Monday, August 31, 2009

ROOSTERS & RELAXATION

We had the best time at the lake this weekend. I truly sat back and watched time pass without a care in the world. Abby left for college last week and I will post about that soon. Now I am in that strange but content state you might be in after a good cry. I have accepted that my nest is empty and I am okay with that. Luckily, it seems the summer work at the lake is over. Yes, now that fall is around the corner!! I forgot my little Mouse Power Sander, so I could not fiddle with any of the furniture I am painting (a headboard, two nightstands and an end table). I forgot to bring a book and I decided not to bring my bike or laptop. After visiting so many people in the Rooster Party Friday, I truly felt I was going blind. All those colors!! Did anyone have to pop some Tylenol??

I took some pictures of the outside of the Lakehouse for Fifi , who has finished the painting of the Summerhouse, the wee, blue building you can see on the left, and she is now going to paint the house. Not literally come out and paint the house, do a painting. How she is going to see through all those trees to do it, I don't know. But Fifi has quite an imagination. Maybe she can throw in a new roof. The weather was in the mid 60's after a week of rain. I thought for sure I would have ripe tomatoes by now, but I looked and they are still small and green. I can just imagine standing out there in October, popping them into freezer bags!
Remember these roosters from Barb's Rooster Party? The UGLY roosters? A lot of bloggers agreed with me that they were God awful, but many thought they were cute. And a lot of people tried to figure out what the heck the big black rooster was doing with his wings! Swatting flies? Dropping something on the wife's head? (I would too if she were that ugly! lol!!). Well this might answer the mystery questions.

Ugly Male Rooster is holding this little bowl that says, "Keep The Home Fires Burning".


And this is what it looks like with a tea light candle in it. Still, that woman looks crazed!! If I were him, I'd let her freeze her ugly claws off!! Soooooo...I am announcing a giveaway. You can win this piece of frightful art by leaving a comment on my posts up until Saturday. If you do not want this UGLY THING, just say so, and I won't include you (and I will admire your good taste forever). I just can't wait to be done with the thing. I'll throw in some tea lights too.



While standing in my kitchen, not cooking or cleaning on this relaxing weekend, I decided to take a few more pictures of the renovations. I know it seems that I am teasing all of you with bits and pieces of this job, but we have not seen Resident Carpenter since May. Maybe we never will. It's just so hard to get good work these days. Anyway, this is the new tin ceiling and these are the ceiling lights I chose. Aren't they cool? (There are two). The frosted glass lamp can be made to hang down a bit like this, or installed flush against the ceiling. I bought these at Home Depot and I am pretty sure they were under $50.00 each.




A closer view...






This is a close up of my counters. They are quartz and the pattern is Mont Blanc. Also from Home Depot.






The floor is porcelain, but I think it looks and feels like stone. I do love it. It is from a local floor shop.






On my relaxing Sunday, without books, laptop, sander and bike, I put a roast on the grill and sat on the dock to fish a bit. Along came these little cuties. Old enough to leave Mom and Pop, but still new at "testing the waters". The Husband bought me a new deluxeroo fishing pole (doesn't it seem like he has been buying me a lot of things lately? First the bike, then the fishing pole...I think he is trying to get me outdoors more!!). I did find it difficult and somewhat unsanitary to handle worms and then check the roast so I didn't test out the new pole and the lake was safe again.









Hi little guy! Soon we will know if you are a beautiful male or a plain female in need of mascara and botox...








Goofy Milo enjoyed lying in the cool grass...











rolling around a bit...










...and just not doing much of anything. Like me.
Don't forget the giveaway. Mention it in one of your posts with a link to me, and I will enter you twice. Have a wonderful and RELAXING week!! :-)
xoxo
Jane













36 comments:

Julie Marie said...

Hello Jane... what a cute post! Yes, please enter me in the giveaway... those chickens are so ugly they are cute! I have a kitchen full of chickens, they would fit right in (somewhere???) You know me and animals... I can't pass any of them up! The lake looks beautiful and Milo looks sooo cute! OK, I am going to try to snatch that pic of the chics and put your giveaway on my sidebar... so I can be entered twice! I do believe those chickens need me! Bisous... Julie Marie

Lori E said...

Jane I would love to have that handsome fellow and his lady friend. They are very adorably odd. I think I may have to have a whole barnyard of odd critters after I win these two. A new collection of hideously cute animals.
I will post about them as well as Twitter about them. Lowering my odds I know.

Brenda Pruitt said...

I'm so glad you got some time to relax. I can't get myself away from the computer for more than a few hours. Compulsive, I guess. I love your ceiling and floors. But hon, I don't love that poor ugly chicken. I'm afraid I might have to shoot it and put it out of its misery. And I don't bear arms, even if I do live in Texas. So I politely decline on the offer, but it is much appreciated! I am truthfully an animal lover though, even though I am being a tad too truthful!
Brenda

Stacey said...

