Sunday, October 21, 2007

Washington Irving's Sunnyside

Last stop of the day. If you are trying to get there by cab, ask for "Sunnyside Restoration, on Route 9 between Tarrytown and Irvington."

Let me tell you, Washington Irving had VERY good taste. He picked a very lovely dutch cottage to call home. The location is amazing, right on the Hudson River. The train was built in his lifetime, which I'm sure was somewhat disappointing, but even with the train (the noise every once and a while) it is heaven.

I don't know that most people would find it worth the money the tour cost, but for the Cooks, it was well worth it. Justin even said when he grows up he wants a home like that, with beautiful views of the river, and big windows, and European looking rooms. I already knew that is what I wanted when I grew up, it was nice to know that Justin was finally convinced.

There is a tree on the estate that was there during the American Revolution, I know cause there was a plaque. I wondered what that tree would say if it could talk, I was in the mood to hear.

Lessons Learned:

  • Become a beloved author, and make a good living, so you can have a wonderful home.
  • A very tiered crying baby will notice the peace and fall asleep if you are really in a peaceful place.
  • When you call for a cab, don't say "service" like Justin did, because then they send you a Lincoln Town Car which is twice as expensive.

The photos below were taken there, I figured you really wanted to see us, and not the overexposed photo of the home... you can Google for one of those.

You should click on the above picture because you can see Justin's reflection in my eyeball!

"It was, as I have said, a fine autumnal day; the sky was clear and serene, and nature wore that rich and golden livery which we always associate with the idea of abundance. The forests had put on their sober brown and yellow, while some trees of the tenderer kind had been nipped by the frosts into brilliant dyes of orange, purple, and scarlet." Irving

3 comments:

Talyn said...

I LOVE your new picture at the top. It's amazing!

Jessica said...

Gorgeous pictures. I agree with Talyn--the new one of Reuben at the top is adorable. I'm glad you got to breathe for a bit. I imagine you go through tree and fresh air deprivation quite a bit in New York. I hope Justin becomes rich so you can move to a big house in the country.

Tammy Lorna said...

Oh Brecken - how beautiful. But the words and the pictures. I especially liked the one of you and Justin together - we don't get to see enough of you two together, I enjoyed it.
I can see just how soothing the trip was, and It kind of made me want to be there too. Or, you know, just anywhere beautiful and peaceful - the world is full of those spots, but these days it can take a bit of planning to get to one.
I also love the new look to your site (although I frowned at first, because it was a 'change' and I'm not usually a fan of change... hah!)
We finally had our conference weekend this weekend! I had such a wonderful time listening and learning, and felt a bit more excited about life this week.
Love you loads!
xo Tammy