Life in the Catskills…..Bye- Bye Woodstock

What a glorious week spent in the mountains with the kindest hostess ever! I love this part of America. As Helene says, its her Shangri-La. For those who don’t know we met 6 years ago when I was matched as her volunteer in Scottsdale. Helene is the kindest soul…..she was my newest adopted grandma, yet the same age as my mom. My visually impaired jewish neighbor who has transformed over the years to a very dear friend of mine. I have assisted with her grocery shopping, mail, and other errands when she resides in AZ for half the year. I even got to spend quality time during a summer with her 98 yr old mother doing friendly visits weekly in her home before she passed. Talk about another fire cracker, the apple didn’t fall far from the tree. We have shared great history in such a short period of time. She has a beautiful home in Woodstock where she spends the rest of the year. We are a bonded force and enjoy each others company. She refers to me as a renaissance woman, and I adore her tenacity and drive in life. She is one of the most social beings. None the less the last 5 days in her presence have been an incredible treat. A recap of the last few days and some memorable moments captured to follow…….

The sleep up here is wonderful, my bedroom is all windows with incredible views of gigantic green trees, lots of flowers, sounds of nature, and quietness like you cant imagine. Its my true happy place. Life in the country/forest/mountains has a silence that feels so comforting & safe. I can totally understand why my mom and her family spent there summers in these parts. The calmness and serious ease of life is a magnetic pull in the air. I have spent my works days at a quaint coffee shop called, “Caffe”, they carry illy coffee which I love. I have become friends with the workers and regulars. Its like my own private office space. The lunch is so yummy….I keep getting a delish croissant Turkey/pesto heated….sounds basic yet mouth watering goodness. Fresh mini buttery croissants. I seriously on day 4 my last wk day had to take pictures with my favorite girl, Lindsay.( photo below) I have met many men here….old ones. Lol. So friendly and everyone is either a hippy, pot smoker, seeker of life, and/or Jewish. The population of locals in this area has fascinated me. A young 30- something girl, named Jillian…on her way to NY…was a seeker. On a search for a psychic in the area. She was an Aires. Then Peter, a lover of Rumi and a poet. Quite the philosopher a real chatty guy with a grey pony. Many city people who relocated due to the pandemic, how all around here refer to it. The eclectic group I have met over the past few days has been remarkable. And soooo many dogs are here too. Birkenstocks, flannels, rock & roll lovers, you name it. Woodstock is still the place for peace, love, music, and sex. The conversations are deep, entertaining, and up for serious open discussion no matter the age. I have eavesdropped so much and conversed with many, plus hung with Helene and her friends. Such great times spent here.

Being in the mountains, the weather has a chill in the air, I’m in a sweatshirt in August- a dream come true. I have caught up on phone calls, texts, face times with family…..time has slowed down. We had one rainy day, more rain coat usage. One day we woke up early for a beautiful walk around Cooper’s Lake. The drive to get there, actually the drive to get anywhere in these parts is like driving through an imaginary story book fairy-tale land. Raging streams, water falls, creeks, the sounds of trickling water, peaks of sunshine, and clouds through the fully tree lined windy curvy streets. As in the trees go over the entire rd. Its truly breath taking views. I love to have my windows down with the music loud…..bringing back old memories of driving through Flag in my 20’s with Danielle in that red T-top roof sports car I drove, lol. I went to West Shokan to meet the lady whose apt I’m renting in NYC. She was lovely and her house, plus air bnb property on this huge piece of land was out of a magazine. This place is like Flagstaff on very chill relaxed funky steroids. It was fun to meet her…..she is a high-end travel planner. I was intrigued by her career and lifestyle. She is planning a trip to India for 10 people to attend. I have asked her to keep me posted on that trip. A real interesting lady. She provided the scoop on apartment directions. Im excited for Chapter 3 to begin.

Besides all the beauty of my surroundings, its been pretty mellow. I had one night home alone in this huge house with “Alexa” playing DMB, while I did laundry, organized my packing, and did more wk. Truly living life in the NY mountains. Full work days and lots of dinners just Helene and I. One night she made a healthy home cooked meal, 2 nights we went out on the main drag to yummy restaurants, and tonight her dear friend made us dinner at her home(pictured above). I know Nancy(her bff) from 2 previous visits together….once here and once in AZ. Nancy & Helene have been friends for 50+ years. Their friendship reminds me of mine with Rachel Cohen, Nancy lives in a gorgeous home, is a talented Chef and loves to get high. She is a down to earth fun lady. Her husband is also lovely….a dutch man who loves to make a stiff cocktail. At 82 & 75 they are hip and cool. Total hard workers. We had a wonderful last night for me in their beautiful home.

I drove us home in a pitch black land(no st lights)….packed up and in bed at 11pm as I write this on the night of Boot’s 76th birthday. My mama, Queen Audrey is celebrating her 76th birthday. This is a big day, as she has now surpassed both of her parents age. My CUJ understands the huge significance to this celebration. Woohoo Audrey Joy…..so happy you are enjoying ur big day with your friends and family in Newport, CA. Soak up all the attention. You only deserve the VERY best!

Im off to NYC tomorrow morning. Im sooooo excited. Stay tuned ….until next time. All my love! Sweet dreams DTG fans.

Love Laurie Sue

Aka Dora 💕🧚🏻‍♀️💫🎉😘❤️