Thursday, May 31, 2018

May at Warp Speed

Do you ever have to look back through your pictures to remember what you did during the month?  That's how I am feeling about May.  On the 2nd, we flew back from #1 Daughter's college graduation in Ohio, and tomorrow will be June 1.  Must have gone through a time warp, is all I can say.

So I'm grateful for my camera to jog my memory …

ONE: LANDSCAPING

In a previous post, I wrote about Forestoration, the company we hired to beautify the spaces disrupted by the construction process.  We have not been disappointed.  So far, they have completed the hardscape; planting comes next.  Take a look at these before and after shots.



The greenery around this Douglas Fir is all native -
4 weeks from mud to miracles after the snow melted
I know a thing or two about drainage, having helped my Dad install significant piping in our backyard.  So it's saying something when I tell you that I was impressed with the drainage installed by our crew, which now looks like a picturesque creek bed.








Have you ever tried building a set of stone steps on a hillside?  I originally thought we could do it ourselves, but having watched these burly young fellows manhandle these stones, I am pretty sure we would have ended up in the hospital with crushed fingers, at the very least.  The team was so meticulous with the placement and leveling of these stones; the steps will last a lifetime, for sure.

TWO: INTERIOR DECORATING

While the crews were busy outside, we turned our creative juices to interior spaces.  Our tasks have ranged from the almost mundane art of hanging pictures, to a full-up design for our lower level guest bedroom and bath.  Spousal Unit gets the design award of the year (in my book) for his real barn wood headboard, which he made from scratch.  Check it out.

Not everything in this room is new to us. The desert picture over the bed was a gift to me from work colleagues when we moved from Arizona to Cleveland back in 1996.


The sewing machine shown in the picture to the right belonged to my mother.  We purchased the chair in the corner in 1992.  My personal contribution to the room is this carousel horse cross-stitch, custom-framed at Michael's with my input on matting and frame.  When I bought the design so many years ago, who knew it would fit so perfectly in this room?  I can't tell you how ecstatic I was when I saw the result hung on the wall!


Lower level guest bathroom

It is so pleasing to create combinations with items we already had, together with new purchases.  We (probably more me and not so much Spousal Unit) thrill to the pursuit in retail and antique stores, for items that will fit our chosen décor in a given room.



Upper left: birds and leaves candlestick
Upper right: small antique lamp
Bottom: new soap dispenser and vintage Orange Crush bottle 


Just today we located this bench for our entry.
Swap meet treasure - paid $5 (without the candles) for these 
two ornate candlesticks!
And along the way, you find things you weren't expecting, but you really need!
We have had a Stir Crazy as long as I can remember,
and I am (rightfully) concerned it's going to give out
one day.   Imagine my delight when we found a back-up
at a swap meet this month!

THREE: PLAYING THE PIANO

If you've been following my blog, you know that the movers were not able to put the upright piano on the lower level due to the snow and mud on moving day.  I am pleased to inform you that this situation was rectified on May 15.  In less than an hour and a half, Byron, Clint and Jimmy maneuvered it from the entry onto a truck and then around the back to its new home.  I am still looking for all my piano books, but I celebrated with a song I remember by heart - the piano actually sounds somewhat in tune!

FOUR: STITCHING

OK - May hasn't been so crazy that it hasn't offered some down time to catch up on my embroidery (and past episodes of American Idol and Heartland).  The "Thursday" tea towel is complete and "Friday" is underway.  I can even stitch outside, because Spousal Unit was busy …

FIVE: ASSEMBLING PATIO FURNITURE

Earlier in the month, the paint and stain crews returned for the final time to put the last coat of stain on the exterior logs and the decks.  This ultimately allowed us to move the patio furniture into its proper place, and free up the garage for vehicles!!!  Last week, we planted a few pots with annuals; the one on the front porch is a bit of an experiment what with all the deer around here.  So, far, no nibbling has occurred.  We think the ones on the back deck should be pretty safe from hooved critters.
Dusty Miller and Marigolds are typically safe from deer.  Also used Verbena, Ipomoea
Geranium, Lobelia, and Creeping Jenny

With decks on two sides of the house, as well as the front porch, you can always choose a sunny spot, or a shady area, as suits your fancy through the day.  So, when you think of me, just imagine me enjoying a coffee here …














lunch there ...



















and a glass of wine … anywhere!!!

***If you have been unable to comment previously due to Google Account issues, please try again as I have changed my settings.

Linking to 

All Seasons


Mosaic Monday


Thursday Likes

Willy Nilly Friday






37 comments:

  1. first of all, kudos on being able to figure out your settings. You're a better man than I.... Your home is so beautiful with your treasures in it. The setting is perfect, and I'd be outside all the time. I love love a porch.

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  2. Hi Angie,
    WOWEEEEEEEEEEEE! What a beautiful home on a even more beautiful site. All of it takes my breath away. The landscaping is perfect, the interior - just beyond perfect. AND the decks - I truly want to just come and soak up some sun and listen to the quiet. Ohhh, how wonderful - I'm so happy for you! And that cross stitch carousel horse - I have that exact piece in progress from when we owned a CS shop. We closed it in 1992 because we lost our lease, so it is from that era. I doubt I'll ever finish it . . . but it sure looks lovely in your room. ~smile~ Roseanne

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  3. Your deck is the picture perfect place to sit and do some handiwork!

