Deerfield – Blondie Birdie

“Giving The Tree a Trim…”

December 17, 2019December 26, 2019by Ashley DeLargeLeave a Comment

Good Morning and Happy (Snowy) Tuesday, everyone!

Over the next couple of weeks, with the holidays and snowstorms and general end-of-the-year life and work craziness- the posting schedule on “Blondie Birdie” will be a little different. Instead of my usual Monday, Wednesday, and Friday blog offerings- I’ll be keeping things to a minimum on Tuesdays and Thursdays so I don’t burn myself out by Christmas. I’m sure you all understand- since there’s typically just so much happening this time of year. It can be easy to get overwhelmed!

With just a couple of things left on my Holiday shopping list to get over the next few days- I’ve been trying to focus on the things that truly matter, i.e. spending time with family and friends when I can. They’re all just as busy with shopping, wrapping, decorating and preparations for Christmas and New Year’s as I am- so it’s nice to be able to take a few hours out to enjoy one another’s company and catch up.

That was the case this past weekend when the “Fab 4” reunited. My longtime/childhood friends Sean, Stef and Holly came out to my neck of the woods on Sunday afternoon/evening to have a carefree visit to Yankee Candle’s main store in Deerfield before it was time to grab some food and play some board games when our party eventually worked our way back to Stef’s new house in Barre (not terribly far from me these days!)

It was a really nice time, and being able to make post-holiday plans for early 2020 with my friends gives me even more to look forward to. We always celebrate Friendsgiving AFTER the New Year to avoid losing our minds- so we have a date, a time and place for January- and I couldn’t be more excited!

But as I write this, I’m presently getting buried under another snowstorm sweeping across New England- but work still needs to be done before I can enjoy it- so I’m off to shovel my way to my office!

Stay dry, warm and safe out there, everybody!

– Ashley –

Tree Lighting and Pre-Blizzard Bridges…

December 2, 2019December 11, 2019by Ashley DeLargeLeave a Comment

Good Morning and Happy Monday, everyone!

I’m getting a late start this A.M.- due in part to it being a post-holiday-weekend-Monday and also because we have been getting absolutely buried under snow here in Massachusetts. The first significant Winter storm of the season began rolling in through the area late yesterday afternoon/evening- and has been going strong ever since. All forecasts are showing it won’t let up until tomorrow morning- so I’ve been taking it slow and steady today. Shoveling, driving, working- I don’t see the need in rushing myself and risking my safety (or sanity.)

Prior to the storm, I had a chilly- but fun weekend- where I finalized my holiday shopping list and participated in a few festive activities as well- including a ceremonial tree lighting in South Deerfield and a mini-road trip to Vermont where I managed to capture an authentic covered bridge en-route.

I thankfully had my camera with me during my journey(s) and caught some lovely photos along the way. As always, you can simply click any of the images below to enlarge!

I will undoubtedly be taking some photos of the aftermath of this storm, as well- since snow is always the prettiest in December. Anytime after that and it’s just a major inconvenience!

I’ll be back on Wednesday after I dig myself out from beneath the snow and ice and return home to my nice, warm apartment. If you live in the area- stay safe! And, if you don’t- wish us luck as we power through what I’m sure will be the first of many blizzards in the months to come!

– Ashley –

Old Fashioned Autumn…

September 25, 2019October 1, 2019by Ashley DeLargeLeave a Comment

Good Morning and Happy Wednesday, everyone!

It’s hard to believe that September is already winding down considering it feels like it only just started- and the first day of Fall was only a couple of days ago! While October is undoubtedly my favorite month out of the year and Halloween is my absolute favorite holiday- I love those early Autumn, breezy mid-September days we’re lucky enough to get here in New England. There’s something really special about them. The fairs, the farm stands, the first signs of pumpkins and apples. It’s magic!

This past weekend, when the temperatures gradually started to cool as the sun was setting after a couple of hotter-than-expected afternoons- I took a quick drive over to Historic Deerfield to stroll, stop by their outdoor Fall craft fair– and try to photograph some of those hints of Fall in what is one of the most picturesque locations in Massachusetts.

The leaves are just starting to change- some are already falling onto the ground- and with the sun shining and the lovely Autumnal displays outside some of the historic homes- it made for some great pictures and a wonderful afternoon overall!

This coming weekend I’d let to set off to to the Mohawk Trail to really capture the bright reds, oranges, yellows and golden tones I’ve noticed during my drives to/from the area. The trail is truly one of the prettiest backdrops for leaf peeping!

But that’s after I share my September ’19 favorites this coming Friday- and after I get some work done from home today, first!

Enjoy your “Hump Day”, everybody! Let’s push through to Friday together!

– Ashley –

Festival Frenzy and Historical Strolls…

May 24, 2019May 30, 2019by Ashley DeLargeLeave a Comment

Good Afternoon and Happy Friday, everyone!

We made it to another weekend- a long one with Memorial Day this time around- and what a weekend it’s going to be! While today is all about tying up some loose ends at work, indulging in a bit of TGIF pampering (hello mani/pedi!) and visiting my family back home for my mom’s cooking tonight at dinner- tomorrow through Sunday is all about Boston Calling!

That’s right- I’m coming back to the city for a couple of days- and I couldn’t be more excited to visit with friends and catch some incredible artists on the various stages (and let’s not forget the delicious food and vendors that come out for the festival every year!)

I’m going to be working media for Indie617 while I’m there (and dancing like crazy during Tame Impala)– but if you see me- please come say hello! Boston Calling is all about good music, warm weather, and connecting with other people within the community- so don’t be shy!

I’ll be sure to post updates on my INSTAGRAM throughout the weekend- so be sure to check in!

Speaking of photos, I’ve been spending as much time as possible between work and other obligations to drink in the scenery of my new neighborhood- and the other night I was able to enjoy a long, peaceful walk in Historic Deerfield- which is a stone’s throw away from my new apartment. The sun was setting over the old, picturesque homes- and I was able to snap some great shots.

If you’d like to see an enlarged version of any of the photos below, just click on them!

I’m so excited to share more locations around the Valley as I get out and explore the area!

That just about does it for me today. I’m off to take care of business and errands. Even though Monday is a holiday, I’ll have my Boston Calling recap up and ready bright and early!

Here’s wishing you all a wonderful Friday and a sensational weekend ahead!

– Ashley –