One Lonely Peony

<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig7XZtg2XTx0nc1SVh7RnWK6hulLvUgtSrPC6QeJdD3mDDME5QDBiuPSK7s7Fam9er-jiNlKIouqPfCpUkLJFJIwKnsUldLN7nj-9r3s82taa5yZYfBM6duoxVTFJsOqDeXvPu1UuJNKQ/s1600/IMG_2592.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477236413116817426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig7XZtg2XTx0nc1SVh7RnWK6hulLvUgtSrPC6QeJdD3mDDME5QDBiuPSK7s7Fam9er-jiNlKIouqPfCpUkLJFJIwKnsUldLN7nj-9r3s82taa5yZYfBM6duoxVTFJsOqDeXvPu1UuJNKQ/s400/IMG_2592.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 384px; height: 400px;" /></a>Two summers ago, I bought two peony plants on sale very late in the summer. I wasn't even sure what color they were. I planted them and was disappointed when neither plant produced blooms last summer. I pulled one of the plants that didn't look healthy and I moved the other one to a sunnier spot in the garden.<div><br /></div><div>This year, the plant looked much healthier but its two buds only developed into one lonely flower. When it rained yesterday afternoon, the bloom flopped over and was barely visible so I decided to cut it and enjoy it in the house.<br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ya36eYkBxVLl0nxpne4pv9611Hcf1UeqMnenMRtj6MnQPm5VyXdAPMU3vP5DoOeUOfMHsDH24KqXs6EieNjSSA4cu2KObnwq1PHLNWr8Hwkqk-cAuKtsnIS5m82F9ROz5jMMsVO0_hs/s1600/IMG_2596.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477236409566936210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ya36eYkBxVLl0nxpne4pv9611Hcf1UeqMnenMRtj6MnQPm5VyXdAPMU3vP5DoOeUOfMHsDH24KqXs6EieNjSSA4cu2KObnwq1PHLNWr8Hwkqk-cAuKtsnIS5m82F9ROz5jMMsVO0_hs/s400/IMG_2596.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 325px; height: 400px;" /></a>This one little flower fills the entire room with its beautiful fragrance. I think if I had a plant covered with a dozen or more blooms, I wouldn't have enjoyed them as much as this one precious bloom. </div></div>

One Lonely Peony

Two summers ago, I bought two peony plants on sale very late in the summer. I wasn't even sure what color they were. I planted them and...

Read more »

Quick Memorial Day Picnic Appetizer

<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3TtFS-LlUMG5A90GsgvX3aKRtNY9QfXzx64sulaz8TBkHQSve3sVAFONX0G0DdNTze0FUPEy6hyphenhyphenmi9Xwyj_NxfIMRUZGQwyxAMs7aCJ6_8BpUC1fjqXyS_GsMoM6_cJ6a9Qvg_Dt-Xmg/s1600/IMG_2577.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476705121268076722" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3TtFS-LlUMG5A90GsgvX3aKRtNY9QfXzx64sulaz8TBkHQSve3sVAFONX0G0DdNTze0FUPEy6hyphenhyphenmi9Xwyj_NxfIMRUZGQwyxAMs7aCJ6_8BpUC1fjqXyS_GsMoM6_cJ6a9Qvg_Dt-Xmg/s400/IMG_2577.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 292px;" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">A friend is visiting from out of town for the long weekend so I thought I'd have a few friends over for a little back porch picnic. I prefer to put most of my effort into the meal so I like appetizers to be quick and simple so I wanted to share an appetizer idea that can be thrown together in less than five minutes. This is a mediterranean layered dip.</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVc2VBqmIVfJzRbzzt1jOlBBNlKDQ-X8Xe3ALhjbrpD_CwtBJo9U3KcNBq4aDIAcKpI192fSyL7FNAHAqpGPnj2tvjl61Xw7I-kSXJSjOhPX30PRWCeAzEqtejJWttqQM8FHcoAB_5gws/s1600/IMG_2570.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476705114317309698" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVc2VBqmIVfJzRbzzt1jOlBBNlKDQ-X8Xe3ALhjbrpD_CwtBJo9U3KcNBq4aDIAcKpI192fSyL7FNAHAqpGPnj2tvjl61Xw7I-kSXJSjOhPX30PRWCeAzEqtejJWttqQM8FHcoAB_5gws/s400/IMG_2570.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">First put layer hummus on a plate or shallow dish. I chose several of these smaller Moroccan dishes so I can set them on little tables around the porch, almost individual servings. I chose a hummus with kalamata olives in it.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOdYEzpfAxtSLqZZtmyZ68_3nJ3xjWJkkD6FCpRfACqO7mKWCnia4NGSYijeIeL6EiY1gSM7Xwo87_3q-knjki0FknpGsUtAVXM2qUiYIHDhTLDI4-ijMGSCVfMfxTlka0vNeGTpsjwFc/s1600/IMG_2572.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476705107571674482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOdYEzpfAxtSLqZZtmyZ68_3nJ3xjWJkkD6FCpRfACqO7mKWCnia4NGSYijeIeL6EiY1gSM7Xwo87_3q-knjki0FknpGsUtAVXM2qUiYIHDhTLDI4-ijMGSCVfMfxTlka0vNeGTpsjwFc/s400/IMG_2572.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Add a layer of tabouli. I usually make my own tabouli but the store brand is good enough for this appetizer.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7edtxjJCTdjlr1bQTowmg5hgHtseqOWlx085A50IrVemPkMavke2cidoyZHSgQN4XdryjS-PbBeOBHosIGfZ4zINg1wfVC4v95disBEQJ6zV6V3hOjPj6f0OhFZSSYBaMqaxEAj147Xs/s1600/IMG_2575.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476705104490897682" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7edtxjJCTdjlr1bQTowmg5hgHtseqOWlx085A50IrVemPkMavke2cidoyZHSgQN4XdryjS-PbBeOBHosIGfZ4zINg1wfVC4v95disBEQJ6zV6V3hOjPj6f0OhFZSSYBaMqaxEAj147Xs/s400/IMG_2575.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 346px; height: 400px;" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Add a sprinkling of crumbled feta cheese and you're ready to go.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj-YAp5Frm1aXx5lXOQRvZG0yGFiaXsGw7FeyV1aLUR23mFmDG8JbklW6eOFZOpSL0hvNYhtVslx8FhzenHfBFywhQNUpucdYd4elNf6YcfguJrUvNT-M0-LHL7-S4-n6JCaFDBFcEEO8/s1600/IMG_2576.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476705097075733026" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj-YAp5Frm1aXx5lXOQRvZG0yGFiaXsGw7FeyV1aLUR23mFmDG8JbklW6eOFZOpSL0hvNYhtVslx8FhzenHfBFywhQNUpucdYd4elNf6YcfguJrUvNT-M0-LHL7-S4-n6JCaFDBFcEEO8/s400/IMG_2576.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Serve with pita chips and enjoy. I would suggest adding a bowl of marinated olives as accompaniment and you're now free to focus on your meal.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">This appetizer is perfect for picnics because everything can be thrown in the picnic basket and easily assembled right on site. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Have a safe Memorial Day everyone.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>

