covered bridge

What a wonderful weekend!

A Friday night football game

in which our team Won.

Two sleepovers.

And a Saturday morning

cross country race

at the Covered Bridge

in Euharlee, Georgia.

I had never really been exposed to 

cross country before last year,

but it quickly became one of my favorite sports.

I love how each runner is encouraged. 

Every runner.

Even the Very Last Runner

receives cheers, claps, and whistles.

"You're almost there!"

"You've got it!"

"You made it!"

"You did it!"

I sometimes find myself so moved,
that I have a big lump in my throat
and can't cheer for fear of losing it.

On Saturday, we arrived to a crisp, cool, morning

that developed into a nice, breezy afternoon.
Everyone was thrilled to have a hint of fall in the air
- having become weary of 90 degree days.

The teams lined up to prepare for the start.
Lyons was in the group of JV boys.

At the sound of the gun,
they were off!

The competitors ran two miles on a path
that wound through the woods

and over this covered bridge,

 built in 1886.

We sat on a grassy knoll by Euharlee Creek

for the awards ceremony.
It couldn't have been more
idyllic.

All in all,
it was just an average fall day, 

but it seemed perfect.

The kind of perfection

that consists of

being acutely aware 

of these fleeting moments
of childhood
and savoring every second.

a star is born...

My week may have been nothing to blog about,

but CC's horse had a great week.

Jubilee was featured in a photo shoot

for a national department store.

Keep your eyes peeled for the ad and let me know if you see it!

Have a great weekend!

e

hampton classic - part 2

Have I ever mentioned 

how much I enjoy

the Hampton Classic?

 I have?

Well, it's true.

It is one of my favorite events 

of the summer.

I love everything about it.

I love the excitement

that's palpable in the VIP tent.

I love watching the skilled riders

on majestic horses.

I love the table decorations

and delicious food.

I love seeing the politicians and celebrities.

Mayor Bloomberg

The first time I attended 

was five years ago.

I knew no one.

Not a soul.

Over the years, 

it was comforting to get to know the people

John works with. 

Then, I began to identify some of the local community.

Now, it's most enjoyable

because when I attend the event

I recognize many familiar faces
along with some of my dearest friends.

This was my best year yet!

We enjoyed stopping by Wolffer's  private tasting room.

Wolffer's table was, as usual, perfection 

- thanks to Sue Calden.

The Stunning White Horse Label

Lunch was delightful

The beautiful lady behind the flowers is Tamara Mellon.

and the company even better.

Federico Sztyrle

John & Dennis Shaughnessy

We were invited to stop by 

the exclusive FTI "chalet."

They had Wolffer rose'

engraved with the FTI logo

as favors

along with

great gift bags.

It was exciting to visit

somewhere new

and to see the course from

a fresh perspective.

And at the end of the day,

we headed over to

the Gerstel-Ringelsteins

for an after party of

Champagne & Cake.

By the way...

have I ever told you how much I love the Classic?

tables

The Hampton Classic's

Grand Prix Sunday is known for it's 

Gorgeous

table decorations.

Last Sunday

was no exception.

I would have loved to be at the 

Nespresso table.

Everyone had their own

espresso makers!

Genie in a bottle?

Bloomberg's table was elegant.

This table won first prize.

Our good friends,

The Gaynors ,

did a great job.

I love the soothing neutrals 

with the ethereal hydrangeas.

There were so many more tables
and so many people to speak to;
I just didn't take enough pictures.

I'll follow up on Monday
with our experience
and our table.

Have a wonderful weekend!

hampton classic 2011

There are a few Hampton events that I absolutely will not miss -

even after returning to Georgia.  

One such event is the Hampton Classic Horse Show.

Before signing my teaching contract this year,

I read it thoroughly to be sure it included 

two personal days.

The horse show runs over the period of a week

with a culminating day known as

Grand Prix Sunday.

On Saturday,

we stopped by the Classic 

to see several of Wolffer's clients ride.

