Sewing on the sun porch.

The nights are still too cold to put out annuals, or fill in the window boxes here at the Lakehouse.

It's warm enough to spend time in the sun room though.

I decided to move the sewing machine out there since I'm in that room so much.

I'm getting low on lavender sachets.

My daughter, Melissa, and I are going to a huge antique show this weekend.

I will be looking for vintage lace, and fabrics.

When I give the sachets away, I like to wrap them in brown paper, and tie them with bakers string.

I've never had a place to keep everything all together.

Since I ordered a larger French glass drying rack this morning, I am using this smaller one to keep my supplies together....all in one place.

It works really well for the string, and rolls of lace.

The opening at the bottom holds a pitcher of pens, and markers, and other crafting supplies.

I set a small plate on top, and filled little baskets with more lace.

There is also a roll of burlap ribbon on one of the pegs.

There are other sewing supplies in baskets, and buckets in the room. 
You can see more of the sun porch in my previous post.
If we decide to have a meal out on the porch, I can put the sewing machine in the bottom of the hutch.
Since things are set up, and ready....I think I might just put together some lavender sachets this evening.
Have a nice night!
Debbie
xoxoxoxoxo

Time to open the sun room!

Time to open the sun room!

That meant spending the morning cleaning, then moving furniture in and out of the room.

Out came the shells, and Summer signs.

I brought out the birdhouses, and other seasonal pieces for the hutch.

The table is ready for meals out on the porch.

The iron crib I bought fits perfect out on the porch for grandkids to sit on, and Summer time naps.

My favorite place to spend the Summer months...relaxing, reading, praying, visiting, watching the rain, watching the boats go by in the evenings, and listening to the frogs sing into the night.

Have a fun weekend!
Debbie
xoxoxoxoxoxo

A few favorite things.

What is it about domes, cloches, and cages that intrigue me so?

I remember my grandmother's anniversary clock that my dad brought back from Germany when he was in the Army.

I used to feel mesmerized by the silver weighted balls that danced around under the pretty clock that was encased inside the dome.

It seemed almost magical.

Kerosene lanterns were favorites of mine, even as a child.

We used them during storms when the electricity was out.

I loved the flame inside the glass.

At times I felt almost as if I were in a trance as I watched the flames flicker inside the globe.

I collect birdcages.  All kinds.

I fill them with nests, faux birds, baby tears, tea lights, shells, and dried flowers.

We always had canaries, and parakeets while growing up. Then we raised finches when my own girls were little. Maybe the cages are just an extension of those memories.

Cloches are another favorite for filling with keepsakes.

There are so many different kinds to choose from!

I have many that I love.

I change out this glass box many times during the year.

I like the mirrored bottom....adds to the depth of the box.

Sometimes I stuff it full of treasures.

Right now it holds a simple clay heart, and just a few pieces of sea glass.

Bell jars are a necessity.

They are a great topper for tender plants, inside, or out.

I would LOVE to find some tall ones....sigh.

These are just a few of the cloches, cages, and domes that are here at the Lakehouse.  
There are more....but they will be shared another time.
I just felt like sharing some of my "favorite things" with you today.
Have a happy evening.
Debbie
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Dance Recital weekend.

I spent the weekend down state with my daughter Erin, and her family.

Zoey and Sadie had their dance recital Sunday afternoon.

These two little girls bring tears to my eyes, and a smile to my heart.

This is Zoey.

She is in the third grade.

Zoey is in a tumbling class.

They did a routine to Ninja Turtles.

Sadie is four years old.

Her class danced to Ghost Busters.

The girls did a wonderful job!

It's always a fun day to watch them perform.

We went to Red Robin to celebrate, and my son in law, Tony, bought lunch.
It all went by too quickly.
It's exciting to see the girls grow, and learn....yet I wish they could stay this age for more than just a year.  They are so loving, and fun to be around. I hate having to leave them to make the drive back north.
Thankfully I have these wonderful images to save these times to memory.
Have a good week everyone!
xoxoxoxoxo

Cold nights here!

