Across the Pond

Fascinating Falconry

2009-07-13T01:10:00.001-04:00

Yes, this is me with a 'little birdie' eating out of my hand!

This is Smokey, a Harris Hawk.

A bird in the hand is definitely more fun than.........

...........one in a bush.........

...................or a nearby tree.

If you had ever told me I would experience Falconry up close and in person, I would have laughed. Falconry was once an ancient sport of kings and nobility. My only previous brush with this sport was here. When home in England recently I had the luck to watch a display of raptors - falcons, hawks and this fabulous owl - on Dartmoor.

These pics were taken last week on Independence Day in New Hampshire. Nancy, wife of Jim, a business colleague of my husband, owns the New Hampshire School of Falconry. They are both Master Falconers. We planned to meet them at the parade that morning, then they took us to their splendid 1789 colonial home set on 28 breathtaking country acres with original timbered barns, a gurgling brook, and scenic mountain views.

Having a huge powerful raptor fly to your hand is an experience never forgotten. Before I had my turn, my granddaughter Jasmin also enjoyed Smokey closeup here. Somewhat nervous at first, she too is thrilled that she agreed to participate in the chance of a lifetime.

Binker - Gyr Falcon

Pearl - Peregrine Falcon

Smokey - Harris Hawk
There are a total of nine birds at the Falconry.

Here Nancy allowed me to gently stroke Smokey. A wonderful sensation to actually touch a bird we usually only see circling high above the trees in search of the next meal.

Thanks so much Nancy and Jim, this was truly a wonderful day at your beautiful home and such fun meeting your amazing feathered friends.

European Treasures in New Hampshire!

2009-07-12T01:06:00.002-04:00

Garden treasures displayed outside.

If you read the April 2009 issue of Romantic Homes you may already be familiar with the amazing shop named Red Chair. Tucked away in the lovely riverside town of Peterborough, New Hampshire, the owner Jocie Sinauer, has filled her shop with many vintage curiosities and antiques from France, Sweden and Belgium. I was head over heels in love with it the moment I stepped through the door.

Sadly, I didn't meet Jocie as she was away from the shop that day, however her assistant Nan was most charming and helpful.

Painted country furniture. Pitchers and pots. Interesting china including lovely white ironstone, and French cafe au lait bowls. Glassware. Old tiles. Platters and plates.

Loads of silver flatware, serving pieces, coffee, tea services and trays. .................................Urns. Shells. Unique bibelots.

My most exciting find was a huge array of linens. Real French hemp grain sacks, some cut and sewn into pillow covers. Tablecloths woven and monogrammed. Huge heavy linen bed sheets. Embroidered pillow cases. Farmers' shirts and smocks.............
...................and from the linens, all washed and pressed, wafted lavender perfume from the sachets scattered about.........I truly felt I was back in Provence!

Next time I'll show you more pics and the French items I purchased. Time was limited as DH had a busy sightseeing schedule mapped out. I do know that I want to return to Red Chair another time and spend a couple of hours browsing and sighing (and of course buying!) over Jocie's treasures ~ she definitely has an eye for collecting fabulous things.

Pink Saturday

2009-07-11T01:09:00.004-04:00

The pink sunbrella on

Ogunquit Beach, Maine ~ July 6, 2009

Being at the shore is always enjoyable. I especially love the beach in the Fall and Winter, after the tourists have gone home!

Last Monday, the sun shone brightly on the packed beaches of New Hampshire and Maine after a chilly, wet June. Traveling along the coast roads, we stopped at several favorite spots where we used to go on hot Summer days back in the 1960's and '70's.......and of course we reminisced. Living so close to such a lovely coastline, we enjoyed the beach and the fresh seafood brought in daily by the small boats plying the waters offshore.

Wild pink beach roses growing in the sand at Ogunquit, Maine.

Be certain to visit Beverly at How Sweet the Sound to celebrate pink today!

There should be a new blogger posting her first 'Pink Saturday' post today........my 'traveling granddaughter' Jasmin, who now has a cute blog, Live Love Laugh and I know she would really enjoy a visit from YOU!

Breakfast at Janet's..............

2009-07-10T01:05:00.005-04:00

Returning to New England is always pleasant. This trip was even more special because I was to meet up with blog friend Janet of Housepeepers in Massachusetts. Only had a little time to visit, our itinerary was full, but this quick stop to meet humorous Janet, and her charming husband Bob, was so enjoyable.

