Meleen and I have talked about this adventure for years and are both excited to begin and share it with you. The houses we are staying in are hers, charming, full of her collections and happy spirit. Last year we enjoyed this weekend with friends, rambling through a trio of days exploring the historic New England towns of Norman Rockwell and the colorful countryside with its covered bridges and old forests. Of course, we had a blast at the house too, hanging out by the fire or on the porch, making things, talking, laughing. So this is the plan:

Arrive Thursday. Fly into Albany, NY and we'll pick you up around 5 pm. We will be sharing side-by-side farmhouses in a small southern Vermont town in the Green Mountains near Manchester and Bennington, about 4 hours from NYC if you want to drive. There will be a light supper and a start on crafting.

Friday and Saturday: Coffee and breakfast on the porch or in the great room, then late in the morning, we'll head to town for lunch and touring, shopping, farmer's market, or whatever we've discovered that's local and can't-miss. It's high season for flea markets, tag sales, town festivals. Back home for dinner and crafting.

Sunday: Breakfast and farewell.

Three nights and days of lodging, food and drink at the house, crafts and pick-ups at the airport (within a specified window of time Thursday and Sunday) as well as our excursions out and about. And there's gift bag swag!