Annual Trip to Magazine Perfection

This year we were again invited to Philip and Suzanne's farm (You might remember that Suzanne is Jeff's advisor from grad school). It's a charming restored Civil War Era farmhouse and 180 idyllic acres in "The Hollow" near Keuka Lake. If you haven't figured this out by now, you will never get an unbiased opinion from me about any land near or on Keuka Lake. When you see the words "Keuka Lake," following will be words like "perfectly lovely."

Suzanne has a talent for making you feel at home. She always has something going on in the kitchen, and you are naturally compelled to join whatever she is doing. Steph and David, two MSU friends who graduated with Jeff were visiting too, making the whole day even more fun. This a view from the open attic bedroom to the kitchen below. Suzanne cans, and another benefit we take from the day is three Mason jars of her fantastic jam.

She has a great garden. It makes me swoon. The kids are often sent on a garden errand, and they happily go. Everyone is happy to pitch in with whatever, and the atmosphere is indescribably relaxing. Philip entertained the kids all day (and the adults too) by supplying rides in the back of his pick-up truck all over the property, and trips to see neighbor's animals.

A perfect way to wind down summer. Visits to the Cusick-Wilson farm will hopefully remain a summer tradition for our family.