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FALLINGWATER [AN ICONIC HOME]

After the holidays, I went to visit family in Pittsburg and a few of us traveled to Fallingwater the house designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in the Laurel Highlands of southwestern Pennsylvania. The three-story residence was built over a waterfall on Bear Run stream, and designed as a weekend retreat for the Kaufmann family, who were the owners of the Kaufmann’s Department Store in Pittsburg. Since 1963 the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy [WPC] have operated Fallingwater as a tourist site and maintains the 5,000 acres surrounding the house.

Architects working from the master bedroom porch.

There are preservation cycles that occur every 20-25 years, and in 2024 Fallingwater began a $7 million dollar renovation project to address the persistent water leaks and structural issues of a home built over a waterfall. Our guide mentioned the house has always leaked, making waterproofing a constant battle. It was interesting seeing the architects work, as water has been a threat to the home’s integrity with its flat roofs and strong horizontal lines for many years. The project will be completed by spring of 2026

Travel stylishly,
Kathleen

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Pre-Holiday Lunch

When are you most happy?

Partaking in holiday traditions always make me nostalgic for Christmases past. I’m happy to celebrate, especially when family arrive home to enjoy the customs instilled by former generations.

There’s a wonderous feeling when preparing favorite dishes for that celebratory meal, and nothing beats finding boxes with ornaments or decorations to enhance the beauty of the tree or house.  I’m always searching for ways to create new traditions that allow me to cut back on working so hard, and found one during lunch yesterday. Instead of my cooking the pre-holiday lunch my family took me to a restaurant in DC for a fantastic seafood meal. We had so much fun relaxing and laughing that I’ve asked for this to be our newest yearly tradition.

Have a wonderful holiday season,
Kathleen