Update

Wow! I can’t believe it has been almost a month since my last post. In that time, we traveled around the country visiting and celebrating the holidays with family and friends and of course, moved into our new home. As promised, I’ll be spending a lot of time turning the house into a home and will document that here. At the same time, I’ve asked CC, a great friend of mine with a design background, great style and wonderful taste to contribute here on Beach Wood Designs. As it turns out, CC is also in the midst or making over her new home on the opposite side of the country – she is in CA while I am in NY.

All in all, 2008 should be a great year here on Beach Wood Designs so please check back often!

– Jeff

Happenings: Winter Explorations Nature Walk

Winter Explorations is a series of walks exploring nature in our local surroundings during the winter months. The walks are conducted by Conrad and Claudia Vispo of the Farmscape Ecology Program and focus on winter botany (woody and herbaceous plants), observing evidence of active winter animals, and exploring the visible interactions of human and natural history.

The group plans to visit several areas over the course of three walks this winter. The first walk was to have happened last month, however, the second is this Sunday (January 13, 2008) and the third is scheduled for Sunday, February 3, 2008.

Sunday’s walk is planned to happen at New Forge state forest, however, the final decision on that location will be made tomorrow (Saturday).

DETAILS:
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Ages: All
Location: New Forge state forest (New Forge Rd #2, off Rt 82, Taghkanic)
Price: Free
Registration: Registering in advance is recommended so that you can be notified of changes in location. To register, please contact Conrad and Claudia at 518.781.0243 or fep@taconic.net
Additional details can be found at www.hawthornevalleyfarm.org

A New Law For New Lebanon Pet Owners

Dog (and cat) owners are now officially responsible for scooping up after their pets on both public and private lands. Failure to scoop your pet’s poop may result in a fine of $250, which is a pricey poop!

Unfortunately, the law had to be created because dog owners were allowing their dogs to use the field where local little league teams play baseball as a poop park without cleaning up afterward. The poor kids showing up to play ball had to delay games and find shovels to clean up their field before games could get under way.

You might think common sense and decency would have moved a pet owner to pick up after their pet. Sadly, it looks as if that wasn’t the case and now a new law will officially be added to the books to force people to take responsibility for their pets.

Treasure Hunt: Chippendale Secretary Desk

Just found the following on Craig’s List:

ANTIQUE – MAHOGANY CHIPPENDALE SECRETARY $750
Location: Colonie

From the listing:

“Antique ~ Mahogany Chippendale Secretary ~ Antique

Description- Mahogany serpentine front Chippendale secretary desk with broken arch pediment top , and nice fitted interior with two hidden compartments circa 1940s.

*One very similar to this sold for $1295.00.

*My two sons are home from college and can assist in loading the secretary.”

Click Here for listing with contact info.

Happenings: Free Art Show at Chatham House

From now until March 8, 2008, The Chatham House is hosting a collection of local artists’ works. Paintings and photographs from artists including Jerry Freedner, Barbara Peduzzi and Jim Nelson can be viewed throughout Chatham House’s dining rooms, hallways, cocktail bar and the promenade.

Viewing the art is free so why not stop in for a look and stay for a drink or meal. While there, take note of the painstaking efforts that have restored this historic 1859 hotel.

Details:
The Chatham House is located at 29 Hudson Avenue in Chatham, NY.
The building is open everyday but Tuesday from 11am -9pm
For more info, please visit TheChathamHouse.com or call 518-392-6600.