It could have been the sunshine or the smell of the country air as I drove with the windows down, but I think it was the colorful grandma afghan's put to good use that made me smile from ear to ear today. Amazing! Do you think they'll mind if I stop in and play?
Once upon a time, not so many years ago, in an old apple orchard
overlooking a pond, a young couple was given an 8x10 shed to call their own.
This wasn't going to be an ordinary shed. They put up insulation.
Then came the drywall.
They wired it for electric and added a fan for circulation.
They painted the walls soothing colors and added a big window for extra light.
The floor was washed with a coordinating blue. A platform was built to support a twin mattress which would act like a couch on rainy days and at night the two would squeeze in for a restful slumber under the first roof they could call their own. A few select pieces were added like a mini fridge, music, and a shining silver star.
They planted a little garden,
added an outdoor shower
and an outdoor 'kitchen'.
Their garden grew as the sunny days passed.
As the sun set and the twilight came upon them, they would sit in their chairs overlooking the pond listening to the crickets and frogs chatter. Deer would wander in the field across the water and the cool night air would settle in. Later they would build a fire, sit and watch the flames crackle and try to count the fireflies. This was the good life.
Sometimes we need to search through old dusty, rusty things. When upstate, we would head to Hoffman’s. From furniture to dishes to tools, you never know what you’ll find. Over the years we have foundmany unique things here, even if it’s just a little creative inspiration.
Hoffman's Barn Sale is located at 19 Old Farm Road, Red Hook, NY
Be sure to say Hi to Roger for us!
We miss those days upstate when we would drive 10 minutes for a cup of coffee and a little something sweet fresh from Mikee's oven. Check this out to see this baker man in action.
Just a baguette?
But no! A little chocolate surprise.
Tivoli Bread & Baking is located at 75 Broadway in Tivoli, NY.
Have you ever seen one of these before? Maybe I should ask if you have ever smelled the foul scent of rotting meat that is emitted from the sticky slime on the tip of this fungi? You wouldn't forget it. These little guys pop up quickly in rich, damp places in North America and Europe. The stinky slime attracts flies and other creatures to it which then fly away spreading the spores and the life of the stinkhorn is carried on to another place.
Are these flies mating on the stinkhorn? They must really enjoy that smell!
Aptly named the Phallus impudicus. (Impudicus translates to shameless. I'll let you figure out the rest)
According to wikipedia, in Medeival times stinkhorns were used in a cure for gout and in love potions. Hey, it worked for the flies. In France and Germany it is eaten in it's very young stages. I know for certain that I will not be adding this to my salad!
