Once Upon A Tide – This Old House 2

A beautiful day

When I was younger I didn’t live so much in the moment – always worrying about choices, relationships – the good ones and the bad ones, finances or lack of them, my young family’s safety, health, the list goes on and on. While I’m still and always will be a chronic worrier, ( Heck, I just stopped having “I didn’t do my homework” dreams about five years ago) I have learned with age to live far more of my life in the moment. And… I don’t give as much of a f*ck about trying to please everyone all the time, or even if someone likes me. I have finally come to that place where I know in my heart of hearts I am a decent soul and I like me… maybe even love me. Sounds silly, but that knowledge comes hard to some of us, and maybe you know the woe. This was a day when I sat completely comfortable with myself and content with my life’s direction.

Yesterday it seems everyone in New England was out and about, enjoying the beautiful 🌺SPRING🌸 day – temps reached 61 degrees! On the road, some of my fellow Jeepers had their tops off and down at Stella, island folks were beginning the Spring ritual of opening up and airing out their cottages. My daughter and I spent some time at the show barn with Leah – and I got to take her for a spin around the block a few times myself.

As I watched my daughter go ’round the ring practicing for the first show of the season, the warm sun beaming down on our faces, I was reminded again of all she has overcome, how lucky we are to have these experiences after all.

After time well spent at the barn, I headed down to the cottage where the Mr. was working with two of his crew to replace the split railing we initially installed at the waterfront. When sitting on the blue stone patio, what greeted seated folks at eye level were clunky cedar beams. It was a nice rustic look but took away from the water views. So we’ve installed wire which will keep people from falling over but doesn’t block the view. It’s almost invisible. as you can see in this photo.

We were so pleased with the effect, we decided to take the waterfront railing section of the deck out and replace it with the same wire. We have a lot of summer meals up on that little deck and the view now when seated will be a much fuller waterfront scene. That deck comes in handy as a “playpen” for Frasier and Sally as well – they are safe up there with a gate at the stairs, and someday the same will be true when and if we’re blessed with grandchildren.

We brought some dirt from the farm down to the shore – we’ll spread it in the waterfront part of the little yard to fortify the grass and level the footing some. If you can believe it, M wants to plant a little vegetable garden down there as well as the one I keep here on the farm. The bunnies are prolific on the island-really-a-peninsula, he’ll have to put a little fencing up if we are to eat any of that produce.

Frasier, Sally and I took a walk after inspecting the new fencing… we are on a cove in the Long Island Sound – which you can see in the distance here. The crocus have arrived! And they tell me the peepers too, and while I can’t hear the actual thing, I hear peepers 24/7 with the tinnitus and hearing loss, go figure – 😂

I can usually find at least one piece of seaglass on each walk. This one was a very pale blue, my favorite color.

The water hasn’t been turned on yet so the cottage can’t be given a thorough Spring cleaning, bed linens aren’t re-washed or beds made until April 15th or so, when the water is turned back on. We don’t spend too much time here until then, no toilets! The new gas stove does a fantastic job of heating up the space when the nip in the air needs tucking. Sally approves.

When the chill came in off the water with the setting sun I came home to feed the horses and chickens and clean the new chicks water for the tenth time. Have I mentioned how piggy chicks are? All doing well, by the way. The good weather had us all in high spirits, and it was evident in the people we encountered throughout the day, too. I always hope that kindred spirit spreads far and wide. Wouldn’t it be awesome to have a blanket of good will to cover this entire planet – think of all the problems we could solve, what a wonderful world this could be if only. It was a restorative kind of day that I sorely needed. Today I’m wishing the same for you –

Till soon –

Karen 🌷

Heated Exchange

When we bought Stella two years ago, she had been much loved by the previous owner but also neglected. We kept all the rustic charm, she is still a very 1930’s summer cottage, but the things that really needed fixing got fixed and an interior wall was removed so that the tiny kitchen was open to the seating area that looks out over the cove. For more details, search the Once Upon a Tide post labels where you’ll find posts on her restoration.

At the door to the back deck was the only source of heat, a gas operated heating stove, one we couldn’t use because it didn’t vent to the outside and so the odor from the burning gas flooded Stella’s small interior. A few days ago we had a new one installed with a vent pipe that goes through the roof. It still needs to be hooked up, but it will be a beautiful sight to see on chilly spring, summer and fall evenings when we want to take the nip out of the air inside the cottage.

