Weekend walks in Pound Ridge are wonderful! We have 2 Golden Retrievers who love to run and swim so Pound Ridge New York is the perfect place for that! Since my husband and I are early birds we start our walks before most people are awake. We let the dogs run and romp off leash on weekends. The dogs have developed a pattern of hitting every swamp and marshy area, then running back to us before taking off through the woods the other direction and into the next wet area. Although they are off-leash on weekends they always come and sit next to us when called, if we hear a car. After we’ve walked about 2 miles, we are near a nice deep pond and then it’s time for a running leap and splash down! Before reaching the pond, the dogs are two toned and often look more like a black labs than Golden Retrievers. The pond is great for washing off most of the black mud they have collected up to that point. They love water and it’s a race between them to see who can get to the stick, ball, or ducks. Check out my video to see the happy dogs swimming:

From there it’s time to shake and hook up (that’s dog speak for sit, and wait for the leash to be put on) for the walk home where they get hosed off and a quick shampoo. It is delightful to see running dogs so happy! Summer is not the only time they run and romp; it’s a year round activity only in the winter I have to use warm water to thaw the icicles that form on their fur after swimming. They are water dogs after all, so they don’t care.

Posted By: Sonja Lovas

When we first moved to Pound Ridge I really enjoyed being in the woods and seeing the deer. It didn’t take long to realize they are not enjoyable to have around at all. Many of my neighbors completely fenced their yards, which makes mine the easy target for vegetation devastation. I now refer to the deer as Westchester rats! Although I have planted shrubs and flowers they aren’t suppose to eat, it doesn’t matter, because depending on how cold it is, and the lack of other things to eat, they still devour everything that’s not protected with a spray or fence.

Last fall I received a survey in the mail from the town asking how many deer we saw in a week. I kept track, filled out the survey and sent it back. A week later I had a list of bow hunters I could call that would like to hunt on our property. I didn’t think too much of it and never got around to calling, but this spring a nice couple came to our door and asked if they could hunt on our property and I said sure! They are licensed bow hunters and apparently there is a large organization of active bow hunters. They left a brochure and said they’d call and set up an appointment to talk about the process, which they did. We discussed the best place to park, when they would be arriving, and where they would exit with any deer.

I decided to do some research about the deer situation in my area as I am always concerned by the number of dead deer on the road side in addition to my plants being eaten. Westchester’s deer population is 2.5 times greater than the habitat can support. A healthy average is 12 – 15 deer per square mile and in Westchester it is closer to 30 – 50. This leaves the deer subject to starvation and disease unless controlled. Bow hunting is a very safe way to reduce the population since there are not enough natural predators. NY bow hunters have donated over 500,000 lbs. of venison to the Venison Donation Coalition which feeds New York’s homeless.

Bow hunting season starts October 15th and I am hoping my bow hunters will be successful and there will be more food for the homeless and more leaves on my trees and shrubs.

Posted By: Sonja Lovas

While showing homes in Katonah and South Salem to a Russian couple, we drove by Cameron’s Deli, where they are famous for their Cluck’en Russian sandwich. I thought it would be of interest to my clients since they are Russian so I told them my story about the deli’s famous sandwich.

When my sons were in High School they would drive 20 minutes out of their way with their friends any time of day or night to Cameron’s for their favorite sandwich, the Cluck’en Russian. Turns out, my children were not the only ones who would make the trek to Cameron’s, which is why it is famous. This deli is open 24 hours, 365 days a year and is located at 890 Cross River Road in Lewisboro, NY. It is a short distance from the John Jay High School and Middle School and is in an area where most stores and restaurants close early, and that makes Cameron’s the hot spot in the area!

After my son went to college, my husband and I would stop by Cameron’s on our way to see his Lacrosse games and pick up a Cluck’en Russian and surprise him and his roommate. I wish we had taken a picture, to see their faces light up at the sight of their favorite sandwich was priceless! After having dorm food for 8 months one bite was all it took to send them to heaven and back. Eating the sandwich on the bus ride back to the College caused quite a commotion as all the players were wondering where they could get one. After much gratitude for the sandwich, a confession came out. I was informed that when they were in High School my boys would often sneak out of the house in the middle of the night and risk being grounded if caught, for this famous sandwich.

My Russian clients gave it a try and said it reminded them of a traditional Russian chicken meal they prepared except they did not serve it on a roll. The sandwich is made with a warm chicken cutlet, topped with melted Muenster cheese, bacon and Russian dressing. Cameron’s now has another lover of the Cluck’en Russian, my clients. So if you want something special and unique, stop by and give it a try. There are also many other wonderful sandwiches and hot meals to choose from but none are as famous as the Cluck’en Russian.

Posted By: Sonja Lovas

Looking for Value? Here it is! Enter through stone pillars to this elegant 4200 square feet stone and shingle home built in the tradition of an English Country House. The interior features state of the art amenities, custom millwork, cherry cabinets and granite gourmet kitchen with Bosch dishwasher, Sub-Zero refrigerator. The master bedroom suite has his & her closets, bathroom with dual sinks, cherry cabinets, tumbled marble, and a whirlpool tub. There is also a princess suite with a private bath. The setting is dramatic and private (no nosey neighbors looking at you) with a heated Gunite swimming pool that is large enough to swim laps. It has been professionally landscaped with stone walls and has in-ground lawn sprinkler system, so your lawn and shrubs thrive in the hot summer months. I love this house and you will too! For a private showing, contact Sonja Lovas at www.houlihanlawrence.com/sonjalovas or 914-232-1212 x 214

Posted By: Sonja Lovas

While I was at the Bedford Free Library to pick up a book I had ordered on line, I was talking to the librarian about the summer schedule. She said they are busier this year than ever before, and when I took a look at all the programs and opportunities for children and adults I knew why.

The schedule includes a variety of activities like reading games, book buddies, Mother Goose Story times, book groups and more. There are 18 different programs just for children, and additional programs for adults and families. Their shelves are full of great movies and audio books, which is what makes the Library a happening place to visit all summer long! Participating in the library programs keeps the kids busy in the summer with fun learning activities and adults can enjoy it as well.

Posted By: Sonja Lovas

First there was a blossom, now there’s a small green tomato! My worst fear of having no tomatoes from the 100 seedlings I started has been eliminated. I am watching with interest the development of my plants, based on their location in the yard, planting container, and the soil used. For now, I am expecting some red, juicy tomatoes by August, despite the cooler summer weather.

Posted By: Sonja Lovas