Laundry Flapping in The Wind

I made a fresh batch of my homemade laundry detergent this morning and my first load is flapping in the breeze getting bleached by the sun. I grated my Octagon soap with my micro-plane grater and it worked much better than the box grater I normally use though it took longer. My second load has been sorted and is ready for my front-loading washer. I honestly can't remember the last time I used my dryer. Enjoy the weekend and I'll see you a little later. xo

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Blessings, Morning Glory

 

Meramec River (Missouri), photo by Robert Charity. Click on the link to see more studding images by this talented photographer.

Life's Little Instruction Book | Volume II | Page 39

Have a great weekend.

Paint Box Giraffe

Dare to be different.

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Last House on The Beach

And the best one too.

Beautiful Stable

One can only imagine what the manor house must be like. Don't you love this amazing thoroughbred stable with the herringbone floor? 

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Follow The Leader | Elephant Walk

What a sight to see from your rear view mirror. Are these majestic elephants playing follow the leader? Google Images

   

Naomi Watts | Screen Test

Lynn Hirschberg of The New York Times Style Magazine talks to the actress Naomi Watts. I love her and all of her films. Read more here.

My Chosen Bedroom for Tonight

This is where I've decided to sleep tonight. I love that recessed bookcase wall behind the bed. A side table might be nice since I can't sleep without a stainless steel water bottle full of ice water within arm's reach in the summer. Especially if the windows are open and the central air is turned off. I broke down and turned it on today. I had to close all of my windows while the gutters were being cleaned and it's really hot outside. But as you all know I don't like being sealed inside. So before I jump in this big white bed, I'll throw open the windows. Goodnight. See you in the morning. xo

Beautiful Country Dirt Road

Have you noticed how seldom you see a good country dirt road these days? I can't even remember the last time I created a cloud of red dust while driving down a great one like this. ©Junga

Decorating with Diamonds

This photograph reminds me of the gray and white diamonds I painted on the country-kitchen floor of my previous home.

A Classic Home Renovation or Transformation

WHOLE HOUSE RENOVATION BY ANTHONY WILDER DESIGN/BUILD, INC.

I can think of nothing quite as charming as an older home, surrounded by equally-classic architecture, on a quiet tree-lined street. Oftentimes, people shy away from buying these houses, in spite of the fact that they're located in established neighborhoods, because their interiors aren't as bright or open as those of newer homes; or, perhaps, potential buyers feel overwhelmed by the amount of work required to update the existing structure. Prior to the renovation, this house was hidden behind a wall of overgrown shrubbery. The team cleaned up the landscape, painted the dull red brick a bright white, installed a new slate roof with dormers, and added or replaced shutters as necessary.

 

When I first glanced at this wonderful article I did not even realize that this red brick house behind giant overgrown shrubs was the BEFORE shot of this amazing transformation. The new owners must be so happy that they were able to see the possibilities in saving this grand old home instead of tearing it down. More photos and complete article here.

Crested Black Macaque Snaps Self-Portrait | Maybe

I saw this story on the news last night. What do you think? Real or fake self-portrait of a Crested Black Macaque taken with a camera the primate snatched from award-winning photographer David Slater in Indonesia? Wait until you see the photo showing a toothy smile before you decide. Read more...

Vines Gone Wild

House to owner, "Help me. I can't breathe." This is what happens when you relax your vine clipping guard.

Super Outdoor Showers

I really like these outdoor showers with the industrial-style hardware from Sonoma Forge. Click around and find your favorites.

 

Great Garden Design

This is such an inspiring landscape design, isn't it? And impossible too. via Pinterest

Best Swinging Bench Ever

LOVE this cottage swing, don't you?

Little Girl Befriends Baby Orangutan

I fell in love with this photo that I kept seeing here and there on the internet and finally found the story behind this adorable little girl and her new orangutan friend. Read more. Don't you love the picture of them having a tea party? I hope she is able to remember this event when she gets older. Another article here and here.

