Stillmeadow Friends

Dear Susan...

Hello my friend. It's been a few days since I've heard from you and I must confess that I've had visions of you buried outside under all of that snow!! In this vision Jenny is bravely digging you out while Miss Emma watches curiously from the window.

All silliness aside...how are you Susan?? I hope that you're well and that your days are filled with sweetness.

It's Monday once more, and thus another week begins. I've already taken Erik to the station for his morning commute into the city and judging by the clock (6:59 am) he'll be reaching his office within the next twenty minutes or so. During the weekdays our routines are quite well established. When the alarm goes off at 5:15 am, it sets into motion a series of events that are followed almost to the letter. Clothes are set out, breakfast if packed while coffee (stronger on the weekdays) is brewing. With one vehicle it becomes necessary for me to drop off and pick up Erik at the station. It's a time for us to catch the news stories and weather reports. Besides, that kiss at the station is pretty nice too!!

We had a lovely weekend here in the Hudson Valley Susan. We awoke to another 5 inches of snow on the ground but with warmer temperatures so we knew it wouldn't last. After a yummy breakfast of french toast, maple sausages, orange juice and coffee (not quite as strong on the weekends) Erik and I started off on an adventure. We drove along Bear Mountain Parkway which for a time parallels the Hudson River. Erik surprised me with a stop at the Peekskill train station. It's right along the river and there is a lovely park there with benches and little walkways along the water and a play area for children. I'd never been there before and oh, Susan it was delightful. Not only do you have a tremendous view of Bear Mountain but the park is situated right where the river makes a bend and then meanders on its way. We watched the gulls come and go and follow anyone that looked as if they had food!! A man did come with food just for them and they absolutely swarmed him!! It was sunny and bright and pleasant and it seemed that all the birds were out. One of the trees that was covered with dried berries there were perhaps a dozen Cedar Waxwings enjoying a lunch by the water. What pretty birds they are all decked out in their finery. Some kind soul even offered to take our picture together. It's nice to know that there are still good neighbors in the world.

We continued winding our way through the countryside and we passed old homes made from stone surrounded by giant trees that were no doubt planted when the houses were new. Old rock fences that would have once outlined farmland now seem to corral the trees. Life continued despite them Susan. They remind me of New England, and that is a pleasant thing.

Ending up in near Poughkeepsie we arrived at a furniture store. I've been wanting two chairs for my craft table for quite some time and Erik decided that this was as good a day as any to bring them home. I found two almost right away that I liked. They're American country style with honey colored seats and white pickled legs and backs. They're pretty AND serviceable too. With the chairs packed into the back, we began the journey home.

Deciding that we were both hungry a stop at The Stadium http://www.stadiumbarrest.com/ was in order. They have great food ranging from simple hotdogs to lavish steaks, as well as being home to some incredible sports memorabelia!! Getting there on a Saturday afternoon was an interesting treat. Not only did we have one of the dining rooms to ourselves but we could if we chose look at as much as we wished without bothering other diners!! (A first!!)

As fun as it is to go places, returning home is one of the nicest things I know. Scooter was happy to see us and he had a grand time sniffing the new chairs; sitting first on one and then the other.

Our weekend came to a close as weekends tend to do. The memories are nicely tucked away, to be enjoyed anytime that I wish. The chairs, I've decided need a nicely organized table to preside over...thus my chore for today.

I have a feeling that you got snow over the weekend too and although I could consult the weather reports, I'd rather hear firsthand so I'll await your report dear friend of mine.

Write soon.

Love and hugs...

Shelley
Ossining, New York
ps...you can see the photos from the weekend at our website: http://www.erikandshelley.com. Click on "Photo Album of the Month".