Day 18. Hamptons

Long Island wine country,

 This morning Cory was keen to catch the sunrise for his growing photographic collection. His sense of style is in perfect harmony with the nature, season change and great design of the homes in this region. He went out and shot up a storm, while I took a well deserved sleep in. It was so peaceful and quiet, and by the time I rose, the number of guests here for the holiday weekend was reduced again. We had gone from 9 to 4 with people returning to their various activities at lives. One of the guests had to go and help his Mum who is still putting her house back together after Hurricane Sandy a few days ago put 6 foot of water in her lounge room. The effects are still being felt here and a lot of people are not able to get back into their homes.


 Some people are finding it tough, though there is some support available through the organisation called FIMA. One of the other guests, was saying that he had about $5000 damages in his basement, but insurance does not cover it. He is hoping Fima will be able to help with that, so fingers crossed it comes through for him. It just goes to show that the effects of these things go on for a long time and that many more people are effected directly and indirectly in such disasters. Fortunately, the damage at Fred and Larry's homes has been minimal. 

After another storm last year, they had decided to put in a generator at their beach house, which they used throughout the blackouts that came after Hurricane had caused power outages in the area 3 weeks ago. As you can see by Cory's pictures, the beaches look very clean and things look like they are back to normal. At some homes, signs and things which used to be up and were pristine, are hanging off on one side, so there is still lots of little things to be repaired. 

oyster farms

We were able to catch up on some washing today! As it is freezing outside and the boys do not use an inside washing line, Cory found an impromptu hanger off a light fitting in the bathroom. It was very handy and the washing was dry in no time. We sem to have gotten very good at finding the best way to get washing dry without the normal resources, and Cory has been keeping everything nice and clean as though we were at home!!

Traditionally in the states, post thanksgiving means it is time to get the xmas decorations started. Fred turned up with the most beautiful ponsietta and also a stunning wreath for the front door. The place looks great after  a mini xmas decorate!

We set out to the Long  island winery areas. They are famous for pinot noirs and a mix of other red and white grapes. The industry is growing here but is not as celebrious as the winery areas on the west coast, such as Napa or Sanoma. Nevertheless, Cory was desperate to get to a winery called Pellegrini, which was the setting for a storyline for one of his favourite shows, the royal pains. The winery was very nice, and Larry and I did a tasting. I was a little shocked that you have to pay for the tasting, even if you buy wine. Wonder if that puts many off?










While it has been a superb weekend with lots of other guests, it was also nice to have our Fred and Larry to ourselves for a little bit. We talked a lot about the special times we have had over the years, the fun, the travel, the adventures. There was alot of talk about our families and friends back at home. Fred and Larry love you all and were genuinely interested in hearing all your updates. they sent their love!!!

Countess Theresa bistro

As tomorrow is Larry's birthday, we decided to have a special lunch at a winery called Contesa Therese. They have a quaint old cottage and small bistro dining room. Lunch was yum! It was a very french inspired menu with fois gras, escargot, canard, entrecoute (though there was some contention later as to whether this was on the menu), etc. I enjoyed a duck confit, while Cory had ribs which were cooked perfectly. There was a cheeky ice cream dessert to finish it all off.

As we had a late lunch, none of us were really hungry so we just chatted and enjoyed some chat and a few more glasses of Long Island's finest! Before calling it a night, we took a drive through the local cemetery- this was a little on the scary side!!! Fun though! A perfect way to end a perfect day!!! 

An old pic of a thirsty Larry and myself!