http://fingerlakesnotes.com We used to live in Brooklyn. Now we are busy starting a B&B in the Finger Lakes. Wed, 01 Sep 2010 21:15:10 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en [caption id="attachment_1316" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Black Walnuts, with hulls, from the back yard"][/caption] We have at least one black walnut tree in the back yard. It seems early this year, but already we are finding the walnuts in hulls on the ground. I've been collecting them as they fall, since ... http://fingerlakesnotes.com/?p=1312 [caption id="attachment_1296" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Edwin Knowles, Yorkshire, Penthouse Pattern"][/caption] In general during my thrift shop travels I do not look for dishes. I look for vases and other pottery and glass pieces usable in the business. Occasionally I'll stumble upon a plate or two that is damaged by chips ... http://fingerlakesnotes.com/?p=1293 [caption id="attachment_1286" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Salvaged Hinges -- work needed but excellent price!"][/caption] We are so close to opening, despite a number of details to attend to. Some details may be left to post-opening, but there are a few crucial goals that must be dealt with prior to opening. The theme this ... http://fingerlakesnotes.com/?p=1285 On this day of nearly perfect weather, looking out the window upon our back yard I think about how I should be outside weeding. But instead I am inside because there are tasks at hand here. Plus, I have plans to go to the knitting group at the library. So ... http://fingerlakesnotes.com/?p=1274 [caption id="attachment_1269" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="G. H. Lapham signature on beam discovered during renovation"][/caption] We have been drawn to old historic homes for a long time now.  In Manhattan, we lived in an 1870's brownstone.  In Brooklyn, it was a 1920 eclectic brick house in a designated historic district.  Even in Massachusetts, ... http://fingerlakesnotes.com/?p=1255