The Summer Parasol

That's my grandmother, Florence Hubbard, (holding the second parasol on the right) at her Wellesley College Reunion.

I don't remember her, but the family cottage is full of her mementos.

Her school books, mostly on the subjects of Art and Natural History, have always resided on a shelf next to the fireplace. And in a dark corner in the hall, as if waiting for her return, is her parasol. It is there that I discovered it one summer, and it soon became a constant childhood companion. How did that fragile paper confection survive its career as a prop for my daily whirling, twirling and dancing on the lawn, fashion shows, theatre productions and dress-up parties? In quiet times, it shaded and guarded me from the noonday sun. This is one special family keepsake which will definitely not make this summer's garage sale. So its back to your corner, Dear Friend. Be patient, the next generation - little Emma, Mila or Lila Grace will soon discover your hiding place.

Still Whirling and Twirling,
Marjorie

Back in the Hammock Again!

Not quite a lady of leisure! But settling in nicely with mother and cat at the lake.

A Gift from the Finger Lakes

Savoring the Season,
Marjorie

Sweet Pea - The Return of the Native

Some of you may remember last summer when a scrawny little stray cat came calling at the cottage screen door. No one I asked knew its story, except that according to local legend, it had spent two winters alone in the old garage. We gladly offered our hearts and home to this little waif. Thinking it was a girl kitty, we named it "Sweet Pea". But this little cat was full of surprises. She was a he!

Come Fall, "Pea" went to board in town with my friend Sandy on Main Street. Right next door is The Historical Society, and both staff and visitors to the Museum were quite taken with the cat, (who never missed a chance for a pat or photo-op). But not so taken with him were my friend's other feline pet, or the neighborhood townie cats, who bloodied and bullied poor "Tux", (as he was now called).

A telephone call from Sandy suggested that it would be best for all if the cat returned to the safety of its summer lakeside retreat. So great - he's back! Not so great, the worry of finding him more permanent digs.

Yet, we were in for one other surprise. When I encountered a neighbor from way down the beach road, I asked her if she would like to have a cat. As I began my sweet cat sales pitch, she said "Why, that sounds like "Jacob", my neighbor's cat - but he disappeared last winter."

OMG! "Sweet Pea" alias "Tux", is really "Jacob"!

Looks like we're all home at last!

Marjorie

Diving into Summer at the Lake!

We've packed our bathing costumes, and headed East to the Scenic Finger Lakes Region of Upstate New York State, (where it ready feels like Summer!)

I am here for a few months, and will be reporting on some of the Region's shops, flea markets, antique shows, restaurants and wineries, as well as the return of a furry guest from last year's visit.

Everything is going swimmingly so far...except, that is, my antiquated computer dial-up connection. Got to love it!

Marjorie

Kitty Home Come!

Sweet Pea is her name. This adorable stray cat first came to the backdoor of the cottage needing a nuzzle and a meal. Ever since she has been the centerpiece of family life.

Sweet Sweet Pea

The kitty has even been granted special permission to nap on Grandma's favorite chaise lounge.

Lately, though, I have begun to worry about what will happen to kitty when I fly away home, and when the North wind begins to blow. I am told, not to worry... that she has already survived at least two Upstate winters (one even in the attic of the cottage garage). But Sweet Pea needs a real home. With that in mind, she has just applied for a position as chief mouse catcher and shop cat for Swansdown Antiques at Rose Hill Mansion in Geneva. Finger crossed she aces the interview.

Call me Smitten,,

Marjorie

Labor Day at the Lake

Have a seat in one of the old white chairs at the lake.

Savor the final days of summer.

Happy Labor Day!

Marjorie

A Thoreau Summer

These long hot summer days remind me of the old hammock at the family cottage in the Finger Lakes. A relic of WWI, the hammock was brought back by my maternal grandfather. It was made of heavy grey canvas with dark letter stenciling. We kids spent hours swinging in it, and designing ever-more daring acrobatic feats.

This summer I have vowed to take some time in a hammock: to rock, to read, to think, and to sip some of Aunt Betty’s mint tea. Thoreau said it best in the following excerpt from his Journal:

I go forth to make new demands on life. I wish to begin this summer well; to do something in it worthy of it and me, to transcend my daily routine and that of my townsmen; to have my immortality now, that it be in the quality of my daily life…. I pray that the life of this spring and summer may ever lie fair in my memory. May I dare as I have never done! May I persevere as I have never done! May I purify myself anew as with fire and water, soul and body! May my melody not be wanting to the season! May I find myself to be a hunter of the beautiful, that naught escape me! May I attain to a youth never attained! I am eager to report the glory of the universe. May I be worthy to do it; to have got through with regarding human values, so as not to be distracted from regarding divine values.

Savor your summer,
Marjorie