Oh that little lake visit looks like so much fun. Milo makes it look like the perfect place to be.

Now I have to say that it would be so much fun to have 2 homes to decorate!! I can't imagine the work though. :)

Lori E said...

There. On my sidebar and on Twitter.
Good luck to me. Thanks.

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Hi Blondie,
Cute post! I really really love the look of your lake house!~ Now, I know where you can find a Master Carpenter, I'm married to one! So, if you still need one next summer, maybe we can come visit! hehe! Anyhoo, I will enter the ugly roosters contest because hey, I would love to have something from you! Hugs, Cindy

Barb said...

Sweet Jane, I love the pictures of your ducks. One of my favorite things in this world...is to sit on our porch and watch the ducks swimming by. I always feel that all is well in the world when I do this.

So glad something I said about the decorating worked for you. I absolutely and wholeheartedly believe we can spread our wings with our decorating if we are willing to move beyond the rules. I have my education in decorating and rarely find anyone who decorates to suit themselves. Most people decorate to please others or to do what they think is 'acceptable.'

I am a bit of a quiet rebel. Surprising, huh? I decorate to suit my heart....if I like it...it goes....plain and simple. I belive that is why I love my home the way I do! Okay, enough heavy stuff for this day. LOL

Blessings to you,
Barb

Joan@anythinsggoeshere said...

What a fun way to end the summer with a little doing nothing at the beach. Your dog is a real cutie. Of course we want to see more of your renovation. Come on ~ show us!

Paula@SweetPea said...

A weekend away from the computer sounds very relaxing. It is hard to believe that fall is just around the corner and that it will soon be cold. Just when you start to really the enjoy the lake, it's time for the seasons to change. I really like your ceiling and light fixtures. I hope that you carpenter comes back soon!

blushing rose said...

What a lovely respite from the 'world'. Looks like everyone enjoyed their self. The beautification projects are wonderful.
Have a lovely week. TTFN ~ Marydon

Charlene said...

You are a HOOT!!!!! I'm with you honey those are some ugly chickens! Please don't add my nam,e but, I will help you get the word out.

Your weekend at the lake sound heavenly. We went down to Lake Whitney today to see if we could take our boat there & it is down 12 FEET!!! Send us some rain please!

Loved the duck photos. Have a wonderful week. Oh,life in an empty nest is OK! You'll get in the grove & find out that you do like being the only "chick" in the house. You may get even more presents. :)

Charlene said...

Since I just posted about the pink giveaway I went in & added yours to it. Go & see if you think it is OK. That way they get two giveaways for the visit. Let me know what ya think. Hope someone that loves those chickens wins your drawing.

Tootsie said...

I wonder what it feels like to have an empty nest! I don't know that I would be so calm like you are seeming to be. On the first birthday of my oldest child...I had a breakdown worrying about the day he leaves home...
then there are days when I can't wait! lol
great post today...the roosters are something else...lol

xinex said...

Yes, I want your weird but unique roosters, Janie, LOL! I told ya that one reminds me of Marilyn Monroe where her dress is blowing up. Beautiful posts, love the ducks and your dog is so cute. John will love this cause he loves ducks. Thanks for adding my SS button on your sidebar, really appreciate it!...Christine

Lynn said...

I am loving the REAL blogs that I am reading these end of summer days.
I am not in the "Want To Win" for the roosters. Not because they aren't wantable, but because I just don't need any more Things.
I am at the "give away" stage rather than the "add to" stage of my life.

NOT that I think I am exiting this plane, but just simplifying.

It's peaceful, isn't it?

Lynn said...

BTW
No I don't make wine because my summer feet are too dirty to stomp them.
And I love your ceiling.

Domestic Designer said...

What a wonderful weekend you had! Put my name in the hat. The rooster would be special just because it came from you. :-) Have a great week and enjoy that empty nest!

SmilingSally said...

A missing carpenter? Since May? I'd say hire another!

Deb said...

No wonder you and Milo love this spot so much ... it's absolutely gorgeous Jane!

Picket said...

Morning girl...ohhh I do so envy you sitting by the lake and doing nothing but just living!!!! lol I love days like that..and your ceiing tiles are awesome...love the whole sneak peek at all your redos....but girl just between you and me....you know I love roosters and chickens right....you know I would have some live ones in my backyard if the homeowners wouldn't ban me from the neighborhood...right...you know I walk to the beat of a different drummer and I like things that most people don't.. right...you know I love you and I am so glad to call you friend...right... soooooo if we are to continue being friends...uhhhh..how shall I put this...YOU BETTER NOT PUT MY NAME IN THE POT FOR THAT DRAWING!!!!!! lol lol

Thanks for coming by sweetie and I hope you have a fantastic week!

Maryrose said...

Hi Jane,
I never tire of pictures of the lake. Enjoy your relaxing weekend and watch those tomatoes ripen.

