Thank you all for such wonderful and insightful comments to my post this week on Kindness. If you missed that post, you can see it here. Welcome to Saturday Meanderings where we chat about all good things that happen this week. So pull up a chair, grab a beverage and let’s get started.

Though it is still SO hot here (107.5 degrees as I write this), I put up our Fall wreath this week. Surprisingly I still had the Spring wreath up on the front door, as this summer flew by so quickly and never really felt like summer to me. The autumn colors of the wreath against the blue door works somehow and just makes me happy. “If I build it they will come” is my mantra for hoping if I do some decorating, the season will change.

Grapefruit Peel Vinegar Cleaner

Inspired by Lisa, from Fresh Eggs Daily, I am trying my hand at making a cleaner that I could use in the hen house. Since chickens have sensitive respiratory systems, using bleach or other harmful chemicals would not be a good idea.

Apparently, the Orange Peel Vinegar cleaner is very popular on Pinterest, but at the time I didn’t have any oranges, but lots of grapefruits. Combining grapefruit, white vinegar, cinnamon sticks and vanilla beans, the concoction is ready to use.

I am trying it for a few weeks to see if it’s worth sharing with a longer, more detailed post. But I can tell you, it smells divine! Now let’s hope it works. To see Lisa’s post on this, click here.

A Great Haircut

What is it about getting a haircut that just makes you feel fabulous? I was so long overdue and looking a bit shabby. But my favorite stylist and long-time friend, Roscoe, just does his magic and voila! I have a fantastic haircut. I swear, if I could bottle him up and sell him, I’d make a fortune…he’s that good! Also it’s hard to take a selfie of the back of your head..ha!

New Shows to Watch

This movie, Gunsmoke Milkshake, reminds me of Lemony Snicket due to its interesting editing. With a strong cast of female characters, it has humor, relationships and a bit of violence. I did think it is well done and for someone who doesn’t watch movies often, it is entertaining. It can be found on Netflix.

My preference is to watch a television series, where I am only sitting for an hour at a time. Professor T on PBS is about eccentric criminal psychology professor with a brilliant mind, but also several neurological disorders, which makes him very complex and unpredictable. Enjoyable, so far!

My Next Home?

I am always dreaming of a home with a view like this. There is something about the water that I crave, which is interesting as I live in land-locked Phoenix. When I saw this photo (place and photographer unknown to me), I said “this is it!”. Does anyone recognize this photo or where it was taken? A girl can dream, right?

New Products

I did find these Chocolate Coconut Almonds at Trader Joe’s and quite frankly, I am afraid to buy more. It is very easy to consume the entire container. If you love Almond Joys, then this is the treat for you. You probably didn’t know that I used to work for Cadbury U.S.A. and we owned Mounds and Almond Joy. The fastest 5 pounds I ever gained was my first month working there~consuming candy bars fresh off the production line. These delicious morsels, that taste just like the candy bar, are good frozen, too.

Never go to Costco starving, which is what I did this week. In search of a new television, as ours was fried at the cabin due to a lightning strike, I grab this bag for something to nibble on during the ride home.

They are delicious with 10 grams of protein per serving and naturally lactose free~10 crisps equals 150 calories (but the crisps are rather big).

Made by Sonoma Creamery, there are other flavors too! Highly recommend as they would be delicious on a charcuterie board.

Dreamy Vacation Rental

Check out this dreamy English cottage which is available to rent in Devon, England. If making travel plans wasn’t so sketchy right now, I would be booking this for next Spring/Summer.

It looks like something out of a fairy tale. This cottage is owned and decorated by Elizabeth Hay, an interior designer who trained at Colefax & Fowler.  Immaculately restored and bursting with quintessential English country charm, the historic Grade II thatched cottage is surrounded by two acres of private grounds boasting orchards, a babbling brook, and a secret garden.

