What did I buy at Red Chair?

The image above from the Romantic Homes article is what drew me to Red Chair. I just knew a love affair was blossoming even before I passed under the little bright red chair hanging above the entry. Stepping across the threshold didn't disappoint, I was immediately enveloped by old French villages, lavender fields, stone houses from centuries ago. I closed my eyes and saw French country girls weaving linen and hemp into sheets, tablecloths, pillowcases....and those amazing sacks to store precious grain to see their families through the harsh Winters.



Home came these packages, lovingly tissue wrapped and sealed with vintage European postage stamps. I wanted to buy so much more but you know how it is when shopping on vacation, not enough time to measure, contemplate, savor the delights offered............and you don't want to make a mistake when spending hard-earned money!

So many unusual items around each corner, every nook and cranny hiding sweet buttons, old trims, fabrics, sewing items, hat blocks, even brass rings, you just had to reach for them.

So many gorgeous old books ~ you know how they set my heart pounding!

Lots of antique and vintage ephemera including French ledgers, journals, music sheets. Keys, ivory game pieces, all displayed with panache ~ Jocie's background in graphic design certainly shows in every corner of Red Chair.

These are my purchases from Red Chair now at home ~ they were easy to pack and are things I will really enjoy. A thick, creamy French linen tablecloth for my farm table. A long bolster-size heavy natural hemp grain sack with dark blue embroidered initials MT and double stripes ~ searching for a readymade pillow to fit. Large linen napkin/tea towel with my initials MS - had to have it! Two French blue covered paperback books, aged to perfection, and now at home with my other French books purchased last Autumn in Provence.

As mentioned earlier, I'm definitely hoping to return to this shop some day. If you are ever in the Peterborough, NH area and longing for some lovely antique/vintage things for your home, I think you might be pleasantly surprised to find Europe within reach.......and no passport required!

Fascinating Falconry

Yes, this is me with a 'little birdie' eating out of my hand!

This is Smokey, a Harris Hawk.

A bird in the hand is definitely more fun than.........

...........one in a bush.........

...................or a nearby tree.

If you had ever told me I would experience Falconry up close and in person, I would have laughed. Falconry was once an ancient sport of kings and nobility. My only previous brush with this sport was here. When home in England recently I had the luck to watch a display of raptors - falcons, hawks and this fabulous owl - on Dartmoor.

These pics were taken last week on Independence Day in New Hampshire. Nancy, wife of Jim, a business colleague of my husband, owns the New Hampshire School of Falconry. They are both Master Falconers. We planned to meet them at the parade that morning, then they took us to their splendid 1789 colonial home set on 28 breathtaking country acres with original timbered barns, a gurgling brook, and scenic mountain views.

Having a huge powerful raptor fly to your hand is an experience never forgotten. Before I had my turn, my granddaughter Jasmin also enjoyed Smokey closeup, click here. Somewhat nervous at first, she too is thrilled that she agreed to participate in the chance of a lifetime.

Binker - Gyr Falcon

Pearl - Peregrine Falcon


Smokey - Harris Hawk
There are a total of nine birds at the Falconry.

Here Nancy allowed me to gently stroke Smokey. A wonderful sensation to actually touch a bird we usually only see circling high above the trees in search of the next meal.

Thanks so much Nancy and Jim, this was truly a wonderful day at your beautiful home and such fun meeting your amazing feathered friends.

European Treasures in New Hampshire!

Garden treasures displayed outside.

If you read the April 2009 issue of Romantic Homes you may already be familiar with the amazing shop named Red Chair. Tucked away in the lovely riverside town of Peterborough, New Hampshire, the owner Jocie Sinauer, has filled her shop with many vintage curiosities and antiques from France, Sweden and Belgium. I was head over heels in love with it the moment I stepped through the door.

Sadly, I didn't meet Jocie as she was away from the shop that day, however her assistant Nan was most charming and helpful.

Painted country furniture. Pitchers and pots. Interesting china including lovely white ironstone, and French cafe au lait bowls. Glassware. Old tiles. Platters and plates.

Loads of silver flatware, serving pieces, coffee, tea services and trays. .................................Urns. Shells. Unique bibelots.

My most exciting find was a huge array of linens. Real French hemp grain sacks, some cut and sewn into pillow covers. Tablecloths woven and monogrammed. Huge heavy linen bed sheets. Embroidered pillow cases. Farmers' shirts and smocks.............
...................and from the linens, all washed and pressed, wafted lavender perfume from the sachets scattered about.........I truly felt I was back in Provence!

