More and more, as I progress through the years, my natural attraction to an old-fashioned sensibility and way of life increases. These days my mind has a tendency to drift into idealistic daydreams in which I live in a long ago era of proper etiquette and chivalry, a place where the friendly exchange of pleasantries between a neighbor or stranger is natural. If I could shut my eyes and will myself into Mayberry, I would. Then, it occurs to me like so many of my other life’s yearnings, that which I desire has actually been right before me, at my disposal all along.Our personal experience of the world manifests through our thoughts and attitudes. Essentially, if we open our hearts and minds, our eyes will see the goodness that surrounds us all the time … even if we need to try to peer through what feels like a heavy fog at times. These days, almost everywhere I look in our hamlet, I can see the very essence of goodness and grace. Actually, the very best of the “good old days” exists right here in the Springs.
In this day of fast food and instant everything, baking confections from scratch is a sure way of creating loving, warm vibes for both the baker and the ones who ultimately get to enjoy them. “I grew up baking with my mom,” responded Caitlin Baringer of “Cait’s Baked” when asked about how she became an obviously talented baker. An enthusiastic and friendly young woman, Cait is in her second year of her homespun business and just began her first season at the Springs Farmers Market which is thankfully set up every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the grounds of Ashawagh Hall.
Her table beckons with its sweet display of obviously moist carrot breads and muffins, packages of cookies, and beautiful pies, all labeled with her charming logo of a smiley cat face. At the front, she offers generous samplings of nearly everything. In keeping with her philosophy of using sustainable and local ingredients as much as possible, the yummy muffin I tried was baked with the organic whole wheat flour of Amber Waves. For those who don’t have the time or inclination for home baking, ordering some pies or a cake from Cait is a wonderful way to bring a little wholesome magic to your next special event. To order, call 805-746-0891 or email caitsbaked@gmail.com. Better yet, check out the market on Saturday. Those who do this Saturday will be treated to the musical accompaniment of David Eagle playing classic songs from the ’50s and ’60s starting at 11 a.m.
Completely charming and reminiscent of a bygone era is local farmer and coordinator of the market, Paul Hamilton’s self-serve roadside farm stand. Deep into Springs at 1 Hog Creek Lane are two red and white checked cloth-covered tables upon which are set out a variety of his freshly picked garden produce and little pots of basil to help kick-start your own herb garden. The selection varies daily with the prices listed on his surfboard shaped sign. Sweetest of all is the wooden box for the honor system payment method. The sight of that table is one of the many examples of rural allure that we often stumble upon in our neck of the woods.
I often mention the help yourself books laid out in boxes upon tables on the lovely grounds of the Springs Library. I also tell my friends, and last weekend one of them was delighted to find four books she always wanted to read. So, she dropped a dollar into the door slat, and for only 25 cents each she now has hours of summertime reading to look forward to. It’s a terrific little country library with more books for sale on the second floor. Visit www.springslibrary.org for visiting hours and more details.
Through July and August, “Jackson Pollock Family Workshops” will be held every Thursday and Friday from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Pollock-Krasner House. For all ages, the workshops will include a tour of the house and studio of the world famous artist and his wife, Lee Krasner, followed by a hands-on action painting session on a canvas that participants can take home. Our East Hampton columnist and talented artist, Karyn Mannix, leads the workshop. It’s a great way to spend a memorable morning with the kids.
The fee is $25 each which includes all materials. Registration is required. To register, call 631-329-2811 or email karynmannix@optonline.net. The Pollock-Krasner House is located at 830 Springs-Fireplace Road.
St. Peter’s Chapel at 463 Old Stone Highway has worship every Saturday throughout the summer at 5:30 p.m. It’s an adorable little church with a friendly congregation. A potluck supper always follows the service, and all are welcome. Congratulations to my friend Francine Muller of Springs who just became a member of the Vestry at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in East Hampton and is an active summer participant at St. Peter’s Chapel. Visit www.st.lukesseasthampton.org for more details.
For as long as I can remember, my favorite summertime family fun experience has always been sitting on the beach waiting for the Fourth of July firework display. Closest to home are the Devon Yacht Club fireworks this Saturday, July 6, just after dark at 9 p.m. These can be comfortably viewed along the beach at Fresh Pond Road. Just please exercise caution and patience with parking and leaving, as there are always large crowds of people walking along the road in the dark.
Without a doubt it’s going to be an extra busy, possibly crazy weekend. So again, it’s a good time for all of us to practice courtesy and caution on the roads. Happy Fourth of July everyone!
Staff Writer on Jul 1, 2013