Bonni Brodnick Blog

So there is a new word trend developing. Like "like," so is "so." So a snowstorm is expected and it's only October, and I said, "Whattareya crazy?" So he was just about to get into his car and said, "So, yeahhh. That's what I heard on 880 weather," so I was like, "No way!" So then I told him to look up to see the knotted skies and he responded, "So it hasn't snowed in New York in October since 1869." "So it's going to be an historic Halloween this year," I said. I felt as if I had made the right choice by choosing to dress up as Snow White.

Fancher Road in the 1920s Many thanks to all who picked up copies of Pound Ridge Past at the book fair. Be sure to read the chapter about Bob Suda, who talks about Halloween thrills in the 1940s: "... On Halloween, there was a certain amount of trick or treating, but, as boys, we were more interested in tricking. There was absolutely no thought of coming to the door for treats. We made something called 'tick-tacks,' Essentially, what we'd do is cut notches in a thread spool and put it on a rod. Then we'd wrap a string around it, put it on someone's window pane, and pull it. It made a scary ratchet-y noise, and then we'd run away."

If taking on any home decorating project, be sure to ask for your mother's advice. For me, by recommending a skylight in a place I never considered, she truly saw the light. Another thing my 80-year old mother does with remarkable acuity --among many things--is fold with iron-like fortitude. With a mighty hand, she can fold a towel like it's nobody's business. Give her a napkin, and she'll create an origami masterpiece. "You have to stack the towels so that the folded edge is what's showing on the shelf," she has reprimanded in an effort to rescue the melee of my linen closet. "It should look orderly." So the question is: when was the last time you opened someone's linen closet and saw it as a reflection of their state of mind? (Be honest.)

Looking for a perfect holiday gift for family, friends, teachers, past neighbors, or anyone eage r to learn more about Pound Ridge? POUND RIDGE PAST: Remembrances of Our Townsfolk — by Bonni Brodnick, with photographs by Fran Collin and graphic design by Gina Federico — is a perfect coffee table book. In it, you'll find historical and personal recollections that span from the rural 1920s to the swinging 1970s. Anecdotes from former Pound Ridgers across the country share humorous memories about growing up here, and their brushes with such celebrities as Lauren Bacall and Jason Robards (who once summered on Old Stone Hill Road) and renowned jazz and swing musician Benny Goodman (whose home still graces Long Ridge Road). The collection of more than thirty interviews with the town elders includes charming first-hand stories about the one-room schoolhouses scattered about town, the day World War II ended, raising children, basket making, fishing, farming, partying, and more. Actors ...

Columbus Day Weekend on Martha's Vineyard. Called Chilmark Chocolates before making the run to Beetlebung Corner. I love this message. Marketing excellence and customer woo-ing at its best: "We are closed until Thursday. No one else on the Island sells our chocolate. We are closing for the season on October 17. Please don't leave a message."

Here are a few pix from Italy. Consider this the VENEZIA Leg of the Tour. San Marco Square. Note small white motor boat coming towards you on the left. Is it going to steer between the two gondolas? Are there any rules to the waterway in Venice? It was complete nautical mayhem on the Grand Canal. Glassware from Murano. VENICE: If someone had called the night before to alert me that the San Marco Square dress code du jour was wedding gowns, I would have worn mine, too. A photo of me taking a photo of them. The Bridge of Sighs. (Sigh.) An innovative gallery exposition called "Brueghel Suites." The wonderful tableaus put the work of Pieter Bruegel the Elder into an animated format. (Did you know that people in the 1500s danced cloddishly?) Patio outside our suite at Pensione Accademia. Perfect for sipping Negronis. Sensuality is a part of life in Italy. Even mannequins in store windows in Venice are cool. More photos forthcoming. For now, arrivederci.