you scare me, but i like you

<span style="background-color: white;">I started working on ideas for my living room a few weeks </span><span style="background-color: white;">ago</span><span style="background-color: white;"> and I'm having some good times with these fabric and paint ideas. (I'll share my board soon) I've realized though, that I have a color phobia. I'm usually down with all colors, and don't have any particular fear of using any of them...except for one.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white;">Orange.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white;">I've tried to use it a few times - in paint, fabric, accessories - and I almost always chicken out. Its sad. I'm thinking I might need therapy. </span><span style="background-color: white;"><br />This is my sole dip into the orange pool. Chicken.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdk8HCl1OEKMWE1yTY6h57yaF2wDD5CZaGvR6tEYzixG_kBmqLSCZSuwwRB22hbS1PNtQRALRpw7_4pB2jb-Mec9eM18RiOElDjuZVw_s-w4I3T7N3td1RjJJ8DP7nc48worYt2Osh65Vv/s1600/P3145191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdk8HCl1OEKMWE1yTY6h57yaF2wDD5CZaGvR6tEYzixG_kBmqLSCZSuwwRB22hbS1PNtQRALRpw7_4pB2jb-Mec9eM18RiOElDjuZVw_s-w4I3T7N3td1RjJJ8DP7nc48worYt2Osh65Vv/s640/P3145191.JPG" width="424" /></a></div><br /><span style="background-color: white;">I really like orange. And I find that I <a href="http://pinterest.com/ladybaum/" target="_blank">pin it</a> a ton.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP8DQxPCDl34HnOYp2MZw_8jb-LHf67r8NRJL0qTXaeZJgOUVj7AQ5zA2xqo7IjdVd18KpRiyEszBGl6-1lZr8Hw7i7ADO4M-OzN8oCgtoMNt3Mb6-zkbf6zP4IscI71DchAock2m99wOg/s1600/TobiFairley.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP8DQxPCDl34HnOYp2MZw_8jb-LHf67r8NRJL0qTXaeZJgOUVj7AQ5zA2xqo7IjdVd18KpRiyEszBGl6-1lZr8Hw7i7ADO4M-OzN8oCgtoMNt3Mb6-zkbf6zP4IscI71DchAock2m99wOg/s640/TobiFairley.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://tobifairley.com/portfolio/glenwood/" target="_blank">Tobi Fairley</a></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSmbhViTSwTy11e4W5plto2IokI39cjUfIxDtKzG1F2nDxu-37WFI6n94I-q1JJgg5BTvbOp77C4DHkaoPjisUieRNcoD9G3-SdmYKXRVfkbvLLsEhx2W_iEwD4YzmWo4ubG44uhTbnvef/s1600/Style+at+Home+design+editor+Jessica+Waks.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSmbhViTSwTy11e4W5plto2IokI39cjUfIxDtKzG1F2nDxu-37WFI6n94I-q1JJgg5BTvbOp77C4DHkaoPjisUieRNcoD9G3-SdmYKXRVfkbvLLsEhx2W_iEwD4YzmWo4ubG44uhTbnvef/s640/Style+at+Home+design+editor+Jessica+Waks.jpeg" width="544" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.styleathome.com/homes/interiors/interior-girly-glam-bachelorette-pad/a/42127" target="_blank">Style at Home</a></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyzHAL7LsIEWj3k1oSDQtu0MnbEs4rpt8hqlQaM1QxRdpUeaSOogZU7ytE5BMHkRaB4ktW9jaZVEhGGlQitSbUbFmg2ZXyDBDXjBkcG-fQXefqHudftitNcbLSdUoDgddlMc7qCiSju8Uz/s1600/amyweaver.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyzHAL7LsIEWj3k1oSDQtu0MnbEs4rpt8hqlQaM1QxRdpUeaSOogZU7ytE5BMHkRaB4ktW9jaZVEhGGlQitSbUbFmg2ZXyDBDXjBkcG-fQXefqHudftitNcbLSdUoDgddlMc7qCiSju8Uz/s640/amyweaver.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amyweaverdesign.com/portfolio_2.html" target="_blank">Amy Weaver</a></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXWQwWqMgktwWvMcVKkQ9BN8xfBpeJ7aNPNLaI9cKyw9ITliHMfQ-PcaoQwV_8EXNz-3FHMnJ2AFehc8XRYCMmwEnAWUgnN8JMB3VRnrUS8tZ1ej2XxlxYHGCwgT0NFK_PhUhPmURCfEGJ/s1600/TobiFairley2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXWQwWqMgktwWvMcVKkQ9BN8xfBpeJ7aNPNLaI9cKyw9ITliHMfQ-PcaoQwV_8EXNz-3FHMnJ2AFehc8XRYCMmwEnAWUgnN8JMB3VRnrUS8tZ1ej2XxlxYHGCwgT0NFK_PhUhPmURCfEGJ/s640/TobiFairley2.jpeg" width="472" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://tobifairley.com/portfolio/energy-house/" target="_blank">Tobi Fairley</a></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCC0ygZ4WjzVGf3YhUZrLYrjbFBVaGvVnM17ACuzTA_uKFOB1UZiv7uZf7Uj5BT8GyDPlYuKyGnyVz4sZYiD-0hrllG-SDFnOYDTogE-KMT10zPn9VIkDSR5Xi65G73MgMn5_PPHiGRF-3/s1600/MarthaStewart.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCC0ygZ4WjzVGf3YhUZrLYrjbFBVaGvVnM17ACuzTA_uKFOB1UZiv7uZf7Uj5BT8GyDPlYuKyGnyVz4sZYiD-0hrllG-SDFnOYDTogE-KMT10zPn9VIkDSR5Xi65G73MgMn5_PPHiGRF-3/s640/MarthaStewart.jpeg" width="496" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/" target="_blank">Martha Stewart</a></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk7eJBHNCVRezbDsn0XRwI89WGLtBm0zsXosuTHo7z-Tb7VsalyYDTevXxLmSB_KczznI3cJNGNFh4HwMji15sSrBTdq0zZqsUVsdevVwUMDOVBGkbt1XHUcOc3JBdy4y5ImJ6E7Exr2T5/s1600/Style+at+Home+design+editor+Jessica+Waks-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk7eJBHNCVRezbDsn0XRwI89WGLtBm0zsXosuTHo7z-Tb7VsalyYDTevXxLmSB_KczznI3cJNGNFh4HwMji15sSrBTdq0zZqsUVsdevVwUMDOVBGkbt1XHUcOc3JBdy4y5ImJ6E7Exr2T5/s640/Style+at+Home+design+editor+Jessica+Waks-1.jpeg" width="504" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.styleathome.com/homes/interiors/interior-girly-glam-bachelorette-pad/a/42127" target="_blank">Style at Home</a></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsZFYeZqpxvaeENM062eq_7HfKusb_lAFtKR-tzAiehyApuQv2EXO-NjnRJQsK3SBN9cfX245-Y5mZZTINRyp0kWziHSILnvTfKH4huB75wQ50aIfddaLtTseY7kuvQ5AljKP0MWHrOclL/s1600/Color+pop.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsZFYeZqpxvaeENM062eq_7HfKusb_lAFtKR-tzAiehyApuQv2EXO-NjnRJQsK3SBN9cfX245-Y5mZZTINRyp0kWziHSILnvTfKH4huB75wQ50aIfddaLtTseY7kuvQ5AljKP0MWHrOclL/s640/Color+pop.jpeg" width="514" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://amiecorley.com/" target="_blank">Amie Corley</a></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPeuub3nAu5ob_zZ0bR44VRkqNsZ8qkuAqLGrVin9gJCjwtGyXf2b0_63t_aIjmzNQ7NnrBt5RICym1pn9SAgJnjtHRsJK5ePdLI7dQ6iaSeH3zCvcKQ501-D94YDsBDRKNa958I-6Miii/s1600/mr-banks-beforeafter-guest-bedrooms.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPeuub3nAu5ob_zZ0bR44VRkqNsZ8qkuAqLGrVin9gJCjwtGyXf2b0_63t_aIjmzNQ7NnrBt5RICym1pn9SAgJnjtHRsJK5ePdLI7dQ6iaSeH3zCvcKQ501-D94YDsBDRKNa958I-6Miii/s640/mr-banks-beforeafter-guest-bedrooms.jpeg" width="424" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.peppermintbliss.com/2012/06/mr-banks-beforeafter-guest-bedrooms/" target="_blank">Peppermint Bliss</a></td></tr></tbody></table>Is there a color you are scared to use but always seem drawn to?<br /><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;">Also, before I go, a big THANK YOU to <a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/before-after-restoring-a-dilapidated-deck-the-little-black-door-173326" target="_blank">Apartment Therapy for featuring our deck</a> redo this week. Can I get a WAHOO?! (And thanks to <a href="http://mybestfriendcraig.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Charmaine</a> for sending the link to me)</span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>

