In My Courtyard

When we moved into our home a year ago, we hated the "dingo, 1960's courtyard" and could not wait to tear it out. The decorative, cinder-block walls, the huge lava rock in the corner, the built-in gas grill, the enormous brain tree - it is a bit dated don't ya think? Well, flash forward one year and well, it has kind of grown on us. The space is cozy and comfy and we all enjoy spending time here.

Last spring, I planted a climbing rose bush. This was supposed to bloom from spring to fall. I planted the small bush, tenderly cared for it and waited and waited and waited. No blooms. The plant grew prolifically, but no blooms. I didn't give up though and my patience has been rewarded with beautiful blooms! The space still needs work, as most everything around here does, but I am going to share it anyway.

 Here is my French bottle rack, turned flower holder

 The "brain" tree - we still keep it trimmed to honor

all of the hard work of those that lived here before us

 The rose - tiny, delicate blooms

Happy Weekend!

Krissy

House Spying

Am I the only person that takes pictures of wonderful homes that I run across while driving around town? Yes, I am the freaky woman in the white SUV, stalking you and your neighbors. I am a voyeur at heart. I get mad at you people, you know who you are, that close your drapes at the first sign of dusk, so that I can't see into your home. I am harmless. I just want to covet your home, not steal you blind! Anyhoo, I ran across this beauty the other day. It had me at 'front porch' and only gets better from there.

The home sits on a wonderful, corner lot with mature trees

 I could rock for hours on this porch.
Every little detail is well thought out and the result is distinctly Southern in feel with a Texas twist.

I'm not lying about the voyeur part. Here is the bad pic to prove it. I tried to take this across the passenger seat. I ended-up circling the block to get better shots.

 Notice the mix of building materials: metal and shake roofing, exposed and painted brick, smooth stucco and siding for the vertical surfaces, copper awnings and downspout chains.

I wish I knew who designed this!

Happy Day Lovelies!

Krissy

Dream Hide-away

I came across this yard on a real estate website. This home is for sale and I don't know how the owner could leave this! It's like a vacation paradise in your backyard. So, grab a glass of tea or wine and escape for a moment with me to this dream hide-away.

The mini-pearls have seen this and are going crazy! "Mom, let's buy that house!" - my reply,"We can't." mini-pearls - "but it's FOR SALE!" Wouldn't it be wonderful if just because something was "for sale", you could buy it? Well, I am off to explain why this beautiful piece of paradise cannot be ours, but I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did. If you are interested, leave me a comment and I will put you in touch with the realtor!

Dreaming,

Krissy