visit Archives - Linda Nelson

IN NEED OF A LITTLE TLC?

November 27, 2017

Not tender loving care…..

Tuscan Life and Culture.

This post concludes sharing about my recent visit to Italy, of which the last four days were designated to tooling around the region of Tuscany. Enjoy this vicarious tour, and do consider making it a real life experience for yourself one day.

“Today is a good day.” is just one of the uplifting mantras you will find displayed about at Fattoria San Martino Montepulciano, my home away from home where I laid my head to rest for four nights. Visit the website to learn how this husband and wife team brought their business vision and venture to fruition.

How could it not be a good day here? Every day was a good day here.

Montepulciano was by no doubt my favorite Tuscan town. Known worldwide for its wine, a visit there would not be complete without a wine tour and tasting, paired with lunch of the artisanal genre. Avignonesi Winery was our destination, an absolute gem of a place. Go ahead, visit the website to learn more about this winery’s progressive, organic and biodynamic winemaking practice.

We capped each evening strolling about the curious streets of Montepulciano. We just couldn’t get enough of its personality and local dining spots.

Have you ever heard of Monticchiello? Nope, me neither. Here’s a sneak peak of the humble beauty this charming little medieval village holds.

We set aside the last afternoon to make an appearance in the city of Florence, barely scratching the surface with exploration.

I was drooling over this way-out-of-my-price-range pedestrian vehicle.

Instead, I settled for a very satisfying(and affordable!) scoop of lavender gelato.

The following day we tooled around Montepulciano one last time, bid our arrivedercis with Tuscany, then made our way back to home base in Rovereto.

Go see Italy! What more can I say?

Allora…….

This experience was made possible, and only possible, by the love, generosity,

well thought planning, and adventurous spirit of my daughter and her husband.

I will be forever grateful to them, as by nature, I am neither a traveller, nor an adventure

seeker. I simply had to book a flight and get myself on that plane; they took care of the rest.

My responsibility was to enjoy myself. Period.

You two are absolutely amazing! I love you both so much!

And, let’s not forget our furry little co-pilot, Bandito, who ventured with us every

step of the way, melted the hearts of every passerby, and has been to more

places in this beautiful world than I have yet to see.

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WINGING IT AGAIN

October 26, 2015

I made another visit to Wing Cottage in Clinton Corners, New York, this past weekend. My friend has been renting this jewel of a getaway cottage for the past few years, and I’ve had the pleasure of enjoying it quite a few times now.

©Linda Nelson 2015

Clinton Corners and its neighboring rural towns in the Duchess County region of New York, are just delightful to visit. My friend and I usually poke around in local shops, patron a fabulous eat spot or two, and just tool around to take in the countryside scenery. My soul is replenished and my cares and woes briefly put aside when I’m there; this visit was no different.

The property at Wing is now bathed in autumn’s color palette, but not in any way less lovely than during the summer.

©Linda Nelson 2015

Pictured below are some things I scoffed up for a song at a barn sale we visited. I tend to gravitate towards items that can do double duty. The mini muffin pan, for example, can serve as a bud vase tray, be used to make concrete/hypertufa molds, house odds and ends in one of my drawers or be hung on the wall, as is. I could even use it to bake mini muffins in, but that’s not likely. The little strainer will either cradle one of my succulent plants or get filled with birdseed and placed out on my patio table for my feathered friends.

Isn’t that kitschy little bird feeder adorable? How can it not be, costing just fifty cents! The white cabinet is destined for my office or bedroom, but not before a little makeover.

In addition to our afternoon excursion, I spent a bit of time reworking the property’s flower garden, which was humbly created by a previous owner, eventually neglected and long overdue for some attention. I’ll resume this project next spring and look forward to sharing with you the outcome of its editing.

The vegetable garden has all but closed shop for the season; the remnants of morning glory vines and sunflowers are just reminders of how cheery it looked this past summer.

And, I can’t conclude this post without sharing my friend’s boyfriend’s simplified renditions of works by Andy Goldsworthy…….

Every so often one needs to be taken under wing; this one suits me just fine.

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LITTLE TREASURES IN DUTCHESS COUNTY, NY

April 28, 2014

Put the Hudson Valley region of Dutchess County, NY, on your wish list of places to see. I will certainly plan for a second visit, if not more, to Clinton Corners and its neighboring town, Rhinebeck. It’s a laid back, Sunday drive in a vintage vehicle kind of place. Each and every Sunday, that is.

Your first destination might begin with brunch at Clinton Cheese and Provisions. Select a mug off the structure’s support post, pour yourself some coffee, then enjoy the hospitality of a waitress who knows what she’s doing. It’s that good! After your belly is satisfied from some good home cookin’, it’s all about what ever tickles your fancy. For my friend Anne Dee and me, that’s poking around and treasure hunting in old antique garages; the gardener’s hand fork was the perfect find for me. After all, a garden gal can never have enough tools. Make a reservation for Rhinebeck’s fabulous dining hot spot, Market Street, then stroll this village’s curious side streets. Do you like books and music? Oblong Books and Music is the place for you. The book pictured, a gift from Anne Dee, is a visual collective of all that we both love, breathtaking gardens and landscapes.

My overnight stay at my friend’s Wing Cottage was a gift within a gift, within another gift. Do visit, explore and enjoy this region; and be sure to wave to the neighborly ponies, llamas, goats and sheep.

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