Honeysuckle and Hissy Fits

GONE TO THE DOGS!

2012-02-01T16:06:00.000-08:00

Thanks to our hostess today at the polohouse.blogspot.com for her party featuring our beloved PETS!

A post on pets is perfect for me! My life is full of dogs--- currently, we have 5 of our own and 2 grand-dogs who visit often. Several of our furry friends have passed away in the last few years, and we frequently seem to find lost dogs. We've had amazing luck, on several occasions, with reuniting lost dogs and their owners!

Here are our 5 residents:

Beau, a Golden Retriever

Daisy, a Golden Retriever

Jack, an Australian Shepherd mix

Cupcake and Cowboy, Maltese

Meet the grand-dogs!

Lola, a Maltese

Birthday girl!

Okami, a Huskie/wolf mix

Here are some temporary friends, whom we reunited with their owners.

Charlie

Lincoln

Ginger

Ginger was quite elderly when we found her, and we loved her for 2-1/2 years before happening upon her original owners one day. Quite a saga!

This is our neighbor, Charlotte

Dinner always tastes better at somebody else's house!

Our former "niece," Annabelle

Now, there's a girl with personality galore--- but, too many run-ins with skunks!

Our big friends, Duke and Daisy

Boat rides are their life!

Our precious pets who have passed over Rainbow Bridge

R.I.P.

Oliver and Violet, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels

Scout, a shepherd/wolf mix

A legend...

Believe it or not, there have actually been a few other dogs, as well as some cats. But, that's a post for another time. Does anybody else have thousands of dog pictures? I must be crazy!

"Dogs are not our whole lives, but they make our lives whole." -- Roger Caras

SAILING INTO 2012

2012-01-03T15:59:00.000-08:00

This spectacular 52-foot yacht is where I got to spend New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.

Custom-built, with teak interiors, granite counter tops in kitchen and baths and Viking appliances, it even had a washer and dryer!

Our charming and thoughtful hosts even greeted us with a dozen yellow roses. Yellow roses for friendship, but they also matched he color of the boat.

Check out this instrument panel!

Here, on the upper deck, is where we enjoyed sunshine and 72 degrees on New Year's weekend!

Yep, that's why we live on the Gulf Coast!

Now, if I could just get him to turn that cell phone off!!!

We weren't able to reach our original destination, due to heavy fog. Instead, we opted to anchor in a large secluded cove and enjoyed the sunshine. Our Captain got out the dingy and we took a ride!

We had a delicious dinner on board and drank many bottles of champagne, to welcome in the new year.

A true "Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous" weekend!

I'm joining "Outdoor Wednesday" at A Southern Daydreamer
http://asoutherndaydreamer.blogspot.com
and also
http://waterywednesday.blogspot.com

LOVIN' THESE LOOKS

2011-11-11T07:12:00.001-08:00

I admit it: I'm a girly-girl, and I love dresses. I feel like it's easier to get a flattering (slimming!) appearance with a dress than with separates. Besides, I don't have to worry about keeping a shirt tucked in, not having my skirt "hitch" around, belts, jackets, etc.

Part 2: Dresses

Love this LBD, with a pop of color. So easy to wear, and it an be dressed up or dressed down. How cute are those ruffles! I've got to have this!!!
www.lillypulitzer.com

Since I'm really not a Winter person, I'm always drawn to clothes with bright colors. They look so cheery on cold, dark days.

More ruffles! What a great dress for Christmastime!

Here it is in a zebra print---so cute with red pumps! Another must-have!

www.katespade.com

Well, a girl can dream, right?

LOVIN' THESE LOOKS

2011-11-10T07:09:00.000-08:00

Looks I love for the lifestyle I live...

I'm thinking about clothes at the moment. Must be the change of seasons, as I'm reorganizing my closets. So, I think I'll be blogging about clothes for a few days...

Part 1- Daytime

I love the easy, casual look of these J. Crew pieces. Comfortable, youthful and stylish, they're perfect for my everyday schedule of dogs, errands, shopping, a quick lunch with a friend, housework--- and blogging, of course!

www.jcrew.com

Tomorrow: Something just a bit dressier

HAPPY HALLOWEEN! HAPPY FALL!

2011-10-31T06:00:00.000-07:00

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

SUNDAY LOVE

2011-04-03T05:47:00.000-07:00

Someday, after we have mastered the winds, the

waves, the tides and gravity, we shall harness for God

the energies of love. Then for the second time in the

history of the world, we will have discovered fire.

