After Bloomville, we tooled around the town of Andes a bit. It has a couple of cute vintage shops—Clementine for clothing and Kabinett & Kammer for curios and furniture—but I was most happy to discover a lovely tea shop, Tay Tea. The striking owner clearly has a discerning palate. I actually tried a cup of her A Day in Provence rooibos blend at Brushland Eating House and was thrilled I could track it down. It's also available in her online shop, along with lots of other intriguing teas.

The rest of Saturday was spent in the company of the entire crew from Best Made, purveyors of the ultimate outdoor gear and good friends of ours. There were bonfires big and small, barbecue, tall tales, s'mores, plenty of whiskey and camping. We brought our tent and mummy bags, but it was still damn cold. Thus the rattle in my chest, I think. But it was well worth it and I'd do it again.

After an elegant campfire breakfast on Sunday, we headed to High Falls to check out Field+Supply, billed as "a modern makers craft fair." I don't think I've ever seen so many hipsters at one upstate location, and I've definitely never encountered such an elevated aesthetic (or price point). I didn't buy anything but I did take a bunch of cards, including one from a guy who is making the most stunning primitive bows.

We met up with some pals there and headed over to Westwind Orchard, the labor of love of stylist Laura Ferrara and her husband, photographer Fabio Chizzola. They grow apples, berries and pumpkins, and have an adorable farm store selling their honey, jams, ice creams and maple syrup, as well as other locally produced goods. For a few months at the height of the season, they also have a wood-burning pizza oven turning out incredible little pies for weekend visitors. Guess who was up to her elbows in pizza behind the counter? None other than my sweet friend Julia. What a great way to end a delightful weekend!

Warm days and cool nights, dampness and funk—the change of seasons often brings illness. I thought you might like to hear what I do when I feel a cold coming on. (If not, maybe you'd like to scroll down for my simple Sick Day Soup recipe. No chickens are involved.)

As a preventive measure—and also after the fact—cover your neck. (Here's why.) I have this old cheapie infinity scarf from Urban Outfitters that I wind around multiple times and even wear to bed. I also try to remember to take a daily spoonful of my homemade elderberry syrup. It's antiviral and supports the immune system.

When the sickness set in yesterday, starting with a raspy throat, I immediately got out my Redroot + Licorice spray. It really soothes. Then, when I heard that dreaded chest rattle during the night, I took a Mucinex. No, it's not "natural," but I've found it does help dry up the mucous that wreaks havoc in my lungs. In the morning, I steamed my head over a pot of hot water infused with eucalyptus, rosemary, silver pine, lavender and geranium oils, then soaked a washcloth in that to make a hot compress for my chest. And I brewed a big pot of fresh ginger tea with lemon and orange, turmeric and honey from our bees. Lots of cups of that alternating with plain herbal tea keep me hydrated. When I spiked a fever, I took two Advil and that seems to have brought it down. I'll be enjoying a long and hopefully restorative nap this afternoon.