Picnic Baskets and Other Things Tied Onto Car Roofs

Some friends and I were chatting about picnicking and the best containers for transporting food and incidentals.I told them for me, A PICNIC BASKET is a must. I’ve had the same rattan basket for years and it is always ready with all the picnic necessities: plates, cups, silverware and assorted serving spoons, napkins, tablecloth, placemats, small cheese board, sharp knife, can opener and corkscrew.

Why a picnic basket? Not only do I like the romantic notion of a picnic basket, I feel that a picnic is the grandest of occasions and a basket simply takes this role more seriously than any other container. The simple act of lifting my picnic basket out of the closet fills me with excitement and anticipation for what is to come.

However, everyone agreed that a picnic basket alone is not adequate for most picnics. We all have a variety of great canvas bags that hold picnic foods pulled out of the cupboard: potato chips, crackers, paper towels and a can of anything. And, of course a cooler is almost always a must. Yet, for the simplest of picnics, just one of the above containers will often do just fine, especially if we are alone or with one other person, and the destination is close by.

Someone asked where I got the idea of a picnic basket tied onto the roof of the car for the cover of Cruising Connecticut with a Picnic Basket. It started with the memory of a 40-year old adventure.

Back in 1972, my husband and I and three daughters, ages 14, 12 and 5 were planning a trip to Southampton, England to visit relatives and impulsively decided to add on a 4-week camping vacation in Europe, traveling through 7 countries. We boarded a ferry in Southampton with all our rented equipment and when we docked in Le Havre, France my husband left us and our “stuff” waiting on the boat while he found a car rental. He came back with the biggest car they had, a 2-door Simca. While we all managed to squeeze our bodies into this doll-size car without a trunk, there was no room for anything else. So, we found some rope and tied everything to the top of the car.

These items included: 1 tent, 2 cots, 5 sleeping bags, camp light, camp stove, folding table and four chairs, place settings, dishpan and various products for washing dishes. Oh, and of course, 5 pieces of luggage. What a sight. Our belongings towered higher than the body of the car!

If there was one tiny plus, it was when we reached the various borders, we were never asked to remove our assorted paraphernalia from the roof for inspection. In fact, we hardly ever stopped the car. When the guards saw us coming they waved us right through.

When I was thinking about ideas for the cover of my book, the image of traveling through Europe with that bizarre-looking car somehow popped into my consciousness and I immediately knew I would use an oversized picnic basket tied to the roof of a car as a starting point. And with the help of a good design team the idea just developed into a fun and whimsical cover that, after five years, still makes me chuckle.

These days, as work on my second book continues I sometimes pause to wonder if I will be lucky enough to get the same kind of inspiration for my new cover.

Need some inspiration to plan your first picnic of the season? Just lift that Picnic Basket out of the closet and watch what happens!

March 1 is Plan a Solo Vacation Day

“Wanderlust stirrings? Tired of waiting for friends’ timetables to coincide with yours? This is the day to follow the lead of 34.8 million U.S. adults who have taken a vacation by themselves in the past three years. Spend the day checking out all the opportunities for Solo Travel.”

When I ran across this day in Chase’s Book of Days I knew I had to share this idea with as many people as possible and to wholeheartedly endorse the idea of solo travel.

My first solo trip was neither because of wanderlust, although I’ve had this yearning for as long as I can remember, nor was it because I got tired of waiting for friends’ timetables to coincide with mine, although a couple of my later solo trips were for this reason. My first solo trip was a weekend away in a nearby state simply because I desperately needed a break from the strain of work, school and family responsibilities. So, leaving my husband in charge of the house and kids, I impulsively gave myself the gift of some much needed R&R. This was the just the beginning of an amazing adventure over the past thirty years.

Some of my solo trips have been to far-off places and others right in my own home state. The latest, a year and a half ago, was a drive through ten western states visiting ten national parks, and the experiences on this trip have prompted me to write my second book which will be published next year. But, the place isn’t important.

Neither is the reason. There are probably as many reasons to go solo as there are places to go. Go solo for the luxury of having complete control over your vacation, planning the exact trip that will rejuvenate and refresh your body and your spirit, for the opportunity of taking on an exciting new challenge, of doing something entirely different and even slightly out-of-character. Go to tune into your deepest desires and to find another side of your wonderful self.

The benefits will be to expand your world and to arrive home feeling strong and renewed, full of confidence and self-empowerment and with the satisfaction of having a deeper connection with everything and everyone around you.

So, use this day to start planning that solo trip you’ve been thinking about taking, or merely to think about the possibilities. Then check out the sponsors of Plan a Solo Vacation Day. Their website is a “clearinghouse of information” in all areas of single travel with many resources for you to start thinking about and planning either your first or your 15th solo vacation. www.solotravelportal.com

Still feeling hesitant about taking that first step? Pick up a copy of Gina Greenlee’s book, Postcards and Pearls, Life Lessons for Solo Moments on the Road where you will find inspiration and ideas for how to begin an amazing journey, both in the world and within the most important person in the world, YOU! www.ginagreenlee.com

Winter is Not Just for Shoveling!