you scare me, but i like you

I started working on ideas for my living room a few weeks  ago  and I'm having some good times with these fabric and paint ideas. (I...

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need vs want; summer edition

This week my oldest has camp, so my 1-year-old and I have been enjoying some alone time together. And since she isn't old enough to say she otherwise, I've decided dragging her to store after store was the way to go. She is one fab shopper and just a general 'go with the flow' awesome baby, so she appeases me. As long as we stop to pet the occasional ceramic dog, we are good.<br /><br />It has been a while since I've <a href="http://thelittleblackdoor.blogspot.com/2011/12/need-vs-want.html" target="_blank">checked in at my favorite antique mall</a> (don't let the word 'mall' fool you, its good loot) so of course it was on my list of places to visit. And as always, there were a million and one things I wanted.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP10PjL4aSBWVp3e0Bkjn_ZgklepADaveE63kne1Xb1iKVW8dS_KdrRiWqXOts_xpbKMS6aCP_pNzXLISnVTMNgxTKvXY3BEIx02stab8oJA_yKgpEB-89uRaTS7EnC9KhDGYGz1vfafB3/s1600/Stool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP10PjL4aSBWVp3e0Bkjn_ZgklepADaveE63kne1Xb1iKVW8dS_KdrRiWqXOts_xpbKMS6aCP_pNzXLISnVTMNgxTKvXY3BEIx02stab8oJA_yKgpEB-89uRaTS7EnC9KhDGYGz1vfafB3/s640/Stool.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There are four of these chairs although he would let you buy them individually. Die.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFGlDgkvodLxk959KFU8FsrJqQP2KLMbpwuij3DMJVNigHGp53zDSZZKUI7HrgzUMGUHoLD2b1lEmSR992QtI57jFf_jjzMGPSn8xDMOa-XbxzMr1uff2D3KHFP8HWJlcXIIsXL0f-H6uL/s1600/chairbeauty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFGlDgkvodLxk959KFU8FsrJqQP2KLMbpwuij3DMJVNigHGp53zDSZZKUI7HrgzUMGUHoLD2b1lEmSR992QtI57jFf_jjzMGPSn8xDMOa-XbxzMr1uff2D3KHFP8HWJlcXIIsXL0f-H6uL/s640/chairbeauty.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One saucy ice bucket. This would turn my cocktail hour into something a bit more respectable.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2G6F7gQn6nZ_3LxJ3xLUtYoDQqISqOhInlZsFMB5bNm2c8PhgILUFx_FaSY1pDWWeyjR5QECvgZY73wpCLt5LelDIyxXPkRApCX6ZttJXDzICsmyAOVsGvjvAwltztgB_RQOPiBtLxBhP/s1600/icebucket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2G6F7gQn6nZ_3LxJ3xLUtYoDQqISqOhInlZsFMB5bNm2c8PhgILUFx_FaSY1pDWWeyjR5QECvgZY73wpCLt5LelDIyxXPkRApCX6ZttJXDzICsmyAOVsGvjvAwltztgB_RQOPiBtLxBhP/s640/icebucket.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Sorry, this seat is saved...for someone with a clean house. Considering most surfaces in my house have sticky finger prints and dog hair on them, I don't think the dealer would allow these to go home with me.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3i3sSYOH_nsjDdZfrNxABLkwUQttFoELtnwUlx4tMvnAAyai-kbRFN0hciZLNa0TXOmqMhbyW-T4ZpDoHP9yULdX7NxrzCmWk9L8p3RuPAlnWbzGwVxEBFZIJzHAz0BbAtXHpKCChjyCI/s1600/stool2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3i3sSYOH_nsjDdZfrNxABLkwUQttFoELtnwUlx4tMvnAAyai-kbRFN0hciZLNa0TXOmqMhbyW-T4ZpDoHP9yULdX7NxrzCmWk9L8p3RuPAlnWbzGwVxEBFZIJzHAz0BbAtXHpKCChjyCI/s640/stool2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hello luva!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirVbuUJeIHj61IbqheEk3xyX85Indp1SFQK3u6yGXg9At4-pfm8-LVIqnx0wS7hP5lbaWn3NbZraR45IFh2Zon9Y6QpA8NgP8wVs4Y-fIdWcXdCp0mSiRKbtHrWuktzfkqUO7UEgk015XO/s1600/lantern.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirVbuUJeIHj61IbqheEk3xyX85Indp1SFQK3u6yGXg9At4-pfm8-LVIqnx0wS7hP5lbaWn3NbZraR45IFh2Zon9Y6QpA8NgP8wVs4Y-fIdWcXdCp0mSiRKbtHrWuktzfkqUO7UEgk015XO/s640/lantern.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />It was obviously a chinoiserie kinda day at the mall.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcUADvFKbZc9zUDJ0XWt7ZitVnkrjdJbgEtUE4H80By4Q7P05O8DcKAu0o__28mjE6w1kTGjn-GLOIQcM71td4ZPouYVwqhxGgz1HG8rGr-0VyMGqhFEE9Ln7oXtEdkdAyhi-AccK8yUM9/s1600/table.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcUADvFKbZc9zUDJ0XWt7ZitVnkrjdJbgEtUE4H80By4Q7P05O8DcKAu0o__28mjE6w1kTGjn-GLOIQcM71td4ZPouYVwqhxGgz1HG8rGr-0VyMGqhFEE9Ln7oXtEdkdAyhi-AccK8yUM9/s640/table.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And lucite.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrWABZpbJx7rTnIFDmC8g_VKn6pVrbX4UJoutvD5xefTyTwGqtz7cbMANkLtB7ua5_EYgy2SbgV9QTjNT345kNeyTw_NhchLBm6NtvzbnMzzphZAoSiF1MqtA_xrDVO6vVUtG8z9cy0RG7/s1600/chandy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrWABZpbJx7rTnIFDmC8g_VKn6pVrbX4UJoutvD5xefTyTwGqtz7cbMANkLtB7ua5_EYgy2SbgV9QTjNT345kNeyTw_NhchLBm6NtvzbnMzzphZAoSiF1MqtA_xrDVO6vVUtG8z9cy0RG7/s640/chandy.jpg" width="474" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And this one is neither chinoiserie nor lucite, but made me smile.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_vLrRJ8vFULpyItB05sJhODdZaB-HfpuEQ1-qAt4-FxV5D3peOgue9VSNrHC8sWojg_XWOT330ZyHuP7MGUt1Y8zEDYK1b-EEnlgV_vzcr1NLE6351sBbApMsCGhz9PPzbMxbs7tLL3Wh/s1600/owl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_vLrRJ8vFULpyItB05sJhODdZaB-HfpuEQ1-qAt4-FxV5D3peOgue9VSNrHC8sWojg_XWOT330ZyHuP7MGUt1Y8zEDYK1b-EEnlgV_vzcr1NLE6351sBbApMsCGhz9PPzbMxbs7tLL3Wh/s640/owl.jpg" width="474" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It is the Mary Katherine Gallagher of owls.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ17CbavxhIDKijoQYqwPuRbVVGnaF7781h07808ld8FibaGK7P6DHf8R78FxNIqAcCKdqz4s7uQaB5pSeYhj-9BEmPqXh7zaaGApD1V8_aS2e9d5qAUVMMwihJWpROZeNLqypmd4wd_q9/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ17CbavxhIDKijoQYqwPuRbVVGnaF7781h07808ld8FibaGK7P6DHf8R78FxNIqAcCKdqz4s7uQaB5pSeYhj-9BEmPqXh7zaaGApD1V8_aS2e9d5qAUVMMwihJWpROZeNLqypmd4wd_q9/s640/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" width="640" /></a>Another great day at the ol' mall. And the cherry on top was the old <span style="background-color: white;">lady who went on and on about all the things should would buy if she didn't have "so much junk in my trunk." Don't we all lady. </span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white;">Do you have a favorite spot you like to go to for inspiration? A place to waste time? A place to laugh at other people while eavesdropping on their conversations? Me neither. I would never do such a thing!</span></div>

