My Brother, Lawrence Hammerling

It breaks my heart to write this. My smart, funny, cool, brave brother, Lawrence, passed away this evening after a two year battle with brain cancer. He was a great person, a fantastic Dad of the two gorgeous girls, above, Lily and Elena, and was very happily married to my wonderful sister-in-law, Paula Duthoy. I am so grateful to Paula for all she did advocating on Lawrence's behalf.
I'll miss him.

Why They Call This River Road

We live on one of the nicest roads around. Come take a walk with Joyce and I. Well, actually this was a few weeks ago, but it looks pretty much the same only we are wearing less layers.

This is the Mad River. It winds all the way down River Road.

It has areas abounding in prehistoric (seeming) rocks.

Here's a view overlooking the river from a turn in the road.

And this is from a lovely glade.

A lot of this area is protected.

These huge rock formations are pretty magnificent.

as are these...

Here we are at a bend in the road.

A chair in the woods.

A notice about the land being protected.

Some ferns.

A little stream opposite the river.
Now we must head back. Wasn't that fun? Nothing like a good walk to begin the day!

Lost Without Lost (a tribute!)

Happy Mother's Day

I have the bestest of all daughters. I am sure, you, too have the bestest of all daughters as well, but today I will mention the fabulousness of my daughter, Nico! A couple of weeks ago a package arrived, but I was told not to open it till Mother's Day. And that there would be a part 2! OOOH, the temptation! But I am honorable, so left it on the corner of the table where I could keep an eye on it.

Then, a couple of days ago, part 2 arrived and I came home to find that on the table as well. Finally, the day arrived, and here are the wonderful surprises!

This looks like a charming graphic novel of a girl and her mom spending time in Paris. What could be better? I can't wait to read it!

And look at this. What could this be??? It turns out to be le French macarons! Alors! What a thoughtful and yummy gift, the perfect accompaniment to reading "French Milk"!

What could be a more perfect Mother's Day? Alright, having Nico here would be nice, but we did meet for lunch a couple weeks ago: see above, for our traditional Mother's Day lunch of bagels and lox with french fries. (Photo taken at the Friendly Toast by son-in-law par excellence Jeremiah!)

A special Happy Mother's Day out to my incredible sister-in-law Paula.

A Chair For All Seasons (except sleet and rain!)

I was looking out the window at the library a while ago and saw the hardware store across the street that also sold collectibles had a 1950s lawn chair sitting outside. I love 50s and early 60s style and there was something sweet about this relic.
It became an OBJECT of DESIRE! When Joyce and I walked around town delivering library newsletters and posters I would admire the chair but it was too expensive for a whim (not really, but, you know, it could be a roadblock). Months went by and the chair remained unsold. I even tested it out on occasion. It would look so right in our garden. But, no, I didn't buy it. Then, news came that the hardware store was closing and converting to an antique and used book store and that they were having BIG SALES! So, I made an offer, and next thing, the chair had a home where it happily sits on the deck (though it is sleeting so I put it in the entry way). It's lasted this long without any (or much) rust. Why take chances?

Bunnies, Bunnies, Bunnies!

I used to draw and take pictures of old toys I found at yard sales, rummage sales and flea markets.
Nico has a big Easter bunny collection, and when she went off to college the bunnies got packed away in a cardboard box. Inspiration struck! Why not take pictures of these fabulous bunnies. I went up to the attic (the hattic (house attic), not the battic (barn attic) and dragged down the box. Poor bunnies!

They were delighted to be liberated. I took them down to our sunken garden. Here is Tiny Blue Bunny in his cave.

And here is Particularly Nice White Bunny in the daffodils.

What could be more cute or endearing. Everyone loves plush bunnies!Also, saddest kid's book ever? "Velveteen Rabbit", anyone?

And to wrap up the bunny blog, one more bunny, Other Blue Bunny sits for portrait:

Objects of Desire

I like all things Alice in Wonderland though not particularly the Tim Burton movie which didn't have a lot to recommend it except Johnny Depp (despite his Ronald Mc Donald hair) and the jewelry!

Look at this fabulous necklace!

Here is a close up.

There's a very nice matching bracelet. See!
Can you believe Walmart sells these to die for Objects of Desire? Check out your local store for these great finds. There is a whole line equally desirous! Back to Alice. Alice is always inspiring. See the Cheshire Spacey head floating in the tree above. Here is a complete Cheshire-ized Spacey:

Isn't she sweet? Or perhaps MAD? I tried to Cheshire-ize Big Eric, but he got suspicious and wouldn't pose properly. Perhaps another time.