The original…

The new model

The cottage and surrounding island , or what’s really a peninsula despite it’s name, have a different vibe in winter months for the obvious reasons – and the cold inside the cottage is bone chilling. The unmade beds, empty refrigerator and food pantry underline and highlight it. When we began Stella’s re-do, she was infested with rodents – mice droppings fell from the curtain tops and were embedded in the toaster left from the previous occupant. There were nests in the seat cushions. These things in particular freaked the Mr. right out, so he made sure she is now almost airtight, and we don’t have meese in the rafters or the cushions or the toaster anymore.

While the guys were installing the new stove, I took a walk around with camera.

Stella from the road

… and from the waterfront

Meanwhile, we’ve had some glorious sunsets that

I’ve captured with the good camera here on the farm

As I type this, it’s snowy-raining outside and the horses and chickens are waiting for their breakfast – Spring is just around the corner, you can see it in the light cast across the fields at the end of the day, in the diamond sparkles on the water. Just don’t look on the ground, where there’s still some of the white stuff that doesn’t scream spring. Out into that stuff I go…..

Off Season Island

Yesterday Connecticut experienced the most glorious fall weather – Although my editorial job begged for attention at the computer, I just could not waste hours inside while outside was so gorgeous…. T-shirt weather even! The leaves are peak, too. 🍁🍂So I put on my sneaks and drove down to our cottage, Stella by the Sea, to check on things after the recent heavy rainfalls and extreme high tides doused the landscape and burn off some fat cells (the never ending struggle).

Stella on the right was just fine – water turned off, lines flushed so no pipes will freeze during frigid winter months. She’s covered in acorns and oak leaves, the spent perennials need attention, but that’s a clean up chore for another day.

A few of the geraniums are still thriving, sorta hate to just leave them there to die. I did bring home one small pot and placed it among my houseplants, we’ll see how it overwinters.

After inspections I walked the winding roads of the “island” , which is actually more of a peninsula, to take in the fall splendor. Truly the shoreline is never more beautiful than when cloaked in autumn golds, reds and yellows. I wish I could shower you with the sweet scent of fallen leaves and woodsmoke as you browse these photos. There’s just a tinge of sadness, to see the chairs and picnic tables sitting empty, the boats tucked away, the window shades pulled down, curtains drawn, bikes stored in sheds, boat racks empty. Even the summer chicken coop in one cozy cottage abandoned till next year. There are many flowers still in bloom, but the original planters who enjoy them all summer are long gone. The little vegetable gardens abandoned too.

Below is an old outhouse located just across the road from Stella – once used by the occupants of the cottages before indoor plumbing. Now home to various critters in need of shelter.

I’ve heard the same sentiment shared over and over again from the “old timers” in this little 300 acre cottage community. While it’s been a waterfront farm in the same family for over 300 years, since the late 1800’s the camp Tents, and eventually cottages in the 1930’s – arrived to help the family support the farm. This no frills little place with two coves on long island sound in the Atlantic has brought so much peace to so many. In these difficult times when I’m feeling really discouraged about the fate of humanity if we can’t find our way to unity, Stella has come to the rescue time and again. Yesterday was no exception.

Thank you for your comments, I always appreciate that you give moments of your precious time to share with me. May we all find our way back to Peace on Earth in the little ways we’re capable.

Purple Mushrooms

Did you know there was such a thing? Purple mushrooms? In all my years of trudging through the woods on horseback or with dogs, I did not. A local friend who goes mushroom hunting on a regular basis posted a few pictures recently, and I was amazed! Purple Mushrooms? What?

The bullshittery that is occurring in Washington has me (and a zillion other people) on edge lately, and the best way I know how to get away from all the nonsense is to get out in nature – put my face to the wind on the water or take a hike in the woods with the dogs. Yesterday I left the dogs behind to avoid their tread on what I was looking for, and went exploring in the woods behind our farm – in search of the elusive Purple Mushroom. I knew the odds would be in my favor after the recent 8.5 inch rainfall in our area. I kid you not – local roads were flooded, some caved in due to rivers run amok adjacent to them… driveways washed out, a local restaurant with a river alongside it had water on it’s first floor, water coming in the windows – it was that crazy. ) Seems our weather is becoming more extreme with each year – this past winter brought unrelenting cold, then the summer held unrelenting humidity – and now crazy amounts of rainfall as autumn slides in.