Pierre Teilhard de Chardin

I'm linking to Spiritual Sunday at http://bloggerspirit.blogspot.com

MARDI GRAS MADNESS AND FAT TUESDAY

2011-03-07T19:54:00.000-08:00

Mardi Gras in Mobile, Alabama, is the oldest continual annual Carnival celebration in America, having begun in 1703, over 15 years before New Orleans was founded (1718). Since Mobile was the first capital of French Louisiana (1702), the festival began as a French Catholic tradition, celebrating until the start of Lent on Ash Wednesday, until midnight on Mardi Gras day (French for "Fat Tuesday" or Shrove Tuesday). However, Mardi Gras in Mobile now has evolved into a mainstream multi-week celebration across the spectrum of cultures in Mobile, becoming school holidays for the final Monday and Tuesday (some include Wednesday) regardless of religious affiliation. Although Mobile has traditions of exclusive societies, with formal masked balls and elegant costumes, the celebration has evolved over the past three centuries to become typified by public parades where members of societies, often masked, on floats or horseback toss gifts to the general public.

The masked balls or dances, where non-masked men wear white tie and tails (full dress or costume de rigueur) and the women wear full length evening gowns, are oriented to adults, with some mystic societies treating the balls as an extension of the debutante season of their exclusive social circles. Various nightclubs and local bars offer their own particular events.

Beyond the public parades, Mardi Gras in Mobile involves many various mystic societies, some having begun in 1704, or ending with the Civil War, while new societies were formed every century. Some mystic societies are never seen in public parades, but rather hold invitation-only events for their secret members, with private balls beginning in November.

I thought you might like to see some pictures of some of the floats, before they leave The Barn, where this particular Krewe keeps theirs "under wraps" until time for the parade. Saturday morning is a family viewing party, complete with Mimosas and Bloody Marys!The theme of this parade was "A Night For Toys". There was GI Joe, Nintendo, Tonka, Cabbage Patch Kids, Beanie Babies, Hot Wheels, Mr. Potato Head, Legos, Pez, Play-Doh, etc. All much bigger than life!

Professional float-builders begin right after Easter each year to produce these creations for the following Mardi Gras season.

No, this is not me!

*********************************************************

But, this is! Love those Mimosas!

It's very difficult for a non-pro, like myself to get nighttime parade pictures. But, here are a few, including a blurry picture of camesl!---yes, camels!--- in south Alabama!

A parade-watcher!

Another Mardi Gras tradition is eating King Cake.

A king cake (sometimes rendered as kingcake, kings' cake, king's cake, or three kings cake) is a type of cake associated with the festival of Epiphany in the Christmas season in a number of countries, and in other places with the pre-Lenten celebrations of Mardi Gras / Carnival. It is popular in the Christmas season (Christmas Eve to Epiphany) in France, Belgium and Switzerland (''galette'' or gâteau des Rois), Portugal (bolo rei), Spain and Spanish America (roscón or rosca de reyes and ''tortell'' in Catalonia), Greece and Cyprus (''vasilopita'') and Bulgaria (banitsa). In the United States, which celebrates Carnival mainly in the Southeastern region, and Louisiana and New Orleans in particular, it is associated with Mardi Gras traditions.
The cake has a small trinket (often a small plastic baby, sometimes said to represent Baby Jesus) inside, and the person who gets the piece of cake with the trinket has various privileges and obligations (such as buying the cake for the next celebration).

I've never been a big fan of them,since to me, they just tasted like bread with some icing on it. But, then I discovered the ones with cream cheese filling....and raspberry...and blueberry...and...

And we can't forget the dog parades! This one had several hundred dogs and one cat! There was even a King and Queen---canine version! Proceeds benefitted The Haven, a local no-kill shelter that does a terrific job of finding homes for furry friends.

There was even canine royalty!

And the Mad Veterinarian!

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BLUE MONDAY

2011-03-06T20:13:00.000-08:00

http://smilingsally.blogspot.com

HURRY UP SUMMER!!!

HAPPY BLUE MONDAY!

FEBRUARY IN FAIRHOPE

2011-03-02T05:44:00.000-08:00

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BLUE MONDAY

2011-02-27T21:38:00.000-08:00

http://smilingsally.blogspot.com

I know that a bathroom rug is not terribly exciting. But, I was so intrigued when I found this one: It's made from strips of old blue jeans! Woven by a local lady, I found it in one of my favorite shops, A Place Remembered. Since I'm going for a bit of a vintage-look, with beadboard cabinets and a top-mount vessel sink, I thought this rug was just the perfect touch. And, it's washable, of course!

And, a little more blue, in the granite countertop and a few little accessories...

HAPPY BLUE MONDAY!

PINK SATURDAY

2011-02-25T20:23:00.000-08:00

http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com

Thanks to our hostess, Beverly, for another

Today, I'm showing you some beautiful pink tulips. Such lovely harbingers of Spring! Here on the Gulf coast, we've been enjoying the most incredible February weather. Every day has been sunny, blue skies and temperatures in the 70's. Our little town has a full-time horticulturist on staff, so we have beautiful flowers year-round, all over town.