Here in the Upper Midwest, we are used to waiting for seasonal changes.

The daytime temperatures are on the rise, but the nights are still dipping below the freezing mark.

I don't have any flowers blooming here at the Lakehouse.

The local greenhouses aren't open until the end of the month.

Even though the geese are starting to couple up, this goose seems to still be searching for a mate.

Hopefully he will find one soon, because he's NOT in a very good mood!

I was looking around the gardens for some Grape Hyacinths, and this grumpy goose let me know he was in no mood for me to be getting any closer than 20 feet to him!

I went back to the porch, and finished cleaning it up, and getting it ready for the pots of perennials that grace the potting bench, and window boxes for the Spring, and Summer months.

So now we are waiting for the night time temps to catch up to the day time warmth.

The birds are still singing for mates.

The geese still honking for partners.

The frogs chirping for someone to get together with.

And the ducks quacking for other ducks.

It's a ZOO out there!!

Even Woody sits at the sun porch screen window in wait....not for a mate....he doesn't have the "parts". 
No, he's watching the Robins hopping around on the grass just a few feet from his face.
It's like the confessional booth at church. He can talk to the bird, but he can't touch it.
Woody can plead all he wants, but the bird just does whatever he is supposed to be doing.
  Head hanging low. Almost feeling ashamed, or a failure....Woody ends up slowly turning away from the sliding screen. Walking off to meditate, alone with his thoughts... 
Seems like we are all waiting for something here at the Lakehouse.
Have a happy weekend!
Debbie
xoxoxoxoxo

Springtime temps at last!!!

The long wait for warm Springtime temps is over for us here at the Lakehouse.

What a glorious weekend we've had!

Sunshine, and warm breezes blew in the weather we've been waiting for.

People have been outside all weekend.

Working in their yards, walking, and riding their bikes.

My friend, Jen, and I took an enjoyable ride this afternoon.

It won't be long, and the canals will be busy with boaters again.

We will be packing up, and heading out to the big lake for long afternoons of fun, and relaxation.

In the evenings, the canals will be full of boats lazily riding up, and down....soaking up the last hours of sunlight.

Enjoying every moment of Spring, and Summer with family and friends.

The Crappie are in the canals.

That means the fishermen are out in full force!

It's a joyful time of year here at the lake.

The frogs are waking from their Winter slumber.

They will be singing in the evening, and into the night.

As we are lulled to sleep by the gentle sounds of the frogs....we are assured of the sweet melodies of the Morning Doves as we greet each new day.....welcome Spring.
xoxoxoxoxo

Just waiting for the warmth of Spring.

The ice has finally thawed off the canals, and the grass is just starting to green up here at the Lakehouse.  While waiting for the flowers to poke their heads through the dirt on the outside. I decided it was time to bring out the faux flowers on the inside of the house.
One of the first things to make an appearance was the fairy garden. I love the wired dragon flies. Their wings open and close, just like they are drying their wings while sitting on a water lily out on the water in the sun.

There are three dragon flies in the fairy garden.

Watching for intruders.

I added a few more tiny shells, and some sea glass this year.

More lavender was added, as well.

This nice sheet of birch was found in a shop last year.

I thought the fairies could use it to build something this summer.

We'll see what they come up with.

.......and look who I spotted hanging out on the sun porch this afternoon.

Do you suppose she's waiting for some sunshine, and warmer weather?

Her sister was also sitting nearby.

I think they are as anxious for the warmth of Spring to arrive as I am!!

It shouldn't be much longer.

xoxoxoxoxo

He is Risen!!

Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear Witness unto the Truth. Every one that is of the Truth heareth My voice. John 18:37.

But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre.  And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.

And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou?  She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him.

And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus.

Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou?  She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away.

Jesus saith unto her, Mary.

She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni: which is to say, Master.

Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not: For I am not yet ascended to my Father: But go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father, and my God, and your God. 

John 20:11-17.

He is risen!
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo