On this rainy morning, Griffin and his daddy are the other early risers. They greet me as they pass the gym on their way upstairs. Workout done, dressed for the lazy, rainy day, I head up to find some of the group at breakfast. Jason makes me some toasted brown bread and butter. Yum.
The bay’s all misty with the rain and little boats float on the gray.
Photo by Nora
With the rain, some lounging, some still sleeping, I decide to write for an hour or two. Jason helps me set up my lap top on the big dining room table. I need an extension cord, which—being Jason—he’s brought along. As I write, others get up, and I hear lots of talk and laughter from the kitchen. It’s a very nice playlist for someone who generally works in silence.
I put in my time, and satisfied, shut down. And the rain’s stopped, the skies are clearing a bit. I fix Kayla a little lunch, JR and Kat go for a few more supplies. I put my boots on, a vest and scarf and go out for a tour of the gardens. Our neighbor, the donkey, runs to the stone fence to bray at me.
The gardens, photos by Nora.
Jason and Griffin come out, and this time Daddy’s challenged to races. More blue than gray now in the sky, and a brisk breeze along with the sunlight. It feels marvelous. I decide to go get scissors and cut some flowers for the house. Shasta daisies, yellow daisies, pink roses, flowers I don’t recognize. They make a nice bright spot on the kitchen table.
Photo by Nora.
I see in the distance, Savanna’s lead Logan and Kat down to the edge of the bay. I’ll have to try that—need to pick the way over rocks.
#randomkatnessAmid the rocks. Photo by Kat.
I’ve opened a window in my room and now can’t close it. Apparently everyone’s got the same problem, but JR figures it out, and demonstrates the little release button.
Good to know.
Kayla’s up and around, but doesn’t feel up to going out to dinner. We plan to go for pub grub, and a first Guinness for Logan, JR and Savanna. But it’s a small village, and it’s Sunday. Options are very limited.
Viewing the bay (Kayla, JR, Griffin). Photo by Kat.
We change out of lounge around clothes and head out to the one open pub. Really more of a bar, as it turns out. Pool table in the front, tables in the back. A few people playing pool, but we’re the only patrons in the back.
Group shot! Logan, Savanna, Colt, Nora, Kat, Griffin, JR, Jason.
Half pints of Guinness for the three who want to try it. JR likes, Logan likes, Savanna likes a bit less so Logan drinks most of her glass. And I think, the last he was in Ireland with me, Logan was about three, younger than Griffin.
Logan and a Guinness. Photo by Savanna.
Time zooms.
Since the bar doesn’t serve food, Kat’s found a take-away fish and chips place that also has burgers and chicken, etc. We’ll take a veggie burger back to Kayla. JR, Kat, Griffin and Colt once again head out for supplies. We always seem to forget one thing. The rest of us head to place our dinner order.
It’s a cute little place, efficient and friendly. They also have milkshakes which my three companions order. It’s spitting some rain now and considerably colder. Then before our order’s up—very efficient—the rain’s stopped.
We start back, relying on the GPS, which doesn’t tell us to turn right or left out of the tiny lot. We choose incorrectly and end up going for an adventurous, scenic ride on a seriously skinny road around the bay in a tidy little neighborhood. Up, down, wind, wind. It’s really pretty, and a challenge for Jason.
He meets the challenge, and we’re back. Time to use the big dining table, set out plates, divvy up the orders. I open my take-away box to a HUGE slab of golden fried cod and a football field of fries.
It’s all delish.
Everyone’s happy and very well-fed.
The bay. Photo by Savanna.
There’s been talk about streaming the Minecraft movie on this chilly evening. Lounging clothes again, and my choice is pjs. We gather in what we think of as the TV room, on the big couch, big beanbag chairs, wherever, and Jason sets up the streaming on the big TV through his laptop.
Griffin’s already seen the movie two or three times, but this doesn’t lessen his enjoyment. It’s bright, funny, wacky and sweet.
Then it’s definitely time for bed. Made it till almost 11!
And still I’m awake shortly after five. WHY? Give sleep another shot, but fail. So upstairs I go to get a Diet Coke to fuel me to write the blog. And there’s Griffin sitting at the counter watching a Minecraft video. He invites me to watch with him, but I tell him I need to write the blog, workout, then I can watch.
Five minutes later, he peeks in my room, tells me he’s just checking on me. LOL. So I suggest he bring his IPad down and we can watch while I write the blog. So while I write this, he’s stretched out on my bed, explaining Obsidian, Hacker Blocks, zombies, and many other aspects to me.
And I think how lovely it is he wants to share and keep me informed.
I’m nearly done when Jason comes in, wondering where his kid is. So three generations sit on the bed awhile until the video ends.
Now my boy’s upstairs making breakfast for his boy.