Quick Memorial Day Picnic Appetizer

A friend is visiting from out of town for the long weekend so I thought I'd have a few friends over for a little back porch picnic. I p...

Read more »

Variance Hearing Day with a Quick Roadtrip

<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9z_ELOfMM42G_RnNoxsD8sHQz0m0snFvEEO-r9GsAuilphOBeLmsgCIXcRfOq_3qF6Vw2dA35-oKqnjJ3xuB7RnM8-6CzxpFdPwP4ptRBtU4wdrP9YKk2l2-CnTrzi6oXdXR1SMbCOlA/s1600/IMG_2566.jpg"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDCBOQN7ZPkyiJYn0RFLN5NhVFyQ7WI3zvbXCteiQps32_DcgIPPG-O7nI9yqMtxIkk9Pw7knUzazcyYJX-lCnlCgKrDSbCVbH_KAWMJQCsOlpe0X1HSIAzEEkzClMuIenHDWR0J0sI1I/s1600/IMG_2509.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476272665559900802" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDCBOQN7ZPkyiJYn0RFLN5NhVFyQ7WI3zvbXCteiQps32_DcgIPPG-O7nI9yqMtxIkk9Pw7knUzazcyYJX-lCnlCgKrDSbCVbH_KAWMJQCsOlpe0X1HSIAzEEkzClMuIenHDWR0J0sI1I/s400/IMG_2509.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a>Yesterday was the date of my variance hearing. I was feeling a little nervous so, since my hearing wasn't until 8:30 p.m., I decided to carpe diem and hit the road to Cape Cod see Provincetown one day before tens of thousands of people headed to town for the summer season.<div><br /></div><div>The town was up and running and the gardens were in their full spring glory.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcwqJIFHqTeQ1neYVuxsePEBFxQ9_TNvSclN8VxYPqLSQ4kOT3jcFZyKvGKRkQ_63DWXJiI637lAT0yPHSB4oL9iw344qcvlt9wwdoeW2OkPZZPoBdFbhgnnkhq77lYXhYcgGKVXx1rSc/s1600/IMG_2515.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476272558799122402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcwqJIFHqTeQ1neYVuxsePEBFxQ9_TNvSclN8VxYPqLSQ4kOT3jcFZyKvGKRkQ_63DWXJiI637lAT0yPHSB4oL9iw344qcvlt9wwdoeW2OkPZZPoBdFbhgnnkhq77lYXhYcgGKVXx1rSc/s400/IMG_2515.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 337px;" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY5NkMXF6aNzqFRj7Q3XWTSF6asoaSP-aGyaJh2sTDLueEnvVh5IOjGRtXUWS6WkCnqna3NTOby5NvVP0Wz4_JoCpTYDIQe4VajybW23-JIxpdO_SsfsZHy3H9CvnLV6TTNc-LmTtUgrU/s1600/IMG_2522.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476272553364747506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY5NkMXF6aNzqFRj7Q3XWTSF6asoaSP-aGyaJh2sTDLueEnvVh5IOjGRtXUWS6WkCnqna3NTOby5NvVP0Wz4_JoCpTYDIQe4VajybW23-JIxpdO_SsfsZHy3H9CvnLV6TTNc-LmTtUgrU/s400/IMG_2522.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a>This is the old entrance to the Provincetown Art Association and Museum. Hello Kitty!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMJ-f37pMXjMAmxZnz0GxnXrQJvtzN6PKCbu8_JuUvOquzPLlyUHBHXa3uDspazSEqh4y2b_VqZCmJmScQ8qX4HV1UgSjfrd7WRGBo0yDPD4vBn_mzG2uBOvueFEd9jhLW1-5i8tLnrh0/s1600/IMG_2526.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476272548956665010" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMJ-f37pMXjMAmxZnz0GxnXrQJvtzN6PKCbu8_JuUvOquzPLlyUHBHXa3uDspazSEqh4y2b_VqZCmJmScQ8qX4HV1UgSjfrd7WRGBo0yDPD4vBn_mzG2uBOvueFEd9jhLW1-5i8tLnrh0/s400/IMG_2526.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">This allium garden was ridiculous. I think there are about 100 of the purple beauties.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMP3Z6gnkrV2D1o7qfgN_PaWlsJAybRfS-KXYp_iLWZBDjKdwGTqOeNdn-lDd_2RK2JRSAxtYA1snX88kpB60xSvYYdwzGBQvMhYiI3DEZIUFq2709dQGoa0bCh0AbEYOh82hTSogCj6U/s1600/IMG_2529.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476272544391991058" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMP3Z6gnkrV2D1o7qfgN_PaWlsJAybRfS-KXYp_iLWZBDjKdwGTqOeNdn-lDd_2RK2JRSAxtYA1snX88kpB60xSvYYdwzGBQvMhYiI3DEZIUFq2709dQGoa0bCh0AbEYOh82hTSogCj6U/s400/IMG_2529.