Tuesday, August 28, 2012

A Weekend on Fire Island


A view of the harbor in Fire Island Pines from the Top of the Bay shop. (click on photos to enlarge)
TD and I had a wonderful summer weekend on Fire Island, courtesy of our friends David and Gary who invited us to their handsome and comfortable home. It was lovely to spend time with them and also to be on Fire Island again. Fire Island Pines is a beautiful spot where we have had many great times over the years. Four years ago, this blog was born in the Pines. And, most importantly, TD and I met there over Labor Day weekend...wait for it...27 years ago. Our anniversary is coming up. And so Fire Island Pines has a special place in our hearts.
On the ferry boat ride from Sayville to the Pines, this traveler was carrying a chic purple J. Anthony weekend bag which is instantly recognizable by its simple lines, timeless design, and leather placket for monogramming.

Note to self: look into a T. Anthony bag.
At David and Gary's house, we enjoyed their gracious and easy-going hospitality which included some fantastic meals prepared on the grill. David had the butcher butterfly an organic chicken, which he then marinaded and grilled – I think it was the best chicken I ever had.
The pool at their house is long and wide and encircled by a deck – perfect for hanging out in the water or at its edge.

Wispy clouds floated by overhead

while a butterfly enjoyed the nectar of the latana in the nearby flower box – do you see him in the center?

There are little shops to visit in the Pines like Top of the Bay where I took this picture overlooking the harbor below.

Down at the beach, the sound of the waves and the ever-changing ocean are so soothing.

The weather was spectacular – we lucked out with sunny, hot, crystal clear days.
On the beach there is a never-ending parade of strollers

swimmers

and volley ball players.

The light at the end of August takes on a silvery hue so everything shimmers late in the day. It really is heaven on earth where one tries to linger a little longer.

At the end of the weekend we were back on the ferry headed to the main land and "the real world" as fashion designer Peter Som said to me en route.

Many thanks to our hosts David and Gary for a beautiful, relaxing weekend. It was a relief for me from a sadness – my mother was diagnosed a few years ago with pulmonary fibrosis, a disease of the lungs which has no cure, and which is getting progressively worse for her. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers, dear reader – my mother was been the biggest supporter of this blog and was the first to instill in me a love for beautiful things.

7 comments:

The Swan said...

Sending LOVE & LIGHT to YOU and your Mom...SHE knows how much you love her and this is what binds all as Time is not relevant to the Eternal Universe...which is what we are FOREVER part of.

My Mother suffers from a similar, and yet...She smiles and Loves ME unconditionally...your Mom see the Beauty of your Soul!

Dean Farris said...

Dear Bart,

Beautiful post on FIP. The pool looks like the one at the house we rented! I loved your story and your photos, very nicely done. I am sorry to hear about your Mothers health issues, and wish only the best for you.

Dean Farris

Mujerluminosa said...

Dear Mr. Boehlert,
Thank you for the lovely post about your Fire Island weekend; it's luscious. Sending lots of love, healing vibes, and white light to your mother.
Hugs,
Stephy

Ella said...

Dear Bart, A wonderful post, you seems to have had a lovely visit at your friends house. I love the flowers in the photos.
My thoughts are with you and your mother.

Gail, northern California said...

Lovely to hear the last rays of summer were enjoyed with TD and dear friends at a place so special.

Love to your mom and thank her for encouraging you to write this blog. A journal carefully recording what matters to you. A journal you share with others.

Anonymous said...

This reminds me of fun weekends on Fire Island, too. I won't make it out this year as my mother, too, is unwell. But I enjoyed sharing your photos.

Unknown said...

Bart, I really enjoyed your article about Fire Island! It reminded me of a great day I spent at David and Gary's the weekend of their wedding last fall! They are great hosts and great family. I just wish I would have had that great chicken from the grill, haha!

C.B. Vickrey III