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  4. Wow your home is beautiful, inside and out.

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  5. What a beautiful place! Thanks for sharing it with us!

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  6. Your house looks amazing! And yes, I do sometimes have to look back at pictures to see what we've done. This month has gone by too fast, and I'm afraid the next three months will drag by painfully.

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  7. You and Spousal Unit are having a lot of fun! I like that border of rocks around your tree. So simple and handsome. The outdoor designers and craftsmen did an awesome job with the hardscape. So did Spousal Unit with the headboard, ooh-la-la. That's so neat the way the things you love and enjoy are finding their own spots in your new home. Cheers, Angie! :-)

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  8. Wow - you've gotten a lot accomplished in the last month. Enjoyed your photos and love seeing the progress as it all comes together. Thanks so much for sharing it.

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  9. Lots of accomplishments in May! Your home looks nice and homey and lovely mingling new items with old things with fond memories. I like the bed room, piano room, chairs and table on front porch and decks.

    Yoko

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  10. Simply beautiful Angie. You must be very proud. Love the old joanna. There's a thread on Google help re comments.

    https://productforums.google.com/forum/#!topic/blogger/Wuem4GoXYXo

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  11. Hello Angie, your home is looking beautiful. You were busy last month. Beside all the inside rooms, I love the porch and decks. Happy Friday, enjoy your weekend!

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  12. ...thanks for the home and garden tour, it's right out of HGTV! After 50 years in the landscape business, I've learned a bit about drainage too. Water doesn't run up hill. Thanks for sharing this wonderful post, how about doing it again.

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  13. What a ton of likes. The landscaping is beautiful. I love, love that carousel cross stitch (I have two of four seasons - they took forever to do). So much good stuff!

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  14. Yes, I have to go through pictures to get events in any month in line in my brain! Your May was packed with so much and look at the results...beautiful, satisfying and comfortable. The wood on that upright is so beautiful. Love your welcoming porch. Swooning over the front door. Haha...wine anywhere. Glad it's not whining anywhere. I love mixing old with new and the more I can find for a thrifty price the better. The landscaping is really fabulous. Love the drainage rocks and all the stones in the landscaping. Drainage is so important. I so enjoyed seeing all these spaces you've shared. Happy weekend to you!

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  15. Wow! What progress you have made on your beautiful home and wonderful photos to share!

    Happy Times to you,
    A ShutterBug Explores,
    aka (A Creative Harbor)

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  16. Angie ~ your home is divine ~ what gift!

    Happy Times to you,
    A ShutterBug Explores,
    aka (A Creative Harbor)

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  17. Forestation is doing an amazing job! Love your interior decorating! Such perfect pieces for the spaces! Love your house so much! Wish I could come sit on that porch! :-)

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  18. Great job. Keep focusing on the exterior and make it as natural as you can. Hope you attract lots of wildlife.

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  19. Beautiful, all done on the cheap.

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  20. Lots of stuff getting done, it's looking good.

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  21. Angie, I so enjoyed the update on your house. It's wonderful that it is become a home with your things in it. Enjoy! Sylvia D.

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  22. wow, yes, it is progressing very beautifully. I envy you to have such a place to shape in your own taste. Love it!

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  23. Hi Angie, All I can say is Wow! What a wonderful place! I love log homes. I wonder where you are located in Montana. I used to have a summer place not too far from Bozeman. Still go back to visit friends from time to time, including last month when I took some time to go down to Yellowstone. Pictures in my newest post (later today), hope you'll stop by and check it out. Thanks for your kind comment on my previous post.

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  24. The closest I've come to a log cabin is pine paneling inside my cabin home. I love the look of it. - Margy

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  25. I love everything you have done both inside and outside. You and I seem to have similar likes. Enjoy your coffee or wine out on the patio as the case may be ;-)

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  26. YOur cabin is loving and you have done a great job decorating it!

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  27. Hi Angie, your home is looking wonderful. You chose a good combination of doing it yourself and hiring the more experienced to do other things. Finding just the right things for a home can be a lot of fun. Looks like you are enjoying every minute in your place! Have a wonderful week!

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  28. Thanks for visiting and commenting and glad you enjoyed the haiku and other posts and photos!

    Happy Times to you,
    A ShutterBug Explores,
    aka (A Creative Harbor)

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  29. We would all love to sit on that porch with you and stitch! What a fabulous view and it's nice to have such progress in your landscaping! Happy June!

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  30. Everything is fabulous - and so fitting to each room - enjoy the new month.

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  31. You have a beautiful home and it seems a amazing view! I have enjoyed strolling through your home, peeking at each room. Just visiting from way down at the bottom of the world.

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  32. Hello,
    I particularly like the bed! Original structure indeed!

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  33. I LOVE your home! So pretty and such detail!!! I love those towels too! Your embroidery is wonderful! Have a wonderful week!

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  34. Well no wonder May flew by for you, with so much going on over there. Setting up in a new home is always a fun thing to do, what to display, what to bring home to complement things you already love, happy days. Love the handmade bed headboard, it's perfect.

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  35. You are busy! Your new home is gorgeous. So many new memories to be made and days to enjoy!

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  36. Those tea towels remind me of my grandma...Everyday I use ones she made for me, and they are similar to the ones you are making here.

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  37. Beautiful piece of nature. Thank you for sharing your journey. Cute tea towels, too.

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