Night-time Musings...

My Dears..

We've had a couple of very warm summer-like days. I'm not ready for such heat, but I cannot argue with or challenge Mother Nature. There is a lovely aspect to this though...the balmy days have induced the scent of my linden tree. The flower buds may be young, but the heady perfume is as old and sweet as the ages.

The gazebo/summer room is up and waiting to be furnished. I see myself and the fella having long breakfasts and afternoon cocktails in the comfort of our outdoor room. Evening dinners in the quiet hours, with only the sound of our voices and the music from the radio, make for a most enchanting, relaxing time.

I'm tired. I'm on very little sleep due to the fact that the AC isn't up yet and last night's heat was intolerable. I just wanted to stop by to say hello and wish you all well. Let's keep Oklahoma and its people in our prayers. Together in thought and prayer, we can help heal our world.

Goodnight my dears and blissful tidings to you.
xoxo
Miss Sandra

Of This And That..And More.

Tulips from my honey.

My Dears,

Happy May...or middle of May as it may be. *smiles*

So here I am..glad to be blogging again after a short hiatus. I think it's about time I play catch up on the past couple of months.

Winter was quite wonderful this time around. I'd venture to say that it's been having a bit of a rough time handing the reigns over to spring. I mean really...I had a lovely fire keeping me cozy this afternoon, for there is still a tiny chill in the air. I can honestly say though that I'm ready for the soft warmth of spring, the kind that feels like a tender caress rather than the stifling heat that smothers. There's nothing like the feeling one gets when spring fever runs amok! I tend to get giddy and feel like I can do it all. I become child-like in wonder and hopeful that life will grant me my wishes. In the springtime, all things seem highly possible. *sigh*

 Mr. Knightley enjoying the warmth by the hearth...in May!

So, let's trace back a bit. St. Patrick's day was one for the books on the culinary spectrum. I made a lovely meal consisting of glazed corned beef, maple glazed brussel sprouts, and mashed potatoes. Can you say yumm?? I know we did!

 St. Patricks dinner...

Then in late March, I hosted a lovely vintage affair at Harmonie House. My Edwardian friends joined the fella and me for an Afterglow Evening Party. Cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, music of the 20's/30's, and beautifully dressed company made for a most delightful and happy evening.

 The fella and me during the Afterglow evening affair.

Easter came on a sunny Sunday in March. My fella and I dyed some eggs for the Easter breads I make every year, and together we set off for a lovely family gathering. The Easter bunny always brings me something sweet, but this time around he also delivered a Nook HD. Goodness gracious me! Today's Easter bunny has become quite the modern-minded fur ball. I must say I like his taste in gadgets. *winks*

 I love the colors.

 Easter bread...simply delicious!

April came by and went so fast that I've quite forgotten most of it. However, I cannot forget how the magnolia tree bloomed to perfection and provided a most fragrant display of beauty in my front yard. That month also brought back the landscaper and the delightful smell of fresh-mown grass. The scent of spring permeated the grounds of Harmonie House, and all I could do was bask happily in nature's gifts.
Oh! I mustn't forget...April 7th marked my 4th Anniversary here on Blogger. I can't believe it's been four years already. Thank you dear blog-land friends for sticking around and making my blogging experience a most wonderful one. Click here for an old post from April of 2009. Enjoy!

 Magnolias in full bloom and heady scent!

Tulips. I'll say it again....tulips. Now remember this my dear readers...I love tulips. To me, these flowers represent the joy and promise of the season. They are perfection and they seem to giggle in delight!
I make sure to have tulips at Harmonie House while they are in season. Funny thing is, I've never had them in my garden. I cannot tell you why. It even baffles me.

 The fella likes to keep me in tulips. Gotta love him!

Lilacs were in bloom, and now the lily-of-the valley are gracing the garden, right under the maple. The roses are in bud and the herbs are ready for the picking. Truly I love this time of the year.

Lilacs. Perfume in a vase.

Today I took the time to enjoy some afternoon tea and scones in the comfort of my sunny library/music room. The light of the sun broke through the untrimmed, bushy evergreens as it pierced through the multi-paned casement windows and brightened the room with its happy glow. It's days like these that make me so grateful for the simple things in life. The comforts of home no matter how big or small, make our lives extra meaningful. A cuppa tea, a good book, Mr. Knightley by my side..the fire in the hearth, the taste of marmalade slathered on lightly buttered toast, the feel and scent of freshly laundered towels and bed sheets, and the smile on my sweet fella's handsome face are just some of the simple things that make me ever so grateful.

Cherry scones slathered in clotted cream and rose-hip butter.

It's more of a curd than butter and it was quite tasty.

The sun's rays provided a happy glow during tea.

These days, our world is an unsteady place. The news, the papers, websites, and television are filled with all that is angry, negative, and ugly with this world. The fact of the matter is, there is so much good and beauty to be had...so much positive out there. Unfortunately, it becomes over-shadowed by what we're being shown and told. So when I come here to blog, I want to share all that I feel is good and beautiful. I try to show you my world in a happy light. Yes, I can tell you that my life isn't perfect and it's filled with the everyday cares that come with being human. I cry, I've felt fear, I become vexed, I've had disappointments, etc.
Then again I also know laughter, find joy in song, I dance, and act silly at times.
I love and I am loved. I know happiness and bliss. Knowing, experiencing, and feeling all the good, beautiful things life has to offer holds a much more powerful grip on my life than anything else can.
So you see, the negative will always be there. It's not always easy to ignore, but I choose to walk the path where the flowers grow...and it's that path which I choose to share with you here in blog-land. Embrace the wonderful things life brings to you. Be grateful and live simply, for it's the little things in life which are the most meaningful.

found this image here

After all, we've got the sun in the morning and the moon at night!

Wishing You Blissful Tidings,
xoxo
Miss Sandra

Of peace...

My Dears...

Our peace is threatened daily. Let's be aware, but let's be strong and protect our peace of mind.

May God bless those affected by today's Boston Marathon bombing. May we find peace and love in our very sad, fragile, and angry world.

Blissful Tidings..

xoxo
Miss Sandra

The Peaceful Path

 

My Dears...

Isn't this a beautiful image? It seems every time I look at it, I find myself on the peaceful path to a better place in heart, and mind. Sometimes when the cares of the world seem a bit heavy, even if just for the briefest of moments, all it takes is for me to set my eyes upon such a lovely sight and I'm reminded that the road in our lives is paved by our thoughts and actions. 

This is the path I want my road to lead me on...a peaceful and blissful path. 

Just a reminder my friends that even though life isn't always easy and we are thrust into the occasional stormy sea...we have the power and heart within us to get through it and find our inner peace.

Blissful Tidings...

xoxo

Miss 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