Everywhere you turn, there are camellia bushes (trees!) loaded down with blooms.

These camellias are growing in the back yard at my cottage. Despite living in the South, all my life, I can't remember ever seeing this candy-stripe variety of camellias. What a delight, to go outside with my coffee one morning, and find something so special!

HAPPY PINK SATURDAY!

CARRIBEAN TIME

2011-02-21T07:21:00.000-08:00

I'm joining Blue Monday with Smiling Sally

htp://smilingsally.blogspot.com

I'm so excited! I just purchased this wonderful picture from Laura Trevey, a widely collected watercolor artist. I've previously featured her (and this particular painting) on my blog. She offered a giclee on her Etsy shop and I decided to treat myself! It's called "Caribbean Time" and I'm planning to hang it over the sofa in my den. It's so very evocative of my "happy place"! Please visit Laura at lauratrevey.com She also has a wonderful blog called Bright, Bold & Beautiful.

PINK SATURDAY AT THE BEACH

2011-02-18T17:06:00.000-08:00

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Another fun Pink Saturday, compliments of our hostess, Beverly

It's February, and we enjoyed a fabulously beautiful day on the beach, at Ft. Morgan, Alabama, on the Gulf of Mexico. This is why we live in the Deep South!

Can you see that I'm wearing a PINK tee shirt?!!! And, Cupcake has PINK bows in her hair!!!

Cowboy says, "No PINK for me!"

I wish I could say that this PINK house, belongs to me, but (deep sigh) it doesn't...

And, I wish I had found this PINK shell today, but I didn't.

But, never mind... I'm just truly grateful that I could spend a day in the warm sun and the warm sand, in the middle of winter.
I hope y'all had a HAPPY PINK SATURDAY, too.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

2011-02-13T21:05:00.000-08:00

VALENTINE'S DAY TREATS

2011-02-11T19:06:00.000-08:00

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http:bargainhuntingwithlaurie.blogspot.com

HAPPY PINK SATURDAY!

WHAT WOULD YOU CHOOSE FOR A VALENTINE TREAT?

HERE'S WHAT I WANT...

( MY DARLING DAUGHTER, ARE YOU READING THIS? ) LOL!!!

PINK SATURDAY

2011-02-05T05:43:00.000-08:00

http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com

Thanks to our hostess, Beverly, for another fun party!

This is what my Pink Saturday looks like...

This is what I WISH my Pink Saturday looked like!

Wishing you sunny skies and the happiest Pink Saturday!

KNITTING AND PURLING

2011-01-23T20:16:00.000-08:00

I'm joining the Blue Monday party with Sally!

http://smilingsally.blogspot.com

Let me go on record as saying that I hate winter. Sweaters and boots are fun for a few weeks, and then I'm over it. I've often walked by a cute knit shop, called The Yarn Cottage and admired all the beautiful yarns displayed inside. I also noticed that there were usually several ladies sitting on sofas and chairs around a coffee table, knitting. There's even a shop cat, named Tilly. I decided that I wanted to be part of that cozy scene. What a perfect way to pass the winter!

Having learned to knit in high school home-ec (a mere 40 years ago!), I hadn't picked up knitting needles since. I can still see that ugly sweater that I wouldn't have worn to a dog fight. My mother actually finished it for me the night before I had to give my teacher the finished product. My mom hadn't knit in years, but still remembered how ---or so I thought. I remember her being a bit insulted when "we" got a C-! That sweater went straight into the Goodwill bag!

So anyway, last week, I walked into the knit shop and told the owner that I wanted to learn to knit. I've been there almost every day since! To be perfectly honest, I'm a slow learner. I keep saying, through gritted teeth, "I'm going to learn to knit if it's the last thing I do."

It's not the knitting and purling I have trouble with, but all the mistakes that I make. I don't know how I make them or how to fix them...very frustrating. But, I'm determined that I'm going to persevere!

This blue scarf---all straight knitting, was my first project.

The best part of all is siting and knitting with the nicest group of ladies, and Tilly, the tortoise-shell cat, purring on the back of the sofa. What a lovely way to pass the winter!

ARE YOU STILL THERE???

2011-01-23T08:19:00.000-08:00

What a start to 2001!

First I had

...followed by

Both of which made me really, really

CRABBY!

Nevertheless, I tried to

and to

So, now I'm back in the blogging business, and hopefully, I still have one or two followers!

I hope 2011 is off to a wonderful start for you!

HAPPY PINK SATURDAY ON NEW YEAR'S DAY!!!

2010-12-31T19:16:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR !

2011

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WHITE CHRISTMAS IN ATLANTA

2010-12-26T07:11:00.000-08:00

Good morning on this day after Atlanta's first white Christmas in over 100 years! Although not much snow for some of you, it was pretty exciting for those of us here in the Deep South! We're also thankful that we didn't wake up to an ice-storm this morning. I hope everybody had a very merry Christmas!

An even bigger event than the snow (at our house, at least!), was the fact that this was my daughter's first-ever experience at being the hostess for our family's Christmas celebration. She did a spectacular job, and I'm so proud of her! She has a wonderful house for entertaining and she and her husband are practically legends among their friends for their fun and frequent parties. They treated us to a wonderful Christmas Day, full of love and priceless memories.

Presents!

Lola---my grandchild...

as in "Let me get this straight.. my grandchild is a DOG?"

The aftermath!

Cheers!

Today, I'm joining Seasonal Sundays

PINK SATURDAY AT CHRISTMASTIME

2010-12-18T07:51:00.000-08:00

http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com

I'm also linking to the Christmas Tour of Homes 2010 at www.thenester.com
cottageandvine.blogspot.com
http:/www.allthingsheartandhome.com

Typically, the kitchen is the hub of activity in most homes, and mine is no exception. I've always enjoyed decorating this room, since it's the one I spend the most time in. There seems to be an endless possibility of culinary-related things with which to "Christmas-up" this space!

The first thing I do is to prop up this wooden gingerbread man wreath on the stove hood. I bought this 30 years ago, when my daughter was a baby, and I've used it every year since!

The next thing I do is to place this little tree on one end of the island. With Santa and Mrs. Santa standing underneath, it's the first thing we see when coming in the back door. I leave the lights plugged in all the time, so it's a cheery sight when coming home late at night from a Christmas party.

The cute little baking snow people came from Williams-Sonoma quite a few years ago.

The kitchen window sill gets trimmed out with a few pieces from my reindeer collection. They have bobble-heads, which for some silly reason, never fails to delight me! The two green polka-dotted pieces are the work of the late folk artist, Penny McCallister (http://www.christmastraditions.com/Merchand/PenPals/PenPals.htm)

I saw her and her work featured, years ago, in Country Living magazine. Sadly, she passed away earlier this year. I was so excited when I received one at a gift exchange and found another one at one of my favorite shops. The darling metal wreath is another 30 year-old treasure that I bring out every year.

Don't you love her eyelashes?

...And, a little cheer over the breakfast table, with a garland and some country French animal friends, from one of my favorite shops, Pierre Deaux...

CHRISTMAS CHEER

2010-12-14T06:33:00.000-08:00

I can't believe how long it's been since I've posted anything! I've been so busy with the holidays---shopping, decorating, parties, etc. But, just so y'all will know that I'm still around, here are some pictures of a few of my Christmas vignettes...

This is a table at the bottom of the stairs, in the cased opening between the kitchen and the family room...

...And, a mantlescape in the family room...

THANKSGIVING DECORATING

2010-11-22T18:46:00.000-08:00

http://astrollthrulife.blogspot.com

www.thegypsyscorner.com

http://fadedcharmcottage.blogspot.com

I've been having so much fun playing with all my Thanksgiving "stuff," and making various little vignettes. Today, better-late-than-never, I'm sharing my fun with y'all!

The turkey, the pumpkin tureen and the turkey platter are all from Pottery Barn, a few years ago.

The famous Publix salt and pepper shakers. Does anybody remember those cute commercials they used to have, featuring these little people?

I can't remember where I bought this adorable little turkey. But, I do remember I was told that his body was made from a light bulb, and that he was created by a poor family in Appalachia. I thought that was a neat story, so if anybody bought one at Walmart, please don't tell me! -lol-

The Pilgrim couple came from Marshall's, years ago, and the white dishes came form T.J. Maxx earlier this year.

I have a collection of Mark Roberts fairies-- www.markrobertsfairies.net--- and they're some of my favorite things. They're so whimsical and are incredibly detailed.

This is the Autumn Fairy

Don't you love the cute little gourds on his toes?

This is the Pilgrim Fairy

And, the Pumpkin Pie Fairy

The pumpkin platter is another "find" from Marshall's.

This table scape, shown during the daytime and at night, was created with gifts I received from a friend who has very good taste and knows what I like!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

SALUTE TO VETERANS

2010-11-10T18:55:00.000-08:00

Today, is a special day to recognize, honor and remember all the brave men and women in the various branches of our armed services. We salute them for their service, their bravery and their dedication to keeping our country safe and free.

I'm personally thanking two soldiers today who are friends of my son. Phillip and David served multiple tours of duty in Afghanistan and Iraq. Thankfully, they both made it home safely and are no longer in the military. I feel a deep sense of gratitude to these young men for their service.