I’m going to work out, get dressed and see what the day has in store.
We’re on our way on an 8:30 pm flight. A little stress and chaos as Kayla’s hit with a fever a couple hours before takeoff, but the doc cleared her, so we’re off. Griffin, as always, is thrilled with the whole idea of flying, which somehow manages to cut down on my absolute hate of the whole idea of flying.
Happy boy! Photo by j a-b.
All in all, smooth flight. Not without some bumps, but easily 90 percent smooth, which I very much appreciate. Nobody got much sleep, but we arrive, and to sunny skies. Yay!!
Customs is pretty smooth, too. We landed early, so we’ll wait awhile to pick up our cars. Two cars as there are 9 of us. Plus luggage for nine. We’d arranged with Ashford—where we head next week—to send a follow car for the luggage, but Kat thinks she can load us up.
If anyone can, it’s Kat. But I’m looking at the mountain range of luggage, the space in the cars. And thinking, no possible away.
In about twenty minutes, I realize once again: Never underestimate Kat.
This is Jason’s first time driving on the left—he’s practiced virtually, but this is his debut. And Kat hasn’t done it since we were here in 2019. Nothing to do but do it, so we head out of the airport toward Galway. I’m in the passenger seat with Jason, Logan and Savanna in the back. Kat has Kayla, JR, Colt and Griffin.
BW’s going to Portugal in September for a photography deal, so he opted out of this trip.
Jason does fine, though I let him know along the way, he’s riding a little too close on the left.
Wide roads to start, and little traffic on this Saturday morning. Then it’s through towns, some neighborhoods. It’s lovely to see the flowers here again, all so bright and lush in dooryards or growing wild on roadsides and fields
A little too close on the left as roads narrow and wind on this nearly two-hour drive. (After little to no sleep.)
And there are the green fields under blue skies, the hills rolling up to the mountains. The white sheep and lazy cows. And here a village with the narrow road hemmed in by parked cars on both sides. Jason threads that needle.
We’re into Connemara, the wild, stony mountains etched giants against the summer blue sky. It’s just glorious. And here’s Galway Bay with its little knots of green islands, spreading out blue. Houses with gardens bright in dooryards, field after green field cropped by sheep.
Photo by Savanna F.
Narrow, winding roads flanked by tall hedgerow of fuchsia, red drops on walls of green.
A little close on the left!
We’re nearly there, and very early for our check in, but they’ve told us to come ahead.
And it happens.
Around a curve, a car coming on the right. Seriously close on the left this time, and bang we hit the rocks on the shoulder. Oops! The car noisily objects. We pull over when we find a spot.
Two flat left tires.
The aftermath. Photo by j a-b.
Text Kat as Jason tries to contact roadside assistance.
At least we broke down in a pretty spot!
Kat delivers her load of luggage and passengers—we’re just minutes away from our house on the bay. After a lot of effort Jason finally reaches a human being who will send that assistance. Savanna and Logan explore the hill behind us, the field across. Kat comes back for the rest of us. Jason will wait with the car.
And to hark back to Young Frankenstein, we say: It could be worse. It could be raining.
We have a lovely place on the bay with a lot of room, pretty gardens, a green lawn. The views! The air! The glory of not being in a moving vehicle of any kind.
Turns out the follow-car drive from Ashford had been at the airport. We were early; he was earlier, and therefore didn’t get the message we didn’t need the service.
But he’s delighted he’s has the drive, hasn’t been to this area in quite a while. He brings us two welcome baskets from the castle. Wine, cheese, bread, honey, chocolate! A big and tasty surprise.
The mountain range of luggage now spreads through the eat-in area off the kitchen. I ask strong Colt to take my garment bag down to my room. I’m on the lower level, which I guess here is the first floor. Big windows opening out to the patio, flowers, tidy stone walls butting up against the spread of green lawn. And a little fireplace! I may get that going some rainy night.
I unpack that one, go up to the kitchen area where we have the side door to a little porch open for the beautiful breeze. Kayla’s out of the shower and in bed. Not feverish but not feeling wonderful either. I make her some toast—Kat and some of the gang are heading out to get some lunch. I break out the champagne I’d put in the freezer on arrival, have a glass while Griffin and I entertain ourselves.
He’s found a chess board, wants me to play. Neither of us really know how, but it doesn’t stop us.
We have a lot of rooms in this place—one’s a little gym I’ll make use of this morning. Kat brings back a pack of soup mix (Kayla’s request) from the nearby gas station, so I make that while she and JR head to the market.
Take the girl down soup, a slice of brown bread from the basket, some tea with honey. She’s looking better to her nana’s eye.
Time to put groceries away, and have JR carry my other suitcase down. Unpack, wonder if I’ll really need all the clothes I was certain I’d need when I packed them.
