a quiet day in an unforgettable setting.

As Peggy was busy with grandchildren, Barbara graciously invited me to spend the day with her. I sat inside some and hooked a bit and also took many photographs. Barbara needed to go to a nearby library, so we enjoyed that drive together, stopping at a busy apple farm. We had apple cider donuts!   My first. I also bought a blueberry pie to bring home to my little guest house. Barbara showed me the Parson Cape house and i took pictures outside. Then home to a supper of crackers and cheese and apples of course.

 

 

I am hooking doll size rugs attempting to finish one for Cathy and Peggy each before I leave. With my hands as they are, it will be a challenge to work just a little and quit. E

 

Old Homes of New England page 110 !

On Friday Peggy and I drove through Essex and Ipswich as Peggy told stories of the homes we were passing, old houses are clearly her passion. We visited her friend Barbara, mistress of a fantastic first period house filled with an admirable collection. If you have the book above, by Roderick Blackburn then you will know how it was. 

That evening Cathy and I took sunset photos at Plum Cove. E

Painting in plein air with a picnic

Thursday I painted out on a pier at Rockport. Peggy sat beside me doing a bit of handwork from a basket. My subject was a fishing shack that is the most painted structure in the country and thus known as motif number one. Then we picnicked on crackers and cheese

Walking a little way we were on bearskin neck, a tourist area with quaint shops, our destination was a strudel shop with a small balcony overlooking the harbor. My pastry was cherry strudel. Back to Peggy's house I hooked a little on a small project I will picture for you by and by. Peggy seved a delicious supper of baked haddock and an onion and tomato and cheese tart, surely a cousin to a pizza but  in a delicious pie crust she had made early that morning. She added beets lightly pickled and her home made apple sauce. Peggy is a fantastic natural cook, an artist in her kitchen, making everything seem simple and fresh and light. She and Dennis have a fine restaurant in the old part of the city.

Wednesday on the cape

The day began with toast and butter and jam in Cathy's lovely light kitchen. I have not eaten butter in years, but Cathy assured me this is pasture butter and good for me. 

Peggy picked me up for a trip to the grocery and drug stores for needful things as I stay here. We left all in the car as we toured Beaufort which I had never done. Then came a memorable afternoon as I met Prudence Fish, author of the book "Antique Houses of Gloucester ". Pru is delightful, we visited ninety to nothing for several hours. Peggy served us a beautiful dinner. Dennis was not with us, off doing man things.  e

Massachusetts beautiful

Peggy, one of my hostesses met me at Boston Logan airport along with her husband Dennis, a man after my own heart. He had put his favorite bear in my room to keep me company. They moved my things into Peggy's sister Cathy's lovely guest house. Peggy and Dennis have a precious early gambrel home known as the house at the head of the cove and it is featured with many pictures inside and out in the white pine series books.

A drive around Cape Ann followed by dinner completed a long but sweet day.

A sweet day here with friends

Yesterday I had a group of antique collectors in for lunch and a visit. This little house is not as gracious for entertaining as the larger one I moved from last year, but the coziness is ok with good friends.   One came all the way from Weatherford to be here and most were from San Antonio.   For seating, 6 ate on the sun porch and 8 at the dining table.   Here are a few snaps from the day, mine and Sarah's and Linda's.  I had the best time of everyone here. Thanks to all for coming!  e

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A wonderful early house in Virginia.

I love paint!  And old houses!  So what a pleasure when my friend Linda shared these pictures of her  Great Grandparent's home in Virginia. 
Built in 1805 it has all original faux painted woodwork.   This home is all the more interesting to me because one of my own ancestor's homes is not far away. More of that later.  Here is the one from Linda: 

 

 

The home is in South east Virginia.  Southampton County.  Closest town is Courtland.  This house is on the Nottoway River west of Courtland.

How great it is to walk in the footsteps of your great grand parents. Thanks for sharing Linda.  E