I'm also thinking of my own father who was an 18 year-old sailor in World War II, several other relatives who served in the military in World War II. Korea and Vietnam, and the fathers of friends, including one gentleman who returned from World War II with many purple hearts. These men were all heroes who fought to keep the United States the "Land of the free and the home of the Brave."

To all of our military personnel, past and present, we salute you!

SEA CREATURES!

2010-11-10T07:16:00.000-08:00

http://waterywednesday.blogspot.com

http://asoutherndaydreamer.blogspot.com

On a recent trip to Destin, Florida, these curious and amazing sea creatures were everywhere. There were thousands of them in the Gulf, as well as in the Bay. They were slimy and yet somewhat sticky and quite heavy. We could see them breathing! Although you can't ell from the pictures, some of them looked solid white, while others had a pink or lavender tinge to them. I'm not sure if they were some kind of jellyfish or sea anemones? In all my years of being a "beach bunny" (lol) I've never encountered these creatures before. Anybody know what these are?

SUNDAY INSPIRATION

2010-11-06T22:17:00.000-07:00

"I GET UP EVERY SINGLE DAY AND I DO MY VERY BEST WITH WHAT I AM AND WHAT I HAVE."

Elizabeth Gilbert, author of "Eat, Pray, Love"

PINK TURKEYs???

2010-11-06T00:38:00.000-07:00

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Beverly presents quite a challenge for us each week, to find something pink. I never realized it, until I started trying to participate in Pink Saturday, but there doesn't seem to be a lot of "pink" in my life! Today, just for fun, I googled "pink turkeys"--- and look what I found! Who knew? In this season of golds and browns and dark greens---PINK!

HAPPY PINK SATURDAY!

CUPCAKE AND COWBOY GO TO THE BEACH

2010-11-02T21:35:00.000-07:00

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HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

2010-10-31T17:19:00.000-07:00

cottageandvine.blogspot.com

Thanks, Rene, for inviting us to post pictures for your Halloween party.

PINK SATURDAY

2010-10-29T19:40:00.000-07:00

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I originally put this little centerpiece together for my kitchen island, when I was having my Book Club for our November meeting. We always seem to gather in the kitchen for our wine and hors d'oeuvres! I left it in place for Thanksgiving dinner, as we were serving our plates off the island. I got several compliments, and I enjoyed it so much myself that I'm using it again this year on my pine dining table.

The candle snuffer is by Arthur Court.

HAPPY PINK SATURDAY

ON THIS BEAUTIFUL OCTOBER DAY!

WISHING EVERYBODY A SAFE AND HAPPY HALLOWEEN.

TABLE TOP TUESDAY

2010-10-25T21:33:00.000-07:00

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http://thegypsyscorner.com

I'm not sure how it started, or which one was first, but somehow I have acquired a leaf-dish collection. I always look forward to displaying them in the fall. I get them out right after Labor Day and leave them out until I'm ready to do my Christmas decorating. They blend nicely with both Halloween and Thanksgiving decorations.

You might notice--- I was trying two different pieces of furniture in front of this window!

COTTAGE MONDAY

2010-10-24T22:53:00.000-07:00

http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com

http://houseinroses.blogspot.com

http://fadedcharmcottage.blogspot.com

I'm finally back with a cottage makeover update. Although, some days seem like "one step forward, two steps back", I know I've actually made great strides in not-quite three months. I can't honestly say that I have even one room that is complete, but maybe you would like to see some before-and-after---or should I say---in-progress pictures. So here goes!

Today, we're looking at the dining room.

New windows and a new door

I started out with my antique table, but the gate leg design made it somewhat impractical for comfortable dining. So, I've relocated it in favor of a rectangular pine table. Not as interesting, but it's more functional for chowing down.

Amazingly, one of the few walls in the house that would accommodate this hutch was the very wall that I wanted to use it on. What luck!

A chandelier!

There was never one here before. With the very low (7-1/2 foot) ceilings, chandeliers can be problematic. I'm only 5'2", but some people are taller than that! Since this hangs over the center of the table, it works! It's very simple and was also very budget-friendly, but I think it fits with the cottage-look.

I have to admit...I'm really happy with the way this hutch looks!

The dining room steps down into the den.

(More on that room coming soon.)

I decided to start out by painting the majority of the rooms a rather un-inspired off-white. I felt that that would freshen and lighten the cottage and give me a blank slate to build on. I will definitely add color as time goes by. I'm shopping for a rug to go under the table. Also, would you add cushions to the chairs, or do you like the look of the woven straw seats? What about an accent color on the chair rail? Ladies, I welcome your opinions and suggestions, so bring 'em on!

TABLETOP TUESDAY

2010-10-11T19:45:00.000-07:00

http://astrollthrulife.blogspot.com

Through some friends, I discovered Tom Jones Pottery, in Fairhope, Alabama. tomjonespottery.net
Located a bit out from town, it's in an area called Clay City. Years ago, the local clay was used to make tiles or bricks, from which my cottage is constructed. Tom is a delightful man, who always has time to chat with his customers. People tend to spend lots of time browsing and debating over which of his wonderful pieces to take home.

