary. Now I hope my long-time customers will stay on board and keep the dream afloat through mail-order.

 Bins of 45's.

Let me tell you my friends...moving 40 years of "stuff" out of a building is no picnic. It took 5 large rental trucks (2 trips back & forth for each truck) and 3 large dumpsters to empty out the place and move the business home. It was quite the undertaking but thankfully I had some help. Needless to say, my sweet fella pretty much orchestrated the move and organization. We were fortunate to have friends and family lend a hand when they could. I never thought we'd get through it in the short amount of time between the final business day at the shop and the closing date of the building's sale. However..we did it!

 To my fella....I couldn't have done it without you. 

Thank you my dahling. *~x~*

So now I have a question for you all. What the heck happened to winter?? We actually experienced the winter that never was. Those who know me by now can imagine how bereft I felt without a nice, frosty winter to add comfort to my evenings. *sigh* Such is life I suppose. No doubt Mother Nature knows what she's about and one mustn't question such things. That said however, I still wonder...what happened?? *insert perplexed expression*

 Dear Mr. Snow Miser...

Where the heck were you this winter?

So moving on....

Now that spring is here and I have a bit more time at home, I guess I should concentrate on gardening. Then again, with spring fever keeping me in a frenzy, I've been thinking of ways to freshen up Harmonie House. Perhaps add some color here...throw some extra pillows there...add a conservatory to the library.
Okay, okay..maybe not a conservatory, but one can dream...no? Anyhow, I do digress. I am in spring cleaning mode and I have thought of doing some serious redecorating. I aim for whimsical. I aim for that sweet cottage look. I aim for dreamy. What shall it be? Wait and see. Actually, I too have to wait and see for I have no idea of where to begin. Any suggestions?

 Really...one can dream.

Easter/Passover came and went. I received my Easter basket, courtesy of my fella, and it was filled with all those necessities a woman requires: A bottle of wine, green Peeps, Dove chocolate bunny, Cadbury eggs, Lindt chocolates, a pretty scented candle with glass shade, and most importantly...a bottle of Nyquil. Yes my dears...my honey sure knows the way to my heart. I was having a bit of a cold at the time and had run out of Nyquil. Need I say that upon receiving my basket, I was overjoyed? Yes, and I couldn't wait to tear it up and drink up. No, not the wine....the Nyquil of course! I must say...it's the simple things in life that tickle my fancy.

 

Vino? Oh yes..thank you.

 

Chocolate? Mmmm..naturally.

 

Nyquil?? Absolutely! This one garnered kisses. Really.

 Let's talk about wellies. Yes my dears...those nice, colorful rubber boots. I love them and can't get enough of them. I have six pairs already, but I'm working on my 7th. I have fallen in love with a pair of Hunter glossy lavender wellies. *sigh* What's even better...I know my fella is in the process of getting them for me. I count the days till they arrive and I slip them on my happy feet! Come to think of it, I still need a pair in red, black, blue...even yellow! Oh dear. I may need some intervention real soon. Or not.

*winks playfully*

*le sigh* I'm in love.

It's funny the things that make the world go round. Yet I always prefer the simple kind of things. Okay, maybe a conservatory is not such a simple thing...but it is a dream, and dreams are what keeps us believing. They are what gives us hope and reminds us that not all is impossible. I believe that if we spend our days waiting for amazing moments...they will come. Life isn't perfect. I know that. You know that. It's all about the interludes my dears and life needs blissful interludes...we need them too.

I'm glad to be back and hope to blog more often. Mr. Knightley sends you oodles of purrs. To those of you who have stayed with me in blogland throughout my absence, thank you. It truly means the world.

As always...I wish you well. I wish you bliss.

xoxo

Miss Sandra

*sigh* It's over already?

 

 Christmas Eve at Harmonie House

My Dears,

How can it be that Christmas came and went?? Now it's 2012!!  Can someone tell me how is it that time can possibly fly so? Oh well...we move along I guess...and happily so!

Christmas time was indeed quite lovely and filled with joy and magic. December was also the month of my birthday and to keep with tradition, my fella took me to NYC to celebrate. Yes, I did visit Santa Claus at Macy's and whispered in his ear my Christmas wish. We also enjoyed roasted chestnuts as we lined up at Lord & Taylor to take in their festive window displays. I guess of all the displays, my favorite was Macy's interpretation of "Yes Virginia, There Is A Santa Claus". Truly magical!

Harmonie House was fully dressed in Christmas splendor. One cannot help feeling the spirit of the season when surrounded by the many reminders displayed ever so....

 

  The nook all dressed up!

One of two villages.

 Nutcrackers on the mantle.

The view from the living room.

Christmas Eve itself was quiet though the air held the crackle of anticipation within! The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, and the presents waited under the tree to be opened with glee. Oh yes...I became a child once more on Christmas day. My fella and I sat by the tree and opened our gifts while enjoying some "coquito" in between. Coquito? What is that pray tell..says you my reader. Coquito happens to be the traditional Puerto Rican eggnog, loaded with coconut goodness, spices, and some rum. *winks* Christmas just isn't Christmas without it.

 

Filled with Christmas cheer!

How pretty the wrappings!

Would you like a glass of coquito?

The New Year was brought in dancing and in the company of friends. With noisemakers in hand, festive headgear worn just so, and the glass of champagne at the ready, we welcomed 2012 amidst cheer, blowing horns, and loving kisses. With hearts filled we also asked 2012 to bring us many blessings, joy, and bliss.

To each of you I want to say thank you for reading my musings throughout the year and for making blogging  an enjoyable pastime to share with you! Though we are, most of us, strangers in this huge sphere called blog-land...I still like to consider each of you a friend in spirit. 

May the New Year bless you with wishes come true, blessings a-plenty, good health to last a lifetime, and bliss to kiss each day of your life.

Happy New Year from me, my fella, and Knightley too!!

Blissful Tidings!

xoxo

Miss Sandra