Monday, June 24, 2013

Vacation week, and questions answered

I’m on vacation this week and yes, this is the week we would have been in Maine. I’ve got no set plans other than dealing with a couple of issues on the home front (the Element is being towed to a service station as I write this) and the vines are threatening to take over the house.

Last week, the weather was so incredibly wonderful and I knew when it was happening that it couldn’t last. Unfortunately, I worked all week long and couldn’t really enjoy it. It began to get muggy over the weekend and today it feels like stepping outside into hot soup. I’m exaggerating here (but only a little). On days like this, I want to put on my bathing suit and jump in the pool. And then I remember that I have no pool.

I could do this, I guess: A little water would do us good

 

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I walked around the house this morning and took a couple of shots. I have been terribly uninspired in the photography department lately.

But like the weather, I know it won’t always be this way ~

 

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The light coming into the dining room in the morning (and the late afternoon) is quite heavenly. It’s really a pretty room.

 

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I have a pretty dog, too.

We call him George.

 

 

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All of the images in this post were processed using an action called Seamstress for the Band, by Greater Than Gatsby actions, a free download I found on FB. I like ‘em.

Greater Than Gatsby Photoshop Actions (FB Page)

Answers to a few questions from the previous post:

On another note, what is that delicious cocktail that you made? –Sanibel Gal

The guy at the liquor store told me it was called a Snakebite, after he asked me how I mixed my Yukon Jack, but I believe a snakebite it actually a shot of the cocktail I make. I take a glass, fill with ice, pour on a little Yukon Jack and then top with freshly squeezed red grapefruit juice. I wrote a tribute to the drink {here} a few years ago.

Where is that picture of your husband? It’s not showing up for me. –Misc. readers

I actually didn’t post it and only alluded to the photo. I’m sure it’s here somewhere on a negative in one of my boxes of old prints. I’ll have to bring it home from work next week and scan it for you.

I am coveting the really cool rug at your feet below those funky pink counter tops! –Karen

That’s a Solmate Sock Rug, Karen. Bought it from my friend, Hilary, at Crazy As a Loom. It is so soft and cushy and she has a new color on her website which is perfect for summer. You can purchase here: Solmate Sock Rug

 

 

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My husband used to do so much around this place. He trimmed the bushes every year and kept the vines at bay. My son and I have been trying to do our best to deal with it all. Got stung by a wasp yesterday evening while trying to tackle this vine, though. Thankfully it was only a regular wasp and not something else. (It doesn’t even hurt anymore).

Watched a very interesting documentary from Netflix last week called Searching for Sugar Man. As soon as I finished watching the documentary, I bought the music from Amazon and listen to it all the time now. Cannot believe I had never ever heard of this guy.

 

Here’s to better days ~ and trying to post a little more often. Apologies that.

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Feel free to ask any questions in the comment section and I’ll do my best to answer them. Hope to be posting more often this week.

30 comments:

thotlady said...

Love all your photos, especially the ones of George.

Anonymous said...

I watched that same documentary a couple of weeks ago and really enjoyed it. Strange how no one really heard of him except in Australia.

Love the area rug in these photos!

The weather here is hot soup today as well. ugh.

Gail said...

Wonderful photos.

Enjoy your vacation.

I feel. Know I am an email away.

Anonymous said...

Oops, I meant South Africa, not Australia... my bad.

JC said...

Love your cozy room photos.

George is always a favorite of mine.

I've told my two girls, Maddy Jean and Jodie Belle, all about him. If we lived close, they'd have a grand time playing and herding together.

Hope your week goes well. We've been a bit muggy here too.

XO,
JC

The Weaver of Grass said...

Here's to better days indeed.

Carolynn Anctil said...

You have a lovely home. Early morning sunlight streaming in a window is the Best, isn't it? You're on vacation. No need to rush, no need for schedules, or to-do lists. Put your feet up, read a book, play with your dog, love on your husband and let the ivy grow. These, right here, are the good times.

Blessings, my friend.

Carolynn
A Glowing Ember

P.S. Haven't heard much about the Ninja Squirrels. Did your husband finally find a way to keep them away from the bird feeders?

Country Gal said...

Lovely photos ! Hey no apologies please you have a lot on your plate . I guess school is out over there for summer vacation , it will be by the end of the week here for the kiddos . It has been muggy here to but today no humidity thank goodness the winds are cool and sun is shining ! Thanks for sharing . Have a good day !

Tammy said...