need vs want; summer edition

This week my oldest has camp, so my 1-year-old and I have been enjoying some alone time together. And since she isn't old enough to say ...

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guest posting at the aestate

What better way to start off the week than with <a href="http://www.theaestate.com/2012/06/guest-post-elizabeth-from-little-black.html" target="_blank">a guest post</a>! Head over to <a href="http://www.theaestate.com/2012/06/guest-post-elizabeth-from-little-black.html" target="_blank">The Aestate</a> and check me out. I'm talking about my favorite color. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you may even get hungry. (If talking about colors makes you hungry)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc00q62lycS0TbQ-4abgn0OzabyB4PmX0xuIo_z7IBHKb1IKgUB4i6NKwy39B2T2yflMuPjXcR44rDhPKTm5-4AgUl4caVZ8yIiEt8JzVf3uxr2rOSURkGmjJnIe3LdX32ENZ4qtlQZI3X/s1600/header-1000px-the-aestate.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc00q62lycS0TbQ-4abgn0OzabyB4PmX0xuIo_z7IBHKb1IKgUB4i6NKwy39B2T2yflMuPjXcR44rDhPKTm5-4AgUl4caVZ8yIiEt8JzVf3uxr2rOSURkGmjJnIe3LdX32ENZ4qtlQZI3X/s400/header-1000px-the-aestate.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br />

guest posting at the aestate

What better way to start off the week than with a guest post ! Head over to The Aestate and check me out. I'm talking about my favorite...

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~~~Mani-Pedi and vacation~~~~

