Visiting Family

     I took a break from all of my commitments (i.e. pre-wedding responsibilities, home repairs, and my French Bulldog Pipi).  I visited my family, now all living in Ohio, and had the best, restorative time while there.  That was due, in part, to my stay at the Hotel Kelsey -- the name I gave to my niece's resort... I mean... home.  It's a very special place.  I loved the time with my niece, her husband, and their little boys, but I also felt very pampered while there.  My niece is a graduate of the French Culinary Institute in NYC, so the food is always good!  The outdoor space is incredible (no photos of me spiraling down the water slide, however ;-) 

     But my favorite thing about the Hotel Kelsey is the interior space.  Thanks to Antique-of-the-Week Susan, my niece's home is full of objets d'art I love.  When Susan and I were in Paris a year ago, we stumbled upon a small restaurant on the right bank with its walls covered in vintage, wooden, gold gilt mirrors.  It became the inspiration for the wall in the photo below.  I initially envisioned the mirrors hung on a Zuber wallpaper remnant, but the stenciled walls are equally beautiful. 

     Squeaker, the resident Jack Russell, in his preferred lounging spot below the mirrors.

                             An old German trade sign from a watch shop.

                 An old French advertising poster purchased at a farm auction!

                                               Caladiums on the porch.

     We also spent time at The Willow Tree, my nephew and his family's new home.  The 1830's historical property is a venue for weddings and celebrations that take place on the grounds and in the large barn. 

              The property boasts the oldest "spring house" in the state of Ohio.
    

                       My favorite part of the house?  The blue kitchen door.

     Antique-of-the-Week Susan will occupy one of the buildings on the property with her antiques shop, Needle-in-a-Haystack, opening sometime next year.  It needs a bit of work before it's habitable (and that's putting it mildly).

                   Preparing for a wedding that took place the following day.

                                   Chandeliers in the celebration barn.

                                    Seating for the wedding ceremony.

     A first, and a last -- I climbed three stories to the top of the Widow's Peak at The Willow Tree to take photos.  I will not do this again. 

     I'm back at home tackling more preparations for my daughter's November wedding.  Still lots to do.  Hopefully, I will spend some time in my kitchen!  We have to eat!!

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