Sunday, September 30, 2012

Seen in New Hope

Today I was going to brunch with friends in New Hope. One thing about the surrounding area of New Hope are the huge estates that surround it. Many, with long drives, and houses so far back they can't be seen. But I did click away at a couple of favorites. The first one is simply stunning isn't it? I couldn't even fit the whole house in the frame. I understand it sold a couple years ago for some hefty millions. It would be perfect if not for the "Vote for Romney" sign down by the drive, out of the picture.

 
This house, right up the same road had huge copper gilded doors to the entrance. This house had a Obama sign on their lawn.


This gorgeous house used to be home of a soap star, I was told, but can't remember who it was.


I pass this place every morning going to work. Looks cozy no?


Right up the road from where our brunch destination, were these houses and this church. This part of town reminds me of a European town, with the feeling of the houses and the nearly one lane roads.


Our destination for brunch was the Carversville Inn......


After brunch I passed a tag sale where I found this tin...for 50 cents! It has two marionette  dolls on the side....to be used to hold coffee.

 
 
Later, I made  three loaves of Halla Bread, to be consumed warm with some coffee later.
 
Granted half the first loaf is gone. Later my friend called and said he secured tickets to see the fabulous Bebe Neuwirth and Malcolm Gets who will be in New Hope at the Bucks County Playhouse for a night of favorite Broadway standards and popular songs. It was a good day.

Saturday, September 29, 2012

From the Candy Shop


Fall has arrived at the Candy Shop.... and you know the Mistress enjoys some nice confections! If you have a hankering for a delicious, indulgent and smooth, exotic piece of candy today, you my friends have come to the right place! This is an addicting candy, Brazilian model Isaac Fioravante! Would you just LOOK AT THOSE EYES?!? Enough to make one melt, I say.I want to love this candy, because it looks so romantic and addictive, I'm guessing it has an amazing flavor. Free samples till 9pm!!!!

Well, It is Deer Season

Yesterday morning before work, I took Buster on his usual walk around the grounds where, today, and this part of year, the deer are all over the property. Seen today was a group of doe..........


Meanwhile....... inside the Casa, the Bucks were getting ready for the morning show for the Mistress. It's a little thing they do on Fridays only.

Friday, September 28, 2012

Grande Dame


They say that nine tenths of a woman’s charm is illusion... and Courtney Act is living proof. She has the ability to bring women to their feet and men to their knees. But, she’s not like other drag queen. In 2003 Sydney boy Shane Jenek tried out for the first series of Australian Idol. Not quite making the cut he wasn’t discouraged, Shane bent the rules and his gender, returning the next day as Courtney Act. Courtney’s explosive, energetic performing style, coupled with her joyous personality, sent audiences wild in the first series of ‘Australian Idol’. Courtney has performed successful seasons at Heaven, London & Ibiza, Will & Toby’s, Sydney to name a few in a totally stunning night of live entertainment that is a must see. Courtney has received fantastic reviews and left crowds amazed that she is not a real... um, blond. In between a vacuous social life and her hectic work schedule, Courtney acts as an ambassador for the AIDS Trust Of Australia and works several programs in the field of Youth Education.


And here is Courtney and her male counter, in and out of drag, cute as a boy huh?

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Buster and Camille

Tonight after our usual evening walk, I had my neighbor Justin over for a drink. He and I were talking in the hall first where Buster loved Camille, the cat. Camille ended up making herself right at home and came right in the Casa, where she and Buster hit it off...........

 
I told you before Buster is not your average dog.

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

In the Lavender Fields

One of the perks of living in Bucks County, is that you can have the best of both worlds. City and country living. If you want to run to the city for some cosmopolitan flair you have Philadelphia only 40 minutes away, but if you want something different, charming, and fun to do, just drive in the other direction toward New Hope, and you find yourself amidst tons of lavender fields. No joke. This past Saturday I finally went to visit the Carousal Farm Lavender, a place I'd passed alot and wanted to visit, and finally did! They are only open on Saturday for the tours.

The Carousel Farm, was first established in 1748, has had many lives over the centuries, a dairy farm, later a horse farm and, in the mid-20th century, an exotic animal farm. When the current owners moved to the farm 10 years ago, their challenge was to put their unique imprint on the farm, maintaining its rural beauty, yet enhancing it with something beyond. The inspiration for Carousel Farm Lavender,one of the largest organic lavender farms on the East Coast, came when they were traveling through the beautiful Provence countryside, where the rolling hills are graced with grape vines and lavender fields, a stunning backdrop of centuries-old field stone barns and farmhouses. The farm, with its field stone farmhouse, 18th century stone barn and rolling fields broken only by field stone walls, seemed the perfect place to replicate the South of France. Their fields, now over seven years old, are nothing short of amazing, and did it ever smell so nice. Carousal Farm has over 15,000 organically-grown plants, each one planted, pruned and harvested by hand. The beauty of their fields is attested to by the many of local painters and photographers who spend their days drawing inspiration from the fields.