Behind the welcoming blue door of this sunny yellow New England colonial house, a delicious breakfast awaited. Janet had been busy in her spacious kitchen baking the most delectable treats........fresh blueberry coffee cake, the yummiest banana nut bread, accompanied by fresh fruit and good, strong coffee.

Janet had planned for us to eat outside on her back deck overlooking a lovely garden area but rain clouds were threatening again.......New England had suffered through a very wet June with 29 straight days of rain, phew! This of course meant the garden was brilliant green, no dried out grass, and huge hostas with dozens of flower spikes ready to bloom. Oh to bring some of that rain back to the the hot, dry Southeast.

So we gathered around her table in a beautiful dining room, surrounded by Janet's collection of antiques, and tucked into the goodies while chatting away a mile a minute.

I loved Janet's kitchen and her pot rack - something I've always wanted but am too nervous to hang from my ceiling!

Janet's Bob, Janet, Mary, and my Bob.

Luckily we had granddaughter Jasmin to take some pics of us in front of this charming house. It really was a great visit. Thanks so much for making us welcome Janet and Bob. We enjoyed meeting you and hope you will come visit with us some day.

Following the river.............

2009-07-08T23:47:00.009-04:00

A small rural New Hampshire town.

A river high from so much rain.

A treasure trove discovered.

Stepping across the threshold......never wanting to leave.

Jasmin - Peterborough, New Hampshire ~ July 2009

We found a place to shop and I'll tell you about it soon.

Contoocook River, Peterborough, NH

Beach Roses at Cape Neddick

2009-07-07T09:32:00.004-04:00

Nubble Light House, Cape Neddick, Maine ~ July 6, 2009

Beach roses smell as roses should! Light, delicate, true rose fragrance. The Ranger told us the roses were pruned back hard in early Spring. They have exploded into huge, healthy bushes, massed with blooms now that Summer warmth and sunshine have touched the New England coast.

A perfect day ~ cloudless sky, slight breeze, temperature around eighty degrees.

Stop and smell the roses, breathe in the salty air. Be thankful for the perfect day.

Beautiful Maine.

On Golden Pond

2009-07-05T20:52:00.006-04:00

The Fourth was fun but in our family, the Fifth is even more important!

Today, we drove up the coast of New Hampshire, along with thousands of others seeking sun and sand after a month of wet, cool days. A perfect day for my DH to celebrate a Birthday. Home in the beautiful state where he was born and raised. Where we lived for a while when first married. Accompanied by his older brother and lovely wife who flew in from Arizona to celebrate a holiday and birthday with us.

The 'golden pond' is actually Lake Massabesic. A picturesque place for sailing, kayaking and picnicking on a lazy Summer afternoon. My DH spent time here as a child and then we came here with our children during the years we lived in New Hampshire and Massachusetts.

We stopped by the lake today on our way back to the city. It was perfect.

Jasmin at Lake Massabesic, Manchester, NH - July 5, 2009

We enjoyed the lakeside tranquility for a little while........then it was time to celebrate at a great Italian restaurant.

The food was excellent. The wine was wonderful. The Birthday cake was gobbled up before we thought to take a photo.............so you only get to see my wonderful DH blowing out his candle, again!

Happy Birthday Bob..........and many, many more. We love you.

Pink Saturday at the Zoo

2009-07-04T01:08:00.006-04:00

A visit to the North Carolina Zoo some time ago was colorful in more ways than one.

Tropical birds in all shades of pink were flaunting their feathers. My favorites have to be these gorgeous flamingos and ibis.

As for plants, I just loved this shrub (below) which was blooming all around the tropical birds. Its pink is so pretty. I would enjoy having one grace my garden.........which right now resembles a zoo complete with several homeless cats passing through, battalions of squirrels, birds by the dozen, a lone raccoon who crossed the deck one evening recently, and goodness only knows who trekking through after dark!

Mustn't complain though. In nearby Durham, NC a black bear is busy inspecting gardens, knocking over bird feeders to find food, and scaring a neighborhood unused to such large wild visitors. A bear in my garden I definitely don't want!

I'm on vacation in New England and sending wishes for a great Independence Day celebration to any and all friends who stop by here today.

