View from A Friend's Terrace

The beauty of mature landscaping photographed from the terrace of a friend. Then I went home to my weed patch. Sigh.

Great Bungalow Kitchen + Family Room

That's Julia Child in the artwork on the wall next to the range hood.

I love the X detailing on the sides of the cabinets and island. Read the article and see the rest of the family room here. It's a nice space, isn't it? Have a great weekend.

The Myth of Red Clover and The Bee

Remember last week when I told you I always believed bees could not get the nectar from red clover because their tongues were too short? This bee hasn't heard that rumor. Sorry my photo is a little blurry but I'm glad I got him at all. I have fields of both white and red and the bees seem like both equally. The hummingbirds love the red clover too. It's a nice cool breezy morning here at the cottage and the dark clouds are beginning to gather for a thunder storm. Have a great weekend. xo

Birr Castle Gardens in County Offaly, Ireland

It's simply enchanting, isn't it?

photo source 

My Lacecap Hydrangea is Starting

The Lacecap hydgrangea buds here at my cottage are just beginning to open. I took this photo with my iPhone yesterday.

I think my variety is Taube or maybe Lemon Wave based on the photos on this website. I'll have to wait a little longer to find out. I didn't buy this plant that I've had for at least 5 years, I dug it from a friend's yard and it is thriving. I think I should try to root a cutting and plant one in the front too. This one is in the back in a corner under my balcony where it gets the perfect combination of sun and shade. 

Climbing Roses and a Beautiful Window

I have never had roses except for the wicked multiflora growing on the edge of my woods. The thorns on these beautiful pink roses look like the ones I've been dealing with. I'm happy with peonies and hydrangeas because they aren't dangerous. Smile. via

Napping Dog: Webster's Watercolor

Doesn't he look like the most contented dog ever? It's been way too long since I used the Waterlogue App on my iPhone to convert a photo into a watercolor. Now I want to do more. Don't have it yet? Get it here. xo

Delightful Sleeping Porch

I go to sleep every night in the summer with both windows wide open and most of the time there is a faint breeze blowing on my face. So far I haven't had to turn on my A/C this year but I'm sure I will have to break down eventually. I always turn it off at night in favor of open windows. I've never slept on a sleeping porch but this looks like a great one. via