Seven months after closing on the house, the rooms are coming together. Now that there is a dining room table I can finally start to think about having friends and family over when the place isn’t rented.
I’ve been stressed with family health concerns and with recent good news from the doctors I’m looking forward to toasting to health and kicking back from the worries.
Plus, Spring has finally sprung in South Jamesport.
artwork by jacqueline maloney; flowers from the garden
Peter Berley, accomplished chef and author, holds talks and cooking classes in NYC and the North Fork. So, when I learned of another event, I couldn’t pass on the opportunity to learn new recipes and tips on where to get the best local produce. I chose to attend Day 1 of his weekend-long workshop on “Wild & Local Seafood” from 2-8pm.
After brief introductions the class started out with a review of the extensive menu and ingredients, followed by a lesson on baking percentages and how to work with a scale instead of measuring cups.
We used the impressive wood-fired oven to roast porgies and bake flatbread. Seasoned with rosemary and grated cheese, the bread was perfect for dipping into a flavorful broth made from clams, white wine and leek.
As I write this post I sit aching from the weekend yard work. Again. 17 bags of leaves and twigs later, the property looks better but with barely any color.
quirky wind chimes from previous owners. i think i like it.
There are a few plants not yet in the ground. The patio table and benches are yet to be refinished. The loft space is empty. The dining area is just an “area”, still without table and chairs. I have not yet cooked one meal in the kitchen!
Come June 1 this place will be ready for summer renters. But before I hand over the keys, I have to enjoy it too. I’m sure I’ve not done a good enough job of that lately, especially with the late start to Spring.
dried flowers from the garden
I have a busy few weeks ahead of me and to be sure I get through it with some fun, my to-do list should be in this order:
1. create the ultimate summer soundtrack
2. run/bike the neighborhood
3. morning coffee on the beach
4. read a book on the deck
5. take more pictures
6. more wine tasting
7. head out to some farms
8. cook and enjoy an awesome feast
9. blog some more
10. house work
The first track on my Ultimate New York Summer Soundtrack is Bananarama’s ‘Cruel Summer’. The video closely resembles last year’s summer experience back in Brooklyn, minus the skipping, overalls and teased hair. Though, I’m pretty sure someone can dig up a picture of me looking similar enough. Gasp.
After painting one wall in the kitchen and priming only half of the living room, my project was stalled by snow storms and general laziness on the weekends. So, I did what any person who realized they don’t have the chops for painting would do. I hired a professional.
The living room had 5 different shades of yellows and oranges. While it looked fine in natural sunlight, at night the lighting was dim and disjointed. In anticipation of renting the space out for the summer I knew something very neutral would likely appeal to more people.
Now, the rooms are a clean canvas for artwork, colorful objects and fabrics.
All walls and ceilings in the kitchen and living room (even the wall painted Knitting Basket back in January) got a coat of Benjamin Moore’s Decorators White.
