Early summer on the Lake

What's the lake like in early summer? It's peaceful, with the glow of the first blooms having given away to hardy seasonal sprays.

The surprise of butterflies brightens the storm-cloud leaden sky.

It's breathtaking in the early morning, as the dawn emerges through the trees.

It's vibrant, as storms and skies merge into one.

It's a gift of nature and patience from the long winter bundled into one. It's the hope of the hot weather, the afternoons in the sunshine, the lazy bending blooms of tiger lillies, and the lush green lawn and perennials against the deep blue sky.

It's the first glimpse of reconnecting to the green world after the long season of gray. We savor, soothe, and give thanks for these long days and pervasive smiles.

Our friends at Brown & Hopkins Country Store

Guests at our private lakefront retreat often ask us, 'What's there to do in the area?' A destination we always recommend is Brown & Hopkins Country Store, which is located in the center of Chepachet Village. We were so honored recently when Liz mentioned us at Blueberry Pointe on the Lake in her daily blog.

http://webmail.aol.com/43524/aol/en-us/Suite.aspx

[How do you find the time, Liz, to blog daily? We give you so much credit!].

We love Brown & Hopkins. It has a wonderful array of primitive and colonial reproductions; Rhode Island souveniers; jams and relishes; candles and lighting fixtures; crafts and quilts; and, of course, the famous 'penny' candy counter. Moreover, the store is designed so artistically, carefully, and creatively. It is always a soothing sensory experience to walk through Brown & Hopkins and to savor the atmosphere.

But, if you don't want to take our word for it, why don't you read the article below? Published in the February 15, 2009 issue of the Boston Globe, the article by Paul Kandarian was titled, "R.I. Landmark Stocks Old Memories but also Rings in New Sales."

http://www.boston.com/travel/explorene/rhodeisland/articles/2009/02/15/ri_landmark_stocks_old_memories_but_also_rings_in_new_sales/

We're so lucky to have one of the oldest continually running general stores, Brown & Hopkins Country Store, in our town of Chepachet, RI. Congratulations on your 200th anniversary! And we look forward to many more years of your contributions to our community.

Carolyn and Steve