All I Can Say Is...

Wow, what a week it's been.

The boys and I are joining JD out at the lake this weekend. We're looking forward to some relaxation and fun family time. This will be Chrissy's first camping trip. That ought to be interesting.

Blondie isn't much into camping so she's staying behind. She plans to work on reupholstering the cushions on our couches while we're gone. I'm hoping to have some photos of that transformation to post very soon. Wait'll you see what we have planned for the couches! I'm so excited -- they're gonna be so "me" finally. (which totally gives away the surprise. Anyone who knows "me" knows that means pinks, mauves, and roses galore)

Have a safe and happy Labor Day weekend, all!

See ya' next Tuesday...or Wednesday...or whenever we decide to rejoin civilization again.

I Wanna! Wednesday

I just love the look of window arbors. Some people call them window trellises. Whatever you want to call them, I love 'em.

This one is from GM Design. Isn't it so homey looking?! Talk about bringing the garden right up to your window!



Some people don't like to have any kind of greenery up against the house. My father-in-law included. He'd have nothing short of a conniption if I intentionally grew any sort of vine or bush right up against the house. But I think these arbors look adorable even with nothing growing on them.

This one is from Walpole Woodworkers. Crazy expensive (as in $329 just for the brackets. The lathing adds up to about as much too).



Nope, not going out to order one of those today. But it sure is fun to dream.

Here is another example from Walpole. See how they've incorporated the lattice trellis leading up to the arbor?




When we first moved into this neighborhood six years ago, JD and I would walk through the maze of streets, gazing at all the old homes. We just couldn't get enough, how each one was unique and oozing charm in its own special way.

One house had an arbor over the garage. It was wood, painted white. And I thought "Ooh, I want one of those some day!" I went by the house to take a picture for you all. But, to my disappointment, the owners are in the process of covering the house with vinyl siding and the arbor has been taken down. So sad.

I did come across another one the other day, though. Well, virtually, anyway. Lisa, over at Warm Heart Cozy Home posted a picture of her garage with the arbor above. Do go over and take a look. It's absolutely a~d~o~r~a~b~l~e! And she came up with a clever solution to add greenery, taboot.

How Much Is That Doggy In The Window?

We are your typical fur-lovin' family. We've always had a dog or cat or two...or three...or four.

We lived on Tulip Court in California. Thus began the "flower" theme for our four-legged friends. There's been Dandilion and Lily and Pansy, just to name a few.

Now we live on Orchard Lane, thus the horticultural theme continues with our black cat, Mulch.

Pansy was our last Golden Retriever. After 13 faithful years with us, she crossed over the Rainbow Bridge March 2007. The kiddos begged us to get another dog almost right way. But my husband and I were hesitant. We didn't want another dog just for the sake of having a dog. We wanted to make sure our new friend would be a good fit for our family. And we knew we wanted to "downsize".

A few weeks ago we came across this adorable little pooch. She was born March 25. She is registered AKC Shih-Tzu, but the breeder wasn't able to sell her because she had an umbilical hernia. She was a furbaby in need of a rescue.

It was love at first sight.

Meet Chrysanthemum.

(Above photo was taken by the breeder. I'm afraid there's nothing red like that in my house. LOL)

We call her Chrissy.

She is a total lap dog. Which is exactly what I needed...a friend to curl up at my feet and keep my tootsies warm while I work on my computer all day.

I've fallen head over heels for My Prissy Chrissy.