Stillmeadow Friends

Dearest Susan...

It's here...it's here!!  The very best time of the year.  Autumn has arrived in the Hudson Valley.  It is the season of rich colors.  The trees, once an endless sea of green are now sporting their Joseph's Coats of fall. 

Erik and I and The Sweet Potatoes have had our annual Apple Outting at Wilkins Farm, well within driving distance.  Row on row of apple trees and a steady row of families there with the same purpose - APPLES!!

There is something homey and good about an apple orchard.  Perhaps it's the knowledge that there are no mistakes there.  Whether you go home and bake the most complicated pie or if you just sit down and crunch into one of those apples it will bring you the same sort of pleasure. 

I think Gladys Taber knew that, don't you??  I like to think of her and Eleanor enjoying crisp apples by the fireplace.  What lovely memories they made - memories by the bushel.

I have a special apple recipe that is scrumptious...so much so that I make it only once a year.  Here it is...

Apple Dabble Cake 

•                                                         3 Cups Flour
• 2 Cups Sugar                                     1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 Cup Vegetable Oil                            1 teaspoon Baking Soda
• 3 Eggs                                               2 teaspoon Cinnamon
• 2 teaspoon Vanilla                              4 Raw Apples, Chopped

Mix ingredients by hand in order given.  Pour into 13" X 9" pan.  Bake at 350 Degrees F for 30 - 40 mins.  Meanwhile in saucepan, combine 1 Cup brown sugar, 1/4 Cup cream or milk, 1/4 lb. butter.  Boil 4 minutes.  Pour over baked cake, and return to oven for a few minutes. 

Susan, this is one of the most delicious cakes you'll ever taste.  You'll have to let me know how Mike and Sarah and Craig like it.

Now, I should get myself to bed.  It's past midnight here and I've never been good at burning midnight oil. 

I'll talk with you soon.

Love from New York...

Shelley

My Dearest Susan...

Erik and I were delighted to hear about the birth of Baby Dylan.  Our heartiest congratulations to Sarah and your entire family.

If there is anything in this world that gives us hope of a brighter future it is the sweet pure innocence of a baby's laugh and the bright sparkle of new eyes seeing everything for the first time.

I've been enjoying the photos of Dylan and I particularly love the little film clip where Sarah is unaware that the camera is on her.  When she looks up at the end and sighs that "Oh Mom" sigh I smile every time. 

It's amazing to think that seven weeks have gone by already.  We won't be able to call him "Little" Dylan for much longer!! 

I know that you will be basking in the role of being a Grandma and I know too, what joy that is going to bring into your life. 

Three loud cheers for Baby Dylan!!

Love from Shelley in New York

Here is my precious little first grandchild. His name is Dylan Michael and he was born June 28th, 2006. He weighed 7lb. 7oz. and was 19 1/2 inches.

I was with Sarah for the delivery and It was a wonderful experience, although she had a tough and long labor. 

We're keeping busy and enjoying every moment with him. He is just 4 weeks old and he is beginning to smile and take interest in everything. He HATES his bath and LOVES his food!

His weight is now 8lb. 9oz. and he's 22 1/2 inches long. I think his eyes will be blue because they're getting lighter, and his hair is goldy blonde fluff!

First visit to the doctor, aged 4 days

We are looking forward to cooler days so we can go for long walks with him in the fresh air.

Take care & lots of love,

Susan

Dear Susan...

...and then there was the day that I hung my hat on Gladys' door. 

Last fall another of my dear friends (Susan T.) and I headed out on an adventure.  It's what my Aunt calls "daytripping".  That two Gladys people can live within minutes of one another is a blessing.  The fact that those same two Gladys people live within driving distance of Stillmeadow is oh so delightful. 

Susan (T) and I had been saying that "oh yes, we really should go to Stillmeadow before the weather turns" but you know how it is when you keep saying those things...time goes on and then the opportunity passes.  Sometimes you end up shrugging your shoulders and heaving a great sigh of regret.  Two words that should not go together are "regret" and "Stillmeadow".  

I remember calling Susan one day and saying "How would you like to go somewhere??"  I think she knew right away where the "somewhere" was.  She was definitely up for the journey!!  Somewhere in the hurried exchange of words (we were both talking at the same time) I said "Stillmeadow" and I think we both squeeled at once!! 

Gladys Taber's Stillmeadow.  When you love the writings of Mrs. Taber those are hallowed words. 

I think although we'd talked about it and hoped it would happen, we'd almost given up on going until the spring.  Looking back on the day, I'm so glad that we didn't wait.  Some days are like a ripe juicy apple...perfect, sweet and delicious.  A picnic at Stillmeadow was decided on and we each packed some scrumptious fare.  I brought the iced tea and Susan provided the lawnchairs. 

