Can you tell I really enjoyed my vacation this summer?! Ann Kelly back in Kelly’s Kitchen, with thanks to some lovely ladies at the Herb Society of America for letting me visit while returning from a trip to the Holden Arboretum in Kirtland, Ohio. That’s a whole other story I’ll share another time, but we happened to pass this beautiful stone cottage and saw that sign out front, and all I could think of was “free advice!” But my brief visit was so much more; we discovered that the grounds of the Society were part of the Halle family's summer home, and the building is actually the oldest stone  structure in Lake County, built of local sandstone in 1840, with another portion added on in the ‘20’s. Check out a few more photos at http://www.facebook.com/Magic949. Clevelanders will remember Halle’s Department store very fondly; I especially remember Christmas, and Mr. Jingaling…always “on Halle’s second floor, where we’ll be waiting for you to turn the key!” Some summer home! The grounds are beautiful, and the Herb Society is a fantastic source of information for even the most experienced gardener. The extensive library has some rare volumes that are kept in a climate controlled portion at the Holden Arboretum.  I left with a volume of The Herbalist, and an invitation to become a member. The web site is a great source  for advice on improving your own garden, gleaning some great recipes, and connecting with others who love their gardens at http://herbsociety.org. I might just keep more of my herb garden alive with their help!

And don’t forget Week Two of Dine Tampa Bay Restaurant Week (running through Sept. 2^nd) and a wonderful chance to enjoy the many culinary delights of the Bay Area. To see which restaurants are a part of the event, with specially priced three-course meals please visit www.dinetampabay.com and enjoy!