At the Vineyard...

In the waves... be back later

Away in Lake Placid!

Sorry for the lack of postings this summer- very busy with guests, facebook and traveling- am in Lake Placid as we speak - visiting my brother's family. We will be in Saratoga Springs this week and then back up to LP for a Flaherty family reunion. Pix to follow! Until then enjoy the fun and games

 

 View from my room- gorgeous weather

The House- called "Moon Dance" - just gorgeous!!! And so much fun!

Happy Fourth of July from Maine!!!!

FLORIDA GETAWAY!!!

 Just back from a great trip to Tampa Clearwater Beach area of Florida. Spent 9 days in the sun and on the water. Great weather and a great time. This sunset seen every night from our balcony of the Hyatt Clearwater Beach. We had a great 2 bedroom suite with fabulous views.

Took a lengthy hike down the beach at Fort DeSoto State Park- considered one of the best beaches in the world- we arrived around 4pm- great time to walk the beach.

Chartering a boat was a great idea- we anchored off "One Tree" island and did some swimming- or jumping off the boat- Moira did a great dive!

 Nora turning 8 years old on the trip - can really do great dives too!!!

 Here I am with my brother Rich and his son Rory- quite the boat captain!

The whole crew on our Pontoon boat- the Tampa Bay area is great for boating.

Even the real "Captain" had a great day on the water.

Moira had a quick fun getaway from the pressures of work in Washington DC!!!

My brother Rich and his family on Easter morning at brunch with wife Mary, Rory almost 14, Kerry 10 and Nora on her Easter birthday is 8 years old!

Great time with this crowd- fun fun fun!!!!!

HAPPY SAINT PATRICK'S DAY!!!!

Round Table Discussion

 This is the round table before we had it refinished this winter.  It was delivered back to us this Christmas and it looks fabulous! Our next problem is how we will "decorate" the room- I have thought many books layered with an ever changing floral arrangement would look good. I really like the layered look - George thinks I "booby-trap" every space in the house!

This space in Oscar de la Renta's home is fabulous!  How about that for a layered table??? A bit overdone by my beach house standards but great none the less!!! Love the coral centerpiece!

 Another idea from Martha Stewart's Maine house - this is her great room or great hall- books scattered on the round table but how about those covered stools??? What a great idea - increasing seating and you can sit a spell while browsing - Don't think I would use the floor length tablecloth in our house - maybe a little too formal but who knows- Martha usually knows best!

The other change I am thinking of is getting rid of the Oriental carpet and adding a bound sisal rug-like here-
 http://www.potterybarn.com/products/color-bound-sisal-rug/

I think I would need a 9x12 or larger.  Need to measure the space and find someplace that could bind the rug with navy blue- that or leave it beige- Thoughts???

Can't wait for the Maine season and to get on with the projects! Hurry up Spring!

Soakin' Mushroom Recipe!!!

It seems every time I want to make this side dish we can't find the recipe. We are usually either up in Maine- Lake Plaid somewhere other than DC.  My son GJ always says- Mom you should put all your recipes on the blog. He is right - easy access. So here goes - we will never be without this one again.

George had this first at a potluck at the Boeing Company in Saint Louis. He asked the women who made it for the recipe and we have been enjoying it ever since!!  Great with steak on the grill or a festive beef tenderloin.



                                                     Soakin' Mushrooms


4 Tablespoons butter
2 Tablespoons sherry
1 Tablespoon minced garlic
1/2 lb mushroom caps. stems removed
1/2 cup whipping cream

Melt butter with sherry and garlic over medium flame in skillet. Add mushrooms and saute till mushrooms are lightly browned and butter is sizzling. Add whipping cream and stir to coat mushrooms. Turn up the flame and boil hard until sauce thickens. Cook to the consistency of a thin custard. Garnish and serve at once.

optional garnishes- parmesan cheese, parsley, green onions or pistachios.