Jason’s back! They actually sent two new tires—the others were shot.
I go outside to wander, marvel at the cranesbill which is five times the spread of any of mine. The air feels so good, and the view just gets better. A little white sailboat glides along.
Photo by Kayla
Griffin, never one to miss the opportunity, decides he and I need to have races—three laps, he decrees—over the lawn. He has the advantage as he’s six, I’m not. I’m barefoot, he’s not.
But we run, then apparently it’s time for battle and choosing weapons. He has a Legendary Bow. Well, I want one, too.
I am, of course, defeated.
In one of the living areas, they’ve set up a Switch. We also discuss dinner and opt for carry out on our first night. We’re tired travelers, which I prove my conking on the sofa during Switch. Wake to find most of us eating pizza or chicken tenders, chips. Logan is conked in his room.
Eat, talk about tomorrow, and everyone thinks it should be a lazy, easy day—not a lot of driving. Clean up the kitchen. Jason and Griffin have conked on the sofa now. It’s barely eight, but we’re all done.
I made it until about nine, just closed the curtains on the windows, and crashed.
Now ready for whatever the day brings after some real sleep that wasn’t at 30,000 feet. But first, I’m going to make use of the gym on a day with breezes and cloudy skies.
#randomkatness begins
Nora
Note from Laura:
I’m learning that coordinating apps, internet and photo types takes a bit of concentration. So I’ll get these up as I’m able.
The Garden Many of you worried about the F-ing Wings since they weren’t part of the photos in Nora’s two garden posts this spring. Never fear, they are just fine. I literally stopped as I went up Nora’s drive a couple weeks ago, opened my car window and took this just for you all.
Why was I heading up the drive? Well it was time for the annual trip to Tyson’s Corner for Kat’s birthday shopping trip.
Saks On the first day, there was lots of walking around the mall and talking as we planned various upcoming trips. On day 2, the team at Saks — as always — created a wonderful experience. We even learned how to plant/care for orchids! An assortment of the colorful fun is below.
spring flowers in our suite.
Part of the Saks team with Sarah, Kayla and Kat.
Orchid lessons!
Happy orchid student.
In Death in Depth I posted the final episode of In Death In Depth on Friday. We had a lot of fun creating the series last summer and I have tons of notes on how to make Season 2 even better. Nora answered over 50 questions last year that I combined into themes for each episode. I’m working on the questions we’ll film at The Greenbrier in late July.
Travelogue time But first, there’s a trip to Ireland and a travelogue to produce.
This year is going to be different. Not only will Nora and family travel to Ireland late this coming week, but my husband and I are going on our own adventure which will end with me joining Nora at The Lodge at Ashford Castle for the reader event on July 6.
Yes I’m going this year. So I won’t be manning Travelogue Central at my office desk, waiting for photos and texts in order to set them up and post by a specific time. Instead I’ll be winging it as I travel from London to Windsor to Glasgow (by way of the Lake District), fly to Ireland and visit relatives. After all that I’ll get myself to Ashford.
The updates will happen, promise, I just want to warn you that timing could be different due to location and internet and what’s on my list for the day.
I’ll be writing my own blog over on Substack (free). When the first one is up, I’ll share the link here. You can follow my IG account for photos because I’ll definitely be taking them.
If you subscribe to Nora’s News*, then you may have already read the Framed in Death excerpt. But if you don’t subscribe (and you should), here’s your first look at the 61st entry in the series – out September 2.
St. Martin’s Press cover
LBUK cover
The official cover copy reads:
Manhattan is filled with galleries and deep-pocketed collectors who can make an artist’s career with a wave of a hand. But one man toils in obscurity, his brilliance unrecognized while lesser talents bask in the glory he believes should be his. Come tomorrow, he vows, the city will be buzzing about his work.
Indeed, before dawn, Lt. Eve Dallas is speeding toward the home of the two gallery owners whose doorway has been turned into a horrifying crime scene overnight. A lifeless young woman has been elaborately costumed and precisely posed to resemble the model of a long-ago Dutch master, and Dallas plunges into her investigation.
But the artist is passionate about his work—and prolific. Dallas has barely made a dent in the case before a second twisted masterpiece is unveiled. There are countless struggling artists in New York, but this one refuses to wait for the attention he craves. Like the geniuses who’ve come before him, he is willing to sacrifice for his art—as long as it’s someone else being sacrificed . . .
*To subscribe, visit the Nora Roberts website or the JD Robb website. Scroll to the bottom of any page on the site and you’ll find a newsletter subscribe box.
May decided it wanted to rain. And rain, and rain. I doubt I watered pots a half dozen times through the month. It also decided to sprinkle in unseasonable cool.
But now it’s June, and I’m hoping for more sunshine.
