Review of The Pumpelly Estate

Road view on a bridge with lampposts and American flags, under a blue sky filled with clouds.

Owego, Tioga County, New York 

Driving in from a brief visit to friends in Binghamton, we arrived at Pumpelly Estate. 

 The nostalgia of arriving home for Nancy was  overwhelming. Tears began to flow.

Nancy grew up in this house…returning home for her was well…emotional in so many ways. 

Stephanie Whitmore, the owner, welcomed us as we arrived, followed by her husband, John…both of these incredible people are enthusiastic proponents of restoring the entire property to its original glory. 

The history of this home is an amazing story in itself. 

It felt like home. We were so fortunate that Stephanie and John Whitmore have embraced a home that has so much meaning to Nancy. 

A large yellow two-story house with a porch, surrounded by green lawn and trees, under a partly cloudy sky.

We had several tours of the Carriage Barn with John and Stephanie. 

Everything  about the Carriage Barn is just incredible. 

Exterior view of a rustic wooden barn with blue doors, surrounded by greenery and illuminated by warm lights at dusk.

After settling into our room, we had cocktails at the kitchen bar and later  walked into town for dinner at The Cellar. This was a treat and a lot of fun. We met new people. Eileen, at the bar, took great care of us. Nancy and I had Fish ‘n Chips. It was so good…and more food than I could eat. 

Cally Cerretani, Nancy’s 1st cousin, 1 X removed works a a Sous Chef at the restaurant and came out of the kitchen and greet us with beautiful smiles and warm hugs. It’s been a while since we have seen her. She was a teenager when we saw her last and such a sweetheart. She is a beautiful young lady now with a teen of her own now…and is part of an incredible team of chefs that serves delicious food. 

We had a great evening at The Cellar.

A lively bar scene featuring several patrons sitting at the bar, with a bartender serving drinks. The interior is decorated with framed photos and has elegant lighting fixtures.

When we arrived back at the house, it was decided we  all would change into comfortable attire and have a cocktail by the fireplace in the Living Room. 

It was a beautiful setting to top off a full evening of entertainment.

Our first night in the Pumpelly Suite… 

Cozy living room featuring two white sofas with decorative pillows, a round coffee table, and a green tiled fireplace with a warm fire burning. A chandelier hangs from the ceiling, and patriotic decorations adorn the mantel, with plants and a lamp adding to the inviting atmosphere.

We were overwhelmed by the hospitality that Stephanie and John, Cally and Alicia Cerretani and Jacob (Grill Master Extraordinaire) planned an event that was just over the top. Candy Cerretani, Nancy’s cousin grew up next door was  our guest of honor. Les Wagner was there. We had a great time. Shared great stories…and we all got a tour of the Carriage Barn. It was an evening filled with joy. 

A group of eight people sitting on the steps of a yellow house, smiling and posing for the camera. The scene is cheerful and relaxed with various individuals wearing casual clothing.

 And on top of this, another event is  scheduled for Wednesday evening. This is one I have been  looking forward to…a Genealogical workshop. Les Wagner is an incredibly brilliant gentleman and an Owego historian. I learned so much and was so thankful for Alicia and Cally’s skillful knowledge regarding transference of volumes of documents.

A group of four people engaged in a discussion around a table covered with documents and folders. The scene is illuminated by chandelier lighting, suggesting an evening setting.
A scenic view of a two-lane highway surrounded by lush greenery and trees, with a backdrop of rolling hills under a blue sky filled with fluffy white clouds.

Another great evening with surrounded by great people. And again…I can’t express enough the hospitality from our hostess Stephanie.

Okay, I’ll wind this  down, this is  supposed to be a simple review. That isn’t possible. 

All of Nancy’s  friends are scheduled to be here on Thursday for a visit on the front  porch.  

A group of four women sitting together on a striped sofa on a porch, surrounded by greenery and snacks on a black table.
A group of six people sitting on a porch, engaging in conversation around a table with snacks and drinks, surrounded by greenery and comfortable furniture.
Two women embracing joyfully on a porch, surrounded by a warm, inviting entrance.

A simple review is not adequate for our experience at The Pumpelly Estate. 

There is more than meets the eye. 

So many layers that made up this trip…flying to New York from Texas. 

The emotional connection Nancy has to this historic home. 

How she was embraced when we arrived.

History was explored.  

Bonds created.

Memories made.

Friends made.

Where do find that?

A vibrant red front door adorned with a decorative floral wreath, featuring white flowers and green leaves. A plaque below the wreath reads 'House of Pompelly Established 1902'.

The Pumpelly Estate

http://www.pumpellyestate.com

an open letter to the Medical Community…

Watching this evening’s news I was moved to tears…

An RN, assigned to a Covid unit and overwhelmed with grief, sobbing uncontrollably.

…my heart just broke.

The Medical Community is in need.

…and there is something we all can do to help them.

Listen

Last year, about this time, I reported to medical to take an annual hearing exam.

On my way out there were sounds coming from a nearby exam room…

”Anyone in that condition should never have reported to work.”, I thought to myself.

That was Wednesday.

It hit me Friday…the first day of the Christmas shutdown.

It was bad. I don’t know what this is…but it’s bad.

I self-quarantined.

There is no way I am going to expose anyone else to this.

Nancy and I cancelled our holiday plans.

My best friend’s Mother’s birthday party…not a chance. We RSVP’d our disappointment at not being able to attend.

The annual family Christmas eve gathering…no way.

Christmas dinner with family…out of the question.

Nancy and I spent a quiet Christmas together…just the two of us.

In mid-February I retired.

At that time cases of Covid-19 had just entered the U.S.

March 13th, 2020 was the last time I got a haircut from Monica, my longtime friend/stylist/mental therapist.

Nancy now cuts my hair…and she’s getting pretty good at it.

The medical experts suggested guidelines…those became our guidelines.

I do not care what political pundits opine.

Some of our friends believe that we are overreacting.

I do not care to see how socially active you are and braving this threat.

What I see…

Our Medical Community is overwhelmed.

WE have an obligation to listen to what they have to say.

Take their advice on what we need to do and what not to do.

At some point in our lives…

We WILL need the help, the care…the empathy of many healthcare professionals.

But…right now.

Right now…

They need our help.

Nancy and I will do our best to stay out of the way.

For as long as it takes…

And to all healthcare professionals out there…please know that you are very much appreciated and we wish you well.

You are our heroes.

Every one of you.

Nancy and I will share another beautiful, quiet Christmas celebration…together.

Just the two of us.

…and there is nothing left to say, but

Merry Christmas…

and hope.