Thanks Beverly for still giving so much of your time to Pink Saturday. I'm certain there are a lot of pink friends to visit today at How Sweet the Sound.

Special Note: Today I visited the nicest blog friend and her husband in Massachusetts! I'll have more pics to share soon of Janet of Housepeepers. What a warm and wonderful welcome at her beautiful home...................and a delicious breakfast too! Thanks so much Janet.

Janet & Bob's lovely home and garden.

Very busy day visiting Plymouth and Boston. The rain stopped and the sun came out, it was near perfect, hooray!

Last Looks

2009-07-03T01:01:00.001-04:00

Before saying goodbye to the interesting folks at the fabulous Market Imports on that recent visit, a few more interesting items from around the world caught my eye.

Afternoon in a Provence sunflower field ~ June 2006

If you can't get to the sunflower fields of Provence this Summer ~ the rusty metal version could be planted in your garden!

Perfect blue buckets, some rust, no holes; gray galvanized metal watering cans (for the rusty sunflowers) and containers of every shape and size.

Several friends want to visit this shop and I will have fun showing them around. Next time I go I'm sure I'll find many more great things to share with you.

Note: Yesterday, July in New England was like no other - cold, early morning thunder, torrential rain falling like cats and dogs, glimpses of sun, amazingly beautiful cloud patterns, and fog so thick at the shore we couldn't see the ocean or anything else at times. Granddaughter Jasmin's words, as we drove across the almost invisible bridge into Newport, Rhode Island......."I feel like I'm in heaven". Plans changed, Boston today instead of yesterday - couldn't face sloshing through the city in rainforest conditions......beside, we didn't bring our wellies!!!

But it wasn't all bad......soon I'll show you treasures discovered in the most beautiful New Hampshire shop!

From Carolina Blue to Northeast Grey

2009-07-01T23:01:00.004-04:00

Leaving Raleigh in brilliant early morning sunshine. Even Jasmin, getting over a 'flu-like cold caught at Summer camp, had a bright smile. Flight to Dulles went fine........then things went downhill rather than skyward for a while! Sat on the tarmac for almost three hours in the tiny commuter jet. The heavens were heaving up North, many air routes closed to the Northeast. Three hours with a cup of water and a fabulous flight attendant (a former high school teacher) who did her best, and succeeded, to entertain and placate us. Thank you Nancy from St. Louis, you are one of United's best.

We arrived in New Hampshire, hungry! We stepped out into the drizzly rain and discovered it was cool - no actually it was cold. However we were safe and our luggage was there. Traveling can sometimes be harrowing but it's still worthwhile. We're off to Boston tomorrow.......hope the sun comes out and I can get photos to share with you.

Gift From the Heart

2009-07-01T05:09:00.003-04:00

Have you ever shopped with a friend who found an object you wanted for yourself? You kick yourself, think "if only I'd seen it first", hope perhaps she'll change her mind and put it back on the shelf. Even when your friend realizes you want to take it home, and kindly offers it to you, you say no, no, you found it first.....take it and love looking at it, using it, dusting and washing it, even treasure it!

On one such day at SuzAnna's Antiques, my dear Brazilian friend, Vanessa, found the beautiful footed bowl with handles and delicate decoration. The above scenario took place! It looked French. Faience porcelain perhaps? I love French. Vanessa was generous to offer it, I couldn't accept. We enjoyed our time together, we hugged goodbye.

FAST FORWARD......................

Last Saturday evening. Summer Open House party at SuzAnna's Antiques. Friends, fun, laughter, shopping, sipping wine as the sun went down. Vanessa took the pretty bowl from her car, handed it to me. She changed her mind. Decided it was meant for my home not hers. The most generous gift........a gift from the heart.

Thank you dear friend. You are so special.

Wanderlust................

2009-06-30T01:04:00.002-04:00

..........a very strong or irresistible impulse to travel.

Summer vacation time is here.

I'm leaving on a trip tomorrow. Off to picturesque New England with DH and 'traveling granddaughter'. It's where I lived for 12 years before before coming South.

No Porch rocking for a week.

