September 19th marked my 10th year working at Lamplighter Publishing. I came into work that day to flowers, rugala and fresh fruit. But there was more. As the morning wore on, I received a call from my boss, Mark Hamby, thanking me for being a part of this ministry and telling me that he had a gift for me.
He was sending Mike and I to Mohonk Mountain for a day. And there was more. He had made arrangements for me to spend time with the greenhouse manager while I was there!
I was overwhelmed …. and I cried. I’ve been to Mohonk on several occasions and that alone was a phenomenal gift. But the fact that Mark had taken the time to make arrangements for me to do something that is so “me” really touched me.
Mohonk is an historic hotel in the Shawangunk Mountains of New York. It’s castle like structure is built into the cliffs of the mountain. In addition to spending time with Cindy Muro, the greenhouse manager, we hiked, strolled through the gardens, wandered the halls of the incredible hotel, visited the Barn Museum, and dined on some of the finest food to be had.
Here are some photos from the hundreds that we took while there. If you have a chance to visit, try to take a camera for each person in your group. Mike and I fought over shared our camera all day.
In the morning, we hiked to the tower.
One of the dozens of gazebos along the 85 miles of hiking trails.
The Tower. The views from the top are incredible!
One of the windows in the tower.
Our next stop was the greenhouse. Cindy is showing us an Aristolochia vine.
I never realized that growing plants in a greenhouse and in a garden are so dramatically different. Here are poinsettia getting ready for Christmas.
With such a busy morning, we were famished and headed to the gorgeous dining room for lunch.
Some of the salad selections.
Spicy Chicken
After lunch, we headed to the porch to relax.
The porches overlook Mohonk Lake where people were boating in wooden rowboats.
After resting, we headed for the gardens.
There were dozens of butterflies all over the Lantana.
The Dahlia were breathtaking.
One of the several garden trellises.
Inside the Victorian Maze.
A stone gazebo. Most of them are made from cedar.
A view overlooking the greenhouses.
After strolling through the gardens, we headed to the barn. Handcrafted cedar furnishings are made here, and there are numerous displays such as a blacksmith shop, post office, school room, and so much more.
Upstairs in the barn is one of my favorite things at Mohonk. This swing is so unique and takes just the slightest pressure on the footboard to take you swinging high.
The inside of the house is as charming as the outside.
The halls are lined with hundreds of photos of famous visitors. Here is John Burroughs, the “Grand Old Man of Nature”.
There are lots of nooks and crannies for curling up with a good book.
It is a Mohonk tradition to serve tea each day at four. Here’s Mike enjoying his on the porch. He did not take too many cookies.
So sad. It was time to make the journey home. Here is a view of the tower as we drove away.
Thank you, Mark, for providing a wonderful day! For those of you who may be interested, this past July, Lamplighter Publishing hosted its first Lamplighter Guild for Creative Disciplines right here at Mohonk Mountain. For more information on next year’s Guild, visit http://www.lamplighterguild.com.
Thank you for visiting Learning And Yearning. May "the LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace." Num 6:24-26
Lisa W says
What a beautiful place! Looks like a wonderful day. Yay! 🙂
learningandyearning says
It was magical!
aunt deb says
Susan, first of all, THANK YOU for the many years you have served at Lamplighter. And you have served well. You are loved and appreciated. Thank you, too, for learningandyearning. I have enjoyed it so much and look forward to your next entry. Sharing your day at Mohonk was especially fun!!!
learningandyearning says
Oh, I think I’ve found a nickname for you!
learningandyearning says
And I so appreciate how supportive you have always been.
Christian says
What beautiful piuecrts. I know how this struck a heart chord with you. I am so happy you could enjoy such a beautiful place with Mike. The picture I loved most was Mike holding a cup of tea with his little pinkie sticking out. That was one shot I didn’t expect. I’m so glad you had such a beautiful time. I WANT TO GO!
deb says
Not sure why it says aunt deb!!!
Nicole Kawawaki says
How wonderful – you deserved it! Glad you were appreciated in such a special way.
learningandyearning says
Thanks, Nicole. Such a blessing!
Jared says
Great photos Susan! So glad you and Mike had a great day. Here’s to another ten years 😉
learningandyearning says
Uhh, thanks. I think.
Gail Mills says
What beautiful pictures. I know how this struck a heart chord with you. I am so happy you could enjoy such a beautiful place with Mike. The picture I loved most was Mike holding a cup of tea with his little pinkie sticking out. That was one shot I didn’t expect. I’m so glad you had such a beautiful time. I WANT TO GO!
learningandyearning says
I hope you get to go someday. It’s such a wonderful place. Mike and I have so much fun together!
Lois Welsch says
Congratulations, Susan! Wow! Looks like a wonderful day! Beautiful resort & stunning pictures: As usual, I loved this post. (I can’t help but think what contrasting excursions we both had the same week on different sides of the country 🙂
learningandyearning says
Lois, you are always so encouraging!! Maybe someday I’ll be able to see the High Desert. How long do you think I would have to work at Lamplighter for my boss to send me there? haha
George says
That looks like a really great place. Maybe Jeanne and I should check it out.
learningandyearning says
I know you’d love it!
Baby Phinster says
Lucky DAWGZ!
learningandyearning says
🙂
Agi's Farmhouse Kitchen says
Mohonk is a special place, we took our children there in the late 80’s! We have so many nice memories hiking and eating in the big dining room.
It’s changed since then, the hotel has been modernized but the grounds and hiking trails are the same. I still have a cactus that I bought in the greenhouse!
susanv says
Well, hopefully you will be able to visit again someday!