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 308px; height: 400px;" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">A sweet vista.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-68IIZy2_hdj2ICr3Gw0ydr3_s1JA3_-ZWP9J4V1cFw2oXedBESE6DiMF52LDj67YW8yMK9-I6-dj0PdzKiNjSO8LBdMIxJlDEHkYKB2qQxoGOpbfKMC9RQkRlND_F-ZtK0qTjXUBxsQ/s1600/IMG_2537.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476272541144983938" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-68IIZy2_hdj2ICr3Gw0ydr3_s1JA3_-ZWP9J4V1cFw2oXedBESE6DiMF52LDj67YW8yMK9-I6-dj0PdzKiNjSO8LBdMIxJlDEHkYKB2qQxoGOpbfKMC9RQkRlND_F-ZtK0qTjXUBxsQ/s400/IMG_2537.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbv5gpQ_6YQSn0uI9yN7NW9a17hEfkq6EZkWVhCbv8EagTAs2chjVBhNqxiXW8B27PKAKM3v2BLvOrfrPC6IXZ4q6eZsCA-zHtzEN6PRNCa7_zaDa2PEhd2GeFGPUmzPFYlpJtI5hPJh8/s1600/IMG_2536.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476272129219739986" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbv5gpQ_6YQSn0uI9yN7NW9a17hEfkq6EZkWVhCbv8EagTAs2chjVBhNqxiXW8B27PKAKM3v2BLvOrfrPC6IXZ4q6eZsCA-zHtzEN6PRNCa7_zaDa2PEhd2GeFGPUmzPFYlpJtI5hPJh8/s400/IMG_2536.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">The reflection of a house in an art gallery window.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit76NG_JOvaNBSXlbxwbxOZXmfuETuwOUK6QvmgT8XdLmIBOTN4EQpNF_I891tSRJL-tSFhJihEUjiF4jJUtKDcqpx5gjkF-vTNNruoL3PuvznrPlzxm4DKOxJvUxGRBJvleGLHDbwvfU/s1600/IMG_2542.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476272124994909266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit76NG_JOvaNBSXlbxwbxOZXmfuETuwOUK6QvmgT8XdLmIBOTN4EQpNF_I891tSRJL-tSFhJihEUjiF4jJUtKDcqpx5gjkF-vTNNruoL3PuvznrPlzxm4DKOxJvUxGRBJvleGLHDbwvfU/s400/IMG_2542.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 280px; height: 400px;" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Cute little shops open for business.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOfnTM0bsCoH39_rw3Z7dQBqr9oIfWYIm3VIBMq01f2oFYjqdjxW-tVWLc8Li8LGIGrWYPspfBpaAOOZjengxAC0oMm2FvjzGETRv_URMFCJJ3NpKe7pfhNVrGdLnwCRmj4FpsX7T__Cc/s1600/IMG_2551.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476272120709049298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOfnTM0bsCoH39_rw3Z7dQBqr9oIfWYIm3VIBMq01f2oFYjqdjxW-tVWLc8Li8LGIGrWYPspfBpaAOOZjengxAC0oMm2FvjzGETRv_URMFCJJ3NpKe7pfhNVrGdLnwCRmj4FpsX7T__Cc/s400/IMG_2551.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">A home furnishings store with great pillows.... </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfxXGI-uhd8ChRcqwWtv-lMAarA-vhIel76z2RK55hReqKMTsoL2twW8TLC8-8vCm9bbNajF6a7Jje0fhcuKMqLoee7lUBJBZLR-izCxQprsVrDJltgF_sgsA3__crqyDtS1MjsqBBJAw/s1600/IMG_2554.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476272116089518050" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfxXGI-uhd8ChRcqwWtv-lMAarA-vhIel76z2RK55hReqKMTsoL2twW8TLC8-8vCm9bbNajF6a7Jje0fhcuKMqLoee7lUBJBZLR-izCxQprsVrDJltgF_sgsA3__crqyDtS1MjsqBBJAw/s400/IMG_2554.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">...beautiful pottery...</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVM1hutf6wFcwmzMBcRUYHStyJa1N8WZW_ACeabIA_fBIBIlszJA4odMgYWNmXs8NcS6MKKTYZyHoZGIGRoH9W4kbSOAlgZ9AYlOUlbcLWg79UnXmPpqveR77IHeuLqqKql-XLwhpXvZs/s1600/IMG_2552.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476272112340179378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVM1hutf6wFcwmzMBcRUYHStyJa1N8WZW_ACeabIA_fBIBIlszJA4odMgYWNmXs8NcS6MKKTYZyHoZGIGRoH9W4kbSOAlgZ9AYlOUlbcLWg79UnXmPpqveR77IHeuLqqKql-XLwhpXvZs/s400/IMG_2552.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">...and, for you martini fans, a big GIN sign made from vintage advertising letters.