Each year, in the early fall, he offers a collectible pumpkin. He makes a limited number of them in three different sizes. Each one is slightly different, and it requires quite a bit of deliberation to determine which one "speaks" to you! Since I only learned of him last year, I only have two pumpkins, so far. How I wish I had heard about these wonderful pieces seven years ago. Imagine the collection I would have!

BLUE MONDAY

2010-10-10T19:32:00.000-07:00

http://smilingsally.blogspot.com

I'll be back soon, with an update on my cottage renovation, so I hope you'll check back.

In the meantime, just a little something fun for Blue Monday.

Wishing you a wonderful Blue Monday!

COTTAGE FLOWERS

2010-09-14T20:37:00.000-07:00

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www.wordlesswednesday.com

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COTTAGE UPDATE AND PUPPY LOVE

2010-09-12T21:33:00.000-07:00

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http://houseinroses.blogspot.com

After almost a month, y'all probably gave up on me, but I'm back. It's been a crazy few weeks with the cottage remodel and the new puppies.
This is still very much a work-in-progress, but we're making headway!

Sea grass has replaced old carpet in 3 bedrooms, 2 hallways and a den.

Granite counter tops have been installed in the kitchen, as well as new pendant lights over the sink. There is also new recessed lighting in the ceiling. Previously, the kitchen was lit with several old track lights. Cabinets will be painted soon. New stainless appliances are in place and ready to roll!

Here's a glimpse at the guest room with its new french doors out to the pool.

The dining room received three new windows and a new door, too. This room also goes out to the pool. The wonderful table is one of my few genuine antiques. I'm crazy about the scalloped edge and the barley twist legs. Somebody told me it's called a gingerbread table. Can anybody give me any info about it?

My pine hutch fits just perfectly on this wall.

That's all for today!

EXCEPT...

I just realized that I never shared the names of the new puppies. Here they are:

CUPCAKE

AND

COWBOY

SHADOW SUNDAY

2010-09-11T19:12:00.000-07:00

http://heyharriet.blogspot.com

I have an 80 year-old cottage, which apparently had a rain barrel/water cistern at one time. The bracket is still intact, and it casts an interesting shadow in the corner of the house, about mid-morning, each day.

SUMMER WHITES

2010-08-24T22:16:00.000-07:00

http://fadedcharmcottage.blogspot.com

www.wordlesswednesday.com/newhome/

REMODELING UPDATE

2010-08-23T20:34:00.000-07:00

Remember this picture? An awkward little powder room had been ripped out. I was thinking of putting a gas fireplace on this wall.

New plan!
After seeing this...

I knew that I had to leave this wall open. Now there's a view from the living room, through kitchen and dining room all the way into the den. I had to sacrifice a small narrow pantry, of sorts, but I decided it was worth it to have this open airiness. I'm all about light!
I'm still currently planning to leave the original brick chimney as a kind of "conversation piece". I think it would be a shame to destroy it, since it's original to the cottage.
You can see the original heart pine ceiling beams. They're so strong that they're able to support a bearing wall without any additional supports. I was planning to have a decorative column, but it wasn't necessary.

There is, at the moment, a hole in the floor! My contractor is going to replace it with new floor boards stained to match the original heart pine floors.

This is the guest bedroom, where the old sliders have been replaced with a new set of french doors.

Master bedroom and guest bedroom both open onto the patio and pool area.

Thanks for looking!

COTTAGE UPDATE

2010-08-22T18:23:00.000-07:00

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http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com

"Like topsy it grew"

The cottage renovation continues! Progress is slow, but steady. Things seem to be more by happen-chance, than by design. My extremely patient contractor just rolls with it, as I continue to come up with new ideas.

Not unexpected, in an 80-year-old house, I had to have $8,000 of electrical work. Not fun, but if the house burned down...

I have new tile floors in the bathrooms and laundry room now and new french doors in the guestroom. (Forgot to take pictures---what a bad blogger!)

Plantation shutters have been ordered for the den, along with a Pottery Barn slip covered sofa. (dog-friendly!)

Here's picture of the new granite counter tops in the kitchen...

It's called Gold King, and is 3 cm with a double beveled edge and a 4'' back splash.

For years, I've been a fanatic about having a large, single bowl stainless sink, in any of my kitchens.

I had small recessed can lights put in the kitchen ceiling, and found these pendants to hang over the sink. The ceilings are low in this old house (about 7-12 feet!) Much to my disappointment, that pretty much rules out chandeliers. But, I'm happy with the look of the pendant lights. And, considering that my view, from the kitchen windows, is of the swimming pool and palm trees, I can't complain too much.

