On The Road — Page 60

Cottage Details

June 23, 2015 at 9:25 am by Claudia

We rehearsed until 10 pm last night, so I’m a bit off today. The students often have classes scheduled in the mornings, so rehearsals can’t start until the afternoon. Since I tend to wake up early, I’m fading by about 8 pm! Luckily, I slept in a bit today.

More photos from my walking tour on Sunday:

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The details on these cottages never fail to enchant me. This one has a porch that is high off the ground and another porch on the second level (a common occurrence in Chautauqua). The siding is board and batten. The detail around the two roof peaks is absolutely charming – and the diamond-shaped windows! Don’t you just want to sit on this porch and while away the hours?

6-23 shingle detail

And then there’s detail like this – subtle, but charming.

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There are grand houses around here and I will share some photos of them with you over the next two weeks, but my favorites are the modestly sized cottages – many of them Carpenter Gothic in style. I’ve noticed that many homeowners have named their cottages. This one is The Buckeye, which makes me think these homeowners hail from Ohio.

Many of them have a vase of flowers adorning a table on the porch – beautifully arranged, cottage in style. Hanging ferns, planter boxes, painted furniture in a lovely shade of blue, flag waving…perfect.

6-23 favoritewhitehouse

I have two favorite houses here. This one is my second favorite. That’s a yellow chair on the porch, which seems to be a perfect choice for an all-white house.

The railing…oh my heavens! I love everything about this house. The details are incredible. I’ll try to get a full-on shot later this week.

I have one absolute favorite that I’ll share with you later in the week.

A heads up: Someone who is dear to my heart in every way is having a birthday tomorrow, and for the second year in a row, I’m working out of town and can’t be there with him. So, will you help me out and stop by tomorrow to wish the guy I live with a Happy Birthday? See you then.

Happy Tuesday.

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A Walk on the Grounds

June 22, 2015 at 8:35 am by Claudia

Sunday was our day off. We went grocery shopping, I did some laundry (there’s a convenient and free washer and dryer just down the hall) and, when I realized the predicted rain was not coming, I took a long walk around the grounds of the Chautauqua Institution.

I took lots of pictures, which I’ll share with you this week.

By the way, if you want to learn more about the Chautauqua Institution, visit their website by clicking here.

6-22 ampitheater

The incredible amphitheater, built in 1879. Yes, you see organ pipes behind the stage. So many famous people have been on that stage – the mind boggles. Last year, I heard the symphony play in this space, attended the Opening Ceremony, and listened to Tom Brokaw.

6-22 presby association

There are Houses (like this Presbyterian House) scattered throughout the grounds. People, presumably of that faith, can rent rooms and take part in all the summer activities.

Although, whoever is in charge of the sign needs to brush up on letter and number spacing.

6-22 antenaeum hotel

The gorgeous (and huge) Athenaeum Hotel. There are rocking chairs all along that porch and sitting in them is a favorite activity around here.

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A glimpse of a Victorian-era tower.

6-22 red bridge

6-22 railing

I love the railing on this building.

6-22 lakeshore

6-22 seagulls

Seagulls perching.

6-22 dock

I stood on this dock for a long time. Oh, to live on the water.

6-22 lake

And then I sat on a bench here. My dream has always been to live on a lake. When I am lucky enough to visit a place like Chautauqua, which is situated on the shores of Chautauqua Lake, I feel my shoulders dropping, I take deep breaths, I relax.

Maybe some day?

6-22 belltower

The bell tower, which is on the lakeshore and is the symbol of the Chautauqua Institution. It chimes on the hour and half hour. Come to think of it, I think it chimes on the quarter hour, as well.

6-22 sparkling water

Ahhhh. My grandfather built the first cottage on a lake called Silver Lake. It was very modest. We used an outhouse when I was a kid. It was a big deal when the indoor bathroom was installed. My father and his siblings inherited it when my grandfather passed away, but my Aunt Lettie spent the most time there, so the other siblings eventually sold their shares to her. Nevertheless, it remained the Family Cottage and we all gathered there on summer holidays, as well as for a week or two at time during the summer.

