Downtime

The start of our summer vacation. We usually get away for a few weeks, but this summer has gone by in a whirlwind and my stupid knee surgery complicated matters so we had to throw together a plan. 

We started in Cumberland, at our Away House. Our friends, Amy and Steve, host a fabulous blue grass party every year and we didn't want to miss it. Krista and I drove up separately from Houston cuz you know how girls will stop for junk, guys....not so much.

 We stopped at the flea market in Flintstone and were amazed at the number of salt and pepper shakers. I can't imagine setting so many up. It had just started to rain so we had to be fast picking the ones we thought would fit in at 'Chirp'.

Then it was off to the party! Amy & Steve have the loveliest of homes, tucked away in the woods on a hillside. It's like living in a well appointed tree house. This is the front entrance.

The media room was once a garage. What a better use of space! Love that cowhide covered ottoman.

A massive stone fireplace is center stage on the side patio, all shrouded in a vine covered pergola.

 

Walking off the patio, towards the lower patio is this awesome water feature.

On the way is this guy. He's actually a towel holder.

They had lit lanterns all along the stone walls.

 

Outside on the lower patio is where the groups were playing. They had a 5-person bluegrass band, a folk duo and a barbershop quartet to entertain us. 

There was even a 'dance off' with the younger crowd from NYC. So fun to watch.

After a day of r&r and a bike ride in Cumberland, we set off to visit our friends in Connecticut, driving through the mountain ridges of Pennsylvania.

 On the way I spotted this shop and wanted to stop until I read the sign.

 Darn! Looks like they had some good stuff too!

Scott, KK and their 3 kids live in the quaint village of Sharon, right off the village green. Their house was built in the 1800's and is so charming.

 The day was spectacular, in the low 70's and crystal clear skies.

 Since I don't have girls, any chance I get to braid hair, I take it. Sylvie said she's ready to get married with her hair all fancy. I'm not sure it will last for 20 years!

 Sylvie, the youngest, is so adorable. We hung out a lot, taking a short walk, swinging, fixing hair and talking girl stuff. 

We picked the kids up from their summer camp. Loved the set up with those canvas tents.

Scott fixed the most delicious scallops I've ever had and KK made a fresh tomato/basil/mozzarella salad and for dessert, a fresh berry crumble. Gosh I'm glad we stopped by!  We last saw these guys when they invited us to St. John a year ago. We've known them for over 30 years, playing ultimate frisbee together back in the day. Always good to see old friends and catch up. Now it's on to Maine!