The Loveliest Fern Garden

This is a small detail of the nicest fern garden I've ever seen. I took this photo yesterday at a realtor open house. I love ferns because they are trouble free and they take care of themselves. They are so nice in a shady spot on the edge of the woods. 

Stunning Classical Bathroom

I love the architectural engravings in this stunning bathroom. via

Images from my iPhone

I have had a very fun Monday playing around with the "Layout" app on my phone. I posted these on Instagram. See my feed here.

The sky when I woke up this morning.

Marbled paper in two old books.

Blossom on my limelight hydrangea.

Tabitha sunning herself.

Summer Pleasures

I hope your summer is going swimmingly. Don't you love this British expression? Image from Vanity Fair

Bermuda Shutters

I wish I had these on my two living room windows for about two hours in the afternoon when the sun is going down on a blazing hot day. Bermuda shutters are so much better than awnings.

Caught Up On My Mowing Today

Just in time for the rain tonight. I started at 8:30 and worked almost without stopping until late afternoon. My front grass was really long and it required two mowings but now it's done and maybe I can concentrate on weeding. How's your summer going? I am tired but it's a good tired from hard work with visible results. Happy Friday, the gateway to the weekend. xo

1873 Handwriting -- Cursive

This cursive letter written by a child in 1873 is probably a handwriting assignment for school. I think it is such a shame cursive isn't taught now. I went to a birthday party last week for a 9 year old neighbor who said she couldn't read cursive. Penmanship lessons were my favorite when I was in grammar school. I loved dipping the pen into the ink and doing those continuous ovals!

I have posted about handwriting in the past. This old post contains many helpful links to help kids learn this dying art. CLICK HERE.

Charming Bookplate

Detail of the Bookplate on the Thematic Endpapers in an old gardening book. I love the poem.

No wealthy monarch can possess

A greater store of golden hours

Than can be found in happiness

Of birds and books and flowers.

🔹🔹 C. A. Maude Eden 🔹🔹