London never disappoints.

No matter how many times I visit, there is always a love affair I have with all of London's iconic images.

Celebrating 40

What a dreamy weekend we had last week as seven of us helped a dear friend enter his fourth decade. Laughter and the pitter patter of playing dogs were the sounds that filled the snow-covered country house.

Happy December!

I've been quiet on here. 

I tried to upload some photos from last month's Ireland trip and was told I have exceeded my photo storage limit.  I don't like posting without photos, so I've just not posted at all.  Of course I could always pay for storage, but the chaos of the season has started and I've just not looked into it.  

So, I wish you all a happy holiday season & maybe you will hear from me soon with some new photos.  In the meantime, I am recycling one from an older post.

Happy Christmas!

Happy Thanksgiving

I decided that after 5 years of living within walking distance of the parade, it was about time I went.  

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Autumn weekend in the City

Picnic, apple picking and great company

On Saturday, the 13th of October, I had an apple-picking party.  It was such a perfect day.  The group was great, the food was plentiful & the weather was perfect.  

Some of us  never even left the picnic blankets to pick apples. 

Rum & Bourbon gave the spiced cider (recipe below) a nice jolt to warm us up (and the wine helped too).

Notice, of 4 of the men, 3 are pointing in completely different directions as they decide which apple trees to pick from.

The trees were loaded with fruit.

It was such a fun way to spend a Saturday.  After returning from the countryside, we enjoyed a relaxing dinner at my apartment and enjoyed each others' company.  

Hot Apple Cider

from THIS website. 

Ingredients:

6 cups apple cider

1/4 cup real maple syrup

2 cinnamon sticks

6 whole cloves

6 whole allspice berries

1 orange peel, cut into strips

1 lemon peel, cut into strips

Directions:

1. Pour the apple cider and maple syrup into a large stainless steel saucepan.

2. Place the cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice berries, orange peel and lemon peel in the center of a washed square of cheesecloth; fold up the sides of the cheesecloth to enclose the bundle, then tie it up with a length of kitchen string. Drop the spice bundle into the cider mixture.

3. Place the saucepan over moderate heat for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the cider is very hot but not boiling.

4. Remove the cider from the heat. Discard the spice bundle. Ladle the cider into big cups or mugs, adding a fresh cinnamon stick to each serving if desired.

Past 2 weeks in pictures

Enjoyed the Spy Experience in Time Square with Nicole.

I always say that Fall has officially arrived when the Pumpkin Donuts arrive at D&D.

Explored the new section of the High Line with Jon & James.

Helped make Gowanus a little bit prettier on Saturday.

And got filthy dirty in the process.

Yes...I had shoes and socks on & my feet still got THIS dirty.

Then spent Sunday seeing condos in Brooklyn (with a few cocktail stops along the way).