Now, where did I leave that?

Sunday, August 19, 2012

Fall Whispered in My Ear Yesterday

...a sweet, seductive whisper born more of circumstance and opportunity than substance and reality. But it still managed to send shivers of anticipation down my spine.

We wandered to Heather Ridge Farm












and upon emerging from the car were greeted by cool breezes, temperatures ten degrees less than down below, and views to steal both breath and heart....










We made our way up to the farm store and Bee's Knees Cafe, admiring the wrinkles and patina time had blessed it with, the strength with which it clings to its hillside.









We shopped with a purpose, because although Heather Ridge is renowned for many things, we made a beeline for....HONEY! Yes, we have bees, but so far have left their honey for them to build up their colonies. Heather Ridge sells a light Summer honey, and the beautifully darker Fall version I love. But their Irish-style lemon honey is rich and sweet, kissed with lemon oil and good enough to eat from the jar, which, ummm, we both do. Often.


















We also did some freezer-stocking with amazingly juicy, beautifully seasoned hot dogs made from their own beef (I'm not a hot dog fan, but these rise so far and above what we call hot dogs that they deserve a different name), their homemade Italian sausage and a sweet, hearty Red Russian soup. Then we settled onto an umbrella-ed picnic table with iced coffee & chai, hot dogs & cole slaw. Our silverware was wrapped in cloth napkins, the placemats cut from colorful feed bags, fresh flowers adorned each table. A breeze ruffled through our hair, and voices were just murmurings in the wondrous silence. You know, as a society we don't realize how much noise punctuates our lives until there's none. The absence of noise soothed and relaxed us; we could have set up a hammock and happily dozed off in that blanket of quiet, the mountains our last view before dreams embraced us.












We're looking forward to visiting again in the Fall.

A long meandering drive later, we stopped home, picked up the dogs, and took them walking at Olana. It was much warmer there but the woods were shady. A break in the trees revealed an unexpected peek at the awe-inspiring former home of Frederic Church drenched in early evening sun...
      

Before we knew it, Lola & Yeti were ready for home and dinner, so with a last glimpse of the lake, we headed home.


And dreamt of the sweet promise of Fall. 

11 comments:

Dawn Zichko said...

What a sweet day! It's been so long since I've been to Olana. Your visit inspires me to get there again some time. That and Innisfree, by golly!

Ashling said...

We're less than 10 minutes away from Olana and Linda brings the dogs frequently. I've been longing to visit Innisfree again; it's been many years since I was there.

jp@A Green Ridge said...

What a spectacular fun-filled day you had! I felt like I tagged along for the ride...:)JP

Nicarus said...

Ashling, this is a beautifully written post describing a gorgeous day in wondrous settings. A breath of fresh air!!

Anonymous said...

oh my gosh, the honey, the view the castle like home, the food, its all amazing, what a beautiful day,

Jen said...

There are so many things I'm looking forward to doing and seeing when I close the store. Olana was on the list and now Heather Ridge is too! Swooning over Irish Style Lemon Honey!

Michaele said...

Thanks for taking us along and describing it so well : ) I would love to try these honeys!

Akannie said...

What a marvelous place! In the event that I find myself on that side of the continent again, I'll have to try to find it. I have friends in a little town called Bainbridge that I visit now and again....

The honey sounds wonderful. I love honey. I love lemon. In fact, I'm trying to figure out how to harvest my lemon grass now....for tea and for the bottom of the stalks as well.

AkasaWolfSong said...

Mmmm...the honey sounds sooo delish! As well as your description of the quiet. Priceless! :)

Loved the photos and another glimpse of your world Ash.

xoxoxo

Linda said...

Oh my that sounded so wonderful!! I can smell Fall in the air in the mornings now...I love it...my favorite time ...I love the cool weather... That honey looks delicious!!! which reminds me I need to get some...

XO :)

the wild magnolia said...

how fun! i loves honey. happy for your good trip.