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You are here: Home / Archives for Claudia

Antiquing, Mowing, & Unseemly Crowing

May 5, 2017 at 8:56 am by Claudia

Anne, a reader of this blog, wrote me to tell me that a shop not far from me had some Nancy Drew books that I might want to check out. She wasn’t sure if the books were the ones I collect, but wanted to pass that information on to me. It’s just about 15 minutes south of me in a neighboring town and I had no idea it existed.

What a lovely shop! I was amazed. It’s not big, but the quality is wonderful. Very interesting displays and lots of wonderful vintage items, many of which I wanted! The Nancy Drews were not the editions I collect, but no matter! I discovered a new-to-me shop, so thank you Anne.

I fell in love with this children’s version of a French bistro chair:

It was so lovely – and reasonably priced – that I couldn’t resist. Apparently, neither could Monty! He promptly climbed up and settled in. That look on his face says it all: “Are you going to make me get down, Mom? You wouldn’t do that.”

No, I wouldn’t, darling boy.

After the little jaunt in my car, I came home to the massive chore that is mowing. I didn’t tackle the back forty, or the lilac side of the lawn, but I did do the main part of the front yard, as well as the corral. And frankly, I was pooped afterward.

But it’s done and it won’t be so out of control after the rain that is in the forecast for today and tomorrow. I woke up to it and it’s fairly constant. I have yet to go out and rescue the New York Times, probably because I don’t want to read the headline. Crowing and celebrating over taking away health insurance for millions doesn’t sit right with yours truly. And that’s all I’ll say about that today. I’m doing my best to remain calm.

There are the daffodils in the garden, peeking out from the grasses. The barrel that is furthest away is falling apart, hence the rope holding it together. We put that rope there last year and this year it is increasingly clear to me that it’s time to ditch that particular barrel. Another chore to tackle! I think I can recycle those wood slats – or is it staves? – somehow.

I love this time of year for the wild violets that appear everywhere on the property. My favorites are the larger ones that are tucked under the shade of the bushes. They’re so beautiful! I was going to get a photo of a particularly lovely violet when my neighbor waylaid me. I’ll try to get it this weekend.

If it ever stops raining.

Happy Friday.

 

Filed Under: flowers, garden, vintage 50 Comments

Lilacs – Before the Rain

May 4, 2017 at 9:23 am by Claudia

Since tomorrow is supposed to bring at least two inches of rain, I’m going to shower you with lilac photos. The blossoms may not be there after tomorrow.

I never cut lilacs to bring inside – I tend to be that way about all my garden flowers, wanting to enjoy them in their home in the gardens – but I may reconsider. I bring peonies inside when I know they’re going to be trampled by the rain, so I may do the same thing with some of the lilacs.

I finished planting/sowing my moonflower seeds yesterday. I brought the porch plants inside because of the frost advisory. Hopefully – fingers crossed – this will be the last time I have to do that. I’m more than ready to plant my porch pots and the barrels by the funky patio.

Another pass at the front lawn is on the docket for today – a day or two earlier than I would prefer, but it will get totally out of control if I leave it until after Friday and Saturday’s rain.

I’m happy with the new look of the porch – now the weather has to cooperate so I can enjoy it out there!

Happy Thursday.

 

Filed Under: flowers, garden 40 Comments

Prettying Up the Porch

May 3, 2017 at 9:02 am by Claudia

Weather, weather! Cold, windy (very windy), more wind today, heavy rain due on Friday and Saturday. And, a frost advisory for tonight!

So, I’m holding off on buying plants for pots and urns and hanging pots until this passes.

I planted the morning glory and zinnia seeds yesterday, but forgot that moonflower seeds need to soak for 24 hours, so I’ll be planting those today.

And I put together the other Adirondack chair – this time, it only took about forty-five minutes. Since the bench cushion arrived yesterday via UPS, everything in that little sitting area is now ready for some photos.

Hello, pretty Adirondack chairs! Since our porch is covered in bluestone and also slopes downward a bit, finding a place to set up the other chair was a bit tricky. Then, later in the day, the wind was so strong that it actually collapsed (but not in a bad way) with a loud bang – now I know that they really do fold up for storage!

The chairs are from The Christmas Tree Shops. The cushions are from Home Goods. The little table was a  last minute find from Marshall’s.

The funky, rusty glider with its new clothes…I really love this look.

The bench cushion was ordered from Plow & Hearth. Finally, a bench cushion that actually fills the entire seat! The cushions on either end are from Home Goods and the one in the middle is from Marshall’s.

Everything was inexpensive – including the chairs. It was time for some sprucing up. I started with  a plan to find a bench cushion for the glider and some pillows to match. Then I saw the ad for the chairs, and so I had to buy more cushions and the little table.

It’s bright and colorful and I love that. The house color is muted, the bluestone is grayish. A lot of the other furniture is very weathered teak. We need some pops of color!

An impulse buy from Home Goods, but one I’m happy about:

This plant stand, which also folds up for storage. I’m looking forward to filling this up with some lovely plants.

I want to share another great find from The Christmas Tree Shops:

These great urns, made of fireclay. I had an itch to find some antique urns, but who knows how long that would take and/or how expensive they would be! Then, I saw these outside near the entrance to the store and I bought one and stuck it in the cart with the chairs.

Then I couldn’t stop thinking about them and I bought three more. They are only $16.99 and have a nice, hefty weight. I haven’t planted them yet because of the weather but soon.

The gray version, which picks up the gray in our shutters. One on the funky patio, one next to the kitchen door. Aren’t they great?

Once I plant some impatiens in the hanging pots and fill some other pots with flowers and plants, the porch will be ready to go!

Don has been following along via texts and he loves it, which makes me happy.

Happy Wednesday.

Filed Under: porch 62 Comments

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Welcome!

Welcome!

I live in a little cottage in the country with my husband. It's a sweet place, sheltered by old trees and surrounded by gardens. The inside is full of the things we love. I love to write, I love my camera, I love creating, I love gardening. My decorating style is eclectic; full of vintage and a bit of whimsy.

I've worked in the theater for more years than I can count. I'm currently a voice, speech, dialect and text coach freelancing on Broadway, off Broadway, and in regional theater.

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