My Valentines 2010 Roses

I was treated to long stem roses and a wonderful brunch at Overlook Lodge at Bear Mountain for Valentine’s Day! 

SUNDAY BRUNCH OVERLOOK LODGE at BEAR MT

The food was delicious as we enjoyed a grand view overlooking the Hudson River and its winter background. 

Our view while having brunch

Sunday Brunch @ Overlook Lodge at Bear Mt

My Healthy Brunch-egg white omlete-fruits and veggies

After a wonderful Valentine’s Brunch at Overlook Lodge at Bear Mountain, we headed south for a long weekend in the sunshine state; FL. 

Moss Tree

Our trip covered over 500 miles in just 4 short days. 

It was an action packed fun filled weekend of visiting family and friends from coast to coast.  First stop, was an overnight stay on the east coast in Ft. Lauderdale.  Then early the next morning we headed to Delray Beach to have brunch with family.  Next, we set out on a 4 hour drive across the state to Bradenton on the west coast. While traveling across the famous “Alligator Alley” (I-75) we saw several alligator along the banks. 

Alligator along Alligator Alley in FL

Arriving in Bradenton late afternoon/early evening, we enjoyed dinner and an overnight stay with more family! 

Bradenton FL

Early next morning we were in the car as we set out for a 3 hour drive further north & west to our next destination of Dunnellon, FL. 

Dunnellon FL

Arriving in Dunnellon late morning we now enjoyed a wonderful lunch with even more family (yes, I have family and/or friends practically in every corner of the state LOL).  

After a restful night at my aunts in Dunnellon, we headed out towards Cedar Key for a day of fun in the sun! Cedar Key is a quiet island filled with nature’s beauty!  A place that allows you to stop, relax and enjoy the unique qualities of the coastal environment.  One of my “Top Picks” and a place we can’t wait to go back and vist and maybe spend a week or weekend!  The streets are lined with my favorite type of unique shops and great waterfront dining!  We had lunch at Kona Joe’s Island Cafe overlooking the gulf!

Kona Joe's Island Cafe Cedar Key FL

Strolling along the streets of Cedar Key FL

All in all, we had a great month and great trip to FL – even if it was one of their coldest winters in 40 years some of the locals told us. 

Pelicans & birds in Cedar Key FL

As always, I wish you days filled with happiness and “wonder” – take the time to “wonder” what it is that made you smile today!

Today was a blustery cold and windy day here in the lower Hudson Valley as we ventured out headed toward the Mid-Hudson Valley Region.  Traveling west on Bear Mt. Road was the most amazing views including massive ice draped along the mountain as if it were a blanket keeping the earth covered over until springs’ thaw.

Ice Draped Mountain along Bear Mt.

Continuing on our venture we headed toward Hudson, NY to “Olana“, the Persian style home of the famous Hudson River School artist Frederick Church.  This beautiful home sits high on a hill surrounded by the beauty and “wonder” of the Hudson Valley.  “Olana” is a derivative from Arabic, meaning “Our place on high” is located in some 260 acres of valley, woodland and meadows. 

Frederic Church's Olana

Artist Frederic Edwin Church was hugely popular during the mid nineteenth century.  He was very well know for his canvases of American and foreign landscapes. Mr. Church and his wife traveled all over the world, all the time collecting furniture, mementos and architectural ideas. When the Churches decided to build a house overlooking the Hudson River they initially hired society architect Richard Morris Hunt, who designed them a French chateau. Mr. Church nixed these plans with his own ideas to create the exotic Persian-style structure. Inside and out Olana, was designed to capture the breathtaking views surrounded by windows that were tinted and/or framed to showcase the beauty of the views. 

The most beautiful Arabic symbol meaning “Thou Art Welcome” adores the vestibule and welcomes guests.

Thou Art Welcome

So whether you like the Morris style or the Persian flare, there is no disputing the magnificent architectural design of Olana.  While we were not permitted to take pictures inside Olana, trust me that the inside reflected the same majesty yet with a more welcoming and home feeling welcomed you in each room. 

As always, I wish you days filled with happiness and “wonder” – take the time to “wonder” what it is that made you smile today!

Winter’s Passionate Sky