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxEkpN-hpl_ejs0h9uI4INfyQ_WvFbisql93LRDgcfifJn3Zz1ySCEL71MAjXCwMx4mWe9On51aUDqakkm__De2i8cTFnoznaFdHZsgQCSVGmZFtjjSRni8RrDDiLPhVwoHuwajbYclHz-/s1600/IMG_1273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" rca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxEkpN-hpl_ejs0h9uI4INfyQ_WvFbisql93LRDgcfifJn3Zz1ySCEL71MAjXCwMx4mWe9On51aUDqakkm__De2i8cTFnoznaFdHZsgQCSVGmZFtjjSRni8RrDDiLPhVwoHuwajbYclHz-/s400/IMG_1273.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> HI everyone!!! I got my nails done today and then came home and gave myself a mini pedicure.  Geesh, my hands are wrinkly:(:( <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUB9oEfPe2ozVsgbOvn_ECgiKO7JBAfoSakUPOzXVezO_pTGgVq4eJOM4iWC2glZBAE1Ge-sw5s_GOusQNv799VPJmrQHb-ph_09vkWa2V31anYAp2gja1F6k3uvgmhmN5umqYU1TsUPKg/s1600/IMG_1275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" rca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUB9oEfPe2ozVsgbOvn_ECgiKO7JBAfoSakUPOzXVezO_pTGgVq4eJOM4iWC2glZBAE1Ge-sw5s_GOusQNv799VPJmrQHb-ph_09vkWa2V31anYAp2gja1F6k3uvgmhmN5umqYU1TsUPKg/s400/IMG_1275.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> This may seem like a weird shot but I didn't know how to take my left hand while holding the camera in my right:):) I have gel nails, they NEVER chip. You get them filled like acryllics. I love them. You can also put a colored polish over the french if you want and when you take it off the french stays!!!!!!!!!!!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhWUgkPBBbtV3NhpEM8FZfYyCMlRiRx-Oon8lChuB6nkBfRxyZlpk7RqrXF-lvNjF8mgKG-gun3vAIBiLM1lZORLgghRLs8KJr2qyddhXBDBgScOxG5_K1TnchtKVPCckwe-qjoh6hL9vz/s1600/IMG_1274.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" rca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhWUgkPBBbtV3NhpEM8FZfYyCMlRiRx-Oon8lChuB6nkBfRxyZlpk7RqrXF-lvNjF8mgKG-gun3vAIBiLM1lZORLgghRLs8KJr2qyddhXBDBgScOxG5_K1TnchtKVPCckwe-qjoh6hL9vz/s400/IMG_1274.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> I did my toes in a pretty, summery fushia color. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYffVRoMH5FLNJWIZ8cY2SFUXzF1wU6xExLUp3qtPAXk4RK-fiQPGS73OpCsCjTRFw5ZQKvil2DZddzqPkGatUBC5TdB_HLADtF_Nw0lBDrU90xTBGgoF6CxDutgs1zrBk1anef1OydOwW/s1600/IMG_1271.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" rca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYffVRoMH5FLNJWIZ8cY2SFUXzF1wU6xExLUp3qtPAXk4RK-fiQPGS73OpCsCjTRFw5ZQKvil2DZddzqPkGatUBC5TdB_HLADtF_Nw0lBDrU90xTBGgoF6CxDutgs1zrBk1anef1OydOwW/s400/IMG_1271.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> I am leaving on Sat. morning for PART of our vacation. We were supposed to be gone for a week but I am only staying for part of the week. I am going alone, well driving myself, cause Joe has to stay home while the new septic system is being installed. We go on vacation with our best friends and their kids and grandkids!!!! Ther are usually around 22 of us!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It is a fun time, let me tell you.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We are VERY organized and each day one family is in charge of all 3 meals. BUT, it works out really well cause you only have ONE day to worry about and your DONE!!!!!!!!!! How great is that!. So for breakfast I am making egg casserole and sticky buns and fruit salad. Lunch will be meatball parm sandwiches, and a sald or pasta salad.. The meatballs are all made and in the freezer!!!!! Joe made them yesterday. He makes KILLER meatballs! Then dinner on our night is easy, peasy. You see, the "kids" wanted to take their parents out to dinner without the grandkids. They have never been able to do that. SO, Joe and I and Wenda's sister were supposed to babysit. Now it will be me and Gwen babysitting. It will be FUN!!!!! So dinner is probably going to be pizza!!! Easy. I wopn't have access to a computer, so I will be MIA from Sat. til probably Wed. night. I think I will come back Wed. I feel so bad that Joe can't go, he NEEDS a vacation. I so look forward to lying in the pool in my raft and sitting at the beach!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am almost feeling relaxed just typing those words. See you all when I get back. Love to you all, Pinky<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNeuv9A4PRXswB1F_Bjkb6w0tvOxOefgYh_K3Kx1L5iOV3qu1XFNJvfODHzH8MM70PwQH9NdZtj6MMVPMG5gvJYD2PxG0UyGhjrGyBx6-cQ9ALEQEhasWkr11YAQ8BN1h1-MOA0BIrpI1Z/s1600/IMG_1272.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" rca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNeuv9A4PRXswB1F_Bjkb6w0tvOxOefgYh_K3Kx1L5iOV3qu1XFNJvfODHzH8MM70PwQH9NdZtj6MMVPMG5gvJYD2PxG0UyGhjrGyBx6-cQ9ALEQEhasWkr11YAQ8BN1h1-MOA0BIrpI1Z/s400/IMG_1272.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>

~~~Mani-Pedi and vacation~~~~

 HI everyone!!! I got my nails done today and then came home and gave myself a mini pedicure.  Geesh, my hands are wrinkly:(:(  This may see...

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i wear my sunglasses at night - deck reveal

Ding dong, the deck is done! I mentioned...what, 4 weeks ago, that we'd started some <a href="http://thelittleblackdoor.blogspot.com/2012/05/party-in-front-business-in-back.html" target="_blank">repair work to the deck</a>. Well, as with any reno project, replacing two boards turned into 11 and a new wider staircase and stain and hell, let's just throw in some new furniture while we're at it!<br /><br />But I'm getting ahead of myself. Let's remember how this all began. (picture me with my best 'thinking back' soap opera face)<br /><br />Here is the deck on the day we bought the house. Glorious to people with new house googles on. They're like beer googles, only they last longer than just one night. Our inspector had told us at the time that the stairs were rotting and should be replaced within the year. That was six years ago. (Don't you wish you had bought a flesh colored house?)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdx3NtuCT2Xsxol512SyxdjJY0ECB2gxYsC9PwDu0E-IUTK-uiQZwZUKJAsl462erKT18xCuTETZg7CjbzkQ9OlybO9KWPjI4n0xitRFnr1WIwRZL4wN853KywkTC36wh5tXNZoWV_uhrT/s1600/LBDOldDeck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdx3NtuCT2Xsxol512SyxdjJY0ECB2gxYsC9PwDu0E-IUTK-uiQZwZUKJAsl462erKT18xCuTETZg7CjbzkQ9OlybO9KWPjI4n0xitRFnr1WIwRZL4wN853KywkTC36wh5tXNZoWV_uhrT/s640/LBDOldDeck.