I’ve Been Terribly Remiss – But Have Lot’s to Share

Is it just the winter months, or some astrological influence, that lead to my ennui. The days seem so short, who wants to be gazing into a computer screen any longer after a day of work The early dark evenings are hardly inspiring.

Nonetheless, we’ve had lots of adventures and pleasures and so many pictures to share. So stay with me.

Some of what I’ll be sharing in the coming weeks include jaunts in and around Hubbard-Perkins Conservation Area in Philipstown and Poets Walk in Rhinebeck. Such fascinating places with remnants and vestiges of the farming and commerce that thrived here over a century ago.

We’ve now walked 15 of the 22 Hikes in Philipstown. And have noticed how popular the Arden Point/Marcia’s Mile trails near our home have become.

Dining has meant many return visits to what have become our favorites on the east bank of the Hudson like Doug’s Dogwood, Ziatun, Quinn’s and Kitchen Sink.

And new places charming Juanita’s Kitchen in Nelsonville which we like a lot.

The new Beacon Hotel Restaurant an exciting spot with a very enticing menu.

and Hudson Valley Brewers, John-Anthony Gargiulo’s thriving place.

And more trips across the Hudson to Newburg for Newburg Brewery, Ms. Fairfax, which we adore and others.

I’ve got a least 20 new articles to post so stay tuned!

 

 

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A Fall Hike Up Sugarloaf Hill

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Fallen leaves present a new beauty and longer vistas on the high hills like Sugarloaf in Hudson Highlands State Park. Our 13th of the 22 Philipstown hikes.

A interesting historic area from the entry point off route 9D near Garrison Institute. You’ll pass old farms and barns and catch views of the magical Osborne Castle Rock and remnants of ancient stone walls and carriage trails.

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The trail starts easily with long views of farm meadows and hills far beyond, across the river.

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Following the red marked trail you’ll come across a pretty restored gazebo with a place to lunch or simply refresh. Please be sure to take out waste.

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Keep walking and you come to a beautiful pond held in place by a wall of men’s labor.

sugarloaf-hill-philipstown-reflection-pond sugarloaf-hill-philipstown-reflection-pond-trees

Further up the trail goes from moderate to somewhat difficult but takes you above Castle Rock and with no leaves a beautiful view.

It was a gray cloudy day so capturing great photos was a little challenging. These have been computer enhanced for beauty.

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The red trail intersects with a blue trail that goes over the mountain and down to route 9 by 403.

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In the distance you can see the gazebo there. We walked that trail last spring, called White Rock Walk I believe.

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Heading back we passed a stone marker like those you find at the entrance of Arden Point trail.

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And enjoyed more views.


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Sugarloaf Hill Hike

 

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Amazing Double Rainbow Over Garrison Landing

amazing-rainbow-garrison-landing-ny-2Our precious home on Garrison’s Landing has perpetual front row seats to an ever changing display of exciting natural beauty.

Yesterday after a day of scattered sun beams, clouds and showers we were treated to a rare and fortuitous double rainbow.

I’ve never seen such a rainbow before. Seers and tellers of folklore say that Double Rainbows are a symbol of transformation and a sign of good fortune. They bring good luck.

amazing-rainbow-garrison-landing-nyHard to capture by camera, but trust me a truly remarkable and inspiring site.

amazing-rainbow-garrison-landing-ny-3The trees lit like fire by the sun against the dark gray sky.

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The “GW Six Oh” a Very Special Hudson Valley Cocktail for a Very Special Birthday

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We drank and ate and laughed and played,  a weekend of fun and friendship at cherished Long Beach Island Loveladies beach, with best friends Gail and Marc, part of a year long celebration of Gail’s 60th birthday.

Of course an original cocktail just for Gail Wagner was in order. “I love your cocktails,” were Gail’s words, “but they are too sweet for me.” Well ok, I can make dry cocktails, and crafted this Sherry Martini with Hudson Valley Tuthilltown Spirits Indigenous Fresh Pressed Apple Vodka, Lustau Almacenista Fino Sherry from, Artisan Wine Shop, Beacon, and the very fine 1830 Antoine Amédée Peychaud bitters, accented with raw almond stuffed black olives. The result … ” Yum!  Very delicious and not sweet!” called the GW Six Oh!

The recipe:

For each cocktail

2 oz  Tuthilltown Spirits Indigenous Fresh Pressed Apple Vodka

1/2 to 3/4 oz Lustau Almacenista Fino Sherry

Canned Pitted Black Olives Stuffed with Raw Almonds

3 drops of  Peychaud Bitters

  1. Chill a martini glass or four with ice and water or in your freezer
  2. Stuff a bunch of good black jumbo olives, the pitted kind in a can with raw almonds put two on a toothpick
  3. Add ice to a shaker and the vodka and sherry and shake well
  4. Let it sit for a moment as you empty the ice water from the cocktail glasses or   pull them from the freezer and place the stuffed olives in each glass
  5. Gently pour the cocktail over the olives and add three drops of the bitters
  6. Toast sip and smile

Blogs and Pages

My 60th Birthday Celebration

Tuthilltown Spirits

Made with 100% Hudson Valley apples grown at selected local orchards, it is so smooth and delicious.

Sherry and Vodka Available at

Artisan Wine Shop Beacon

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Hudson River Sunset at Garrison Landing

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Sunday Poem – Grey Sunday

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Probably at least til noon, fall is coming. Wind tosses the brown leaves already on the ground.
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Love this poem by Joyce.

