house wren studio

grammy's great adventure

My mom turned 82 last weekend. I know that some of you are big fans of Charlotte, the elder. She's had a really tough year with fewer bloggable moments to share here. Gratefully though, things are looking up and this birthday warranted a big Grammy-style celebration. Maggie started the festivities with a sweet family party at her house. Cake, hats, streamers! She brought out this old photo of Mom. Wow, right?

On Monday we whisked her away to the historic 1869 Victorian Mohonk Mountain House in the Catskills for a mini-vacay. Downton Abbey style.

For the middle of January, we enjoyed mild weather and maximum fun.

By the fire in the Lake Room where we camped out when the afternoon clouded over, we read, stitched, wrote and talked the day right up to its scrabble tournament finish. 

82 and she still comes up with "coyote" off the letter tray.

We explored the historic building and hotel grounds.

Hiked up to the skate house.

Marveled at the layered history and natural beauty all around.

Mohonk mountain is a hiker's paradise. When the sun warmed things up, we managed a little of that even with the wheel chair.

The days at Mohonk finish with a four-course fine dining experience. Mom loved the dress for dinner elegance. She was so happy surrounded by family, tradition, the energetic bustle of life. And all the love in the world.

Happy, happy birthday to the original, matchless Charlotte!

Glam on.

happiness walks on sandy feet

Last week our friend Suzanne invited two of us to her beach house in a secluded spot on Fire Island. 

We had it all to ourselves for a few days in between the coming and going's of her family.

Everything was postcard perfect. Delicious. Exquisite.

We spent the days sipping coffee, reading, stitching, walking from bay to beach and back again. The evenings settled seamlessly over wine, laughter, visitors and candlelit dinners on the porch. A late-night starry walk to the crashing surf.

Suzanne shared her famously adored recipes while we sat at the counter like little kids. Watching and learning. Mostly marvelling.

The beach was peaceful and quiet as if it was just for us.

Watson led the way from one neighbor's invitation to the next. 

Faithfully, he always brought us home again.

Just in time.

Thank you so much, dear Suzanne - in that uniquely fabulous way you do everything, you give and share so much. Thank you for the sweetest days of summer! xoxo

summer loves :: four

Island sidewalks ....

sturdy stems ...

lost gardens ... 

make-do ...

Fire Island, NY

 

summer loves :: three

Farmer's market flowers, blue and white ....

Kismet shells.

happy red, white and blue ...

and a bowl of just-picked berries too!

Wishing everyone a sunny, safe holiday weekend.

wilco weekend in the berkshires

At some point I started asking the kids what was their favorite part of whatever we just did. On the way home from our Solid Sound weekend, Mo surprised me, asking me first. Hmmm. I would have a hard time picking. It was a weekend so full of so many different things. Music, weather, family, adventure, art, people. Had to admit the truth though - probably anything that involved being with or near my family. Even huddling together in the downpour at Friday night's concert was fun. In its way. And of course, the music was amazing.

So here is my list as prompted by the camera:

taking over the whole counter at Cafe Reva (Pittsfield) for breakfast

caravanning to the event, listening to the girls talk about music

the mercurial Berkshires weather, steadily toying with us, sun to shade to rain to downpour, again and again

the venue, so welcoming, fascinating, accommodating, peaceful, generous

following the kids to see what they saw

the ability to enjoy the museum exhibits throughout the events

seeing Mo be photographed for and included in the polaroid exhibit 

walking around with Nels Cline

being on time for the silkscreen demo

wandering the impressive gallery of Wilco poster art

discovering this accidental window reflection in my snapshot

stopping to see this as the crowd whisked by

but still arriving in time for Syl

loving the spectacular Big Show, finally without rain, but with everything they could give us 

Both days, there was a lot of rain and there were a lot of people - all looking for shelter and comfort between shows. It was a challenge to figure out how to be together as a family without being in the way of someone else.

You'll understand then that one favorite part was the against-the-odds victory when I snagged an empty wet chair out of the rain and found half a table to share under cover. While the hubbub swirled around us, we gradually forged a dry oasis there for a few precious hours of relaxed eating, resting, visiting and meeting other folks. My mama moment within a weekend beautifully imagined by the youngers, so capable, thoughtful, enthusiastic and sweet. Thank you - especially to Erin and John Paul!

Lyons Family Woodstock 2011 = A.W.E.S.O.M.E. 

teach your children well

Grateful Dead, Fox Theatre, Saint Louis, Oct 1972 (Andy and his friend produced this legendary show. We were backstage for 3 days/nights!)

Keep the memories tuned up, the music playing and one day, they'll take you to their idea of Family Woodstock. Rain or shine, we're rockin' and rollin' this weekend! All 7 of us! 

summer fridays :: blueberry muffins

This summer baking event actually was inspired here. I was admiring these gorgeous eggs from the CSA farmer. I love all those different colors of brown, some with speckles. Good thing I happened to have some of his blueberries too. 

I've used the same recipe for decades. Simple and always good. Just don't stir the batter too much after adding the liquids. That's what keeps them tender.

Blueberry Muffins (a dozen)

1 3/4 cup flour

3/4 t. salt

2 1/2 t. baking powder

1/4 cup sugar

1 egg

3/4 cup milk

1/3 cup vegetable oil

1 cup blueberries

Mix dry ingredients in a large bowl. Make a well in the middle. In another small bowl, beat the egg and stir in the oil and milk. Add all at once to the dry ingredients, gently stirring just until mixed. Fold in blueberries.

Fill greased muffin tins or liners 2/3 full and bake at 400 for 20-25 minutes. Cool briefly, then remove to cooling racks.

 

On hot summer days, bake them early in the morning before the house heats up. They'll most likely be gone by dinner.

 

And thank you all ever so much for all the kind thoughts for Mom. We do enjoy her so and feel pretty lucky to have her back in true form- keeping us on our toes!

Wishing you all a sweet weekend!

 

postcard from the beach :: 13

   

postcard from the beach :: 12

All kinds of days.