Still, the pots and gardens seem to have enjoyed the rain—except for the basil which looks pretty sad. I hope it perks up.
Warmer weather’s due this coming week, and I’m looking forward to throwing windows open again, and taking walks around outside after work.
Meanwhile everything’s growing and budding and blooming and making me smile. Except when Milo decided to dig in the impatiens, then went at the zinnias. We were able to save most everything, and shame Milo—who really does know better.
I only have to point at the destruction, put on the Mom face, use the Mom voice: Did you do that??? And he hangs his head and slinks away. Then I shun him for the rest of the day, which for a dog who craves his humans, is a hard lesson.
Milo’s thirsty! – Photo by Nora
He came out with me today—Atticus opted to stay inside as it’s still pretty damn cool out—when I took pictures. Since The Incident, he’s behaving himself.
BW’s in charge of sprinkling dog repellent and spraying for deer. So far, except for The Incident, we’ve had pretty good luck.
I thought you’d enjoy seeing the progress since the April planting. I don’t think I’ll fit in another gardening blog before we leave for Ireland later this month.
If the sun’s shining where you are, hope you can get out and bask a bit. I know I’m going to.
Hidden Nature is on sale now — and this is the best place to discuss it.
The official description goes like this:
Natural Resources police officer, Sloan Cooper, and her partner had just taken down three men preying on hikers in the Western Maryland mountains. Driving back, she pulled in at a convenience store—and walked right into a robbery in progress. One gunshot from a jittery thief was about to change her world.
After being shocked back to life on the operating table, she has a long recovery ahead, so she moves back to her parents’ peaceful house in Heron’s Rest. As for the boyfriend who dumped her via text while she was in the hospital, good riddance.
She may be down, but she’s not out. So when a woman vanishes, leaving her car behind in a supermarket parking lot, Sloan searches online for similar cases. She finds them, spread across three states. Men and women, old and young—the missing seem to have nothing in common. And the abductions keep happening.
Luckily, the new man in her life shares her passion for solving this mystery. But it will take every ounce of endurance to get to the dark heart of this bizarre case—and she’s willing to risk her life again if that’s what it takes to stop the horror.
Due to scheduling shifts and availability, we had our Girl Spa Week at one of the houses on the resort. Advantage, we’re all in one place. Disadvantage, distance from the shops, spa itself, etc. Pros and cons aside, we’re there to have fun!
Happy to be back. Photo by Laura
I needed to pack for the week prior to Derby as the car would be loaded. The Amazing Kat hauled all my stuff from here, to her house, then hauled it all up to Nemacolin. My suitcase, the Fabulous Prizes, the Bag ‘0 Games, the bags of clothes purged from my closet through the year. Champagne. It’s a lot.
Good thing as we stuff my G-Wagon—that’s Laura, Jo, Kayla and me in the driver’s seat along with luggage, snacks, wine and all the things girls need for a week away from home.
A nice, clear day for the drive up, and traffic isn’t too bad. We check in at the welcome center, and the delightful Mason comes to meet us, leads us to our home for the week, and hauls the half ton of stuff inside. Sarah got there right before us, so her stuff’s hauled in, too.
Snacks in the pantry, fruit in a bowl, drinks and whatever in the fridge. Open some champagne because the fun begins now. I don’t have much to unpack until Kat and Griffin arrive, but I check out my room. I’m on the lower level this year, have a wood burning fireplace—woo!—and they’ve set up a DVD for me in the living/game area down there for my workouts.
Pat should be there, and when we check, she’s lost somewhere on the property. We send out our search party and guide her in.* Some hang out time, take dinner orders—by text for Nicole and Kat, who are on their way.
Then the gang’s all here, and we eat, drink and make merry. There’s a pool table downstairs, and Griffin’’s fascinated. Pat and I show him how to play. Not really as we suck at it, but he enjoys, a lot.
We might have hauled out the clothes—Sarah brought tubs of her own (from which I bagged a very cool black jean jacket)—my memory fails me on that order of things. But whenever we did it, lots of fun, and lots of new-to-whomever stuff. We are all girls who like clothes. **
Early-ish to bed as travel days are travel days.
I’m up early, and am checking my email in bed when I hear: Hi!
And Griffin’s standing with a big grin at the foot of my bed. Up and at ‘em. He works out with me for little while, then plays with the pool balls. He claims Number Ten cheats. He instructs me to draw the pool table on a big sheet of paper. I draw a rectangle because I also suck at drawing. Together we draw the balls where he designates, number them, then he makes a maze out of it, and we put both our names on the masterpiece.
I go up to make bacon.
Kat’s made Bingo cards. Bingo begins at 8 a.m. Laura’s already up and out for her daily walk and an early treatment. Kayla’s out for a run. Jo and Sarah are at the dining table, and Jo’s hit Bingo. At about five minutes after 8. She takes this very seriously, though I’m told Sarah nixed her wondering if seeing a fly meant she could cross off See An Animal.
