Random Photos Around My Cottage

Red Poppy 

This poppy is one of the last due to the heatwave we've been having. The seed pods are still working hard though to produce seeds for next year.

I beat the birds one morning this week in order to have freshly picked raspberries on my morning yogurt.

Here is a portrait view of one of my wild raspberry bushes.

The bees and other pollinators are really enjoying my pink swamp milkweed flowers. Later the monarch butterflies will lay their eggs on the leaves as food for the caterpillars.

I have been busy indoors during this current heatwave but just had to open all the windows and enjoy listening to the birds this morning. I can only stand to be sealed up with the air condition turned on for so long. We had rain overnight and it was pleasantly cool when I got up early. I know I will have to close everything up later as it is supposed to be 91° later. Stay cool and be save. xo

Cottage with Pool

via This looks like a delightful place to cool off in this heatwave. xo

Pool House with Bermuda Shutters

via 

I adore this bungalow with a delightful pool house. The full-window Bermuda shutters are perfect here and they provide shade, airflow, and privacy. The clerestory windows are another architectural detail that make this compound so special. The understated mature landscaping is wonderful and so is the swimming pool. I love this little gem!

William Morris Wallpaper in Green

What a beautiful all-over floral design in green and white. William Morris hand-blocked wallpaper is always lovely, isn't it?

Inspiring Country Garden

via 

This wonderful country garden is certainly maximizing the space with only a little lawn for a path between the raised beds. The teepee trellis made from branches is wonderful too. Have a happy gardening weekend and I'll see you later. xo

Never Too Old to Garden

via

This wonderful gardener's outfit reminds me of my mother in so many ways. She always wore jumpers and she never lost her love of digging in the garden. I take after her in many ways, preferring to do things myself rather than hire someone. My two-day mowing marathon this week is a good example. I honestly thought I had waited too long between mowings and wouldn't be able to handle the growth with my walk-behind mulching mower. I considered calling someone for help but decided to try a couple of rows myself first and found it to be pretty easy and the rest is history. I'm looking forward to a lazy day today as my reward with some Acorn TV. It has already spritzed rain several times and the sky is gloomy but I am cheerful. Cheers! [Update: I wrote the text for this post this morning and after lunch the sun came out and I was able to work outside on some weeding projects.] xo

Classic Low Country Cottage

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This is wonderful, isn't it? I have always loved low country cottages and this one is extra special. I finished my mowing today and it was a perfect day. The humidity was low and it wasn't too hot. There was a nice breeze, the kind you can feel blowing through your hair. I loved it. I had my central air surviced on Tuesday and turned it on for the first time this year. I got the house nice and cool just in time to turn it off and open all the windows again. I am a happy camper! xo

Trellis Love

via This is a clever way to train your wisteria to surround your entrance and keep it off the clapboards. It's lovely! I need to cut mine back because it's going wild and is quite happy with all the downpours we've been having. I did some intense mowing yesterday and plan to repeat the process today before the dark clouds overhead open up again. xo

Happy Music and a Sidekick

https://youtu.be/avlOGya53IU 

Click on this link if you can't see the video below.

Shower Love

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Best shower ever and a very thoughtful design.

My Lacecap Hydrangea

Pale blue flowers on this bunch.

All white flowers on this bunch.

Pink flowers on this bunch.

All on the same woody shrub that blooms on last year's growth. It is really thriving after all the rain we've had recently.

Architect's Own Seaside Cottage in Brooklin Maine

Architect Gil Schafer's dream kitchen.

Entrance hall at the seaside cottage.

There is so much more to see and love here. Enjoy! Keep scrolling. It's a great project by a great architect.

Lakeside Dining

 

This looks like a great place to enjoy the summer, doesn't it? via

Built to Last

I adore the carved stonework around the recessed door and the stone window surround. There is almost nothing requiring paint and upkeep and nothing to attract insect infestation. This is my idea of a forever house where you can just get on with living and enjoying rather than maintaining. Sadly, this thinking has gone out the window unless the end user has full control of the construction process and access to old world craftsmen who are not in a rush. The flowers are the icing on the cake. via

Best Porch Swing

via

This swinging sofa on a three season porch looks delightful. I think it would be perfect for long summer naps if the cute little dog would be willing to share.

BEST DOG BOOKENDS

Do want! I adore these two good boys 🐾🐾 holding up the old books. via

Cottage Detail: Blue Stair Treads

This cottage hallway and curved stairs with blue painted treads is simply wonderful. I love the perfect proportions of everything in this photograph, especially the fine woodwork. Perfection! via

Decorated Envelope Flaps

These decorated envelope flaps are so beautiful and inspiring for all letter writers. via

Gorgeous New House Charlotte, NC

Pursley Dixon Architecture. 

New House in Charlotte NC

Bella Loren Photography

Pursley Dixon Architecture, Inc

House Tour Here

Just wonderful!

Greenhouse Envy

Who could ask for more? This greenhouse is perfect in every way, isn't it? I love the hardscaping too. via

Very Nice Home Office

The arrangement of this home office is very pleasing to my eye. The large mirror on the wall enables the sitter to see who is entering the room even though the chair is facing the wall. This chair placement is against all the rules of feng shui: 

What a “Study Desk Back Facing Door” Means in Feng Shui. Your back should be supported by a solid wall when sitting at your study/office desk. If you have your back facing the door, it will have negative effects like: It will give you a sense of insecurity and you will be easily distracted. 

I have also read this chair placement is back luck because someone can sneak up on you and stab you in the back. And if you love watching mysteries as much as I do, you know this is true. Smiley face.

Image source. 

Gorgeous Kitchen Cupboard

This built-in cupboard is wonderful. The kitchen would still be lovely without it but it really makes the room and is well worth the effort. Love it! via

Bluebill Duckling Love

A darling fluffy bluebill duckling to start your Monday with a smile. via

End of A Perfect Weekend

This photo personifies the end of a perfect weekend, doesn't it? Hope you had one too. via

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY 2020

Be safe and have a great (new normal) holiday weekend. I'm getting my essentials ready!

Hummingbird Nest with Umbrella

Birds are so smart. I love this mama hummingbird's inginuity. via

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