The hunt!…

And the discovery.… for me it was almost like finding a unicorn

out there in the forest… and yet apparently, they are fairly common.

I was downright giddy.

I also spent a little time with my face to the wind on the water

with my niece, S. on Saturday.

If you love the water but have never tried Kayaking,

I highly recommend it. The practice is a soul soother –

you can go at your own pace –

a lake, a pond, a river, a cove, the ocean – any will do.

The typical boat does not cost a fortune, can be stored in a garage

or out near the woodpile and will

last you a lifetime with basic care.

My 74 year old Aunt still enjoys it, too . With a little planning

and practical caution the practice is ageless and the exercise

is good for you, body and soul.

I hope all is well in your neck o’the woods –

🍁Happy Fall!

Fall Classic

That was the name of the horse show this past weekend…The Fall Classic.

Well.. on Thursday? It felt like anything but Fall. We were sweating like menopausal women in a steam room, all day, I kid you not. Of course, some of us WERE menopausal women, but even the kids were dripping. It was YUCK. BUT… my girl pulled up her big girl boots and chaps and hat and jacket and went out there and wowed us – even got a third place in several of her classes. Leah was a trooper, too – such a kind and good minded mare. Amen.

By Saturday, when the husband had to fill in for me because I was running an artisan market here in town with a fantastic co-manager, the temps had dropped enough that people were wearing light jackets…

We’re home for a week to catch up on work and house cleaning and laundry and bill paying and then we’re off to another show in Syracuse for five days. After that we’ll take a break and practice at home until next April. Amen again.

Meanwhile.. I’ve been harvesting the last of my little garden plots – the Zinnia seeds I was gifted by Hilary of Crazy as a Loom produced a stunning array of color, still going strong. The artichokes that we left on the vine have blossomed – have you ever seen artichokes bloom? WOW! They’d be a great accent in borders! My purple pepper experiment was a good one – the sweet peppers are gentle on the digestive tract and so pretty – ending up in a variety of colors. I’ll grow them again next year, I loved adding them to the fry pan, sauteeing with onions, eggplant, tomatoes, potatoes and sweet italian sausage. Alittle S & P, oregano, butter in the bottom of the pan – delish!

After a few fall-like days, the humidity has returned, most likely due to the storms out in the Atlantic. Wishing all in the storm’s path safety and no damage to properties, hoping it is not as bad as they have predicted. Our storm surges down at the cottage have been big already, and it’s not even hitting us directly. We’ve pulled in the kayaks and seat cushions and umbrellas and closed all windows. This picture was taken yesterday after a rain shower – Stella (our cottage) is just under the rainbow’s end on the left, tucked in the trees. Notice Filbert the flamingo, now a little droopy – still out there to weather the .. weather.

I’m admiring the tenacity of this lone sunflower too. The pot sits beside the gate to the horse barn, and this one flower decided to stretch for the sun as tall as it could muster, as the pot is mostly in the shade.

As I published this, the skies opened up and it’s pouring,

with lightening and thunder added for excitement.

Sometimes I love a rainy day…

sometimes, like when I left the horses out in the fields,

not so much.

Out I go…

Till soon, friends –

Thank you for stopping by….

Friendly Firepits

I was going to write about The Orange Scream today, not because I think anyone out there needs one more opinion piece on the subject or that I’ll turn anyone’s thinking around should your opinion differ from mine… but because personally I find writing therapeutic. Let me just say this, cause I gotta be me – DJT is mentally ill, I’m convinced of it. There is no defense for this brand of leadership that encourages violence and the divide of our citizens, using false narratives time and time again. By ignoring what is right before our eyes, we are selling our souls for monetary gain, trashing the planet and our humanity along the way, awful thing. I’m sad for all of us.

On to the friendly firepits. ….

We’re in the middle of yet another heat and humidity wave here in Connecticut. I’ve got fans on the horses, a fan on the chickens and bunny too. I get the barn chores done early before the sun reaches out over the barnyard and the dogs are outdoors only for bathroom breaks.