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br /><span style="background-color: white;">Every spring and every fall we would put the deck on our to-do list. And every summer and every winter would go by with the same wobbly stairs and rotting boards.</span><br />We used the space less and less until it just became a place for the girls to use their sidewalk chalk. Finally after sitting outside with the girls, drawing yet another hopscotch, I noticed our dog (a 22 pound beagle) going down the stairs. You would have thought there was an earthquake on those suckers.<br /><span style="background-color: white;"><br />If the stairs couldn't support 22 pounds...well you get where I'm going with that. So the project moved up to the top of the list. </span><br /><br />While getting supplies at Home Depot the fatal words were uttered, "If we're going to replace the stairs let's just replace those two boards on the floor as well." Now I'm not going to point fingers or name names, but this suggestion was made by someone who's name rhymes with suke (Luke, that's you.)<br /><br />When the two boards came up they gave a lovely view of 9 more boards that needed to be replaced as well. I swear I hear the deck laugh at us. Nieve suckers. Good times. So back to Home Depot, which brings us back to the here and now.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7sps2DNO7zzlX8vHAg2DYY52HRciqSwj6_A2u-0NofptMlLskh5AYGyG0CjI2wpLcfq6yAJumhyMHw2gRsJVWtG7TPeJJmHvNt8fmz41KyU2rUtmit9nd5aqQ-yHtqpROjda5PNuTh7x7/s1600/LBDDeckBefore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7sps2DNO7zzlX8vHAg2DYY52HRciqSwj6_A2u-0NofptMlLskh5AYGyG0CjI2wpLcfq6yAJumhyMHw2gRsJVWtG7TPeJJmHvNt8fmz41KyU2rUtmit9nd5aqQ-yHtqpROjda5PNuTh7x7/s640/LBDDeckBefore.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />After only mild cussing and grunting the handy hubs got to work and replaced all the offending boards in pretty quick order.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZHSo4fPlphjPAq_qtmyHKoiIQdvKApcRph0Rd22QGJqrrJRbeoAIncg3FP1bxw3AxQD3mdRccLz5DG9K2Pf2w0qP1fZCAGNGiQau1PapmMQkWCKiiq-gvSxJh4kDb0fo3O6vfQXFGSQev/s1600/LBDDeckProgress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZHSo4fPlphjPAq_qtmyHKoiIQdvKApcRph0Rd22QGJqrrJRbeoAIncg3FP1bxw3AxQD3mdRccLz5DG9K2Pf2w0qP1fZCAGNGiQau1PapmMQkWCKiiq-gvSxJh4kDb0fo3O6vfQXFGSQev/s640/LBDDeckProgress.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Which ment we could finally get to the part of the project that we were supposed to be doing in the first place - the stairs. Mid stair progress though I realized I liked how nice and wide(r) the deck felt with some of the railing removed.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0RMeTVSAdBfj7jPCRurq_LhXGGI7eZxW4UiqWAApKXCsKm5RFYPEfyI0WpmOZ9T4MoQgD6kf-AxHmTMOixT0MRUqtKey881QzlLl1ogpyY3XASCqi4c3vRya8A21ddY5rvP9RqRo6O09u/s1600/LBDBeforeStairs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0RMeTVSAdBfj7jPCRurq_LhXGGI7eZxW4UiqWAApKXCsKm5RFYPEfyI0WpmOZ9T4MoQgD6kf-AxHmTMOixT0MRUqtKey881QzlLl1ogpyY3XASCqi4c3vRya8A21ddY5rvP9RqRo6O09u/s640/LBDBeforeStairs.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deck work makes the whole yard messy</td></tr></tbody></table><br />"My dear, I know you already made the frame for the stairs, but...could we make the stairs wider?"<br />"Sure, no problem."<br />I love a man who gives me the right answer.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3btVzaQhBm3dn6hOQoCiqk1dyYmqa4R9CwBrcHB_d9B5sdSJ3Zo6aphDb4M5BSyWFgtXHVpwqF5xWIW-PkCiyhgCjKb5TxkrP2cAHG8mAXa_55Z0WRFCVB0NuzDWIbNo94JV_3ZzHCNMx/s1600/LBDDeckStairProgress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3btVzaQhBm3dn6hOQoCiqk1dyYmqa4R9CwBrcHB_d9B5sdSJ3Zo6aphDb4M5BSyWFgtXHVpwqF5xWIW-PkCiyhgCjKb5TxkrP2cAHG8mAXa_55Z0WRFCVB0NuzDWIbNo94JV_3ZzHCNMx/s640/LBDDeckStairProgress.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Proof that he was almost done laying the stairs when I asked him to make it bigger</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />With the deck and stairs repaired and in great shape, it was time to stain and protect all of <strike>our </strike>his hard work. We had done a lot of research on various stains and decided to go with a new product at Home Depot, <a href="http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=202692167&storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&PID=1319015&cm_mmc=CJ-_-1319015-_-10368321&cpncode=33-60570732-2&AID=10368321&cj=true&srccode=cii_13736960" target="_blank">Restore Deck Liquid Armor</a>.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaUxVMgCOJxUKLjIDCh0z3cYhDj1T39agYExiBXrGvkRnmUK8PrTa_HvCf_4m-kD4c7wHQtbEnftDJPJJDdIxYsr-nKbtYEz2_YiHioOPqID32CQzbXAXbBjjbctmeoXDKclzL5bn7KJeA/s1600/LBDRestoreBox.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaUxVMgCOJxUKLjIDCh0z3cYhDj1T39agYExiBXrGvkRnmUK8PrTa_HvCf_4m-kD4c7wHQtbEnftDJPJJDdIxYsr-nKbtYEz2_YiHioOPqID32CQzbXAXbBjjbctmeoXDKclzL5bn7KJeA/s640/LBDRestoreBox.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Restore Deck Liquid Armor</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Our deck is surrounded by 100+ year old oak trees and the poor thing gets pummeled all year around by whatever those trees feel like dropping on it. So we were intrigued by this stain as it adds a bit of coverage from the elements in addition to just sealing the wood. All of the reviews we read online were positive and at such a great price point, we figured it was worth a try.<br /><br />And I'm happy to tell you that this stuff rocks! There are several colors to pick from and we found the color to be a true match to the chips.<br /><br />It's important to note though that this stuff is like peanut butter so a standard wood paint stirrer thing isn't going to cut it.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI40voac8QmDp5jHYlulSbiBwlhT70TSH1K2BkO_PnX1BkWMgM-iv1VdIiQgrYGKAxuKA7ijOF5LgulPX0JjA8QAjp3JuP6MrGiWIGinZrORCLa8UhHJaL4IccQzEfuQ6VmHVspffrBomm/s1600/LBDRestoreTight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI40voac8QmDp5jHYlulSbiBwlhT70TSH1K2BkO_PnX1BkWMgM-iv1VdIiQgrYGKAxuKA7ijOF5LgulPX0JjA8QAjp3JuP6MrGiWIGinZrORCLa8UhHJaL4IccQzEfuQ6VmHVspffrBomm/s640/LBDRestoreTight.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br /><span style="background-color: white;">You've got to pull out the big guns and get yourself a mixer attachment for your drill. Happy Father's Day!