upstate.

As promised, more pictures from our trip. It's the first time that we have had the chance to pull out our camera in awhile, so we went a little overboard. I am intent on changing on that, though. I need to stop making excuses for not carrying around the camera more often, especially when I live in one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

So, we stayed in a huge cottage that we found on airbnb out in Hurley, NY. The cottage was located up a very steep little mountainside, and surrounded by new york forest and birds that you only ever see in Disney cartoons. It was crazy how big the house was, and we are already making plans for a huge weekend with friends because you could honestly fit 8 people comfortably. It was an old home, with additions built on, and two lofts. The man who owns it is a novelist/film and dance critic/traveler/opera enthusiast, with impeccable taste. I tried not to be too nosy, but I love snooping around a person's home to find out what they are like. The house also came with a cat named Mona, who I immediately grabbed on to and wouldn't let go for two days straight- and who Sam even warmed up to, even though he is slightly allergic.

We rented a car and drove all over the area window shopping, and sight-seeing. Sam even stopped to rip up a handful of wildflowers, that are currently still thriving in a vase in our backyard. And honestly, we spent half of the time driving through the country-side- fresh air, Willie Nelson, and an open road. That's what dreams are made of these days.

If you ever find yourself in the area:

1) Rosendale, NY- Not for any particular reason, except that it was the most random town that we rolled through all weekend. Really eclectic shops, and people sitting on lawn chairs on the sidewalk. And, since it just happened to be Cinco de Mayo, we crossed paths multiple times with a local parade dressed in ponchos and playing The Saints Come Marching In on brass.

2) Hudson, NY- A great day trip if you are looking for antique furniture. Beautiful stuff.

3) Cucina (Woodstock, NY)- An amazing contemporary Italian restaurant in this huge, old farmhouse. The food was amazing, and Sam was drooling over the decor all night.