We’ve been visiting the cottage as work and weather permits… The fire burning below was the evening before the humidity returned. What a gorgeous night it was.

There is a tradition on Island called Friendly Firepits – Once a year on a specific day, fire pits around the community are lit and the host of each firepit serves refreshments. All members of the community are encouraged to join any or all of the firepit gatherings and enjoy conversation and snacks/beverages with the hosts. I think we need Friendly Firepits installed all around the nation, don’t you?

This is Stella’s friendly Firepit. The Pink Flamingo float in the distance lives on…. we learned his name is “Filbert”.

The scow below is a neighbors – and I learned it’s story when I posted this pic on our community page. This beautiful old blue boat is used to ferry people back and forth to a bigger boat now, and was the very first boat of it’s now 60- something owner back when he was a young lad summering here on the island. The “boy” and boat have been together for a very long time.

Meanwhile… we’ve got a horse show coming up… or not. Miss Leah currently has a small abscess in a hind hoof wall. Such is the unpredictabity of horse show life. Depending on how fast it blows out and heals, we’ll either have a show next weekend.. or not. Either is OK by me – a healthy rider and horse is my first concern.

Speaking of that rider – her show jacket has been taken in where needed, she’s ready to rock’n’roll. How’s that for bling??..

Two friends introduced me to some fun apps recently – flightaware24.com – a flight tracker that also tells you where the plane currently flying over your house is headed – and yeah, we don’t really need to know that, but still, it’s kinda cool.

The other is skyview… point your cell phone up to the stars, and it tells you what you’re looking at and gives you some descriptive information, even maps out the constellations for you. So much fun. That bright red star I had been looking at out over the fields is actually Mars! That bright but much smaller white “star” out in the big distance is Saturn!

That’s all for now – thank you for stopping by

this little “friendly firepit”.

Vitamin Sea

We’ve heard sad news about a neighbor down at the shore. This was the man who rented his cottage to my mom for a few weeks each year until we acquired Stella by the Sea. Cancer is a cruel disease, and in this case even a doctor can’t cure himself if the damned thing decides it’s not letting go. Residents of the island have been known to say the waters and the quiet, simple island life are the reason we’ll all live long. The Dr. proves us wrong, as he is as fully emersed in the salt of the place and loves it as much as anyone can. I am so sad for his family, his young grandchildren, his wife and sons. Just a few weeks ago I was chilling in the now deceased float (unknowningly with 2,000 barnacles and crabs attached just inches below me) and he and family passed by in their little boat – waving, smiles.. sea spray, sun, salt and happiness. That was the picture I saw, I wish I could tie it to an anchor and buoy so it would hold fast and steady and stay.

Stella remains a respite for us all – we come and go as time and weather and schedules allow.

That’s mom out there! – Having been raised during summer months at a tiny cottage just like Stella on the shores of Staten Island many moon ago, she’s known the healing powers of salt water too. Now that the railing is in and the steps painted that lovely blue hue (boat bottom paint)… entry into the water to swim and kayak is much safer for all of us and she’s joined us in the pursuit of refreshment from the sea.

One of my favorite weeds grows along our sea wall.

Queen Anne’s Lace.

Meanwhile.. up at the show barn… K and Leah continue to bond…

What a sweet mare, we are blessed. Their first show in just a few weeks..

😬

Saw this recipe shared by Hilary of Crazy as a Loom..

made it.. LOVED it.

Right now native corn and zucchini are abundant..

This is an awesome meal all by itself, or a perfect side.

Serious YUM.

Recipe here

I hope all is well in your world..

Till soon, friends…

Breathe

The humidity finally broke after a good rain storm and we have absolutely perfect weather right now. The weekend was full of the bluest skies, sun and surf at the cottage as we all took a deep breath and exhaled into the loveliness. Our lives are busy – the youngsters just beginning the building of their adult lives with budding careers and relationships, the prospect of their own homes in the near future, families, etc… and the Mr. and I continue with the care of our farm, the cottage, the family business, my editorial job and all the responsibilities that go along with. Taking time to smell the roses is so necessary and often overlooked.

