Unlike last year’s Sunny Chautauqua Adventure, this year is the Rainy Chautauqua Adventure. It’s rained most every day and I was disheartened to see that almost, but not quite, every day in the next 10 days will be rain-filled. Rather depressing, I have to say, as there’s nothing I like more when I’m here than to stroll around the grounds of the Chautauqua Institution.
But hold on there, some cool nature-related things are happening here despite, or maybe because of, the weather. Last night we were blessed with a spectacular sunset that filled the western sky, which just happens to be what I see when I’m sitting on the sofa.
Quite amazing, and it went on for a long time. I had to hang up on Don in order to capture this beauty. Don’t worry. I called him back.
Today, we’re not called until 3 pm. That means we’ll be rehearsing from 3 – 9. And rain is in the forecast for this afternoon. So I’m going to grab some time this morning to visit Chautauqua Miniatures. I’ll take some photos.
More cottages:
Love the board and batten exterior, the gingerbread details, and the pink front door.
As you’ve no doubt noticed, porches – sometimes, multiple porches – are king here. Lots and lots of daily living is conducted on the porch. This house is still being readied for the summer, as evidenced by the overturned bucket on the front walk. Cottage porches have wicker furniture, adirondack chairs, wooden rockers, potted plants, hanging plants, lamps to read by at night. When walking down any street at night, I often see people reading by lamplight on their porches. It’s very cozy.
American Flags are everywhere. The landscaping is beautiful and cottagey.
Sigh.
There are several houses for sale throughout the grounds. Last year I looked at the real estate listings and, let me tell you, they are not cheap! Plus, the taxes are very high. After all, you’re paying for a gated community, lake access, and access to all the incredible activities that go on here during the season – opera, music, theater, art exhibitions, lectures, concerts. Garrison Keillor is bringing A Prairie Home Companion here this summer. Tom Brokaw (I heard him speak last year) will be back. Anthony Doerr, the author of The Light We Cannot See, is lecturing. Charlie Rose will be here the first week. Carol Burnett will be here, as will The Beach Boys. And Henry Louis Gates, Bill Bradley, Phil Donahue, Dawn Upshaw, and more. It’s pretty spectacular.
Of course, I’m only here for one week of the official season. And much of that will be taken up with tech and dress rehearsals of Our Town. But I’ll try to catch a few things.
Happy Saturday.
Chautauqua is moving up very quickly on my “places to holiday” list thanks to all your lovely photos. At the moment we’re planning a trip to San Francisco as a reward for my daughter’s superhuman efforts in school these past four years. Even a weekend in the sun would be okay – we are having unseasonable amounts of rain at the moment with the ever present threat of tornadoes. After a busy day at work yesterday, I spent the evening helping a neighbour with a leaking roof. We managed to mitigate the damage, but wow is my back complaining today.
I’m so glad things are sounding better on the home front. Enjoy your visit to the miniatures shop – I am soooo looking forward to seeing some photos!
Rest your weary back, Barbara!
Barbara, remember that San Francisco area may be foggy and cool in morning and should warm up by mid-day. Otherwise, we’re having gorgeous sunny blue sky weather. Bring layers!
Looks like such a spectacular town to spend week in! Sorry about all that rain though. Maybe you can just go splashing through puddles and sing, “I’m singing in the rain, just singing in the rain… what a beautiful feeling I’m happy again”. You did take your puddle splashing boots along, right?
No, I didn’t, Diane!
The cottages make me swoon! I would love to see the insides of them also. What a wonderful community to visit. Maybe you can enjoy strolling between the raindrops! Hugs!
Linda
That’s what I’m going to have to do, Linda.
I’ve become enchanted with Chatauqua because of you…I’ve just got to visit some day. It sounds idyllic, rain or shine. Charlie Rose and the Beach Boys…oh my! Hope you get some sunshine soon…if it’s any consolation, it’s raining here today. That was a spectacular sunset…here’s hoping you get many more! ;)
I set off this morning and it was sunny. Now it’s very cloudy and humid – rain is on the way.
Hope you get to do some fun things, in addition to your work on Our Town. My late husband knew the Beach Boys, and would usually be backstage. They are a fun (fun fun) bad to watch.
Unfortunately, they won’t be around during my time here!
We’re set for 10 days of 92+ dry heat with no rain in site. I’ll trade you. My yard and plants would love some rain. Guess we always want what someone has. :-)
Of course we do. We’re experiencing flooding and we just went through a tornado/microburst last week. I’d be happy to send the moisture your way! You need it and, frankly, I’ve had enough of it! It looks like everyone is suffering from ‘too much’ of some sort of weather right now.
Red sky at night: sailor’s delight. I’m hoping that came true for you today.
How are Scout and Don doing? Is her ear situation under control? I gasped when I read about that in your blog the other day. What a tumultuous week you have had.
I am really enjoying your stories and images, Claudia, and look forward to reading about the rest of your time there. Like others (above), I am intrigued to the point of looking into Chautauqua as a place to visit someday. Those cottages do look like life-size dollhouses, as someone commented the other day.
Scout is doing better but she’s still a little shaky. Don’s been giving her ear drops. It’s been very hard on her. Don is recovering but he has to film again on Monday and has to leave the house at 2:00 am to get in the city for a 4:30 am call! That man is going to be exhausted.
I’m sure she knows that Don is trying to help her when he gives her the ear drops. Thank goodness she’s on the mend. Please forward this gentle ((((( hug ))))) to Scout.
I’ll have Don give her a hug from you, Nancy. It’s really hard for me to be away from her right now. How I wish I could hug her!
Claudia, I wish I could vacation there. You make it sound so nice! Doris
It’s very nice, Doris. I wish you could vacation here, too.
That sunset is amazing..and those sweet storybook cottages..I can imagine what they cost..but oh how wonderful it must be if you can afford one..Looking forward to your trip to Chautauqua Miniatures..have fun Claudia!
It would be heavenly to own one! Ah well.
Are there any year-round residents in Chautauqua? I’ve always wondered. In the Grand View/Crescent Beach area on Lake Ontario where I grew up, most of the cottages had been “winterized” by the time our family came along, in the mid 50s. There were a a handful of summer places left, one just two doors down from us. Maybe not in Chautauqua though. I imagine it’s Winters are much quieter than in our neighborhood. We had dozens of kids and dogs to keep things interesting. Have a great weekend… :>)
There are about 300 year-round residents in Chautauqua, Janet.
I’m sure the streets of Heaven will be lined with houses just like these.
I bet you’re right, Barbara!
Oh, Claudia, those cottages you have shared with us are beautiful. I’m glad you have a day off tomorrow and I hope the weather will be better. Since tomorrow is the first day of Summer, let us hope there is a nicer flow of weather ahead for everyone.
Glad sweet Scout is doing well, also!!
We’re very relieved. She’s doing better every day.