After the Rain.

It truly amazes me how quickly the gardens here go from green, to full of blooms in just a matter of a few days of rain, then some sunshine and warm temperatures.

I haven't been able to get all of  the weeding finished in all of the gardens yet, because of the rain!

The Columbines are gorgeous this year!

There are more around the playhouse.

They are such a delicate little flower, and I love the soft colors.

These are always the first of the Iris to bloom.

Their nutmeg scent fills the air

The larger, bi-color varieties will be opening soon.

These larger Iris are the next to open.

The Catmint around the mailbox attracts bees. That's okay, because it keeps them away while I'm weeding the rest of the garden.

I took these photos after it rained today.

I couldn't believe how many flowers opened after all the soaking rain we've had!

We moved the Honeysuckle last year, and I was worried it wouldn't establish in it's new location....but here it is....and it's starting to bloom!!!

I'm so happy, and I'm sure the Hummingbirds will be too!

This yellow Iris just opened this afternoon.

It seems like I just did a post about waiting for the flowers to bloom here at the lakehouse. and suddenly it's all coming along so quickly!

Honestly, I didn't realize all the Iris had bloomed on the side of the house until just today.

If I don't pay attention, I'm going to miss the things I've been waiting to see, and experience in life.

I get so wrapped up in trying to accomplish so many things, I miss a lot of the most important things that really matter. Does that make any sense?

Wouldn't it be nice to sit, and watch a flower open?
Debbie
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
If you would like to visit Seashells and Lavender...click on the photo under the title Seashells and Lavender on my sidebar...it will take you directly to my other blog. xo

Gardening...a labor of love.

Gardening is a labor of love.

It's a lot of work, yet at the end of the day you feel such a sense of accomplishment.

Although, it's a job that is never ending....for me.

Living as far north as we do, our growing season is about three weeks behind the rest of the lower peninsula of Michigan.

The plants in the garden just started to fill in from a few days of rain.

No blooms yet. 

We are just finishing up our Spring flowers up here.

You can see some lilacs on the huge bush in the background.

I'm still cleaning up the cottage garden.

The bricks will meander through the garden once I finish .

This lantern will be replaced with a solar lantern.

We have one on the porch, and I just love it!!

A porcelain berry bush grows up the lattice behind the wicker settee.

I use calendula, and nasturtiums in salads. 

They are great to have for summer, and add color to your garden and salads!!

Waiting for the flowers to bloom.

I am planning on hosting a tea(punch)for my granddaughters in the garden this summer when they come up to stay on their vacation.

I'm sure it will be a grand affair.

It's time to get back outside.
I can hear the weeds growing as I sit here!!
Enjoy your afternoon.
Debbie
xoxoxoxoxoxoxo
If you would like to visit Seashells and Lavender...just click on the photo under the heading Seashells and Lavender on my sidebar. It will take you directly to my other blog. Thank you! xo

Ever changing weather.

Since the weather over the weekend was sunny and warm, working outside was on the list of things to do.

The window boxes finally got filled, and this fairy garden was put together.

I thought the fairies would enjoy a vase of fresh flowers for their table.

Some grape hyacinths, lily of the valley, violets, and pansies looked nice together.

Then I woke this morning to a dip in temps.

Yesterday it was 80 degrees....this afternoon it's only 40 degrees!

I loaded up the laundry basket with a load of whites, and walked out to the clothes line......wearing capri's and flip flops was not the proper attire for hanging laundry today!!!!

The hoodie I was wearing was not enough to keep the cold winds from piercing my body with the icy chill.

After I hung the whites on the line, I came inside and decided to work on some flowers inside the house.

The top of the entertainment center needed a little something for the warmer seasons.....so here is what I came up with.

This is my favorite basket with eggs, vines, and berries.

I favor a little wild/natural look in a larger arrangement.

I think I've shared that about my outside gardens, as well.

I'm hoping it warms up for the weekend, and the weather will be better for working outside again.
Have a grand afternoon, whatever the weather is!
Debbie
xoxoxoxoxo
If you'd like to visit Seashells and Lavender just click on the photo on my sidebar under the heading Seashells and Lavender, and it will take you directly to my other blog. xo

A great day for gardening.

What a great day!

The clouds finally broke up, the sun came out, and the air temperature rose enough to allow me to get outside and get some work done.

I have to take a trip to the greenhouse tomorrow for another flat of flowers to fill the last two window boxes.

The weeding will never be completely done...but at least I got a lot of it worked on today.

The gardens here are so informal.

Everything grows where it wants...instead of where it should.

That's the fun of cottage gardening for me.

There's always a surprise popping up around a corner.

The inside of my house is the same....very informal.

Not much planning.

Pieces just sit where they fit sometimes.....well....not really, but close.

I'm sure it must look that way to some people.
That's what's fun about living in an old cottage.....you can decorate "outside of the box".
I'm sure there are a few items that the Mister wishes really were OUTSIDE!!  Old window sashes, and doors, etc.
I'm hoping for another good day tomorrow. Lots more gardening to do.
Have a wonderful Sunday!
Debbie
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
If you would like to visit my other blog: Seashells and Lavender, click on the photo on my sidebar under the heading Seashells and Lavender. It will take you directly there. xo

Adding another blog.

I have decided to re-open my other blog....Seashells and Lavender.

It won't take the place of Lakehouse.

It will be separate.

