Happy Birthday America

It's time again for our local residents to hang bunting and old glory, as we celebrate independence day.  Here are my favorites.

Schell's Brewery

I decided to enjoy some time off work last week.  My adventuresome spirit beckoned me to explore someplace new, so I decided on a short road trip.  I ended up in New Ulm MN and found myself pleasantly surprised at their gem of a city.  Lots of old houses and history.  I was there only for the afternoon so didn't have time to see everything I wanted.  I did however, get the lay of the land and have a plan of attack for sightseeing when hubby and I return.

Here are a couple pictures from historic Schell's Brewery, original family estate and peacocks that stroll the gardens.  I enjoyed learning that the Schell family realized the importance of being kind to the many Native Americans that populated the New Ulm area during the mid 1800's.  Mrs. Schell would often feed those who might be hungry.  In 1862, New Ulm found itself in the middle of a Sioux uprising.  Many were killed and several buildings burned.  The Schell Brewery and family home were untouched due the the kindness of the family.  

I really like the trim along the screened porch which is located on the east side of the house.  In a time before air conditioning, it would have been the coolest side of this house.  Can't you just imagine it's residents retiring there to enjoy a cool summer breeze?

I can't wait to return when I have more time to explore!

Barn Quilt

A farmer in our area has hung a barn quilt for all to enjoy at they drive by.  I just love how beautiful and creative this is.  This is the only one I've seen but hear they are becoming popular. 

I used the zoom to get a better look at the design (had to use zoom for both the above pics).   As you can see, it's a fairly simple one.   I was surprised because from the highway, it looks more complex.  I think its a psychological thing.  Seeing something from far off and filling in the blanks, so to speak, based on what one might expect it to look like...

Take care everyone!

A Little Gardening Therapy

I love nature and the quiet escape it provides.  Goodness knows I require a little escape after a tough day of being yelled at  ensuring a pleasant experience for people I come in contact with during my work day. 

Buds on a newly planted delphinium hold the promise of something beautiful and gentle.  When blooms burst open, they surpass what I had imagined they might be.     

 

Sometimes I just sit quietly, watching the cat mint gently sway in the breeze.  Bees go along for the ride as they work away, collecting pollen and nectar for their sweet honey.  A good example perhaps, for those of us who toil away at whatever our task might be.  Sometimes we just need to go with the flow, work hard and look forward to the fruits of our labor. 

Small Spaces

Here's a picture from a house on the Parade of Homes tour.  I really like how the decorator made use of the vertical space in this very small room.  The shelf is simple enough and anyone could duplicate it.  The blue on the lower half of the wall, broken by the white shelf and tan up above really draw the eye to the wall, allowing the small space to hold few pieces without being boring.

Speaking of vertical space, one of my favorite space savers is hanging a shoe organizer inside the closet.  Designed to hang on the back of a door, these organizers go overlooked by many who have bi fold closet doors.  However, it is pretty easy to screw them directly to the wall. 

It would be really easy to sew an organizer as small or as large as you'd like, with pockets to accommodate everything from toys to socks or even office supplies.  Wall mounted organizers can be a useful tool in tight spaces!

Blue & White

Not too much to share today.  Just some pretty dishes collected from thrift shops and antique stores. 

Have a lovely day.

Cottage Touch

A sunny afternoon, spent biking in a quaint neighborhood is one of my favorite things to do.  I can't help but notice special details added to these otherwise modest homes.  I hope you find them inspiring! 
I adore the moon & star cut into the shutters above.

This home would be rather boring without the shutters and window boxes.  They elevate it to a cottage look quite easily.

I've always considered myself a handy girl and am tempted to try a simple stone column as seen above.  The bulk of the stone, coupled with the delicate fencing make for a unique look. 

OK, not the best picture by any means but I do want one of these added to the top of my garage door!  Not exactly sure if there is a name for these but it's a simple wooden structure that adds some visual interest to that boring garage front.  I bet these come in kits...hmm 

LOL! No, I don't want goats for my roof!  I came across these guys on the roof of a metal barn.  They were extremely sure footed and cute as can be.  Farm girl at heart, I couldn't resist stopping to watch and take some pics.

I built up an appetite after hours of biking so I stopped to enjoy a picnic on the lake shore.  The sun was shining and waves gently rolling over the rocks.  Nothing is more lovely or glorious than nature.  The best things in life really are free!

What is your favorite way to spend a sunny afternoon?