Tomorrow, the sea grass is being put down in the den, all three bedrooms and the two hallways. Here it is, but it's hard to tell what it looks like..

We've had it in the beach house for years, and it's another very dog-friendly material.

(Do you see a theme here?)

Hopefully, by this time tomorrow, I'll have even more to show you!

PUPPY LOVE

2010-08-21T20:16:00.000-07:00

Weekly Words To Live By

http://acottageindustry.typepad.com

Summer Sundays

http://thetablescaper.blogspot.com

Dogs are miracles with paws.

~Attributed to Susan Ariel Rainbow Kennedy

Some of ya'll who follow my blog regularly may remember that I lost my precious dog a few weeks ago. I have found, when I've lost dogs in the past, that the quickest way to fill the hole in my heart is to get another one...or two!

Since my grand-dog. Lola, is a Maltese, I decided to get her a couple of playmates.

Male and female, but not litter mates, they were born one day apart and are 12 weeks old.

Names are still pending!

PINK SATURDAY

2010-08-13T21:54:00.000-07:00

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"We choose, and in doing so, we design our lives. Learn to master the moment of decision and you will live a life uncommon."

--The Rhythm of Life: Living Every Day with Passion & Purpose by Matthew Kelly

HAPPY PINK SATURDAY!

QUACK, QUACK!

2010-08-10T20:47:00.000-07:00

http://asoutherndaydreamer.blogspot.com

http://wordlesswednesday.com/newhome

MAKING PROGRESS!

2010-08-09T20:31:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Day 2 of my New Cottage post! Talk about a demolition zone! These pictures make it hard to believe that this house will be cute someday. But, as I told you...I have a vision!

Here's what's happened, so far:
>The hurricane shutters have been removed.

>The large window at the left end of the house has been replaced by 2 new windows, which
makes for a more symmetrical appearance and a much brighter den.

>The wall between those windows has been pulled out, insulated and re-sheet rocked.

>The hot water heater has been replaced.

>Many thousands of dollars of electrical updates have been required. Typical for an old house.

>A powder room has been taken down to the studs.
>Old wall-to-wall carpeting has been removed.

>Kitchen counter tops have been removed.
>Vanity has been removed from one bathroom.

>All ceiling fixtures (lighting) have been removed.
>All the trim has been painted.

Every inch of the house is being repainted.

A section of the living room had been walled off to make an odd little powder room. Thanks to my carpenter, Richard, it's gone! He removed the plaster that was covering the original chimney. There must have been a stove here at one time. I'm investigating the possibility of a gas fireplace.

New water heater---not a fun expense, but definitely necessary!

New doors, coming soon...

The den had one large window on the left. It was removed and 2 windows were put in, for a brighter and more symmetrical room. The wall was ripped out, insulated and re-sheet rocked.

2 of the bedrooms, in progress ...

These sliders will be replaced with French doors, and the linoleum is gone, needless to say.

New windows and a French door are going into the dining room.

The oh-so-lovely laundry room and walk in pantry will be painted, have new neutral color stone floor, and a new washer and dryer, of course.

Are you discouraged yet? Luckily, my enthusiasm is still running high!

Tomorrow, I'll show you some pictures of the bathrooms and kitchen.

MY NEW COTTAGE!

2010-08-08T21:57:00.000-07:00

http://smilingsally.blogspot.com

http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com

http://houseinroses.blogspot.com

For years, I've had a dream of taking a shabby little cottage and transforming it. Well, the time has come, and I'm so excited! I think this project is going to provide me with an endless subject for blog posts.
I've been on the lookout for a cottage in my favorite coastal town, and I had several criteria:
It needed to be walking distance to town. Check!
This is 1/2 mile to Main Street, with sidewalks the whole way.
It had to be bright, with the potential to be both cheery and cozy. Check!
It needed to have some closets---very rare with these old cottages---and this one did. Check!
It needed to have 3 bedrooms, 2 baths. Check!
It needed to have a swimming pool--- dream on... Wait! Check!!!
It would, ideally, be close to the water. Check!
1/2 block away from a wooden stairway down to a private beach.
I've died and gone to heaven!

Now, for a little history...
I found this house a year ago and made an offer, which was not accepted. Fast-forward to earlier this summer. Price reduced $30,000. SOLD!

Now, before I show you any pictures, you have to understand...
For some reason this cottage "spoke" to me the first time I ever saw it. I had a vision of just how cute it could be, with enough work, love and money put into it.

(Blue front door and blue pool for Blue Monday)

The original cottage is believed to be about 80 years old and constructed of clay bricks. It has the original heart pine floors and some original windows. Two "wings" were added on, in a "higgledy-piggledy" fashion, over the years. The result is a somewhat U-shaped house built around the pool. It's just under 2,000 square feet.