The cottage sleeps five, and guests have optional access to a beautifully decorated annex, a former livestock barn now converted to further sleeping accommodations. The annex provides ancillary sleeping space and will house an additional four guests. You can read more about this little slice of heaven here and learn more about booking reservations. 

Well that’s a wrap! Have a wonderful and relaxing weekend, my friends!

Even with 30 years on the east coast, I never visited Nantucket Island in Massachusetts. Nantucket is an island about 30 miles from the coast of Cape Cod. The name “Nantucket” is adapted from an Algonquian name meaning “faraway land or island”. Recently, our entire family took a trip to Nantucket.

Nantucket is a tourist destination and summer colony. Due to tourists and seasonal residents, the population of the island increases to at least 50,000 during the summer months (from 10,000 during the rest of the year). Very affluent, the average sale price for a single-family home is approximately $2.3 million.

Why Nantucket?

We won a charitable auction item to spend a week here, only to find out that the accommodations belong to our friends. What a pleasant surprise as not only are they lovely people, but they did happily share everything we need to know about Nantucket….and allowed us to extend our visit to 10 days.

With the children growing up and heading in different directions, my goal is to create an annual fun family vacation somewhere in the world where we can all gather. Naturally I am delighted that all three children could make time in their schedule. Also joining us on this trip is my son’s girlfriend, Delaney and Julianna’s dog, Hemingway.

How to Get There

Being an island, you can fly or take a ferry. Nantucket is served by Nantucket Municipal Airport (ACK), a three-runway airport on the south side of the island. The airport is one of the busiest in Massachusetts and often logs more take-offs and landings on a summer day than Boston’s Logan Airport. This is due in part to the large number of private planes used by wealthy summer inhabitants, and in part to the 10-seat Cessna used by several commercial air carriers to serve the island community.

Once we landed in Newark, we traveled to the Essex airport where our hosts flew us on their private plane to Nantucket. And then they spent the next few days showing us all the wonderful island spots. Lucky us!

The Ambiance

Cobblestone streets, window boxes filled with colorful flowers, and the classic shake siding are abundant here. The Nantucket rose is frequently seen climbing up a trellis, adding shades of pink to the rather gray exteriors.

Everyone’s home is uniquely named and properties range from sweet cottages to sweeping estates.

Lots of shops and interesting restaurants are common, but depending on the time of year, it may be difficult to get reservations.

Beaches and the Water

Being an island, there are many places to enjoy the water, either by boat, car or on foot. You can even drive on the beach with the proper permit!

My brother and his wife brought their boat from Rhode Island to the harbor for a few days~an extra bonus is being able to spend time with them too!

The Weather

Coastal fog is typical this time of year~similar to the June gloom on the west coast. Perfect for quiet mornings on the deck with a cup of coffee. We are surprised to find that different parts of the island have their own unique weather patterns, in spite of the small geographic area.

Things to Do

Besides boating, beaching, exploring, and eating, you can rent bicycles (which I highly recommend). There are numerous bike paths throughout the island. In addition a visit the Whaling Museum, Shipwreck Museum or the display of Nantucket baskets sheds light on the history of this island.

There are 3 lighthouses on the island, which are also fun to see. After biking 12 miles in the morning, we did a 3.5 mile hike in very soft sand to the Great Point lighthouse. My calves are still aching.

Our 10 day Nantucket adventure was made extra special by our hosts and having our entire family together once again. I can honestly say that traveling by air is a bit challenging as the airports are packed and the flights full. But just seeing these beautiful pictures and creating new family memories made the journey worthwhile.

I am back home only to discover a failed air conditioning unit in the kitchen/mudroom/library area that will need complete replacement. Cha-ching. As I am writing this it is 90 degrees in my workspace, but better than the 107.5 degrees outside. It’s hard not to desire for those chilly mornings in Nantucket right now.

Happy Tuesday! Hope you are either on vacation or planning to take one soon.

