Monday, July 8, 2013

a long country weekend



A glorious five days in the country--hot and humid, 
but there was shade and water, family and friends.
The carnival was in town, with rides, games, fried dough and fireworks,
and it was nice to see the villages crowded and lively.


I saw a young beaver by the brook and ate soft serve ice cream at the general store.




We had a party and it was fun.
 I arranged and rearranged everything and made fruit cobblers.




My husband cooked dinner for 30 in his new kitchen.
The boys moved picnic tables, set up drinks and built a campfire.



Patrice brought me flowers from her garden. 
Her peonies have a heavenly fragrance, like old-fashioned roses.

The next night we went to a friend's annual potluck, fireworks show, and bonfire. Before the fireworks everyone sings the Star Spangled Banner. Burning wood and gunpowder mingles with the smell of pot, a trio of scents that evoke the western Catskills pretty well--thrown in cow manure and fresh cut hay and you're there.








23 comments:

  1. It sounds like an absolutely perfect weekend. I'm impressed that you have a husband who can cook for 30! M x

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  2. This sounds like the perfect way to spend a few lazy days of summer! Lovely photos!

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  3. Hi, Jen. Just popping across the Pond to say thanks for visiting Strawberry Land. Love the glimpse into your world, and wondering if you would find time in such joy to read Potter! xx

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    1. I always have time to read! I was really attracted by your idea of reading them in sequence. And they are small bites!

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  4. I love those ferns. I wish they lasted longer in arrangements. What a lovely summer time you're having!

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    1. Some ferns seem to last long and others don't. I can bring back a big bunch sometime for you to play with.

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  5. This all sounds heavenly! I love those summertime carnivals, so much fun and the only time anyone eats cotton candy. Your party sounds great and boy did you break in that new kitchen!

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    1. I love the carnivals too--they are so sweet and old-fashioned.
      Yup, the kitchen was put to the test!

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  6. It all sounds like the beginning of a novel.

    A baby beaver - that's wonderful. We protected some trees along our creek with chicken wire when the beaver started on them.

    I bet you're a perfect hostess and everyone wants to come back.

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    1. Everyone wants to come back and pitch a tent or paint the waterfall (half the people were artists). I am so not the perfect hostess! The setting, a husband who cooks, and strong, sociable sons made it easy for me.

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  7. Your party sounds so nice and your description gives me such impression as everyone had own joyful time.

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  8. sounds like a perfect weekend. I saw a beaver, too... in the zoo :)

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  9. I feel as if I was there with you.

    i grew up in a small town that had a "Pickerel Tournament" every 4th. There were rides and an elephant, games and a prize for the biggest fish caught and firework on the river.

    You just brought it all back.

    I just enjoyed your weekend.

    xo Jane

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    1. Pickerel tournament--I love it!. I am looking forward to the county fair in August.

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  10. You paint such an idyllic picture Jen! Glad you had a wonderful time.

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  11. Hello Jen, Country/natural spaces just invite this kind of relaxing break. Although I am staying in Cleveland, luckily a very short drive leads to extensive parks with all kinds of brooks, woods and picnic facilities. As soon as the rain here stops, I'll have to plan an excursion.
    --Road to Parnassus

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  12. What a lovely time. Just what this holiday should be and why it is one of my favorites!

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  13. I can easily see how everyone enjoyed the party in full swing, with a taste of delightful country life. So uplifting. Happy for you!

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  14. Love the sign... Thought at first it was a "watch out for bull" warning and then noticed the udder... Didn't know y'all had longhorn cattle in the Catskills! Glad you had a wonderful party and joyous July 4th week. Oh my, a husband that can cook for 30... I am impressed!

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    1. Did you notice the bullet holes?

      It's not just that he can cook for a crowd--he wants to. If it was me we'd have chili or potluck or drinks and dessert...

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