Monday, October 27, 2008

Journey's End

My train dumped me back in Durham last Friday night, and my two guys were there to greet me. How sweet! I was treated to a proper greeting of a pink tongue straight up the nose (I'll let you guess which fella gave me that one!). After a week's absence, and two 10 hour train rides, it was so good to see their fuzzy faces. Here they are relaxing after the drive home from the station:



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I had a fabulous time with my mother. We did everything we planned and more. We had lunch at JB Winberries in Princeton.



Nothing says "Welcome home" like a nice glass of wine and a cheddar cheese-and-beer fondue!



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We watched a movie... in a THEATER (I haven't been inside a theater in two years!). I highly recommend this film. Bring plenty of hankies, but know that it does have a hopeful message. What an actress Dakota Fanning is! If she's this good at 14, I can hardly wait to see what she does when she's an adult. All the other characters were very well cast and, as an ensemble, made a formidable team. It was beautiful, heartbreaking, and uplifting all at once. I loved it.

Dinner afterward was at The Big Fish Bistro. What FUN! The lights hanging from the ceiling were clear round plastic made to look like bubbles, giant fish sculptures were everywhere, bubble machines on the wall, and exquisite food. I'm definitely going back to square one on my diet when I get home.
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We did some Christmas shopping at Peddler's Village in Lahaska, PA.



Just one of many shops there, this one specializes in French goods. The colors were beautiful, and the lighting at that time of day was amazing.






There was an ongoing scarecrow contest while we were there. This one was my favorite:



Year-round, the grounds are gorgeous...



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Wednesday we spent the day at Mom's weekly painting session with friend, Mikkey T. Mikkey paints with a joyful combination of color mixed with a considerable amount of humor. This is her recent composition of cows:


Image used with Mikkey's permission

There was a WHOLE LOT of giggling going on that day...



I kept myself busy with a sketch...



...and played with Mikkey's doggies



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Mom spent time showing me her most recent watercolors, and oh man, has she come a long way for a woman who hadn't painted until 12 years ago!


"Desdemona and Lisa" (Desdemona is the Arabian horse)

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"Kelsey"
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"New Mexico Rocks"

**all painting images used with permission of the artists
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And wouldn't you know it? I found my new "favorite" bead shop right down the road from Mom's house! The interior is spacious, yet PACKED with sparkley little beauties, and is decorated in a very sweet, restful palette.


My tote bag was a WEE bit heavier on my return trip home :)
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My trip ended the way it started, only we dressed up more. Fine dining at the Brothers Moon restaurant, inside what used to be the Village Market. Fabulous food! Read this review for more info. Stop by, if you're in town!



"Cheers!"

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

How fun!!! Sounds like an exciting vacation you had. I can't wait for one of those ;-)

T.Allen said...

Looks like a blast! I'm in need of a runaway train week or two myself. Your guys look like they missed you! :)

Terri Pezzullo - Handmade said...

Wow Kate, I am so jealous! It looks like you had a great fun filled vacation! I love all the pictures!

Anonymous said...

Hi Kate-what a great post! I love your fuzzy guys...especially the little one. Dachshunds are just FUN.
Your photos were great. I will have to check into the Big Fish Bistro thing. That fondue looked evilly good. Your mom looks funky and fun and not 'old mom'-ish.
Thanks for sharing all this stuff!
Bed rest is boring.
Laura

Nosideup said...

the dog is too cute!

Karen Cole said...

Things are looking pretty awesome around here. Lot's of new sights to see. Great banner, drawings, travels and jewelry!!!

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful time you had! You did that sketch?? It is beautiful, and your mom's watercolors are just beyond lovely. You have to tell her I gushed about them, and that horse!! Wholey mackerel!!

I love that you shared bits of your world and your lovely self!!

Your mom looks so young! And, like lots of fun! You take after her. You girls are lucky to have such good genes!! You both look young!

I read "The Secret Life of Bees" many years ago.. And my life size mermaid is due to that movie.. Reminded me of the ship mast...

I can't wait to see the flick. Maybe I will take myself to the real movie theater? Can't wait to see if it brings the book to life in a way I will love. I hope so!!

Yay for all good things here!! xo, V

3rdEyeMuse said...

wow! what a terrific trip - thanks for the FANTASTIC travelogue! ... and WELCOME HOME!

Fete et Fleur said...

Your home!

It looks like you had a marvelous time with your mother. What a pretty place to visit. Your sketch is gorgeous!

Hugs!
Nancy

Anonymous said...

That sounds like an awesome trip! Thank you for stopping by my blog. All the best to you!

Anonymous said...

So happy you could have such a fine time with your mom Kate and that you are back home safe and sound!

xox
Constance

Isabel said...

What a great time you had with your mom! Last time I was at Peddlers Village was with my parents last year. That store with the fabrics is one of my favorites!

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