And we are back….

On June 10, 2024 By halfpassLeave a comment

Accompanied by a bad cold. We’ve been home a week already. Yesterday I finally felt caught up to myself. And such a shame, because I missed a week of really glorious weather. Naturally it rained yesterday morning. The rest of the day was great. We even went to Nick’s on the Bay for an early dinner and ate outside. Next time I will take photos. Good food and great bay and marina views.

The hydrangeas have begun to bloom! I snipped a few in their burgeoning honor.

The first hydrangeas in the kitchen window.

I’m really enjoying morning tea in the conservatory, just watching the weather and the water. And of course the flowers.

The rain makes a pleasant softness to the windowpanes.

Just before we came home, we had the entire house, garage, and flower shed power washed. I was so surprised by the shingle color change! From dark gray to a rather light beige. My husband likes it but I confess that I look forward to the salt doing its job and turning them silver.

So we are here with masses to do. I still have boxes of books to sort through and shelve. Still rooms to be painted. A tree to take down. Patio furniture to buy. Thinking about a big open house the week after the Fourth of July!

We have a date

On September 26, 2023 By halfpassLeave a comment

October 13 is closing day. After feeling like the whole purchasing of this new home was a dream, we are now down to two and a half weeks to access and moving. It does seem unreal. And I’m feeling a bit of seller’s remorse!

Since it’s still dismal here ( Ophelia lingers) I am sharing random photos of Fall. Some are here, others from previous homes.

Combatting Ophelia with Hungarian goulash this past weekend

Apples from our trees went into these crostatas

Last day of August

On August 30, 2023 By halfpassLeave a comment

Just back from Florida. We left early to beat driving through the hurricane Idalia. So home to Cove House we scurried. Got back late yesterday afternoon.

As you can see, I haven’t renamed the blog. I think I’m clinging now to Cove House as the closing on the new house is galloping upon us. We could close as early as September 13 and as late as October 13. New York allows a thirty day window on the closing date for both the buyer and the seller. Fingers crossed for an early closing! I need to get in there and paint some of the rooms. The previous owner went in for a lot of gray, taupe, mocha and cream. The house feels very dark to me after my light filled Cove House.

The plan is to paint the master bedroom white with an incredibly pale blue ceiling. The two story living room and foyer may go to a very pale blue or white on the walls. There is existing grass cloth on two walls that is a neutral taupe mocha which I will leave. The verdict is out on whether I paint the kitchen cabinets. I am quite tempted to remove the black and white granite and put my beloved white Carrara marble instead. of course, the walls need lighter paint! I may live with the rest of the existing color scheme and change rooms after we’ve lived there a while.

Today I’m contacting a consignment person to take and sell furniture that I’m sure I don’t want any more. Getting mover estimates. But I will probably stay with the guys I’ve used the last few moves.

It’s getting real.

We are doing it again.

On July 16, 2023July 16, 2023 By halfpassLeave a comment

It’s hardly a surprise to type this but on Friday we went on contract for what I’m privately calling Bella Blu by the Bay. We’ve met with our brokers to list the Cove House and have spent a whirlwind week doing the new house inspection, getting in touch with our attorney, staging this house for photos and chivvying the landscaper to get the curb appeal improved. We even painted the garage.

The Cove House living room staged. We edited drastically.

I’m feeling comfortable about beginning to share pictures of the new house. I’m rethinking the name for the blog as I have posted in an earlier post. Right now “We are having an adventure “ seems a likely title.

But I will treat you to another peak.

A peak at the kitchen and the breakfast room beyond.

Certain to have more to share soon!

Baking

On May 31, 2023 By halfpassLeave a comment

I had my first opportunity to get to a farm stand since returning north. I love Young’s Farm in Old Brookville. It was a real treat to get there and find fresh mozzarella made on the farm, gorgeous tomatoes, basil, and farm eggs. Heavenly, to pick up fresh baked ciabatta and and some scones for tomorrow’s breakfast.

The rhubarb looked divine so I grabbed a bunch. After a lovely light dinner consisting of a caprese and that great loaf of bread, I made a rustic rhubarb tart. I fudged this time and used frozen puff pastry. It came divine anyway, the crust shattering like a well crafted croissant.

Super yummy. I have another recipe to try next week. So lovely to be home and cooking on my gas range.