</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjakzYhXCRPOs5kxx4LGX7f3qghsIDDi57MIk2wLyX6k5h73B0Rmgc2gJ54YirlaRNNL0IiBqjynF3ACvqYlrCQw_cBi34qIgDy9VdMyg8NPIFbHydlsIotIFeWvibUBWxcxSRTu7oz4vyV/s1600/LBDDeckMix.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjakzYhXCRPOs5kxx4LGX7f3qghsIDDi57MIk2wLyX6k5h73B0Rmgc2gJ54YirlaRNNL0IiBqjynF3ACvqYlrCQw_cBi34qIgDy9VdMyg8NPIFbHydlsIotIFeWvibUBWxcxSRTu7oz4vyV/s640/LBDDeckMix.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Once mixed you just roll it on like a regular stain.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjna8xASgbBCuDnbcZuRV_6QgN2mQXh1KD8d7Q6769ZEN0_IWIub_WpkFFwVXvhoaC0yF0TOKJp_xry8jJw3XFZ3zajFEGGHhyK785XGEraiSuHXkbIl9J0kaFNL_p_q9rSVHlj3-HUi4by/s1600/LBDDeckFloorProgress.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjna8xASgbBCuDnbcZuRV_6QgN2mQXh1KD8d7Q6769ZEN0_IWIub_WpkFFwVXvhoaC0yF0TOKJp_xry8jJw3XFZ3zajFEGGHhyK785XGEraiSuHXkbIl9J0kaFNL_p_q9rSVHlj3-HUi4by/s640/LBDDeckFloorProgress.png" width="640" /></a></div><br />There is a great deal of splash that happens so make sure to wear long pants as this stuff takes a bit of elbow grease to get off your skin.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhozU62O8RmfOOlMZ18fa2bYvmW0ggdWxzkIKuF2WP2fno9AyUhv6MMt3DlPyi3j5GI0Pi0m5vnfSnYphJsbbaK0JrngQ4Slk-z53b9PlsKtCsLt2irJaxwDxghWID61M7soOiWB_zhgLuE/s1600/LBDDeckSplatter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhozU62O8RmfOOlMZ18fa2bYvmW0ggdWxzkIKuF2WP2fno9AyUhv6MMt3DlPyi3j5GI0Pi0m5vnfSnYphJsbbaK0JrngQ4Slk-z53b9PlsKtCsLt2irJaxwDxghWID61M7soOiWB_zhgLuE/s640/LBDDeckSplatter.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br /><span style="background-color: white;">One coat on and it was time to turn our attention to those horrible railings. Although that wood was in good shape, the ugly color was bringing down my pretty new gray. So we settled into a very long day of painting. every. freakin. spindle. three. times.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh-ullE9gOstIZDHDNYBgGmfQx3tljkYF-IqcnG7BTlFX1sK63gh2xMgSqISvlYuO9ZPTWRM3b4Q3AOsl43vHuYjEwiRF2HqUQpUEwMHynpWJzSMLD18G1k8uzOHV0cjzR9tPztBWA-k4a/s1600/LBDDeckFirstCoat.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh-ullE9gOstIZDHDNYBgGmfQx3tljkYF-IqcnG7BTlFX1sK63gh2xMgSqISvlYuO9ZPTWRM3b4Q3AOsl43vHuYjEwiRF2HqUQpUEwMHynpWJzSMLD18G1k8uzOHV0cjzR9tPztBWA-k4a/s640/LBDDeckFirstCoat.png" width="640" /></a></div><br />But, it was worth it. We now have a brighter, tougher deck who is ready to party.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0GU9HaTM2sFkhLcQKiDekcEBtUlIDZrSIdv46wliMWbHQTTlATYtwtfsUiShqfF1Bf-3rFKyTwPADAmzQPORClvURZ5BVNTiqBLY2qKvAGHvqOGxrgDFh8kq40_Xhov5Cvwp0fW3uJnlz/s1600/LBDDeckFloorAfter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0GU9HaTM2sFkhLcQKiDekcEBtUlIDZrSIdv46wliMWbHQTTlATYtwtfsUiShqfF1Bf-3rFKyTwPADAmzQPORClvURZ5BVNTiqBLY2qKvAGHvqOGxrgDFh8kq40_Xhov5Cvwp0fW3uJnlz/s640/LBDDeckFloorAfter.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white;">Zoey surveying her land from the new, wider, staircase. Did you know that sawdust kills weeds? And grass? Great for the patio, not so much for the grass around it.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdq1dC0h9t3EwPyUrtIKmeKodnqlp0gm67d6RG5w4y9kWBTHG_j2ZgMkLm6-oxbmgFWHd3H3xxEMm2Ygh7BeW_zzTxAehMwXWutbe096meFeAGNlnYzp3-yAjc_riBMM3s6B-eP5vl298x/s1600/LBDDeckStairsAfter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdq1dC0h9t3EwPyUrtIKmeKodnqlp0gm67d6RG5w4y9kWBTHG_j2ZgMkLm6-oxbmgFWHd3H3xxEMm2Ygh7BeW_zzTxAehMwXWutbe096meFeAGNlnYzp3-yAjc_riBMM3s6B-eP5vl298x/s640/LBDDeckStairsAfter.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />The thing that started it all, the stairs. We are liking how open it is without the railings but obviously will need to add those...someday.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieTazU6TgosjNfYEuKsXIyzpQSag8JC7wJ-QoEdiJlxwTP3Qn3F43aAtHE4foA09zYe8KgiyFW6HfdRl9Ead2a4YlfDWILStHi_ofhXoAGURgcguBG9Z1jV14Vk3Ucp5hgTxklipuSh2dw/s1600/LBDDeckStairs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieTazU6TgosjNfYEuKsXIyzpQSag8JC7wJ-QoEdiJlxwTP3Qn3F43aAtHE4foA09zYe8KgiyFW6HfdRl9Ead2a4YlfDWILStHi_ofhXoAGURgcguBG9Z1jV14Vk3Ucp5hgTxklipuSh2dw/s640/LBDDeckStairs.jpg" width="592" /></a></div><br />A little before and after action for you. Before...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdx3NtuCT2Xsxol512SyxdjJY0ECB2gxYsC9PwDu0E-IUTK-uiQZwZUKJAsl462erKT18xCuTETZg7CjbzkQ9OlybO9KWPjI4n0xitRFnr1WIwRZL4wN853KywkTC36wh5tXNZoWV_uhrT/s1600/LBDOldDeck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdx3NtuCT2Xsxol512SyxdjJY0ECB2gxYsC9PwDu0E-IUTK-uiQZwZUKJAsl462erKT18xCuTETZg7CjbzkQ9OlybO9KWPjI4n0xitRFnr1WIwRZL4wN853KywkTC36wh5tXNZoWV_uhrT/s640/LBDOldDeck.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br />And after. We went ahead and painted the french doors to match our front door (black) and added some lanterns from Home Goods to act as sconces. I'd love to have some real sconces out there someday. I tell ya, I could keep an electrician busy for weeks around this joint. (We painted the house a few years back)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0T_eArVBqHfM0-i-Q2tMgwxNszYpAoiDcyEKZGlzd_4EmQxyjLOKDt5S89-pOZx5sy6YTRe4miWw2O5heBG3YOW6A3DPFHMmsRDM6c3Q5QPOkFtDu48WUftr-Tx4FFBfrjDKsQyjNnZnP/s1600/LBDDeckWide.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="528" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0T_eArVBqHfM0-i-Q2tMgwxNszYpAoiDcyEKZGlzd_4EmQxyjLOKDt5S89-pOZx5sy6YTRe4miWw2O5heBG3YOW6A3DPFHMmsRDM6c3Q5QPOkFtDu48WUftr-Tx4FFBfrjDKsQyjNnZnP/s640/LBDDeckWide.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The flower boxes help to create a bit of privacy/blockage. Particularly from the dinning room, the flower boxes add a lot to 'the view'. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGFDGuO1OgDlsJj4w2rAZ90iFyOE_k4YXfWHL7Z4r7pwQzjQISfWSGy3e5AmvzCMsT0yASxzzZ8PMTYWcWA6VI74MSTN51D1aYXTxaQMLD8SxQOpxZ2QR1UnBPRWozbIUt5_lxnrkaElmk/s1600/LBDDeckSide.