Outdoor Living in Style

Pennsylvania stonework is the best, isn't it?

I've always heard stone houses are cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

Peter Zimmerman Architects.

Museum of Early Trades and Crafts, Madison NJ

I took these photos of this landmark building from my car with my iPhone on my way to Costco today.

 

 

 

Museum of Early Trades and Crafts ~ Madison NJ

The Museum of Early Trades and Crafts originally opened its doors as a library in 1900. The library is still housed upstairs in this beautifully restored building that features 56 stained glass windows, 8 chandeliers, 3 fireplaces and stenciled brick walls. Learn about New Jersey history and culture by visiting the museum on your own, or arrange for a guided tour conducted by the museum's friendly and knowledgeable staff.

Blue Chicory and Hot Sun

I have a whole field of these blue chicory weeds. The blooms close up and go to sleep at the end of the day and all you see is stalks. Today is supposed to be the hottest day of our heat wave so we will get in our longer walks early. Stay cool.

Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly on Red Clover

Click photo to enlarge.

I had a super busy day running around taking care of business. Webster has recovered completely and he's now taking walks to the way back with me. I am so happy. We saw this butterfly feeding on red clover on a stroll in the late afternoon. It's still very hot but somehow it doesn't seem quite so smothery, if you know what I mean.

Outdoor Shower Ideas

Nothing says summer like an outdoor shower.

Do you have a favorite? There are more choices here. Stay cool and shower outside if you can. That's one of life's simple pleasures and dogs like them too.

Kangaroo Fun

I thought this photo looked hot too. I haven't spent much time outdoors since the heat wave began. I'm so thankful for central air. Oh, by the way, I loved Sunday's episode of ENDEAVOUR on Masterpiece Mystery on PBS. Did you watch? My friend in Massachusetts loved it too. I'm watching Pie In The Sky right now. I love the quirky characters. British TV is so great. It will soon be time to retire to my bedroom to watch the flat screen. Good night. See you tomorrow. via

Some Wonderful Summer Cabins

This cabin by San Francisco-based Nick Noyes Architecture sits on a 60-foot-wide ocean bluff in the Sonoma County coastal community of Sea Ranch. A copper-clad chimney connects two wings shielding an inner courtyard from the coastal winds.

This East Hampton residence by NYC-based Billinkoff Architecture is comprised of a string of small buildings connected by an indoor corridor, maximizing opportunities for indoor/outdoor living.

This beach cottage by Rohleder Borges Architecture with interiors by Bainbridge Island, Washington-based Michelle Burgess Design welcomes guests with a covered waterfront sitting porch.

This 1920s creekside cabin in Calistoga, California, was remodeled by Sonoma-based Amy A. Alper, Architect. The original layout of the weekend home occluded views of the seasonal creek, so Alper designed a double-height living room addition to wrap around the exterior. Photo by Eric Rorer.

Wonderful article from Remodelista with all of the links for the individual cabins above and more.

Gorgeous Tree Lined Drive

I love the way the sun is shining through the trees in this photo. It's simply lovely. It looks hot there just like it is here. We won't be out of mid-90° weather until Sunday. Texas stole my weather and sent theirs up here. I heard on the news last night that the high yesterday in Houston was only 72° which sounds more like San Francisco weather. It's crazy everywhere, isn't it? Webster is much, much better but he is still resting. Animals know what to do when they are feeling low and they don't rush getting up unless it's absolutely necessary. He's such a good dog. See you later. via

An Eclectic Country Kitchen

Yes.Yes.Yes. I love the wall of many drawers. I could fill them all up too.

So many interesting vintage items in this large country kitchen.

 via

Happy Monday

There's nothing like a cute puppy to start your day week, is there? via

A South Carolina Vacation Home with Equestrian Style

This is a vacation home for a family of 4 located in Spring Island, South Carolina

I posted almost all of the photos. This vacation home was build for a family from Princeton New Jersey in a South Carolina private community. They were always inspired by converted barns but wanted new construction. I think they got what they wanted and more, don't you? Read the article and see more photos here. I love the batten Bahama shutters. Size: 2,900 square feet; 3 bedrooms, 3½ bathrooms plus a 1-bedroom, 1-bath guesthouse. 

Lazy Sunday for Cottage Pets

Webster is on the mend and enjoying his dog bed in a new location. I brought the one down from the attic because it has an egg-crate foam mattress and a rectangular shape so he can stretch out. I put it in his favorite spot so he can see me in the kitchen and look down the hall into my bedroom. He's such a good patient. I'm still at a loss about what was wrong with him but I'm pretty sure he was stung by yellow jackets. I have to remember to replenish my supply of antihistamine capsules that helped his rapid breathing get back to normal. He had the same reaction once before when I witnessed the evil insects stinging him. 

Tabitha insisted on spending the night outdoors last night and she promptly crashed on the nearest chair this morning after she ate and she hasn't moved a muscle in hours. We are all enjoying the air conditioning. Hope you are too.