Next time I'll show you more pics and the French items I purchased. Time was limited as DH had a busy sightseeing schedule mapped out. I do know that I want to return to Red Chair another time and spend a couple of hours browsing and sighing (and of course buying!) over Jocie's treasures ~ she definitely has an eye for collecting fabulous things.

Pink Saturday

The pink sunbrella on

Ogunquit Beach, Maine ~ July 6, 2009

Being at the shore is always enjoyable. I especially love the beach in the Fall and Winter, after the tourists have gone home!

Last Monday, the sun shone brightly on the packed beaches of New Hampshire and Maine after a chilly, wet June. Traveling along the coast roads, we stopped at several favorite spots where we used to go on hot Summer days back in the 1960's and '70's.......and of course we reminisced. Living so close to such a lovely coastline, we enjoyed the beach and the fresh seafood brought in daily by the small boats plying the waters offshore.

Wild pink beach roses growing in the sand at Ogunquit, Maine.

Be certain to visit Beverly at How Sweet the Sound to celebrate pink today!

There should be a new blogger posting her first 'Pink Saturday' post today........my 'traveling granddaughter' Jasmin, who now has a cute blog, Live Love Laugh and I know she would really enjoy a visit from YOU!

Breakfast at Janet's..............

Returning to New England is always pleasant. This trip was even more special because I was to meet up with blog friend Janet of Housepeepers in Massachusetts. Only had a little time to visit, our itinerary was full, but this quick stop to meet humorous Janet, and her charming husband Bob, was so enjoyable.

Behind the welcoming blue door of this sunny yellow New England colonial house, a delicious breakfast awaited. Janet had been busy in her spacious kitchen baking the most delectable treats........fresh blueberry coffee cake, the yummiest banana nut bread, accompanied by fresh fruit and good, strong coffee.

Janet had planned for us to eat outside on her back deck overlooking a lovely garden area but rain clouds were threatening again.......New England had suffered through a very wet June with 29 straight days of rain, phew! This of course meant the garden was brilliant green, no dried out grass, and huge hostas with dozens of flower spikes ready to bloom. Oh to bring some of that rain back to the the hot, dry Southeast.

So we gathered around her table in a beautiful dining room, surrounded by Janet's collection of antiques, and tucked into the goodies while chatting away a mile a minute.

I loved Janet's kitchen and her pot rack - something I've always wanted but am too nervous to hang from my ceiling!

Janet's Bob, Janet, Mary, and my Bob.

Luckily we had granddaughter Jasmin to take some pics of us in front of this charming house. It really was a great visit. Thanks so much for making us welcome Janet and Bob. We enjoyed meeting you and hope you will come visit with us some day.

Following the river.............

A small rural New Hampshire town.

A river high from so much rain.

A treasure trove discovered.

Stepping across the threshold......never wanting to leave.

Jasmin - Peterborough, New Hampshire ~ July 2009

We found a place to shop and I'll tell you about it soon.

Contoocook River, Peterborough, NH

Beach Roses at Cape Neddick

Nubble Light House, Cape Neddick, Maine ~ July 6, 2009

Beach roses smell as roses should! Light, delicate, true rose fragrance. The Ranger told us the roses were pruned back hard in early Spring. They have exploded into huge, healthy bushes, massed with blooms now that Summer warmth and sunshine have touched the New England coast.

A perfect day ~ cloudless sky, slight breeze, temperature around eighty degrees.


Stop and smell the roses, breathe in the salty air. Be thankful for the perfect day.

Beautiful Maine.

On Golden Pond

The Fourth was fun but in our family, the Fifth is even more important!

Today, we drove up the coast of New Hampshire, along with thousands of others seeking sun and sand after a month of wet, cool days. A perfect day for my DH to celebrate a Birthday. Home in the beautiful state where he was born and raised. Where we lived for a while when first married. Accompanied by his older brother and lovely wife who flew in from Arizona to celebrate a holiday and birthday with us.

The 'golden pond' is actually Lake Massabesic. A picturesque place for sailing, kayaking and picnicking on a lazy Summer afternoon. My DH spent time here as a child and then we came here with our children during the years we lived in New Hampshire and Massachusetts.

We stopped by the lake today on our way back to the city. It was perfect.

Jasmin at Lake Massabesic, Manchester, NH - July 5, 2009

We enjoyed the lakeside tranquility for a little while........then it was time to celebrate at a great Italian restaurant.

The food was excellent. The wine was wonderful. The Birthday cake was gobbled up before we thought to take a photo.............so you only get to see my wonderful DH blowing out his candle, again!

Happy Birthday Bob..........and many, many more. We love you.