Lily Pad Pond

I photographed this water garden last week on a real estate showing. Unfortunately, I didn't see or hear any bullfrogs. The house had a screened-in porch and I'm sure the owners enjoyed sitting out there listening to them croak on hot summer nights. my iPhone photo

I can't even tell you how weary I am of researching products for my upcoming house painting project. I have come to the conclusion that there is no such thing as a good waterborne stain. I think I'm just going to have my clapboards and shingles and trim painted white. Sherwin Williams is having an end-of-summer sale with 30% off thru September 2nd. I am just going to bite the bullet and paint everything with their thick white paint that goes on like buttermilk. It's called Duration. Case closed, fingers in ears, la la la la la. Can't hear you.

Gorgeous Shingled Cottage on the Water

I have someone coming over at 6:00pm to give me an estimate. He's painting a cottage around the corner and constructing a Chippendale railing on the front porch. I stopped and talked to him and got good vibes. I am so excited. photo source

Delightful Cottage Style Shingled Home

This is lovely too. Benjamin Moore HC-111 with cream trim.

Back view. Shutters only on gable ends. Photo tour of the exterior of this Long Island home HERE.

Sand colored shingles

This is beautiful too. So many choices. via

White on White Cottage

Don't you love the decorative shingle patterns on the gables? This is so lovely and the dog on the porch completes the picture perfectly. via

Pile of Sleeping Black Puppies

Good night, everyone. See you in the morning. via

Great house

I am absolutely blurry eyed from looking at paint colors, solid stain colors, going from place to place to check availability, etc. The description of the color the people who built this house give is they used a very dark brown/black solid stain. I love the way it has weathered. WANT, but cannot find. Will not stop until I do. I am tempted by Dragon's Breath by Benjamin Moore. Must go and look tomorrow. Cool name! via

Sea Foam with Starfish

Fall is in the air, but it's still summer. Enjoy it while you can. via

Choose Your Company Well

Great 13th century advice.

Be with those who help your being. Rumi

More Inga Moore illustrations from the book Wind in the Willows

I found more illustrations by Inga Moore from Wind in the Willows on this blog. I only posted a few but there are lots more if you click on that link. You all know how much I adore interior design by animals. Now I adore her artwork and imagination. Have a great weekend.