Well I am back to reality and what looks like dreary weather in St. Louis. At least it is not freezing cold. I am always happy when January comes to an end. February is a short month and March brings the emergence of Spring. Here are some last pics of the fabulous place we stayed at in Puerto Vallerta- Quinta Maria Cortez. I almost hate to give the name out, for it will become too popular and harder to get a room.
Last night we made it to a delightful restaurant in the outskirts of Puerto Vallerta called Red Cabbage. This restaurant is famous for their authentic Mexican dishes. I have heard about mole sauce and had some "low-rent" versions, though after my Pollo Mole Poblano last night I know what the fuss is about....yummy....perfect!
Red Cabbage is also famous for this dish...Chiles En Nogada
This week I am escaping to Mexico for a little get-a-way. I am staying with a group of friends in an enchanting B & B. The Quinta Maria Cortez was a private residence built by a 1920s B movie star. More pics to come!
Our farm is a great place to hang special family items for everyone to enjoy. When I was at our farm yesterday, I took special notice of some framed poems written on birch bark. Imagine spending the summer on an island in Maine and having the time to write a poem.These were written by a friend to my great grandfather. Notice that in the rhyme below they misspelled "forest"....my great grandfather's last name was Forrest.
When visiting Pittsburgh last week, I had an opportunity to go to the Mellon museum near University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon.
I ran across a fabulous wall panel, The Chariots of Aurora, that once graced the SS Normandie.
The other highlight was seeing the Netherland Hotel (Hilton) again. The Netherland is one of the greatest American Art Deco buildings.
Oh well at least we are home and don't have to drive today.
Fallingwater was an experience and I want it! Seeing this Frank Lloyd Wright home inspires you to further appreciate the architect and his focus on integrating a house with its surroundings.I wish I could show you some interior pics, though the museum does not let you take them. You can see how our local William Bernoudy used many of the same ideas as Wright in his homes. The use of built-in bookshelves, seating, lighting, etc. He also was great at bringing the outside in with his use of windows, terraces and balconies.
Here are some follow up pics from my stay at Dooley Creek Ranch in Mendocino County, CA. Don't rush to book a room...it is a private ranch.
Today I spent part of the afternoon soaking at a little hot spring in one of the valleys.
This ranch has a main house and four small houses for sleeping quarters.
Each house has an indoor show and an outdoor one!
The valley oaks has moss that grow on them like Spanish moss.
