The Last Lilac Season

Hello friends...

Thought you might like a peek at our lovely lilacs

 as this is our last spring here in the Hudson River Valley.

Once again, these faithful lilacs bring back happy memories,

 especially of my Mom and Nana.

We have transplanted some shoots up to the lake house and

 hopefully will be able to enjoy these family blooms for many years

 to come in the Adirondacks.

 Lilacs do well there as they love the cool mountain weather.

Doesn't my antique bee skep look even more fantastic

 adorned with these lovely lilacs?

Wishing you all a beautiful season

 of pretty blossoms and fun flea markets!

I am off on an exciting adventure with my Dad, sister and brother in law. We are headed to Paris tomorrow for a few days, and then will cruise on the Seine to Normandy. It is Dad's 88th birthday!

...I know, unbelievably lucky!

...feeling blessed and very grateful.

:)

Will take photos! 

Spring Blossoms

This time of the year...

...my heart sings, my energy level pumps up and I feel inspired.

Does that happen to you too?

Just thought I would pop in to share some quick IPhone photos

 that I have taken in the last few days.

I love playing with my lilacs.

 If you have followed along these last four years,

 you know that our lilacs are family blooms...

some were my grandmother's, Mr. Flea's grandmother's

 and the deep double French were my Mom's. 

The dogwoods this past week were stunning.

 We have just one pink...the rest are white.

And...of course, I love using my vintage, rustic treasures

 to hold the all the beautiful blossoms

 we are lucky enough to have on the property.

My fascination with Instagram continues,

 but my son Dan will be happy to know

 that I have been using my Canon big girl camera again

 and now that we have replaced my 8 year old laptop

(may she rest in peace)

 with a new one that is fast and has lots of storage...

I hope to blog a bit more often as well.

Wishing you a lovely spring!

I can't wait to get back up to the lake!

Take care!

The Bird's Nest Inn and Beyond

The Bird's Nest Inn is the secluded tiny get away

 behind Paula's little old farmhouse.

In a former life, it housed chickens.

Now, it is a romantic secret bedroom

 with lovely views of Paula's gardens.

 

Inside is an inviting comfy bed...ready and waiting

 for an afternoon nap,

 a place to sneak away and read a good book... 

...or sit and have a glass of wine in the evening...

...or perhaps a romantic interlude (blush)...

...or a good night's sleep in the cool night air

 after a hot summer day.

Or how about a seat in the rope swing for perfect views

 out the screened windows into the garden.

The witch's hat or sputnik as we refer to it...

...has a romantic story behind it.

 Paula asked her love, Bill...on their very first date...

... to help her drag this rusty relic home.

He did, no questions asked...and she knew she had a keeper! 

An open air dining room...

Paula is going to craft some airy curtains to hang here

 and plans to fill those urns with ivy this year.

The wisteria was glorious in mid May and covered the garage.

 

It has grown up and through the old shuttered door. 

And...where did that single red tulip come from?

Paula's garden palette may include some pinks and lavenders

 along with her white flowers but this lonely little red tulip

 appeared out of nowhere.

 I guess everybody and every-blossom

wants a chance to be in Paula's gardens! :)

There are several bushes of white bleeding hearts which were luminous and beautiful in the shade.

I hope you have enjoyed this visit

 to my dear friend Paula's gardens.

These photos were taken in mid May and with each day,

 new growth and surprises appear to delight the eye.

Some of you have asked why Paula doesn't have a blog.

 It is because she would rather spend her free time in the gardens, or creating in her cottage and not on the computer.

 She doesn't even own a cell phone...now tell me, how much more time would you have if you weren't looking at Instagram or checking Facebook?

I think she has the right idea! 

(But don't try to take my Iphone away from me!)

So, do I have more photos of inside the farmhouse?

Yes, of course.

Also...of some of our favorite shops and Brimfield too.

Coming soon...

Thank you always for your comments...

Paula loves to hear what you think of her home and gardens.

 And I, of course, love to hear from you and appreciate the time it takes to leave a word or two.

Hoping all is well with you...

We are at the lake with family and friends for Memorial Day weekend.

 Lots of rain and cold...but happy to be together!

:)

Take care, Laura