The Country Living Fair is full of things to see and buy and learn. I don’t know about you, but when I go to these things, I get fatigued pretty quickly. Too much visual stimulation, I guess. And people. I got there early because I have an Early Bird Pass and it was so much saner at 8:30. By 11:00 or so the crowds were very big and trying to see anything in a booth was liking trying to run a gauntlet. I was Instagramming all day long, so you’ve seen some pics if you follow my feed. I was also using my big girl camera, so I have lots to share with you but I’m too tired to sort through it all today. I’ll start posting photos of the Fair on Sunday.
Today I’m going back primarily to hear my two pals, Heidi and Elyse, give presentations, as well as do a quick meet-up with the Hometalk group of bloggers. I’ll probably go early again (got a good parking space that way) and take my Kindle along in case I need to kill time.
One thing I noticed was that things seemed pricey. I suppose that’s the nature of the game, price up and give a discount if someone asks for a better deal. But a lot of the items I saw I knew I could find around here for much less money. That being said, the inventory vendors were selling was amazing, with much that made my heart go pitter-pat. I kept thinking that it would be perfect if one was able to save up a $1000 or so in time for the Fair. As you know, my budget is nada, but I did buy a piece of miniature pottery. I’ll show it to you soon. It only cost me $6.00. I figure that’s a good deal!
But here’s the big news (at least, to me)….look what I saw when I got home!
One of the two peony bushes has started to bloom! I ran down there with my camera to take some photos, but not before I inhaled the heavenly scent. Those of you who are long-time readers of this blog know that peonies are my favorite flowers. I was thrilled to discover two long-established bushes on this property. In fact, they’d just finished blooming when I first saw the cottage.
This particular bush is under a tree that has matured a lot in the past 9 years and I was worried it wouldn’t bloom because a lot of it is in shade now. But it came through.
The other bush is just about to bloom. It’s going to be warm this weekend so I would say within the next 2 days.
See? That bud is just yearning to open.
My first day lily bloomed today, too.
I love my garden.
Happy Saturday.
Good morning Claudia, I would have loved to been able to go to the fair, but a little too far away. My budget right now is below budget, but I still like to go and look. Like the pics you posted on instagram. What a wonderful surprise when you got home yesterday. The Peonies are beautiful! Have a great day, getting ready to go on a freebie hunt in a little while. Its an adventure, never know what one might find! ((hugs))
Hope you found something good, Nancy!
Gorgeous pink peonies..mine are white with pink in the center..love those lamps at the fair..that would be such a hard choice..and the game wheel..don’t know where I would put it but I do love the old look of them..Have fun!
The game wheel is really cool, isn’t it?
It is always exciting to see and smell the first bloom of the season!
It sure is!
Your peony photos are beautiful! I would love to have some here, but have never had good luck with them. The fair sounds fun…looking forward to hearing more of your adventures there!
Thanks, Linda!
Thank you for taking us to the fair with you, Claudia! So nice of you to share. My peonies are just on the edge of blooming, also. I’m hoping they wait until tomorrow as we are to get some rain this evening, and the rain just seems to “beat them up” so quickly. An absolutely beautiful morning right now, and the gardens all seem to be doing so well. Fav time of the year, for sure!!
Beautiful here today, too – but hot!
Well would you look at that?!? This is the first time I’ve received your blog post in my mail box in over A MONTH!!!
I’m happy about that – though I did start following you on Bloglovin’ and Instagram (which I love) it is my other “go to” media source!
The fair sounds fun — but typical it’s nice that were able to attend. I can’t wait to see your miniature pottery. It must be special for you to buy it.
The Peonies are beautiful I know you are thrilled to have them growing on your place.
See you later -Pat
Maybe some of the email providers are finally getting git together – Yahoo and a few others have been bouncing all the emails back. Fingers crossed!
I think your best discoveries of the day, Claudia, were your own peonies and Buddy. And I’m very happy for you, that you are enjoying a weekend among kindred spirits. It’s good to get away once in a while. I love seeing your photographic diary on instagram.
Buddy is the dearest boy! Such a sweet dog!
By the way, I just got your blog via email for the first time since the 4th of May. And another two blogs came through for the first time in quite a while. So maybe the delivery issue is being sorted out.
You’re the second person who’s said that. Good! Hopefully Yahoo and a few others are finally getting it together!
What a gorgeous peony bloom. I love the color. Someday I would love to go to a Country Living Fair, just for some ideas. xo Laura
There are a lot of amazing vignettes there, Laura.
Crowds of people seem to capture my spirit to the point that I have to leave and I have finally learned not to put myself in that situation, but then I forget and there I go again! Always so happy to get home in my garden. Enjoy your blooms.
Exhausted after two days of it – I’m happy to be home!
My grandparents had peonies in their yard. The plants spent some time in the shade as they were near trees. They tolerate shade but probably don’t bloom like they would in full sun.
The blooms on that particular plant are the ones that can catch the sun – the other side of the plant, not so much!
I love your garden also!
Thanks, Judy!
I’ll have to check your Instagram feed to see some pics! Glad you are enjoying the fair! I don’t have a decorating budget either….hence the garage sale! Think I’ll just sock the $$ away…definitely don’t need anything! Flowers are gorgeous…hope they last for you! ;)
There are 6 blooms out there today, Donna!