Hammocks.....Ahhhhhhhh......

Hammocks have been around for at least a thousand years. About four years ago I bought a woven, cotton hammock and hung it between two trees at Old Sweetwater (like the first photo)....then I did NOT move out of it for....oh...three days.  Okay, I slept inside at night and I couldn't find a way to balance food and drink in it, so I ate at the patio table, but other than the necessities of life, I was in that hammock. It's gotten worn, so by next summer I plan to replace it. I'm not sure if I'll go with a woven again or nylon? Here are some images to inspire you. In the meantime you'll find me *veggin' out* in the hammock under the two ash trees. Do you have or want one? On the last photo, it's not like I didn't warn ya! *Yawn* Z-z-z-z-z-z-z-z

Gingerbread

Gingerbread is a term for a type of ornate architectural design which adorns houses. It became popular in the mid-1800's when the steam-powered scroll saw and lathe became available and could reproduce the look faster and cheaper. The name is said to have come from the Grimm's fairytale, Hansel and Gretel. I've never lived in a *Gingerbread* house, but I adore cottages that are set apart by their curly-cue, fancy, bric-a-brac, ornate latticework. And, oh how I enjoy a warm gingerbread cake with lemon curd! Anyone live in a *gingerbread house?*

You Like Tomato....

There was an old song Fred Astaire made popular, "Let's Call The Whole Thing Off." We have tomato plants with lots of green tomatoes, but we look forward to the red, juicy, ripe tomatoes. Whether you say tomato or tomahto and whether you buy or grow yellow, orange or red, I imagine most everyone enjoys a garden-fresh tomato. Here's decor ideas, based on the tomato-tomahto.  Photos: Tomato Red Cabinets; Tomato Pincushions Martha Stewart; Tomatoes - the real thing;  Tomato Red Chandelier; Tomato Red and Yellow Bath by Country Living; Tomato Red Dishes and where some of you dream you could live....

 

Silhouette Decor

Fourth was my worst grade for many reasons, but the one *highlight* of that school year was when the teacher made silhouettes of each student.  I remember just staring at it....and though it had no features, I thought it was beautiful. In fact, I still have it.  By a miracle, it was one of the two things my mother kept from my childhood. (She didn't save things)

I wondered if silhouettes could be incorporated into decor and I found some inspirations. Has anyone else a silhouette of yourself or family?  Photos: Country Living...the jewelry is available on Etsy...and just so you know, the last silhouette is wearing leotards and tights *wink*

I'm so blue....

In the English language, *blue* often represents the human emotion of sadness. The color blue makes many of us happy! I adore the color of denim. The ocean's blue is so soothing to me. Navy makes me feel *grounded* and secure. Azure is cheerful and Icy blue feels clean! Here are some examples of this wonderful color. Is there blue in your home? How does blue make you feel?

 

 

Blueberries in Black Peppered Juice

1  bottle of sparkling grape juice 

1/4  cup  sugar (or to taste) 

1  teaspoon  real vanilla 

1/2 - 1  teaspoon  freshly ground black pepper 

3  cartons (6 ounce) blueberries, rinse-drain 

Twists of lemon peel

1. Pour juice and sugar into small pan and boil until reduced by about half or about 15 minutes. STIR OFTEN. Add vanilla and pepper and let cool.

2. Put blueberries in a bowl and pour Syrup mixture over them. 

3. Chill airtight for at least 2 hours or up to 1 day.

4. Serve in small dessert bowls or glasses garnished with twists of lemon peel.

 

Gone To Pot

There is an idiom to use when something has gone wrong or doesn't work anymore: We say, "It's gone to pot." It comes from the fact that in history, when food was scarce, people used the bone, fat and scraps to make a meal in a pot. Well, I'm not talking about what doesn't work, but what DOES - the pot rack! It comes and goes in trends, but in working kitchens, it is a staple. They come in wood, but metal is the most used. There are lots of people who make their own.
I used to have one like photo 5, but gave it to a friend.  Now we have a lighted one (still in the box) for Old Sweetwater that I need to paint white. Do you have a pot rack?