Thanks Honey!

We retrieved the pictures I thought I had lost!  I had dropped my camera which dislodged the card and therefore they did not download until we slide the card back in place.  Thank goodness there is one tech. savvy person in our house (it isn't me).
Anyhow, the A G Thompson house was a delight to stay at.  We don't usually go on week long vacations like most, so this one weekend was our vacation and we decided to do it right.

We entered the house into this soothing blue and cream foyer.

To the left is this stunning living room.  There were so many colors, textures, patterns and pieces to look at!  It really did take our breath away.

To the right, a dinning room, complete with upholsters wall panels.

 The sunroom was a great place to tuck away with a book or two while my hubby rested after a long afternoon.

Our room had a balcony which overlooked the entry patio. 
What a weekend!  It went way too fast.  We thouroughly enjoyed the gardening tour, visiting quaint shops in canal park and of course enjoying lunch on the shore of lake superior.  There will be more pictures to come.

Oh No!

Hubby & I went to Duluth for a little get away last weekend.  We stayed at the beautiful A G Thompson house and attended the annual DGFS Secret Garden Tour.  I had some really great pictures to share but to my horror, found they were no longer on my camera!  Only a few remain and I have no idea what happened.    Can you hear me whimpering like a child?  Well, I'll share what I have which isn't much.  Above is the hall at the A G Thompson House.  Creamy whites and blues make for a soothing color combo.

A cute picture from our suite.

An ornate entrance to the house from across the street.
Well that's it...I'm off to try and figure out what happened to my pics.

 Warm sunshine and butterflies floating on the breeze.  These are the gentle signs of summer.

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.