The Hamptons Rule

I'm having a wonderfully relaxed weekend. I'm staying at a gorgeous house that won best architectural design in 1983 in which I have basically my own wing. I have a private bath, the most comfortable bed ever, black-out shades that work, and a beautiful view of the lake, rolling hills, and mansion-esque homes far off in the distance. Did I mention the sky? In Manhattan, you never see the sky. Here, at night there are billions of stars, and in the day an endless blue, cloud-dotted expanse above you. I have the sense that I'm on the edge of the planet, surrounded by things larger than myself that make me feel strangely relaxed and protected; very different than being surrounded by the glittery, super-charged embrace of Manhattan.

I've been spending my days sipping coffee, napping, and assisting Rumi's bf in the kitchen. He's an incredible cook, and I've been picking up tips left and right. I've probably learned more about cooking in the last two days than I have in the last thirty years. No offense intended Dad and Mom. We've made chocolate mouse, slow-cooked salmon with a watercress sauce, mussel soup with a brandy-saffron base, parsnip-mashed potatoes, seafood salad with a cognac sauce, ceaser salad, and a delicate asparagus soup. I've been photocopying recipes and jotting down cooking tips in my journal. I finally get why people love cooking. I finally see how relaxing and enjoyable it can be.

Later this afternoon, Rumi and I are going to drive through some of the other towns and go shopping in East Hampton. We might also catch a movie before dinner, and then perhaps grab a drink with my girl friend Pele and her boyfriend, who also happen to be out her for the weekend. I'm so glad I left the city this weekend! Bravo to all of you for your excellent advice!