Friday, May 31, 2013

Just a Swingin’

 

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I’ve always thought a yard doesn’t look complete without some sort of swing hanging from a branch. Earlier this spring, while rummaging through the remains of an old barn, I came across this “swing.” Nothing fancy but it serves the purpose…

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I took some snapshots of Ephraim the other evening while he was enjoying the summer weather on his swing.

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Love little bare feet…(not so little anymore Crying face)

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The next photos you will have to look at closely…

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A nice smile.. but mom can tell it’s a bit fake.. then…

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Ornery crossed eyes that I didn’t detect until later when I pulled up the pictures on my computer!

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No wonder he’s laughing! (definitely a genuine smile Smile)

Love, love this quote. I’ve used it before and won’t ever tire of it…

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Have a wonderful weekend!

Monday, May 20, 2013

Home Sweet Home

 

Home was a swimming hole and a fishing pole and the feel of a muddy row between my toes
Home was a back porch swing where I would sit and mom would sing amazing grace
While she hung out the clothes,
Home was an easy chair with my daddy there and the smell of Sunday supper on the stove
My footsteps carry me away but in my mind I'm always going home

 

I always loved this song! I would love to imprint this image of home into the minds of our boys. Of course I’d add the smell of honeysuckle wafting through the air, the sound of trickling water, the haunting song of the wood thrush, the chorus of the tree frogs and crickets, the croak of grandfather bullfrog echoing across the pond…the list could go on and on. What a glorious time of year! All seasons have their beauty, but to me, spring tops them all. You can actually smell the green! Ok, I’ll stop fussing..although I need to add that I’m already looking forward to next spring! I know, I’m strange in that way…

I’ve taken a break from blogging due to crazy busyness which I won’t elaborate on. Let’s just say that my plans are to slow down now and really enjoy the summer; picnics with the boys, sleeping late,even sitting down daily  just to watch the birds while reading a good book and sipping on a cold glass of iced tea freshly made by my maid who gathered the tea from my herb garden that hasn’t materialized yet...oh yeah, I do have a few projects on my to-do list yet…

I’m exaggerating, but you probably get the point…I do want to slow down and spend more quality time with the “things” I love…family being first on my list.

A few months ago I felt the front porch needed a makeover. I  still love our porch swing but I’d gotten kind of tired of the reds and browns and felt it needed a little freshening up. This is what it looked like last summer…

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Here’s the after…

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I basically just painted the swing and added a different quilt& cushions, all of which I already had. The “home” sign is the same sign I had displayed at Christmas time. I just used the other side.

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I also added an old door as a divider to the right of the swing.

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I  painted the bench that used to be red..

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I added our house number after painting light green and white stripes on it.

The pergola that I built a few years ago using branches and twigs had seen it’s better days so I ended up redoing that too using old lumber that was still in good shape. Hopefully it will last awhile.

Before…

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This past winter wreaked havoc with snow weighing down the branches, breaking them off.

Now the after…

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I added the screen door to give the honeysuckle a place to expand. I can’t wait to smell those blooms again! It should happen any day…

So with a little bit of time and no money (the best part) I gave the porch a makeover that should last for a while..( I can almost sense hubby rolling his eyes)..for some reason. Smile

Happy Spring everyone!

If you want to read the original post on this porch swing, here is the link:

Our Country Porch Swing