Soon we’ll be flying eastward, waaayyyyy eastward, to see our daughter, son in law and our grand dog, Charlie. It has been four years since I’ve seen him, and for sure I’ll be bringing his favorite snack, Cheerios, as they are not available in Singapore.
That in itself warrants them coming back to the states, don’t you think?
I’ve been super busy getting ready and working outside on the yard. A LOT. Though you’d never know it by looking at it.
When we had the back leveled off last year the back hoe did a number on the side of our house, reducing it to little more than a bowling alley of dirt. (You’ll have the displeasure of seeing a picture if you keep reading). We’ll be tackling that project this year, but first things first.
I was cautiously optimistic that I’d be able to show you our new stone steps, but it’s not to be. The contractor said he’d be able to do it before we leave, but we know that goes. But as I type this we’re expecting him to come over in a few minutes to discuss details, and hopefully sometime in June we’ll get things underway.
Now, since it’s Spring, how about some gardening tips and ideas?
It seems we have always lived in an area that has plenty of deer, but yet we have tons and tons of hostas. Go figure. A couple of years ago I wrote a post about shade loving and deer resistant plants. It’s actually one of my most visited posts but I’m pretty sure most of you haven’t seen it, so if that topic is of interest to you click here.
Do you know what your ‘yard style’ is? We don’t always think of our yards as having a specific style, at least not as much as our homes, but they do! It’s fun to think about, and if you’re not sure, or if you just want to explore some different styles and see some examples, check out this post.
Here’s what our old house looked like shortly after we moved in back in 1987. Pretty sad, right? A dried out lawn and overgrown shrubs were just the tip of the iceberg.
We lived with this ugly facade for way too long, but once I decided to spruce things up, I had a garden (and a house) I was proud of. This next picture is a sampling of the garden but if you’d like to see the changes in the house itself and more of the yard, go here.
Do you have a favorite flower? Mine are peonies. I just wish they lasted longer and didn’t require staking. (There are some varieties that don’t need staking and I’ll have to keep my eye out for some.) While relatively carefree, there are some tips that might prove helpful, so have a look here if you love them too.
In other news…
A few years ago I bought this pretty cradle at a church sale, but since then it’s been in our shed gathering dust. I think I was pushing my luck leaving it outside unprotected for a few months. I wanted to put a couple of coats of poly on it before I subjected it to being outdoors again. I finally got around to doing that last weekend.
I also started spray painting that sad looking outdoor bar you can see in the background below a bright shade of green. You see what I mean about the side of our house? Lots of work to be done here folks!
I’ve been collecting miniatures for a small fairy garden I hope to put together when we get back. Here’s a sneak peek at a couple of things I’ve gotten so far. Sooooo cute! Something tells me once I start getting into it I’ll be a runaway train. I’ve always had a weakness for miniatures. It seems everything is cuter when it’s small ;).
Last but not least, sweet Poppy sent me more of her yummy Easter cookies! These are soooooo good with a cup of coffee or even tea. Perfect if you like treats that aren’t too sweet. Maybe we can convince her to share the recipe??
That’s it for now my friends. I hope Spring has finally arrived in your neck of the woods. It sure is taking it’s time here in the Northeast. Almost everything is still brown and dry.
I thought I might be posting pics to Instagram while away, but I don’t think I’ll have a phone while in Singapore, so communication will be tough except via my iPad. I’ll try to post some pics if I can, otherwise I’ll catch up when we return.
Debbie - MountainMama says
You’ve been busy!!!! Can’t wait to see more! Have a safe trip and a fabulous time my friend – xoxo
AnnMarie says
I hear ya! No Spring here yet either! I am so busy right now that I am glad to have an excuse not to get into the garden yet!! That cradle is so pretty with flowers in it! I too have been gathering little things for a fairy garden in my yard. Have a wonderful trip! Is it Spring in Singapore?!
Emily says
I’m sure you had a lot of catch up after your road trip to FL, seems I never catch up. With your expert gardening skills you will have that yard whipped in shape in no time. I sure hope you get the steps finished before you leave, but I know how that goes. The garden at your previous home was lovely and I love peonies! We do share so many of the same loves Doreen, I am collecting fairy miniatures to start a little garden. Not sure when that will get done. When do you leave for your far away trip? Don’t forget to pack the cheerios! I know you can’t wait to see your family. Safe travels………will miss you.