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJdyLWzhbR3Ys4qnKXh5qwsQRO8zKCdRGDc62jTrCjIqcKuf5yIjgr5nUqDR1jDgAyMAWmBfWxKIXdA8yX2iFD4ritY5bKq6lWThTKLgvyAdBTs9wPl61oHEu4-9opcdKVDb8-bV2u5yY/s1600/IMG_2545.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476271696594363986" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJdyLWzhbR3Ys4qnKXh5qwsQRO8zKCdRGDc62jTrCjIqcKuf5yIjgr5nUqDR1jDgAyMAWmBfWxKIXdA8yX2iFD4ritY5bKq6lWThTKLgvyAdBTs9wPl61oHEu4-9opcdKVDb8-bV2u5yY/s400/IMG_2545.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 352px;" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">The famous Lobster Pot.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0hh-08qhVALTaEbQCCwJbW-N1DGL8Flsn0RpKeA_hP5G62AsXeRE_3_9cqBcqr725DKAILlM6FyWQwjJe9kUqyYn2sY6xMTMrm9s2Iil8qb2RGU8-JtXclGRspjW6d_OnU2s8QpeQGZ8/s1600/IMG_2556.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476271692370709506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0hh-08qhVALTaEbQCCwJbW-N1DGL8Flsn0RpKeA_hP5G62AsXeRE_3_9cqBcqr725DKAILlM6FyWQwjJe9kUqyYn2sY6xMTMrm9s2Iil8qb2RGU8-JtXclGRspjW6d_OnU2s8QpeQGZ8/s400/IMG_2556.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">It was the perfect day for a long walk.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVLnDoE3EgIM4CIOgoDIiDRg_UNQn-pkKmdEN40SD4DqxFkvw1MjGO3xV414rU0EFc8-iSTQoCKjTGlwYHfsZMr0aHbnrkAKr3-WAd0K4jc0L3i1EY0BOp0TzB6txyeKYXHqm22n9f_Y0/s1600/IMG_2543.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476271686903504386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVLnDoE3EgIM4CIOgoDIiDRg_UNQn-pkKmdEN40SD4DqxFkvw1MjGO3xV414rU0EFc8-iSTQoCKjTGlwYHfsZMr0aHbnrkAKr3-WAd0K4jc0L3i1EY0BOp0TzB6txyeKYXHqm22n9f_Y0/s400/IMG_2543.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 282px; height: 400px;" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Between every house and shop are quick peeks at the fishing fleet...</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQke5mAltth-Yl-OygSZs9eA4DVNeS7PNX-z9YMW2Ard_dQfcQhNUsgdGOEehDj7X81oWOMNHvdt8yQ82GkjsGifu9t3IY1ZoyNOUGvpIMhKX7-giwkZe_tP2iVZe7Fvxs3ruPddtVOtk/s1600/IMG_2559.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476271682265205746" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQke5mAltth-Yl-OygSZs9eA4DVNeS7PNX-z9YMW2Ard_dQfcQhNUsgdGOEehDj7X81oWOMNHvdt8yQ82GkjsGifu9t3IY1ZoyNOUGvpIMhKX7-giwkZe_tP2iVZe7Fvxs3ruPddtVOtk/s400/IMG_2559.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">...and pleasure boats....</div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476275469743811410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9z_ELOfMM42G_RnNoxsD8sHQz0m0snFvEEO-r9GsAuilphOBeLmsgCIXcRfOq_3qF6Vw2dA35-oKqnjJ3xuB7RnM8-6CzxpFdPwP4ptRBtU4wdrP9YKk2l2-CnTrzi6oXdXR1SMbCOlA/s400/IMG_2566.jpg" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTlczowF4AHQmiLq6QsXQ6N2f4mkM1rgzu8dbwfu9TM8b7KWR85B_MPD0YUqT7xm-Rxmq2ELwiZAIPbNU1X16If4kb4KealGpNuW_LZzYI87E0e5sGniFIejEeR1IiSBh86XvYXTVAa84/s1600/IMG_2556.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;">.</a>..but it's gotten to be mid afternoon and need to head back to Cambridge for my hearing.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Normally I would make this a cliffhanger, leaving you to wait to find out the results but that would be mean. I did get my variance to restore the front porch but it was a late night while we waited for a hearing where 14 neighbors showed up to object to a developer's plan. It was interesting.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Hope everyone has a safe Memorial Day Weekend.</div><br /></div>