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGFDGuO1OgDlsJj4w2rAZ90iFyOE_k4YXfWHL7Z4r7pwQzjQISfWSGy3e5AmvzCMsT0yASxzzZ8PMTYWcWA6VI74MSTN51D1aYXTxaQMLD8SxQOpxZ2QR1UnBPRWozbIUt5_lxnrkaElmk/s640/LBDDeckSide.jpg" width="616" /></a></div><br /><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We weren't going to buy outdoor chairs at the hight of the season (good gracious outdoor furniture is big bucks!) but needed someway to enjoy the new table my parents gave as an early birthday present. So down to the basement where we had a few old directors chairs of all different colors. A few cans of <a href="http://www.rustoleum.com/CBGProduct.asp?pid=400" target="_blank">RustOleum</a> spray paint and new chair covers and they look ready for summer.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjluW0vGiZl_nV7yZynfiPOjN6enfKf0BHD-5QbzM4gsC6N2njKU942ppZ6WMYDV8H-rM1sJiROpglQWOopIEFt_q61F0C1tbctvxaN6O1BuqS7gl-fbdFiiYH0a3BFrV9vYGxRGkKmu4QE/s1600/LBDDeckTable.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="616" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjluW0vGiZl_nV7yZynfiPOjN6enfKf0BHD-5QbzM4gsC6N2njKU942ppZ6WMYDV8H-rM1sJiROpglQWOopIEFt_q61F0C1tbctvxaN6O1BuqS7gl-fbdFiiYH0a3BFrV9vYGxRGkKmu4QE/s640/LBDDeckTable.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPx-xz2f2lxmuT8uS8aOadPhIKgtLim8Lb2K6kUp2QvuISXPCD1ZJrUlZ-E-YDb586NfQHSoO0r9vwnF5S6yX9oWyLQhjyFGozO5Kr-vvSwlDOxd-bu3fulPj_CaNuxGn0jbw3d_XFCR3u/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPx-xz2f2lxmuT8uS8aOadPhIKgtLim8Lb2K6kUp2QvuISXPCD1ZJrUlZ-E-YDb586NfQHSoO0r9vwnF5S6yX9oWyLQhjyFGozO5Kr-vvSwlDOxd-bu3fulPj_CaNuxGn0jbw3d_XFCR3u/s640/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />With all of the work done to the deck, and a weed-free patio (thanks to the sawdust) I figured the adirondack chairs needed a spruce as well.<br /><br />We got them several years back at ACE Hardware for $19 each (in the dead of winter) and although we had to assemble them ourselves, they have been great little chairs. We picked up the two foot stool things off the side of the road. The wrong color but in perfectly good shape.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglsubhDuok4IHWGesvNbK_KntuE8-FEPJJMXVeZ_7c5ZFIAII8K4GlbMJOmZtBV13EULkhAKxVfPh_8DchTDBXZg9jXtL2sKnjcBreeRSE3eBJm25sX883T7uSS-Xiq6hRinIvCrCOwnon/s1600/LBDAdorondackBefore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglsubhDuok4IHWGesvNbK_KntuE8-FEPJJMXVeZ_7c5ZFIAII8K4GlbMJOmZtBV13EULkhAKxVfPh_8DchTDBXZg9jXtL2sKnjcBreeRSE3eBJm25sX883T7uSS-Xiq6hRinIvCrCOwnon/s640/LBDAdorondackBefore.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />More cans of <a href="http://www.rustoleum.com/CBGProduct.asp?pid=400" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">RustOleum</a> than I care to think about and they look brand new. My finger still hurts thinking about all that spray painting. Luckily my nails are no longer blue. When will I learn to wear gloves?<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZeIwuA1cqxYOq5wGh2JXUrtHnNjSfDjSt_aFll7apK4iyMkAoRjgTQx6Kh9rwXBsrM-waXESN3pZxTo_euTEQxFg4XC2BR0DKK7B-MEw4GTlV-tT1bwXULn48Mvn430H2q-1XqQbCsFaP/s1600/LBDPatioAfter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="592" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZeIwuA1cqxYOq5wGh2JXUrtHnNjSfDjSt_aFll7apK4iyMkAoRjgTQx6Kh9rwXBsrM-waXESN3pZxTo_euTEQxFg4XC2BR0DKK7B-MEw4GTlV-tT1bwXULn48Mvn430H2q-1XqQbCsFaP/s640/LBDPatioAfter.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br /><span style="background-color: white;">And with that, I'm done outside. There is still a million and one things to do out there, but they will have to wait for fall because the only thing I plan to do is enjoy my deck and patio. Who's ready for a drink?</span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br /><span style="background-color: white;">Have you tackled any outdoor projects lately? Do you wish for a pool after a hot day of work like I do? Know of any massage techniques for my spray paint finger?</span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://diyshowoff.com/category/other/diy-project-parade/" title="DIY Show Off"><img alt="DIY Show Off" src="http://i899.photobucket.com/albums/ac195/Roeshel/DIYprojectparadebutton-1.png" style="border: none;" /></a></div>

i wear my sunglasses at night - deck reveal

Ding dong, the deck is done! I mentioned...what, 4 weeks ago, that we'd started some repair work to the deck . Well, as with any reno pr...

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~~~I've been snapping pictures again!!~~~

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQnLC4r7BwA4S5cyCCUOVoDCVODP0ReJuXV6dA-xKu1jCcOHvO1e4IQSmquqcJ2EGSkPkYW8zdK77X-e1Grn-yswvbpl9HsJS2gc42qsFEg4UKfSzHY627sMSqaQfojG5HxtB7hHm53Aan/s1600/IMG_1224.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" rca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQnLC4r7BwA4S5cyCCUOVoDCVODP0ReJuXV6dA-xKu1jCcOHvO1e4IQSmquqcJ2EGSkPkYW8zdK77X-e1Grn-yswvbpl9HsJS2gc42qsFEg4UKfSzHY627sMSqaQfojG5HxtB7hHm53Aan/s640/IMG_1224.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> Hello everyone! I hope you aren't getting SICK of seeing pictures of my gardens but since all I can do IN the house is KEEP IT CLEAN AND READY TO SHOW, I have to take pics outside:):)  Pictures of me cleaning would REALLY be boring, and NOT pretty:):) As I said before, we have 10 hydrangea bushes and they are all in different stages of bloom, depending on where they are and what light they get. Isn't this a pretty color! The edges are just tinted with blue.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr7Pk5ftTWEFyOW-ZfTqOo7IoY7fidG77agBBJvNOt3zI91sdrmFz4XyYmPnNMO4TmFxUFB39OTiO-DCBEhDkRQgEkEwMarxZ1aLZ12t8XNGBauOZkYMeu8oKWM-9y5nadpaah-oEVLXST/s1600/IMG_1225.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" rca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr7Pk5ftTWEFyOW-ZfTqOo7IoY7fidG77agBBJvNOt3zI91sdrmFz4XyYmPnNMO4TmFxUFB39OTiO-DCBEhDkRQgEkEwMarxZ1aLZ12t8XNGBauOZkYMeu8oKWM-9y5nadpaah-oEVLXST/s640/IMG_1225.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> We did get 15 YARDS of mulch spread. That is a MOUNTAIN of mulch people, trust me. I am taking this pagoda with me to the new house. We bought it many years ago and now they are VERY expensive. Plus I have the perfect spot in mind at the new house.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBlng-nVIWXqMKPqCxq_kf3T5mDMqk_6SxhHlxg9r8CFj99t7mvUP_8JcT-Jt-oRIFVCz7zt3AddDAdgFXWe8XDYgKfdHYKYUaimMlVr5mgFdwaIbRboCW7we_gd1DFUKIB4LJUi5WQgW2/s1600/IMG_1226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" rca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBlng-nVIWXqMKPqCxq_kf3T5mDMqk_6SxhHlxg9r8CFj99t7mvUP_8JcT-Jt-oRIFVCz7zt3AddDAdgFXWe8XDYgKfdHYKYUaimMlVr5mgFdwaIbRboCW7we_gd1DFUKIB4LJUi5WQgW2/s640/IMG_1226.