Author archive: Janis

“Every leaf speaks bliss to me, fluttering from the autumn tree.” Emily Bronte Beautiful scenes like this are everywhere now. We are having a beautiful spell of amazingly  sunny days and crisp, clear moonlight nights.  Since my last post we have been enjoying every single bit of the late summer and  the early autumn season….

“Summer’s lease hath all to short a date.”  William Shakespeare You know the saying, “August is the Sunday of Summer,”  well at Crabtree Cottage  we are packing every last minute into this “day”  that is for sure.   Our guests have been seeing plays, concerts at Tanglewood,  and world class dance, at Jacob’s Pillow.  In…

  “The many great gardens of the world, of literature and poetry, of painting and music, of religion and architecture, all make the point as clear as possible: The soul cannot thrive in the absence of a garden. If you don’t want paradise, you are not human; and if you are not human, you don’t…

Flowers always make people better, happier, and more helpful; they are sunshine, food and medicine for the soul.  Luther Burbank You are cordially invited to participate in the 2013 Gardens, Grounds and Properties Tour of Lee & Becket. This is a fundraiser which underwrites the cost of the beautiful flower baskets that grace the Town…

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…