Don’t miss out – take the time. No one ever lies on their death bed saying “I sure wish I hadn’t taken that trip to Bermuda, I sure wish I had spent more time fretting, Jeez, had I only dusted and vacuumed just a few hours more, I sure wish I hadn’t spent so much time with my children, my grands, my passion.

Whatever inspires you, whatever brings you happiness – do more of THAT.

I managed to get the big guy out on the water yesterday and he actually sat down and relaxed in the shade for a few hours, too. Must have been a blue moon last night, I forgot to look.

Our cove has two very different sides. Our side is a colony of small seasonal cottages that were established in and around 1930-ish. In the picture below you see what it looks like from the water.

Then there’s the end of the cove that nestles into a nature refuge just after the stone jetty – with a few reasonable year round houses on the end. (seen below).

Across the cove on the other side are some much larger homes, one of which has been in the construction phase for the last five or so years. My husband jokes that they pay the high taxes but we have the best view. They look over at us, we look over at…. well.. this….

Can you imagine rambling around in that house? And it’s quite possibly just a summer retreat for whomever is building it. Remarkable construction – note the stone tier at the bottom with wood shutter windows, just amazing.

The Giant Pink Flamingo still sits out in the cove, occasionally needing an air refill once it appears he’s taking a drink. Some people are annoyed by his appearance, I think he ads character. I’m not bold enough to bring one to the cove myself, our float is standard issue. My daisies are so happy, must be the salt air and sun.

Here in New England, Tiger lilies line the roads in early July – it’s truly a beautiful sight. These are my husband’s favorite flower, so I’ve planted daylilies on the farm and at Stella by the Sea, seen here.

Today I plan to catch up on laundry and dusting and vacuuming here at the house, and I’ll pick fresh basil from the garden to make pesto for dinner. I might even make the cake I’m going to share with you below , click on the title for the recipe – although we’re both trying to get serious about our weight loss goals so I really.. really shouldn’t. (I hear you, Hilary, from all the way over here). 🙂

CARROT CAKE

ps.. I hate when that term is used “To Die for”…

no cake is worth dying for.. just sayin.

I hope you’re having a good day, wherever you are – Don’t forget to smell the roses, eat the cake, stick your toes in the water at the beach, jump in the pool, run under the sprinkler, pick the flowers and set them in a vase just for you. Next time you wash the sheets for your bedding, hang them outside in the sunshine to dry . Put your quilt out there too – the fresh outdoor scent is intoxicating, lulls one to sleep.

Till soon, friends – Thank you for stopping by.

Invasion of the Giant Pink Flamingo

We’ve been spending a significant amount of time down at the shore – cottage life has been a welcome reprieve from our hectic work life and farm chores. Heading down there at the end of the day to cool off in the water or on the deck for a meal with the gathering family, or to hop in the kayaks on a quiet morning… truly feels like we are AWAY from it all, on a little vacation. Making the decision to buy a small place not far from our home as opposed to several hours or more “away” turned out to be an excellent decision for our clan. We’re getting far more use out of it so close by than we would have if there were a long drive or flight involved. And – the bonus is friends and family are nearby and can join us easily as well.

The dogs are with us more often than not –

and while Frazier swims and has accompanied me on the kayak…

Sally is still unsure. However, she now ventures to water’s edge –

Yesterday she stretched her little stubby legs in the surf

(all of two inched deep) to reach for

a piece of snow cone my son offered up.

Progress.

The blue steps maybe stand out a bit, but their gritty texture works perfectly

to eliminate slippery stairs.

*Boat Bottom Paint Plus Sand mixed in*

And.. I’ve described this before but it always amazes me –

most of the pictures in this post are taken at low tide.

At high tide, just a few hours later, the water is up over the blue steps

– a difference of about six feet.

This succulent-like type plant grows prolifically on our seawall – anyone know what it is? It now has white flowers and is just beautiful.

The boys have been clamming – A little info – Did you know you should never clam right after a rain storm? The storm kicks up all the muck and pollution and the clams are busy filtering it out right after the storm. So they’re “full of it”… and you don’t want to eat a mucky clam.

Our new float (bottom right in picture) is holding up well so far, even with a make-shift patch to the hole we put in it trying to heave it over the cedar fence sea wall.

Do you see that little pink thing off in the distance?

It’s actually HUGE! Remember the Stay Puff Marshmallow man in Ghostbusters?

