Paola Christmas Home Tour

WOW!!

What a day. Over 250 people toured our home yesterday. The ladies decorated our home to the hilt, and it was enjoyed by all.

We had Dan and Suzanne's bread in the oven putting out a wonderful aroma as you entered the house. We had Louisburg Cidermill Cider simmering on the stove. Add to that, a wood fire in the fireplace, and the smells were incredible!! We had small cups of becerin, like I had in Italy, for the guests coming through. Dennis Reynolds frim Somerset Ridge Winery stopped by to check out all of the acitvities.

Toshia was in Christine's kitchen baking cookies. They were loved by the young and the not-so-young. Mark was taking care of the Man Room with Christine's old neighbor, Rick. Being on a Christmas Tour of Homes is great! It was a lot of work, there is no question about it, but so good to see so many people enjoying your work and your home!

When the tour was over, we had many friends come over and have a pizza making party. Suzanne and Dan's friends, Mike and Michelle, took over Mike's kitchen. We were celebrating Steve and Brenda's birthdays, and Brenda had the idea about friends making pizza. I just ate. Suzanne said she just wished our friend Jasper was there. We wished he had been there as well. What a great crowd last evening! This is why Casa Somerset was born; family, friends, food, VINO too!

Rafael and Figaro entertained everyone yesterday. They are so cute!

WOW!!!! Casa Somerset. It is not very far from being finished. Vineyard,Vino, Food, Friends. Let your mind wander about what you would like here..

The hardwood floors were installed last week. This week hopefully, they can dig the for the septic system. We also have the gutters left to be installed and the last of the electrical. There is also painting to be completed, but the(the I am suppose to say Veranda now, Christine's orders) is done and you will love it!! No more porch:):) Wait till you see the 2nd floor mantel. www.seldomfound.com

We have vines to plant this Sunday, anyone who would like to help us is welcome. We will have a lunch and some vino for all who help at noon or whenever the new vines are in. Only 108 this year to plant, but our friends will get together for a meal overlooking the vineyard. We will start planting at 10 am.

You have to come and see this, it is the vanishing town of Somerset,Kansas.

Cindy Reynolds of Somerset Winery said years ago ,we need to bring Somerset, KS. back. www.somersetridgewinery.com Stop there too. Dennis and Cindy are wonderful hosts.

Come out on Sunday to help us plant. Bring a bottle over to visit. Also, bring your gloves and wear gardening clothes.We will have some lunch and then you can stop by Somerset Ridge Winery and taste the vino.

We would love for you to see the house and help with our planting!!

Christine and Mike

Fireplaces are in.

Well, was I surprised today. I showed up at the site and the fireplace inserts were both in, not running, but installed in the wall.

I was impressed.

We are going to have a wood burning fireplace on the bottom floor and a gas one on the second floor. They use the same chase to vent the fumes. One fireplace on top of the other.

I really want to cook gumbo in the fireplace, the taste is so much better with the wood smoke going into it. I plan on cooking many dishes in my cast iron pot. Let it simmer all day, drawing in the wood smoke. We have two "mean" trees on the property; Hedge which burns very hot, and Locust which on many occasions has made me look like I was in the movie "The Passion of Christ" which will supply wood.

The main reason for the wood burning fireplace is that during The Ice Storm, the electricity was out here 6 days. I believe this fireplace will keep our pipes from breaking and us snuggled together, a great combination!!

It will be so nice to sit by the fire, and sip Vino in the winter with Christine and look out the window at the snow. All of our friends will have to come and share the warmth with us.

Mike