Summer Porch in Red, White, and Blue

It's hard to believe that July 4th is just around the corner. Better get out all of your red, white and blue accessories and start decorating. 

via google images

a place to love dogs

Isn't this Vizsla puppy playing the cutest thing? He looks a little wobbly and a tad unsure of himself. via google images

Audrey Hepburn Liked Chocolate Cake

"Let's face it, a nice creamy chocolate cake does a lot for a lot of people; it does for me." Audrey Hepburn

Have you ever seen a lovelier bride? found on Tumblr

An Elegant Home for Hens with Run

Such a nice chicken coop. It's really pretty, isn't it? found on Tumblr

Cool White Room for Summer

It is going to be at least 91 degrees at my house today. Just looking at this room all decked out in white with the Robin's Egg Blue door makes me feel cool. I'll probably have to look at it numerous times today. google images

Summer Outing and A Great Tile Mosaic

Doesn't this look like the perfect outing for the first days of summer?

I love this tile mosaic. It's a great design isn't it?

The Most Wonderful Illustrated Book

I really would love to own this beautiful book. I've always been interested in images of from The Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood. I think this is probably The Kelmscott Chaucer. I had a fine reproduction copy once and have always been sorry I sold it. Image via Flickr

Vogue Cover May 1931

I like this Vogue cover illustration of a woman reading a book. I'm not reading anything at the moment and I miss being involved in a story. Have a great day, Rosemary. 

Gardening Books

Interesting gardening books. Fooled you, didn't I?

Antique Tilt Top Tea Table

I had amazing luck at an estate sale just around the corner this past weekend. On the second day, somewhat late in the day I spotted and bought this early 19th century tilt-top tea table with a square top and cut corners. Doesn't it look perfect between my two early armchairs? Luckily I had already negotiated a better price before I started looking at it more closely, flipping up the top, turning it over to examine the base, vase-turned shaft, snake feet, etc. because there suddenly appeared in the wings a lady asking for second right of refusal. Poor table, rejected for a whole day and a half before being discovered by me to be loved again. Webster (behind chair) loves it too. My friend Jill gave me the flowers she arranged so beautifully right from her garden. I even had a small square black plate to put under her urn in case it leaks. The roses are shedding their petals but everything else is still going strong. 

Sunset | Day is Done | Goodnight

I'm calling it a day and turning off the computer. Goodnight.

Three Birders Bonding to Celebrate Father's Day

I hope this early morning outing with binoculars results in a rare bird sighting. So cute. Happy Father's Day.

Holland Landscape with Windmill and Flowers

Perfectly beautiful! Holland landscape found on Pixdaus.

Happy weekend To Everyone

Set your sites on some beautiful views and look a little closer with your binoculars. Pile your swinging tray full of delicious reading material and have a happy weekend!

Givenchy Postage Stamp | France

This image makes me want to write a letter.

Two women represent the typical Givenchy style of the 50s and 60s: Audrey Hepburn and Jackie Kennedy. By furnishing Hollywood movie stars beginning in 1953, Givenchy achieved a popularity like never before. A rather sad event brought global attention to Givenchy dresses. When John F.Kennedy was assassinated, the world witnessed a mourning Kennedy family all dressed in Givenchy clothes. Jackie Kennedy ordered a Givenchy dress for the funeral, which was especially flown in from Paris. It is said, that at that time, the Givenchy atelier possessed individual patterns sheets for every female member of the Kennedy family. In 1955, he introduced separates and then the Orlon-fabric to the haute couture. His designs are elegant and refined.  via google images

Chateau de Chenonceau

    

Chateau de Chenonceau
"Built on the river Cher, where the unique beauty of its architecture reflects in the water, the Chateau de Chenonceau is the Val de Loire’s finial." This is definitely a must-see castle in France. Group trip?

23 Breathtaking Natural Swimming Pools

To me there are two joys in swimming pool ownership . . . getting one and getting rid of one. I do like a natural pool that looks more like a pond.

google images

Harper's Monthly Cover for June 1896

 Signed top left: Edward Penfield ~ Woman in green rocker, reading.
That's what summer is for isn't it? Rocking and reading.

Life's Little Instruction Book | Volume II | Page 14

I never fail to burn something if I walk away from the stove with something cooking.

Life's Little Instruction Book by H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

Grow it yourself: Plan a farm garden now.

Poster for the U.S. Department of Agriculture promoting victory gardens, showing carrots, lettuce, onion, tomatoes, and potatoes growing.

google images

DIY Origami Seed Starter Boxes

I love this idea of making something from nothing, don't you? Use your recycled newspaper to make a tray or cookie sheet full of origami seed starter boxes for your seeds. Once the sprouts pop up you can plant the whole thing in the ground since the paper will decompose. Nice! Great project for children too. It's not too late in the year to plant seeds since there's plenty of time left in the growing season. It's a great winter project too for starting herb seeds for the windowsill or for gifts. 

Hollyhocks Are Such Country Flowers

Wish I had hollyhocks here at the cottage. I had them one year and they never came back. I still have some seeds. Maybe I'll try again. Google images. 

A Book Is A Present You Can Open Again and Again

This is the season for gifts, isn't it? Weddings, graduation, Father's Day, Housewarmings, etc. Why not give a book? Image credit: I scanned a greeting card designed by Mary Engelbreit.




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