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

As promised..

My Dears,
This month was filled with many a busy weekend. First there was my 20th HS reunion. Time seemed to disappear on that Friday evening when I reconnected with many a classmate. Oh what fun was had! Needless to say I danced ever so much. By the end of the night, I was exhausted but wanted to dance some more. *sigh* Ahh..but the wedding was yet to come!

By the end of the night we were exhausted but happy.
To my left is one of my dear, oldest friends Grace.
*Faces were scribbled to protect identities.*

One of my dearest of high school pals married the Sunday after the reunion. I was honored to be chosen as her maid/matron of honor. It was a lovely ceremony at an historic chapel. The bride and groom glowed and were ever so beautiful. The reception was filled with many good wishes and lots of dancing. One can never get enough of that!

Lovely Iraida and Me..Friends forever!

Finally, my annual Halloween Party came...and went! How quickly these fun moments go, yet how long one does prepare for them. My party was lightly attended, but needless to say it was loads of fun. The company was as always lively and very dear. I didn't prep for costume this year, so I took the easy way out and dressed as a dark vamp....of sorts! I know, not original, but I made the effort! *smiles* It was fun..even getting into character. Anyhow..I need not say, there was dancing along with the merrymaking.

Yes..he is wearing a banana suit! *smiles*
He even handed out bananas throughout the evening.

So there you have it...a recap of my month's flurry of activities. I have yet a few more of these before the year is out. Then, I'd like to perhaps...relax.

I hope this month has been quite merry for you all. Have a wonderful and safe Halloween!

xoxo
Miss Sandra

Reunions, Weddings, and Soirees..oh my!

Time doth fly...oh does it ever.

This Friday I'll be attending my 20th high school reunion. Has it been that long already? Heavens! I really do not feel twenty years older. After all, age is just a mindset...is it not?
In the past year, I have happily reconnected with some of my oldest and dearest friends. Together we look forward to meeting and catching up with many at the reunion.

With dear friends of my youth.

And if the reunion was not enough...I shall be Maid-Of-Honor at my dear Iraida's wedding on Sunday. This will be my third stint as M-O-H and I am ever so honored and thrilled to be a part of such a happy event. The last time was in 2005. I had a great time then and now look forward to toasting another beautiful bride and her beloved groom. Nothing like an autumn wedding to make one feel wonderful.

2005 Wedding
Picture is a bit fuzzy and dark, but you get the idea. ;)

Then later this month...my annual Halloween soiree at Harmonie House. Always fun to gather my "vintage" friends and see what characters they will be playing. I've enjoyed being Clara Bow...Jane Austen...Morgan Lafey..and a snow queen in the past several years. I've got something fun planned for this year's costume. I'll keep you all posted and shall of course share some pictures.

So you see...this is only the beginning of a very busy season for me. Most will be work, but oh how lovely to throw in some play time!!

My dears...I'm just happy to visit with you all on this lovely, cool October evening. I hope you had a lovely weekend and I wish you a most wonderful week. May you find cause to smile each and every day.

xoxo
Miss Sandra

Happy 4th Of July!

My Dears,

I want to wish you all a wonderful Independence Day Weekend. Do the things that make you happy. Enjoy every minute of each day!!

I shall be celebrating with my Victorian/Edwardian friends at my annual picnic.

In the meantime I have lots to do and plan for the morrow.

*sigh* A woman's work is never done.

Have a wonderful time. Till the next....

xoxo
Miss Sandra

A Sunny Day At Last!

It's Saturday...and finally the sun is truly out! I do hope it lingers for we've seen very little of Mr. Sun lately. *sigh*
A lazy, quiet day it is. What shall I do??

Ahhh....what does one do on a pretty day such as this? Gardening of course!

So my dears, I'm off to go do some planting and some clean up. Must make my world pretty.

I wish you all a beautiful day filled with sunshine and all that is good!

xoxo
Miss Sandra

Weekend Ramblings...

This morning my alarm went off at 8:00am. I know, not exactly dawn but my body still protested. I wondered to myself...Why can't the weekend consist of seven days? Why does it go so fast?
I went in to the shop and with the length of the weekend still in mind, I asked my minions (dear staff) the same question. Needless to say, they really had no response.
Not surprising.

I did a bit of crocheting under my linden tree on Saturday.

Perhaps if the weekend lasted seven days it wouldn't be so enjoyable. N'est pas? Perhaps a week of only two days would prove tedious and lacking in essence. This is what I told myself. Really...I tried to convince myself.

Still to no avail...I wish the weekend consisted of a whole week.

My view looking up, while lying down underneath the linden tree.

These silly ramblings have been brought to you by the lady of Harmonie House, who is sorely lacking in blog material this evening.

I guess I just wanted to say hi...glad to see you all again after this lovely, yet too short weekend. Hugs and kisses all around!!

xoxoxo!
Miss Sandra