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It is not very often in life when you get to go somewhere so magical, so unique that it leaves a lasting impression. Fortunately, for my birthday celebration, my sweet spouse arranged a visit to Castle Hot Springs. The kudos actually goes to my son who made us aware of this amazing destination (even though he lives in Washington, DC) based on this Wall Street Journal article.

History

Only 50 miles north of Phoenix, nestled in the Bradshaw Mountains, Castle Hot Springs opened in 1896 and was a wintertime retreat for Vanderbilts, Rockefellers, Pews, Astors and Carnegies. The WSJ states, “It’s like a tornado picked up a five-star resort and dropped it in the middle of a desert valley”. Tycoons and captains of industry would take a Pullman car and then a long stagecoach ride to stay for the season.

Rich in history, Castle Hot Springs gets its name from the mineral-rich thermal waters running beneath the property. The healing properties of these waters, which flow at a rate of 200,000 gallons per day would take “frail boys and girls and develop them into robust manhood and womanhood”. John F. Kennedy recovered here for several months after his combat injuries, as this also served as a military rehabilitation center after World War II.

In 1976, a devastating fire destroyed the main lodge at the resort and the resort lay dormant for the next 40 years.

Fortunately, a local businessman and his wife purchased the property in 2014 and spent millions of dollars bringing it back to life. Their 5 year “passion project” on this 210-acre parcel is now my birthday experience! Dubbed the cousin to Blackberry Farm in Tennessee, this all inclusive resort has 32 rooms. Expansion plans are anticipated.

What makes this idyllic retreat so appealing, is that it is so hard to get to. The hotel sits at the end of an unpaved 7 mile road, which is subject to flash floods. But when you arrive, the scene is breathtaking.

Farm to Table

I love to garden and the gardens at Castle Hot Springs provide a large percentage of the food for the guests. Taking the farm tour from Ian, the head agronomist, is a lesson in new varieties and experimentation. Ian plants different types of fruits, vegetables and herbs producing fresh results at every meal. Striving to grow the most unique and diverse ingredients, the garden is more like his laboratory.

At the end of the tour, we sample the vegetables~some completely new hybrids grown only here at Castle Hot Springs.

Even the bartenders go out and pick fresh herbs to garnish their beverages, while creating a beautiful, fragrant display at the bar.

Unique touches, like using the stalk of a fava bean plant as a straw, is what makes this place so special.

Activities and Adventure

Naturally, there is a plethora of hiking trails. The rocks rise like a cathedral in the Bradshaw Mountains. The air is so clean and clear.

With a long and illustrious past, we visit the Wells Fargo cave~where the money was kept and guarded from bandits.

From horseback riding to helicopter tours, there are many activities to choose. We did archery, Wild West shooting of replica guns from the 1800 and 1900s. But the star of the show is the hot springs. Three pools with varying temperatures are nestled in the rocks above the resort. And without the typical rotten-egg smell most often associated with hot springs.

Even though we only stayed two nights, this adventure is filled with rest and relaxation. There is something sacred about this secret location. A 90 minute massage is also responsible for starting this birthday celebration off correctly!

I cannot say enough about the staff. You can tell from their demeanor that everyone loves working in this environment. We did feel both welcomed and pampered~just perfect.

What made this location so unique is all the history, the trailblazing spirit of the owners over time and now the Watts family has revitalized an important part of Arizona history. Experiencing it is indeed the best of birthday gifts.

Happy Tuesday! I have a very busy week in store as we are expecting our son to visit with six of his friends. Nothing better than a household full!

Special thanks to the staff that made our stay at the Castle Hot Springs memorable:

Bevin~you need to write the Bodacious Beverages by Bevin book

Ryan and Josh~thanks for being patient with my ambidextrous shooting

Eric, Robert, Amber, Shane and Sarah-thanks for making each meal memorable

Marcin~thanks for the lemon slice tutorial

Bradley~for the archery and transportation

Christy~such powerful and therapeutic hands

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holidays

We always look forward to going to our cabin for the July 4th holiday. It is much cooler in the mountains of Arizona and this area has a nice small town feel. The highlight is the July 4th parade, which started many years ago by a wonderful neighbor who believed this holiday needed proper celebrating.