Variance Hearing Day with a Quick Roadtrip

Yesterday was the date of my variance hearing. I was feeling a little nervous so, since my hearing wasn't until 8:30 p.m., I decided to...

Read more »

My Kitchen

<div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="TEXT-DECORATION: none" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiApFW7H6quQFNmQdGK9d_zH9Tgi9V2P2DtM-ZRtOYfcotyfEUSSR4riuv933RN8oZK3y5g_-M5o3AX_qa_SZeJShCGH2KJVYK9go6qpQggeRgA06T-lgo5WYn6iA67t7mBSLZpGoEmXzo/s1600/IMG_2390.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469766959570150594" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiApFW7H6quQFNmQdGK9d_zH9Tgi9V2P2DtM-ZRtOYfcotyfEUSSR4riuv933RN8oZK3y5g_-M5o3AX_qa_SZeJShCGH2KJVYK9go6qpQggeRgA06T-lgo5WYn6iA67t7mBSLZpGoEmXzo/s400/IMG_2390.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><div>Before I can show you the ideas <i>The Architects</i> came up with for the kitchen, I have to show you what's there now. The kitchen is at the very back of the first floor. The photo below is a "before" image taken from the living room, looking through the dining room.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrKyl5Da7vWEr5b89nDgURl5BagRFuP9R9G5wFO56Dqk0Q3Z1Z_L98AOurJcx2oKYQ4GDMgsG7wN5hqAmMeNutLSh_fmTnW9-m6APPNaFJJDijjeT1NLSyajtczB4WxgwLH1N7slCqpQQ/s1600/house+023.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466864649107456834" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrKyl5Da7vWEr5b89nDgURl5BagRFuP9R9G5wFO56Dqk0Q3Z1Z_L98AOurJcx2oKYQ4GDMgsG7wN5hqAmMeNutLSh_fmTnW9-m6APPNaFJJDijjeT1NLSyajtczB4WxgwLH1N7slCqpQQ/s400/house+023.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a>Just inside the kitchen door to the left is the back door that goes out to the porch that overlooks my little garden. Yes, that's my dishwasher.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFVmnCHIJUF6CMqmCqvAHjN8qB7AEGX0ADqc7Clum8QujRUOizM81UdOkp74DDXVl30o2EMwDpJ4fFvGhbBPT08lWSYjeuGQerXrIu3vuMb9emyMQhL-xvO0V50VaqI1_-Omp6Y-40WxM/s1600/house+027.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466864647066488562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFVmnCHIJUF6CMqmCqvAHjN8qB7AEGX0ADqc7Clum8QujRUOizM81UdOkp74DDXVl30o2EMwDpJ4fFvGhbBPT08lWSYjeuGQerXrIu3vuMb9emyMQhL-xvO0V50VaqI1_-Omp6Y-40WxM/s400/house+027.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" /></a>I also have two windows that overlook the porch and the garden. It has probably the ugliest tile I've ever seen. White with band-aid brown veining. The bullnose tile is the same band-aid color. To add insult to injury, the door and window trim was painted to match. </div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466864642415568818" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifIGfAYtEfkzf4hztW-TrlBZznW-m7BpPeuYhTVTfP7VgHGk7q4Ps_YSaD8NojdZuUd2Fplhq3YNaLZ7YZqlsQvis2stLNpetIXUKNtlR2OEPMqMmUnpS7h3gpXhth3KDjCHXF0QR7F3k/s400/house+026.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /><div>I know this room is going to require the bulk of my renovation dollars (at least I thought that before I started the outside) so I wanted to clean it up and make it work for now.</div><div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466864337026573634" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDVmoBE1f0s908IxmOgeOERBFI-uuBsLjxEmiswlpTeW9D8wHsj7s_l23JmENtE05OusnZhREhoXaJwzIwoEQ5M1FqrYXufTevdmqxFwH878KqxoHB4yHhwvWPWyvfPwStgTKqjQV9MEI/s400/house+028.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" />This is the other side of the room. As you can see there's virtually no counter space. I don't know what women did in the 1940s for prep space because this isn't uncommon for period kitchens around here. In fact, I've rented aparments that have an apron sink and a stove...that's it! I do have a pantry over in the back left corner that didn't seem to make it into these photos. You also get a peak of the bathroom that was modified for a wheelchair at some point so there's a big--actually, nice--shower. The brown pipe to the right of the sink is the heating duct that goes up to the master bedroom. I guess that's the pre-industrial look.</div><br /><div align="center"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI4m3LHceSLDTpY9A86NRrMD1SUUknv-Qka4K_DS5eBsTC8L4oyayDK404KpeFGfRR6dwHVSwsaeRDQFXuNVsrQglCgGHizI66fj6w_cCNRJmKDooxpJcmrmm1kU-fxHT9z8Yf7BDeRW4/s1600/IMG_2139.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466864637510420994" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI4m3LHceSLDTpY9A86NRrMD1SUUknv-Qka4K_DS5eBsTC8L4oyayDK404KpeFGfRR6dwHVSwsaeRDQFXuNVsrQglCgGHizI66fj6w_cCNRJmKDooxpJcmrmm1kU-fxHT9z8Yf7BDeRW4/s400/IMG_2139.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> And this is what it looks like today. Not pretty, but presentable. What a difference a coat of paint makes. Just getting rid of the yellow and brown--two colors that should never be put together--made a huge improvement.</div><br /><div align="center">The green console table is a Mexican antique. I'd like to have it reworked (made wider) to become a kitchen island, maybe with marble on top? I keep some of my mixing bowls below and my vintage tablecloths on top. They're fun to use outside on the porch during the summer.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Yuspul5aBFv8fop7HFH9n6kQ5TwAgqFyx0_ntmSWcB6MhDppF81XGi0VIfJfwKrFgl0omX-hRQdlmCSRDfTnXkwmrsC8TPSYKY6yYrErykOuhDN6MKweBIbk8CgCq3IZi1vWGW1nr5I/s1600/IMG_2080.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466864331206234674" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Yuspul5aBFv8fop7HFH9n6kQ5TwAgqFyx0_ntmSWcB6MhDppF81XGi0VIfJfwKrFgl0omX-hRQdlmCSRDfTnXkwmrsC8TPSYKY6yYrErykOuhDN6MKweBIbk8CgCq3IZi1vWGW1nr5I/s400/IMG_2080.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 322px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> I painted the cabinets an ivory color...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMiZEPreoxXadZVAbltWlPeEXDMk_DvkEILwT5WTMMBK87TSsRDAoWCARO32u9XCPNEcORkmf3EbQpNzoICAjNUBKNAQP7n9Dy9zyLcHXdDp4N4DUGTDiEGAyPQEAHj7QykKUFbYznj-E/s1600/IMG_2219.