Mockingbird Hill Cottage

Mockingbird Hill Cottage

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A Splash of Red/Orange

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Since I was away from my garden during the months of April, May, and June, I missed the best of the garden bloom period. Yes, there are things blooming now, like my coneflowers, roses and heavenly smelling phlox – but like any garden, mine is at its best around May and June. You remember that I’ve been gone the entire spring for 2 years in row?

One day I was on the computer upstairs – the one my husband uses – and I saw a photo of a red/orange poppy. Where did this come from, I wondered? From your garden, says husband. What????


There it is. You know, I see the leaves coming out of the ground in early spring…but I thought it was one of those plants that just never would bloom for me. By the time I got home, the leaves had died. I’ll include a somewhat blurry photo (but thank you, husband, for taking it!):


I’m keeping it small in size so the blurriness doesn’t overwhelm you. I’m thrilled that the Oriental Poppy finally bloomed. More reason to stick around next spring. Right now, the heat is so relentless that my garden is looking sad, indeed.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Flowers and Gifts

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Queen Anne’s Lace grew everywhere in my neighborhood when I was little girl. I don’t think I really appreciated the delicate beauty of this flower until recently. It was a weed, everyone said. Weed: implying bothersome, something to be yanked out of the ground. Thank goodness I’m older and somewhat wiser. This is a flower. It graces us with its presence in fields, at the side of a road or, in my case, under the shade of the catalpa tree.

Thank you so much for your wonderful suggestions about the table. What varied responses! I heard from some new (to me) readers, too. It seems most of you are pro painting. Some suggested just painting the legs and leaving the top dark, some suggested different colors….I’ve read them all and now I am in the process of ‘pondering.’ As I sit in my blogging chair, I can see it in the kitchen. I stare at it. A lot.

It’s too hot to paint at the moment – which gives me a little more time to consider all my options.

I received packages from two of my friends this week. I met both of them through blogging. First was a box from my wonderful friend, Brenda of Cozy Little House. She was cleaning out her linen closet and found a few things she thought I’d like. And she threw in a book, too.


Beautiful pillow cases, some crochet and a pretty book. Thank you, Brenda!

Ann Marie of Frog Hollow Farm Girl wrote me a note when I was posting my embroidery for the Stitchalong and asked me if I would be interested in some of her late mother’s embroidery supplies. I was so touched and honored that she would want to share something so precious to her Mom with me. I received two packages yesterday.


Beautiful embroidery floss and several hoops.


Also included were some neat metallic yarns and a note from Ann Marie. What a special note this was: she told me the story of her mother, Lilly, who was born in Ireland and trained as a nurse and midwife. She eventually sailed to the United States and met Ann Marie’s father Anthony and became an American citizen in the 70’s. Lilly passed along her love of cooking, gardening, reading and entertaining to Ann Marie.

I know how much Ann Marie misses her mother and I am moved beyond measure at this lovely gift. Thank you, Ann Marie.

How blessed am I by the wonderful friends I have met through this little blog!

Your Opinion, Please?

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I’ve had a project in mind for a while. Something that won’t cost much…but might provide a big bang for the buck, as they say on HGTV. Remember my kitchen table? I bought it from Heidi. I love that it is round, that it has leaves and that it has beautifully shaped legs.


Whoops! Just ignore the hammer on the chair. The chairs will eventually go because they are too rickety. I’ve tried gluing them to no avail. Here is a closer shot of the legs:


The finish on the table is not in great condition though you don’t necessarily see it in these photos. I’m thinking of painting the table. There, I said it. Something like the color of my kitchen island.


Painting the island really made the shape of the legs and all the detail on the other side of the island pop. I think it would do the same for the table. The present stain seems so dark in my light-filled kitchen.

What do you think?

Lambs Like to Party

Lambs Like to Party

A Note

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