Big no.
Jo bags the first prize of the tournament.
Most of us decide it’s a good day to shop, so we do just that. Always fun to shop with girls.
It’s time for the games to begin. Kat’s made our scoreboard. First round of Scrabble. Laura, Pat, Kayla, Sarah. First round of Bowling. Laura takes Scrabble—big time—and Kayla does the same in Bowling.
We order ice cream.
Thursday cools off and brings some rain. The fireplaces come in handy. Griffin again joins my workout for a bit, then hangs out while I finish. He tries to teach me how to play a game on his IPad. I’m better off watching him play. Jo and Kayla are off for nails. I skip this as I just had mine done at Derby. And the afternoon is for painting. Always fun and challenging and fascinating to me to see everyone’s work. We’re all doing different things this time out, and with, imo, really impressive results.
Paint Day is also Pizza Night. Mason delivers! He’s also made sure we’ve had anything and everything we could want.
More Bowling, more Scrabble, and the first rounds of Just Dance. Kayla takes the Dance, Jo plays a seven-word at Scrabble. We play Monikers to much hilarity.
Another cool morning. Good thing I know how to build a fire. Pat has to leave us today. Nicole has to leave briefly—one son’s big lacrosse tournament, and her older son’s college graduation. She’ll be back Saturday night.
I have my Hot Stone Experience with the magical Autumn. It’s glorious. Kayla has her massage, and says the same. Her tech—new to her—is also Kayla. So she says it’ll be easy to remember and request her when we go as a family in August.
It’s the Bowling finals. Kayla and Laura are top scores. It’s nip and tuck, strikes, spares. Griffin invents a Strike Dance and gives high fives when the pins go down. He dances a lot as these ladies are hot! The scores are breathlessly close, the tension brutal!
In the end, Kayla nips Laura by two points. It may have been one. ***
It’s down to Kayla and Sarah in Just Dance. These are fierce competitors who routinely dominate the game. Who will get the coveted sticker and the fabulous prize? Once again, it’s neck-and-neck. And once again, Kayla nips Sarah by the thinnest margin.
Then because she’s a very good cousin, she does many dances for and with Griffin.
It remains cool on Saturday, and IIRC, a little drippy with it. Fires burning, and Sarah, Jo and I spend pretty much the entire day reading. I can’t remember the last time I spent the entire day in a book. Kat’s taken Griffin off for an adventure, and when they return, he has a Mother’s Day present for me. He’s made me a bottle of felt flowers, with buttons. It’s adorable. And as any mom or nana knows, there’s nothing like a home-made gift. It’ll go on my work station and make me smile every day.
He’s also decided I should have the gift he picked out for me. It’s nice to be known as it’s a three-wick candle in an oval wood bowl and covered with little crystals.
Kat, the Amazing Kat, made me a pillow for my new living room sofa. It’s gorgeous. She not only handmade it, but she SPUN THE WOOL! It’s so beautiful, so me, and will also make me smile every day!
It’s Laura Grills Night. I do my part by marinating the chicken. Veggies are scrubbed and prepped. It’s a beautiful presentation, along with Sarah’s and my request for burn-‘em-up dogs and toasted buns. It’s all seriously yummy. ****
Nicole returns. Her younger son’s team won their tournament, and her oldest had a happy graduation. And though we’d give her some recovery time, she’s ready for the Scrabble finals. *****
The sun comes back! It’s wonderful to go outside. Kayla, Laura, Sarah and Nicole go to tea in The Secret Room. I’m just too lazy for that. Kat and Griffin have another adventure. Jo and I have a Sloth Day. Everyone’s very happy with their choices. ******
She and Laura have unseated the Scrabble Queens, Kat and Jo. This is unprecedented. It’s the Underdog Story of the decade. Which of these upstarts will emerge victorious? They give each other no quarter as the lead shifts back and forth between them, with Jo carefully keeping score. After a long, hard-fought match, when the last tile is played, Laura claims victory.
She also claims she can bitch about games as much as she wants. *******
Jason FaceTimes to say Happy Mother’s Day. He asks if Kat and I got the flowers he sent. We have not. He checks, we check. Mason searches. Connor, the head butler for the estates, searches. And the flowers are discovered on the porch of an empty house. This mystery is solved when we learn they use that house’s address for the one we’re in.
The flowers are rescued, the lovely roses—thank you, Jason—freshened up. So pretty!
We decide on cards for the Wild Card match, and play Hearts for a prize. I don’t play, but keep score as six players makes it easier. It’s fun to watch these great, good friends get cutthroat over a card game. It’s a fairly close match until—and I saw this one coming—Sarah runs them. She was already at zero!