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466864327149811426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMiZEPreoxXadZVAbltWlPeEXDMk_DvkEILwT5WTMMBK87TSsRDAoWCARO32u9XCPNEcORkmf3EbQpNzoICAjNUBKNAQP7n9Dy9zyLcHXdDp4N4DUGTDiEGAyPQEAHj7QykKUFbYznj-E/s400/IMG_2219.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 307px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a>...and added some new brushed nickel hardware...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidzAyEfO8dFNo3M9oFoDj2h6YhkUkaKCrVZkTFxTv0nIfFPyoMYaxuzeDIUqDY0fGB0_uPE25xTedindJH6NoEPHbAQnBdZcNUirWKA357zrbNrjwqQ4AWl6L7_71kQFJjsEXRSCSA2R8/s1600/IMG_2322.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466864319811919282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidzAyEfO8dFNo3M9oFoDj2h6YhkUkaKCrVZkTFxTv0nIfFPyoMYaxuzeDIUqDY0fGB0_uPE25xTedindJH6NoEPHbAQnBdZcNUirWKA357zrbNrjwqQ4AWl6L7_71kQFJjsEXRSCSA2R8/s400/IMG_2322.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a>...and I even painted the tile. I washed it really well, primed it with Kilz and then with white semi-gloss. It looks so good, no one has every noticed it's painted.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2FwxV2Q1quZghUjDGS2l3M5dbAaejDJ0y-YXmN5qa85NUxcpnoKs8LhnkiBu_ZdZF1Q1J0JHnC8XTOOZYMX1FU5gRVfmWv5nXT-WV8dX7Mtg7JBHcu2nVu2Rz5ffFFR6pMklRXgJRsjI/s1600/IMG_2218.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466864317524529122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2FwxV2Q1quZghUjDGS2l3M5dbAaejDJ0y-YXmN5qa85NUxcpnoKs8LhnkiBu_ZdZF1Q1J0JHnC8XTOOZYMX1FU5gRVfmWv5nXT-WV8dX7Mtg7JBHcu2nVu2Rz5ffFFR6pMklRXgJRsjI/s400/IMG_2218.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a>I also added a folding table from DWR that acts as a big island. The aluminim top is also great for rolling out pastry dough.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIKfa_9EFy4TMHo6mJnvwSP3rfr1kLrmTGOWUIB-mC0ggLA9MRrMcfbNYubN4jQnyVaW9niyyoU4XyM9YZJX8e5wLNng0Q9X8gz0M4UP73iGPU3HzXn0viWysW5KTLdVkAHVkvPQgqOMs/s1600/IMG_2305.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466863915507011810" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIKfa_9EFy4TMHo6mJnvwSP3rfr1kLrmTGOWUIB-mC0ggLA9MRrMcfbNYubN4jQnyVaW9niyyoU4XyM9YZJX8e5wLNng0Q9X8gz0M4UP73iGPU3HzXn0viWysW5KTLdVkAHVkvPQgqOMs/s400/IMG_2305.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 315px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> And here's my pantry. It's still band-aid brown and that's my mother's fault. She visited about a week after I moved and all the boxes were driving her crazy so she made me put everything away. I think the next time she visits I'm going to make her unload everything and paint it.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3VsESnAou5pT5Zoy-4dAEvlYUm6leSG1i0NrZxp_ubqlM8K-VFSmF0b7vDWQh9DPvKXc0oZ2RsG-oVjd703Gge8VKeLdZvGorHg9dU6ROmRbHOcjFQTwJoa7n7mIkPuyCxnmv3O-2XHo/s1600/IMG_2337.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466863910133049394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3VsESnAou5pT5Zoy-4dAEvlYUm6leSG1i0NrZxp_ubqlM8K-VFSmF0b7vDWQh9DPvKXc0oZ2RsG-oVjd703Gge8VKeLdZvGorHg9dU6ROmRbHOcjFQTwJoa7n7mIkPuyCxnmv3O-2XHo/s400/IMG_2337.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> I wish it could all be pretty but this is pretty much my only storage space except for drinking glasses, coffee mugs and mixing bowls that I have in the cabinets above the sink.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQNclrsAe5nFt6i5GQKCF17b0YAP1Es1A7h3l3DA3Vsd5YEsBatmsGwKnHz4LXBqjaTzYykn1ZevHcZkWpIZQI5oJva1pOMCg2i6yajwgyaCtkZPPzcGR5K9c7BZthwkNr1jftq25nuzs/s1600/IMG_2325.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466863903703491794" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQNclrsAe5nFt6i5GQKCF17b0YAP1Es1A7h3l3DA3Vsd5YEsBatmsGwKnHz4LXBqjaTzYykn1ZevHcZkWpIZQI5oJva1pOMCg2i6yajwgyaCtkZPPzcGR5K9c7BZthwkNr1jftq25nuzs/s400/IMG_2325.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a>All of my spices, vinegars, baking goods, teas, extracts, eye of newt, etc., go in these racks that I installed. Whenever I cook or bake, I go to the pantry and pull everything out at once, just like Rachel Ray.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl1GWC6s9xTYgztBxgLsHbuorreipfxjkJGxtbAnXgAyBolmyHQj_1fJtPN-FNsbI8y4pAwyzafhT1I38lZ74XjWxaVgEXYSpoE40XddKoakzClKU0mQDh7CBq6ggiHugEYtU_JMRJY1E/s1600/IMG_2225.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466863897632839522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl1GWC6s9xTYgztBxgLsHbuorreipfxjkJGxtbAnXgAyBolmyHQj_1fJtPN-FNsbI8y4pAwyzafhT1I38lZ74XjWxaVgEXYSpoE40XddKoakzClKU0mQDh7CBq6ggiHugEYtU_JMRJY1E/s400/IMG_2225.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> On the other side is my Asian cooking section, the brown transferware all stacked up for special occasions, plates and miscellaneous bowls. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="TEXT-DECORATION: none" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEjb4bKsYcZWHyAQWYwq58-WDNhgo4agfU_pwCc_D3xx-Txi6f2Rm4weLQC_TZ1z7CPW6lXsrFkXPQYumYrbOP_CuJNrIDkPfDlk7pBoV0Zf7w4XFgRFu7O4E4mpkYKTlRCMB26dmE-Rk/s1600/IMG_2216_2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466863892020748594" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEjb4bKsYcZWHyAQWYwq58-WDNhgo4agfU_pwCc_D3xx-Txi6f2Rm4weLQC_TZ1z7CPW6lXsrFkXPQYumYrbOP_CuJNrIDkPfDlk7pBoV0Zf7w4XFgRFu7O4E4mpkYKTlRCMB26dmE-Rk/s400/IMG_2216_2.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 209px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a></div><p>Don't tell anyone, but all of the pots, pans and baking sheets are packed in the dishwasher. My kitchen staff likes to wash everything by hand. I was able to move the fridge down a little and squeeze the dishwasher in next to the stove so I have a little bit of counter space next to the stove.</p><p>So that's my sad excuse for a kitchen, patiently awaiting renovation dollars to be transformed.</p><br /><p></p></div>

