Author archive: Janis

The kiss of the sun for pardon, The song of the birds for mirth,– One is nearer God’s heart in a garden Than anywhere else on earth.  Dorothy Frances Gurney There are so many free activities to enjoy in the Berkshires.  The beauty of this Spring weather has had  us outside for hikes, garden tours,…

Life stands before me like an eternal spring with new and brilliant clothes. Carl Friedrich Gauss Many of our guests enjoy the off- season here in the Berkshires. Some who travel here for the first time are pleased to find all that is needed  ~ a little R & R,  a cozy place to sit…

    MAY YOU ALWAYS BE BLESSED WITH WALLS FOR THE WIND. A ROOF FOR THE RAIN. A WARM CUP OF TEA BY THE FIRE. LAUGHTER TO CHEER YOU. THOSE YOU LOVE NEAR YOU. AND ALL THAT YOUR HEART  MIGHT DESIRE. (Irish Blessing)   Vegan Irish soda bread 1-1/2 teaspoons baking soda 1 tablespoon baking…

  “The ordinary acts we practice every day at home are of more importance to the soul than their simplicity might suggest.” ― Thomas Moore           I love setting the stage for romance, for myself, and my loved ones, as well as for my guests.  The extra attention to detail makes…

Freezing rain Ice and snow Bitter winds Winter woe But in the depths The flowers grow.                        (by Joyce Monachina, my mother)   The Berkshires offer an especially magnificent landscape after freshly fallen snow. I thought I would take you to a couple of my…

“Love is the condition in which the happiness of another person is essential to your own.” Robert Heinlein Celebrate Love & Chocolate all month long at Crabtree Cottage.  Crabtree Cottage loves to set the stage for romance. Arrive to a cozy fire and chocolate covered strawberries in the parlor. Stroll down the street to one of our…

  “If you are cold, tea will warm you; If you are too heated, it will cool you; If you are depressed, it will cheer you; If you are excited it will calm you.” -William Ewart Gladstone On Inauguration Day we decided to host a High Tea / Supper Tea.  High tea is usually served…

“The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra.” ― Jimmy Johnson Sometimes, when I am paying attention, I notice the most ordinary moments or ideas are what make life so special. Things we take for granted every day, that we would miss if they were taken away, or worse, went unnoticed.  Most rituals…

  “Cooking may be as much as a means of self expression as any of the arts.”   Fannie Farmer What can I say?  I am hooked on the home arts.  Ever since I was a young girl I have been cooking, decorating & gardening. My mother used to entertain a lot, and I think,…