I'm not a DIY-er at all. That's the understatement of the year! LOL But, I'm fortunate enough to have access to some amazing gentlemen who seem to be able to do everything that needs to be done. I just supply the ideas and pick out the "fun stuff".

Check back tomorrow for more pictures and updates!

WEEKLY WORDS TO LIVE BY

2010-08-08T07:28:00.000-07:00

> http://acottageindustry.typepad.com

Everything changes but change itself. Everything flows and nothing remains the same...
You cannot step twice into the same river, for other waters and yet others go flowing ever on.
- Heraclitus

FURRY FIRST FRIDAYS

2010-08-06T20:22:00.000-07:00

I'm so happy to be posting to this very first week of "Furry First Fridays". Since I have many dogs in my life, this is going to be fun!

http://beautydoesmatter.blogspot.com

VIOLET

Violet was a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. She was my dear little companion for 11 years. Unfortunately, this breed tends to develop heart problems as they age. Although she was taking a new "miracle drug" and seemed to be fine, I knew that she had begun to develop congestive heart failure.

A couple of weeks ago, she and I were alone at the beach house. At midnight, she walked over to where I was sitting and died at my feet. Although not unexpected, it's still always so heart-breaking to lose our beloved furry friends. I miss her terribly. But, I know she crossed over Rainbow Bridge and is once again a healthy, happy puppy. Rest in peace, sweet girl.

SCULPTURE FOR OUTDOOR WEDNESDAY

2010-08-03T22:21:00.000-07:00

Thank you to Susan, our hostess, for this fun weekly event.
http://asoutherndaydreamer.blogspot.com

While taking a walk in Ft. Walton, Florida, I happened onto a little park, overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway. I was delighted to find these beautiful pieces of sculpture. I didn't notice any credit to the artist, but he or she was obviously very talented.

TUESDAY THOUGHT

2010-08-02T19:49:00.000-07:00

To all my blogging friends:

Image courtesy of Annechovie

Sorry I've been missing-in-action. Things have been kind of crazy lately. I have some exciting news to share with you very soon! Hope you'll check back for an update...

BLUE MONDAY

2010-07-25T17:18:00.000-07:00

I'm joining Weekly Words To Live By, for the first time this week. I've been collecting quotes since I was a teenager. Whether humorous or inspirational, I love pairing them with pretty pictures!

Thanks to Tracey at Notes From a Cottage Industry for hosting this meme each week.
I'm also linking to Blue Monday, with our hostess, Sally, at Smiling Sally.

"Eternity begins and ends

with the ocean's tides."

---unknown

SHADOW SUNDAY

2010-07-24T20:44:00.000-07:00

http://heyharriet.blogspot.com


DUKE AND DAISY GO BOATING

MY FAVORITE STROKE?... THE DOG PADDLE, OF COURSE!

OUTDOOR WEDNESDAY

2010-07-20T20:03:00.000-07:00

http://asoutherndaydreamer.blogspot.com

"Earth laughs in flowers"

-- Ralph Lauren Emerson

SHADOW SHOT SUNDAY

2010-07-18T07:56:00.000-07:00

http://heyharriet.blogspot.com

I took these pictures at a park in Ft. Walton Beach, Florida, earlier this month. Although there was a bright glare, the sky was beginning to cloud up, as a rain shower moved in across the Gulf.

TURTLE INN

2010-07-13T21:30:00.000-07:00

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Join me today for a trip to Belize. Movie director, Francis Ford Coppola owns two resorts in Belize. Turtle Inn, in Placencia, is our destination today. A flight to Belize City and then a "puddle jumper" to Placencia, and you're there. Somebody from the hotel will pick you up at the ~~landing strip~~ airport and whisk you to check-in.

This one is real!

The lobby is an open-air affair. I love the railings and the beautiful wood floors.

Follow me on a short stroll, through the sand, to our casita.

Here we are!

Let's step inside and have a look around...

In the interest of full disclosure, this is the moment I realized that my 20-something travel agent has sent her 50-something mother to an un-airconditioned resort... in the middle of June...in the tropics!

Isn't this a great ceiling?

Now, let's check out the bathroom...

Step this way to the outdoor shower!

Wash your feet, when you come back in!

Let's head back out to the beach...

Look what I found! Really! I just looked down and there it was!

I think I'll jump in the pool and cool off!

Kayaking and wind surfing, anyone?

Let's take a bike ride into town and see what we might find!

How would you like to live on this street?

This sure is a colorful place!

A visit to Belize wouldn't be complete without a trip to the rain forest. Just make sure you put on plenty of insect repellant!

C'mon, let's go!

Another turtle!

One more look at the turtles of Turtle Inn.

For more information, visit www.coppolaresorts.com