MOOD BOARD

 

Now I know it's Monday. I forgot to schudule my post to go automatically.some days one can tell I really am a natural blond. I sure hope you all made it this far without your morning cakes!!! Meanwhile...of course the weather is glorious today...since we are all back to work right? Onward hos to the week ahead!!

Happy Monday All...and enjoy some cake today!

FONTHILL

 Now for something different.

One of my favorite places when I lived in Doylestown to escape and walk, to contemplate, was a place I have featured before, Fonthill Castle. I used to walk there many times each season. It always enthralled me. To describe this European castle as a gingerbread castle of an enchanted prince is probably not far from the truth.  These pictures I took when there back in September. The builder was Henry Chapman Mercer, a handsome and interesting man.

The Chapmans and the Mercers were both prosperous and prominent in the area. Mercer himself, an archeologists, author and collector, and single all his life though he had a relationship with a debutant who would stay with him somewhat regularly, and there were also rumors of men he may have also been involved. He was very private, eccentric and an avid dog lover and lover of all creatures. Before his death he destroyed files, dairies and other things that may have given us more background on him. Fonthill, just one of his masterpieces was built between 1908 and 1912, by just himself and 8 to 10 tradesmen who knew nothing about concrete to help him build the castle. The castle itself is a fantastic object, but I wouldn't classify it as a work of architecture partly because there was no architect really. Mercer himself designed the thing, as he did with the nearby Mercer Museum, and the Moravian Tile Works. Mercer himself designed the castle, one room at a time, molding each of the rooms from blocks of clay, which he then stacked in a pile with little regard to interior traffic patterns or exterior appearance. Fortunately, the result is fantastic, considering it's mostly reinforced poured concrete, not the warmest of building material, yet the place is charming and stunning and undeniably appealing. 

On the same grounds is the Moravian Tile Works for which Mercer is so famous for. They are pretty unique tiles and are currently on display all over the PA State Capitol Building, the Grauman's Chinese Theatre, the Casino in Monte Carlo and many others overseas. His museum also located in Doylestown, is a huge structure, and houses one of the largest collections of pre-industrial American items.  The tile works is a pretty cool place to walk too.

MOOD BOARD

 This Mood Board couldn't reflect a mood any better. Have you ever had a weekend so relaxing you couldn't get out of the horizonal position on Monday? I was back in Bucks County for the weekend right before the snow hit. Caught up with Lumbersexual Saturday. The Lad was here for a visit also, as he has some family business to tend too. Having him and the Lumbersexual meet was quite something and had my mind wondering over all kinds of delightful naughty thoughts. But with the snow we had lovely winters walk in town. Almost went to Fonthill but passed. I may wonder up there today. A walk up at the lake with Lumbersexual. A most calm and peaceful walk as sunset was hitting. Some usual suspects were out. We all almost caught a movie at the County cinema, but they were closed because of the weather. I have yet been to a movie since the pandemic hit. And I got coffee in bed today from the Lad, who went back to sleep. I wonder if he knows a morning blow job gives a man more energy than a cup of coffee? 

Cock-a-tails at the Salt House is always a good thing.

Bouvier knows not to be on the feeders. Caught red pawed!

WINTER WALK

I decided to go completely rogue yesterday with no news or internet and it was nice. The weather was cold but mild, but the sun was shinning off and on which was nice. Since I'm back to doing my shopping once every two weeks because of infection rates being out of control, yesterday was the first time I went out for provisions, since being back at the Casa. I took a nice walk around town before going to the market and grocer. It was nice not too many out either. Now... I'm hoping the Snow Queen won't disappoint, and she delivers a huge pile of snow. Oh, and I think she's coming, when the river starts to freeze over, we usually get it. Some sites from my walk out.

I have thought of doing a series of pictures of front doors. Especially on homes. A front door I think tells you a lot about the people living there. I was happy to see Farley's Books is still in town, but only doing pick up on items or online orders. Very smart I think. The shops letting people in, from what I saw,  are only letting in so many, which many  chain stores are not doing anymore. How does that help?

I picked up a sea bass for Sunday night's din-din. I even got it cleaned, girlfriend don't clean fish.

Took a spin through Fanny Chapman park in Doylestown ...and the Snow Queen had already started freezing the fountain. It' looked cool.

Mercer's Fonthill Castle  in the hood.

One of my favorite shops. They too are pick up only. I have the feeling Dawn the Bohemian would go gaga over this shop, Zinc.

A big huge sign replaced an old one for our front line workers at the  hospital.

Bravo!

It was a good day out to take a huge walk, get some air, and take in the scenes. Even with our forthcoming snow, Ill still take my daily walks. I can't be in doors for too long. I also made a delish onion pie from one of my Shaker cookbooks for last nights din-din. But way to lazy to make my own crust this time.

Floatin' down the river!