The Near Perfect October

October 26, 2022

Aside from the obvious sad notes, I can’t remember a Fall, an October, as beautiful as this. Just what we need to take our mind off of the madness that we have all been living through…shocks of intense color set against a bright blue sky or a dark and brooding one. Even if your don’t like Fall you can’t deny that the large swaths of reds, oranges and yellows, found around every turn, have lifted your spirit. And, the best part? The show is free. So my suggestion is slow down and take it all in while it lasts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You can’t argue with free can you? So, fall color aside, imagine my surprise when I found this Bittersweet ” volunteer” winding it’s way through a crabapple in the yard. A few minutes of untangling and trimming and it was ready to be put to good use indoors.

Before the deer got to the last remaining Hostas, I managed to keep this going in a vase indoors until it dried to this sculptural perfection.

While I generally love a Hubbard Squash for a non-orange twist on a classic Pumpkin, a trip to the cider mill has shaken things up. Not only for the perfect midday break, but fresh cider, a few apples and some artisan heirloom Pumpkins that will eventually be recycled into a pie or Fall soup.

I’m constantly preaching about the necessity of a simple modern glass cylinder and here’s why. No fuss, no muss. Just a few cuttings from the yard dropped in. Boom! Done. This will most definitely take me through till Thanksgiving.

Photos: gp

 

in the best possible way. Following on the heels of his brother Buddy, this guy had some big shoes to fill. And, he did in spades. So much nonstop love and laughter… for me and everyone he met. No one was immune from his magic. As I start this day without him and our daily “touching hearts” I can’t help but wonder, how did I get so lucky?  Good bye Jaxon, my happy, happy boy.

 

 

 

 

Into The Darkness

October 10, 2022

As we move into Fall the shadows grow longer and the days get shorter. Preparing for the long descent into Winter I find myself  thinking about things I can’t do without. And, when there is a choice to be made, I most always go to black. Ticks all the right boxes. Done and done.

Top to bottom:

My ” go to”…any day or everyday… a black cashmere crew neck. photo: Naadam

Looking ahead to next Spring when a new paintjob on the house is in order. While it’s already dark, I think I’d go even darker. Photo via Remash Tumblr

I can’t get this table by Chiara Ferrari outta my head. Perfect.  If you know who took this pic let me know.

Celebrating his tenth year just like simplequietmodern, Baby Hambone Jaxon 3000. The best assistant ever. photo: gp

My first generation Aeron chair just got a tune up and is ready to take me forward in absolute comfort. Photo: Herman Miller

Just what you need to take you through a long cold Winter of soups and stews, this Crane cast iron Dutch oven. Photo: Heath Ceramics

Keeping everyone in barefoot comfort well after Labor Day has passed, Gobi II. The perfect take on my favorite Chukka. Photo: Vivobarefoot

My first flatware purchase was Ward Bennett’s GAP pattern in stainless, and I’ve been using it for longer than I’d care to say. If I do move onto something new, this will be it. Photo: Heath

With the holidays approaching I might suggest this upgrade to your apron wardrobe. You can’t go wrong with black linen. And, if you’re carrying in, dust it with a pinch of flour and hide the takeout containers.

Anyone who knows me can tell you that this Saarinen table is my favorite table ever. Any size , and until now, always in white. This recent introduction in black has a firm grip on me though. Equally stunning, the two In my mind are running neck and neck.  Photo: Knoll