prague

around this time each year, i'am reminded of the year i spent in prague just before the christmas holidays. The holiday markets, the architecture, the romance of such an old historic city, watching the people prepare for the holiday was thrilling

i loved seeing these handmade marionettes with the garland and lights in the window
and the astronomical clock in the old town square which dates back to 1410 and the only one still in working order. at the hour, apostles or figures move around the exterior.

The markets were filled with fruits and vegetables, candies and cakes and the bustling people purchasing what they needed for their holiday meals. as we returned to the hotel the peaceful quiet that had come over the city, i thought this lovely holiday window said it all.

la degustation - bohemian dining in prague

for me, the highlight of my time in prague was dining at la degustation boheme bourgeoise
It was gastronomy heaven!!! a seven course tasting menu,  which you must allow a minimum of three hours to truly appreciate and enjoy the culinary art before you. the traditional bohemian tasting menu which changes daily and seasonally is based on historical Czech culinary art from the late 1800's. each of the seven courses is accompanied by a beautifully paired wine expertly chosen by the sommeliers. 

make sure to go with someone you really enjoy spending time with, and one that enjoys good food as it is pricey at over 200 per person, but well worth every penny!

christmas in the country

the first weekend in december, you can find me out starting my holiday shopping and traveling the backroads of bainbridge  - visiting the farms and studios of artist and craftspeople that participate in christmas in the country. i start the day with a visit to sweetlife farm.

in the main house i admire the gingerbread house kits and a wonderful array of baked stollen, cookies and some ginger biscotti freshly baked by farm kitchen.  outside in the gazebo - Lisa Salisbury of rosie creek pottery had her majolica pottery on display.

upstairs in the sweetlife studio - a large selection of soaps and natural skincare products, flavored vinegars, preserves and herbal salts.

hazel creek farm was my next stop

the fresh evergreen wreath greeted me at the entry to the barn.

stopped to meet and admire the wonderful work of gina cooper of cat nap inn primitives.

she also has an  etsy shop where you can find her hand crafted creations.

and before departing hazel creek farm, i caught a glimpse of santa before proceeding onto the next stop.

christmas in the country

a wonderful selection of sweets, savories and beautifully designed gift baskets from the lovely cindy of gracious gifts greeted me at my next stop at hajnalka's studio.  artfully arranged and filled with unique gift items. i really enjoyed meeting her and admiring her beautifully arranged space.  

before entering the studio i came across these concrete birdbaths by tim martz.

i thought my sister would appreciate one of the watercolor scenes by hajni joslyn. it was very hard to decide as they were all so lovely.

and my last stop for the day was at the yeomalt cabin for some more holiday shopping. a really fine day! This continues to be one of my favorite weekends on bainbridge island .... so many creative individuals and the generous support from the farms and venues that hosted this wonderful event.

dining at pegasus

pegasus, a bainbridge landmark, is one of my favorite places to stop and have a late morning breakfast of baked eggs or a late afternoon latte. in addition to the indoor seating they have very pleasant outdoor cafe seating when the weather permits.

thanksgiving at the barn house

 

this thanksgiving i was an orphan of sorts. now, don't get me wrong - i had several seattle invites. but,   having been in the city several times in the last few weeks i just really wanted to stay put here on the island, as it's so beautiful this time of year with all the loveliness of fall.

so, i had resolved myself to the possibility that i may be spending thanksgiving alone as no island plans had evolved. but, at the last moment i weaseled an invite to the barn house for a fabulous feast with 30 other guests.

I realized while being there, truly what i like most about the holiday was

the coming together of the multi-generations of people.

from the tots to the teens and everyone in between, on up to the elders.

 talking with young and old and sharing in conversation and good food.

island observations

the gathering

although it is a rainy and blustery day, there is much activity in the garden today. The robins are gathering the plump berries from the hawthorn and madrona trees.

the wild rose

after the thanksgiving feast a good walk was in order.
during the late spring on bainbridge island, the wild rose blooms along the roadways....

i often wander down to fort ward,
to experience the subtle beauty of the brambles in the park and along the beach and pathways.
and now that it is late fall the rose hips are present.

as i returned home -
i spotted this exquisitely unique bird nest, made of mud and moss and hanging from a limb along the roadside.

in the garden....the old rose was just coming into bloom with such an over the top delicious fragrance!!

art in the barn

while enjoying thanksgiving at the barn house, i kept thinking back to an event i attended here in the late summer. the big barn art open studio and sale, featuring quilts by artist, ann fernald borwick. eye-poppingly gorgeous modern heirloom art quilts.

the evening preview party included many good friends, food, wine, music and a bonfire.

thankful

i'am thankful for the beauty that surrounds me each and every day

i appreciate the small things in life
the sounds of the birds singing at dawns first light.

the golden hour at the end of the day....
when the light is magical,

and i can take a walk down to the beach.


i'm thankful for the summer garden when it's in bloom

and the warmth of my kitty cat curled up and purring on my lap

but most of all......

i'am thankful for the loved ones.



Lorelle - Thanksgiving Day

photography-Lorelle 1-6, image7: graime,image8 etsy

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postcards from the island - lavender time

i love lavender....

and in bloom right now is the beautiful

spanish lavender. mounds of purple delight.