Stillmeadow Friends

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