Now you see it...

,...and now you don't!

These beautiful brocades, which I ordered through Fabrics Nova last fall, were a part of an in-the-works dream to put together a little shrine. I kept it super-simple (since I don't have a sewing machine) and did a little catch-stitch with supplies I picked up online. I also ordered red, green, and champagne (which I use to cover both white/gold liturgical days). Marie at Fabrics Nova was easy to work with and got the fabrics to us quickly. They are simply stunning (and truly forgiving to this amateur seamstress).

Tomorrow we have Lessons and Carols at a local parish. A transportive way to continue our Sunday of rejoicing! Though it feels more like fall than winter, Ember Days and O Antiphons are just around the corner...

Happy Thanksgiving, Long Island!
Or, as our dear pastor said Thursday during his homily at Thanksgiving Mass:
“Thanksgiving=thanksliving.”
What I love about blogging (as inconsistent as it may be) is that it is a chance for me to say “thank you”. Thank you to the people who give of themselves in so many ways, and have the courage to start or maintain a business with their God-given gifts and talents, even in this challenging time. Thank you for the places of natural beauty which are there for us to enjoy, learn from, and experience, and the wonderful people God has entrusted to take care of them. And thank you, Lord, for this beautiful family, these friends, this community, who I have the pleasure and honor to walk alongside.

As some of you may have noticed, my blogging has been gradually moving in a direction that better reflects this important chapter of our family life. Homeschooling has been such a blessing, and sharing it in new ways has been tugging at my heart. I am indebted to the praiseworthy women who make up our robust homeschool community, who inspire and encourage.

On a lighter note, I am thankful for the blessing of the person (not me), who has once again rose to —scratch that, exceeded— the occasion, handling all manners of cooking that are more complicated than mac n’ cheese, rice, or salad. See Exhibit A, a beautiful turkey from Koch’s Turkey Farm (certified organic and humane), made available through our friends at Amber Waves Farm. The bird just fit into our oven.

The fixin’s were as Long Island as Long Island gets: almost exclusively local produce from Amber Waves, Foster, and Balsam Farms. Stuffing was made from bread from a distributor to Giunta’s, and for dessert we welcomed a pecan pie from Milk Pail (and some chocolate chip cookies from Tate’s for people who don’t dig pies). Viva la difference…

​Exhibit B was the strong, silent type, who also accompanied us back from the farm: the 2019 Wölffer Estate Red Table Blend. You know ‘em for their “Summer in a Bottle”, but this perennial Sagaponack winery also produces an integrated, affordable red whose construction is more Cab Franc-y than it lets on (just 5.7%!). Prettily so, however, perhaps in part to that nod of Petit Verdot that marries it with the predominance of Cab Sauv. Green pepper and East End terroir minerality, indeed. Pair it with: whatever.

​Charlie Brown made at least one guest appearance.

What were your Thanksgiving plans? Whether you went big or kept it small, I hope you had heaps of fun, food, health, and happy memories with your loved ones!

Another year older may up the ratio of grey hair, but it also brings you another year closer to refining how you go about your mortal existence.

Such has been the case when it comes to the much lighter note of picking the yearly Christmas tree, which we now have refined to a well-oiled routine. Like everything else on Coastal Village Girl, I hope you can be the beneficiary of our trial and error...

I preface these reviews by saying every year we go out to the North Fork to get our tree.

If you want a beautiful tree with little to-do, the place to go is Santa's Christmas Tree Farm (30105 Main Road, Cutchogue, 631-734-8641). Like anything North Fork and seasonal, get there early. The Frasier Fir from the Carolinas is not fresh cut, but it makes for a stunningly beautiful tree. The Frasier holds ornaments and maintains itself well. The folks who work here are lovely, pleasant people, and the llamas and sheep are great fun for the kids. Santa once again was truly in his element and added that perfect touch to the festive trip. Unlike the camp sawing and lugging I recall from Christmas tree adventures out to PA as a child, the dirty work is done for you. While not inexpensive, the experience, customer service, festivities and priceless non-hassle pay for themselves.

Need to fortify yourself pre- or post-tree? The North Fork Doughnut Company (13175 Main Road, Mattituck, 631-298-7941) also known as "No Fo Do Co" has an array of sugary goodness to satisfy your sweet tooth. Try the Samoa which, complete with toasted coconut, captures its namesake Girl Scout cookie brilliantly. Maple Bacon had a nice flavor on the icing, but needed more bacon. The blackberry-filled doughnut was a stunner. Be sure not to pass up on a cup of the North Fork Roasting Company ("No Fo Ro Co"--- different business, same East End love of portmanteaus). It's got that classic "donut shop"
coffee flavor that can't be argued with. Service is fast and friendly, ambience screams Williamsburg meets a barn, and be prepared to pay for gilding the lily. A whimsical and seasonally cozy alternative to Magic Fountain.