Heat wave in February

 Wow.. what a beautiful day it was yesterday. We decided to spend the day outside in this balmy, wonderful hug of a day. The kind of day that just wraps itself around you and everything is just comforting, the kisses of the breeze on your cheeks, and the feeling of pure contentment, especially on a February day in New York. 

We put our winter coats away for a day, and pulled out our lighter jackets of fall weather, or warmer spring days, and set out. We decided on staying a little closer to home because we were still expecting a drastic change in weather later on in the day. It was going to go from near 60 degrees to a nasty drop in temperature with snow in the forecast. 

We decided on Lasdon Park in Katonah, NY for a nice walk, at least we'd be outside. We were still met with muddy paths, icy patches, and snow that had yet to disappear, but nothing could hamper this beautiful day for us. We walked much of the trail in their wooded areas, relaxed in a gazebo/pagoda that was hidden amongst the trees. By the end of our walk we came across, quite accidently, a small area in the woods populated by sculptures of dinosaurs. It was very small, lackluster, but I could imagine small children getting excited to spy, with great wonderment, their favorite dinosaurs in the woods, on their hike. I know that my kids would've enjoyed it, quite an adventure, it would be. 

We then decided to go into town and have lunch. I had planned at some point to visit their bookstore/coffee shop, "The Reading Room". You know I can't pass up a visit to a village bookstore. I love independent booksellers and I always find the opportunity to support them when I can. It's a very cute bookstore, on the smaller side, but I did find many new books available and even an old one that was on my list to check out. It was quite nicely displayed on their "Banned Book Shelf". Loved this idea, all bookstores and libraries should have a banned book display. No book should ever be banned, the only way to fight this, is to search out that book and read it. They also have a coffee nook in the back corner by the registers, the aromas from their coffee machines smelled divine. The young man at the register was very friendly too. 

We then walked through the village and came across "The Blue Dolphin", a small diner in town that actually had an Italian menu. Very small and quaint. We were somewhat skeptical at first but we decided to give it a try. We settled on the homemade ravioli that we learned was purchased amongst other pastas on their menu from the local Katonah Pasta Shop where they make their own pastas. Kind of disappointed that even though we lived so close, I had no idea that this place existed. We were not disappointed, the raviolis were probably the best I've ever tasted, and I'm not usually a ravioli fan. After our lunch we decided to pay a visit to the local Katonah Pasta Shop, are you surprised? 

We walked into the little shop and watched as someone was at the industrial pasta machine right by the counter, making their pasta. We decided on the ravioli of course, and a pound of orecchiette, which I made for dinner that night. It was scrumptious. 

Sometimes an adventure doesn't have to take you too far from home. I implore you to go out, explore and discover your surrounding areas. I'm sure you will find something cool you didn't even know existed so close to home. Places and things that are just waiting to be discovered.