~Happy Thanksgiving!!!~

The Cape (Cape Cod) in Massachusetts is one of my fave places!!  There is nothing like sitting on a beach breathing in the salty air and listening to the waves crashing on the shore.  This combination is so peaceful.

Nauset Beach
at Cape Cod (MA)

When we visit, if we are not sitting at the shore watching and listening to the waves, walking along the beach or enjoying a yummy seafood dinner, it is very possible that we are learning a bit more history about this area of our beautiful country. 

A few years ago (in 2012) I wrote a post:  "The Journey of the Pilgrims".  Every year at Thanksgiving I reread it.  During this time when we are celebrating this holiday, it's interesting to learn a little more and remember the history about the voyage of the Mayflower.

During this time at Thanksgiving, click on my post and follow the journey of the brave people who crossed the Atlantic Ocean so many years ago.  It's always fascinating!!

Enjoy!

 

Happy Thanksgiving!!!   

The Mount, Lenox, MA- Free Fun Friday

The Mount, Lenox MA

Last Friday we traveled west, west on the Mass Pike- I90 that is.  It was a visit to The Mount in  Lenox, MA.  This beautiful estate located in the Berkshires was designed by the American author Edith Wharton following the principles in the book The Decoration of Houses that she and architect Ogden Codman, Jr. coauthored.  This book was published in 1897 and this home was built by Edith Wharton & her husband Teddy in 1902.   Ethan Frome by Ms. Wharton was required reading for me in college.  I've always been aware of this author, but never visited her scenic home in Lenox.  Visiting this serene estate was offered as a Free Fun Friday event sponsored by the Highland Street Foundation.

What a treat to leisurely walk through her home and view the gorgeous gardens below.  The white Astilibe had begun to blossom in the geometric gardens.

View of a garden from Edith Wharton's home

The well manicured gardens were admired by all of the visitors who strolled through them.  Beautiful views from all sides and angles.  It's a gorgeous estate in the Berkshires designed by a woman who had lived during the Gilded Age in Newport, RI, and NYC.  After leaving her home in Lenox in 1911, Edith Wharton later divorced and moved to France.   

The white Astilibe were blossoming!

Last Friday was a very comfortable day to travel west & we are so happy we did!  An added surprise for me was walking into one room & viewing a treadle Singer Sewing Machine in cabinet.  My mom had a similar sewing machine in a similar cabinet.  It was her "go to" sewing machine for making buttonholes.  Her electric machine was used for everyday sewing.

Treadle Singer Sewing Machine in cabinet

Free Fun Fridays are offered by the Highland Street Foundation to everyone- all residents of MA, visitors to my state and also families traveling through MA.  Each Friday this summer there are 7 venues to visit with no regular admission charged.  Every week there are 7 different places to visit.  This program is for all ages.  Some venues are for families with young children and other places might not be interesting to children.  Click here for the list!

Thank you Highland Street Foundation!

Enjoy!

Have a Happy & Safe Fourth of July!!!