Kim says
I hope you have a wonderful time and a long, sweet visit. Enjoy your family!!
Vickie says
Spring has been slow to arrive in MN, too. Our grass is green and the trees are starting to bud, but not much else happening. I’ve wanted to start a fairy garden for years, and maybe this year I actually will. I’ve seen so many cute items for sale that would make an adorable garden, and you’ve got a good start to yours.
Enjoy your visit to your family, Doreen!!
Kris @ Junk Chic Cottage says
Have a great visit and safe travel. Love that you will bring the Cheerios!!!! Must have for sure.
Enjoy.
Kris
kim says
I wondered why you were going to Singapore, now I know.
I hope you can sneak the Cheerios in for Charlie!
I was flabbergasted at the chance in your previous home’s landscape.
My goodness, do I ever need your advice for my yard!
I’m sure in time your new digs will look every bit as lovely, Doreen.
Have a great trip. I look forward to seeing your photos while visiting there.
Cindi says
This post has me all over the place!
First crying, reading about little Bubbles.
Then about little Charlie! I’m so glad you get to bring him Cheerios when you visit your Daughter and her hubs!
I love seeing the “before” of your home and then all the gardening in the “after”!
Wow, I LOVE it!
and finally, the fairy garden miniatures. I’ve gathered a few things myself this year
and have plans for one too! I’m excited to see yours.
Safe travels my friend! I’ll look for you on Instagram!
XOXOXO
tammy j says
good morning dearest bean!
well.
first you made me cry. what a heart grabbing story about bubbles.
even if my love for all doggies wasn’t over the moon … that would have taken me there.
my own zeke died of cancer so I was with your every line.
and now adorable charlie and his cheerios! oh doreen. just take many many pictures to share!
why do they have to live clear across the world!!! such is life now in the 21st century.
and now… my coffee is still hot and i’m going to sit here and visit the rest of the links in this
delightful post. love and hugs XOXOXO♥
Brenda Kula-Pruitt says
I absolutely adore the red pitcher!
Brenda
Marilyn @ Pink Paper Cottage says
It’s heartbreaking to have your child living so far away! Why do they do it we wonder? don’t they want to stay close to home and parents? I moved once from Oregon to Wyoming when in my mid-20’s and didn’t think much of it… and only now realize how hard it must have been for my parents! But… after 1-1/2 years, I was totally homesick so we moved back to Oregon! Maybe your kiddo will do the same. My sister’s son and wife for some unknown reason decided to move to Florida from Oregon! Why in the world???? it is very hard on her, the mom.. and fortunately she has the means to fly there every few months… but I would be heartbroken if my son moved that far away, as I don’t have the funds to fly back and forth! I’m glad you get to go see your daughter and pup… have a great time. I hope she’ll come “home” soon!
Marsha says
Have a great trip, Doreen. I love all the beautiful pictures of the lovely flowers. I love your flower bed cradle. Beautiful! I love hostas but we have plenty of deer and bunnies to eat them. Peonies make wonderful cut flowers for a vase. Your red vase with pink peonies is so striking!
Jane says
Seeing your old house, I have all the confidence in the world that your cabin (new home) will be just as fantastic. You know, as I do, that it takes time and patience. You will get there.
Have a great trip. I know you are excited but man, you never slow down!!! :)))
Jane
Pinky says
Have a wonderful trip and safe travels. I am NOT a flier so would never get to Singapore! I just started following you on Instagram so hope you do post pics. Have fun!!!
Linda says
Have a wonderful trip Doreen! Safe travels! Looking forward to photos! Enjoy!
LInda
Feral Turtle says
An exciting trip for you Doreen. It will be so nice to see your family. I love your inspiration picture….how I wish my yard looked like that. Aren’t peonies the best….. I love them too! Have a great week!
Carrie@northwoods scrapbook says
I love all the beautiful work and changes you made over time! I had no idea there were so many varieties of hostas! So truly charming Doreen. Love it all!!
And I love what you did with that cradle! Just adorable. You’ve accomplished a lot – and it’s fun to dream on what’s ahead. All in good time. 😉
I love peonies too – and they always make me think of my MIL. They’ve always been one of her favorites and she has a beautiful batch of them along a fence at her house.
And you know you’re my kindred spirit with all things miniature and fairy like!! 🙂 Can’t wait to see what you create!!
