Parisienne Farmgirl: I am Still Here

I think moving is next to death especially if you are not feeling well..also the the children can since when things are out of whack which adds to your stress..hang in there this too will pass. You are in my prayers.Much love, Vonda

More pictures of the backyard and patio

 We have a lovely minneola citrus tree. The fruit is just now starting to ripen. I have planted impatiens in front and to the side of the boy and girl statues. 

 

 

 

We brought our two espallier apple trees from the other house at the wrong time of the year to transplant but they made it thank goodness. Different color petunas are planted all across the back.

 

 

 

Another picture of our fountain..to the left of the fountain on the back wall I have started training red bougainvillea in an espallier shape 

 

 

I guess you realize by now that I really love the backyard and working with flowers. Hubby and I spend a lot of time drinking coffee and reading out there. Here are more pictures...hope you enjoy.

back yard and patio

Thought you would like to see our backyard and patio..we have a lot of work to do to get it the way we want it.. it just takes time. Jack has planted a  very small vegetable garden..tomatoes, onions and burp less cucumbers. I have edged the front with nasturtiums. Not only are they pretty but are great in salads as well as cut flowers

Welcome

 

As you come in the gate to the right is our front door. Across from it is our girl we brought with us from the other house. I planted the two large urns with decorative Kale.  The large spikes in the back ground are perennials, in the spring they produce white flowers.

another shot of the urn

Picture of the patio with figures brought from the other house..impatience planted along the front and  the side of the brick patio

 The fountain was given to us by our dear friends Bob and Claude Merritt. We have a spotlight we turn on at night that illuminates the ferns and flowers as well as the fountain, When I enter my bedroom that is the first thing I see through the window.Sigh!!!

making a terrarium

 

This large terrarium is in my office I had the glass piece in the other house full of wine bottle corks.

You need to keep your terrarium out of direct sunlight.This large cylinder jar is on the coffee table in the living room

 

 

 

 

This little cutie is in my bathroom I have the nest with eggs in it and also some small shells to add interest...that is what is so great about this project you can add figures, bridges,birds, even butterflys.

 

 

Now that we are not having classes, the Decoupage Garage group likes to get together about every two months or so,. we have lunch and work on different projects. The group wanted to see my patio home so I decided on the project for the group, terrariums...I have three different sizes and shapes..One in my office, one in the master bath and one in the living room on the coffee table.Love them and sooooo easy to care for.You need rocks in the bottom for draining then potting soil about 3-4"depending on the size of your terrarium. Different size plants some short others tall add interest. I had bought small birds nests and packages of tiny eggs to share with the gals. Each person brought their own glass container. Denise brought small cactus plants she used in her bowl. Karen had a just right container she had purchased at TJ Maxx some time ago. Donna added plastic mushrooms to her arrangement that just made it.When everyone was satisfied with their terrarium..we added about a half a cup of water and put the lid on. That is all you have to do...with the lid on it waters itself. There are more instructions you can see online.

Went to the doctor yesterday for my annual check up. The first thing they make you do is get on the scales to see how much weight you have gained (won't even let you take off your shoes) guess what... I had gained two pounds...bummer. I have a husband that dearly loves to cook, yes it is really nice to have your own live in chef, but he does get upset if you don't eat all he has fixed, including desert. I do exercise everyday I also need to do the other exercise the one pushing away from the table. Let me know if you have any suggestions for me I really need some. Have a wonderful weekend. Blessings, Vonda

More pictures of lamp

One more lamp I brought with me from the other house I want to share with you..bought it on ebay it was painted green. I sprayed it black added gold metal leaf over a red based bole then antiqued with a raw umber glaze. Orange shellac was brushed on the prints to simulate age.Cut out decoupage trims some were glued on others on the shade I did in repousse (stuffed) . It is now in our breakfast room.

I AM BACK

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WE MOVED..I NEVER THOUGHT I WOULD LEAVE MY OTHER HOUSE. DAUGHTER SAID SHE WANTED US CLOSER TO HER AS WE ARE GETTING OLDER (IT HAPPENS) RIGHT NOW WE ARE JUST 5 MINUTES FROM HER HOME. WE LOVE THE LOCATION CLOSE TO OUR DOCTOR, GROCERY STORE AND MY FAVORITE PLACE TO SHOP HOME DEPOT. ALSO I DID'NT THINK I WOULD EVER FIND A HOME I COULD PLAY WITH LIKE THE OTHER BUT I HAVE...JUST LOVE IT. I WILL BE SHARING PICTURES WITH YOU WHAT WE HAVE DONE TO THIS PLACE.

REFURBISHED LAMPS FOR THE HOUSE

 DONNA HIGBY FOUND THIS OLD LAMP ON THE CONNER AND BROUGHT IT BACK TO ME AFTER ONE OF OUR CLASSES. I ADDED SILVER AND GOLD PAINT TO BRING OUT THE DETAILS..COVERED A NEW LAMPSHADE WITH FABRIC I HAD AND ADDED THE LOVELY TRIM (DON'T ASK ME WHAT THE TRIM COST BUT IT MADE THE LAMP

 DONNA FOUND THIS ADORABLE LITTLE LAMP AT SOME THRIFT SHOP SHE SOLD IT TO ME..BLESS HER. DECOUPAGE CROWNS WERE GLUED TO THE SHADE AND CRACKLE GLAZE WITH GOLD OIL PAINT RUBBED INTO THE CRACKS ADDED THE FINAL TOUCH. WE HAVE IT IN THE GUEST BATHROOM

 BOUGHT THIS LAMP FOR $14.00 AT THE BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB IN SCOTTSDALE. SPRAYED IT BLACK CUT OUT BLACK AND WHITE PRINTS FOR THE SHADE AND AROUND THE BOTTOM. IT IS ON MY DESK IN THE OFFICE

 I BROUGHT ALL MY THINGS FROM THE MASTER BEDROOM AT THE OTHER HOUSE THEY FIT JUST GREAT. MY TWO LAMP SHADES HAVE INSETS OF FABRIC WITH FRENCH COURT MONKEYS AND ON THE SIDES SILK RED AND YELLOW CHECK FABRIC. THE BASES WERE PAINTED YELLOW BEFORE I ANTIQUED AND DISTRESSED THEM. PLACES HAVE SILVER LEAF I HAVE OXIDIZED

 LAMP I PAID $7.00 AT GOODWILL.IT WAS A HIGH GLOSS BRIGHT BLUE.I SPRAYED IT WITH XIM A FLASH BOND THAT WOULD LET PAINT STAY ON THE SURFACE WITHOUT PEELING OFF. CUT OUT TOILE PRINTS AND BLACK AND WHITE TRIM AND DECOUPAGE THEM TO THE SIDES. SILVER LEAF PAINT WAS ADDED TO THE TOP AND BOTTOM OF THE LAMP. FOUR COATS OF SPRY VARNISH WAS ADDED FOR THE FINISH