There are animals everywhere on the farm to see also, so you might be lucky to see the goats, llamas, horses and more…. I loved the herd of donkeys myself.


An antique wagon at the entrance is loaded with handmade and locally made bath, beauty, home and food products using the organic lavender right from the farm. You can shop from the cart and even pick up a bunch of fresh lavender to take home with you. Pretty cool. You doesn't like lavender under a pillow to sleep by?


It was a beautiful day to go see the farm, and if your in the area be sure to check out this excellent stop while in Bucks County.

Monday, September 24, 2012

Matidla is Back.......

.....now I know Autumn is here. Yesterday I spent time creating new apothecarys for the fall season..........
 
.......but I should really get Matilda some company.

Monday Again??????

Why does it always seem like I'm doing another Monday post so quick? And not only Monday, but also now Autumn. I can see this will call for the double barrel to get through the day..........

Happy Monday everybody!!!!!!

Friday, September 21, 2012

Goodnight Sweet Friend

Late last night I had received two calls about a friend of mine. I was saddened and shocked to learn another of my friends died Wednesday night. And only 33! The cause has not been revealed yet, and he was discovered by his room mate. Kyle was in top form, hardly ever sick,and was very active, enjoying sports up in the Big Apple. Kyle Spidle was a native of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, like myself, it's where we first met. Kyle was also a graduate of The American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City. Since his graduation, he has been involved in theater throughout NYC. During his last semester at The Academy, Kyle started writing his own works and has penned over six original plays and was working on many more. His love for the art of the theater kept him inspired to act, write, direct and produce new and original works that are intended to incite thought and feeling within the audience. He didn't become involved in acting until 2004, which is when he realized that performing was his passion, and he moved to the Big Apple to pursue that career and did it. He starred in the play Fallen, which he also wrote and starred in the movie, Half Share, a movie created by Jessie Archer. But one of his favorite parts was playing Stanley in Streetcar Named Desire, by Tennessee Williams. And in amongst all that, he was a very popular bartender in the Village at the legendary, Monster. Doesn't surprise me though, as Kyle was a very sweet, kind and a welcoming person.
 
I can still remember my first encounter meeting him. We met through Phoebe Snow, a friend from  Harrisburg. While out one night, her and I got a wee bit drunk. She later introduced me to Kyle who was cute as a button! And so sweet. We had a great time out, and he later offered to drive my car back to Phoebe's house all together since he wasn't drinking. We got to Phoebe's place, and went swimming in her gorgeous pool, and then the three of us just sat talking for hours about anything and everything under a beautiful summer sky. After a while Kyle went to shower and then said he was going to make us all breakfast. Phoebe calls for me later to come in the house, so I went in to find Kyle cooking in just a towel wrapped around his waist. Mind ya, the boy was build like a brick house. He was cooking up eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes, potatoes, coffee, it was a Golden Girls moment. And every time he flipped the pancakes in the skillet his muscles would pop, sending me into over dramatics. I pretended  I was fainting, and would fan myself with my wicker fan that looked like a palm leaf-it went everywhere with me!!!!!Good times! After that he said he knew I was going to be a hand full! He hung out with us almost every week after that, with our group, and came to all the soirees. Eventually Phoebe moved to California. Two years later I left Harrisburg for greener pastures with the Boy-Toy to Philadelphia, and Kyle followed suit two years later to New York City. We still kept in touch, and I would stop to see him in the city every once in a while. I also found out he even worked with my good friend and sister, Mame, aka David Dust's restaurant. Kyle was very handsome, and some thought intimidating to approach, but he was one of the nicest, sweetest and gentle souls one could know, no big ego or snottiness here, he welcomed everybody. And whilst there were lots of good times, my first encounter will be the one I will always remember, under what was one of the most perfect star filled summer skies.

 
Good night to our sweet friend, Kyle Spidle 1977-2012.



**** I was going to close comments, but since some mutual friends will be reading this, and not knowing of after life arrangements yet, I have decided to keep them open for y'all, if you want to add any thoughts or memories.

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Meanwhile, The New House Boy......

I haven't quite found his niche yet at the Casa du Borghese, and what his duties will be, but he is limber and a tall glass of water.....two very nice qualities......
 
 
 
.....and when bored, you must admit, fills his time creatively. Tootles!