Rain Beaten Peonies

The unrelenting rain of the past two days really did a number on my peonies. They will look better when I trim them and pick up the fallen petals. I'm so glad it finally stopped. It is still very overcast but the sun is supposed to shine brightly later. If it doesn't, that will be fine as long as it doesn't rain again. Enough is enough. Hark---I see the sun and it's beautiful. Have a great weekend.

White Kitchens

White Kitchens for Design Inspiration from the archives of Architectural Digest: Click on link for a 23-photo slideshow. See preview below showing three kitchens I liked. All photos from AD magazine.

Decorator Karin Blake brought New England style to a home in Malibu, California. The large cabinet doors, featuring strap hinges and rat-tail pulls, are copies of ones Blake salvaged from a barn owned by the late actor George Montgomery. A circa 1890 cast-iron windmill weight, one of many pieces of Americana in the house, sits on the counter. (January 2008)

Decorator Darryl Carter is celebrated for his adept use of white (he even has his own line of predominantly neutral paints for Benjamin Moore), so it’s no surprise that he created a handsome ivory kitchen in a Washington, D.C., home he designed with architect Donald Lococo. Traditional cabinetry is enhanced by Calacatta gold marble counters and alabaster pendant lights, while reclaimed-oak beams add a rustic accent. (September 2012)

“White sets such a beautiful tone,” says decorator Suzanne Kasler of the color scheme she used in her refined Atlanta home, which she renovated with residential designer William T. Baker. The tile is by Waterworks, and the barstools are from Kasler’s line for Hickory Chair. Glass-front cabinets display tableware, while an adjacent wall of storage keeps other items out of sight. (April 2012)

Before and After Home Office + Library

WOW. What an amazing transformation. I love looking at before and after photos, don't you? via

Multiflora Roses

The multiflora is in full bloom and when I walk outside it smells like a perfume factory, in a good way.

This is what happens when they go wild in the woods. I try to keep the ones I can reach trimmed since they are considered an invasive species. 

Webster, The Guardian

Webster loves to sit outside and guard the house. He doesn't need a leash because he knows he would never find a better home. He's very protective and he knows the boundaries. He doesn't like for other four legged animals such as the fox trespassing on HIS terrain. He will chase them to the edge but he won't go off the property. He is the best dog ever. He has misinterpreted the name of the lush flowers nearby. He thinks they are 'Pee-on-these' so he does. Ha.ha. Click photo to enlarge so you can see how lovely the peonies are since they have opened fully. It's raining softly now and many white petals are on the ground so they are on their way out. Boo Hoo.

Kitchen with Courtyard

This photo reminds me that I never did buy any herb plants to go outside my kitchen door. I guess I'll wait until after the big rain coming thanks to the aftermath of Hurricane Andrea. I hope it won't be as bad as the weather people are predicting. They delight in scaring me. I'm so glad I killed myself the past two days getting ready, cutting my grass nice and tight. I love a kitchen that opens to the outside and this looks like a great one. via

A Sweet Bird For You

I am bone tired from mowing all afternoon but I finished. It was a perfect day. Jumping in bed shortly. This is an eastern yellow robin from Australia. via There is a short video by Neil Fifer here of this bird taking a bath. Good night all. 

Tabitha's Summer Mornings

This is how she spends her early mornings after breakfast. Later in the day she moves to the other side of the walk for cool grass and a boxwood. She has also spotted the first weed coming up in the wood chips (click photo to enlarge). I'm glad you all enjoyed the Sad Cat Diary yesterday. All of Tabitha's entries would be joyful. She knows she has it made since she was once a homeless cat in a shelter before she was rescued for a cushy life at my cottage. I have another day of mowing ahead of me so I must cook my power breakfast now. Webster is patiently waiting to be fed too. See you later.

Stone Garden Ornament with Flame Finial

It really is carved in stone and it's beautiful. The image source identifies this antique architectural element as French. I'll take two, please.
I've been mowing since 5pm. I got a lot done. I did the front with my old-fashioned push reel mower like we had when I was a kid. If the grass isn't too long, it's actually faster than the riding mower. My front is tight with the brick wall. The riding mower throws too much grass up against the house. It was fun. I'm doing the back in sections. I did a field down there for the first time this year. It took about 2 hours. Now I'm going to relax and watch TV. See you tomorrow.

'Sad Cat Diary' - Watch the Video

Click here if you can't see the video below.

Over 5 million views and I'm just now seeing it. Oh, the hard life of the sad cats of the world. So cute, funny and true.

Reminds me of the two Henri videos about a Parisian cat who hates everything. Henri

Coffee with Dog Biscuits

I start each morning with soy milk heated in the microwave for my coffee. Webster starts his with four dog biscuits from this container. The sound of the lid being removed from the glass base brings him running. If I forget, he stands at the counter beside the sink and barks for his treats. my photo

Albert Einstein and The Library

Yes. What a great quote from such a genius. via

My Kitchen Sink with Daffodils

In a previous post, I blogged about the history of my recycled white porcelain double farm sink. I was just looking through some old photos and came across the lead photo with two big bunches of daffodils on the ledge. My mother and I picked them at an old abandoned farm house where we used to go to pick lilacs in the spring. I forgot to do it this year. I don't remember picking my own daffodils either. Next year, I shall. If you missed it, read more about my wonderful sink here. my photo

Cat Naps Are Wonderful Things

Especially after breakfast on a cool, damp summer morning when the grass is too wet for outside sleeping. I have chores to do or I would jump in with her. Webster is stretched out on the rug in the guest room so it's very quiet around here. I think that heat wave we had wore everyone out! 

Wet Dog

I did this very thing to Webster this morning when he came in from the soft summer rain. It's so much cooler and it smells like mountain air with the doors and windows open again. We enjoyed the A/C but we are fresh air lovers here at the cottage. via 

Mellerstain House in Scotland

I was surprised to learn this charming cottage was in Scotland. It looks so much like a story book illustration, doesn't it? I love the hedge lining the walk. Let's go inside, shall we? via

Eat Local

I haven't been to a single farmer's market yet this year. The ones near me haven't opened yet. via

Peony Update

Since my peonies opened several days ago, there has been quite an explosion. Thankfully, we haven't had any rain to destroy them. They are a delight, aren't they? How does your garden grow? my iPhone photos

Antique Urns in An English Garden

The walls, the urns, the patina -- only in England! via

Interior Design for Gardeners

Don't you love peeking into an antique collector's home? I would love to poke around look at all of the  old gardening items and curiosities, wouldn't you? via

Owl Head Bump (Kiss on Forehead)

I can't believe today is the first day of June, can you? I'm ready for summer now so bring it on. I turned on my air conditioning yesterday and about 5 minutes later an alarm when off in my head. I forgot to take the cover off the outside unit. I ran to the wall and turned off the thermostat and ran outside to take the cover off. The fans on the unit would not go on so I called my repair company. Luckily they came over at the end of the day and fixed it. They said I was the second person idiot this week to do this very thing. You can be sure I'll never do it again. Click here to see this image in full resolution. It's great.

Happy June - I hope you will have a great weekend.

Folding Deck Chairs - Curbside Find

I found these very nice folding deck chairs someone put out for curbside pick up. I like them a lot and they are in perfect condition. They are ideal for the far side of my balcony. I never cease to be amazed at what people toss out. They are the same color even though the one on the right looks more golden because it was in the sun. They fold into a nice tight package and will take up almost no room in my garage when the season is over. See you tomorrow.