Kimba Part Deux

Here's our host whipping up an appetizer for us, post a long, hilly run in 98 degree heat. What's not pictured is me, practically comatose on her hanging porch bed, trying to recover and looking very much worse for the wear while lounging très unladylike in my Calypso dress and popping Advil.

In a matter of minutes we were presented with goat cheese topped with pesto, chopped walnuts and craisins, Triscuits and some very welcome Pinot Noir to tide us over while she worked on a dinner that was mostly harvested from her organic backyard garden.

Staying at "The House of Howlin" has always been like checking into a four star hotel. Not only are your surrounding digs beautiful but, you are also fed, bedded and entertained in a manner fit for a Queen.

And, I never leave a visit without a parting gift of a design or entertaining idea or two...

Or three.

Every surface holds something interesting...

And beautiful.

There's always something new to discover or uncover as my hostess moves through her wifely, motherly and show stopping duties with effortless perfection.

Is Babe right? Do Kimba and I act a smidge Queenly wielding our scepters about? Maybe that's why she's so adept at treating a guest so royally and why I'm so quick to appreciate it.

And, quite possibly, why her daughter has a room fit for a preppy Princess in training...

Kindness of the entire Howlin dynasty for their generous and much appreciated hospitality...XXOO