Of This And That And Bliss!

outdoor dining by candlelight

My Dears,

How lovely to be back amongst you all. I've been a busy dragonfly fluttering about here and there, but alas, here I am sitting once again at my desk. I hope you had a lovely Memorial Day Weekend filled with joy, but also keeping in mind and heart the true meaning of the holiday.

This past month, my fella and I took a ride to Lake George and spent a lovely time in the town of Bolton Landing. There we stayed at the Boathouse Inn (right up my alley), and visited the sights thereabouts. It was my first time visiting Lake George and the Adirondack area. I must say the majestic vistas, verdure splendor, and crystal waters held me spellbound in its beauty. Would I visit again? Oh indeed I would..after all, we had a most blissful time.

The Boathouse Inn...circa 1917


View from our room. Isn't it lovely?


...another majestic view

...view from the boat during a riveting ride on the lake.


..yes it was quite windy on the back porch of the Boathouse.


Blissful after a lovely meal at the beautiful 1898 Inn At Erlowest. (Lake George)

I've been trying to get my yard/garden in shape and some kind of order so that I can begin my picnic/cookout gatherings. We broke in the new grill this weekend, so at least we've got a good start! Now it's time to find the right metal garden gazebo to create an outdoor living room in a sweet secluded corner. I also have to make a visit to the herb farm and pick up my usual selection for my potted kitchen garden. So as you see, I have lots to keep me busy.

A cozy spot in the garden...come sit and enjoy!!

I've kept Mr. Knightley from hijacking my computer again..though I must admit he did write the sweetest post for Mother's Day. He's such a boy!! I simply love him oodles and oodles. I also love to share pictures of him while he's stretched out and snoozing away. He has no idea what Mama is up to when he sleeps.

*smiles wickedly*My adorable one...snoozing away.

On the way back home this weekend, my fella and I drove on a road called Hawk's Nest on RT. 97 along the Delaware in NY. What a breathtaking view and what a wonderful photo op!

View of the Delaware from Hawk's Nest.

Looks foggy but somewhat mystical..don't ya think?

My dahling and I at Hawk's Nest.

So you see, I've been living moment by moment, day to day, bliss to bliss. I see the sun beyond the gray clouds..I see the moon and stars when none is apparent...and I can still hear the music long after the tune has been played. Embrace each moment my dears, and remember to find your bliss!!

xoxo
Miss Sandra

After The Ball

My Dears,

A lovely time was had at our annual Armistice Ball. We had a nice turnout, the band delighted us with some great music for dancing, and the Afterglow party at Harmonie House was absolutely divine.

Harmonie House hours before the revelry.

Downstairs at Harmonie House.. Mr. Knightley kept watch from the stairs...while upstairs several of us were busy getting into our gowns, and tuxedos.

Having given my lady's maid the night off...I settled for the butler to help me fasten my gown. *smiles*

The band, led by well known Vince Giordano, gave a stellar performance and provided us with tunes to kick our heels...foxtrots, one-steps, tangos, blues, and waltzes.

The dancers were pleased as pie and were having a ball!

Tis I...dancing away to a one-step


C'est moi..again!

It was lovely to be twirled around the room to the music of another era..long gone. Alas, like Cinderella, I had to leave the ball much earlier...for I had to get the home and prepare for the Afterglow party.

This was only the beginning. By the time all the guests (31) arrived, the table was heavily laden with food...hot and cold dishes. Wine and champagne flowed as did the smiles.

...with Dan Levinson and his lovely wife Molly


Vince relaxing after a fabulous musical night
and chatting away with Tom & Sue.
He and his Nighthawks take us back in time with the authentic sounds of the 20's & 30's.


Dear friend Tom entertained the whole weekend on my Lauter.

After the party...yes, it went on till very late...I was thoroughly exhausted. However, that didn't stop me or my weekend guests from enjoying some ragtime coming from the talented Tom on the piano. Twas 2am, we let our hair down, took our shoes off, and I served coffee (yes..regular not decaf). We listened to music..while we all reclined and talked about the ball and party..we were still glowing.

Yes, the mistress of the house was tired..but still glowing.

Happy days to all!
xoxo
Miss Sandra

I am

Today I smile because I am....and ever will be; because it is...and ever shall be. I am ever grateful!

Now I'm off to have a nice cuppa tea!

Lovely thoughts and wishes to you all!
xoxo
Miss Sandra

It has finally arrived!

My Dears,

Happy Autumn! The season of change...beautiful change...has arrived.

I am now fully awake, for it seems I hibernate during the summer and come alive in Autumn. Once winter comes...I'll be at my peak. *smiles* Did I mention I love winter?

The afghans are ready to come out and be placed in every room, and the firewood properly stacked and ready. My tea cabinet is fully stocked as is the baking cabinet. I look forward to many evenings in the kitchen...filled with the aroma of comfort food.

Time to prepare the woolens and get out the comfy slippers. Oh, and did I mention I've already started Halloween preparations? Never too early to get into the spirit of things. As I always say... grab that bull by the horns.

Anyhow, I wanted to stop by and say hello. I hope this day has been a lovely one for you all. I wish for you an Autumn season of comfort, happy moments, and love!

xoxo
Miss Sandra

Serenity Of The Moment

Tis a quiet Wednesday.

I love this...the peace and calm. The clouds are nigh, and the brisk breeze is blowing through the windows. Outside those windows, the Rose of Sharon trees tremble slightly...politely nudged by the wind. The linden waves to me in its tall, majestic splendor...protective in shade and in sheltering those beautiful creatures of nature. The herbs are whispering softly, asking to be harvested very soon
....before the first frost makes pretty cold pearls of the dew upon their green.

The rain is hovering...waiting for the right moment to cascade upon this earth. I welcome it with a smile and invite it to come down and make its beautiful, hypnotic sounds as it falls upon my window panes. An unfinished book is lying upon the table..beckoning me to turn its pages and lose myself in its world. The kettle too is calling...reminding me that a cup of tea will complete the serenity surrounding me.

*sigh*

How tranquil I am at this moment...how in love with this precise point in my life.

Mr. Knightley is sleeping...curled up in a black ball of the softest, velvety fur I have ever felt.

How beautiful.

Harmonie House, my Shangri-La, is quiet..yet I can feel the stirrings within. I can sense the beating of the heart which lies deep within its walls...for this home is alive with feeling and spirit. Its beams sigh along with me in appreciation of now....today.

Perhaps this reverie will dissipate shortly. But for now...this very minute...this moment is mine...all mine.

Wishing you moments of serenity,
xoxo
Miss Sandra