My Kitchen

Before I can show you the ideas The Architects came up with for the kitchen, I have to show you what's there now. The kitchen is at the...

Read more »

I Can't Help Myself

<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyfmrNJ74n5P3nEhhsdO_nS6fOIg7pi-iYT-4wM2qQ0XsYyxFhsH7YtYEEaRPsNc6hh2yGNK3GtfaM7LHoJ9PDpcDx_ZrZ0Vo0p06wSfR4hACDv9GZlA-lGR_4g6TkuHkFW22rnt0UWZE/s1600/IMG_2447.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473519904538263394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyfmrNJ74n5P3nEhhsdO_nS6fOIg7pi-iYT-4wM2qQ0XsYyxFhsH7YtYEEaRPsNc6hh2yGNK3GtfaM7LHoJ9PDpcDx_ZrZ0Vo0p06wSfR4hACDv9GZlA-lGR_4g6TkuHkFW22rnt0UWZE/s400/IMG_2447.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a>I had to leave work early today to pick up my updated blueprints to get them to the Zoning Board by tomorrow's deadline so I thought I'd stop by this great little import store that's near my architect's house/office. I've wanted a little table for my back porch to set a cup of coffee or a cocktail and some snacks for guests. I found this little metal table from Africa made from a vintage sign. I liked that it didn't look new and I love the vintage green color. Sitting out in the weather, I even hope it gets rusty.<div><br /></div><div>I'm never caught without my camera anymore, not just because of the blog, but I'm really trying to capture house colors and details like wrought iron railings, light fixtures, etc. As I was on my way back to the car with my new little table, I saw this huge Greek Revival house down an unassuming side street. And I just can't help myself. I had to snap a few photos.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuEjaaa0u3VIbCdzonMAzisFlVZ2tgm2buRxppRqoW9jvnrfBbtUA7iHXfDwuOpxQtQdo-yVkbJKUIwu1x6wpY8_MSpk_Ue55OdAcKba2aZFtAcHD3ABUO5RR4bkbBfEJP3hd6SnWTdIw/s1600/IMG_2410_2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473519700011530898" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuEjaaa0u3VIbCdzonMAzisFlVZ2tgm2buRxppRqoW9jvnrfBbtUA7iHXfDwuOpxQtQdo-yVkbJKUIwu1x6wpY8_MSpk_Ue55OdAcKba2aZFtAcHD3ABUO5RR4bkbBfEJP3hd6SnWTdIw/s400/IMG_2410_2.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a>This house is presently being operated as an inn so it's had some alterations that aren't typical such as the bridge with the big round window. The bridge was created to leave a driveway that dips down to a parking lot. This is the first Greek Revival I've seen that has pilasters that go right up the center of the house rather than just at the corners.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUz4da3dlsA_JNLXDPHuPxw90ZPkhXC9d_7qVXmsn48BOEay6K__rJ853xDuXzmwgccrqHIHuKjDOyAW2iJP1QemA4Xj5RoYk-ystAFQa_Ct6mNliwpsNBHSnE5KGlRgi6c4mL3yBzwDc/s1600/IMG_2411_2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473519696134878674" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUz4da3dlsA_JNLXDPHuPxw90ZPkhXC9d_7qVXmsn48BOEay6K__rJ853xDuXzmwgccrqHIHuKjDOyAW2iJP1QemA4Xj5RoYk-ystAFQa_Ct6mNliwpsNBHSnE5KGlRgi6c4mL3yBzwDc/s400/IMG_2411_2.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a>Here are those windows that go to the floor and check out the little wreath details on the entablature of the porch. Also notice the tongue-and-groove siding. The entire front facade of this house in done in the same siding. This was done to make it look more like stone, just like a Greek temple.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0T5n6F_6_zWo1If1xFbkeTIFAJDBmMIj8jdElsUiwyWZaHKBZ7QVKHGGutJno0Fr6SScgv2D1_Uut4RaJGwGJ3RYGcFaAS8B8hTa4abcjb1qnzvN56YyANhvJW0fJjOGbGtUbGCxNM2A/s1600/IMG_2414_2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473519688437772786" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0T5n6F_6_zWo1If1xFbkeTIFAJDBmMIj8jdElsUiwyWZaHKBZ7QVKHGGutJno0Fr6SScgv2D1_Uut4RaJGwGJ3RYGcFaAS8B8hTa4abcjb1qnzvN56YyANhvJW0fJjOGbGtUbGCxNM2A/s400/IMG_2414_2.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a>I'm not sure if this right-hand side of the house is original or not but this portico entry with square columns is beautiful. What do you think of the light? There were no electric lights when this house was built so who's to say what's appropriate. But I feel this light feels too colonial.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6EQq_G4zc5dnXoyh6cjY-sZ6YX-dyuUfiOV1EdFfsXForALfhgMdmBuMmWNrB62WD-i_usXWpX26caSKGbQKmbuAiKJKnwmkIkdHVU-x6E_he5ekMCw1Vmvf4rn1LsmIZNQoGrV4YQUw/s1600/IMG_2415_2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473519684365278530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6EQq_G4zc5dnXoyh6cjY-sZ6YX-dyuUfiOV1EdFfsXForALfhgMdmBuMmWNrB62WD-i_usXWpX26caSKGbQKmbuAiKJKnwmkIkdHVU-x6E_he5ekMCw1Vmvf4rn1LsmIZNQoGrV4YQUw/s400/IMG_2415_2.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a>Here's a close-up of the fluted ionic columns. Fancier columns for a fancier house. And no porch railings. I'll bet their lawyers (or insurance carriers) made them put up the railings to limit access to the railing-less deck.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtKjWI6qYXQ-ut2TjPDPmSSddhAsVTWiscKOTsRC-jBMnNjvVD91qrmlIGmoQIq5UeHyFirMHqiAZ1_JdAzs5B8ZCeofJg8OK_mtZ41MHaeuK_vU7OTi86hQMpSPYVXA2EWQywvr1EBhk/s1600/IMG_2416_2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473519675149976850" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtKjWI6qYXQ-ut2TjPDPmSSddhAsVTWiscKOTsRC-jBMnNjvVD91qrmlIGmoQIq5UeHyFirMHqiAZ1_JdAzs5B8ZCeofJg8OK_mtZ41MHaeuK_vU7OTi86hQMpSPYVXA2EWQywvr1EBhk/s400/IMG_2416_2.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a>Here you can see the underside of the porch, painted sky blue just like many New England homes. And the deck is a dark green which is pleasant compared to the typical gray. Except for the Paul Revere light, I think this place has been beautifully restored. </div>

I Can't Help Myself

I had to leave work early today to pick up my updated blueprints to get them to the Zoning Board by tomorrow's deadline so I thought I&#...

Read more »

Home | We Built a Fence!