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> After I took these shots I did cut all the blooms that were lying on the ground and brought them in. They are so pretty in the living room.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilRfgSFXhNzn0vHEc23B4KMkEYmKMB8n_otgC3I7wzcL3jc8aiCeM-vqRywx4p3mAL0x-eLVjAJw_eLBc3NAR6I9Bbmdf-Fp5BhvTkpQLKPkBj7te1q2PpD9m4kbDmmRhaoAyHeGLUHp7W/s1600/IMG_1227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" rca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilRfgSFXhNzn0vHEc23B4KMkEYmKMB8n_otgC3I7wzcL3jc8aiCeM-vqRywx4p3mAL0x-eLVjAJw_eLBc3NAR6I9Bbmdf-Fp5BhvTkpQLKPkBj7te1q2PpD9m4kbDmmRhaoAyHeGLUHp7W/s640/IMG_1227.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> That bush is way in the back yard. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf6_ebZ-DfzxeWK3F21QrNWWNz7RGeSdUMKYVmvbPBoTVESIANDsdM3VKpC-sRLYBKQUuEVrlKrq1_E_1vOzvidHPZCEB0-cby1D9SD_rIzQvWUUn4A8-pR3benN9T6fkNUByjwFGE11lo/s1600/IMG_1228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" rca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf6_ebZ-DfzxeWK3F21QrNWWNz7RGeSdUMKYVmvbPBoTVESIANDsdM3VKpC-sRLYBKQUuEVrlKrq1_E_1vOzvidHPZCEB0-cby1D9SD_rIzQvWUUn4A8-pR3benN9T6fkNUByjwFGE11lo/s640/IMG_1228.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> This bush was WHITE for over 20 years. Then 2 years ago it bloomed blue. The only thing I can think of is that when they put the new driveway in, it changed the PH of the soil???? I miss having one white bush....<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-0Ia5rXyph_OdgYRZrsfqkuaKhQaLAP1bkBqMEbikM7C7uAStbcDC1lqIrFUCgDgovDPGF11UAZtJ-VPCeVrGPZUkGbeUjuhw9mN4BRa9FsQUIiJ1WreYg2akM9JoGdz9YRlfy8QO3gLV/s1600/IMG_1229.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" rca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-0Ia5rXyph_OdgYRZrsfqkuaKhQaLAP1bkBqMEbikM7C7uAStbcDC1lqIrFUCgDgovDPGF11UAZtJ-VPCeVrGPZUkGbeUjuhw9mN4BRa9FsQUIiJ1WreYg2akM9JoGdz9YRlfy8QO3gLV/s640/IMG_1229.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> White astilbe in shadow.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhruFXbEmJURrfTqQHqoTxAexG_bYagE25kEdl_liDj2gSbc6uqKwXsFvVtttXVgDIdJCiOuYVvz9_HJW7caNr8t_IylCVfRdmFvFb-AGlxq-cFj0i31JQ33oDqoUIqOhCGb1m5lKBDhoT7/s1600/IMG_1230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" rca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhruFXbEmJURrfTqQHqoTxAexG_bYagE25kEdl_liDj2gSbc6uqKwXsFvVtttXVgDIdJCiOuYVvz9_HJW7caNr8t_IylCVfRdmFvFb-AGlxq-cFj0i31JQ33oDqoUIqOhCGb1m5lKBDhoT7/s640/IMG_1230.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> Pink astilbe.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW1IP6WQylkLepa_nm6nu4IokASYoir8F5ih-2iKGHmI4mIOEnmHrsbGGAbYArxeBqpGe2zsZfQ2DyW8m5r70tzMpnm_KU2vFoM1XbkH6_MB2ur82oyQFueZt-Ln4BAwwKSIkfPnWH3x9E/s1600/IMG_1231.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" rca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW1IP6WQylkLepa_nm6nu4IokASYoir8F5ih-2iKGHmI4mIOEnmHrsbGGAbYArxeBqpGe2zsZfQ2DyW8m5r70tzMpnm_KU2vFoM1XbkH6_MB2ur82oyQFueZt-Ln4BAwwKSIkfPnWH3x9E/s640/IMG_1231.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> This is the side yard off the kitchen. It is GORGEOUS in the Spring when all the rhodos and azaleas bloom.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkgf-UASV1DismpP3ScIzfo_apn_23zU-UFnS1yxnlwt9fhDGUUghnG3gDsB8gKaAZUL4hI7qkACp9a2S9XWOjqzARxJQcHOC_1OIWoVPbojvoqy0JzA1J6cBNIUvcaXBMwtHjQZCgiB_K/s1600/IMG_1232.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" rca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkgf-UASV1DismpP3ScIzfo_apn_23zU-UFnS1yxnlwt9fhDGUUghnG3gDsB8gKaAZUL4hI7qkACp9a2S9XWOjqzARxJQcHOC_1OIWoVPbojvoqy0JzA1J6cBNIUvcaXBMwtHjQZCgiB_K/s640/IMG_1232.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> HOWEVER, part of it is destroyed now. When they brought in the BIG piece of equipment to do the perk test for the septic they dug up beautiful blue hostas and other plants. Joe was so upset he had to just walk away.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimeg5-vCcxZcyPNeFkvlHj7jGS6p8Fz66VeSCqNkSOwYB97xUyXggHOFH0M7RqrVoSKEfsUMg1qp5lPN-KnJHSIoLEXUS63h3NqY5COYGaFfvtwXTk5DL-AJznYAV_hiQQaCuNOmwts3hk/s1600/IMG_1233.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" rca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimeg5-vCcxZcyPNeFkvlHj7jGS6p8Fz66VeSCqNkSOwYB97xUyXggHOFH0M7RqrVoSKEfsUMg1qp5lPN-KnJHSIoLEXUS63h3NqY5COYGaFfvtwXTk5DL-AJznYAV_hiQQaCuNOmwts3hk/s640/IMG_1233.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> These are smaller blue hostas that escaped the dig.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMuMs137XG6TPH7YERYuX0x6Q83CTScECjl5Yl2gkSsodj7XKllcl4WgamVimMPz4dWZxD-vKZatyQ3ur3FdxeaDM9bdI8BU_Z05Vfcu47jmqEglVITPnHsMYW9C7z9vQLu-wCY7XIQ3yp/s1600/IMG_1234.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" rca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMuMs137XG6TPH7YERYuX0x6Q83CTScECjl5Yl2gkSsodj7XKllcl4WgamVimMPz4dWZxD-vKZatyQ3ur3FdxeaDM9bdI8BU_Z05Vfcu47jmqEglVITPnHsMYW9C7z9vQLu-wCY7XIQ3yp/s640/IMG_1234.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> This is a view from that side. The bottom deck is off the breakfast room and the upper deck is off our master bedroom.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thanks for your visit, I so appreciate you hanging in there with me. I will have more to post about as soon as the new house is started!!! BTW, last night we drove over to the lot and they had removed the BIG dirt pile and out the stakes in the ground!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WHOO HOO, it is started!!! XO, Pinky<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd1SHTsiaIDXE4qCQkShdAX8qch-hXhp9Ag7iQviTc0iGjq-GpLAZhpnBHg1dfrhdAaOomIWOmhAUs-YR1nEE6FbAkqmpav5CZDn-n5WITtZPNBAluIcRuFMZHIInBm9gWlUEZ44SGpuoR/s1600/IMG_1235.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd1SHTsiaIDXE4qCQkShdAX8qch-hXhp9Ag7iQviTc0iGjq-GpLAZhpnBHg1dfrhdAaOomIWOmhAUs-YR1nEE6FbAkqmpav5CZDn-n5WITtZPNBAluIcRuFMZHIInBm9gWlUEZ44SGpuoR/s320/IMG_1235.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>

~~~I've been snapping pictures again!!~~~

 Hello everyone! I hope you aren't getting SICK of seeing pictures of my gardens but since all I can do IN the house is KEEP IT CLEAN AN...

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