Blessings and prayers for your wonderful trip!! xoxo
Red Rose Alley says
Your favorite flower is Peonies! OK, now I know what they are. I’ve been wanting to plant some more flowers in my garden, and someone mentioned Peonies. I’m wondering if they are sturdy flowers? They look so pretty in your red vase. Your grand dog likes Cheerios, how funny. You know, I grew up on Cheerios, and that’s about the only cereal that my mom ever bought. Oh my gosh, I LOVE your fairy furniture. I’ve always wanted to make a fairy garden. Please show us when you’re finished with it!!! Jess has a thing for miniatures too. I told her she should have a shelf of all the miniature things that she’s bought hehehe. These Easter cookies look so scrumptious.
I love your posts, Doreen…….they are always interesting and filled with beauty.
~Sheri
Valerie says
One of these days I want to do a fairy garden too. I’m a cottage garden girl myself. Have fun in Singapore and take lots of Cheerios.
Kelly says
You are the queen of traveling! I know you must be so excited to get to see your daughter after all these years. Going to Singapore will so interesting too. I hope that you’ll finally get things accomplished in your yard this year. I understand your frustration with having to wait so long. Hope you have a safe trip and a wonderful reunion!
Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow says
Here’s wishing you safe travels when you go to visit !! 🙂 I’ll bet that you are super excited to see them. I had to laugh at the peonies…brought back a memory. Early twenties / young married / renting an old farmhouse….had a huge peony bush. I cut and brought in armloads, not noticing all of the ants that also love peonies and that were residing in the blooms 🙂
Magali@TheLittleWhiteHouse says
If “messy” is a yard style, then that’s mine!!! Enjoy your time with your grand-dog… and its owners!
Amy says
By now, I hope you have put jet lag behind you, and are in full swing enjoying time with your daughter, SIL, and grand-dog! Judging by how you dramatically changed your former home and landscaping, I’ve got no doubt that you’ll apply that same talent to your current home. Have a FABULOUS time in Singapore, my friend!
Shirley@Housepitality Designs says
Your garden was gorgeous and I know it will be that again…you have gotten off to a great start!…Love Peonies too..but must say my fav are hydrangea..maybe it is because they are so beautiful and last a long time….Have a wonderful and safe trip!….I am sure you are so excited….can’t believe it has been 4 years!…Take care..travel safe!
susan says
So happy for you that you’re going to Singapore to see your daughter. What a wonderful reunion that will be!
Can’t wait to see all the pictures when you get back.
Bon Voyage!! xo
Poppy says
Your garden looks lush and lovely, my friend. By now, you must be in Singapore, indulging in pampering your pooch! Have a wonderful time and hope to hear all about it when you return.
xx
Poppy
Julie says
Hi Doreen, I hope you have a great time visiting everyone in Singspore. At least you will be warm! Lol! Take lots of photos too! Good luck with that long flight!
Have a Happy Mothers Day too. 🙂
Hugs Julie
Mary-the boondocks blog says
This is really great news. Doreen! You will be able to see your Daughter and Charlie too. Your garden has a lot of work to be done for sure, but I’m sure you’ll have it up to high standards like you did with your previous home. I see those cookies that Poppy sent, the nice Greek ones. I’m still trying to get through my stash. We made way too many this year and I’ve been overindulging. And I will definitely be looking forward to your miniature fairy garden. You are right, everything is cuter when it’s small. Have a wonderful Mother’s Day Doreen!
Dewena says
Doreen, I love your old house! That post was before I “met” you so I’ve never seen it before. What a gorgeous yard, my favorite style. And I love hostas, which did so well in our shady garden in TN.
You’re away on your trip now? Have a wonderful and safe trip! And I remember I owe you an email to answer some of your questions. That came right when we were moving and I have just this week felt up to getting back to my blog friendships but I’ll hunt that email up. I’m excited about seeing you and the Fisherman next winter.
Love you,
Dewena
handmade by amalia says
I hope that you’re having a wonderful time in Singapore, enjoying your family.
Amalia
xo
Christine says
Your Garden is lovely! Peony is my favorite flower too, but with late spring/early summer storms I clipped mine as soon as they popped open and did some tablescapes with them. That way I could enjoy them longer. You’re putting in a lot of work on your home, so sorry about the backhoe and your stone issues. But I hope you have a wonderful trip!