Grey Sunday afternoon.
Rain is fallen glistering gloom.
Inside it’s warm and cozy.
Time for writing and relaxing.
Watch a movie and some texting.
Even when this day is grey.
Smile and have lovely Sunday.

Hello Poetry Sunday Poems

33-garrison-landing-fall-coming-deck

 

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Happy To Be Back

Peter Conway Recent Garrison Landing600

On Sunday May 8th, 2016, my life took a turn for the better, although through a path that most any person would dread.

With the excellent care of the wonderful doctors, nurses, and staff of Vassar Brothers Medical Center and the Hudson Valley Heart Center I have a newly repaired and restored heart and aorta, which is a truly wonderful thing.

Beginning in early May on through August I have traveled a path from near death to a high level of physical, mental and spiritual health I could not have previously imagined.

This all would not be were it not for the rich and abundant prayers, blessings, energy healing,  invocations, meditations and kind thoughts and wishes and unmitigated love of my devoted wife, children, family and so many friends.

For all this I am so very blessed and grateful.  And very happy to be writing once again.

Garrison Landing Hudson River Sailboats Morning Garriosn Landing NY Hudson River Sunset with Sailboat

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Let’s Stock Up and Eat! Marbled Market, Beacon NY

Marbled Market Stock Up Beacon NY Sign

New in Beacon, an exciting eatery, just opened by the fabulous people of Marbled Meat Shop in Cold Spring, Lisa Hall and Chris Pascarella, and for this venture they persuaded long time friend Adam Sternberg to join them as chef.

Marbled Market Stock Up Beacon NY Lida anad DIanaLocated on Teller where the Copper Roof Deli used to be, the place is spruced up in Marbled style. Open just a short while, the word is apparently out.

Marbled Market Stock Up Beacon NY customers Line up The place was hoping last Saturday when we stopped in for some lunch.

What makes Stock Up great is the Marbled team’s uncompromising dedication to using the freshest and best quality ingredients. The deli counter has a fabulous selection of cold cuts.

Marbled Market Stock Up Beacon NY Deli CounterWe opted for two of their creative sandwiches, inspired versions of classics.

The Ruben + Sprouts with house pastrami, brussel sprout sauerkraut, swiss cheese, Stock Up secret sauce, on griddled rye. Big, delicious, yet not overly filling.

Marbled Market Stock Up Beacon NY Ruben Sandwich and Pickles

The Philly Style (Wiz Wit), Adam is from Philly, scrumptious shaved beef, the best meat to be found, with hopped up beer cheese wiz with smoked sauteed onion on a crusty fresh seeded roll.

Marbled Market Stock Up Beacon NY Philly Sandwich and Sides

Sandwiches come with a side of your choice from an awesome selection of healthy tasty creations.

Check this place out, you will be delighted.

Stock Up

29 Teller Ave
Beacon, New York
(845) 202-7400

Read More about Stock up on A Little Beacon Blog.

Marbled Market Stock Up Beacon NY Real Silverware Marbled Market Stock Up Beacon NY Deli Counter chicken

 

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Dinner at the Red Line! Diner Cuisine at its best in Fishkill

Diana at Red Line Diner

When we were first starting out as a family, and our businesses were new, dinner at one of our local diners was a regular thing! We had some very good ones near us in New Jersey, including the famous and infamous Tick-Tock Diner.

Well it has been some time, but the Red Line Diner in Fishkill with its bright compelling neon and crowded parking lot pulled us in, some many decades later. We were not disappointed.

I don’t mean to sound like a food snob, even if I am, but there is no denying we lean toward locally sourced, carefully made, gourmet ( I hate that word) cuisine. I am actually not a food snob, eat what you like, but I am carefully what I eat. We make most of our food ourselves at home we the best and most local ingredients we can find.

That being said we enjoyed our dinner here. I think the Vanikiotis family take care to use quality ingredients, but only so much is possible and still meet public expectations for good but relatively inexpensive food in decent quantity.

The family has a bit of a dynasty here, being in the restaurant business in the Hudson Valley for over three decades, their properties include the Daily Planet Diner in Lagrangeville, Table Talk Diner in Poughkeepsie, Red Line Diner and Barnabys Steakhouse in New Paltz. They also own Hyde Park Marina There is no doubt Greeks know how to run diners and do food very well.

As you might expect the wait staff here are all very friendly and attentive to your dining pleasure.

Crispy Eggplant Sandwich

My Crispy Eggplant Sandwich was delicious, although I was not crazy about the roll, a little two dry. It is slices of marinated breaded eggplant, imported feta cheese, hummus and roasted red peppers on focaccia bread. Served with tossed salad, and tasty fries.

Diana had this traditional Greek Salad made of baby mixed greens tossed in the house-made Greek dressing with imported feta cheese, tomatoes, red onions, red and green bell peppers, cucumbers, Kalamata olives and stuffed grape leaves. And added charbroiled chicken breast .

Greek Salad with Chicken

I drank a couple of bottles of local brewer Keegan Ales Hurricane Kitty IPA. Diana stuck with water. There is a full bar, cocktails, wine, beer.

We both exercised the greatest self control and passed by the dessert case without succumbing what was likely to be a very pleasurable, but later regretful experience. An abundance of white sugar and white processed flour just does not do us any good at our age.

Red Line Dinner Dessert Case

Well Red Line was fun. And we are happy so many people enjoy.

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