I may be wintering in Florida, but my heart is back in Connecticut with friends and family who are trying to cope with the mountains of snow and sending me photos so I can see what I am missing! Oh, and waiting for the next storm.

Thinking back to a lifetime of winters in Connecticut I realized the times I actually enjoyed this season as opposed to merely tolerating it was when I was outside participating in a sport or activity: hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, building a snow fort or a snowman, having a snowball fight, ice skating (with those big, inviting bonfires!)

If you are experiencing cabin fever at this point why not plan a winter picnic. And, just so you won’t think I have lost my mind I did an online search to see if I could find some like-minded individuals. It turns out there are plenty of folks getting outdoors for some good old-fashioned fun.

Check these out:

1.www.foodandwine.com. In search bar type in: “A Chef’s Incredible Winter Picnic” and read how chef Ken Oringer combines his yearly tradition of cutting down a Christmas Tree with a tailgating party. Of course, you don’t want to wait until next December ~ simply replace that activity with another. He also shares some tempting recipes.

2.www.associatedcontent.com. In search bar type in: “Planning a Winter Picnic.” This article by J.E. Davidson prompted one reader to respond by recalling that when they were children they went cross-country skiing in a state park with finger sandwiches packed in backpacks and when they came to a picnic table they just brushed the snow off and sat down to eat. He ended with “It was sooo cool!” Sometimes as adults we forget how much joy children get from the simplest pleasures.

3.www.simplebites.net/ideas-and-tips-for-a-winter-picnic-in-the-snow. This article by Aimee is a great resource for enjoying winter and picnicking with kids.

4.www.picnicrecipesandgames.com/winter-picnic-ideas.htm. Includes Picnic Ideas for both Romantic and Family picnics.

5.www.cruisingconnecticut.com. Click on “What’s In Your Picnic Basket” to access my hot spiced cider recipe to help keep the chill away.

Hopefully these sites will inspire you to lift out your insulated containers and your warmest socks and mittens and on the first free day that the temperature reaches an acceptable level, get outside and enjoy a winter picnic. You’ll never feel the same way about winter again.

Happy Holidays

Winter is officially here, not that we need a calendar to tell us it is cold! This recipe from Cruising Connecticut with a Picnic Basket is the perfect cold weather drink to be enjoyed not only while picnicking but during other occasions as well:

1. Pour into a thermos to take along on a Sleigh Ride or a day of skiing or sledding.

2. Cozy up in front of a fire, put your favorite Christmas CD on and sip away.

3. Serve it as your guests arrive for a holiday get-together.

HOT SPICED CIDER
1. Pour 4 cups apple cider into a saucepan.
2. Add 2 cinnamon sticks and a teaspoon of whole cloves.
3. Bring to just below boiling point.
4. Remove from heat.
5. Strain.

Pour into cups and add one-half of a fresh orange slice.

OPTION #1: Top with a dallop of whipped cream.
OPTION #2: Stir in 1/2 cup ginger brandy.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!

One Last Day trip and Picnic for 2010

I recently enjoyed what was probably my last day trip and picnic this year with my sister, Pat. The occasion was a friend’s book signing in New Hartford, CT. Patti Kierys wrote a book titled Christmas in the Country, an historical account of The Ullmann Farm in Pleasant Valley, CT. The Ullmann family arrived in Hartford in 1884, and the following year settled in a homestead now known as Squire’s Tavern.

The book is a charming and captivating account of the family’s personal stories and holiday traditions, brought to life by authentic recipes and numerous photos, including a tree decorated with Patti’s own re-created Victorian ornaments. Similar ornaments designed by Patti have often adorned trees at various esteemed residences in Connecticut, like the Governor’s Mansion, as well as travelling all the way to the White House in Washington, D.C.

We loved the fact that the venue for Patti’s book signing was the Gallery at Jerram Winery in New Hartford. This was my first visit, so of course we went early for a wine tasting and picnic which we had picked up at Passiflora Tea Room, Café and Herbal Shoppe, also in New Hartford. Not only do they have great-tasting local, organic food but have some fun special events on Thursday evenings and Sunday afternoons. Check it out at www.passiflorateas.com.

Jerram Winery was founded in 1998 by Jim Jerram, owner and winemaker. Our tasting consisted of 6 wines, both red and white (out of 11 on the list) several of which were award winners. The property and buildings are unique and welcoming, especially the Tasting Room, a former butter factory that is 107 years old. We look forward to visiting again, perhaps at a different time of year, and learning more about the history of the farm. www.jerramwinery.com.

