I have the privilege of experiencing Kat’s work environment this morning. They have their priorities straight at this office. Comfy couch in one corner, coffee on tap of the pod variety and Mimosa drinks presiding over their midmorning meeting. I could get used to working like that. I even get a piece of blueberry cake from a local farm, it’s so good, I reach for a second piece. In between the proceedings I provide entertainment with snippets of my South African accent. I feel like a celebrity with the attention until I am handed a copy of J.R. Wagner’s Exciled signed by himself in my presence…I am in the company of a published author.
It is Spring and there is no better way to take this season in than by visiting a celebrated garden. Our choice today is Longwood in Chester county. The sun is at full tilt, the ponds are teeming with young fish and the tulips greet us with their bold crowns of yellow, red, orange and pink.
The grass is a nutritious green and the smell of fresh cut grass reminds me of the coming summer. Kat even ventures as far as describing it as a similar smell to cut watermelon. I don’t disagree. The trees do not disappoint, their branches embossed with white blossoms remind me of a burden of snow weighing the boughs down, yet this load looks light.
Entering into the green house, the atmosphere becomes tropical and lush with an almost intoxicating nasal campaign led by the jasmine to overtake your senses. Roses, poppies, lillies, pansies, orchids. The shapes and designs are endless.
The garden fountains create an air of sophistication equal to that of a Monet painting. Water, so necessary for life, forms the grand centrepiece of this banquet for the eyes.
The day wouldn’t be complete without tantalising the taste buds and the promise of a possible Amish sighting. Yes, apparently I am in Amish country, so close to Lancaster we can eat their cheese, September Farm Cheese in Honey Brook.
The names in this county come straight out of a Winnie the Pooh storybook, I almost expect to see a talking donkey or a honey-bearing bear. Armed with a dozen toothpicks, I sink each one into a different flavour cheese, savouring the subtle basil, delicate honey or sharpness of the habañero laced in with the creaminess of their jack. Add a pickle, some meat and it’s a picnic. Don’t forget the dessert…Shoeflypie and Woopie Pie, a taste of some local favourites.
And then it happened, pushing his bike past the farm, one foot an the bike the other used to grip the road and propel the contraption forward, comes my sighting of an Amish man. Complete with hat, sideburns and beard. High fives all around.
A day of big accomplishments deserves to be celebrated by enjoying a crisp craftbeer from the local Brewery in Downingtown, Victory Breweries. What accomplishments? Not one but two Amish sightings and to good friendships rekindled. Conversations centre around many deep topics and even a comparison between Donald Trump and President Jacob Zuma. Sadly both make thoughtless comments that only benefit their own pockets and neither is managing to create any harmony. Conversation stopped dead as the food arrived…buffalo wings and deep fried pickles.
But this was dinner with a show…tallest man I’ve ever seen and dude with the longest dreds. Turns out dred guy is in a band…Witchburn. Two famous people in one day, I am undone.
That is tall