I will say Jo had bad luck, getting the Queen in the widow on the first hand.
I think winning this one might have taken some of the sting out of losing by a hare’s breath in Just Dance.
Last day, and the sun’s shining again. Walks, runs, workouts, books, treatments. And for me, packing. Kat’s going to haul most of my stuff back again, bless her heart. Still, we eat, drink and make merry. And have our Crowning Ceremony. The scoreboard shows Kayla has dominated. While everyone takes home prizes, she is the undisputed queen of Girl Spa.
When Sarah, our queen and Griffin have retired, the rest of us sit around. I comment how everyone always has their phone, and why is that. Discussion. My phone’s been down on the charger all week. And when I’m espousing the benefits of disconnecting, Nicole’s phone signals. It’s Sarah. And when I say Sarah’s just downstairs, why didn’t she just come up? Nicole says: Sarah saw a mouse!
We went through this on a much more intense basis the last time we stayed in this house. I blogged about it at the time. Nicole rushes into the kitchen for a bowl—with which we would capture the mouse as before—and we all go downstairs.
A hunting-Nicole-will-go.
We hunt. It’s a large area, lots of rooms. Kat using the flashlight on her phone to look under Kayla’s bed. After a thorough search, we find no mouse, and conclude it’s gone into the (locked) utility room, and deduce we disturbed it that day because several of us did laundry.
The 2021 capture — four years ago today. Photo by Laura.
Mason arranges for Heart Traps as don’t want to kill the mouse.
I discover the heat’s suddenly not working in my room. It’s 66 degrees. I build a big fire. And build in up in the morning when I wake up to 64 degrees. Brr! It’s raining, and pretty hard on Departure Day.
Sarah leaves early—hugs!—she had work waiting. The rest of us take more time, and Mason—what a guy—loads everything up. Nicole’s next, more hugs. Sarah texts to let us know the rain’s bad and so’s the traffic.
Nora, Mason and JoAnne. Photo by Laura
Oh well.
My group gears up. Hugs for Kat and Griffin (it’s his last Girl Spa), and we head out.
Yes, the rain’s bad, and so’s the traffic. The first 90 minutes of the drive is anything but pleasant. Finally, on the last leg, the skies clear. Ahhhh. And home again to insanely happy dogs, BW who hauls luggage to various cars.
Many hugs after a really wonderful week. Can’t wait to do it all again.
Nora
Note from Laura: Did you think I wouldn’t stick my nose in on this???
* I call Pat on her phone, Kayla was sitting next to me. Pat’s dealing with a lovely illustrated map from the hotel that doesn’t quite list all the roads from the welcome center to the house. I try to send her a google link to direct her. She tells me she’s going to park and let us find her. Now, I’d sipped some champagne so Kayla offers to drive. Pat’s five minutes away from the house, but it felt like years after all the circles she made. She has champagne.
**We do the clothing exchange on the first night.
***It was one point in the semi-final, two in the final. And someone’s Nana was calling it for me since I had a couple strikes in the final frame. The shock in Nana’s voice that I might win was apparent until the final score showed up and Kayla won.
****In 2021, I missed cooking for big groups since we were all still living separate lives. The gang said it was one of their favorite meals of the trip and loved the idea of doing it again. Made me so happy to grill veg, chicken and hot dogs — something for everyone. And Nicole made it back in time for dinner!
*****Not quite, we wait until the next evening.
******Actually, Nora and JoAnne go with Kat and Griffin to the first arts & crafts and make candles. THEN they head back to the house and hang on the deck in the lovely Mother’s Day sunshine.
Nora’s candle and a closeup of Griffin’s button flowers. Photo by Laura
*******You bet I will!And a PS: give Nicole a follow on Instagram. She’s so very entertaining.
It’s a fun and special time for us, this three day trip to Louisville. This year we traveled down with our good friends Bill and Nicole. And we’re all ready for the fun.
We left a sunny day in Maryland on a short flight. Pretty smooth one until we approached Louisville. BIG bumps up in the thick gray sky. (I so hate to fly.) All’s well when we land where Anne and our security, Scott, wait. We load up the luggage and head into the city for lunch.
Mmm, pulled pork and fries, just perfect. Almost as good as being on the ground.
Then it’s off to the hotel to unpack, settle in, chill out. Happy to have that time, not to have to rush before we change for the evening’s festivities. Dress code is Smart Fancy Casual. I figure that leaves a lot of room. I have a very comfortable dress, comfortable shoes with low heels, and because it’s cooler, add the black leather jacket I traveled in. Seems to fit inside that room.