I don’t foresee any picnics during December; this month will be devoted to holiday festivities, including shopping. Now that Black Friday is over, I look forward to a slower-paced shopping experience. If you also enjoy a more leisurely and fun type of holiday shopping, consider the following two venues:

Friday, December 3rd, from 4:30-9:00pm. Shop ‘til You Drop at Woodside School, 30 Woodside Road, Cromwell. With over 60 vendors (including authors Patricia Sheehy (http://patriciasheehy.wordpress.com) and Jan Mann (www.cruisingconnecticut.com) you should have plenty of gift choices. Enjoy free admission, raffles, door prizes and refreshments.

Wednesday, December 8th from 5:00-8:00pm. Heart of the Country, 169 Main Street, Old Wethersfield is hosting a Girls Night Out with authors Patricia Sheehy, Jan Mann and Maureen Chapdelaine (www.notmymotherswedding.com) Enjoy light refreshments, including a treat from Jan’s picnic basket while you browse at this unique and diverse gift shop.

Hope to see you at one of these events.

November Days

I hope everyone enjoyed “Loosen Up, Lighten Up Day” yesterday (November 14th), a reminder of the “benefits of joy and laughter.” Don’t worry if you didn’t know about it, these traits work well any day, and in fact provide more benefits when put into practice consistently. Yet, it’s easy to get distracted in these busy times, so I decided to write these words on a sticky note and place beside my computer where I spend much of my time working on my second book.

Speaking of writing, today (November 15th) is “I Love to Write Day”, a day to “encourage people of all ages to write something: a poem, a short story or a letter to the editor, or to start or finish a novel.” Hmm, it goes on to say, “The possibilities are endless” so I figure everything we write probably counts, except maybe our shopping list.

This day was founded in 2002 by Delaware Author and Ghostwriter John Riddle and will be observed in major cities around the U.S. with libraries, schools and bookstores planning special events and activities. Check it out at www.Ilovetowriteday.org. Actually, even if you don’t enjoy writing, try just a few minutes of journaling on a regular basis. It’s amazing how much we learn about ourselves, and it’s great for problem solving!

I love this one. November 26th is “Sinkie Day”, a day to become acquainted (if you are not already) with the “time-honored, casual-yet-tasteful cuisine culture” of eating over the kitchen sink. How fitting that this falls on the day after Thanksgiving when people can enjoy the leftovers in style!

Happy Thanksgiving, and no matter how you enjoy your leftovers, may there be plenty!

Habits are Hard to Break

Normally, this would have been the weekend when I would spend a day visiting my favorite spots in Litchfield County to marvel at the autumn colors and confirm once again that the foliage in Connecticut is every bit as spectacular as that in Vermont.

For years, it’s been pretty much the same route, starting at Hopkins Vineyard in New Preston for a wine tasting and the purchase of a bottle of Sachem’s Picnic to enjoy later in the day. In my book I talk about the setting being straight out of a country journal, but the most dramatic view here is the foliage across Lake Waramaug. Next, we visit Kent Falls State Park in Kent, climbing the stairs to the top of the falls which plunge 70 feet in a dramatic cascade. then heading to Cornwall Covered Bridge, just seven miles north in West Cornwall. Here we drive through the narrow 173-foot long bridge, which has been in continuous service since 1864, park the car on the other side, and walk through the bridge and back again, peeking out the window openings on each side for postcard views of the Housatonic River.

The rest of our day varies somewhat depending on how early we started out. Sometimes we poke around the Towns of Kent or West Cornwall, other times we take a drive to the top of the 1,683-foot Mohawk state Forest in Cornwall, just under 4 miles. The view is an awe-inspiring panorama of Mount Greylock to the north, Heublein Tower and Avon Mountain to the East, and the Catskills to the West.

Picnicking is spectacular at any one of these places, or what's fun is a progressive picnic, snacks at the first stop, soup or salad at the second, and so forth.

Anyway, as I said, this is the fall foliage trip I usually plan for the middle weekend in October, but which is not going to work out this year. So, I am doubly glad that last weekend I happened to find myself in the Berkshires with a friend who suggested we drive to Bash Bish Falls located in the extreme southwest corner of Massachusetts at Mount Washington State forest.

We followed signs from route 41 in Egremont, arriving at the upper parking lot and proceeded to walk down a rather steep hill which promised to be even steeper further on. Thankfully, after just a few feet we met someone coming the other way who said he knew of an easier access, which turned out to be a lower parking lot, less than a mile or so further on, actually just across the line in New York. What a difference ~ an easy walk where we could actually enjoy the scenery rather than struggle down a steep hill covered with wet leaves.

What really excited me however, were the falls, the fastest flowing I have seen in several years thanks to the rainfall during the past few weeks. This is Massachusetts’ highest single-drop waterfall with water cascading through a series of gorges and forest before dropping about 60 feet into a pool below. They are known as twin falls because of the boulders that are in the middle separating the cascades.

Now I'm thinking it's probably a good thing to change direction every now and then. Who knows, one of these years I just might decide to revisit Vermont in October. It's been a long time!