Sugar Shack

 

Our son-in-law from Quebec became an American citizen last month. Chelsea flew down from New Hampshire this past weekend for her sister's birthday and I was finally able to give her this little rug to take home. I hooked it as a nod to Simon's heritage. It is designed by Isabelle Rollin of Quebec and is titled, "Sugar Shack". I thought this design fitting as a gift for them because Simon told me once that being Quebecois meant that maple syrup runs through his veins instead of blood.

 Chelsea and Simon also have friends in New Hampshire who own Kearsarge Gore Farm. I had an opportunity to visit their wonderful sugar shack a few years ago. Their syrup is delicious. My little quilly wood pile does not accurately represent the true size of their wood pile. It was enormous!

 

 

 

Things (Not) in Common with a Troll Doll

 

Seven year old granddaughter Violet spent the day with me yesterday. She ran across this little troll that belonged to my older sister in the mid 1960's. As she gently stroked its hair she said, "Nonni, if you grew your hair long you would look like this." I thought, "Huh??"

Later on, I shared this exchange with my other daughters over Marco Polo and we all had a good laugh. Nine year old Hugo got on and he said, "You would not look like that. For one, you are not that small. And for another, you would not be undressed."  Then he held up his finger and pointedly said, "Not to be disrespectful or embarrassing." We cracked up even more. 

No one said anything about my ears, nose, or eyes...

Warm Springs, VA

 

We took a weekend getaway to this lovely cottage in Warm Springs. It is a beautifully renovated three bedroom, three bathroom VRBO located right behind the Jefferson Baths. We went with two other couples with whom we frequently travel. The weather was cool and fresh and we had a fun time exploring. Warm Springs is exactly one hour from our house. I don't know why we don't drive up there more often. We vowed to come back again, even if only for a day excursion.

Warm Springs is best known for the Jefferson Baths and the Omni Resort, called The Homestead. We dined one evening at the resort and another at The Inn at Warm Springs. The food and service at The Inn were excellent and we were able to easily walk across the road to it. On Saturday afternoon Steve and I went to the baths. It was a peaceful, relaxing soak and we were happy we took the time to do that. It was not crowded on that particular day so they gave us a choice of the ladies or the gentleman's pool. We chose the ladies which is larger and has an open roof. The gentleman's bathhouse is a bit smaller with rafters that crisscross the roof hole but, it has a little side room with a little waterfall where the warm water rushes out. One can sit in the waterfall. 

We went exploring and found the nicest antique shop called, Springhouse Antiques. Every item in the store was immaculate. All six of us chatted with the owner's husband and marveled over the beautiful antiques. We found a couple of goodies to purchase and much more that we would have liked to purchase. We also took a drive to Hidden Valley. We visited the Bed and Breakfast there and looked at the Kitchen House and grounds. The plantation house has a grand and imposing entrance. It was built facing the Jackson River. Trees now obscure the river view but it was easy to imagine the early days of this farm while we walked the grounds. The main building serves as a bed and breakfast and the kitchen house is available to rent with three bedrooms and two bathrooms. They feature the fact that the 1993 movie, Sommersby was filmed there.

Nestled in the mountains is a natural warm spring. Warm steam rises fro the water on a chilly morning.

 

The larger bathhouse with changing rooms encircling the deck. The water is a constant 98.7 degrees. The water is six feet deep and the bottom is river rock. There are black foam floaties to help stay afloat.

The water is mineral rich with calcium, magnesium, and lithium.

The pristine Springhouse Antiques store.

 

Springhouse Antiques has a pretty, old fashioned store front. (which is no longer used as the main entrance)

A front view of the Warwickton Bed and Breakfast in Hidden Valley. It is in a very secluded location. The front elevation would have a sweeping view of the river if trees did not obscure it.

The main house and the kitchen house are attached with a breezeway.

The kitchen house is also available to rent by the night.