What a treasure to be able to relax and watch the water... nothing better.
Enjoy your day,
Maryrose

Lori E said...

This might help you out with the editing.
Go to your Layout. In the section that says Blog Post there is an edit button at the right hand corner.
There is a box to check in there called "show quick editing" that will put a little pencil on your published posts at the bottom.(only you can see it when logged in not your readers) You just click on that and it should open up the post for editing.
It is my understanding that when you move you pictures around it breaks the code and then you can't enlarge. I move mine though and they still seem to be okay except I haven't really checked them all.
The co author of your Dummies book is Shane Birley. He lives in my area and when I lost my whole blog into cyberspace in the beginning I looked him up in the phone book and phoned him. (I had bought his book) He spent 5 hours working on my blog to get it back. $$$ but he was a lot of fun. He has a web site called Left Right Minds.

Lori E said...

Hi. Me again. Did ya miss me since I last commented on here?
Thanks to Eloh I have a link for you to check out pertaining to you pictures not enlarging.

http://blogging.nitecruzr.net/2009/06/arranging-pictures-in-your-posts.html

Explains it better than I could.

Monica said...

Hi Jane! Just to say hello...
By the way, loooove those chickens!
Monicax.

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

Oh Girl that's one Roo's I think my Dawna wouldn't even want so for sure toss my name in the hat ha ha!! Loved seeing your lake house again...every time you mention it I think of that movie The lake house" now that was some strange flick to say the least...Glad you had a restful weekend my friend...I spend the days cleaning out cupboards...you see Len told me no more dishes as no more room...so I had room...have now boxes all packed waiting for my 2 daughters to show up this weekend and haul them off...Oh I'm very sneaky that way ha ha!! May you have a great week my friend...Hugs and smiles Gl♥ria

bj said...

Hey, Blondie..
OMGosh...you are giving AWAY your "so dang ugly they'r cute" chickens?? Will you PLEASE put my name in the pot? (pun intended) tee hee...
If I should be the lucky soul to win these babies, I will do the same...have a giveaway...and we'll send those little peepers all over the place. What fun!!
Have a great day!
xo bj

bj said...

OOO, I got so carried away about the UGLIES that I forgot to say that I'm so glad you got to have a little getaway.
Love that ceiling and light fixtute, too!!

Lady Katherine said...

I adore your ugly Roosters! They were my favorite of the party! Oh, I guess my taste is bad! lol Yes! I would love to have them!!!! Now I just love your tin ceiling, my dream for my kitchen! One day! Sounds like with the bike and pole, he will have you out doors! Just strap on the lap top and a blanket to rest in between fishing and riding! lol

bj said...

ok, Blondie girl...I have the rooster giveaway posted on my sidebar...right up at the top!! :)

Karen Valentine said...

Hi Jane! Oh I bet your lakeside cottage is just wonderful. I would love to just sit outside and watch the wildlife. (Of course my corgi would probably make herself crazy trying to herd the ducks!) Thanks for coming by for a visit!!!

Karen
My Desert cottage

cindy-stitches-n-stuff.blogspot.com said...

Blondie, I enjoyed your post on this fine Wednesday morning. I'm happy that you've settled to being an empty nester so well. It was the hardest thing I've ever had to do. I'd like to be in you give away, but I'm terrible at putting things on my sidebar unless there is a URL number under the logal.


come see me
cindy-stitches-n-stuff.blogspot.com

Kathleen Grace said...

Oh my gosh! those are truley the ugliest chickens I have ever seen, lol, go ahead and sign me up for the give away anyway, They crack me up and if nothing else, they make a great conversation piece:>) I will have an empty nest too after Monday. I'll miss her but she will be home regularly. I've come to grips with the whole thing and decided while the girls are gone I'll concentrate on doing what I want to do for a change:>)

Kathleen Grace said...

Oh my gosh! those are truley the ugliest chickens I have ever seen, lol, go ahead and sign me up for the give away anyway, They crack me up and if nothing else, they make a great conversation piece:>) I will have an empty nest too after Monday. I'll miss her but she will be home regularly. I've come to grips with the whole thing and decided while the girls are gone I'll concentrate on doing what I want to do for a change:>)

A Collector At Heart said...

Oh, PLEEEEEEASE, enter me in your wonderful giveaway! Will post about it on my blog as well!
Your frightful - is my, I just gotta have it!! LOL!
I'll be keeping my fingers crossed!
Hugs,
Cindy

MyCretanlife said...

Please enter me into your giveaway. Those chicks are so cute to me. They are not ugly ,but then they say beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I think they are adorable. They would sure get a good home here.

susan said...

Oh Blondie--I am so envious of your wonderful retreat! It looks and sounds like heaven--I like to fish too. I am just a dock fisher, not the serious fly fishing kind :) I told you on my comment I liked your "ugly" roosters--gotta love a man that keeps the home fires burning :)!