I can’t for the life of me remember the name of the building, a short drive away, just that it’s huge and it’s beautiful. We’re a little early, so we have time to wander. And it’s worth it. Gorgeous rooms, soaring ceilings. As we explore, we inadvertently crash the Sandman party—one of the Derby favorites. Everyone’s friendly, and we’re invited to join. But we take the offered drink and wander some more. Our party’s in The Library, but no one’s there yet—except the bartenders.
So we take a drink into The Reading Room, hang out and enjoy. Before long, familiar faces. Always so good to see members of our Derby family. Special hugs and big thanks to the York Sisters, Tonya and Tammy, who work so hard to make this weekend a big success.
A nice meal in a beautiful place, some laughs and lots of easy. There’s an after-party, but nope. Travel days wipe me out, and the gang’s with me on it. So back we go. I sleep like a rock.
Friday, up early, grab a workout. Bill’s another early riser, and he’s off to get coffee, then gets in his own workout. The guys are going to the Downs for Oaks day. Nicole, Anne and I are heading for mani-pedis, lunch and some shopping.
Gorgeous morning! And we have to appreciate it while it lasts because the rain’s coming. Nails are at Bourbon and Blush, a new to me salon, and just lovely. If you’re ever in the market and in Louisville, there’s your spot.
Lovely light, and the proprietor has the salon full of gorgeous plants. Big, lush, plentiful. There’s a Wandering Jew five times as big as any I’ve seen, and so healthy I’m surprised it didn’t break out in song.
We talk plants awhile, and the proprietor gives Nicole a cutting. Emily gives my very tired, very abused feet soaks and scrubs and rubs until I know there’s a heaven. Even though my shoes aren’t open-toed, I go with my Derby dress colors. Deep, dark blue with my accent toe in a kind of pinky-orange. Fun! A classy French on the fingers, party on the toes!
Everyone was just lovely, and the three of us leave very happy women.
Then it’s lunch at The Mesh. A nice glass of wine, and salads all around. Really good salads in a pretty restaurant with cheerful service. Really can’t ask for more. But we want more, so it’s shopping at Rodes with Beth.
More Friday fun. Photo by Anne
This is another Derby tradition, and it’s good to be back. And we score! Nicole’s brought a fascinator for Derby, but finds a hat that’s too cute to resist. And a perfect match for her dress. I find what Nicole and I agree is just the right birthday gift for a mutual friend, and a wrap that’ll work with my dress for the gala. I’m always cold!
Always fun to shop with girls. Yes, that looks great. No, that doesn’t work.
Rain’s coming! We make it back to the hotel just as it starts to fall. Some down time which includes a nap for Nicole, the master of the 20 minute Power Nap. I have envy.
The rain gets serious, really serious. I have the track on TV, and they’ve paused the races as the wind blew in big time, and so did the lightning. The way the storm’s pounding, I’m glad tonight’s gala’s in the hotel. The guys return, and we start to glam up for the gala.
Glam indeed. Photo by Nicole.
A lovely couple.
When they’re able to run the Oaks race, I keep my streak going. I always pick a horse for BW to bet for me, and in all the years we’ve been coming, I’ve yet to pick a winner there. Seriously, what are the odds? But cheer up. When we’re finished with the glam, we all look fabulous! So does Anne when she joins us.
Glam squad: Anne, Nora, Bill, BW and Nicole. Selfie by Nicole.
Some work before the fun. Photo by BW.
We head down, meet up with Scott, check into the event, walk the Red Carpet. Familiar faces there, too, as we’ve been coming for so many years. Plenty of hugs and happy greetings. Then it’s libations of choice before I go check out the items in the silent auction. I love this part, and this year I’ve got my eye on a guitar signed by Paul McCartney. After all, when I was thirteen he was supposed to wait until I was old enough and marry me.
He did not.
We see so many friends, and as always the ballroom decor is stunning. There’s amazing live entertainment, including the rocking local band, The Crashers, and a set by J.D. Shelbourne, one by Richie Sanbora. Just a gorgeous full of fun night, music, friends, champagne.
Nora met Yung Gravy.
And for me, a guitar signed by my one-time future husband. YES!!
Nora wins again! Photo by Anne R.
And we only have to walk a ways, get on the elevator to get to bed.
Up early for workout on the very rainy and pretty chilly Derby Day. But we will not let that dampen our spirits. Up and at ‘em, get our pretty on. Since we checked the weather before we left home, I threw in a topper just for this eventuality. I’m adding a scarf. This year, I decided on a BIG hat. Hey, it’ll keep the rain off. Once again, we can’t seem to help it, we all look fabulous.
A conundrum with Nicole’s new hat—which way did it go on again? Try it one way, then another. And mostly get it.
We like to get there for the early races, so Scott’s ready and so are we. More grateful that on this damp chilly day we’re inside. Still, when we get there, I have to step outside and look at the track. Even on this gloomy day, it’s beautiful. Nicole hits the ladies to get the hat right at last.