Loaded with our cameras, a sweater (just in case it's cool) and hats for shade we head out talking and laughing and enjoying the earliest part of Autumn in New England.  Connecticut is beautiful and Southbury and the surrounding countryside is filled with lush rolling hills and winding rivers.  It's no wonder to me that Mrs. Taber was able to paint the land with her words.  The beauty of Connecticut shines from every corner.

When you first approach Stillmeadow you're struck by the notion that it is a remarkable place.  At once I expect Gladys to come to the door and welcome us in because she's just put on a fresh pot of coffee.  I'm certain that Holly and a cocker will whiz past me and I'll hear Jill coming up from the garden.  I tell myself that it's wishful thinking.  It is, but oh it feels so real.

Susan and I relish in the afternoon and we take photos and walk the grounds careful to disturb nothing.  We are after all guests at Stillmeadow.  Sitting and chatting as we do, the day wears on and all too soon we see the sun starting to sink in the sky.  We start packing the car but there is one liberty that I decide that I can't leave without taking. 

The above picture is testimony to the fact that I indeed did hang my hat on Gladys' door at Stillmeadow.  I have to admit that I actually giggled while I took this photo.  I immediately felt a schoolgirl guilt.  I wouldn't trade this photo however for anything. 

Susan and I made it home and smiled the entire way. 

I don't know if I will ever have the nerve to hang my hat on that door again, but I will never forget the day that I did.

Love from New York,

Shelley

Dear Susan...

As the holidays come to a close this year it occurs to me that we tuck our memories away like much loved treasures.  In the years that pass they will resemble the village scene above...a soft and perhaps slightly faded memory of the event yet in our eyes just as lovely as that first time. 

This Christmas was a busy one at our home.  Erik and I and the girls hosted the day and we were joined by Mimi (Erik's sister) and Robert and their girls Sophie and Juliet and Neal and Karen and their new baby girl, Samantha Gail (wonderful friends).  It took two tables to seat all of us and a 22 lb turkey to FEED all of us!!

Scooter was a perfect host and quite comfortable with everyone.  It was only after we realized that Robert was feeding him bacon from the bird thus making him feel quite comfortable indeed!!  It brought a smile to my face despite the fact that I was certain that he ate more bacon than any three cats need!!

Christmas ended all too soon and I kept thinking to myself what a lot of work for just one day.  I quickly decided though that it was time well spent as I love Christmas so. 

My wonderful friend...it's been so long since we've written to one another and I realize that we've both had so much happen in our lives.  As you know, I lost my Mom at the end of October.  Following a very long battle with Alzheimers my Mom was "tired" and could endure no more.  Losing her was a heartbreak to be sure and I know that you understand that feeling all too well, having lost your own Mum.

I suppose that it's at such holidays that our loved ones that are now gone from us are missed the most.  All through the day I kept feeling that I should be calling her and wishing her a Merry Christmas.  It was a most unsettling feeling.  When I spoke with my Aunt, Ginger she said that it felt a little like a sentence that was missing a word.  It was a very apt description of how I was feeling as well. 

As we face a brand new year it's only natural to hope for brighter and happier days.  I'm so thankful for the blessings of the past year and I look forward to this new year wondering what G-d has in store for us. 

Lots of Love,

Shelley in New York

Dear Susan...

One of the lovliest things about summer by far is the ability to kick my sandals off at any given moment and wriggle my toes in the cool green grass.  Looking back over the years (what a cozy phrase) this is one of the most fun summertime memories.  Of course there was the one time that I inadvertently stepped on a bumble bee (Thanks to Rebecca for the bee picture!!) while barefoot.  For the most part though, only happy barefoot memories!!  

I love to go out in the backyard in the cool of the evening and slip my sandals off and feel the cool dew beneath my feet.  It's like being six years old all over again and pretending that you're doing something you shouldn't.  Sometimes I can hear my Mom saying, "Shelley!! Where are your shoes missy??"  Mom would be certain that in mid-July I would catch my death of cold. 

Once in a while I catch myself telling the girls that they should wear a sweater.  They look at me with sweat on their brow and give me that same look that I used to give my Mom.  It's funny how that circle keeps coming round and sweet echos of the past mingle with the Sweet Potatoes of today.

Our summer has already been a busy one.  We had such a wonderful 4th of July with Erik's cousin Lara and her husband Ari.  Each year they hold a 4th of July BBQ for family and friends.  The day was perfect...not too hot and humid and no rain!!  Ari was the master chef and we were able to celebrate Cousin Linda's birthday as well as visit with family.  The girls tired themselves out playing with the frisbie.  The girls tired Daddy out in the process!!  This year we celebrated on the 2nd since it was the Saturday.