Parade Cancelled

Yesterday, we received word that the parade is cancelled this year. My heart sank as it is just one more thing to adjust to during this pandemic. Intellectually I understand, but emotionally, I was really looking forward to it. And our governor has imposed a 30-day lockdown….again. But we will prevail and keep our spirits up. What choice do we have.

Not only is this parade quite fun but every year thousands of dollars is raised through t-shirt sales and donations supporting the local fire department. Being in the mountains, our firefighters are true heroes as the threat of devastating fires is common during our hot summer months. I am hoping there is still a way to donate?

Nonetheless, we will celebrate our independence and freedom in the true spirit of red, white and blue. Today’s post is a compilation of patriotic celebrations over the past few years. Since I barely know what day it is, I haven’t thought ahead on how I will set the table nor what foods I will prepare. But for some reason, like Christmas, it all comes together, right?

Patriotic Brunch

Our July 4th morning starts with a patriotic brunch and I do serve the same dishes every year. Perhaps I should try something new but these recipes continue to be crowd pleasers.

The egg casserole can be served hot or cold~it’s delicious either way. Hard to believe I shared this with you in 2016! Click here for the recipe.

A tried and true coffee cake recipe can be adjusted each year depending on what fruit you have. My 2017 recipe includes raspberries, but it can be made with peaches, pears, apples, or blueberries. Click here for the recipe.

Since we need our fruits and vegetables there is always a green salad and a fruit salad. Our guests tend to linger after the parade so I make a charcuterie board for nibbling. Ha! I just realized I made a 6 pointed star vs. a 5 pointed star with the cheese! I get an A for effort….Here’s the link to the charcuterie board.

Can’t have brunch without a dessert! I was rather ambitious in 2018 when I baked this impressive red, white and blue 8 layer American Flag cake. First of all, I am never going to do this again, as baking in high altitudes is not one of my strengths. But surprisingly, it did taste very good! Here is the link to that post.

What is July 4th without cherry pie? I have yet to master the perfect cherry pie, but I hope to try my friend Gwen’s recipe this year. It is my husband’s favorite.

Typically I set up brunch around the kitchen island so guests can go in and out of the house, eat, watch the parade, eat some more, watch the parade. But with no parade, we will more than likely sit down at the table on the outdoor covered porch. Here are a few pictures from previous events.

The Table

July 4th is a very important holiday. We often take for granted our independence and freedom. On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence and the birth of the United States as an independent nation began.

We live in an amazing country and I will proudly display many flags. Let’s all remember what the flag symbolizes: white signifies purity and innocence; red, hardiness and valor; and blue signifies vigilance, perseverance, and justice. Long may she wave.

What are you doing to celebrate the 4th of July? My next post will be from the mountains! Happy Wednesday, my friends!

Today’s post shared with Charming Cottages and Gardens

and Centerpiece Wednesday Linky Party at Karins Kottage

On Tuesday, I boarded a plane for the first time since early March. How our world has changed in just a few months! Rated #1 by the Wall Street Journal (two years in a row), Sky Harbor Airport makes flying anywhere relatively easy. We are so blessed to have such a large airport accessible.

We have been traveling over the last few years and signed up for TSA PreCheck and CLEAR. CLEAR is a contactless way to get through security using a retinal scanner (or your fingerprints). Not every airport has this service, however, this touch-less identification system has a dedicated entry line, allowing the security check in process to be faster and less painful.

People watching this time was different, as I found myself looking at masks, not faces. All airports require masks. However, there are many people who were wearing their masks with their noses exposed. Some had them hanging off one ear and not even covering their faces. My favorite was a man whose mask completely covered his chin, but nothing else.