That’s what it reminds me of.

Our neighbor a few cottages down the way installed it for his kids.

Here it is in an ad – to give you an idea of the size. Apparently they are all the rage this year in lakes, ponds, rivers and coves like ours. Sams Club, among other places, sells them for around $150. Probably real fun for a party, but I doubt they last long. I’ll let you know how long Pinky lasts in our cove.

And if a giant flamingo doesn’t float your boat, perhaps a rainbow pegasus Unicorn will!

Have a safe and happy fourth of July celebration – We’ve got a heat and humidity wave going here in New England – Perfect time to have a float in the ocean.

Vitamin Sea

If your head isn’t spinning yet from all the vitriol and ridiculousness and continuing bullshittery that is our current situation in these Un-United States (how did we get to this – I’ll say it one more time, We Are Better Than This… oh please let us find our way to a better place, and soon, all of us)….. then you come from some sturdy stock. My fibromyalgia has been in flare in recent weeks and I’m pretty sure it’s because I’m getting far too worked up over things I cannot change. Truly I need to just set it down and walk away from it – we’ve all heard the serenity prayer, right?…

This version even better –

Fat chance unknotting knickers, but.. baby steps. So this weekend we made a concerted effort to stay the hell away from the headlines and just enjoy what’s around us – here on the farm, down at the cottage and a little lunch date excursion to the seaside town of Stonington, CT – Staying off topic is no easy feat, as the Mr. and I are polar opposites on the political spectrum. Not in all things, but Tr*mp and his rhetoric make the differences seem as wide as the Grand Canyon’s divides.

Anyway!… The Dog Watch Cafe – I’ve written about it before – if you’re in CT or driving through – it’s a lovely waterfront cafe run and staffed by friendly people with a delicious menu. Best fish & chips we’ve ever had, but there’s so much more to their fare. Have you ever heard of short rib and onion stuffed ravioli? Me either – and it was delish! And just look at all those flowers….

New to me – these paint splattered petunias. Not sure what their real name is but they’re beautiful –

The town itself is lovely – all sea captains homes, lovely cottages, row houses, and some old huge homes and buildings made into condo complexes that are just gorgeous…

The peach roses and purple clematis at this cottage were stunning – the picture doesn’t do them justice.

Note the Little Free Library on the bottom right of this photo… there were several around town, a concept I absolutely love. Reinforces what is good in people. Encourages reading, knowledge, kindness.

This brick building with slate roof is much larger than it looks in this picture, stretching down to the water behind it, converted into beautiful condos (OMG the prices though) . Click HERE for a listing available right now…

Below is the Cavalry Church, built in the 1800’s. I’m not religious – but in doing a little research on the impressive stone building, I came across their message – This is the type of message I think all religions and worshippers should embody. Unfortunately it’s not always the case.

Welcome to Calvary Church, Stonington–we hope you will come visit us in our “Church by the Sea.” We are a caring community of faith seeking to share the love of God in our life together with one another, and in our support and care for those in need in the world around us. All are welcome here. Calvary is made up of members young and old, with many new to this community of faith–“whoever you are, from wherever you have come, you are welcome here.”

We found a little seaside park that is also a preserve with walking paths and benches. They’ve installed some beautiful native flowers, bird and butterfly habitats – this split rail fence adorned with some beautiful vine art by a neighbor of the preserve – the vine pattern goes for at least 10 lengths of fence.

Mom had a visit from three of her long time friends – I call them The Golden Girls. Their long standing friendship of many years and their kindnesses to each other and our family is inspirational. Here they are, visiting Stella by the Sea – and I’m so grateful they got to “sea” her. Her doors are always open should they decide to stay for a spell.

It’s a glorious morning here on the farm – this photo taken an hour ago as the sun rose. The three amigos, all getting on in years, living a good retirement life. I wish the same for all of us.

Miss Sally, one of my two southern rescue Georgia peaches, is learning to like our rides in the Jeep when we go to the cottage. As long as I let her stand on the arm rest where she can lean in and drool all over my shoulder, she’s learned that every little thing is gonna be OK. Sometimes if we’re paying attention, we can learn a thing or two from our animals, don’t ya know. This isn’t lost on me…

Have a good day, all – and thank you for stopping by.