Guys, dolls, hats. Photo by Nicole.
Time to bet! No luck on the first race, but I hit on the next. On and off like that all day. Before long, pals are filtering in, and the place is full of color, HATS, voices and happy faces. It’s a party mood all around, and just so good to be there. It’s a good day, spending it with people you get to hang out with once a year.
BW Nora and Warren Moon.
I have a list of horses I’m going to bet for the family. More or less picked at random. There are three grays in the Derby field, so my money goes there. You can feel the excitement, the anticipation everywhere. People lining up at the betting windows as it gets closer and closer to post time.
Studying the odds and info. Photo by Nicole.
Even with the weather, everyone crowds outside. As those beauties break out of the gate, the roar goes up and fills everything. I honestly can’t follow, can’t clearly see the silks or numbers, but it doesn’t matter. Rain or shine, this two minutes is just awesome. When you’re right there, for that two minutes, Churchill Downs is the world.
Waiting for the big race. Photo by BW.
My big bet came in 4th—a little more luck we’d have both been in the money. But it turns out my random picks were lucky for Griffin. I bet Sovereignty for him. Ten across the board. A thirty dollar bet and he wins $201.04.
We stay for the last race, then Scott drives us the rainy way home. Into sweats for a little wind down time, and there’s the bed.
Forget the morning workout, gotta pack. Gathering up stuff, checking twice. Then one more time. No sunshine, just drizzle. An easy drive to the airport, and we say goodbye to Anne and Scott.
Until next year!
Delay at the airport, but a short flight home. Hardly any bumps. And the sun!!! Plus fifteen degrees warmer. Big hugs bye for Bill and Nicole—though I’ll see Nicole on Tuesday because It’s Girl Spa Time.
The fun never ends.
The dogs are insane to see us, and the gardens look beautiful. Unload, unpack, organize a bit. The weekend flew by, but with lots of new memories.
And back in my own bed, I slept like a rock.
Monday for one day of routine. Then we’re off. Again.
Finally, after April decided to revisit February, it regained its sanity and opened the doors to Spring.
BW and I took our annual trip to Sunny Meadows to load up the pickup with plants. I find this nursery absolutely magical, so many beauties, so well tended, smiling, happy faces everywhere. And everyone who works there is so helpful.
After that lovely experience, we haul it all home. My first job is to start laying it all out, standing back, considering, adjusting as necessary until I’m pretty happy with the plan.
Now, let’s get dirty! It’s physical work as well as creative, and I really do love every bit of it. Good thing, as this stage took hours—and netted me, without a visit to my gym—23,000 steps. Whew! Now everything in the beds, and the flats waiting to be potted, need a good drink.
Up the back drive.
A close up.
The top of the front drive.
And so do I! So I pour the wine, and take a nice, long walk around. Very satisfying.
But we’re far from done.
We’re having family dinner on Saturday for Easter, so on Friday, I make the fan fave deviled eggs, get a workout in, then it’s time to build the pots and planters. I have many. I have many of many. Some for the patios, some for the walls, some to fill in beds until perennials take off, and some for the shady areas.
I love figuring this out. The thrill, fill, spill, what colors and shapes work well for any particular pot. And because I workout—and lift weighs—I can handle hauling pots into place until BW gets home to lend a hand.
Milo poses with the pots.
This is another full day, with some overtime.
Give everyone a drink!
Saturday, workout, bake a pound cake—my mother’s recipe and another crown pleaser. Since I’ve got some flats left, let’s haul out more pots! Go inside, put the ham in the oven, go back out and plant some more. I’ve just planted the last begonia when Jason and family arrive.
Griffin helps me water pots, then his mom waters him, to his delight. Jason helps BW with some outside springtime work. Kat peels carrots, I prep potatoes. Make the glaze for the ham. And when the rest of the gang arrives, we’re about ready for the feast. That is, after the big Easter egg hunt. I already know where the eggs are as Griffin, who helped hide them, has taken me around to see if I could find, and if not, to tell me.
Later, when it’s dark enough, I walk Griffin out to see all the fun solar lights. My friend JoAnne added to my collection last Christmas with a plant stand that’s a stump-shaped faerie house. Griffin’s fascinated when I tell them all these things light up at night so the faeries can see to play.
Note from Laura: the fairy stump is on the right. Will make sure we get a lit up photo over the summer.
I’m up early enough on Sunday to take a walk around, take pictures for the blog. Much cooler as it will be through the week, but still springlike. The air smells of sweet allysum and heliotrope. Ahh.
Before he leaves, Griffin has another piece of cake, and tells me it’s the bestest cake in the world. My mother would be delighted.
So a very happy, very satisfying, very productive extended welcome Spring weekend for me. Now I can look forward to seeing how my gardens grow.
