Golden hour: Avalon, NJ in the early Spring

 

Making an Adirondack Chair

The Adirondacks are synonymous with Summer in my family. Even more, we spent a few extra honeymoon days in the 'dacks following our weeklong adventure in Vermont. 

I was in Lake Placid and stopped at the wonderful little bookstore on main street. It was closing time and I saw Mary Twitchell's simple Easy-to-Build Adirondack Furniture book.  The shop keeper rung me up, took my $4 and smirked and said, "give me a call after you build your chair!" 

Okay, you sassy-pants bookstore guy - I did it! While it is the basic chair, I'm pretty proud of my first attempt. I think all-in-all it cost me about $55 in materials. I used pine and about 1/3  less screws than Mary suggested. It's pretty damn sturdy and what was better, the book was perfectly put and easy to follow. I took some artistic liberties on a few sections, but happy so far. Looking forward to diving into the intermediate version, and hell, maybe a foot stool. 

$55 Materials

$4 book

Pride = you can't put a price tag on that, baby.

Christmas 2020 at Longwood Gardens

 

Longwood Gardens is a magical plant paradise located in Kennett Square, PA. On a whim, one chilly December night, we decided to look up ticket prices and head over. Turns out if you think you're going to visit more than once a year, a membership makes the most sense! We did it - wow, I feel like a real adult. "Me?" "Why, yes, I am a fully-fledged botanical gardens member, at your service." In order to get the full effect, read that in a snobby accent of your choice. 

I know it's already 2021 and many have taken down the last hints of Christmas, but wanted to share a snapshot of a fun evening out. The light show and grounds were absolutely stunning. I cannot wait to see what the next season has to offer. 

Longwood Gardens - site

Happy Trails

Getting out on the trail or into nature as much as we can these days. Finding myself in Wissahickon more now that any other time this year. Grateful for the ability to get out and do. Enjoy the trails my friends.
 

Halloween 2020

 

Dwight the dog was in full lion costume, the pumpkins were carved just in time, and the candy was set outside in bowls for any potential trick-or-treaters that dared to come out. To our surprise, the candy didn't last the night! Neither did our pumpkins, which seemed to make their way into the yard by those blood-thirsty suburban deer that boldy walk around in hoards and annihilate everything in your garden. Punks.

Mini-Mooning in Vermont

This Summer 2020, with its highs, lows, and unpredictableness to say the least, has been a complicated time to travel.  In a bout of planning and finally a special "go-get it" attitude, we opted to Vermont for an outdoorsy honeymoon. 

Lake Champlain has an immense amount of charm and wildness to it.  It was the perfect destination for folks uncertain about testing the limits of Covid and exposure. Everyone masked up. We biked, strolled, hiked with glee - what an amazing place to enjoy the best of Summer, in the safest way I've witnessed yet. Thank you Vermonters for welcoming us.  

Betzwood Biking | Valley Forge

Found my way out to Betzwood one Friday afterwork! A really easy single track running into fast turns and high berms near the end of the line. Nice little way to invite in the weekend and stretch the legs.