Even though it is officially still spring, you know summer is here when the Mistress has been away for the Memorial holiday weekend. I have also finalized four other vacations. I'm happy to report the clan and I had a fabulous time at my friend Preston's friends secluded cabin he has in the Pocono Mountains. This trip should not be confused with those I go on to The Woods Campground. But worry not, I have a couple long weekends planned to go there. No, this weekend was a very relaxing one, and a hot one. We had several long hikes, smoked some Cubans, had a campfire each night, outdoor cooking. I swear food taste better over a fire doesn't it??? We even took a skinny dip! or three. I will say....it was good to be away from civilization. One could see as far as the eye could see.....
one of our visitors. Thank goodness it wasn't a bear!
GERONIMOOOOOOOO
The lovely cabin. It was a tight fit with five of us. I think we slept like a deck of cards.
On Tuesday before heading home we drove into Jim Thorpe which wasn't far. I had never been there before, and must say what a adorably quaint town it was. All these woods and a town comes out of nowhere.
After a quick stroll we took cocktails at the Harry Packer Mansion.
In 1874 this magnificent mansion was built as a wedding gift for Harry Packer by his father Asa. Asa Packer was the founder of Lehigh Valley Railroad and Lehigh University. In 1880, after his father's death, Harry added the front veranda and the study wing. These additions were designed by renowned Quaker architect Addison Hutton. The veranda is constructed of New York Blue stone and still boasts its original Mahogany ceiling and tile floor. Herter Brothers of New York City were commisioned to finish the interior following the renovations.In 1983 the mansion was purchased by Robert and Patricia Handwerk. The house was in huge disrepair when they bought it. There was no plumbing or heating in the house. There was electricity on the first floor and the roof was about to cave in. After many years of blood, sweat and tears it has returned to its former glory, and the daughter of the Handwerks opened up the very nice Libations Lounge where are took to having many stiffeners.
the views from the veranda....
Can you believe how quaint this town is right in the middle of the woods??? It was really a rather lovely weekend, and luckily I didn't fall off any mountains ledges being that high up. I also enjoyed multiple wieners on a stick. But you know summer is here, when meanwhile at the City House.......
the ex boytoy went and got Buster Bolfig Borghese his very own swimming pool and was placed , mind you, up on the garden rooftop, with panoramic views of downtown Philadelphia. That pup has it made. Now I should probably teach Buster a Esther Williams backstroke synchronized routine.
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