Summers at The Lake, as we called it, were part of my growing up years and I suppose they have left their mark on me. I long to live on a lake, to hear the gentle sound of waves lapping the shore, to sit on the dock, to sleep to the sound of the water.

In the meantime, I will visit this lake as often as possible.

Don had to leave the house at 2 am this morning in order to be in Manhattan by 4:30 am. He was being picked up at that time by a driver who then took him to the film location in Brooklyn. He’s filming his third episode of Mr. Robot. Poor Don! I imagine he’ll collapse when he gets home. Friends of ours are stopping by to check in on Scoutie.

Happy Monday.

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Chautauqua Miniatures

June 21, 2015 at 9:13 am by Claudia

I had some free time yesterday morning – and it wasn’t raining – so I grabbed the opportunity to visit Chautauqua Miniatures. Last year, I drove there but it’s really just down the road (about a twenty minute walk,) so this time I walked it.

6-21 Chautauqua Minis

It’s in an old barn and, along with all things mini, there are also sections of the shop that sell gifts and women’s clothing. Isn’t this a neat building?

I renewed my acquaintance with one of the owners, who, it turns out, used to work at the Chautauqua Institution, as did her partner in this business. Several years ago, they left their jobs to start this shop. I sure am grateful!

I’ve taken a lot of photos, but there’s really no way I can fully and adequately show you what’s there. Just like last year, I made a promise not to photograph artisan pieces, so I can’t show you the details of all the room boxes and the incredible creations that were everywhere in the shop.

6-21 Chautauqua Minis 2

There are finished dollhouses everywhere and display cases full of minis. The display case to the left in this photo holds lots of artisan creations. I may have purchased a few things from that very case.

6-21 Chautauqua Minis 3

I love this finished dollhouse.

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And this one.

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There’s a whole pet section. I need to look more closely at that section next week – during their (gulp) sale.

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There’s a section devoted to fairy garden supplies.

6-21 Chautauqua Minis 7

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Gorgeous.

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Talk about a porch!

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Upstairs you’ll find lots of building supplies and dollhouse kits.

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Love this vintage dollhouse.

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Need a bed?

Needless to say, there is even more and I promise to take my camera along when I go there next weekend.

I had a little bit of money set aside (I hid it in my desk) to buy some minis – specifically for the rooftop garden. And I did buy some.

6-21 Chautauqua Minis planters

I bought two picket fence planters.

6-21 Chautauqua Minis basket

I bought a basket.

6-21 Chautauqua Minis hangingbasket

I bought a hanging basket of flowers. Isn’t it pretty?

WWW - dollhouse kitchen 3

And I bought another corner shelf kit – like the one you see in the kitchen. I purchased this one last year and I thought it would be nice to have a matching shelf in the opposite corner.

But, my friends, I must confess: just as in real life, I was diverted by pottery. Gobsmacked, really.

First, I saw this (the picture doesn’t do it justice):

6-21 Chautauqua Minis mccoy

This little white vase, which is just like a real-life McCoy vase. You see that I had to have it, don’t you?

And then…and then…I saw three pieces that blew me away. I was going to pick one. Just one. But I realized I was kidding myself, and I bought all three.

6-21 Chautauqua Minis roseville(s)

Miniature Roseville Pottery.

You have my permission to gasp.

I am so in love with these pieces that I can’t find the words to express my adoration.

Let’s look a bit more closely and give them the chance to take a bow.

6-21 Chautauqua Minis roseville 1

Oh, my goodness. I can’t stand it.

6-21 Chautauqua Minis roseville 2

I’m dying here.

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Perfection.

They are made by Jeannetta Kendall Miniatures. I, of course, want even more. I have no idea where or how I am going to display them, but I’m thinking there needs to be a shelf devoted to them.

Caroline has made no secret of the fact that she likes and covets my pottery collection. Do you think she’ll appreciate this sacrifice I have made for her?

One can only hope.

The winner of a copy of Disclaimer is Vera. Congratulations, Vera! I’ll drop you an email right away.

Happy Sunday.

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Cottage Details

A Walk on the Grounds

Chautauqua Miniatures

Lambs Like to Party

A Note

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