They all looked fantastic.

Then, we grabbed a funnel cake for lunch

(I'm healthy like that.)

and shopped around at the Classic.

I purchased a fab new pair of Ray Bans -

from Khanh's,

but it wasn't really exciting 

because they were just replacing the pair I 

dropped the day before at 

McDonald's in Manorville.

(I forgot my camera

so forgive the iphone pics.)

The Classic has an exquisite collection of

shops from all over.

You can find clothing,

jewelry, accessories, the coveted Dubarry of Ireland boots,

Hunter wellies, great photgraphy,

and artwork. 

After leaving there, we shopped around 

Bridgehampton and Southampton

in pursuit of a dress for me to wear

the next day.

(Nothing like a little pressure shopping!)

I love these small villages.

They make me happy.

I also love the sense of community

from having lived there for three years

and being a part-timer for over five.

For example, we ran into Alexis from Sag Harbor's Calypso

working in Southampton. 

Later, we saw Dara from Oasis

at Little Red.

I love it.

I love the friendly faces

and connections made over the years.

We ended our day

with a nice quiet dinner for two

in Southampton.

The food was excellent - 

especially the parmesan truffled frites

and the to-die-for

almond cheesecake.

We went home early

because we knew the next day 

was going to be busy, fun-filled,

and exceptional.

Grand Prix Sunday

always is.

labor day weekend

John and I flew to New York on Friday afternoon 

with plans to spend the night in the city,

then drive out to the Hamptons on Saturday morning.

However,

we just couldn't wait.

We braved the holiday traffic

and arrived in Sag Harbor 

early Friday evening

with plans to meet Stephen & Christina for dinner.

We were  thankful

that Stephen was off his crutches

and walking,

while recovering from his 23 stitches 

man vs. clay pot

Hurricane wound.

ewww...

Realizing it was Labor Day weekend,

we knew the wait at any restaurant would be hours, 

so we grabbed a couple of bottles of wine, glasses,

and a blanket.

We departed with the plan 

to put our name in at a restaurant in Sag Harbor,

then sit on the boat and have cocktails until we were called.

Christina first checked Sen

and as predicted,

the wait was 2 1/2 hours.

We elected John to try the American Hotel

to see if he could use any of his contacts to 

"work some magic." 

We couldn't have been more surprised

when he came jogging back across the street

and said, "Five minutes!"

Woo hoo!

I love, love, love

the American Hotel.

It's history, reputation,

and ambiance are unequalled in the Hamptons. 

It's so old world and cozy

and my favorite part is 

running into friends 

each time we are there.

It's the perfect place for lunch, dinner,

or a nightcap.

Just be careful when asking for the wine list.

They are rumored to have
one of the largest wine libraries

in the country
and they'll bring you

something that looks like a very large picture album

and you can get lost for days reading about

all of the possible selections.

We had an amazing meal.

The lobster bisque was divine,

as were the glasses of rich red wine, 

perfectly cooked steaks, buttery potatoes,

sweet strawberry shortcake, and every single morsel

we consumed.

We laughed, told stories,

caught up,

and reveled in each other's company.

It was the perfect start

to a wonderful weekend.

a conversation

Last Thursday night,

I tried to call John.
After several attempts,
I finally reached him.

This was our conversation:

Me:
Where ARE you?

John:
 I'm at Sebonack Golf Club
in Southampton -

at an event.

It is Ah-mazing.
Unbelievable.

You wouldn't Believe the view!

The way it overlooks the Peconic Bay

is breathtaking.

You should be here!

You were on the invitation.

Me:

Whaaaa?

John:

Yeah, you were on the invitation.

You're on the committee.

Me:

Really?

John:

Yeah.

Me:

Was it an e-mail invitation?

John:

No. 

It's a reeeally nice printed invitation.

Me:

Hmmmm....

Could you Send it to me?

...I'd really like to see it.

 It's true.

I do live two separate lives.

Grits & Caviar