On the 4th itself we were able to go north to Carmel, NY to see the fireworks over the lake.  Booms and bangs and bright colors had us all oooohing and aaaaahing!!  The girls loved it when the fireworks would trickle down and touch the lake.  I have to admit that I liked that too!!  We were able to get photos of many of them and I'm trying to figure out the best way to put the photos in a memory book so that we'll be able to enjoy them for years to come. 

The house is quiet today though Susan and I find myself a little quiet too.  The girls left yesterday for a visit to France with their Mother.  They'll be gone for almost a month and I feel like the days will be long without the Sweet Potatoes around to set up a lemonade stand or wonder if Scooter the cat needs a haircut!!  They've promised to "write lots" to us so I know that in a few days I'll be watching the post box for bright postcards and familiar handwriting.

I've started a new book Susan.  I'm reading a mystery written from the perspective of a cat!!  It's a harmless little novel and it seemed appropriate for hot summer nights.  There is no curling up in a warm spot with a hot cup of tea these days.  I've been keeping water in the fridge and if I'm out and about I simply HAVE to stop by The Black Cow for iced coffee.  It's the best there is and I am of course, completely hooked. 

I've been waiting for news of you and your trip to the UK.  I hope that all is well and that you're enjoying your time with family and friends.  There is something wonderful about connecting with our past.  Sometimes you can go home again.  It's good to wash our spirits in memories and give them a fresh start once more.

I for one will be happy to hear that you've returned.  I miss you my friend.  It's a good and pleasant thing to be able to pick up that telephone and hear your voice on the other end.  I wonder how your Daniel is doing and if the robin is still making a nest where it has for so many years. 

Erik and I were in New Hampshire last week and I remember that you and I had talked about getting together for a visit when we came.  We then realized that it wasn't to be this time.  Ah well...such is life. 

When you come home, we must discuss you coming for a visit Susan.  You'll be able to meet Susan T. who is another Gladys person and perhaps we three could visit Stillmeadow together!!  Oh wouldn't that be fun??

I should close for now.  It's almost time to start thinking about dinner.  Erik mentioned going out for Mexican food tonight!!  I'll write later and let you know what I had!!

Lots of love...

Shelley in New York

ps...As luck would have it, when Erik called the Mexican restaurant for their hours, it seems they are now a Columbian restaurant where no one speaks english.  We decided to pass. 

Dear Susan...

I wanted to share with you this picture of my Mom, Lily Elizabeth Austin. My Mom (my Grandmother) is 84 years old and she lives in Ontario.

When the world thinks of beauty today, it is the young firm bodies with bronze tans and flawless skin. Beauty however is at the other end of the spectrum. True beauty is within the very heart and soul. It's something that many times is only "seen" when you know the person. Sometimes, you see it many years later.

When I was younger Susan, I never thought of Mom as being "beautiful"...she was just Mom. She was however a very attractive woman. Each week Mom visited the "Beauty Parlor". I love that name don't you?? It evokes a picture in the mind of one walking in...trampled and trod upon by the world and then emerging a time later the picture of loveliness. Ahh...a gentler time our childhoods.

Today we rush and scramble for a "stylist" to do a quick "cut and run". Oh, not so with my Mom and her hairdresser. It was an "event", and not to be taken lightly. I will always hold a picture in my mind of my Mom coming home with her "do"...beaming. Before bedtime, she would carefully wrap her head in a net hoping that it would "hold" until the next day when she and my Papa were going here or there. Sometimes she would have me help her. The little nets came in what is best described as a loose envelope. You'd gingerly unfold the edges and inside would be one neat little net...spun so thin that you could barely see it once it was on. The thought of that makes me smile and I can almost feel the net in my hand and the scent of lotion and perfume mingle in my mind.

We lived alongside a railway tracks and I remember her seemingly always asking me to go for a walk down the tracks. "Just a short one" she would say. I would grumble and off we'd go. In the end she and I would have enjoyed our time together and she'd tell me about her day at the dress shop where she worked. I would tell her about school. She'd grumble because I hadn't peeled the potatoes. I'd give an excuse as to why I'd forgotten. When we'd arrived back at the house, all was right with the world.

She was thoughtful and kind and whenever I needed help with homework or hurt feelings, she was there. Looking back THAT is true beauty.

A few days ago, my Aunt, Ginger sent me a photo of my Mom. When I looked at it the first time tears were in my eyes. You see it wasn't just any picture of Mom. This was a special "glamour shot" photo. With a lovely black Boa around her neck and her hair looking like she'd just emerged from the beauty parlor, there was my Mom. She was so beautiful and so elegant.

Her smile is still as pretty as it was years ago...just a little tired here and there.

Oh Susan, isn't she pretty?? Whoever thought "just a Mom" could be so beautiful??

Love, Shelley
Ossining, NY