Summer Dreams

What is it about this time of year that draws one outdoors? Early this morning I took my coffee and camera outside to listen to the neighborhood awaken in the cool crisp air. As I focused on taking photos of the newly bloomed Asian Lilies, squirrels jumped from tree to tree. At first, I thought it was a huge buck walking through the woods or a rather large man, but after focusing on the area where branches were falling, I saw the furry tails of these creatures chasing one another. After lining up a few floral shots, I picked up my coffee and began dreaming of the perfect summer, which by coincidence starts with a morning like this…NO HUMIDITY and temps down to 46 degrees.

I usually take to creating the perfect escape during lengthy meetings at work, and begin drafting vacations in margins of notes or on the computer. First and foremost I must be near water. Its the perfect place to start the day with a morning swim, then to end the day after sightseeing. To be gliding through the water for an evening swim is absolute luxury!

As my needs are simple next on the list, its about finding bakeries and bistros with fabulous desserts or treats. Tony took this photo while in downtown Rio last week of a tart and cappuccino at Columbio Confectionary. And, margarita’s to martini’s are always on the agenda.

Lastly, what reverie can end without flowers. These beautiful lilies were from the early morning photo-shoot, where my focus during warmer months are always on growing and procuring blooms to have on the desks at work, and in vases around Heath.

As summer approaches, remember to stay stylish,
K

Destination: Charleston

One of my focal points when in Charleston are the mini-gardens or window boxes filled with leafy caladiums, ivy, night blooming jasmine, snapdragons, mums or kale. We take photographs of the various arrangements and share them with Tony, then we come home to recreate the beauty on the front of our homes. 

Each time we are in Charleston the team must check out the Italianate home called Calhoun Mansion on 16 Meeting Street, which was built during the Gilded Age in 1876. The current owner is a consummate collector of art, objet d’art and every kind of nick-knack that he then stuffs into the house. We visit regularly to see updated artifacts added to the collections, and the latest addition is a mirror found in a diner in Winchester, Virginia. It is absolutely exquisite and a heavy piece, which instead of mounting to the wall, it was propped then secured. Unfortunately, we cannot take photos inside the house so, you must go to experience the premises.

The pig salt and pepper shakers were absolutely adorable, and various animal shakers were set on each table at “Jestines” which is located on 251 Meeting Street. If you enjoy soul food with a lot of soul, you must stop by for a taste. 

We always allow time for stopping in Kaminsky’s the dessert cate located on 78 N Market Street, where fresh pies and cakes are baked daily. This coconut pie was great with a cup of coffee after a day of site-seeing. 

Travel stylishly,
Kathleen

Beauty of Winter

On Tuesday evening the DC Metropolitan area began battening down for Winter Storm Petra, and by Wednesday the majority of schools were closed along with several universities and Government offices. Needless to say I was home and loved being tucked into our kitchen at Heath. After doing those frightful taxes I felt the need for comfort, and what better way to get back in sync than by testing a few recipes. 

Before cooking I paused for a brief moment to see the freshly fallen snow, and enjoyed the exquisite beauty of nature. These pictures are untouched and have that surreal look of black and white photography. But, now its time for sunny days with a bit of warmth.

Stay warm,
K