Boston beans. Plymouth Rock. Newport cliff mansions. White Mountains of New Hampshire. Green Mountains of Vermont. Maine lobster. Clambakes. Old Man of the Mountains. Old Stomping Grounds. Independence Day parade. New England shore. LL Bean (open 24 hrs. 365 days!). Hometown happiness.

DH is from New Hampshire, a truly beautiful state. We will meet up with his older brother and his wife who are flying in from Arizona to celebrate and enjoy an old-fashioned 4th of July in a small country town. Time will be spent at the coast, munching lobster rolls and dipping little neck clams in drawn butter!

Sun, sea oats, and the Atlantic ocean.

We'll be driving around a lot and I'll have the chance to meet a blog friend whom some of you know...........Janet of Housepeepers who lives in Massachusetts. Janet is funny and friendly and I'm really looking forward to meeting her. Do visit her blog - she's just returned from a Mediterranean cruise and has posted beautiful pictures (and hilarious stories) of Naples, Isle of Capri, Malta and Rome, with lots more to come.

Brocante in Carcasssone, France - October 2008

Last, and by no means least, I'll be antiques hunting along the highways and byways of the charming New England states. I've already found a shop where I just might find some French treasures, can't wait to get there.

I'll post, and visit you............if I have time and WI-FI is available.

Enjoy your 4th of July celebration...................wherever you are.

Purple Flowers

2009-06-29T01:05:00.005-04:00

A walk around the garden yesterday revealed I really love purple flowers, cool blue purple, warm red purple.

Purple with pink, lovely. Purple with yellow, colorful............and purple with lime green, amazing, a showstopper!

My kitchen window box is beginning to look fuller. These plants get a lot of sun and require daily watering and weekly fertilizing now the hot weather is here.

The hostas are blooming. Above their huge clumping shield-shaped leaves, spires of purple flowers resembling bluebells shoot into the air. Hostas are amazing plants, disappearing completely through the Winter then twisting up out of the ground to surprise again in Spring, usually bigger and better than the previous year.

The purple lacecap hydrangea is fully open now. Afternoon heat sends it into a droopy slump, but it perks up during the cooler night hours and looks fresh and rested in the early morning air.

Purple butterfly bush (buddleia) is in full bloom and attracting many bees.

Do you have a favorite flower color in your garden?

Just paint over it............

2009-06-28T01:05:00.000-04:00

Remember the guest room makeover last year? I painted old vintage shutters. All that happened after my first trip to Provence in high Summer. Sunny colors of fabulous Vincent Van Gogh paintings, fields of sunflowers, lavender, purple iris, rich red grapes, cobalt blue sea ~ were my inspiration.

Second time around, last October, the glaring sun had faded the countryside. Autumnal shades surrounded me - russet and ochre of the vineyards after the harvest was over, lavender fields turning to dusty gray under paler washed blue skies. Still stunning ~ I loved it all, even more perhaps.

Dried lavender fields and windmill - nr. Minerve, France. Oct. 2008

Last week I dragged the shutters out into the 'cloud shine', better painting when the sun's not too bright.......or scorching hot!

I lightly sprayed unevenly with cream first, then dry brushed with Valspar's Gravity.
I like this softer look. On entering the room, which is small, you no longer see the shutters first and foremost!

Vintage monogrammed hemp French pillow cover purchased at La Madone in Provence.

Do your decorating projects occur spontaneously? Do you enjoy refinishing, repainting, re-purposing items in your home?
Do you usually buy new furniture, or hunt for gently used, vintage or antique items? Have you ever had a mad moment when, on a trip, you purchased an item which had to be shipped home because those overheads are so minuscule?
How about shipping an entire container load from Europe..............now that's my dream!

Pink Saturday - Cottage Pink

2009-06-27T01:04:00.009-04:00

Many a childhood ramble took me here to the village of Cockington in Devon. Wandering along the lanes from my home up on a hill down into the valley near the sea, passing these pink cottages was always fun. Yes, they were even pink that long ago!!!

Rose Cottage is now a tea room with lovely gardens by a stream.

The former School House is a quaint gift shop.

Bet you would have loved going to a school this pretty!

Nice to be back participating in Pink Saturday. These pics are from my recent visit home to England in April.
Hurry on over to visit Beverly at How Sweet the Sound to see all the fabulous Pink Saturday posts.

"Thieves Market"

2009-06-26T01:03:00.003-04:00

It was quite some time since I'd visited the Thieves Market Mall in town. Surprising how sometimes those old strip shopping center store fronts hide treasures you didn't know existed. One booth in particular caught my eye, so many things in my style.

Although I liked these....................................

........and would like to find a spot in my kitchen for this.....

......................I really fell in love with these! More aged books to add to the ones I purchased in France last Autumn.

When I enquired as to the price - no tags - the cashier thought they were just being used by the booth owner as props. She called her and asked if she'd sell them, she said OK.......a bargain at $3 each. How about those pretty tinted glass drawer pulls. There were dozens in many unusual muted colors and designs.

Above ~ the 'new' old books are the horizontal ones on the right in my dining room dresser.

A few more standing here next to the leather bound French prayer books I found at a French brocante.

Mirepoix, France ~ October 2008

French brocante, North Carolina junk store.....who knows what treasures are tucked away in dusty corners waiting to be discovered. Next week I'm off to New England and I've already located a shop I must visit in New Hampshire. Perhaps I'll find something special to share with you.

Santo Bastidor

2009-06-25T01:01:00.001-04:00

Several years ago I was shown a 'santo bastidor' in a tiny mission church in San Antonio, Texas. The priest was actually British! He had come to serve the Hispanic parish for a short time after training in Spain to become proficient in the language, but stayed on for several years. It was sunset. The sun cast its fading rays on the mission bell creating a beautiful image. He graciously unlocked the tiny church and showed us around, pointing to the walls he had painted and the furniture he had repaired out of love for this poor community that had embraced him. The life sized santo (saint) was stunning. It had been stolen and damaged, but recovered and repaired and was kept locked up for safety. When we left the mission it was pitch dark and I recall the difficulty we had finding our way back to the car.

I have been interested in these statues ever since. Originally from Colonial Spain, they were used in religious celebrations as the Virgin Mary or other Catholic Saints. During community fiestas they were decorated in flowers, jewelry, wigs, and handmade dresses which covered the 'cage' skirt. Remaining authentic santos are hard to find and command high prices. They have the beautiful patina of age, sometimes glass eyes, and often stand on ornate carved bases.

Many santo bastidors are from the Philippines, as was this newer reproduction. The carved wood is smooth with a beautifully painted aged finish, the arms and hands are movable. I felt fortunate to come across this santo locally. She is quite striking and fits into my new way of accessorizing with fewer but larger meaningful pieces.

The wings are a wonderful 'extra'. They are metal with a gilt finish, and detachable. I will use them during the Christmas season along with a jeweled pendant and perhaps crown the santo with a woven wreath of holly and ivy.

The face of this santo is almost mesmerizing in its shape and countenance. The eyes look straight ahead, a secret, bemused smile seems held back. A feeling of calm and peace emanates from the figure.

Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing.

~ Mother Teresa ~

France or bust!!!!!

2009-06-24T08:00:00.001-04:00

When I stayed in what my friend Corey described as "the most beautiful place in Provence" ~ and she was so right ~ I fell in love with everything in Nathalie's amazing house. Her little hallway with the black walls and beautiful accessories, including the bust of a lady, became a decorating project in my home when I returned after staying at La Madone in Provence.

Nathalie's hallway at La Madone, Provence ~ October 2008

I do have the dark walls ~ paint color is Valspar's Graphite ~ a mirror, table and small crystal candelabra, but I'm still hoping to find a lady as lovely as Nathalie's.
All of these above are at Market Imports, however they are too large for my little table so I'm still hunting.

Bolts of Blue

2009-06-23T01:07:00.001-04:00

Have you ever come across one of those 'chintzy' decorative fabric outlets? You walk in, stop in your tracks, sigh, and think good grief where did they dig up these awful prints and unrealistic colors! The first rows of fabrics displayed on horizontal racks seem to be from an era not even vintage, more a time warp, '80's and early '90's when we all seemed obsessed with mauve ribbons winding through teal colored roses.......on our drapes, sofas and beds!

But don't turn and leave. Walk on to the rows in the back. Here you will find the vertical bolts stacked precariously, three, four deep................and above them a wonderful sign displaying the bargain price of some truly gorgeous fabrics. Plain colors, linens, velvets, damasks, canvas, quilted, textures...........with affordable prices whether you need 12 yards to slipcover a sofa, or half a yard for a gorgeous pillow to toss on a chair.

Dining room makeover ~ February 2009
My French decorating projects now seem to revolve around gray-blue or blue-gray. Understandably I followed the handwritten sign stuck on the wall which said BLUE.......every shade of blue imaginable. Before long I was in BLUE HEAVEN!

It was one hundred degrees in the parking lot on Saturday! After stopping at a thankfully air conditioned antiques market mall for a quick hunt through several booths, I saw the sign for this store across the street.

If you sew, you collect fabric. Well you do, don't you? You have a fabric stash. A yard or two of this, a length of that, perhaps even a bolt of your own, propped up against a wall, awaiting inspiration and a sewing machine. No matter how many yards or metres you have squirreled away, for some reason you always find something lovelier and you have to buy at least one yard. A little voice in your head whispers "I'll make a pillow with it if nothing else, it's just too pretty to pass up".

Also, a great selection of trimmings of tassels, braids, gimp, fringe, cording etc. languished on shelves, and the prices were great.

A vintage mannequin awaits a gown in a watery shade of blue. Perhaps the palest blue linen for a hot southern Summer's day. Often, decorative fabrics are perfect for clothing also ~ the linens and cottons come in wide widths and can make attractive inexpensive garments.

Mannequin offered at Market Imports.

Do you have bargain fabric stores near you? If you're a sewer check them out, you may be surprised at what could be hiding in the back!

Heavenly Gates

2009-06-22T16:07:00.002-04:00

Love is the master key which opens the gates of happiness.

~ Oliver Wendell Holmes

Happiness is like those palaces in fairy tales whose gates are guarded by dragons: we must fight in order to conquer it.

~ Alexandre Dumas Pere

Sunsets are so beautiful that they almost seem as if we were looking through the gates of Heaven.

~ John Lubbock

Blue hued gates to where? Doors of mystery. Step through them into a garden green. Swing them open, place your bare feet on the cool tiles of an atrium or courtyard. Press the door bell. Or lift the heavy iron door knocker. Will it open for you? As you wait patiently, run your hand across the carvings. Feel the iron nail heads worn smooth by time and weather. These are entryways with stories to tell.

All images taken at Market Imports, Raleigh, NC ~ June 2009

Imported treasures.........

2009-06-21T01:05:00.003-04:00

More on my visit to Market Imports .....................................

I have a collection of English stone jugs such as these......thanks to sweet Susie at SuzAnna's Antiques. Mine are cracked, crazed and chipped, one even bottomless, such character, and they came home with me for just pennies, some even less! These beauties at the import store are rather expensive.

The leaded mica stars are truly lovely ~ their colors muted but glowing when hit by light. Doesn't everyone love star shapes?

Vintage glass jars with oxidized tin lids are easy to find, usually American Ball brand canning jars....................but look how splendid these French apothecary jars are with their original labels. Rather pricey though.

Several old iron scales reminded me of ones still used at the French outdoor markets I frequented in Provence last Autumn.

Heavy cloches in shapes and sizes for all tastes ~ the bubbled glass with a gentle green tinge. These were on sale so I couldn't resist buying one.

More from this great shopping venue coming soon..................are you looking for a special door? A grand entry could be in your future.

Yearn for an urn?

2009-06-20T01:05:00.006-04:00

A couple of days ago I stopped by a favorite place, Market Imports, located at the city's large State Farmers' Market. Here you will find two acres of imports including antique European furniture, and vintage and reproduction garden and architectural elements for home and garden from around the world including England, France, India, Mexico, Belgium, Indonesia and China.

My first stop was in the vast outdoor area to spend an hour drooling over the many beautiful iron urns and containers for the garden, in colors from deep rust and creamy white, to French gray, verdigris green and even combinations..........

..........such as rusty French gray!

I felt I'd died and gone to heaven when I saw these above ~ look at that delightful embossed swag decoration!

These above and below also had that French garden look ~ I could see them filled with lavender and purple blooming rosemary.

Strolling along the long rows of empty urns on a very hot, sultry afternoon made one wish for green plants to plant, butterflies to fill the air with colored gossamer wings, bumble bees, and trickling water....oh yes, gallons of water!

Rust is a hot color, literally, but with a slim green conifer centered, creamy variegated ivy, hot yellow lantana and purple petunias draping over the sides, wouldn't these urns look stunning?

