This morning's post about the lovely bluebirds who visit my feeder for mealworms reminded me of a book I've been wanting to share for a while. Remember when I shared the book, Living With Dogs by Laurence Sheehan? A short time later I shared another one of his great books, The Gardener's Life. I've quickly become a Sheehan fan and if there's one thing I've learned, it's that his books are not only about … [Read more...]
Beautiful Bluebirds Gathering Mealworms For Their Babies
July 16, 2014 by 56 Comments
Bluebirds, love them so much! Each year they nest several times in the dovecote in my perennial garden. I'm not sure now if it's the same pair returning or if maybe their children are coming back here to nest. Even though a woodpecker put a big hole in the dovecote this past winter, they still nested in the dovecote once more. I started to take it down to try to repair it … [Read more...]
The Lost Dreams & Ghosts of Longwood Plantation
July 15, 2014 by 59 Comments
No matter how much you hear about Longwood Plantation before you actually visit for a tour, nothing can really prepare you for what you find inside. This six-story, 30,000 square foot mansion was designed by Samuel Sloan, a well-known architect from Philadelphia for cotton baron Haller Nutt and his wife, Julia. Construction on Longwood began in 1859. It came to an abrupt halt in 1861 when word reached … [Read more...]
In The BNOTP Library: Nell Hill’s, Rooms We Love
July 15, 2014 by 16 Comments
I'll be back a little later today to share a home I think you will find intriguing, fascinating and haunting. At least, that's the effect it had on me when I toured it in Natchez, Mississippi a few weeks ago. In the meantime, I'm sharing a book I purchased recently that I'm so enjoying! It's by Mary Carol Garrity so of course, you know it's going to be good! I've never been disappointed in one of her … [Read more...]
How To Repair A Large Hole In Sheetrock Or Drywall
July 14, 2014 by 75 Comments
Welcome to the 285th Metamorphosis Monday! Last December I shared the story behind a mystery alcove located just outside my master bedroom doors. That previous post can be found here: If These Walls Could Talk: A Mystery Alcove. I've always been glad this little alcove was here because it has been the perfect spot for a chest that was once was a changing table for my son when he was a baby. When I … [Read more...]
In The BNOTP Library: Porch Perfect
July 11, 2014 by 7 Comments
Since I have all things "porch" on the brain right now (check out this morning's post for more details) I thought it was time to share another porch book. I can never, ever have too many porch books! I look for the bargains on Amazon and my wee porch library grows each year. In the BNOTP Library: Porch Perfect Author: Barbara B. Buchholz Hardcover: 144 pages Book Size: 10.2 x 10.1 x … [Read more...]
Has To Get Worse Before It Gets Better
July 11, 2014 by 63 Comments
That woman you see, the one walking around muttering and looking distracted...yeah, that's me. I know it has to get worse before it gets better but I still don't especially like it. The porch that normally looks like this... ...currently looks like this. I just keep reminding myself, chaos is a sign progress is being made. The porch has weathered well for the past six years despite being … [Read more...]
2 Beautiful Garden Table Settings
July 10, 2014 by 22 Comments
Welcome to the 304th Tablescape Thursday! I've had sooo much fun reading all of your answers to the style questions yesterday. I have a whole list of books I want to check out now and for some reason I am seriously craving chocolate! I can't imagine why! ;) I also want to visit every single place you named in your answers for question #10. If you didn't get a chance to read the comments on yesterdays … [Read more...]
In The BNOTP Library: Martha’s Entertaining
July 9, 2014 by 10 Comments
I almost forgot to share a book from my decor library this evening. Painters are coming tomorrow to get started on pressure washing the house, decks and porch, all in preparation of painting them (the porch and decks) as well as repairing some damage done to the chimney by a mischievous woodpecker. I've been outside this evening, removing string lighting and other stuff that will be in the way when work … [Read more...]
What’s Your Style? Take The Quiz!
July 9, 2014 by 70 Comments
Recently, I came across a blog called, Nautical by Nature, written by Kate. On her "About" page, Kate has a fun style quiz. I loved reading her responses so I thought it would be fun if we took the quiz, too. I added four questions of my own about books, movies, plays, etc... to the quiz. The questions I added have an asterisk in front of them. All the others were on the original quiz. You'll find … [Read more...]
