The House of Mirth

August 4, 2014



Several weeks ago I visited the Edith Wharton House in Lenox MA. It was a perfect day for a road trip. A sunny, clear gorgeous Saturday. I met Margo early and off we went. She even drove! Of course we missed the exit because we were so busy talking but that is part of the fun of a road trip.


The house and its grounds were beautiful. We ate lunch on the terrace overlooking the garden. Then we took a tour of the house. Wharton designed the house herself and it had to be perfectly symmetrical to suit her taste. Could she have been a little OCD? Doors and windows had to match on both ends of the house even if there was no reason for them to be there. But what was really interesting and unknown to me was her prolific writing. Not only novels but books on gardens, travel and home design. My knowledge of her only extended to Ethan Frome which was required reading in high school and the movies I saw based on her novels. I was ashamed of my ignorance but its never too late to learn.


We had a great day that Saturday. After the house tour we had drinks outside at The Red Lion Inn and then a leisurely dinner in town. But through all the nonstop conversation we paused at one of the exhibits to really take in this quote by Wharton about her feelings for Walter Berry. "He found me when my mind and soul were hungry and thirsty, and he fed them until our last hour together." How beautiful.

12 Days of Christmas

December 24, 2013



I spent this past weekend at the Red Lion Inn In Stockbridge MA. I went with some trepidation as  the last time I was there on this particular weekend the kids were small and I was married. It has become a tradition for Margo and Anne and their families but I would be sort of a newbie. But oh the things I would have missed if I didn't go!


1. Hugs from Matt, who is hands down the best hugger in the world. Fred and his monkey. (you had
    to be there)


2. Watching Annemarie "work the room."


3. Consignment shopping with Margo where I purchased a new lady head. The pensive one that should
     remind me to think just a little before I act. ( Not my strong suit.)


4. Talking to John through the wall between our rooms.


5. Watching Kelsey sing Feliz Navidad with the Skipper.


6. Three french hens, Hilary, Bethany and Kelsey.


7. Megan and her five golden rings.


8. Lauren and her absolutely beautiful smile.


9. Shaun and his sexy voice singing to me in the lobby. Even if it was about throwing me overboard.
    Next year I want to do a rap song with him at Karaoke. Thinking Monster by Rihanna.


10. Being shown up in the gift giving by my new BFF, Patti. I'm going to start now for next year.


11. Gaining a new adopted daughter, Julia. I think she may like to try new restaurants almost as much
       as I do.


12. But most of all I'm glad I didn't miss the opportunity to see Gerald as the Partridge in the Pear Tree.
      Perfect! Lin, you made the whole weekend bringing everyone all together with your creativity and
      thoughtfulness.
     

Thank you all for making this so special for me.

The Berkshires

  October 11, 2012


I just got home from spending the night in the Berkshires with Margo, who has been my friend since seventh grade. We used to spend the weekend before Christmas at the Red Lion Inn for several years when the kids were little. Margo and Annemarie have continued that tradition but I did not. Dave thought it was too boring, why couldn't we go to a different place each year?, yada yada.

Margo was worried that I would be bored. That I only enjoy big cities with lots to do. And I do enjoy that. But I also enjoy the quiet and peaceful places. I enjoyed reminiscing about being young. About Claire saving me turkey on Thanksgiving because she knew I didn't have it at home. About the corned beef and cabbage on St. Patrick's Day which I would certainly never have had in my Italian house. About her hiding the aginettes. About being Daughter #3. About Bud worrying about me when Joe broke up with me right before the junior prom and how he called up to us, "Does she need a glass of water?" as I ran up the steps crying! I wish he were here now to offer me water and consolation.

Aside from the fact that I forgot my overnight bag at home and had to turn around a half hour into the ride to retrieve it and Margo booking the room without the bathroom ( which I clearly offered to pay extra for!) I had a great time. And I did look hot walking down the hall in the terrycloth Red Lion Inn robe to the shower.

We talked about old times and some of the newer times. I even got to visit two new libraries. It was just what I needed and at just the right time. The trees were not at peak but the company was superb. Missed you though Annemarie!