Thursday, November 19, 2009















A fiery fall sunset, and our beautiful Tom turkey...Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and though the leaves are just about gone (ok, everything is gray EXCEPT the row of Bradford pear trees in the back yard - they match this sunset!) there is still so much to do in the garden...all the perennials get trimmed back, the leaves are piled on the flower beds to keep them semi-warm, and them everything will be mulched for winter. December, January and into February all is quiet - then one day, the front yard will be covered in purple crocus blossoms, and we know it won't be long for the daffodils!



In the mean time, Christmas decorations go up - we are cutting a TALL tree this year for the Breezeway, and putting up a pretty one for the Festival of Lights (great to see in Scottsville - over 30 trees, each decorated so pretty - runs from Dec 12 thru 20) Also, if you are here in early December, the Charlottesville Gingerbread House competition is at the Paramount Theatre this year - you get to see the trains, houses, and get a tour of the renovated theatre also - it is really beautiful. www.theparamount.net Also some very good Christmas shows coming up there in December - let us know if you'd like us to get you tickets and dinner reservations for a holiday show! The Charlottesville City Market becomes the Holiday Market through December every Saturday morning - artisan crafts, food, great stuff for unique gifts.

Have a happy and safe Thanksgiving - think of us for a winter weekend! High Meadows gift certificates make a great present!

Thursday, November 12, 2009

this weekend

So we have had DAYS of rain and windy weather...but the weekend is going to be gorgeous! Saturday and Sunday both - high 60's/low 70's and SUNNY. The trees that are hanging on to their leaves are the beautiful big red oaks, and a few bright yellows up on the mountains. The roadsides are a blanket of color on the ground - I am hoping to get up to Skyline drive this weekend.

Seeing lots of buck deer along the roads, in the fields...of course, it's not unusual to see several females at dusk in the edge of nearly every pasture - this time of year, the single antlered males are what catch the eye - they have a way of running that is just beautiful. Most of the birds are gone or going now - til May - except the cardinals (which are so lovely when it snows!) and big black birds. Definitely feels like fall is wrapping up and winter is on the way!

The vineyard is completley put to sleep for the winter...every row has been cultivated beneath the vines - it looks lovely. Quiet, peaceful, and yet after it sleeps for just a few months - it will be lush and green and (hopefull!) loaded with grapes...it is one of my favourite places to walk, and to just sit and look at the quiet symmetry of it. I am hoping for a new bench this winter to place at the southern end - looking back up the vineyard to the house. There are some beautiful teak root benches up in Madison county...they look like old twisty grapevines actually - I may need to stop there on my way to DC in a few weeks, and pick one out!

I thought that between my mother and I, we had nearly every cookbook known...well, at least every one we could WANT to have...then I came across a book and website that I can't wait to try some recipes from... www.thepioneerwoman.com
It is kind of blunt sometimes, but I think she is so honestly trying to do the best she can with life - it makes me happy. There is a recipe for Tres Leches cake...omg, there is no way it can be healthy - but on the other hand, I do believe that anything made with lots of love and a little bit of decadance can probably help all of us to live longer. Her Blackberry cobbler is clafouti-ish to me, but it looks delightful. And some of the savory recipes made my mouth water just reading them...and then there are her photographs. WOW. Step by step, and artfully beautiful. I wish she were coming to C'ville for a book signing!

Thursday, November 5, 2009

perfect weather continues...

What a fall! I am sitting outside, warm sun shining, grass still lush and green - though quickly getting a covering of gorgeous leaves. The air is just cool enough that getting cozy is a pleasant thought! Fireplaces are definitely going to be in use form now on. Bonfire this weekend? If the rain holds off, most definitely.

Also happening this weekend - Cardinal Point Winery Oyster Roast, Saturday and Sunday...nice wine, good food, VERY fun music...how about some Cajun punk on Sunday?? Easy to get to, and you'll pass my favourite antique store on the way.

Virginia Film Festival happens this week - lots of good tickets still available. SO much to do this time of year - and, the breweries are introducing their holiday brews soon, so even non-wine drinkers have some fun ahead.

Farmer's markets are closed for the season now - even our chickens are slowing down a little bit. I guess winter will come sooner or later - we are putting in winter greens, though the last batch was devoured by a hungry groundhog - maybe a new fence to deter him?

The peacocks are so pretty too - no long tail feathers for the winter, but loads of down makes the birds seem twice their normal size! They have been feasting on the bugs that are getting sluggish in the cool air.

I am off to the orchard for a look at the view, and some more of my favourite apples...and cider for guests this weekend. Ciao!