My heart has been heavy with the need to return to my first love, Jesus, for a very long while.

I used to share my love for Christ, freely....His Word, by teaching Bible studies, and being a faithful prayer warrior.

I have become very lax in all areas of my spiritual walk.

I've decided to step out boldly and witness via Seashells and Lavender.

I will share verses, inspirational pieces, experiences(not just my own), and offer prayer.

If you are interested in joining me on this journey, please visit seashellsandlavender.blogspot.com

Someone that has inspired me greatly is Roxy, from Living from Glory to Glory.

She shares wonderful posts on Godly living, and is a dear Sister In Christ.

I am blessed to have her in my life!

Lakehouse will continue to be a place where I share thoughts, and feelings, decor, silliness, and life as it happens.
I appreciate every visitor, and every comment you leave for me to read here at Lakehouse.
Have a wonderful evening.
I will be answering the comments on my last post as this evening progresses.
Smooches.
Debbie
xoxoxoxoxoxo

Playing with my camera.

It's a cold, windy, rainy Tuesday morning here at the Lakehouse.

I wanted to be outside working on the window boxes....but instead, I'm inside playing with my camera.

There are so many different settings, and a lens that I am learning to use.

I started shooting a few photos to see what I could come up with.

WARNING: amateur images ahead.

I got the matting on the corners all wrong when I was finishing these.

I like this one, but the rose didn't turn out as clear as I wanted.

My husband liked this one, but I should have cropped the angel wings on the right.

Anyway....I had other photos, but these were the only ones I dared to share.

Maybe I'll put on some rain gear, and tackle some window boxes.

Have a nice afternoon!
Debbie
xoxoxoxoxo

Post Mother's Day Weekend.

Good Monday morning.

Mother's Day weekend was a whirlwind of activities for this mom/grandmother.

It was fun, and exhausting!

Soccer tournaments, and the state gymnastics meet.

I took today off from work because I knew after all of the activities from the weekend I was going to be wiped out! Plus the almost three hour drive north takes it's toll on this old woman.

I was treated to dinner on Friday, and received some sweet fairy lanterns from Erin, Tony and their girls for Mother's Day.

Sunday was a terrific dinner with Kelly and Dan, and Melissa and Kevin, and their gang of children.

Dan's family was also there.

Kayla and Anson (Kelly and Dan's youngest two) were dedicated at church that morning. So we were all present for the event. Then went to their house after for a celebration.

Kelly and Melissa's family's gave me a Pandora bracelet for Mother's Day.

Melissa found a butter dish that matches a pitcher I have, also.

When I returned home, hubby had a Pandora charm to go with my new bracelet, from the girls, all wrapped with a bow.
So, even though the weekend was extremely busy, I had a wonderful time with everyone. Being with family is what it's all about.
I trust your day was enjoyable.
Debbie
xoxoxoxoxoxoxo

New bench and some shutters.

Yeeeeeehaaa...........hello bench!

I passed this up the first time I saw it, and could have kicked myself with spurs on!

It was offered a second time, and you're darn tootin' I scooped it right up!!!

I know it will be a challenge keeping Mr. Fuzzbutt off the bench. He's shedding, and leaving hairballs the size of tumble weeds all over the house!  I'll do my best.

I love the way the bench is chipped, and distressed....perfectly shabby and chic.

Today I worked on these shutters that my daughter, Melissa, gave me over the weekend.

Gave them a good washing, and sanded them.

The pellet stove that we use all winter is behind the shutters for the warmer months.

That corner is so dark.

I hate how the stove looks....ugh.

It's cozy for the winter when it's burning with a nice fire......but it's NOT nice in the summer!!

For now.....I don't have to see it....and I like that.

It's a temporary thing, so I can deal with it.

AND...it doesn't look too awful.

Have a nice evening.
Debbie
xoxoxoxoxo

First Antique Show of the Season.

My youngest daughter, Melissa, and I went to the first big Antique show of the year for us.

The weather was just gorgeous!

We didn't spend a lot of money, because we knew exactly what we wanted.

I found oodles of lace, and doilies for my home, and to use for lavender sachets.

This pretty vintage drawer was a bonus.

Melissa was looking for pieces for her chicken coop she is putting together with her husband Kevin.

They are decorating the inside with vintage pieces, and even photos!!!

It's going to be so cute!

Melissa is very creative.

These pieces will work perfect for some lavender sachets.

I can use them as squares, and will embellish them with other pieces of lace, and trims.

I LOVE using doilies in my home.

Layering them makes me a happy person.

I rarely pass up cloth napkins.

We use them all the time here at the Lakehouse.

This cut work piece really caught my eye. Love, love, love it!!!

This one is very detailed.

After the show, we shopped a couple of stores in Howell.

I bought a few pieces to start a little fairy garden on one of the shelves in the sun room.There is a little birthday cake under the bell jar on the garden bench.

I will let my wee granddaughters find the tiny shells from the fairies.

Each day they are here, I'll put a different type of tiny shell on the beach rocks for them to find.

I've collected MANY shells from Captiva, and Sanibel Islands. Every year I scatter them over our beach area for the grands to find. They LOVE it!!! I have jars full of large shells, down to these teeny tine ones. If you have a beach....you HAVE to have shells!!
I hope your weekend was enjoyable. Mine was a blast!
Have a GREAT week!!
Debbie
xo