I enjoy many urns around my home and garden, see here, and would just love to add some of these beauties one day.

I'll take a short break here while pondering how I might need to hire a forklift and large truck to get this urn to my garden..........this is NOT one of those lightweight resin knock offs, this is the real iron thing! If we're ready to risk a heart attack moving one, how about making it a pair for the front entryway. Oops, forgot, I live in a cottage, not a castle!

Will be back soon to show you many more fabulous treasures, iron, wood, glass, tin, some huge, some small, from Market Imports. You will love everything.

Clovelly ~ a unique place

2009-06-18T17:05:00.001-04:00

What other village has no cars and no individually-owned houses? Clovelly, on the North coast of Devon, is owned by one family (one of only three since the Norman Conquest). Here you can discover a timeless village where the steep, cobbled street tumbles down past pretty cottages to the tiny, deep blue harbor.

The street is too steep for motor vehicles, so for centuries donkeys were the main form of transport. I remember riding a donkey here when visiting as a child. Although they are no longer used for heavy loads, Clovelly still has its resident donkeys, and children can enjoy rides in the Summer. All goods are now transported by sleds - from groceries to furniture and building materials.

Visitors such as us, and we were a group of eleven, slowly made our way down the hill...............................

..............viewing galleries, small gift shops, and cottages of note including one where author Charles Kingsley resided while writing 'Westward Ho!'. The village also inspired him to write 'The Water Babies'. He lived in the village as a child and often returned as an adult.

Clovelly was once a bustling fishing port, famed for herring and mackerel. Although fishing has declined, it's still a part of village life......this was a delicious prawn and crab sandwich made as I watched, the seafood caught early that morning!

In past centuries this coastline was rife with smuggling, wrecking and piracy.

Clovelly's impressive quay dates back to the 14th century, as do many of the cottages.

The oldest village cottage, built right on the beach, is 'Crazy Kate's' named after a fisherman's widow.

The large white building on the quay is a hotel. Several cottages along the famous cobbled street do B&B. The street, known as 'Up-along' or 'Down-along', depending in which direction you're headed, was built from pebbles hauled from the beach.

Caring for this amazing village is a costly business, especially as all the buildings are repaired with traditional materials, therefore the admission fees help with the maintenance of the village and play a vital role in keeping Clovelly so special.

A beautiful spot to visit if you get to North Devon. By the way, if you can't make it back up the long, very steep cobbled hillside on foot, there is a Land Rover service which, for a small fee, will drive you up a cliffside road to the top. Can you guess what I did?

Trying to stay cool at SuzAnna's.................

2009-06-17T01:03:00.005-04:00

Stifling hot Saturday afternoon. I showed you the hot looking rusty, but adorable, bits a couple of posts back. Here are some other pretty things I saw at my favorite place, SuzAnna's Antiques last weekend.

Some cool looking garden urns being watched over by a chunky winged cherub........hopefully another lovely fountain will arrive (the other one sold after my friend Vanessa's little Luna took a dip in it last Winter!). We need the sound of soothing, cooling water on these hot, humid Summer treasure hunting days.

Blue and white..........skies, pools, seascapes, t-shirts, but mostly china.........cool, clean, refreshing.

See the stunning Blue Willow turkey platter, it's old and expensive! My Mum had one just like that until, sadly, it was broken. One fewer heirloom to pass down.

Why was I thrilled at the sight of this old tin of talc?

Well talc cools your sticky sunburned skin after a day in the sun. But I love it more for spelling JASMIN the same way as my sweet granddaughter's name........the French spelling. Everyone wants to add an E!

And while we're talking tin....how about this frame made from old tin tile. It looks perfect hanging on a vintage wood wall............if only I had a wall like that.

Are you planning to treasure hunt at the weekend?

Time for an oil change!

2009-06-16T01:01:00.001-04:00

I found these lovely bottles at Ross for $2.50 each. My plan is to make basil olive oil. When local tomatoes arrive, just picked from the vine, bursting with sunshine flavor, juicy and sweet, I want to be ready with scented oil, fresh mozzarella and grilled crostini.

Have you tried making your own flavored oils and vinegars? I have a few recipes but tips from friends will be appreciated. Thanks.