photos by george billard
How I’ve missed you! Though the time seems to have passed in the blink of an eye. Sadly, I never made it back to the hammock. This has been one of the busiest summers on record for me. I’ve been working non-stop for weeks but I’m not going to bore you with my whining. I feel lucky to have so many great projects. And you? Did you laze about reading novels and popping ripe berries into your mouth? At least for a few days? I hope so. Herewith, a few highlights from the past six weeks, some of which I’ll expound upon in greater detail in the days to come.
the drake
The most exciting thing to happen by far (except perhaps for my discovery that all manner of frozen slushy cocktails can be made in the ice cream maker) was that WE CLOSED ON OUR LAND! Yes! G and I are now the proud owners of 5 stunning acres in Forestburgh, New York! Our gorgeous cleared meadow, above, with its big old apple tree, slopes gently down to the rocky bank of the Rio Reservoir. On all sides is pristine, undeveloped sanctuary for the bald eagle.
the bounty
All our hard work (and G’s ceaseless pampering) paid off, and our garden exploded with a veritable cornucopia: squash, eggplant, chiles, cucumbers, tomatoes, tomatillos, scallions and tons of herbs. I’ll soon share with you many recipes using these bountiful ingredients.
dinner for 150
With pals Philip and Stephanie, we attended a dinner hosted by Outstanding in the Field. Jim Lahey of Sullivan Street Bakery was the guest chef, and we had a wonderful, fresh meal along with 150 other people at one huge table set up near a little river on Mountain Sweet Berry Farm in Roscoe, New York. More on this and G’s wonderful photos soon.
grey days
As you can see, I’m continuing with my resolution to grow in my grey hair. Although the two-tone effect is driving me nuts, I’m coming to terms with how it will ultimately look and I’m actually OK with it. The transition is painful but a supportive husband and kind friends make all the difference.
Miss Titi
It was a hot summer! And though I may not have gotten in my fair share of naps, at least someone was taking advantage of those long, lazy afternoons (and mornings and evenings). I hope you relaxed and refreshed and are ready for fall, my favorite season. I love its bittersweet quality as we witness the glories of summer fade away. Welcome back, gentle readers.
So glad you’re back! I missed you!
Posted by eliza on 9.7.10 at 8:12 pmGreat to see you back, Laura!
Posted by Gail on 9.7.10 at 8:21 pmThank goodness you’re back!
Posted by Lisa on 9.8.10 at 9:29 amGlad I’m in your blog-loop. Congratulations on your land. It looks stunning.
Posted by amy on 9.8.10 at 9:32 amBeautiful pictures. I’m envious!
Posted by Amin on 9.8.10 at 9:36 am(Hey, I think the hair looks great. You can pull it off.)
Eliza, Gail and Lisa: Great to have you back!! And welcome, Amy! Amin, you’re a prince among men!
Posted by laura on 9.8.10 at 9:40 amCan’t wait to see what you are cooking up for fall! Always a pleasure to read about your projects. The land is divine. Congrats to you and George!!
Posted by Jan on 9.8.10 at 9:40 amLaura! So great to hear from you. I am loosening the cerulean blue, burnt sienna and windsor violet for the portrait with your new true crown. So happy to see you so happy. Love to all.
Posted by Anne on 9.8.10 at 9:44 amThanks, Jan, and welcome back! Anne!! It’s been too long. So glad you found your way here…
Posted by laura on 9.8.10 at 10:07 amBEAUTIFUL! Everything in these pics is just beautiful, Laura, including the two-tone hair. Congrats on the land and this exciting new life you guys have started. Un abrazo fuerte!
Posted by Guillermo on 9.8.10 at 10:18 amThanks, Bill–best-selling author of “Hamlet’s Blackberry“!! It’s been quite the summer…
Posted by laura on 9.8.10 at 10:31 amwelcome back, dear laura! i love how you’re growing your hair in- or is it out? ;) congrats on securing the land. i have been reading j safran foer’s Eating Animals and I told my husb- you know my blogger friend laura- now i know and understand why she moved to the country and wants to eat all things natural. hats off to you, dear friend. welcome back, once again. xx shayma
Posted by shayma on 9.8.10 at 10:43 amSo nice to have you back. That dinner looks amazing – must see photos! xx
Posted by Lisa Garriss on 9.8.10 at 11:17 amCongratulations L and G!! The land is stunning, as are you, no matter what color your hair is. I can’t wait to see you! Xoxo
Posted by jocelyn on 9.8.10 at 11:46 amBravi pour le terrain! J’espère que ous y passerez des moments et des années merveilleux, pleins de joie et de bonne santé. Merci de m’avoir envoyé tes nouvelles et je n’ai même pas remarqué tes cheveux. Pour moi, tu seras toujours ma petite Laure, belle et brillante! Grosses bises.
Posted by Miriam on 9.8.10 at 12:42 pmYeahh!!!! You’re back. Hope to see you soon. Looks like a great dinner and congrats on the new land!
Posted by nakedbeet on 9.8.10 at 12:49 pmSo glad you are back with such beauty, exuberance and a wonderful piece of earth…. Sending love to you in this new season. xoxo
Posted by victoria on 9.8.10 at 2:20 pmGreat to see you back online, chéri! And great seeing you last night… I’m ready for fall’s cornucopia.
Posted by Vetivresse on 9.8.10 at 5:19 pmSo good to hear about your glorious summer! I wish it included a visit, but hopefully, soon ;) Can’t wait to hear more of your adventures and see more pictures. And read… congratulations on the land! Much love! xoxo
Posted by Becca on 9.10.10 at 1:44 am