Historic Properties

CheriGENERAL, TRAVEL

There are many historic properties in my home town – which is rich in history.  I had the privilege of working in several of these historic properties prior to my retirement. This home, built from 1916-1918 by famous doctor and his wife was one of the homes I worked in.  This doctor was very involved … Read More

Battle Lake, MN

CheriGENERAL, TRAVEL

We recently took a trip to Battle Lake, MN  to a friend’s cabin for an extended weekend of R and R. It was wonderful! I grew up with lakes in my life.  My grandparents had a summer home on a lake in Michigan, and I lived 20 minutes from the beaches of Lake Michigan Give … Read More

Wedding

CheriGENERAL, LIFESTYLE, WEDDINGS

Finally made a page of the twenty-eleven wedding — where our Wild One marries the the love of her life in a wedding and reception of her dreams! Check out the page:  Twenty-eleven wedding for a blast from the past!

Katie and Sam get married

CheriGENERAL, LIFESTYLE, WEDDINGS

Baby Girl’s college roomie got hitched! Our weekend in the Chicago area was a busy one  Aunt Sally’s birthday luncheon + Katie & Sam’s wedding + Mr. D’s birthday. Busy. But so much fun! Katie and Sam planned to get married outside however, just about the time everyone was seated outdoors, the rain started. Guests … Read More

Elegant Wedding

CheriGENERAL, LIFESTYLE, WEDDINGS

Mr. D and I attended a wedding in the Cities on Saturday. We also did a little decorating for this beautiful wedding.  Though the venue would have been amazing with nothing added, my friend Deb (mother of the bride) had great vision for enhancing the surroundings. I put together these tall cylinder vases with polished … Read More

Cupcakes!

CheriGENERAL, LIFESTYLE, RECIPES, WEDDINGS

The most requested recipe among all the sweets at the wedding is the coconut cupcake It’s a favorite cake and cupcake at The Cottage. People who don’t like coconut, like this cupcake. People who love coconut, love this cupcake. If you would like this secret recipe leave a comment telling me who you will make … Read More

Flowers

CheriGENERAL, LIFESTYLE, WEDDINGS

The flowers for Cara & Tim’s wedding were very simple, and very pretty….and pretty dadgum inexpensive! The morning before the wedding I picked up a friend and my sister-in-love and hit the wild flower hotspot …. the exit ramp off the highway near The Cottage. We picked 5 HUGE buckets of Queen Anne’s Lace along … Read More

What we wore …

CheriGENERAL, LIFESTYLE, WEDDINGS

Among the most commonly asked questions prior to the wedding were “what are the bridesmaids wearing?”, “what are the groomsmen wearing?”, and finally “what are you  wearing?” For inquiring minds …. here’s the scoop …. The groomsmen wore Nantucket Red pants, Navy Blazers, and white button down shirts with blue stripe ties. So did the groom. … Read More

Wedding Treats

CheriGENERAL, LIFESTYLE, WEDDINGS

and now back to the wedding ….. While living in Upstate New York (Endicott) we attended many weddings.  Many Italian weddings.  At traditional Italian weddings there is typically a dessert or sweet table with cake and large trays of cookies.  Sometimes the cookie platters are piled high on each guest table, sometimes a “cake” is … Read More