Piggy is Back for A Week-long Visit | Yay

Webster and I picked up The Pig last night. We've already been for two walks and both of the dogs are napping right now. I missed my weekly office meeting but want to go to a couple of open house tours. See you later. Aren't you glad to see Piggy again? He loves the balcony.

Beautiful Home To End A Beautiful Day

I've decided to end my beautiful day here. There's plenty of room so please join me. Entertaining on the Internet is so much easier than the real thing, isn't it?

Beaded Flag Safety Pin and A Reel Mower

I've been meaning to show you this cool beaded safety pin I've been wearing daily since Memorial Day. Purchased for a whopping 25¢ at the last church rummage sale. I love it.

Still life in progress in the front yard. I mowed what I could with the riding mower 2 days ago. The space is tight with the brick wall and the well head so I have to clean up the missed spots with the reel mower and the hand trimmer. The grass was knee high literally because my gas-powered push mower hasn't worked all year. I like this old-timey mower because it makes me feel like I'm 12 years old again. And that's a good thing.

Three Cheers for The Red, White and Blue

Make some red, white and blue lemonade today to wet your whistle.*

Creamy Lemon Popsicles [Recipe]

Creamy Lemon Popsicles Recipe
(Adapted from Whipped)
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
2 Tbsp. grated lemon peel
pinch of salt
1 1/4 cups buttermilk

Whisk sugar, lemon juice, lemon peel, and salt in a large bowl until sugar dissolves. Whisk in buttermilk.
Divide mixture among popsicle molds. Cover and freeze until firm, at least 4 hours and up to 5 days.
I can't wait to make these. I don't have any lemons or buttermilk on hand right or I would already be whipping these up. This is the best recipe I have found so far calling for the least amount of sugar. Don't they sound good? 

My ice cold watermelon will have to do for my July 4th treat later. Have a great holiday. xo

Celebrate

Enjoy the day tomorrow whatever you do. Dine outdoors after a good July Fourth parade and then look forward to the evening fireworks. *

George VI: The Reluctant King

The Real King George VI greeting a pig in 1942.

George VI: The Reluctant King Don't fail to click on these wonderful photos of the King from infancy. There are 28 pictures in all and believe me, you are in for a real treat. I never knew how much Prince Charles takes after his grandfather before seeing these great vintage photos from Life Magazine.

Hummingbird at The Cottage

I have two hummingbird feeders hanging from my balcony railing but never seem to have my camera handy at the right time. I was too far away from this one sipping nectar from a lamb's ear down below yesterday but at least I can prove they are around. Here is a recipe for hummingbird feeder nectar.

Kitchen Still Life for A Sunday Morning

It's sometimes nice to treat yourself like company and go all out preparing a Sunday morning breakfast, isn't it? I am about 90% caught up on my mowing thankfully because it was a stormy night and it's still raining right now. I just have hand trimming left. Webster and I were outside until dark racing to rake the front 'hayfield' before calling it quits. I do manage to get things done in my own way alternating between being way behind and having everything absolutely perfect, stubborn country girl that I am. Enjoy your holiday weekend Sunday. xo

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On The Beach | Literally

This is my favorite kind of place to stay. Teleport me there NOW.

Statue of Liberty Dedicated July 4, 1886

On July 4, 1886, the Statute of Liberty, a present from the people of France, is dedicated in New York Harbor, exactly two years after it was first presented as a gift from the French to the U.S. in Paris.

Life Magazine: It Happened on the Fourth of July.

Don't Forget The Sunscreen

 

We humans have to be extra careful when we take naps in the sun. Don't forget to wear your sunglasses and use lots of sunscreen this weekend.

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Jenny Wren and Wild Berries

Two of my favorite things about summer.

I have several families of house wrens that sing to me the whole day through. I don't have any blackberries but do have tons of raspberries. Original painting by Carl Whitfield

I hope you are enjoying your favorite things too. xo

Have a Charming Weekend

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