RIP John Mickel

This has been such a terrible year for us and it keeps coming. We lost Tim’s Dad, John Mickel this past week. He had been sick at home for a couple years now but still this was very unexpected. John was the sweetest, wisest, funniest and totally unpretentious persons I have ever met. He was the quiet Lion in the room. A skilled and famous botanist who had published several books specializing in Ferns. We were always surprised when we traveled - how well know he was in his field. Tim and I were in Rio on vacation and always loved to go to regional botanical gardens. When we walked into the gift shop to buy souvenirs, his books were at the counter and the staff knew about him and smiled and said the nicest things about him. He and Tim’s Mom, Carol, created this beautiful home and garden which seemed to be like this incredible Narnia like space as you entered their secret driveway and entered their beautiful world. We had SO MANY family events at their home full of joy and laughter - croquet games, weddings, easter egg hunts, fern frenzy plant sales, birthday parties, extravagant and delicious Thanksgiving and Holiday meals together. John was at the center of all of those events - orchestrating along with Carol so much joy and love. It was such a tradition for John to prepare his maps and clues for family Treasure Hunts. In some ways I feel like we have lost Shangri-La. Such a huge loss for all of us. We love you John. I will especially miss your Dad jokes.

Uncle Jack Visit

Uncle Jack came down for the weekend. A little hunting, a lot of eating and some great company for the weekend.

Happy Halloween

Goodbye Atticus

We lost our little buddy, Atticus, yesterday. He had been sick since July and we found out he had cancer. Poor thing. He was such a beautiful animal. Our little handsome man. A few years ago we had a cat sitter who took these great pics of him in our old NYC apartment. Sookie, Tim and I will miss him very much. We love you Atty!

Textiles Market September 2024

Another Market Done - Thank God.

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Halloween!

Beautiful Bovina

Tim and I took a late afternoon walk through Creamery Field - such a beautiful day!