monet: part 1

I was so excited last week because
my best best bestie, her husband, their daughter (and a friend)
 were coming to visit for a few days on their way to Woodstock.

I spent the week scurrying around
making preparations for their arrival.

We installed these pendant lights from

Ballard Design.

They were only $49 each

and just screw directly into the recessed light cans.

I stopped by Cavaniola's Gourmet Cheese shop

and stocked up on cheeses and a nice baguette.

I cut flowers from the yard for vases.

We felt perfectly prepared for days at the beach

and evenings on the patio.

And then, they arrived

to torrential downpours.

We didn't even leave the house on Thursday afternoon.

We just opened a bottle of French rose',

snacked on scrumptious cheeses,

and caught up.

Later, the rain stopped and we

headed to Wolffer.

It was gorgeous, but cold outside ~

so we ended up in the cellar.

John and I had planned to take our guests to the Beacon for dinner.

We wanted them to be able to enjoy delectable food

overlooking the marina, all while viewing a stunning sunset. 

However, we ended up just seeing storm clouds

over the harbor.

Luckily - it was still beautiful.

The kids were wonderful

and Lyons tolerated hanging out with all the girls

quite nicely.

to be continued...