French Norman Manor House Pool and Garden

Here is the pool house for a circa 1926 French Norman manor house from last week's house and garden tour that featured several Mountain Colony estates in the Somerset Hills. This home was first on the tour and I neglected to photograph the home itself. Boo hoo. It was designed and built in 1926 by architect Eugene Mason as his family home. Don't you love the outdoor shower? The details of the bronze shower head are too dark in my photo but it's a similar smaller variation of the dolphin fountain's spout. I also like the way the drain was inset so attractively in the shower floor.

The property has been placed in conservation and is one of very few original Mountain Colony estates to remain intact. The distant mountain views when you step out of the main house are amazing. I am definitely taking my big camera to the 2012 tour sponsored by the Garden Club of Somerset Hills. Click to enlarge any photo.




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May Your Bobbin Always Be Full

Great Illustrated Quote Don't you hate it when the bobbin runs out in the middle of a seam? When I was young, I used to think if I ran the machine very slowly the thread would last longer.




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Peony Garden | From Last Week's Tour

Here is another photo from last week's tour sponsored by the Garden Club of Somerset Hills. I tend to think peonies are poorly engineered plants with flowers too big and heavy to be supported by their spindly stems, at least that has been my experience. These beautiful specimens don't seem to have that problem. Maybe mine aren't mature enough since I just transplanted them less than a month ago. I'll let you know if I change my mind next year. I did find a great site dedicated to Peonies. Posting it here will help me bookmark it for myself.

We are having San Francisco weather here today. Reminds me of this famous quote: "The coldest winter I ever spent was one summer in San Francisco." Mark Twain




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Meatless Monday | Summer Soup

Meatless Monday | Summer Soup
GAZPACHO ~ serves 8
Ingredients:
1 large lemon
1 1/2 c. cannelini beans
5 small tomatoes (or equivalent)
1 medium cucumber
1 medium white onion
1 medium green bell pepper
1 ear fresh corn
salt and pepper
tomato juice
fresh mint leaves

Directions:
Dice your tomatoes, cucumber, onion, bell pepper and corn. Put in a large bowl, reserving 1-1/2 cups. Puree the reserved vegetables and add to bowl. Add the beans and juice from the lemon. Season with salt and pepper and tear up just a few mint leaves. The idea with the mint at this point is to just add the subtlest hint of mint. The leaves don't hold up so well, though, so I get the bulk of my minty flavor when I garnish the soup right before serving it. Add tomato juice as needed to get a good amount of liquid. Make sure the soup is well mixed before placing in the refrigerator to chill for a few hours. During this time, the flavors will come out a bit more. Taste before serving and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with a few mint leaves in each bowl and enjoy.

I had gazpacho at two ladies lunches recently, The Mansion in May and The House and Garden Tour I went on last week. I think I like the addition of white beans in the recipe above. It's a perfect soup for summer when it's too hot to cook. Enjoy. Meatless Monday, learn more.




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No Thanks, I Prefer Indoor Plumbing

I thank my lucky stars that I never had an out house. I'm an indoor plumbing girl all the way.




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Busy Owl Mother

We are having the most glorious weather today. I feel energized enough to move mountains. I moved quite a few yesterday and am feeling so good about my productive streak. I'm having a broker open house tomorrow and must stop by the listing today to make sure everything is ship shape. This Busy Owl Mother with the cutest little owlets is much busier than I'd care to be. I love owls because they hunt and eat rodents...my least favorite part of the animal kingdom.




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Flower Photography This Week

I photographed the blue hydrangea and the oak-leaf hydrangea this morning when Webster and I went out to feed our dog friends. The red poppy is mine. It came up as a volunteer along with a plant I purchased last year. The flower only lasted for one day and it was so beautiful. I'm very glad I took a picture of this beauty that always reminds me of a crepe-paper flower. Click to enlarge. These are "right out of the camera" with no Photoshop adjustments at all.

Nikon D40 SLR

Nikon 18-200 zoom lens with VR
(Macro at any focal length)

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Dog Smelling Red Poppies

So cute. This little doggie looks very blissful, doesn't he? I would be too if I had some red poppies blowing in the wind in my garden. Enjoy your Sunday.




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Summertime Weekends

Summertime. Weekend. Relax. Sunday. Yes!




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Owl Secrets

Whispering sweet nothings. Even owls have secrets, don't they? This pair is exceptionally beautiful.




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Pink Bicycle Tires

I hope you run over some pink petals while you pedal your bike this weekend. Doesn't the air smell delicious this time of year? My property smells like a perfume factory with the wild honeysuckle and multi-flora roses blooming all over.




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Chanel Perfume Illustration

Here is a humorous illustration to go with my previous post about Coco Chanel.




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Beautiful Cinematography :: Coco Before Chanel Movie

I haven't seen this movie about Coco Chanel have you? It looks pretty wonderful. Here's the official movie trailer.

Coco Before Chanel DVD

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Stone House and Cottage

Swoon. I just love it all.




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