<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></span></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaW9arfGQsTt9qfwSx1PDO4UufmVgHcKvj4ACX6VlXRgTeMFly6HMeauL62Lki8TlbcrbCzL-MZ1Bm2hGeENAsTU0dgvPQdpS_RT4JaqorlPaEG5jlCWopp61oiTBwTrC7Wr0UJxLlgmE/s1600/IMG_0948.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473366853065182658" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaW9arfGQsTt9qfwSx1PDO4UufmVgHcKvj4ACX6VlXRgTeMFly6HMeauL62Lki8TlbcrbCzL-MZ1Bm2hGeENAsTU0dgvPQdpS_RT4JaqorlPaEG5jlCWopp61oiTBwTrC7Wr0UJxLlgmE/s400/IMG_0948.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><br /><div><div>Mr. Darcy can not be trusted outside without a leash... Some dogs are able to be let out to go potty or what-no and then come right back inside. Not Mr. D. He takes off running as quick as he can... the guy loves to be chased! So, it was high time we put a fence in to keep him from escaping our grasp.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNcDjE81vcOXErGykySNAUUDmj-p2eX-oit9IBqjhNHk9JeyewEa2ld_9Q0jmcN4iLz80ExRp2hyphenhyphenusV7bGrWq4q14oe6bbulCAs5Eg7Ptrl9GQ1MDcD4JE8S2kKt23E2LAqgxW0IzCTcI/s1600/Fence.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473371184164872514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNcDjE81vcOXErGykySNAUUDmj-p2eX-oit9IBqjhNHk9JeyewEa2ld_9Q0jmcN4iLz80ExRp2hyphenhyphenusV7bGrWq4q14oe6bbulCAs5Eg7Ptrl9GQ1MDcD4JE8S2kKt23E2LAqgxW0IzCTcI/s400/Fence.jpg" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 310px; height: 400px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><div>We had to submit the above design to the city of Fairway to get a building permit for the fence. Our objective was to prove that the new fence would not block the sightline at the stop sign. </div><div><br /></div><div>While I can take credit for the layout and design of the fence, I cannot take much credit for the actual building of the fence... turns out digging post holes is, as much as I hate to admit it, really hard. Mike was much better at it than I was. </div><div><br /></div><div>Materials :</div><div><br /></div><div>30 - 4" x 4" x 6' posts</div><div>20 - 8' dog eared cedar fencing pre-assembled picket panels (Lowe's)</div><div>100 - single pickets for customized sections</div><div>12 - 2" x 3" x 8' pieces of wood for rails of custom sections</div><div>2 - Black Wrought Iron Gate Kits</div><div>2 - 1 pound boxes of 2 1/2 decking screws</div><div>10 - bags of concrete</div><div>10 - bags of gravel</div><div>1 - level</div></div></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW6HLt0IJUAefQJMTkKRKZgIrxeTCWI5EQR0DIiRCjJmGmSxMTexvPy-n8m-cFWakKOOMhFQ3vv7gBCNFJ26mE5n9VW3mXyPhEJT1uWTxC46ggNR53rDEp23IvDqBI2jpUSNEAPnfOoVI/s1600/IMG_0835.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473366577385867794" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW6HLt0IJUAefQJMTkKRKZgIrxeTCWI5EQR0DIiRCjJmGmSxMTexvPy-n8m-cFWakKOOMhFQ3vv7gBCNFJ26mE5n9VW3mXyPhEJT1uWTxC46ggNR53rDEp23IvDqBI2jpUSNEAPnfOoVI/s400/IMG_0835.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><div>I laid out the fence with garden stakes and string that I leveled to gage where we would need to lower the panels of fencing. I plotted the posts 8 feet apart (except where the gates would be). Mike dug the post holes 24 inches deep and 10 inches in diameter.</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjK14BakwQq_PXEX5OL6o1MEnH7yE71V0NhbHEC2N3EvYFuMpBqHytKeBzDDSEmXElAyZodeNueEW-ND5ByxQ9jgElReVuIgyaviw8SwZKCngf05PUvS5H6sv25osCzR8IEB8u4_GoHcY/s1600/IMG_0836.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473365804292753330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjK14BakwQq_PXEX5OL6o1MEnH7yE71V0NhbHEC2N3EvYFuMpBqHytKeBzDDSEmXElAyZodeNueEW-ND5ByxQ9jgElReVuIgyaviw8SwZKCngf05PUvS5H6sv25osCzR8IEB8u4_GoHcY/s400/IMG_0836.JPG" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a><div style="text-align: left;">As we went along, we found that it was easier to install the panels as we go vs. setting all of the posts and then hanging the panels.</div></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ9p3LdH-sHsEzR6Kg5Kk3e6_7tKTrm1cIAqio1BIrVM1Miz9vKD-oCswlpMpp2OkksDwcuXEQQaflgnlRxERNha50LDhy29leOdhNKkQ7sb29pV-7YwKw8JoHT4_xNDePKVIP6BRQ42g/s1600/IMG_0831.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473365825927038866" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ9p3LdH-sHsEzR6Kg5Kk3e6_7tKTrm1cIAqio1BIrVM1Miz9vKD-oCswlpMpp2OkksDwcuXEQQaflgnlRxERNha50LDhy29leOdhNKkQ7sb29pV-7YwKw8JoHT4_xNDePKVIP6BRQ42g/s400/IMG_0831.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a>Here is Mike setting a post. My job was leveling the posts and panels as Mike installed.<br /><div><br /></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXD8lP7EcB7CY0XpPiDuA2HZi6bU6A6bMZdQBY3pRgmzQoAU0jvlFVah4W9FNxabE6dAWDwRYCKHLMldn9uuRvNvQZESqfmUOktbP28zsqgm1BTBh5Pmm4TC31pHqljRAXnXeKWVH3xsk/s1600/IMG_0830.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473365822402265714" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXD8lP7EcB7CY0XpPiDuA2HZi6bU6A6bMZdQBY3pRgmzQoAU0jvlFVah4W9FNxabE6dAWDwRYCKHLMldn9uuRvNvQZESqfmUOktbP28zsqgm1BTBh5Pmm4TC31pHqljRAXnXeKWVH3xsk/s400/IMG_0830.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjImUY8vUo32J22JvKv2vzoqS3jTMT_RwokTyP-GQiStpVWBgKVTz5pohZs1gLIemjjTnWdeSa07BhwebyBz2Y_n9EVd36y2GiwA6oI9KP6rsggzYO4vxI4eR1FHu7gXrg3GoBxMAA8tzI/s1600/IMG_0832.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473365814345463026" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjImUY8vUo32J22JvKv2vzoqS3jTMT_RwokTyP-GQiStpVWBgKVTz5pohZs1gLIemjjTnWdeSa07BhwebyBz2Y_n9EVd36y2GiwA6oI9KP6rsggzYO4vxI4eR1FHu7gXrg3GoBxMAA8tzI/s400/IMG_0832.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><br /></div><div>We will trim the posts later this week and top them with tailored post caps... I'm looking for them online today!</div><div><br /></div><div>Besides leveling and designing, my job was painting... photos to come soon!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div>

Home | We Built a Fence!

Mr. Darcy can not be trusted outside without a leash... Some dogs are able to be let out to go potty or what-no and then come right back ins...

Read more »