I always enjoy your photos - esp of the old home you live in. That documentary sounds really interesting, I will be watching it for sure. As for the trimming, ugh, you appear to have a large area to try to keep up, don't know how you do it. Glad your son is helping you. Take care and stay cool. Hugs!!

thecatalanway said...

It was nice to wander around your home with you my bloggy friend. I always wonder what George is looking at when he poses like that - something vaguely worrying for a collie?

Sometimes just being at home is for the best - and yours is so beautiful and full of light as well as shadow.

lots of love and I hope you have a good rest. Enjoy each day and let all the vines and weeds just be.

XXX

Sheila said...

You need to get yourself a kiddy pool. Side yard, cool drink and feet in the pool, is there a better way to spend a muggy afternoon :) I can even see George enjoying it. Great pics today.

Low Tide High Style said...

Sounds like you are having a "working" vacation. The weather was so lovely last week, and now it is like hot soup out there. I've seen the previews for that film, but haven't actually watched it yet...such an amazing story. Lovely images, and please give George a hug for us.

And last, but not least, what is your absolute favorite part of the old manor house?

xo Kat

Hilary said...

You know I have to watch that flick......sounds amazing, and love what I can hear of his music.
Thanks for the mention.......sold a chunky rug this morning....bet that's from your post. :)

The JR said...

I hope my Element is not paying attention to this, cause I need it running.

Yes, a very pretty dog.

Dab some clorox on that sting next time, promise you it will help.

Em Parkinson said...

Have a great week Kate. No stressy packing and unpacking to do! Just relax and enjoy being in your lovely home. x

Acorn to Oak said...

I thought your Snakebite recipe was interesting. I've only heard of it and had it with stout and cider...like Guinness and pear cider. So, I looked it up and found out that there a lot of different recipes called Snakebite. I can't imagine what whiskey and grapefruit juice would taste like together. I'll have to give it a try someday.

sharon said...

Sugar Man seems interesting. never heard of him. As always it's good to see George hanging out and being George. hot days are coming...and I'm getting tired.

Mary said...

It's greasy hot here, too.

George is such a rock star. I think you need to do a "Warhol" portrait of him at Big Huge Labs. :)

Your dining room looks so beautiful.. And neat and clean. My house is a disaster area. Seriously. And I'm not cleaning till it cools off a bit... ;)

Stay cool! xoxo

Jill of All Trades said...

We saw a bit on 60 minutes about Sugar Man awhile back and I immediately bought the CD. The documentary won an Oscar for Best Documentary in fact.

Nellie said...

I send along wishes for a good vacation week, Kate!

beth said...

what's your favorite lipstick color/brand ?

ps....more questions, but in a personal note :)
xo

Kerri Farley said...

I just got back from a long weekend away. Hope you have a nice time this week!!

Chesapeake Bay Woman said...

Vacation week is different this year for you; try to do something special, no matter how small, each day.

Believe me, I feel your pain with the vines, etc. It's absolutely and utterly overwhelming, esp. while juggling so much else. Sometimes I feel like all I do is cut grass and try to keep this place above the squalor line. It is a challenge. Thankfully your son is there to help. But still, I know it isn't the same.

Hang in there.

JaneK said...

Cool! You're fielding questions? I have two.
1. What is the secret of life?
2. What is the answer to the ultimate question of life, the universe, and everything?
:-) there's always a smartass in the group, isn't there! But if you can name the referenced song in #1 and book in #2, your cool factor will shoot on out the roof. It's already pretty high in my book.

Thanks for the post, Kate. Love that rug. Santa may just have to bring me one. Give that sweet gorgeous boy some scratches on the ears for me.

Donna S. said...

Just good to hear from you. Glad you are on vacation this week. I know you have a lot of work at home but it will feel good to get some of it done. I think of you and your husband each and every day!

GailO said...

Hope this vacation is relaxing!

Hot and humid here in RI too...how I wish I had a pool too...my daughter is trying to talk me into getting one so they can use it:) I tell her it is her father she has to convince lol~

Never heard of Rodrigues either...what I heard on the trailer sounds fantastic!

Daryl said...

Q: how did i miss this post?

A: I have been very very busy at work and refusing to even sit at my desk when i get home at night

xoxo

Lisa Gordon said...

What a lovely home you have, and George sure looks cozy on that rug!

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...

Well I was away and missed all that! You know I love your Q & A's...glad you had a good week, too :-)

and I knew it was a Hilary Rug.. I have a jeans rug and some towels by her talented hands, and a few dollhouse rugs to boot!...Your rug makes me think I need one more.

Jan's camera said...

Hi, I have seen that documentary also on TV. It was so very interesting.