In an Aeroplane Over the Sea

Over the weekend I had the pleasure of traveling to Block Island with my dad. And what a better way to visit than by airplane? Dad's a pilot and with a sizable portion of dedication, he built his own plane a few years ago. It's a shiny blue single engine propeller plane that's got tons of speed and plenty of windows for viewing stunning skylines. Some folks are a little hesitant to hop into such a small aircraft but with my father at the wheel (yoke, actually) I am absolutely at ease! Really, it's an experience like no other. Small aircrafts fly at much lower altitudes than jets do so the view can't be beat. Plus, with a trip like this, a 25 minute flight beats a two hour driving/ferry trip any day. 

It was pretty swell to see the whole island from above as we were flying in as it gave me a great sense of the layout. The coast is a mix of rocky cliffs and sandy beaches while inland is dotted with beach houses, ponds, and open fields. Talk about some lucky residents, all the buildings are very spread out so you can still have privacy even though you are live on slice of land that's only 10 square miles. The island is so small in fact that we could walk from the airport to town in a few minutes. We thought about renting bikes but ended up on one of the hiking trails that cut through the center of the island. The path was lined with honeysuckle bushes and wild roses, oh and did I mention that there was not another soul in site? What a great way to spend father's day weekend!

On the way home we flew over my family's vacation spot, Westport, which I have mentioned here and here. After coming here all my life, it was pretty mind blowing to see the area from the air. I never realized how wide the river really is and how much green space has been preserved. In the second photo, the river and the farm fields sandwich our property which is hidden in the trees.

This Old House, Part Deux

Remember that grand old building I live in? Through the ups and downs, it's been a great ride but the house is now sold and Very Vanilla will be moving on soon! Goodbye dust bunnies and drafty windows, hello "real" apartment with a full size kitchen and closets (fingers crossed). In efforts to capture all my favorite features, I have been snapping photos of this here homestead since last fall. I certainly will miss living under such tall, majestic trees. The two story high columns are not bad either!

When I say "old," I should say "ancient." Certain areas of the interior were never refinished and have almost literally stood still in time. Many vestiges of the old school remain, including the bowling alley! What school would be complete without one of those? I love the wooden pins and paint whose sea foam hue is barely hanging on.

Most certainly my favorite feature is the Secret Garden-esque trellis which has held wisteria vines for over 100 years.

Homegrown Vermont

Hello, hello! Well, I am happy to report that spring is in full bloom - even in the chilliest corners of the country, a.k.a Vermont! We took a jaunt up north to see the play Jules's mother was stage managing and in addition to a healthy dose of culture, we got to enjoy all the lovely trimmings of the season. Much of the fields and forest that surrounds their family homestead was covered in big ferns which gave the scenery a jungle like quality. In typical Vermont fashion, the weather was cloudy and a tad cold but it's nothing some warm, fire grilled bread won't solve! Made down the road in the community bread oven, this brings a whole new meaning to rustic.

When Jules's mother is not helping put on the latest local play, she is making delightful Tarentaise cheese at Spring Brook Farm. Mild yet so flavorful, I can never get enough!

Over in the garden was the prettiest peony I ever did see. The one blossom had pastel peach, cream, and pink hues.

We harvested some rhubarb to make dessert. I love these huge leaves with yellow veins.
The black raspberries were on their way, they come fairly early in the season.

 Perhaps my all time favorite flower, the poppies were as cheerful as ever. That color simply cannot be beat. Don't the petals look like tissue paper?

At first glance, the hilltop looks like it has grass only but I was amazed to find furry orange moss, wild strawberries and funny, spindly dandelions.

 Here's the side of the barn and some peonies-to-be. I can't wait for more outdoor summer adventures!

Butterflies in the City

As a native Washington D.C. area gal, I am ashamed to admit how little I know about my fair city. There were some school field trips, Kennedy Center performances, and, later on, the occasional concert, but I never did much exploring. Let's just say that the priorities of a high school student are elsewhere! In the past few years, I have made it my mission to make up for lost time when I come back to visit. During the holidays, the go-to family activity is the National Zoo. And no, my sister and I do not care if we are the oldest kids there, we always have blast! If not animals, there is my preferred craft beer establishment or a visit to one of the city's one zillion museums. I was in town this past weekend and decided to start from square one on the latter front. A high-of-70-degree day was the perfect chance to scoot into town with Dad for a day on the Mall.


First up was the new MLK Monument. Mr. King is large and in charge, dramatically looking over the tidal basin. He's surrounded by some of his greatest quotes which really made for a complete, thought provoking experience as so many of them still resonate today.

On the way to the Smithsonian's we passed by the Occupy settlement, one of the last ones standing.

Next, we dropped by the American History museum and while the display of mid-century memorabilia was semi-engaging, the mis-mash of dusty exhibits did the nation's history little justice. The place reflects the current state of the American economy all too well. It did look like a few things were under construction so I will give those folks the benefit of the doubt...


Last was the Natural History Museum, best known as the home of the Hope Diamond. Lots to see here but by far, the highlight of our excursion was the Butterfly Pavilion. I guess I did make it to a zoo after all. The greenhouse is a tropical paradise, chock full of flowers and the butterflies who love them. We almost skipped it but I am so glad we went in. It was unexpectedly wonderful to mingle with these magical creatures and they are more than happy to pose for the camera. I certainly get a kick out of their species names too - Small Postman, Paper Kite, Great Mormon!

Snow - Fall

Inches of snow in late October? You betcha. It's New England after all. I finally made it up to New Hampshire where my mother resides to catch the last of the fall leaves. Saw those but everything else was covered in white. Oddly enough, the snow and autumnal colors look almost natural together. A visit to Castle in the Clouds, a mountain top estate built at the turn of the century by one fancy shoe industry baron, was the perfect way to take in the scenery. Oh and a countryside trip would not be complete without a stop at neighbor's farm stand to scoop up some fresh eggs and homemade feta cheese!