Tulips: Cultivating the Right Attitude

Tulips: Cultivating the Right Attitude

November 11, 2017

You have to begin with a nod to their roots. Tulips are natives of Eastern Turkey and the foothills of the Himalaya. They don’t belong here. Whether they behave as annuals or perennials is largely beyond our control. If you go in with that attitude it might be less stressful. (I’m working on our Paola Prints pillow listing for Amazon- The photo above shows you the progress). After much consternation (mine) I’m approaching the finish line and hope to go live very soon. Wish us luck! Related Images:
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Halloween and the Fabric Between Life and Death

Halloween and the Fabric Between Life and Death

October 31, 2017

It’s been said that Halloween marks the time when the fabric between life and death is at its thinnest. Maybe that’s the underlying reason why people get spooked. Or, maybe it’s because we’ve  been commercially conditioned to scare each other on Halloween since childhood. Related Images:
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Mid Century Art -in the Eye of the Beholder

Mid Century Art -in the Eye of the Beholder

October 24, 2017

We visited the Bridgeport Technology Center in Bridgeport on Friday to preview the Black Rock Gallery (BRG) Mid-Century Art Auction – currently online. This was our first visit  and it was an experience. Took a while to find in a town that time seems to have passed by. Downtown Bridgeport- been there? It’s best to know exactly where you’re going. The show was held in a large collection of  industrial buildings. The viewing was on the 2nd floor of a very large building. Related Images:
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Cooler Weather Heralds Warm Colors

Cooler Weather Heralds Warm Colors

October 7, 2017

For some people, warm colors might mean shades of red. (Like me). As the weather turns cooler, do you too migrate inside and begin pondering about interior spaces that need attention? I get stuck sometimes not finishing certain rooms. Places that  just need something…different. I clean, wander and consider what I might change for, say holiday events. Autumn is a good time to get ideas by looking at what other people are doing. Related Images:
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Never-ending Fall Clean Up- What’s a Gardener to Do?

Never-ending Fall Clean Up- What’s a Gardener to Do?

September 19, 2017

New England is a classic draw in the fall. People travel from far and wide to get the color experience. Gardeners rake forever, and clean gutters in between -especially if you’re fortunate enough to have maple trees overhanging the entire front of your home and garden. And dear Larry to get up on the ladder with a garden hose. Fall plant care..can’t live with it, can’t live without it. Related Images:
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The Lingering Orange Thunbergia

The Lingering Orange Thunbergia

September 5, 2017

I just planted my new Thunbergia in a place of honor in the formal garden. Will it winter over in New England? Going to try BUT I think it will need to come inside ( it’s native to Africa and Madagascar)…along with its friend the NOT hardy fake maple plant… Only special healthy annuals are given berth indoors. This is the time of year when my thoughts turn indoors- how about you?…Maybe that includes new room arrangements, new colors, updated pieces of furniture or re-organization. I remember this image I saved when we were doing our home. Love it. The
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Bamboo Thrives in Connecticut

Bamboo Thrives in Connecticut

August 1, 2017

Well sort of. We’ve now installed bamboo both outside and inside the house. We love the look of it and how it works with the landscape. Outside bamboo requires the maintenance of wood but is probably a little easier than re-finishing wooden decks, for example. Our bamboo flooring is harder and is lasting better then hardwood. Related Images:
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Couple Shopping Therapy

Couple Shopping Therapy

July 25, 2017

I won’t lie. Second marriages have their challenging moments too. We of the “second time” just have new, different hurdles to clear. To begin with, we’re more set in our ways than twenty-somethings. My husband and I are also from very different backgrounds which means our knowledge base is very different. What’s not to like about shopping as a medium for bringing you together? Related Images:
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It’s Independence Day. Take A Chance.

It’s Independence Day. Take A Chance.

July 4, 2017

Every person, not just the first Americans, yearns to be free. Independence Day is a time to reflect on that. This might simply mean trying something new. Consider that in your own life this year, or any day. Nobody could accuse the early settlers of being timid or not taking chances. It’s not easy but I think we have to keep working for independence every day. Related Images:
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A New England Garden Grows Quickly

A New England Garden Grows Quickly

June 6, 2017

It’s hard to stay inside on computer when the garden is growing so fast- especially with all the rain we’ve had. Allium is a beautiful member of the onion family. It’s also a welcome addition to the garden when azaleas and lilacs fade. Related Images:
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