Being a country mouse for almost four years, I did a lot of exploring.  Despite the adventures far and wide,  getting over to Delaware County in the far western Catskills was a bit of a stretch. We finally headed that way this weekend to visit the magical and utterly surprising area near Delhi where my friend Jeff has created a perfect country homestead.

What I couldn’t get over was the expanse, the undevelopment, the wide open spaces, and valleys far and wide.

It was an hour away and a completely different experience than what I have seen in Ulster and Dutchess, even Columbia and Greene.   It was in the volume, or lack thereof.  So much less developed, and preserved.  Historical.  Set in a time.  Like preserved, whereas as one heads east, there is so much more–people, mixing, transitions.  This area was pristine and well kept, house proud,  yet not precious and fancy.  Breathtaking.

Dinner at Stone and Thistle Farm’s monthly pop-up restaurant, Fable, was a lesson in city to country transitions, animal husbandry, good locavore dining and the best of people connections.  Hosts Tom and Denise are pretty awesome and soon to be “real” celebrities.

Now the net gets wider.  Country mouse east or country mouse west?   2 hours or 3?  1 acre or 50? Country or country country?

First I need to step it up and get to the point where I can even entertain these thoughts realistically.

Back to writing.