At one point I scolded myself for mask judging. I find that wearing one is a bit claustrophobic and really reduces our way to watch facial expressions or read lips. But, I must admit, there were some humorous ones out there and it was a good way to pass the time!

Our airport was packed with people at the gates, but it was eerily quiet when walking between terminals. Most of the shops are closed and have their security gates down. Some of the restaurants are open and you are allowed to sit and eat (without your mask).

The photo below there wasn’t another person in either direction as far as the eye could see. If you are on Instagram and follow my stories, you will see two videos on the empty airport spaces.

However, the plane was nearly full. That I found surprising because I thought airlines were supposed to keep the center seat free, but that was not the case. No social distancing there!

The plane was very clean, however, I still wiped down all surfaces with my disinfecting wipes. Also, the airlines do not provide a beverage or snack/meal service. You may be able to request a drink but I didn’t witness anyone doing that either. I am so happy I purchased a bottle of water at the gate and managed to grab some breakfast cookies out of the freezer. If you missed those recipes, click here.

My flight took me to Dallas to Dallas/Fort Worth airport. If you have ever been to DFW, the airport is enormous. If you need to move between terminals, the SkyTrain transports you there. I decided to walk between terminals and again, there was no one as far at the eye could see. It was a bit spooky because at one point in time, I thought I was in a section that may have been closed off to the public.

Traveling now with new restrictions due to COVID, I felt like I was in a really bad B movie. I understand the need to cover our faces but unfortunately it isolates us. Conversation on the airplane was non-existent. You cannot see someone’s smile. Our ability to converse with clarity is now muffled. Instead of smiling at someone, head nodding is the new way to acknowledge. How sad that this virus has changed the world.

For those who remember traveling before 9/11, there is now a new shift in air travel. I have concerns about how this will further alienate us from each other. How fear of the unknown makes us hunker down more.

Yet, I know this will pass and we will adapt. It is more important now that ever to find other ways to maintain the human connection. Maybe letter writing will re-emerge or perhaps technological advances like Zoom or Google Hangouts is the new fiber that will hold us together.

I just returned from 4 days in Waco and my next post will be about my experiences there. Since I arrived home late last night and have so many photos to sort through and edit, there wasn’t enough time this morning to do so.

Here is the picture on the way home from the airport last night. Please pray for rain. Without our summer monsoon rains, the fire dangers increase. This fortunately was a brush fire that was managed but a reminder on how easily a spark can spread into something much more devastating.

I am SO happy to be home and I wish all of you a wonderful Saturday. May your weekend be filled with relaxing moments and quality time with your family and friends.

After a very stressful week meeting unpleasant deadlines, I jumped at the chance to join my husband in his annual “take the geraniums to the mountain” trip. The high temperatures in Phoenix are distressing the many potted geraniums we have. Each spring we pile them in the back of the pickup and drive them to moderate temperatures for the summer.

We arrived late last night to a cool and windy 65 degrees. This morning, the skies are clear and blue and sunny.

Since we haven’t been here since November today will be cobweb cleaning and opening up all the windows. One of the first things I check is the basket of geraniums hanging outside the front door. A few years back, a momma bird built a nest and has been returning each spring.

Here is a picture of the nest this morning. No eggs, but the photo with eggs was taken at the end of May 2019.

Though it will be a day of chores, there is something cathartic about letting in the fresh air and getting rid of the dust and winter staleness. We will unveil Gandalf, our carved pine tree. The tree died a few years ago and a talented wood carver created our one of a kind yard art piece.

The pear and apple trees have blooms on them~a good sign that we will have fruit again this year. I still find it so strange that we didn’t even know we had a pear tree until last year, as it did not bear fruit for the last 7 years.

As I wrap up the last of my coffee, I hope my stress less vibes reach all of you today! Have a glorious weekend and happy May! If you would like to see more pictures of our cabin, please click here.