Fun Shops, Homemade Pizza, and a Swim in the Pool

Relaxing in New York

Gen’s Terrace

When I pull into the driveway at “The Farm”, my parents’ property where my sister Gen and her family now live, I immediately relax. It’s like my body and brain know that I’m now entering the family zone, where I have always felt loved and cared for.

I’m always happy to just sit out on the terrace and write or draw and just chill… something I find it difficult to do when I’m home, because I know there is laundry waiting to be folded, a dishwasher waiting to be unloaded, and bills waiting to be paid.

Nonetheless, we planned a few adventures… especially since my granddaughter Genny is with me on this trip!

One afternoon, we visited a small nearby town called Beacon. I had been there as a child, but now it’s become a mecca for small independent shops and restaurants. We met our friend Emma there, and she took us to some of her favorite spots.

My favorite, of course, was a kitchen supply place called “Utensils”. I couldn’t pass up the chance to get myself a kitchen toy or two! There were fun clothing stores, and places that sold craft candles, plush pillows, fascinating ceramics, and books!

Unfortunately, it was raining the day we went, so we were ducking in and out of stores to avoid getting wet! Eventually, we stopped at a friendly little cafe for coffee before heading home. There were still many shops we didn’t get to, so I’m looking forward to a return visit.

When we got home, my nephew Michael had prepared a very tasty Greek-style dinner! He grilled seasoned beef and lamb burgers smashed with soft pita on his Blackstone grill, and provided lots of “go withs” such as chopped tomato cucumber salad with dill, tzatziki, hummus, and crispy Greek seasoned fries. The meat was flavorful, the pita soft, the salad was crunchy and the Tzatziki refreshing!

Another day, we did a bit of retail therapy at Woodbury Commons, a large shopping center not too far away… but it was hot, so we decided to return home and jump in the pool, where we just floated around cooling off before my brother-in-law John fired up the Pizza oven.

Pizza night at the Maraldos’ is always fun, with everybody getting into the act, rolling dough, and making toppings while John starts the fire.

This time we had quite the assortment, one of the favorites being pistachio with fig jam!

We all sat around the table on the terrace, and once again, food and family came together, bringing a bit of heaven down to all of us!

For my paid subscribers, here’s John’s recipe for his pistachio pizza… and a P.S. !

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